Nigerian and Cameroonian Journalists Face Unlawful Assembly Charges in Cameroon

Activists press for secession from Cameroon on October 1. (Le Messager). Photo Credit: Committee To Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Bashiru Edua, Editor of African Drum magazine in Jos, Nigeria and Martin Yembe Fon, Editor of The Frontier Telegraph of Cameroon were arrested last month in the southwestern town of Buea in Cameroon for covering a secessionist gathering. The two are free on bail, but face fines and up to six months in jail.

The Committee to Protect Journalists Friday November 9, 2012 called on Cameroonian officials to drop criminal charges against  the two journalists, but same day the court heard their defense and the case was adjourned until March 14, their lawyer, Ajong Stanislaus Anuaboudem, told CPJ.

The following is a press statement from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). 

9 Nov 2012 05:05 Africa/Lagos

Two Journalists Face Unlawful Assembly Charges in Cameroon

NEW YORK, November 9, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Cameroonian officials to drop criminal charges against two journalists who were arrested last month in the southwestern town of Buea for covering a secessionist gathering. The two are free on bail but face fines and up to six months in jail.


Martin Yembe Fon, who is editor of local newspaper The Frontier Telegraph, and Bashiru Edua, a Nigerian national and editor of African Drum magazine publishing in Jos, Nigeria, still face charges of unlawful assembly. Today, the court heard their defense and the case was adjourned until March 14, their lawyer, Ajong Stanislaus Anuaboudem, told CPJ.


Fon and Edua were arrested on October 1 as they tried to cover a gathering at a local church, according to news reports and local journalists. Police officers stopped Fon and Edua and seized their press cards before ordering them to go inside, Fon told CPJ. "While in the church, we took pictures of the over 100 activists and church officials praying," he said. "Midway into the prayers, a large contingent of policemen invaded the premises with police vans, ordering all to walk into the vans or be brutalized."


Fon and Edua were driven along with the others to the central police station in Buea, where they were interrogated, fingerprinted, and photographed, leading independent daily Le Messager reported. After 10 hours of detention, they were taken to court and charged with unlawful assembly under Section 231(a) of the Cameroonian Penal Code, defense lawyer Anuaboudem told CPJ. The charge carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a fine of 100,000 CFA francs (US$200). The journalists pleaded not guilty and were released on bail at midnight on October 2, after six hours at the courthouse, Fon said.


Police have not returned Fon's digital camera or recorder, he said.



"Martin Yembe Fon and Bashiru Edua were apparently unconvenient witnesses to a crackdown on a gathering of secessionists, an issue of national public interest the Cameroonian government would rather suppress," said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. "We urge Cameroon authorities to drop charges against the two journalists, who were doing their job."


The activists had gathered to commemorate the date in 1961 on which the local province--formerly under British colonial mandate as Southern Cameroons--became part of the French-speaking Republic of Cameroon, according to the journalists and news reports. For the government, the date is a commemoration of national unity, but locals use the occasion to renew long-standing demands for secession from Cameroon. Le Messager quoted an unnamed police officer as saying that security forces stormed the church to prevent the group from staging a protest march after the service.


At an October 19 press conference, Cameroon government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary denied that journalists are detained in the country for their work, according to news reports. He was speaking in response to joint findings by CPJ, PEN International and France-based Internet Sans Frontières that investigating corruption and reporting on political unrest are punishable acts for Cameroonian journalists. "We can observe, while regretting it, that certain ordinary citizens, journalists by profession, sometimes find themselves in our prisons, following accusations based on common law offenses, punishable by criminal law," Bakary said.


Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

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Obama’s Victory is A Beacon Of Hope To All – Princewill

OBAMA’S VICTORY A BEACON OF HOPE TO ALL – PRINCEWILL


Prince Tonye Princewill the Rivers state PDP stalwart and leader of Princewill Political Associates (PPA) has described the re-election of Barak Obama as a beacon of hope to all and a triumph of democracy. “This is truly remarkable and a sign of the triumph of hope over cynicism, the reward of hard work and evidence that if people take their fate into their own hands, they can rewrite their own history. I have always said politics is far too important to be left to politicians and I was glad to see ordinary Americans do what they do best. Write their own destiny”.

The Prince went on further to say, “We in Nigeria have a lot to learn from this great exhibition of people power. Nobody there played victim, everybody there showed an ability to stand up and fight not just for themselves but for each other. A love for their country symbolised in a simple and enduring patriotic spirit Nigerians would do well to think deeply about”.

Even as he celebrated with Americans and all well-meaning progressives, he warned Obama to remember his African roots even more in his final term. He urged Obama to take a deep interest in African issues particularly the promotion of investment in Africa as the security of the world and its financial sustainability lay in the continent.

He commended Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate for demonstrating statesmanship not only by conceding victory to the will of the people but for the manner and tone by which he did so. He urged Nigerian politicians to emulate this example as Nigerians were getting more and more aware of their power. “If we are to move our democracy forward the Prince concluded, we must listen to the voices of our people.

