Niger: Emergency Aid for 2,400 People Fleeing Violence in Nigeria

 
Photo Credit: African Spotlight.

 21 May 2013 15:54 Africa/Lagos Niger: Emergency aid for 2,400 people fleeing violence in Nigeria

GENEVA, 21 May 2013 / PRNewswire Africa / - Several hundred families fleeing violence in northern Nigeria and taking refuge in the Diffa area of south-eastern Niger are being provided with emergency supplies and food aid by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Cross Society of Niger. Around 2,400 people in Bosso, Kablewa, Tchoukoujani and Diffa today began taking delivery of emergency aid consisting of 45 tonnes of rice, beans, cooking oil and salt, and of a stock of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, sleeping mats, blankets, buckets, cooking utensils and clothing, which will cover their most urgent needs for approximately one month. "These people, most of whom are originally from Niger but settled in Nigeria some time back, in some cases decades ago, are completely destitute. They have been taken in by families that are sharing their meagre resources with them," said Jean-Nicolas Marti, head of the ICRC's regional delegation for Niger and Mali. "Their situation is very precarious, and they urgently need help." The Diffa area, where the families have taken refuge, was the scene this year of severe flooding that resulted in a considerable shortfall in agricultural production. "If population displacement were to continue at the current pace, or to increase, there is a risk that the delicate economic and food balance in the area could be destroyed, with consequences for the resident population," said Mr Marti. Since September of last year, the ICRC has been helping some 400 nomadic Fulani families who fled the violence and insecure environment of the Maiduguri area of Nigeria to settle at various sites in Diffa. SOURCE : International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) 21 May 2013
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Girls and Women Are Vital To Progress in Nigeria

 
Photo Credit: BIXBY Center for Population, Health and Sustainability.

 LONDON, 15 May 2013 / PRNewswire Africa / - Lynne Featherstone launches a new programme to improve the prospects of girls and women in Nigeria
 
High rates of maternal mortality and violence against women make Nigeria one of the toughest places in the world to be born a girl, Lynne Featherstone said in Abuja today.

The International Development minister made the comments after announcing a new £39 million UK programme which will work with over 120,000 girls as well as local and religious leaders to shift attitudes towards women in the country.

Despite Nigeria's rapid economic growth, life for women in the country remains tough. The country has 10% of the world's maternal mortality deaths and over 80% of women in north Nigeria cannot read. A survey of 15-24 year old women found that the majority think it is reasonable for husbands to beat their wives if they burn food, refuse sex or go out without his permission.

Lynne Featherstone said:
“Shocking rates of inequality, maternal mortality and violence against women make Nigeria one of the toughest places in the world to be born a girl. Women and girls are being shut out from the country's impressive economic growth.”
“What is good for girls and women is good for society as a whole. The government of Nigeria is making good progress on improving the opportunities for women in the country, yet the scale of the challenge remains huge.”

“That is why the UK will help women and girls across the country to come together and find a united voice, improving access to health, education and jobs.”

The 5 year Voices for Change programme will:
•support 120,000 girls across the country to improve their life skills – financial literacy, health education, negotiation skills and awareness of their rights
•work with men and boys as well as traditional and religious leaders to shift attitudes and behaviours towards women
•strengthen legal frameworks and increase national budget resources for women and girls
This is in addition to the UK's existing work with women and girls in Nigeria, which includes:
•helping 4.1 million more women get access to finance through the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access programme
•getting 600,000 more girls through secondary school
•improving care for 600,000 mothers through family planning, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance.

A quarter of sub-Saharan Africa's poor live in Nigeria, which is home to 102 million people living in poverty and one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world.

While in Abuja, Lynne Featherstone also announced a major Child Development Grant Programme. This will support 60,000 mothers to improve the nutrition of young children to prevent stunting in Jigawa and Zamfara states. Final details of these programmes are being agreed with the Nigerian National Planning Commission.
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SOURCE : UK Department for International Development

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U.S. Smartphone Users Spend More Time With Their Phones Than U.K. and China Smartphone Users

 Photo Credit: CNN.

