Saturday, September 22, 2012

Rejoinder to Fidelis Duker's Rantings on Nigerian Film Corporation and Abuja International Film Festival


“I refer to your mail on the above subject (Re: Report on Support and Assistance 2008) dated 12Th December 2008 and received in our office on 8Th January 2009. I will start by expressing our appreciation to the corporation and its Managing Directors since we started the Abuja International Film Festival in 2004 who have consistently supported the festival in the pass (sic) five (5) years. It is also important to mention that the Abuja International Film Festival is arguably the first independent film festival in Nigeria apart from the government owned National Film Festival which became Zuma Film Festival.”, signed Temitope Duker, Festival Coordinator, for Abuja International Film Festival, and dated 9Th January 2009. (Please see attached document).

In an interview with the Abuja International Film Festival founder, Fidelis Duker, conducted by Shaibu Husseini, published in the Sunday Magazine/ Moviedom Section of The Guardian (on Sunday), Sunday, 16Th September, 2012, page 29, Duker stated, amongst others:

“Don’t be deceived by the names of supporters on our event brochure.”

“I repeat with emphasis that there is no form of institutional support from any government agencies.”

“The NFC, as constituted, to say the least, is bent on destroying the motion picture industry and I make bold to say it. I even have the feeling that it is because of the Zuma Film Festival, which it organizers and which I do not even see as a competitor. NFC is out to kill all other film festivals, as it’s only a few film festivals such as AIFF that are still surviving and it is rather unfortunate. The present management whose function is developmental has unfortunately not been performing its statutory function, which is sad. Nollywood today is at its lowest ebb, but NFC (Nigerian Film Corporation) would not revamp it, rather it is wasting millions of tax payers money in attending film festivals abroad with empty stand; no films to show, not even in the market or short film corner.”

In an E-mail dated September 18, 2012, at 1:26 PM, Fidelis Duker wrote (just two days after The Guardian interview was published):

As mentioned Earlier, we have in the past hosted NFC initiatives, a good example was the 2011 Babylon workshop which was held during the 8th AIFF at the Silverbird Cinemas in September 2012 (sic). The correct year is 2011.

The letter from his wife, Temitope Duker, Festival Coordinator, Abuja International Film Festival, dated 9Th January 2009, and cited above; and his own E-mail quoted above disprove Fidelis Duker’s blatant lies, conscious denials, libel and deliberate misinformation.

The NFC has cross-checked her records and we wish to place on record the Corporation’s financial support/assistance to the organizers of Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) as follows:



Year Financial Support




2011 N250,000

2010 N100,000

2009 N100,000

2008 N500,000

2007 N400,000



NFC’s acknowledgement and logo published in the festival brochures and publicity materials of AIFF are obviously well earned. Do not be deceived.

Apart from financial support, the Corporation has also through its programme, the NFC/EU Babylon International workshop held in 2010 and 2011 in Abuja, led a delegation of her foreign partners (Scenario Films, UK, and Scripthouse, Germany), international resource persons and participants from Europe and Africa to the AIFF 2010 and 2011 editions, thereby providing AIFF institutional government support, and content.

The Managing Director of NFC, Afolabi Adesanya, had always obliged AIFF goodwill messages (published in AIFF’s brochures) and honoured AIFF’s invitations (and non-invitations!), including participating in Panel Discussions. Photographs of his participation in AIFF’s programmes published in its festival brochures were definitely not photo-shopped. Do not be deceived.

The 1992 maiden edition of the National Film Festival (which, indeed, became Zuma Film Festival) marked a milestone in NFC’s efforts to promote and develop the Nigerian motion picture using the film festival platform through her own film festival, and international film festivals. At our booths/pavilions, we screen trailers of Nigerian movies (including those of Nigerians in the Diaspora), and other nationalities; we host workshops and seminars. As the pioneer film festival organiser in Nigeria, we are certainly not the competitor. We are the leader.

For the avoidance of doubt, we make bold to say it is not the job of the NFC to enter films she did not produce, or independent films (shorts, documentaries and features) in film festivals. That is the sole responsibility of the Producer/ Production Company.

The second edition of the annual Lights, Camera, AFRICA!!!, a film festival aimed at stimulating discourse on issues and experiences that are rooted in the African experience, will run from September 28 to Monday, October 1, 2012, in Lagos. The opening date coincides with the closing date of AIFF. Is this another NFC strategy to, “kill all other film festivals”? In existence alongside AIFF, are independent film festivals/markets such as BOB-TV, LIFF, AMAA, FIAF, GOFEST, iRep, etc. The list is still growing. Do not be deceived!