The pictures attached are that of Prince Tonye Princewill and Mrs Rosemary Princewill at Dubai recently.


~ Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,
Media Consultant, PPA.

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World Premiere Of Jim And Joan On November 10 @ Silverbird Galleria, 5pm

The world of premiere of Jim & Joan: A Voodoo Tale (Feature) directed by C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi will close the 3rd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) on Saturday November 10, 2012 at the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos.



SYNOPSIS
A runaway Voodoo priestess is led to a young man. They become a couple and he is trapped in her snare of black magic, lost in her seduction, and supernatural domination he becomes helpless and finds himself a mere instrument in the hand of a higher, darker force and an even more sinister agenda, beyond his wildest imaginations.


The closing ceremony starts at 5 pm with a repeat of the romantic film Foreign Love by Michael Oke and Jay Wiggs of USA.

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Gays and Lesbians Claim President Obama's Re-Election Victory As US Stocks Fall

President Barack Obama celebrating his victory.


Gays and lesbians are claiming the successful reelection of incumbent President Barack Obama on Tuesday November 6, 2012. But his victory over the Republican presidential flag bearer Mitt Romney seems to have a negative impact on US stocks as The Telegraph reported that stock markets on Wall Street tumbled the following day.

Landslide Victory for LGBT Equality Up and Down the Ballot

From marriage campaigns to reelecting President Obama and other priorities, LGBT Americans were the big winners on election night

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, reacted to the overwhelming electoral victories for LGBT people, calling it a milestone year with a clear mandate for equality moving forward.  For the past two years, HRC has been laying the groundwork for our largest mobilization effort ever to ensure 2012 is a turning point year for LGBT equality.  HRC and our energetic supporters have raised and contributed more than $20 million to reelect President Obama and to advance marriage equality and other electoral priorities this cycle.  On marriage equality, HRC invested $8.4 million this cycle to include $5.5 million in the four marriage ballot measure states.

HRC President Chad Griffin released the following statement:
"When the history books are written, 2012 will be remembered as the year when LGBT Americans won decisively at the ballot box.  The dreams of millions of fair-minded Americans were realized as discrimination crumbled and equality prevailed."

Marriage Wins at Ballot Box for First Time
"For the first time, voters in Maine and Maryland voted to allow loving couples to make lifelong commitments through marriage – forever taking away the right-wing talking point that marriage equality couldn't win on the ballot.  No amount of well-funded lies about our families could deceive Mainers and Marylanders.  We await results in Minnesota and Washington State but remain optimistic that they will be successful as well.  The momentum for marriage equality has never been stronger, and with poll after poll showing a growing majority of support, we have a renewed certainty that we will win this fight.

Pro-Marriage Equality President Wins Reelection
"As millions of Americans celebrate President Obama's reelection tonight, the LGBT community is particularly elated to return the most pro-equality President ever to a second term.  There is no doubt that we will continue to see tremendous strides forward like we've made during his first four years with our Ally-in-Chief back in office.  While some pundits predicted the President's support for marriage equality would hinder his campaign, we know the opposite is true.  His historic and heartfelt declaration that all loving and committed couples should be able to marry further motivated millions of voters and sparked conversations that led to wins for marriage at the ballot box.  His win is further proof of the marriage equality movement's momentum.

First Openly Gay Senator
"Another milestone was celebrated as Senator-elect Tammy Baldwin has again earned her spot in the history books. As the first openly gay person elected to the United States Senate, she is a role model for LGBT youth and all young women across the country. With a relentless focus on the issues that matter most to Wisconsin voters – economic security, access to healthcare, and fairness and inclusion for all – Senator-elect Baldwin earned the respect of all her constituents, gay and straight.

Pickup of Fair-Minded and Openly LGB Members of Congress
"For LGBT youth who aspire to public service, we have shattered a glass by sending Tammy Baldwin to the Senate and increasing the number openly LGB members of Congress.  In the Senate we have at least three new marriage equality supporters who proudly declared their support for marriage for gay and lesbian couples on the campaign trail.

Voters Retain Iowa Justice Who Decided for Marriage
"It appears that Iowans have made a strong statement for judicial independence and refused to let politics get in the way of judges doing their duty to uphold the law. Anti-gay groups trying to exact political retribution on judges should learn their lesson.  Marriage equality remains the law of the land in Iowa and judges like Justice Wiggins will continue to do their jobs.

LGBT Voters Flex Political Muscle, Break for President
"Our community has flexed our political muscle with exit polls showing an increase from 4 percent of the vote in 2008 to 5 percent this year.  And the President gained many more supporters among lesbian, gay and bisexual voters – jumping seven points to garner 77% of our vote.

