HICC To Empower Nigerian Men at 2012 5Ms Conference

The Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC) had a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the main church in Gbagada, Lagos.
The press conference was coordinated by the Royals of the HICC to inform the public of the goals and objectives of their 2012 5Ms Conference with the theme: INPOWERED, coming up on October 20, 2012, at the main church on Plot 7, Gbagada Expressway, Gbagada, Lagos. The 5Ms conference specifically addresses the exemplary leadership role of Man in Marriage, Market Place, Mentoring Ministry and Money Matters.

Pastor Deji Agboade.

The press conference attracted leading Nigerian journalists including Collins Talker from Galaxy TV and Mary Ekah from This Day newspaper and others came from Silverbird TV, Channels TV, Daily Sun, The Punch, Vanguard, National Life, Business Day and Nigerians Report.

The members of the Royals of HICC putting heads together after the press conference.

The Assistant Pastor of HICC Deji Agboade said members of the Royals have been called to raise leaders in all the five major areas of life as defined by the 5Ms Conference. Other members including Eng Ayodeji Soyemi, Darlington Njoku, Toyin Idowu and Tope Roluga also spoke on the challenges of the new generation of Nigerian men to reform the youths and transform Nigeria. Among the Royals are outstanding young role models of remarkable accomplishments like Rogba Arimoro, CEO of Knight House studios, a production, management, and branding company, and a record label that produced the international award winning Nigerian hip hop star Mo'Cheddah, Chike Ibekwe, leading filmmaker and writer whose film Eternal shared the Golden Screen Grand Dor at the 2010 Ecrans Noir Film Festival in Yaoundé, Cameroon and Christian Nwankpa, a managing partner of GIP Group and executive producer of the multiple award winning Gugu Michaels movie Dangerous Men and Pastor’s Wife among other productions.


~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima

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Creating a Sustainable Cocoa Industry For Farmers Will Require Billions In Investments

Mars Committed to doing its part with $30 million Investment in 2011, will Continue to Invest through 2020 and Work Pre-Competitively with Industry Peers

Hussin Bin Purung, a Mars cocoa expert, meeting with farmers on the demonstration plot near Koda, Cote d'Ivoire.

Inside the pods that grow directly from the trunk and main branches of the cocoa tree are the cocoa beans used to make chocolate.

Announcement made in conjunction with publication of Mars’ Principles in Action summary detailing the company’s commitments to make a difference for people and the planet through their performance

MCLEAN, VA (October 8, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Creating a sustainable cocoa sector that can meet the chocolate industry’s long-term demand for cocoa, the essential raw material for chocolate, while providing economic opportunities to cocoa farmers will require billions of dollars in agricultural investments across research, third-party certification and technology transfer to farmers, according to Mars, Incorporated, one of the world’s leading chocolate manufacturers.

Although many groups and individual companies have made singular investments towards a more sustainable sector, to benefit a significant portion of the world’s five to six million cocoa farmers, Mars believes the industry must work together even more closely to scale up positive impacts for farmers and achieve higher yields without compromising limited natural resources.

Cocoa sustainability is a large-scale issue that needs large-scale effort and investment
Announcing that it invested approximately $30 million in cocoa sustainability efforts in 2011, after spending more than $20 million annually in the previous two years, Mars is calling for an expansion of previous, smaller scale programs and a renewed focus on farmer benefit as the industry’s chief priority. Mars will likely match 2011’s investment each year during the next decade.

Earlier this year, the company announced that it had met its 2011 goal of purchasing 10 percent of its total cocoa supply as certified sustainable, and in 2012 it will exceed its original target of 20 percent, making it the largest user of certified cocoa in the world. Based on current buying arrangements, Mars projects that this will be nearly 90,000 metric tons of certified cocoa this year.

Mars is calling upon the sector to collaborate for the common good
“We believe that the best approach to cocoa sustainability is to partner with our industry peers, governments, certification organizations and NGOs for the common good,” said Barry Parkin, Mars Global Chocolate Procurement and Sustainability Head. “The billions of dollars of investment needed requires the large global manufacturers to work together to make this happen at meaningful scale. We can see that the industry is taking this challenge very seriously, as there is a lot of good work happening, but we strongly believe that all of these efforts can be combined as part of a sector-wide effort to achieve the results we all want to see.”
The announcement coincides with the publication of Mars’ second annual Principles in Action summary, which details the company’s approach to business and its commitment to put its Five Principles into action to make a difference to people and the planet through their performance. Mars remains a private, family-owned business dedicated to the objective first expressed by Forrest E. Mars, Sr. in 1947 – to ‘create a mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders.’