Further to her mandate to develop, and build human resource capacity for the Nigerian motion picture industry, NFC, in 1995, established the National Film Institute (NFI), the first of its kind in Nigeria. Between 2010 and 2011, the present management secured National Universities Commission (NUC) approval for her BFA degree programme in affiliation with UniJos; and NBTE approval for her National Diploma programme (vocational skills acquisition). NFI remains the only tertiary institution that offers training and capacity building at both levels. For the retraining of professionals on the job, the present management in 2005 introduced SHOOT!, which has boosted the careers of many professionals in both private and public employment. In partnership with the Katsina State government, NFC/NFI, have in the past three years being training and building capacity in the Katsina State Skill & Vocational Village.

NFC, in tandem with her local and international partners, such SMEDAN, NEXIM, FIRS, The Quartet (NBC, NFVCB, NCC & NFC), federal government agencies, State governments, the private sector, Scenario Films, Scripthouse, embassies, et al, will continue to provide all necessary support for the holistic growth of the Nigerian movie industry. That is our firm commitment. We remain resolved. Our enviable track record speak for itself.

Brian Etuk,

Head, Public Affairs,

Nigerian Film Corporation








Friday, September 21, 2012

Fidenza Village and Vogue Italia Inaugurate Vogue Talents 2012 at Palazzo Morando, Milan - 20 September 2012

Anna Wintour, American Vogue; Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia; Jonathan Newhouse,Conde Nast International and Desirée Bollier, Value Retail with the young designers from Vogue Talents 2012.

FIDENZA VILLAGE AND VOGUE ITALIA INAUGURATE VOGUE TALENTS 2012
AT PALAZZO MORANDO, MILAN – 20 SEPTEMBER 2012

Franca Sozzani, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Italia; Desirée Bollier, CEO, Value Retail and Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, American Vogue.

LONDON, 21 September 2012/PR Newswire/ — Fidenza Village, one of the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages, and Vogue Italia this evening celebrated Palazzo Morando’s inauguration of the Who is on Next 2012? competition for new emerging designers, as well as their continuing partnership with Vogue Talents in an exhibition featuring a selection of the talents’ clothing, jewellery and accessories.

In honour of Milan’s fashion week, Fidenza Village is proud, for the third consecutive year, to participate in the Vogue Talents partnership with Palazzo Morando’s dedicated preview that opens to the public from Friday 21 September until Monday 24 September. This important, ongoing collaboration between Vogue Italia and Fidenza Village marks a shared passion and dedicates support programmes to helping emerging creative talent. Together with Vogue Italia’s Franca Sozzani, Fidenza Village is committed to investing in fashion for tomorrow, supporting emerging talents and ensuring an exciting legacy for the future of creativity and fashion. The venue will also host Vogue’s eighth year of involvement in the Italian Who is on Next? programme, which aims to find new national talents in the prêt-à-porter fashion and accessories industry.

International emerging designers chosen by Vogue Talents, thanks to the collaboration with Fidenza Village, will achieve visibility and meet professionals in the field as well as the general public and fashion lovers keen to discover new trends.

The exhibition of the selected designers’ collections at Palazzo Morando will show how their influences and styles come from all around the world: the designers include Italian talents Ely.B. by Eleonora Bruno; 10A (Daria Dazzan and Matteo Cibic); Comeforbreakfast (Francesco Alagna and Antonio Romani); LedaOtto (Simona Cassai and Marta Saletti); and Halaby (Lebanese designer Gilbert Halaby who is based in Rome); as well as Anne Sofie Madsen from Denmark; Dion Lee from Australia; Thomas Tait from Canada; Kisa Folawiyo from Nigeria with ‘Jewel’ by Lisa; Adèle Dejak from Kenya; and Zaishi Wang from China with the brand Vega Zaishi Wang.

Kisa Folawiyo from Nigeria with ‘Jewel’ by Lisa.


The link between Vogue Talents and Fidenza Village will see the launch of a new boutique in the Village in autumn 2013, The Talent Store at Fidenza Village – a creative microcosm supporting a new generation of fashion designers.

The collaboration between Fidenza Village and Vogue Italia for Vogue Talents demonstrates their shared interest in new fashion talent, as the passion and desire to explore innovative ways to live fashion is part of the DNA of Fidenza Village.