Moving Forward
"Tonight we celebrate, but tomorrow morning we get up and get back to work so that the victories we hail tonight are felt everywhere across this great country.  Too many people are denied the ability to marry.  Too many people go to their jobs without workplace protections.  Too many young people go to bed at night and stare at the ceiling, sleeplessly wondering what awaits them the next day at school or at church or in their own home.  Thanks to all the hard work in achieving tonight's victories, we finally have momentum on our side and we will not rest until the promise of equal justice under the law is realized for every single person living in every single corner of this vast country."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
 
SOURCE Human Rights Campaign

CONTACT: Paul Guequierre, +1-202-423-2860, paul.guequierre@hrc.org
Web Site: http://www.hrc.org

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Nominees for Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards 2012

Here are the nominees for Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards 2012.

COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES

1. Newscaster of the Year (TV)
(This is strictly for newscasters of TV stations which transmit both on terrestrial and satellite/Digital channel) (Criteria: diction, poise and fashion sense)

(Male)
-Sam Bello (AIT)
-Cyril Stober (NTA)
-Niyi Oyelowo (STV)
-Gimba Umar (TVC)
-Ayotunde Balogun (Channels)
-Ayo Ojurongbe (LTV8)

(Female)
-Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV)
-Bimbola Oloko (LTV 8)
-Kemi Adekusibe (MITV)
-Jire Kola- Kuforiji (AIT)
- Adesuwa Omoruan (STV)

2. Newscaster of the Year (Indigenous)
(This category welcomes nominees from TV and Radio stations across South, West and North) (Criteria: fluency in choosing language i.e. Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin English...etc, and sense of humour.

- Nedu (Wazobia FM)
- Tunji Olalekan (Koko Inu iwe Iroyin on Bond FM)
- Temitope Ojelade (Naija FM)
- Mc Ice Water (EKO FM)
- Debo Yusuff (Radio Lagos)

3. News Reporter of the Year (TV only)
(Criteria: Consistency, investigative reporting…etc)

- Seun Okinbaloye (Channels TV)
- Tunji Adekeye (TVC)
- Omor Basuaye (AIT)

4. TV Station of the Year-National
(Criteria: Must be transmitting both on terrestrial and satellite/ Digital Channel, production quality and content)

- A.I.T
- LTV 8
- MI TV
- NTA
- Channels
- Galaxy
- TVC

5. TV Station of The Year-Regional
(Criteria- It should be either a State or Private TV station, viewership, production quality and content)

South- West
- Galaxy (Ibadan)
- B.C.O.S
- OGTV
- Superscreen
- DBN
- ONTV (Lagos)

-North
-ARTV (Kano)
- PRTV (Jos)
-ITV (Abuja)

-South East
- IBC (Owerri)
- ITV Benin
- ESBS Channel 50 (Enugu)

6. Radio Station of The Year
(Criteria: Listener-ship, Production quality, coverage, content and listener-ship)
-Central (Lagos)

- Raypower 100.5 FM
- Star 101.5 FM
- City 105.1 FM
- Beat 99.9 FM
- Eko 89.75 FM
- Top Radio 90.9 FM
- Star 101.5 FM
- Nigerian Info
- Metro FM - FRCN (Lagos)
- Classic FM
- South-West
- OGBC (Abeokuta)
- Rainbow 94.1 FM (Ogun)
- Oluyole FM (Ibadan)
- Positive 102.5 FM (Akure)
- Living Spring FM (Osogbo)
- Independent Radio (Benin)
- Diamond FM
- Orange FM (Akure)

- North
- Cool FM Abuja
- Peace 90.5 FM Jos
- Grace 95.5 FM, Lokoja
- Kiss FM Abuja
- Aso 93.5 FM, Abuja
- Supreme 96.1 FM, Kaduna
- Radio Zamfara
- Hot FM, Abuja
- Raypower 106.5 FM, Kano
- Pearl 98.5 FM, Bauchi
- Rhythm FM (Abuja)

- South-East
- AKBC 90.5 FM
- Solid FM (Enugu)
- Rhythm FM (Port Harcourt)
- CR Radio-2 (105.5 FM) (Calabar)
- Cool FM (Port Harcourt)

7-Best Indigenous Radio Station

- Naija FM (Lagos)
- Radio Lagos 107.5 FM (Tiwantiwa) (Lagos)
- Amuludun FM (Ibadan)
- Bond FM (Lagos)
- Adaba FM (Akure)
- Paramount FM (Abeokuta)

8. Best Music Channel (Local)
(Criteria: content, production quality and have to be syndicated at least on three TV stations or running pay Satellite/Digital Channel)

- Nigezie
- Kennis Music
- Monster Music
- Music Africa

9. Best Music Channel (International)
(Criteria: 24 hours channel on pay Satellite/Digital TV, viewership and content)

- MTV Base
- Channel O
- Trace Urban TV
- AfroPop

10. Best Pay Digital TV channel provider (Local)
(Criteria: Services and numbers of ‘quality’ channels)

- Startimes
- GO TV

11. TV program of the Year
(Criteria: Must be Syndicated or run on satellite/Digital TV channel, good concept/content, consistency and large viewership)