This objective was evident in 2009 when the business pledged to purchase 100 percent of its supply from certified sustainable cocoa sources by 2020. Mars estimates that demand for cocoa will outstrip supply by one million metric tons by that date, and therefore is making this direct investment in research, technology transfer to farmers, and certification over the next decade to address this industry challenge.

“Revitalizing the cocoa sector for the world’s five to six million cocoa farmers will likely require billions of dollars of investment over the next 10 years – everybody in the industry will have to do their part,” said Andrew Harner, Mars’ Global Cocoa Vice President. “Reaching farmers at scale requires significant financial investment, innovative programs, and industry cooperation. For instance, Mars’ Vision for Change initiative will help farmers in Côte d’Ivoire learn updated agricultural methods to strengthen their communities and to increase their productivity, which, in turn, will enhance their economic opportunities. The program is also pre-competitive, which means that the entire industry can benefit from the efforts we are making there. We are eager and willing to work with others in the industry who are pursuing sustainability initiatives.”
Mars’ Sustainable Cocoa Initiative focusing on research, certification, and direct intervention programs to boost productivity

The Sustainable Cocoa Initiative is focusing on three critical elements: cocoa science research, including mapping the cocoa genome in conjunction with the IBM and the U.S. Department of Agriculture; transferring technology and agricultural methods to cocoa farmers through the Vision for Change initiative; and third-party certification. Mars is working with three certification organizations: Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade International, and UTZ Certified.

The company’s technology transfer program is centered around the Vision for Change initiative, which focuses on cocoa farmers in the Soubré region of Côte d’Ivoire. Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer, and farmers in the Soubré region grow the most cocoa within the country. Mars is in the process of establishing Cocoa Development Centers (CDCs) in Côte d’Ivoire, which will provide growers with planting material and technology to improve their farms. By 2020, they hope to build 75 Ivorian Cocoa Development Centers that will reach 150,000 farmers.

In addition to building these demonstration centers, Vision for Change will work to channel economic success into significant improvements in the quality of life in cocoa communities through community empowerment and better access to public and private development funds. Additionally, CDCs are being built in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to help farmers in those countries.

As well, Mars is making greater investments in cocoa science that will help farmers have more productive trees and farms. The focus is on helping farmers triple their yields with more effective practices, good agronomic skills, improved germplasm and fertilizer, which, in turn, will allow them to triple their incomes and give them opportunities they may not have otherwise had. Long considered an orphan crop, cocoa has gone without the kind of study and research that has helped to generate more productive crops in other sectors. With its Mars Center for Cocoa Science in Brazil, the company is developing more productive, more disease- and pest-resistant trees. In 2010, working with IBM and the USDA, Mars mapped the cocoa genome, which is publicly available to cocoa researchers and all interested parties at the Cocoa Genome Database.

Finally, the company is working with international third-party certification organizations to make sure their direct investments will have greater reach throughout the cocoa growing community. Beyond meeting the environmental goals laid out by certifiers like Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade International, and UTZ Certified, Mars has worked with these certifiers to include important labor and productivity standards. Mars believes that, in order to be successful, sustainability standards must include increased productivity to drive improved living conditions for farmers, their families, and their communities.

For more information on the company’s effort supporting cocoa sustainability, please visit www.mars.com/cocoasustainability. Additionally, you can read about the sustainability team’s ongoing initiatives at the blog www.cocoasustainability.com.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $30 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 70,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, KITEKAT®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints. Food – UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA™, WISDOM PANEL™ and SERAMIS®.
For more information, please visit www.mars.com. Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars.


Media Contact:

Ryan Bowling
+1 908 914 1702
ryan.bowling@effem.com

Suzanne Morse
617 646 1020
smorse@oneillandassoc.com

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CNN Announces Creation Of CNN Films

8 Oct 2012 14:20 Africa/Lagos

CNN Announces Creation Of CNN Films
First CNN Film, Richard E. Robbins's "Girl Rising," to air Spring 2013 on CNN, CNN International, alongside Theatrical Release
Projects from Acclaimed Filmmakers Alex Gibney and Andrew Rossi

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CNN, the worldwide leader in news, today announced the creation of CNN Films to secure feature-length documentaries for air on CNN and CNN International, alongside theatrical distribution. The move is part of a wider strategy to acquire original non-fiction content to complement CNN's award-winning news programs; it was announced by CNN Worldwide Managing Editor Mark Whitaker.

