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Monday, September 9, 2013
POLITICAL CARTOON OF THE WEEK: The Agony of Assad of Syria
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Sunday, September 8, 2013
Ster-Kinekor To Bring The First Commercial Multiplex IMAX® Theatre To South Africa
Ster-Kinekor Theatres, the largest cinema exhibitor in South Africa, with 438 screens and 63,000 seats spread across 54 sites.
The cheering news of the return of IMAX to South Africa is already making headlines in the news and social media channels since the IMAX theaters at the Menlyn Park in Pretoria and Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban closed over three years ago on Wednesday, 30 June, 2010. The Hyde Park IMAX in Johannesburg closed in 2003 and Cape Victoria & Alfred Waterfront IMAX in Cape Town shut down in 2004. And one person I know who will be really happy to see the return of IMAX is Pfangirl of Durban, Natal, South Africa, because she almost wept when she reported the closure of the previous IMAX theaters in South Africa.
3 September, 2013 12:30 Africa/Lagos
Ster-Kinekor To Bring The First Commercial Multiplex IMAX® Theatre To South Africa
World's Most Immersive Cinematic Experience to Enter Country's Top-Performing Multiplex
NEW YORK, Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX; TSX:IMX) and Ster-Kinekor Theatres, a division of Primedia Ltd., today announced an agreement to install an IMAX® theatre in the Ster-Kinekor Gateway Multiplex at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Durban, South Africa. The deal represents IMAX's first commercial multiplex theatre in the country.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111107/MM01969LOGO)
"IMAX delivers a moviegoing experience so lifelike that customers are willing to pay a premium for it, and as a result we are confident that IMAX will strengthen the performance of our flagship multiplex in Durban," said Fiaz Mahomed, CEO, Ster-Kinekor. "IMAX supports our mission to deliver unforgettable entertainment experiences, and we look forward to presenting the world's biggest blockbusters in the world's most immersive cinematic format."
"Today's agreement – with South Africa's number-one exhibitor at the country's number-one cinema complex – represents the ideal scenario under which to mark IMAX's first commercial multiplex entry into the country," said Andrew Cripps, President, IMAX EMEA. "We are delighted to welcome Ster-Kinekor to the IMAX business and believe our partnership will not only raise our visibility in South Africa, but also set the stage for mutual growth opportunities in the region."
About Ster-Kinekor Theatres
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Primedia Group, Ster-Kinekor is the leader in bringing blockbuster films to its audiences across the country and, despite South Africans watching their pockets, Ster-Kinekor has seen an increase in cinema attendance year on year. With 52 local movie complexes situated in prime locations like Sandton City, Gateway and Cavendish Square, and a further five abroad in Namibia, Zambia, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Ster-Kinekor can entertain over 64,000 movie goers every two hours on over 400 big screens. From action and suspense, to romance and comedies, Ster-Kinekor Theatres offers the latest the film industry has to offer. And if it's 3D you're after, then you'll be pleased to know that SK has 112 state-of-the-art 3D cinemas, securing its 3D footprint in the country and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theatres to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, with offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing. As of June 30, 2013, there were 767 IMAX theatres (634 commercial multiplexes, 19 commercial destinations and 114 institutions) in 54 countries.
IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, IMAX DMR®, Experience It In IMAX®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, The IMAX Experience® and IMAX Is Believing® are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
For additional information please contact:
SOURCE IMAX CorporationWeb Site: http://www.imax.com .
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Saturday, September 7, 2013
Recherché Signature Events Fetes Abuja With A NetCocktail Evening
RECHERCHE EVENTS FETES ABUJA WITH A NETCOCKTAIL EVENING
A completely new innovation in high echelon lifestyle and relaxation is about to unfold in the Federal capital territory of Nigeria. Known as NETCOCKTAIL evening, it is being hosted by Recherché events and will be a monthly event with the first edition taking place on Saturday 07 September 2013. It is an event that will bring together like minded professionals and lifestyle connoisseurs; an evening to network with peers. It will be a mix and mingle event designed to bring upscale urban professionals and good quality people together from diverse backgrounds. The objective of this event is to create an environment where people can mingle and enjoy a vast array of spectacular star performances in music, performing arts, poetry, comedy and lots more.
Recherché Signature Events and Gifts a member of Royal Lifestyle Services Group is presenting this event in partnership with Casalinda hotels, forming a synergy that has capacity to create and deliver an ambience of near utopian excellence and complete pomp, while at the same time maintaining a calm ease and relaxation. Side attractions will be performances by Nigeria’s king of the flutists; T Mac. There will also be motivational speeches by renowned inspiring personality builders as well as rib cracking sessions with comedians.
Quality people from diverse backgrounds in business, government diplomatic corps and corporate endeavors will have a platform in the event to network for further advancements in business while at the same time enjoying the best of classy entertainment and relaxation.
The event will enable attendees to enjoy a vast array of spectacular performances in music, performing arts, poetry,comedy and more. There will be cocktails and hor d' oeuvre. Casalinda Hotel is located at no 6 Takwa Crescent Wuse II, by Exclusive Store. Dress Code for the event is formal while tickets are available at the price of N5000 each and will be on sale at the venue.
Media Contact:
Mr. Ingram Adichie Osigwe
MD/CEO, Fullpage International Communications Limited.