- Entertainment:
- Idan Irawo
- Xcite on TV
- Hitz OnTV
- Big Friday Show
- Entertainment Weekly on STV
- Stand up Nigeria
- AY Show
- Thyme out with Tee A
- Jimmy Jump Off
- Page 3 (STV)
- Studio 53 Extra
- Jara
- Spice on TV
- Sports
- Sport Splash (LTV)
- Sport Edge (Galaxy)
- Sport Café (STV)
- Sport Extra (AIT)
- 90min (Channels TV)

- Drama
- ThisLife
- Johnson’s Family
- Face to face
- Tinsel
- Spider
- Edge of Paradise
- Tales of Eve
- Talk Show
- Teju Baby face Show
- Inside Out with Agatha
- Bimbo and Shola Connect (LTV8)
- Moment with Mo
- TM on TVC with Folarin Yori
- Owuro Lawa (LTV 8)
- Sunrise Daily (Channels TV)
- Today on STV
- Game Show
- MTN Family Game Show
- Three Crown Family Game show
- Star Game TV Show
- Reality Show
- Project Fame
- Super mom
- Next movie star
- Nigerian Idol
- Nigeria’s Got Talent

12. Radio program of the Year
(Criteria; It has to be live, good concept and huge listenership)
Lagos

A- Sport
- Sport Edge (Inspiration FM)
- Top Sports (Top Radio)
- Sports Summit (Metro FM)
- Sport Extra (Beat FM)
- Football Frenzy (Nigerian Info)
- Global Sports Update (Star FM)
- Football 360 degrees (Brila FM)

B- Comedy
- Comedy Happy Hour with D-Don (Splash FM)
- Ice Na wah (Ice Water) Eko FM,
- Koffi & Tha City (Funny moment) (City FM)
- Wetin Dey (Radio Continental)

C- Talk Show
- Una Wake up with Yaw (Wazobia FM)
- Morning Runs with Godwin, Sabina and Ushbabe (Naija FM)
- The Morning Rush (Olisa Adibua and Ada) Beatz FM
- Morning Drive (Rhythm FM) (BigTyme and Omalicha)
- Top of the Morning Show on Top FM (Tosyn Bucknor)
- Morning Crossfire (Nigerian Info)
- Continental Breakfast Show (Radio Continental)

13. Most Popular In-House D.J
(Criteria: must be with a radio or TV station, skilful and consistent)

- Radio
- DJ Xclusive (Cool FM)
- DJ Caise (Beat FM)
- DJ Sose (Rhythm FM)
- DJ Charly Shee (EKO FM)
- DJ Boombastic (Star FM)
- DJ Benny More (Brila FM)
- DJ Hotega (Raypower)
- DJ Gee Q (Top Radio FM)
- DJ K-Lexy (Radio Continental)
- DJ Bigsam (Oluyole FM)

- TV
(a) DJ Shabsy (Soundcity)
(b) DJ Vinnie (Kennis Music Channel)
(d) DJ Switch (TVC)

14. Most Popular TV presenter
(Criteria: Must be a host of syndicated programme or programme running on satellite/digital TV Channels, composure, followership and style)
(Entertainment, Talk Show, Game Show, Reality Show etc)

(Male)
- Uti Nwachukwu (Jara)
- Frank Edoh (WWTBM)
- Bimbo Manuel (Bimbo and Sola Connect)
- Joseph Benjamin (Project Fame)
- Jare Ayo Matins (Lagbo Osere)
- Zdon Paporella (Naija Talk Show on Music Africa)
- Sulaiman Adegbenro (Consoligbadun on MITV)
- Chamberlain Usoh (Sunrise Daily Channels TV)
- Victor Ayara (Today on STV)

(Female)
- Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere (STV)
- Dolapo Oni (Studio 53 Extra)
- Helen Paul (Jara)
- Ariyike Akinbobola (Spice on TV)
- Yinka Adamu (Soundcity)
- Mariam Anazodo (Music and More on NTA)
- Mosun Abudu (Moment with Mo’)
- Amatha Agatha (Inside Out)
- Sola Salako ((Bimbo and Sola Connect)

B- Sports
(Male)

- Omah Akatugba (MITV)
- Jide Alabi (STV)
- Toyin Ibitoye (Channels TV)
- Alfred Okoligwe (AIT)
- Charles Anazodo (Supersport)

(Female)
- Cecilia Omorogbe (Galaxy TV)
- Kemi Muyi Adeniyi (LTV)
- Chisom Mbonu (Supersport)
- Kibati Bankole (Freelance Radio/TV)
- Juliet Mafua (TVC)

15-Most Popular Radio Presenter
(Criteria: Creativity, voice and follower ship)