"Girl Rising," the first documentary acquired by CNN Films, will air in spring 2013. The film, which inspired a global action campaign to promote girls' education called 10x10, tells the extraordinary stories of several girls from around the globe fighting to overcome impossible odds to realize their dreams. The film includes voice performances by Academy Award Winner Meryl Streep, Academy Award Nominee Anne Hathaway , Kerry Washington , and Selena Gomez . "Girl Rising" is directed by Academy Award Nominee Richard E. Robbins ("Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience") and executive produced by Tom Yellin and Holly Gordon of The Documentary Group and Paul G. Allen of Vulcan Productions.

CNN Films has also signed development deals with Academy Award Winning Director and Producer Alex Gibney ("Taxi to the Dark Side," "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room," and "Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer") and Director Andrew Rossi ("Page One: Inside the New York Times"). Both will develop original documentaries to air on CNN.

"CNN Films will bring distinguished, thought-provoking documentary programming to our global audiences on all our television, online, and mobile platforms," said Whitaker. "We want these documentaries to tell compelling stories and stimulate important discussions across CNN's other programs and websites."

The original feature-length documentaries will examine an array of political, social, and economic subject matters. The films will premiere in primetime and will re-air in order to increase exposure. Surrounding the premiere of each documentary, acclaimed CNN programs will run dedicated programming that sheds light on the topics and issues discussed in each film. In-depth interviews, expert commentary, roundtable discussions, debates, and behind-the-scenes footage will be featured across all of CNN's broadcast and online platforms.

Amy Entelis, senior vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide, will oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries under the CNN Films banner. Malhotra will manage the day-to-day operation of CNN Films, and work directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.

CNN Films also plans to bring the documentaries beyond the small screen by developing strategic partnerships to leverage distribution opportunities at film festivals and in theaters.

To learn more about "Girl Rising" and to view the trailer, please visit: http://10x10act.org/presenting-girl-rising.

For more information on CNN, please visit www.cnnpressroom.com.

About CNN
CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is the most trusted source for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; CNN Digital Network, the No. 1 network of news Web sites in the United States; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively-syndicated news service; and strategic international partnerships within both television and the digital media.

About 10x10
10x10 is an ongoing global campaign to raise awareness and support for girls' education. For more information, visit www.10x10act.org.


SOURCE CNN

CONTACT: Abi O'Donnell, +1-212-691-2800, odonnell@sunshinesachs.com; or Jennifer Dargan, +1-404-885-4638, jennifer.dargan@turner.com

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

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Princewill Receives Royal Blessings As He Commissions Micro-Finance Equipment To Empower Rural Women In Rivers State

Prince Tonye Princewill and HRH Prof. Raymond Woko, Paramount ruler of Rumowa Community in Riveers State.

PRINCEWILL RECEIVES SPIRITUAL AND ROYAL APPLAUSE AS HE EMBARKS UPON A LOCAL GOVERNMENT TOUR TO COMMISSION MICRO-FINANCE SKILL ACQUISITION EQUIPMENT TO EMPOWER RURAL WOMEN IN RIVERS STATE

3rd day of October, 2012, the day, Prince Tonye Princewill visited Obio Akpor and Tai Local Government Areas under the banner of Princewiil’s Trust remains indelible. He was there to commission the multi-million naira Skills Acquisition Equipment he had procured and distributed to various Local Government Areas in Rivers State to train and empower rural women to enable them cater for their families and make them financially viable. While at Obio Akpor LGA, he paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, King Prof Raymond Woko the Paramount Ruler of Rumowha Community and was blessed before he left to join the crowd that came to welcome him at the PPA Secretariat, Obio Akpor where he commissioned the skill acquisition equipment for the training of the women in the area.

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Princewill at the commisioning of the Obio-Akpor LGA Secretariat.

Prince Tonye Princewill, commisioning the Obio Akpor LGA PPA secretariat.

Prince Tonye Princewill commisioning the new Tai LGA PPA secretariat

Prince Tonye Princewill being dressed by executives of PPA Obio-Akpor LGA.