About Fidenza Village

Fidenza Village, one of the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages by Value Retail, is located just 60 minutes from both Milan and Bologna, and offers Italy’s leading luxury outlet shopping experience. With more than 100 outlet boutiques providing fashion and luxuries for the home, Fidenza Village offers the authentic previous seasons’ collections of a unique selection of Italian and international brands with savings of up to 70% on the recommended retail price, seven days a week and all year round. Brooks Brothers, Escada, Guess, La Perla and Trussardi Jeans are just a few of the international brands present, as well as boutiques of Italian designers including Baldinini, Bruno Magli, Furla and Simonetta. Services offered by the Village include the Shopping Express™ daily coach service from Milan, a Tourist Information Centre and personal shopping. With a selection of restaurants, a delicatessen and café, the Village has become a destination for visitors seeking a superior shopping experience and an enjoyable day out. To find out more, please visit FidenzaVillage.com.









Pastor Adeboye Exposes Fake Facebook Clones Of His Own


The man of God Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has exposed the fake Facebook profiles cloning his own original profile.

PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
It has come to my attention that several parties and individuals have created several Facebook pages, with my name, in order to make the public believe I am directly connected to or associated with them. The only official Facebook page associated with me and my office is, http://www.facebook.com/pastoradeboye. All others have been created without my authorization. I seek your assistance and help. Please help us visit the following pages and report them to Facebook for me. As you report them, report them as a duplicate or fraud.

https://www.facebook.com/ea.adeboye.5
http://www.facebook.com/enochadeboye
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-EA-Adeboye/229821590403747
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-EA-Adeboye/229821590403747
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-E-A-Adeboye-My-Daddy/300082810016960
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Enoch-Adeboye/139044599457938
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mentor-Me-Pastor-EA-Adeboye/116464318384282
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Enouch-Adejare-Adeboye/181498545218525
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Enouch-Adejare-Adeboye/181498545218525
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Enoch-Adejare-Adeboye/140798729303303
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-EA-Adeboye/164608403569437
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adeboye/178849152220266
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Enoch-Adejare-Adeboye/135513546487097
http://www.facebook.com/pages/pastor-adeboye/124868694203548
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-Adeboye/135162549875902
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-enoch-adeboye/119392151484390
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-EA-Adeboye/209229592466197
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pastor-EA-Adeboye-books/129462030435506

Daddy, Facebook is full of fake people and most of them say they are Christians, but even if they fool the whole world, they cannot fool God.

By their fruits you shall know them.

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?


~ Matthew 7:15-16 (New King James Version)










She Came To Me in Tears


She told me things were now so bad for her family that feeding was even difficult for them. And they have an eviction notice deadline threatening them as well.
She could not even repair her faulty Blackberry and now returned to her old feature phone she had to hold with a rubber band.
She was now a shadow of the tall black, bold and beautiful model who braved the stormy weather to attend the second edition of our annual film festival over a year ago.
She was feeling really miserable as she came into my office and even dressed like someone who was mourning in a black gown with a black weave on and black shoes to complete the picture. I put my arms around her to comfort her, because at this moment she really needed a hug of sympathy.
Telling her to smile in the face of adversity would not really help now.
What mattered most was to comfort her.
But what of all the big boys and big men she was name dropping and all the Salsa at the upscale clubs in Ikoyi and Victoria Island in Lagos? And she dated a few, including two married ones.
"Oh, they cannot help me."
"Really?"
They have had their turns, dumped her and moved on to their next targets and they do come cheap in a country where over 85 million of the people live below the standard poverty level and over 33 million of them are jobless.
YouWin or not, majority of Nigerian youths are literally living like paupers now and left with defeatist and escapist resolutions and in fact many are committing suicide whilst their rulers and accomplices are still dining and wining from Delta to Abuja and from Lagos to Kano.
Then she dropped the most urgent affliction.
An infection that would cost her over $100 to cure.
[i]The wandering chickens have come home to roost [/i].
This is a common infection among those who have to share toilets with several co-tenants in tenements, in hostels on campuses or at clubs.
The description can be nauseating. So, let me not give you the ugly details.
Many poor girls have this infection in their private parts and still go on to have sex with as many boys and men who can pay their bills and end up sharing and spreading the contagious disease.
But ignorant guys who cannot control their lust become their willing victims as they chase and sleep with anything with a VAGINA even if she has a leaking vagina with a sore, they careless. And the married ones have passed on the disease to their innocent wives and girlfriends along the way.
The litanies of woes are endless.