- Talk Shows

- Lagos

(Male)
- Teddy Esosa (Star FM)
- I.K Osakioduwa (Rhthm FM)
- Big Mannie (Cool FM)
- Shola Thompson (Inspiration FM)
- Keji Sowoolu a.k.a KShow (City FM)
- Tintin Imevbore (Classic FM)

(Female)
- Matse Uwatse (Nigeria Info)
- Anita Izedeh (Rhythm FM)
- Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi (Beat FM)
- Moyo Oyatogun (Star FM)
- Sarah Osioriame Aigbotsua (Raypower FM)
- Kaylah (Cool 96.9, Lagos)
- Wanna Wizzy (Inspiration FM)
- Jennifer (JLuv) (City FM)

- North

(Male)
- Benny Ark (Cool FM Abuja)
- Nwokedi Moses a.k.a BiG’ MO (Wazobia FM)
- Cheezy Charles (Hot FM Abuja)

((Female)
- Maltida Duncan (Rhythm FM, Abuja)
- Anulika Stella Nwosu a.k.a Willy Willy (Wazobia FM)
- Faith Onyebujoh (Cool FM Abuja)
- Malvina Kwamjap a.k.a Vina (Kiss FM Abuja)

South-West

(Male)
- Edmund Obilo (Splash FM)
- Kola Olootu (Amuludun FM)
- Femi Ogundaisi a.k.a Obama of Entertainment (Adaba FM)
- Fatai Dan Wahab (Lagbo Regal) (Positive FM Akure)
- Micheal Akintunde (Adaba FM)
- Akin Akindele (Rainbow FM)

(Female)
- Prisca (Oluyole 98.5 FM)
- Olayemi Esan (Orange FM)
- Ronke Giwa (Splash FM)
- Tope Alabi (unique fm)
- Olubumi Afuye (Adaba FM)

- South-East

(Male)
- Spaceman (Radio PH)
- Lorenzo Menakaya (Lion FM, Enugu)
- O.B Fado (Hot FM Owerri)
- Eldee Extra Large (Rhythm FM PH)

(Female)
- Princess Chi (Hot FM Owerri)
- Cynthia Kamalu (Cool FM PH)

b- Sports

(Male)
- Niran Adesanya (Rhythm FM)
- Bimbo Adeola
- Femi Obong Daniel (Cool FM)
- Godwin Enakehna (Top Radio)
- Emmanuel Etim (Nigeria Info)
- Murphy Ijemba (Brila FM)
- Sola Rogers (Radio Continental)
- Sammy Wetyinda (Radio Port Harcourt)

(Female)
- Oge Ogekanma (Brila FM)
- Princess Fiona (Nigeria Info)
- Nneka Nkem Anibeze (FRCN)
- Kibati Bankole (Freelance Radio/TV)

16-Most Popular Presenter (Radio/ TV)-Indigenous

(Male)
- OPJ (Wazobia FM)
- Mc Ice Water (Eko FM)
- Kola Olootu (Amuludun FM Ibadan)
- Jare Ayo Matins (Owuro Lawa)
- Godwin Aruwayo (Naija FM)
- Sabo Ngeri (Rainbow FM)
- Joel Yetonyon (Radio Lagos)

(Female)
- Omotunde Lolo 1 (Wazobia FM)
- Sabina Umoren (Naija FM)
- Deola Orisile (Radio Lagos)
- Feyikemi Olayinka (Owuro Lawa)

17. Corporate Organization Of The Year
(Criteria; It must be supportive in terms of programmes sponsorship, public acceptance and advert placement)

- Promasidor
- De-United Foods
- Chivita
- Dangote groups
- Unilever
- Etisalat
- Airtel
- Glo
- Cadbury
- Nestle
- Nigerian Breweries
- Coca-Cola
- Guinness Plc

18. Most Promising and Young Presenter of the Year (TV/Radio)
(Criteria: He or she should be within the age range of 21 and 30, creativity, and follower ship)

(Male)
- Dele Omoyeni (Radio Nigeria Progress 100.5fm Ado-Ekiti)
- Adams Ibrahim (Soundcity)
- Efe Tommy (Excite)
- Dayo Ephraim (Hip On TV)
- Dotun (Cool FM)
- Chidozie Okoroji a.k.a Overdose (Brila FM)

(Female)
- Onu Cynthia Chikodinaka a.k.a Kody kodinator (Wazobia FM)
- Olayemi Esan (Orange FM)
-Karen Igho (Naija FM)
-Layole Oyatogun (STV)
- Ariyike Akinbobola (Spice on TV)
- -Shine Begho (Cool FM)

19. Sexiest On-Air Personality
(Criteria: Good body frame, fashion sense, carriage and diction)

(Male)
- Frank Edohor (WWTBM)
- Charles Anazodo
- Uti Nwachukwu (Jara)
- Andre Blaze (Nigeria’s Got Talent)
- Benny Ark (Cool FM Abuja)
- Don T (Splash FM Ibadan)
- Ill Rymz (Nigerian Idol)
- Adesope Olajide - Vox Africa Sky 218