Prince Tonye recieving prayers from HRH Prof Raymond Woko, Paramount ruler of Rumowa Community in Rivers State.

The sequence of events was repeated in Tai where His Royal Majesty, King G.N.K. Gininwa OFR, Gbenemene Tua-Tua Tai, Chairman Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers was on hand to receive him to his palace. Prince Tonye Princewill after briefing the King of his mission in his Kingdom thanked him for the great reception accorded him and his entourage and told the King that he truly is at home just as if he is in his father’s house. He told the King that based on his long relationship with the Tai people that apart from the Skill Acquisiti

Princewill at the formal opening of the Obio-Akpor LGA, PPA secretariat.
 

Prince Tonye Princewill, inspecting his skills aquisition project equipment at the newly commisioned PPA secretariat   in Obiakpor LGA, Rivers State.

Prince Tonye Princewill warmly recieved at Tai LGA, Rivers State

HRM King G.N.K Gininwa OFR, Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, hosting Prince Tonye Princewill at his Palace.

Prince Tonye Princewill interacting with supporters in Obio-Akpor LGA.

on Equipment he has donated to empower the women of Tai, he is ready to provide a bus for the PPA in the area and offer scholarship to ten children of Tai to study in any university of their choice in Nigeria. The elated King prayed and blessed the Prince describing him as a blessing not only to Tai people but to the entire people of the State.

Prince Tonye Princewill and HRH Prof. Raymond Woko, Paramount ruler of Rumowa Community in Riveers State.

Hon Emmanuel Owhor the PPA Coordinator for Obio Akpor and Lady Peace Teerah the PPA. Coordinator for Tai Local Government Area both described Prince Tonye Princewill as a leader of the common man and that they are ready to sacrifice whatever it will take to promote the Prince and his Trust to the people of their Local Government Areas. The Prince concluded the day with a formal presentation of a Hummer Air-conditioned Bus to the Women Wing of PPA to assist the women in their mobilization efforts in the State. Dr Mrs Edith Wele the women PPA Leader assured the Prince that his investment in the lives of the Rivers State Women will never be in vain.

~ Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, Media Consultant PPA


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World's Foremost Poets Descend Upon Newark, New Jersey

5 Oct 2012 16:32 Africa/Lagos

Philip Levine

Dozens Of The World's Foremost Poets Descend Upon Newark, New Jersey Next Week, October 11-14, 2012 For The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival

North America's Largest Poetry Festival Includes Readings, Performances, and Conversations By Dozens of the Leading, International Voices in Contemporary Poetry, Including:

Natasha Trethewey

C. K. Williams

Nikky Finney


U.S. Poets Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-Winners Philip Levine and Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-Winner C. K. Williams, National Book Award Winners Nikky Finney and Terrance Hayes, Chilean National Literature Prize winner Raul Zarita, Ireland's Most Honored Woman Poet Eavan Boland, California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, and Founder of the Black Arts Movement Amiri Baraka.

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation will present more than 100 poetry events at the 14th biennial Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, presented in partnership with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the City of Newark, NJ from October 11 through 14, 2012. The Dodge Poetry Festival is the largest poetry event in North America. Called "Wordstock" by The New York Times, audience members have the opportunity to hear performances from and interact with dozens of the world's foremost poets with an extraordinarily wide range of backgrounds and styles. Single day, weekend and four-day passes to the Festival are available at www.njpac.org, at the NJPAC box office at One Center Street in downtown Newark, or by calling 1-888-466-5722.

Poets returning to the Festival include former U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine and current Laureate Natasha Trethewey , Pulitzer Prize-winner C. K. Williams , National Book Award winners Terrance Hayes and Thomas Lux , and T.S. Eliot Prize-winner Jane Hirshfield. Poets making Festival debuts are: Pulitzer Prize finalist Henri Cole , Chilean National Literature Prize winner Raul Zurita , Ireland's leading woman poet Eavan Boland , California Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera , National Book Award winner Nikky Finney , Fanny Howe , and Gregory Orr . Other notables include Newark resident and Black Arts Movement founder Amiri Baraka and National Book Award finalist Dorianne Laux . The Festival will also present a world premiere performance of selections from four-time National Grand Slam Champion Patricia Smith 's book-length sequence Blood Dazzler, about Hurricane Katrina, set to Wynton Marsalis' "At the Octoroon Balls" string quartet and performed by members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. In addition to readings and performances, all Festival poets will participate in discussions and other multi-poet events.