She needed help and needed it urgently.
Her baggage is no longer "Its my life. Please, let me be. Mind your business."
Her misery is now my burden and the burden of the next person she would break down for.
[i]My dear, your life is everybody's business, because when the cookie crumbles, and troubles come to you, you will need more than your two hands to pick up the pieces or even take your pills [/i].
That was how the Nigerian Facebook murder victim became everybody's nightmare after she did not even tell her ignorant parents the business partners she was flying to see in Lagos. It was her business and they paid for her flight and hotel accommodation. Then later raped and murdered her. And all the time and money spent on her education and welfare by her parents, friends and others became wasted. Now you see that your life is everybody's business now or at the end of it all.
Or will her corpse carry and bury itself?
As Rick RO$$ sang lately, [i]Hold Me Back niggas[/i].

Almost every Nigerian girl ends up like this one in tears now one day, because they have either ignored or failed to learn from the past mistakes of others and thus failed to learn from the lessons of life in this fair and foul world.

"You need a job that will guarantee a regular income and I will see what I can do assist your family before the Shylock landlord evicts you."
The worst thing that can happen to you in Lagos is to be broke and homeless.
She got some money for her transport fare back home.
She has been the one visiting me and I have never visited her, but only spoke a couple of times to her mom on phone.
I hardly visited any of these girls since I returned to Lagos about four years ago.
One of them had to hold on to my book to compel me to visit her after 10 years.
Even when one of them thought I came to see her, I said that it was her mom I wanted to see.
I cannot care for everybody.
I am not Jesus Christ.
At the bus stop, she broke down again and I had to use my fingers to wipe away her tears as passers by in vehicles and on foot could not help but look. I had to return to my office and think of what to do to help her out of her present embarrassment and predicament.
But it will surely pass.



~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima , Author of Scarlet Tears of London, In the House of Dogs and other books.














Thursday, September 20, 2012

American Muslims Release Yoruba Video on 'Innocence of Muslims' Protests



19 Sep 2012 00:05 Africa/Lagos

Video: CAIR Releases Yoruba Appeal on 'Innocence of Muslims' Protests

English subtitles added to re-release of Arabic anti-Islam film appeal

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today released a video appeal in Yoruba, a language spoken by more than 20 million people, to those protesting an anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims" in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.

[NOTE: This is the second in a planned series of such videos to be released by CAIR. See below.*]

In the CAIR video, Imam AbduSemih Tadese of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh tells viewers in West Africa that the U.S. government has described the film as "distasteful" for its offensive caricature of the Prophet Muhammad. (NOTE: The appeal was produced for CAIR by Take1Media of Cleveland, Ohio.)

The imam states:

"It is clear that the motive behind the film is to enrage Muslims and to display a hatred of Islam. However, Muslims need to demonstrate good behavior as our Prophet (peace be upon him) dealt harmoniously with people. I hereby appeal to our scholars to calm down the youth and encourage people to cultivate exemplary behavior as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches."

He goes on to say: "I want to remind you of the words of God in the Quran: 'Hold to forgiveness; enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.'" [The Holy Quran 7:199]

VIEW THE VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ3WPKCwVrI

*On Saturday, CAIR released a similar video appeal in Arabic. In it, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad tells viewers in the Middle East that ordinary Americans and the U.S. government should not be blamed for the religious hatred expressed in the film.

Video: CAIR Releases Arabic Video Appeal on Anti-Islam Film Protests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbfEI78KoUU
CAIR Video Appeal Asks Protesters Not to Blame U.S. for Anti-Islam Film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcMYcd8baqs

Today, CAIR released an updated version of that Arabic video with English subtitles.

Video: CAIR Re-Releases Arabic Appeal on 'Innocence of Muslims' Protests with Subtitles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K3tZILaLTs

Last week, CAIR condemned the killings of American diplomats in Libya and said that extremists must not be allowed to control the political and religious discourse worldwide.

CAIR made that statement at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., at which representatives of CAIR and other Muslim organizations condemned both the killings of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other diplomats in that nation and the attack on the American embassy in Egypt.

Video: U.S. Muslim Leaders Condemn Killings of American Diplomats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dI844aC1qU

CAIR had previously called on Muslims in the Middle East to ignore the distribution of the "trashy" anti-Islam film that resulted in the attacks in Libya, Egypt and other nations throughout the Muslim world.