(Female)
- Eku Edewor (Studio 53)
- Yvonne ‘Vixen’ Ekwere (STV)
- Shine Begho (Cool FM)
- Ronke Giwa (Splash FM)
- Oreka Godis (NN24)
- Kemi Adetiba (Maltina Dancehall)
- Jennifer (JLuv) (City FM)
- Maupe Ogun (Channels TV)
- Olayinka Adamu (Soundcity)

20. Print Media of the Year:
(Criteria; it must be supportive in terms of news dissemination about what going on in the electronic media i.e. having a dedicated page or column for stories about On-Air Personalities, programmes and other TV/Radio content)

- Daily Independent
- City People Magazine
- Punch Newspaper
- Thisday Newspaper
- The Nation Newspaper
- The Sun Newspaper
- News of the People
- Encomium Magazine
- Yes International Magazine
- Entertainment Express
- Highsociety
- E24/7
- Nigerian Entertainment (NetNg)

21. Online Radio Station of the Year

- IGroove
- Reel Radio
- Praise Radio
- Zoodrums Radio

22. Best New Station (Radio)

- Nigerian Info (Lagos)
- Lagos Traffic Radio (Lagos),
- Portharcout Radio (Portharcourt),
- Orange FM (Akure)
- Hot FM Abuja

***Corporate Social Responsibility Award****
Most Supportive Religious Organization in Sport

- Winners Chapel
- Nasfat
- Redeem Christian Church
- Mountain of Fire Ministry.

-Terms and Conditions
-Nominees can only win once in three years, the reason names of some popular On-Air Personalities, TV and Radio programmes are missing on this year’s nominees list. They might have won in 2010 or 2011. We believe this will give room to others to be recognised.

-Unlike the previous editions, people can now vote online via our website (only) www.nigerianbroadcastersmeritawards.com/poll
However, votes take 40% while researches, survey and Agencies report take 60% of final result.

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Nestle Waters Sending 5.4 Million Bottles of Water for Hurricane Sandy Victims

STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than five million bottles of water will be arriving this weekend and early next week in New York and New Jersey communities hard hit by Hurricane Sandy. Approximately 100 trucks will be converging on the region from Nestle Waters North America (NWNA) plants in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas and Maine, where employees are working tirelessly to meet the acute needs of storm victims. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York Office of Emergency Management made the request for bottled water to meet immediate need in the region.

In Somerset New Jersey, an American Red Cross volunteer unloads Nestle© Pure Life® bottled water headed for shelters and other emergency needs. Nestle© Waters North America has donated more than 775,000 bottles of water to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Nestle Waters North America is also donating 200,000 bottles of Poland Spring® water that had been designated for the NYC Marathon. With that event now cancelled, all of that bottled water is being turned over to relief agencies. This brings total bottled water donations by NWNA to more than 775,000 bottles, most of which have by distributed through disaster relief partners AmeriCares and The American Red Cross.

New York National Guardsman transfer bottles of Nestlé Pure Life® bottled water for distribution to New York City residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. Richard Drew, AP (PRNewsFoto/Nestle Waters North America)

For example, the Red Cross is using bottles of Nestle® Pure Life® purified water sent to its Somerset, New Jersey warehouse to provide assistance to people in shelters and communities in that region facing disruptions in municipal water supplies. AmeriCares has received donations of Deer Park® water to be distributed to The Salvation Army for Nassau County on Long Island, and Nestle® Pure Life® to help residents of New York City housing projects.

"The bottled water industry plays a critical role at times like this to provide large quantities of clean, safe water that can be transported and stored safely," says Heidi Paul, vice president corporate affairs for Nestle Waters North America. "We are proud of the efforts and commitment of our employees across the country who work around the clock to get water to people in need."

The 5.4 million additional bottles requested by FEMA will be arriving between Sunday and Tuesday, and will be staged from Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, as well as from Lakehurst, New Jersey.

People who would like to learn how they can support relief efforts should visit: http://www.americares.org/ or http://www.redcross.org/.

About Nestle Waters North America Inc.

Nestle Waters North America is the nation's leading bottled water company. Nestle Waters offers consumers a variety of portable, calorie-free bottled waters, including Poland Spring and other natural spring water brands; Nestle® Pure Life®, a nationally distributed purified bottled water; and international brands, S. Pellegrino, Perrier and Acqua Panna. Most recently, the company has added a refreshing line of ready-to-drink iced teas. Nestle Waters North America is committed to creating shared value for society. It does so through healthy hydration, jobs and benefits to communities where it operates, and environmental stewardship, most notably responsible water management, lightweight packaging and advancing recycling in America. People's interest in reducing their calories from beverages and having a reliable second source of water has led Nestle Waters North America to be third largest non-alcoholic beverage company by volume in the U.S.