Anchored by events at NJPAC, the Festival will transform downtown Newark into a "Poetry Village," with many of the performances and readings occurring at alternate venues and cultural destinations in Newark, all within easy walking distance of the Center, including Aljira Center for Contemporary Art, First Peddie Baptist Memorial Church, the New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Museum, North Star Academy, and Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral.

The complete lineup is available at: www.dodgepoetry.org

Prudential is the presenting sponsor of the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival.

SOURCE New Jersey Performing Arts Center

CONTACT: Julia Kirchhausen, Resnicow Schroeder Associates, +1-212-671-5161 jkirchhausen@resnicowschroeder.com; or Aga Sablinska, Resnicow Schroeder Associates, +1-212-671-5177, asablinska@resnicowschroeder.com; or Joshua Balber, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, +1-973-353-8051, jbalber@njpac.org; or David Mayhew, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, +1-203-533-5621, david@davidmayhew.net

Web Site: http://www.njpac.org

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Invisible Children Announces Release Of "MOVE"

6 Oct 2012 00:19 Africa/Lagos

Invisible Children Announces Release Of "MOVE"

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Invisible Children, a non-profit organization that seeks to stop atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa, today announced it will release "MOVE: A Movie About A Movie About A Movement About You" on October 7, 2012, 7 p.m. PDT.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121005/DC88120)

MOVE, the first film released by Invisible Children since the return of founder and chief creative officer Jason Russell, is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the most viral video ever, the organization behind it, and the movement that made an African warlord famous. In this new movie, which was co-directed by Russell, who also directed KONY 2012, a generation is challenged to stand for justice.

"KONY 2012 was the start of an experiment about what our generation is capable of and it's not over yet. How we finish will determine where international justice will fall from here," stated Jason Russell. "Through MOVE we seek to hold world leaders accountable to their promises and challenge viewers to move their digital efforts into the physical world because children are still being abducted by Joseph Kony and the LRA. Where you live shouldn't determine whether you live, but whether you move will determine where you stand." MOVE asks the viewer: Will you take a stand for international justice and join us in Washington, D.C. on November 17 th?

ABOUT INVISIBLE CHILDREN
Invisible Children, founded in 2004, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based on the belief that there is equal and inherent value in all human life. Our mission is to bring a permanent end to atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) through an integrated four part model; media, mobilization, protection and recovery. We are focused on the LRA because they have been abducting children and committing atrocities in East and Central Africa since 1987. For additional information please visit www.invisiblechildren.com.

ABOUT KONY 2012
Invisible Children's KONY 2012 swept the globe, garnering over 100 million views in six days. It was called the most viral video of all time and inspired more than 3.7 million people to sign a pledge demanding justice for Joseph Kony. In the following months, seven pieces of LRA-related legislation were introduced in U.S. Congress; the EU made a statement of commitment; and the AU and UN created a new strategy for ending LRA violence.

Contact:
Eleni Gianulis
Invisible Children
(619) 562-2799 x231
pr@invisiblechildren.com

SOURCE Invisible Children

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Nicki Minaj Gets $200,000 To Perform in Nigeria

Nicki Minaj Gets $200,000 To Perform in Nigeria

Nicki Minaj is going to be paid a whopping $200,000 to perform in a Christmas carnival in Nigeria where majority of the population of over 158 million people live from hand to mouth on less than a dollar per day and over 33 million are jobless with majority of the people living in blighted areas without clean water and without electricity.
Nigeria is one of the most corrupt and insecure countries in the world according to Transparency International where thousands have been attacked and killed by the dreaded Boko Haram Islamic terrorist sect and their fellow Hausa Fulani herdsmen on rampage in the Middle Belt and northern regions, and innocent citizens being kidnapped and robbed in other states.

The following is a detailed report from Nigeria.

American female rapper Nicki Minaj is said to be among the International acts to perform at this year’s edition of the Africa’s biggest street party, Calabar Carnival. News reaching us say the “Young Money” artiste will pocket $200, 000 USD for her appearance at the event.

Calabar Carnival festival in Nigeria, was created as part of the vision of making the Cross River State in Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world. The carnival which begins on every 1st of December to the eve of the New Year has boosted the cultural mosaic of Nigerian people while entertaining the millions of spectators within and outside the State, and boosting industry for all stakeholders.