SEE: CAIR Asks Mideast Muslims to Ignore 'Trashy' Anti-Islam Film
http://tinyurl.com/9z66a44

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR's E-Mail List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Web Site: http://www.cair.com

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
20 Sep 2012
16:35 New Pew Forum Report Finds Rising Tide of Religious Restrictions Around the World
04:14 Africa Center, AFRICOM: Empowering Women to be Agents of Peace
19 Sep 2012
14:00 WRAPmail is gaining ground worldwide with 3 new distributors this week in Dubai, Pakistan and Nigeria.
12:24 New Defence Reference Laboratory Commissioned in Nigeria
03:51 The second AMISOM Formed Police Unit arrives in Mogadishu
00:05 Video: CAIR Releases Yoruba Appeal on 'Innocence of Muslims' Protests
18 Sep 2012
10:18 World's leading oil conference reveals African future
17 Sep 2012
18:31 OER Signs Heads of Agreement to Acquire 40% Participating Interest in Qua Ibo Marginal Field Within OML 13
02:20 EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING OF ECOWAS MEDIATION AND SECURITY COUNCIL HOLDS IN ABIDJA
16 Sep 2012
10:06 Canada / Diplomatic Appointments
09:00 Tribute to the Laureate and the Finalists of the 3rd International One World Award (OWA) 
13 Sep 2012
13:00 UNICEF Reports Dramatic Progress in Child Survival
07:04 Western Union Unveils New Education Initiative around UEFA Europa League to Deliver One Million School Days









53% of Workers Allowed Access To Facebook and other Sites During Work

Photo Credit: The Guardian of UK.

More Than Half of Workers Say Their Companies Allow Access to Social Networking, Shopping and Entertainment Sites


MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Does access to non-work related websites make for distracted employees? Many businesses aren't concerned, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. Fifty-three percent of professionals interviewed said their company does not block social networking, shopping and entertainment sites. For those whose employers do, more than one in five (22 percent) admitted to frequently using their personal mobile devices as a workaround.
The survey of workers was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 449 workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments
.
Workers were asked, "Does your company block access to the following websites?" Their responses*:

Social networks..............................................................
31%
Entertainment sites..........................................................
26%
Online shopping sites......................................................
23%
None of these..............................................................
53%


*Multiple responses allowed.

Workers whose companies do block access to some sites also were asked, "How often, if ever, do you use your own personal devices at work to access websites that are blocked by your company?"

Their responses:
Very often........................................................................
9%
Somewhat often.............................................................
13%
Not very often.....................................................................
20%
Never..................................................................................
58%

100%
"Even if companies don't block access to certain sites, they may be monitoring employee activity for excessive use," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Professionals should be mindful of how they are spending their time while at the office. Surfing the Web might provide a nice break from work, but it should never get in the way of it."
OfficeTeam advises workers to use good judgment when accessing the Internet for non-business purposes. Here are five tips:
  1. Get in the know. Familiarize yourself with corporate web policies. Also, assess the culture: Some organizations encourage their employees to leverage social media as a business tool, while others frown on it.
  2. Assume someone's watching. Just because nobody's looking over your shoulder, doesn't mean your online activity isn't being tracked. Most companies monitor their employees' Internet use. Avoid spending excessive time on the Web for personal matters.
  3. Don't overshare. Resist the urge to forward cute kitten videos or other irrelevant Internet "gems" to coworkers, and never send objectionable content.
  4. Think outside the boxes. Lots of retail deliveries at the office could make your manager question whether you're bagging all of the bargains on your own time.
  5. Keep an eye out. Be wary of suspicious emails or downloads that may cause viruses or other security concerns. Alert your information technology team if anything looks amiss.
A bout OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com
SOURCE OfficeTeam
CONTACT: Cynthia Kong, +1-650-234-6298, cynthia.kong@officeteam.com
Web Site: http://www.officeteam.com








Photo of the Week: Dr. Tunji Braithwaite's 79th Birthday Book Launch in Lagos

Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), President Goodluck Jonathan and hero of Nigerian democracy Dr. Tunji Braithwaite having a good rapport at the book presentation of the second edition of Braithwaite’s all time classic Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles for the celebration of his 79th birthday at the Yard 158, Oregun, Lagos, on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.