SOURCE Nestle Waters North America


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The Hague Institute for Global Justice Names Dr. Abiodun Williams as New President

Dr. Abiodun Williams.

5 Nov 2012 14:51 Africa/Lagos

The Hague Institute for Global Justice Names Dr. Abiodun Williams as New President

THE HAGUE, the Netherlands, November 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Hague Institute for Global Justice has appointed Dr. Abiodun Williams as the first President of the Institute. Dr. Williams will assume the presidency on January 1, 2013. He is currently Senior Vice President of the Center for Conflict Management at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, DC.

The Board of the Hague Institute would like to express sincere gratitude to the current Dean, Professor Willem van Genugten, for his important contribution in the start-up phase of the Institute. His dedication, vision and leadership have been of invaluable importance for the development of the Institute's approach, working methods and positioning.

Launched in June 2011, the Hague Institute for Global Justice was established by the municipality of The Hague and a number of Hague based academic institutions, with the strong support of the Dutch government. The Institute is based in a city that has been a symbol of peace and justice for over a century, starting with the First Hague Peace Conference in 1899. It is dedicated to addressing significant global justice issues from an inter-disciplinary perspective, and identifying practical and effective solutions. Through its projects, the Institute seeks to underline that lasting peace, security and development cannot be achieved without global justice and respect for international law.

"It is with great satisfaction that we welcome Dr. Abiodun Williams as President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice," says Jozias van Aartsen, Chair of the Institute's Board, Mayor of The Hague and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. "With his great experience, both in the field and at the UN-headquarters, he will be an inspiring leader of our young Institute."

Dr. Williams joined USIP in 2008 and leads its work in major conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt. Prior to his current position he served as Vice President of the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, and had primary responsibility for USIP's work on conflict prevention, Iran, and Northeast Asia.

Before joining USIP, Dr. Williams had a successful career at the United Nations. From 2001-2007 he served as Director of Strategic Planning for United Nations Secretaries-General Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan. From 1994 to 2000 he served in three peacekeeping operations in Macedonia, Haiti, and Bosnia-Herzegovina as Special Assistant to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Political and Humanitarian Affairs Officer.

Dr. Williams has also had valuable experience in academia. He has served as Associate Dean of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, DC, and held faculty appointments at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, University of Rochester, and Tufts University. He has received several awards including the Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award from Tufts University and the Constantine E. Maguire Medal from Georgetown. He is Chair of the Academic Council on the United Nations System, and has published widely on conflict prevention and conflict management. Dr. Williams earned his Master of Arts degree with Honors in English Language and Literature from Edinburgh University, and his Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy, and Doctorate in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

"It is an honor to lead The Hague Institute for Global Justice which has great potential to become an internationally acclaimed think tank, and a vital force in the challenging but essential task of promoting global peace and justice. I look forward to working with the staff, the Board, and the Advisory Council to fulfill the Institute's promise," Dr. Williams said.

The chair of the Advisory Council of the Institute and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright said "I have known Dr. Williams for more than 25 years as a valued colleague and friend. I am delighted at this new appointment. He is the ideal choice for this position, and will be a tremendous asset to The Hague Institute for Global Justice. Dr. Williams is brilliant, talented and an inspiring leader."

For the redaction:

For more information contact The Hague Institute for Global Justice, Laura de Meijer, +31(0)70-30-28-133.

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Amnesty Uncovers Massacres of Terrorist Suspects in Northern Nigeria

Joint Task Force (JTF)on patrol in Maiduguri, the major North Nigeria.

5 Nov 2012 04:17 Africa/Lagos

Nigeria: Independent Investigation into Maiduguri Killings Vital

LONDON, November 5, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Dozens of men and boys from Maiduguri in northern Nigeria have been reportedly shot by security forces as Amnesty International published a report condemning human rights violations by the security forces in response to the Boko Haram campaign of violence.


Amnesty International has received reports that between Tuesday evening and Thursday morning scores of men were taken out of their houses by the Joint Task Force (JTF) and the younger men were then shot.


According to information received by Amnesty International at least 30 bodies have been deposited at Maiduguri teaching hospital morgue with gun shot wounds.


One eye-witness told Amnesty International that on Thursday she saw dozens of bodies on the floor of the morgue with bullet wounds. Some burials took place on Friday morning.


These reports were received as Amnesty International's Secretary General, Salil Shetty, concluded a high level mission to Nigeria. He had presented the findings of Amnesty International's latest report to members of the government and met with civil society members.


“These reports from Maiduguri are shocking,” said Salil Shetty as he prepared to leave Nigeria.


“They underline the importance of Amnesty International's call for thorough investigation into all reports of human rights violations.”


“As Amnesty International's report, launched this week, already emphasized, the security services must act within the law. You can't build security through creating insecurity.”


Amnesty International met the Attorney General of the Federation following the launch of the report where he, on behalf of the President, made commitments to investigate all reports of human rights violations by the security forces and said that any state actor found responsible will be brought to justice.