21 May 2013 18:00 Africa/Lagos U.S. Smartphone Users Spend More Time With Their Phones Than U.K. and China Smartphone Users

Time Spent Engaging With Smartphone Functions Varies Across the Three Countries

COLUMBIA, Md., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. smartphone users may spend more time using their phones, but a larger portion of that time is spent on voice calls versus messaging and browsing. 
In the U.K., Arbitron Mobile's smartphone panelists spend a greater amount of time engaging with all of their smartphone apps, equaling 58 percent of time spent using their phones. The same holds true in China, with panelists spending 55 percent of their smartphone usage on apps. Voice call usage is 7 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Both messaging and browsing claim a consistent share of smartphone use across all three countries. Panelists spent 22 to 23 percent of their smartphone time messaging and 12 to 14 percent of their smartphone time browsing.

Smartphone operating systems also seem to impact smartphone function usage. iOS panelists spend more time with their smartphone than Android panelists and with all key functions with the exception of browsing in the U.S. and U.K. Click here for the details of the report.

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Is it Okay To Have A Bad Boss?

Is it okay to have a bad boss?

Nigerian banker’s new book exposes 12 kinds of bosses

May 21, 2013, Victoria Island, Lagos — Darlington Onyeagoro’s thought provoking book on corporate ethics and politics “It’s OK To Have A Bad Boss” shows us how to handle every kind of boss in the office and the boardroom. Its definitely a must read for every worker and of course the BOSS.

The author says: “Its OK To Have A Bad Boss exposes you to the different kinds of bosses and outlines strategies on how to have a fulfilling relationship with them whilst arming you with the necessary tools needed to meander through the murky waters of the workplace. If you are an employer or a boss then this book was written for you”.

Several authors have written on how workers can get along with their bosses, but none has gone as far Onyeagoro has defined the critical characteristics of the different types of bosses in corporate competition from his own unique experiences of working under different bosses in corporate Nigeria and in particular as an employee in one of the top five leading banks in Nigeria.

In Onyeagoro’s “It’s OK To Have A Bad Boss”, you will meet Catherine the Clueless, Peter the Patronizer, Sally the Slacker, Ted Two Face, Matthew the Mystery, Patrice the Perfectionist, Shedrach the Screamer, Sandra the Sadist, Michelle the Machine, Margaret the Miracle, Marvin the Manipulator and Sammy the Social Director. These are the 12 different bosses identified by their peculiarities with their unique strengths and weaknesses and the practical strategies on how to work with them successfully in your career in every office not only in Nigeria, but anywhere in the world

“A lot of employees who do not understand the rules and principles of managing their bosses and colleagues end up in a tough spot all throughout their career. This book provides employees with simple, straight forward principles on how to understand and work with any boss,” said Emeka Onwuka, Chairman Enterprise Bank in Lagos.

​“In it’s okay to have a bad boss, Darlington tried to make us appreciate the fact that no matter the odds. Its okay to have a bad boss is indeed a great read and worthwhile for the reader,” commended Kafilat Araoye​, Group Head, Human Resources​, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in Lagos.

The foreword is written by Mr. Alex Otti, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Diamond Bank Plc where the author works as a senior member of the management staff.

About the Author

Darlington Onyeagoro is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering department in Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State. He has spent the better part of his career as a banker, a motivational speaker, an upward mobility consultant and an entrepreneur. He strongly believes that everyday life in the workplace could be fun if the principles of unmasking and working with bosses and colleagues are understood and applied.

Media Contact
Email: info@itsoktohaveabadboss.com
Tel 08032532634
Website: http://www.itsoktohaveabadboss.com


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Fulani Forum to NEF: You Do Not Represent The Good People of North Nigeria

Fulani Forum to NEF: You Do Not Represent The Good People of North Nigeria

 

In lieu of your statement: NEF to Jonathan: You‘ve declared war on Northern Nigeria

We progressive youth of North Nigeria hereby assert that the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) does not represent the good people of North Nigeria. We are disappointed in the "elders forum," and sincerely believe their pronouncement was made in haste and without proper consultation and consideration in error. We the youth of the Fulaniforum absolutely reject this position. Such a statement proposes to suggest that the NEF is in cohort with Boko Haram, an enemy of Nigeria, an enemy of the north and an enemy of Islam. The federal government has been forced into a position of war against a treacherous group that had progressively annexed major parts of a northern state with campaigns of terror killing innocent Muslims and Christians in reckless abandon.