The causes of domestic, national and international turmoil are wide and varied, but law plays an important role in resolving these conflicts. The role that jurisprudence plays in various societies is often misunderstood. Author Tunji Braithwaite, a longtime lawyer who has spent much of his career in Nigeria, demonstrates how theological laws, astronomy, and astrology affect secular laws. He also explains the differences between justice and law and examines the development of various legal doctrines. The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles explores many concepts, including • the higher law that governs human society, regardless of boundaries; • the Everlasting Oracle, which judges everything and everybody; • methods by which justice may be achieved in a world regulated by laws; • the flexibility and inflexibility of the law of God; • the sources of God's laws; A useful guide for judges and legal practitioners alike, this scholarly examination also aims to generate discussions among scientists and members of various religions. Join Dr. Braithwaite as he connects religion with law and justice and seeks to help everyone avoid unpardonable errors through The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles.











WRAPmail Now in Nigeria, Dubai and Pakistan



These distributors have already secured 7 new accounts in the first 4 days they have been on board.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. , Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
WRAPmail, Inc. ( OTC: WRAP ) reports that the International expansion has had a flying start with 3 new Distributors in the first week of the program.  "WRAPmail International Distributors become our Marketing arm in their respective territories and help us grow without associated costs until they deliver revenue" states Rolv E. Heggenhougen, Chairman & CEO. "Our goal is to get to the tipping point where our solution starts feeding on itself and all users beget new users as they see our product in the inbox" continues Heggenhougen. WRAPmail has signed over 6,100 clients worldwide. Clients come from all countries and industries as they all have two things in common: They have websites and they send emails. WRAPmail is now further focusing on Distributors that will market WRAPmail solutions around the world.
To try WRAPmail for FREE just go to: https://pro.wrapmail.com/signup/agreement.asp
 
About WRAPmail:
 
The basic idea behind WRAPmail is to utilize the facts that almost everyone have websites, social network site(s) and also send emails every day. These emails can become complete marketing tools and help promote, brand, sell and cross-sell in addition to drive traffic to the website and conduct research. WRAPmail is available for free (with 3rd party ads) or for a small license fee at www.wrapmail.com. No routines change as users simply download a toolbar or routes emails via Google or WRAPmail's servers.
WRAPmail also helps search for missing children with every email sent by free users incorporating an RSS feed from the Center for Missing and Exploited Children – see http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rolv-e-heggenhougen/finding-missing-children_b_1540866.html
 
WRAPmail now has toolbars available for Microsoft LIVE, Yahoo Mail, AOL Mail and Gmail for Microsoft Explorer, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Firefox.
 
WRAPmail Solutions:
1.  WRAPmail PRO: Free solution with 3rd party ads.
2.  WRAPmail PRO+: Shared solution, $50/user/year, no 3rd party ads.
3.  WRAPmail Enterprise
 
WRAPmaker and Premade WRAPS:
More than 200 premade templates are currently available for major Network Marketing/Affiliate Marketing/MLM companies, Real Estate Agents, Business, Scenery, Sports, Holidays and Animals with Social Network Interface and personalization (image, text and links).
 
Clients can also make 100% custom WRAPS in the WRAPmail dashboard using the WRAPmaker.
 
Advertising Network:
WRAPmail has its own advertising network where users can advertise in other user's emails. The concept is a mix between similar models from Facebook and Google but the difference is our focus is email and not websites. An advertiser can have a free account and there's no usage requirement to become an advertiser. Advertisers simply create their ad in the WRAPmail Dashboard; pick City, State, Country and/or Industry of other users for placement of ads. WRAPmail also has a partnership with Market Leverage for utilization of their advertising inventory.
 
Affiliate Programs – "Make money with every email you send anyway"
The affiliate program does not only pay for new clients signing up but is also designed to share the revenue from 3rd party ads displayed in the free users emails.
 
Google:
WRAPmail is a Google Apps Vendor and also compatible with Google Analytics and Google Chrome/Gmail .
Forward looking statements and risks and uncertainties
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect," and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements.  Expected, actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with, among other things,  the impact of economic, competitive, and other factors affecting our operations, markets, products, and performance.    For more complete information regarding our business and financial condition, you may access our filings at otcmarkets.com .  The matters discussed in this press release should not be construed in any matter, shape or form as indicative of the future value of the Company's common stock or its future financial condition.
 