Prior to the public launch on 1 November, the findings of the report were shared in a confidential written briefing to the relevant government bodies in August.


It was sent to the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Interior, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Commissioners of Police for Borno and Kano states.

The document contained an appendix with the details of each case documented by Amnesty International, including the names, locations, the name of the relevant security agency involved, and requesting further information and an investigation into the reports.

The identities of some people were withheld from the final report – a public document with a global readership – to protect their safety.

“As a leading actor on the African and international stage, Nigeria must address the inherent problems with its security forces and show real respect for the rule of law,” said Shetty.


On the same day Amnesty International launched the report, delegates were granted permission to visit Special Anti-Robbery Squad police station Abuja to visit Ibrahim Umar, who remains detained there despite a court order for his release issued in August.


The delegates were told by the SARS police officers that he had been transferred to another station. After their departure, Amnesty International received information that Ibrahim Umar had, in fact, been taken to a different location within the station.


“It looks as though Ibrahim Umar was hidden from us with the express intention of concealing his whereabouts. It would be a significant step if the police could now release this man, respecting the court order,” said Shetty.


“We urge the government to act on its commitment to bring to justice all those responsible for human violations. A vital first step is to introduce a witness protection programme that makes those who are victims of human rights violations feel safe when they call on the police for protection.”


Source: Amnesty International

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3rd Eko International Film Festival Opens With Heineken's SkyFall Promo

The 3rd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) celebrating Nollywood Divas opened Monday evening with the popular Skyfall James Bond 007 "Crack the Case" Heineken promo at the prestigious Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island in the coastal mega city of Lagos. The event attracted movie buffs and the Nigerian news media with a reception sponsored by Heineken Nigeria at the atrium of the Silverbird Galleria where Skyfall is still pulling crowds to the Silverbird Cinemas after the successful Nigerian premiere last Friday.

The Lagos State government was represented by Mr. Wale Adeniji, from the office of the Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Government Relations. Other special guests included Mr. Fidelis Duker, the Founder/CEO of Abuja International Film Festival, Victor Okhai, the Founder/CEO of In-Short International Film Festival and others from within Nigeria and abroad.

On Tuesday there will be a special screening of award winning director Niji Akanni's romantic thriller Heroes & Zeros, starring Nadia Buari and Bimbo Manuel and also featuring Gabriel Afolayan, Olu Jacobs, Norbert Young, Akin Lewis, Funsho Adeolu and Chervel Bridgette.

The 3rd Eko International Film Festival continues with daily screenings of over 18 more films from multiple award winning filmmakers from host country Nigeria, Spain, USA, UK, Austria, France, Argentina, Haiti and Mozambique till the closing ceremony on Saturday November 10, 2012.

The ticket is N2, 000 only.

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3rd Eko International Film Festival Opens in Lagos

3rd Eko International Film Festival Opens in Lagos

The much talked about 3rd Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) celebrating Nollywood Divas opens this evening at the prestigious Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island in the coastal mega city of Lagos.
The 6 day event will be declared open by the Lagos State government at 5 pm with a red carpet reception in the atrium of the Silverbird Galleria.

Top Nollywood stars confirmed to grace the occasion include Ejike Asiegbu, former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), with Ibinabo Fiberesima, the recently elected first female President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria who will be leading an entourage of leading Nollywood divas among whom are the top twenty nominees for the maiden Nollywood Divas Awards. Other special guests and celebrities are also expected from within Nigeria and abroad.

The opening film Operation Libertad was premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, directed by Swiss director Nicolas Wadimoff. There will be screenings of over 22 selected films from multiple award winning filmmakers from host country Nigeria, Spain, USA, UK, Austria, France, Argentina, Haiti and Mozambique.

The 3rd Eko International Film Festival is supported by the Silverbird Group, Heineken Nigeria, Starcom Media, Supple Communications Limited, International Digital Post Network and other partners and sponsors.
The daily festival pass in only N2, 000 per person and available at the venue.

The annual Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF) is Nigeria’s leading international film festival in the coastal mega city of Lagos in south western Nigeria.It was founded in 2009 by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima and Hope Obioma Opara and duly registered in the same year.

The mission of Eko International Film Festival is to promote the appreciation of Arts and Culture through the motion picture arts and sciences and boost tourism in the global village.

Eko International Film festival is organized by Supple Communications Limited, the publishers of Supple magazine, the first film festivals and culture magazine in Africa showing previews and reviews of movies and interviews 24 hours daily is on www.supplemagazine.org.

The inaugural edition was held in the mega city of Lagos in summer, July 7-12, 2010, at the Genesis Deluxe Cinemas of The Palms in Lekki, Lagos, with filmmakers from Nigeria, Kenya, UK, Germany, France, Spain and America. The second edition was held in July 2011 at the Silverbird Cinemas of the Silverbird Galleria on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The third edition is coming up from November 5-10, 2012.

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