We understand the frustrations of the NEF, being involved in a supposed dialogue. But we will like to challenge them to tell us what the success of their dialogue was and ask if during the dialogue with Boko Haram, had these wicked people shown consideration of the efforts and goodwill by initiating a temporary cease fire? Rather during alleged dialogue, Boko Haram went on more campaigns of terrorism and killed many innocent Nigerians and military men.

Can the NEF bring these people back to life? Certainly only Allah can. Does the NEF have empathy for those killed in recent days by this condemned cult and the families? As elders and Muslims, does our faith and responsibility defend such people? The greater question will be -- does Islam have a place for discussions with people who kill and kidnap innocent men, women and children? The NEF has become embroiled in partisanship and ethnic aggravation. We Northern youth are progressive. We have suffered the most in the hands of all failed regimes. The elders now or in the past have never defended our interests. An opposing position is no position.

The noble Quran says what means:

O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. - Al Ma'idah 5:8

This appears to be the situation of much of Nigeria today including the NEF, where we are fixated on a position of opposition rather than of a position of progress and protection of the values of our faith and human life.

These are names of a few victims of Boko Haram, who they have sent to their Creator:

Rev. Faye Pama Musa
Hon Modu Bintube - member of the Borno state house of assembly
Mr Zannah Mallam Gana - Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Borno State
Alhaji Ibrahim Jarma Katagun in Bauchi - former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Prisons
Alhaji Adamu Ahmadu - Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)
Modu Bintube - a member of the Borno State House of Assembly
Mustafa Baale - a prominent leader of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP)
Iliya Tada, Ayuba Yusuf, Idris Dogo, Ekliziyar Yan’uwa - members of Nigeriya (EYN -“Church of Brethern”)

And many more innocent victims. Is it the murderers of these people you choose to protect? The NEF was never so outspoken against the attrocities of Boko Haram against the good people of Nigeria. Our brothers and sisters who were being slaughtered by this wicked group of psychopaths who decided to become judge and executioner. Who violated the tenets of Islam. Who have brought endless pain and hardship to the entire northern region and Nigeria as whole, while being a stain on the religion of Islam. But now the NEF is stoking the fire of ethnic bigotry by jumping up to claim a war against the North. This is not our north. We northerners would like to see this curse to the north wiped out Insha Allah. We are fed-up of your politics that puts politics before God and life of man. The Fulaniforum stands by the men of Nigeria's military, while pleading with them to be most astute in conduct of their missions, we support you in carrying out this Godly mission against a virus in Nigeria.

As progressive northern youth, we will only stand for what is right under the banner of Islam and Nigeria our homeland. We reject representation that is harmful and purposefully divisive. We encourage the good Nigerians north and south to no longer remain silent under usurpers of leadership that destroy what we are as human beings and disobeys our human and religious laws.

It was related by Abu Sa`îd al-Khudrî that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The best Jihâd is a word of truth in the presence of an oppressive ruler” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî]

The Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) said: "Allah does not punish the individuals for the sins of the community until they see the evil spreading among themselves, and while they have the power to stop it, do not do so." (Ahmad)

"The master of martyrs (sayyid al-shuhada) is Hamza, and a man who stands up to a tyrant ruler and gives him nasiha (advice). And so the ruler kills him"

 
 Faithfully,
Ibrahim Aminu
Hamza Suleiman
for Fulani forum of Nigeria
Correspondence email: ibrahim@fulaniforum.com
http://fulaniforum.com

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Wole Soyinka's Child Of The Forest Showing In Japan

Accomplished South African based Nigerian filmmaker Akin Omotoso's special documentary film "Wole Soyinka: Child of the Forest" is one of the selected films showing at the 2013 Cinema Africa Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan.