WRAPmail Investor Relations:
IR@WRAPmail.com
Phone: (954) 591-8742      
Facebook
Twitter
 
SOURCE WRAPmail, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.wrapmail.com/








Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Nigeria In the Eyes of Rick Ross



RICK RO$$ is an American rapper whose latest video "Hold Me Back" is telling the truth about Nigeria with facts as shown in this short video documentary and contrary to the critics, he is not lying about Nigeria.
Nobody should hold Rick Ross back from showing the ugly realities in the most populous country in Africa.

The Nigerians criticizing Rick Ross are just like the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan who prefers to live in denial of the failures of the Nigerian government.
Majority of Nigerians are suffering and dying in blighted areas, because the corrupt government has failed to provide for them. The corrupt politicians and their accomplices in power have been misappropriating the revenue allocations meant for the security and welfare of the citizens.

Nigerians in Nigeria are stigmatized and traumatized by the breakdown of law and order as the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic terrorists on rampage in the northern states are still attacking and killing innocent people and destroying government targets in suicide bombings and guerrilla raids, kidnappers are attacking and kidnapping innocent people in the south-eastern states and pirates are attacking oil pipelines and depots to steal over 150, 000 barrels of crude oil valued at N2.6 billion daily and armed robbers are also giving the law abiding citizens sleepless nights in the south western and south-southern states of Nigeria. Yet, the President of Nigeria and his rented crowd of sycophants, political jobbers and their beneficiaries are boasting that their corrupt government is transforming Nigeria and making Nigeria one of the fastest growing economies in the world, but the realities in Nigeria are in contrast to these claims.

Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala faces an uphill struggle in reforming the economy of one of the world's most corrupt nations.

NUMBERS ON THE ECONOMY:

Nigeria has the lowest HDI ranking among OPEC members of the. Iraq is ranked 24 places above Nigeria, with a life expectancy of 69.0 years.

* Population: 158.4 million - national statistics bureau.

* GDP: IMF currently estimates Nigerian GDP at $270 billion

* Growth for 2012: Nigeria revised down its forecast for this year to 6.5 percent but expects this to jump to 8.04 pct next year before easing to 7.43 pct in 2014.

* Stock market capitalisation: 6.6 trillion Nigerian naira ($41.9 billion).

* Annual inflation has hovered between 12 and 13 percent this year. The central bank's target is single digits.
~ Reuters.








Dear President Goodluck Jonathan, You Need A Reality Check

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan, You Need A Reality Check

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan,
You need to face the facts in your administration and stop living in denial of the short comings and failures of government since your ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won the presidential election in May 1999 and with majority in the election of the state governors, legislators and local government areas chairmen and chairwomen and thus giving you more powers in control of the Nigerian government than the opposition since 1999 to date. But what have you all achieved so far?

Even your boss and godfather the former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said things were better when he was in office compared to you and your predecessor the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and for majority of Nigerians things are getting worse and not better. And you always say you are not the cause of the woes of Nigeria, that they were already plaguing Nigerians before your election. But what have you done to address them and implement your so called Transformation Agenda?

You have told us your agenda since over 18 months ago, but where is the transformation?

I have already enumerated all the shortcomings and failures of your administration in several articles which none of your hired political sycophants could refute and again how come that illegal bunkers have been stealing more of our crude oil now that you are in power than before as Nigeria is losing over $5 billion (N780 billion) yearly to crude oil thieves when your own self-appointed ex-militants have been paid millions of dollars to protect oil pipelines and other installations?
Did you know that Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said that Nigeria can end illegal bunkering of our stolen crude oil in 30 days if your security agencies stop being the accomplices and partners in crime with these notorious crude oil robbers?

Who were the sea pirates that killed Captain Romeo Itima, Managing Director of Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, an oil bunkering surveillance company owned by ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo who was contracted by the Federal Government to provide security and monitor the nation’s coastal waters against oil thieves?

How come ex-militants are now doing the job of the Nigerian Navy?
If you are really transforming Nigeria as you have boasted, why is your beloved wife First Lady, Aunty Dame Patience Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan flown overseas to a foreign hospital and now being treated for an undisclosed ailment in Germany and not at the National Hospital in Abuja?

How many million of naira of Nigerian Tax payers’ money have you spent so far on foreign medical trips for yourself, wife, families, relations, ministers, other public officials and your beneficiaries, including your unofficial first lady?

Do you know how many millions of dollars Nigerians spend annually for better healthcare overseas, because Nigerian hospitals don’t have the modern medical facilities to care and save the precious lives of majority of Nigerians?