The Calabar Carnival has come a long way since it started 2004, when the past governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke had a vision of making his state the hub for tourism and hospitality in Nigeria and in Africa. The Carnival presents a perfect platform for brand visibility for consumers and market awareness. Recently, Cross River State and Calabar has become the pride of Nigeria and Africa as far as tourism, carnivals and hospitality are concerned.

The event has hosted top Nigerian musicians, Nolly-wood Actors, Politicians and international artistes. Over the last 4 years international artistes like, the late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe,Joe, young Jeezy, Nelly, Kirk Franklin, and many more have thrilled the large crowds of Nigerians and tourists from outside the country.


~ SOURCE: NAIRALAND.

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Analyst: First Pres. Debate 'Not a Game Changer'

Political analyst Mark Jones says Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was the clear winner in Wednesday's presidential debate, but he says President Barack Obama's conservative style won't do any major damage to his campaign. Top Reports

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
4 Oct 2012
17:31	Bristow Group Completes Purchase of Minority Interest in Cougar Helicopters and Related Assets
16:12	MediSend International Trains Nigerian Technicians to Build National Healthcare Capacity
11:00	Accordia Global Health Foundation Honors Gilead Sciences, Inc. with Global Health Leadership Award
10:49	World Crowdfund Federation Launches Across Five Continents
10:28	Despite Global Slowdown, African Economies Growing Strongly―World Bank Urges Countries to Spend Their New Oil, Gas, and Mineral Wealth Wisely
08:33	Soudan : attaque contre la Mission des Nations unies et de l'Union africaine au Darfour (MINUAD) (4 octobre 2012)
06:50	Secretary-General Condemns Latest Attack on Peacekeepers in West Darfur, Urges Full Investigation by Sudanese Government
04:27	SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON KILLING OF PEACEKEEPERS IN DARFUR
3 Oct 2012
08:45	Nigeria - Attaque contre une résidence universitaire (2 octobre 2012)
2 Oct 2012
19:05	"Brightness Action Program" de HNA Group reconocido en los 2012 South-South Awards
18:13	„Brightness Action Program" der HNA Group im Rahmen der South-South Awards 2012 ausgezeichnet
16:18	Le programme « Brightness Action » du groupe HNA récompensé aux South-South Awards 2012
10:35	Le programme << Brightness Action >> de HNA Group est recompense au South-South Awards 2012
09:03	La FICR lance un appel d'urgence pour secourir plus de 60 000 personnes déplacées par de dramatiques inondations au Nigeria
06:23	IFRC launches Emergency Appeal as severe flooding displaces over 60,000 people across Nigeria
05:44	IOM Morocco Appeals for US$ 800,000 for Reintegration of Stranded Migrants
03:05	El programa "Brightness Action" de HNA Group es premiado en el marco de la edición 2012 de los South-South Awards
1 Oct 2012
21:47	The HNA Group "Brightness Action Program" Recognized At The 2012 South-South Awards
15:10	America's Wire Releases Torture Victim's Commentary Urging U.S. Supreme Court To Hold Human Rights Violators Accountable

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The Africa-America Institute (AAI) 28th Annual Awards Dinner Gala

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Second Igbo Premier Film Festival Opens on November 2

The second Igbo Premier Film Festival comes up in Lagos from November 2 - 4, 2012, at the Duban International Hotel in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
The film festival comes with master classes, workshops, exhibitions and cultural displays.

The filmmakers panels will be an opportunity to learn from and directly engage some of the brightest independent filmmakers, scholars, writers and actors from around the
country. Interactive question and answer sessions, round-table discussions, and seminars explore the craft and creative process of cinema.

Igbo language movies will be screened till dawn.
Also there will be auditions to select artistes for the forthcoming Igbo language movies by four prominent film makers in Nollywood.
The auditions will also produce the New Face of Ndigbo in
Nollywood.

Other highlights include cultural displays and dances during the closing ceremony.
Awards will be given in several categories including Feature, Documentary, and Short Film, Acting and Directing, and the most prestigious Igbo Ambassadors Awards & Chieftancy Title ceremony.

The Grand Jury Prize will be presented to the best film in competition as selected by a jury of industry professionals, and also the Award for the Best Igbo Language Filmmaker, and the crowning of “IHU-NDIGBO”.

For more information, contact:
TEL:+2348034413206 Info@Igbofilmsgroup.Com, Www.Igbofilmsgroup.Com

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