This year's event runs from May 18 - 23, and the lineup of features, docs and shorts, includes several titles previously covered on this blog, like 2 films by Kunle Afolayan: romantic comedy Phone Swap, as well thriller The Figurine. Also docs on Ousmane Sembene and Wole Soyinka, amongst others. And shorts films like Wanuri Kanuri's sci-fi Pumzi.

CINEMA AFRICA is a nonprofit organization in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2006. Our mission is to develop understanding and appreciation of Africa in Japan through African films made by African filmmakers or producers. For this purpose, we have organized Cinema Africa in Tokyo, the only one African film festival in Asia and the Pacific region.

We also recently started distribution of the films to non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and municipalities.

2 CONCEPT OF CINEMA AFRICA

 [1] “AFRICA THROUGH AFRICAN EYES” 

Today, we can see many films focusing on Africa, or filmed in Africa. But what we want to bring to you is the true voice of Africa, and not the films about Africa made in Hollywood or western media. Therefore, we basically introduce African films made by African filmmakers/producers through their own perspectives, which is the only way for us to learn about them. 

[2] “DIRECT FLIGHT FROM AFRICA” 

We cannot just sit and wait in front of our desks, or play with Google to capture the REAL Africa today. Or, we cannot just wait for major film festivals in Europe or US to make their own pick of ‘best’ African films. We would like to tell Japanese people what WE found in Africa. We try to go as many times as possible to Africa to attend African film festivals, held in such places as Burkina Faso, South Africa, Zanzibar, Rwanda, etc, to see with our own eyes and collect the latest films.

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Bollywood Super Star Amitabh Bachchan and Leonardo DiCaprio Open 66th Cannes Film Festival

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Baz Luhrmann's "The Great Gatsby" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire Wednesday evening lifted the spirits of the opening ceremony of the 66th Cannes Film Festival in spite of the rainy day on the French Riviera.
They were joined on stage by Steven Spielberg and other members of the 2013 Jury of the Cannes Film Festival.

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All Screens Are Created Equal At USA Network

16 May 2013 15:15 Africa/Lagos.


All Screens Are Created Equal At USA Network

#1 Cable Network Unifies Linear & Digital Experiences

Innovative New Design Provides Brand Partners with Seamless Experiences Across On-Air and Digital Platforms

 

NEW YORK, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- USA Network today announced it is redefining how consumers watch and interact with TV by unifying the viewing experience - both visually & functionally - across all devices.  Using responsive design technology, USA has created a seamless experience for the fan, where content and engagement will be available across all screens, from the TV to the web to mobile.  USA is also refreshing its brand look and feel to complement its screen unification strategy. The announcement was made in conjunction with USA's Upfront (#USAupfront), which is being held today at Pier 36 in New York.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130516/NY15509-a)
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(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130516/NY15509-f)

Each digital touch point will offer TV Everywhere, gamification, and real-time social TV to amplify the viewers' experience. With this new offering, USA's marketing partners will have the unique opportunity to participate in branded experiences, extending their reach and directly connecting with fans. The new capabilities will start to go live on June 6, as USA's summer of originals launches with BURN NOTICE and GRACELAND that night starting at 9/8c.

"As part of USA's digital evolution, we are embracing this multiplatform world by marrying all of the screens for stronger two-way engagements with our compelling content," says Alexandra Shapiro, Executive Vice President, USA Network. "We have eliminated the walls between TVs and mobile devices to give brands a unified and fluid fan interaction, organically extending their presence everywhere the consumer is."
This new functionality will offer the unique ability for brands to live across any screen, going beyond traditional commercials to include transmedia storytelling experiences and streamed episodes. Using cutting-edge technology, USA will link on-air snipes and lower thirds graphics with their mobile device or desktop, enabling brands to engage on a deeper level with fans on every screen. Social media capabilities are integrated into the fabric of the site bringing people and brands together around live shows and extensions.