Sir, do you know that there is only 1 doctor to over 33, 000 Nigerians when the global recommendation is 1 to 1, 000 people?
Is this not enough to declare a state of emergency in the health sector?

Why not give full scholarship to all students of medicine in Nigeria and send brilliant medical students to America, the UK and Japan to be trained at modern schools of medicine and teaching hospitals of world class standards?
Or you have no such plans in your transformation agenda?

How many government hospitals have MRI Scanners?
How many of the consulting rooms in general hospitals have Sphygmomanometers?

If your ministry of education is really being transformed, then why should Nigerians spend N160 billion annually on university education in Ghana, more than Nigeria’s annual budget for education in 2011?

If you are really performing as you claim, why did 800 companies shut down in Nigeria due to harsh and insecure operating environment and others have relocated to Ghana?

Why have you not revived the textile industry that can employ millions of jobless Nigerians?

How many jobs have you created so far to employ the 33 million jobless Nigerian youths?
Have you seen the Al Jazeera documentary on Nigeria: The Young And The Jobless?



Do you know how many innocent Nigerians and others who have been killed since you became the the 14th Head of State and current President of Nigeria?
Are you saying the Boko Haram is stronger than the Nigerian Armed Forces of which you are the Commander-in- Chief?

What have the governors and legislators you recently gave national honours achieved so far?
Are you honouring them for doing the duties for which they have even been paid jumbo salaries and for their misappropriations of public funds?
Have you seen the Kafkaesque nightmares of those living in the states and local government areas of these governors and legislators?

Lest we forget that in 2011, you failed to nominate and appoint at least 36 indigenes (one for each of the 36 states) which is a breach of article 147 subsection (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999: "...the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each State, who shall be an indigene of such State".
This was enough to impeach you!

Then you claimed the unprecedented record of being the most criticized President in the world, which the Guinness World Record has rejected, because it is a lie.

You have accused the opposition of masterminding the nationwide protests against your undemocratic removal of the subsidy on petrol on January 1, 2012, in a very wicked way to wish Nigerians Happy New Year. But no one from the opposition gave me any of the bottled water or packaged food you alleged before I joined the masses that trooped to the streets in public demonstrations to reject your bad New Year present.

Majority of Nigerians, including your fellow Niger Delta indigene, former Petroleum Minister Professor Tam David-West joined the protests of the Organized Labour in nationwide strikes from 9–13 January 2012 and then on January, 16, you made the pump price of petrol N97 naira per liter and Nigerians cooperated with you. And what have they gained from it?

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan, the list of the shortcomings and failures of your administration will bore my readers, because it is no longer news since the public opinion poll of majority of Nigerians shows that they will prefer a better president who can guarantee them three square meals daily and security. And that is not too much to ask for!

Please sir, your critics are not your haters, but your best friends telling you the truth which the majority of Nigerians can testify of as the evidence of your maladministration is overwhelming.

I have no apologies or regrets for not flattering you and your incompetent public relations managers Abati and Okupe Limited should be sacked!



~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

About the Author

Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, aka Orikinla Osinachi, is a prize-winning Nigerian writer born on January 30, 1963 on the Lagos Island in Nigeria. He is the second son and third child of Mr. Sunday Eke and Mrs. Gladys Eke, who migrated to Lagos from Umuahia in south-eastern Nigeria. He is the author of Children of Heaven (1987), Scarlet Tears of London (2006), Unveil Me My Love (2007), Bye, Bye Mugabe (2008), In the House of Dogs (2010) and other books and the most prolific African blogger since 2005 to date. He has been one of the most published illustrators in Nigeria, commissioned by Johns Hopkins University’s Population Communications Services (JHU/PCS) and Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) for the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifes (NANNM). He later became an IEC Officer for the Centre for Education on Population, AIDS and Drug Abuse (CEPADA) and a program consultant for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which he combined with his occupation as an artist, independent scriptwriter and production manager for TV from the age of 18 to when he was 37 for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and DBN TV in Lagos. Presently, he works as a literary and media consultant in Lagos as well as also running his own companies as the Publisher/CEO of International Digital Post Network (IDPN) Limited, the largest Nigerian online news and information media network and the founder of the annual Eko International Film Festival and Screen Naija Open Air Cinema’s “One Village, One Cinema” Project to take cinemas to the urban and rural communities in Nigeria.. Michael Chima is committed to his Christian faith and charity for the benefit of humanity.