"USA Network's move to utilize a responsive design approach to create a consistent experience across devices that integrates video, interactivity, and social networking offers fans multiple attractive destinations in which to engage with their favorite content," said Greg Ireland, Research Manager, IDC, a leading market intelligence firm. "Television networks increasingly need to make content available to fans no matter where those fans are and what devices they are using, and seamless digital environments enable fan engagement with both content and brands."

USA is incorporating natural user experiences from mobile devices into the core architecture, making it easy for fans to engage and drill down into more immersive experiences. To facilitate viewing on all devices, the network is moving the digital navigation tools to the bottom of the screen, putting the content front and center for fans and placing the interactivity bar within a thumb's reach.

USA partnered with key technology leaders to power its unification strategy, including Bunchball, Echo, Empathy Lab, RebelMouse, and Watchwith.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented seven straight years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. The network has garnered an Emmy nomination for its fan favorite Psych: HashTag Killer along with multiple Shortys and an AdAge Vanguard Media award. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com with social touchpoints on Facebook and Twitter. Characters Welcome.

SOURCE USA Network

CONTACT: Suzanne McGee (Brand & Digital), 212.413.6150, suzanne.mcgee@nbcuni.com
Web Site: http://www.usanetwork.com

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The World According To the News Media and Blogosphere

Nicolas Kayser-Bril, one of the Online Journalism Blog’s Virtual Interns wrote the article with vivid cartograms showing the world through the eyes of editors-in-chief, in 2007. Countries swell as they receive more media attention; others shrink as we forget them. Click here for the full details. Tweet

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Now in the World's Most Advanced 7" Tablet

Yes. You can have an amazing display of the new NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® in the Kindle Fire HD Tablet, the world's most advanced 7" tablet and makes NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® the first Nigerian magazine to be delivered in this awesome mobile device that everyone who loves tablets is falling in love with. Seeing is believing!

Massive Book Selection Shop the Kindle Store for over 1.2 million of the most popular books, or explore millions of free, public domain books such as Pride and Prejudice. Vibrant Magazines Enjoy over 400 magazines in brilliant HD display, with beautifully detailed illustrations and glossy full-color layouts. Double tap an article for easier reading view and starting next month, tap the cover to go directly to an article and bookmark your favorite articles for future reference. Magazines include favorites such as Vogue, National Geographic, Maxim, Cosmopolitan, ESPN and Better Homes and Gardens.

Lowest Book Prices Over 600,000 books are less than $4.99, over a million are less than $9.99. Read for Free with Prime Amazon Prime members can borrow over 180,000 titles for free with the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates. Exclusive Kindle Titles Over 180,000 Kindle exclusive titles from best-selling authors including Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen Covey, Andy Borowitz and Karen McQuestion.

World's most advanced 7" tablet

1280x800 HD display with polarizing filter and anti-glare technology for rich color and deep contrast from any viewing angle Exclusive Dolby audio and dual-driver stereo speakers for immersive, virtual surround sound World's first tablet with dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi for over 35% faster downloads and streaming (compared to the iPad mini) High performance 1.2 Ghz dual-core processor with Imagination PowerVR 3D graphics core for fast and fluid performance Over 23 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, books, audiobooks, and popular apps and games such as Facebook, Netflix, Twitter, HBO GO, Pandora, and Angry Birds Space Integrated support for Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo! and more, as well as Exchange calendar, contacts, and email Front-facing HD camera for taking photos or making video calls using Skype, Facebook, and other apps Free unlimited cloud storage for all your Amazon content Kindle FreeTime — a free, personalized tablet experience just for kids on the Kindle Fire HD. Set daily screen limits, and give access to appropriate content for each child Kindle FreeTime Unlimited — just for kids. Unlimited access to books, games, apps, movies and TV shows. Learn more Prime Instant Video — unlimited, instant streaming of thousands of popular movies and TV shows Kindle Owners' Lending Library — Kindle owners can choose from more than 270,000 books to borrow for free with no due dates, including over 100 current and former New York Times best sellers NEW: Kindle Fire owners get 500 Amazon Coins (a $5 value) to spend on Kindle Fire apps and games. Learn more

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