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Friday, September 6, 2013
Nelson Mandela Statue To Be Unveiled In Nation's Capital
5 September 2013, 16:39. Africa/Lagos.
Nelson Mandela Statue To Be Unveiled In Nation's Capital
WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by Brand South Africa: A statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela is to be unveiled on September 21 at the spot where thousands of Americans from all walks of life symbolically surrendered their liberty to demand Mr Mandela's release from prison and the freedom of millions of South Africans from the bonds of apartheid.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130905/DC74789)
The 9-foot statue by Cape Town sculptor Jean Doyle will stand outside South Africa's newly renovated embassy on Massachusetts Ave. The figure is modelled from photographs of the South African statesman striding triumphantly to freedom on February 11, 1990, after 28 years of incarceration.
South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashabane and former Deputy President Baleka Mbete, now chair of Mr Mandela's African National Congress, will be among the dignitaries flying in for the ceremony.
The US will be represented by senior administration officials, members of Congress and civil rights leaders, including the four whose sit-in and arrest at the embassy on November 21, 1984, marked the birth of the Free South Africa Movement.
They were Randall Robinson, founder of TransAfrica, Mary Frances Berry, former chair of the US Civil Right Commission, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and her predecessor as DC delegate, Rev. Walter Fauntroy.
They will be joined by Mark Cutifani, the new CEO of Anglo-American Corp., the South African mining group, and David Constable, CEO of South African's synthetic fuels and chemicals giant Sasol which recently announced one of the largest direct investments in the US ever by a foreign company.
In addition to Anglo and Sasol, donors include Old Mutual, Wal-Mart, MTN, Skadden Arps, the Coca-Cola Company, Black and Veatch, Solar Reserve, Standard Bank and Stanley and Bea Tollman.
South African Airways, the national carrier, has also contributed generously to the project and is transporting the half ton bronze plated statue to Washington at no charge.
Almost every day from Thanksgiving 1983 through the following year, a cross-section of American society, from congressional leaders and celebrities like Stevie Wonder to mothers pushing strollers, gathered at the South African embassy and peaceably had themselves arrested for trespass.
The campaign built momentum toward passage of the 1986 Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act (CAAA), a bipartisan measure adopted over President Reagan's veto (as retold in the current hit film, The Butler) to put pressure on Pretoria to release Mr Mandela and other political prisoners and begin negotiations for a new non-racial democratic order.
Skadden Arps partner and former White House chief counsel Greg Craig, who as foreign policy adviser to the late Senator Edward Kennedy played a significant role in crafting the CAAA, supported the statue project with legal services.
A plaque at the base of the statue quotes from Mr Mandela's address to a joint session of Congress months after his release in 1990:
"The stand you took established…that here we have friends…fighters against racism who feel hurt because we are hurt, who seek our success because they too seek the victory of democracy over tyranny. I speak…of the millions of people throughout this great land who stood up and engaged the apartheid system in struggle. Let us keep our arms locked together so that we form a solid phalanx against racism…Let us ensure that justice triumphs without delay."
"We like to think this statue completes a golden triangle of monuments to leaders – Mahatma Ghandi, Dr Martin Luther King and now Nelson Mandela – who have shown by their examples that while the arm of the universe is long, it does not only tend towards justice of its own accord, it can be hastened in that direction peacefully by inspired leadership," South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool said.
The statue, a copy of one that stands outside the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, where Mr Mandela spent his final years in prison, faces onto Massachusetts Avenue, an artery that takes much of Washington's elite to its offices downtown.
"Decisions that affect the world are made by men and women – including the US Vice President -- who pass this way every day on their way to and from work. We hope they may draw inspiration from this reminder of a great South African," said Simon Barber, US Country Manager for Brand SA.
Across the road is a statue of Winston Churchill, placed in front of the British ambassador's residence in 1966 by the English Speaking Union, with right hand raised in the trademark Churchill V-for-victory. Mr Mandela's right hand is raised in the fist of a power salute.
"As you know," said Ambassador Rasool with a grin, "rock beats scissors".
SOURCE Brand South Africa
CONTACT: Simon Barber, simonb@brandsouthafrica.com, +1 202 276 5084
Web Site: http://www.brandsouthafrica.us.Tweet
Thursday, September 5, 2013
AKA Ikenga Salutes President Goodluck Jonathan and Princess Stella Oduah on Enugu International Airport
AKA IKENGA SALUTES PRESIDENT JONATHAN AND PRINCESS STELLA ODUAH ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO ENUGU AIRPORT
On Sunday 25th August, ‘Aka Ikenga’, the Think Tank Group of Igbo patriots, with operational bases in Surulere Lagos, resolved on their meeting, to give 100% Igbo salute to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, for the fulfillment of his electoral promise with the upgrading to international standard of the Akanu-Ibiam airport Enugu and the commencement of international flights to the airport.
President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.
Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah.
The tremendous joy that the airport has generated among the people of Eastern Nigeria, shows that the president recognized the fact that the people of the south east zone badly needed an outlet to the world and the approval of international flight to the Enugu airport marks him out as a president that is genuinely interested in promoting development and keeping the country together. The tremendous positive economic impact that the international airport will engender towards unity and prosperity of Nigeria, has proven that President Jonathan is a doer, not a talker! Now Igbo people abroad do not have to do another six hours on the road to get home, after flying eleven to sixteen hours to come into the country.
In a media release signed by his President, Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, Aka Ikenga also salutes the vibrant, energetic and super-achieving aviation minister, Princes Stella Oduah, for recording this milestone achievement, making the dream of Igbo people to come true. The group also salutes all the members of the National Assembly, led by deputy senate president, senator Ike Ekweremadu, who dedicated their constituency projects to the airport and indeed all who saw to the completion of the airport, to the satisfaction of an enduring call from the people of the South East who have for many years clamoured for an international airport for the zone, which they believe will reinforce the resourcefulness of the people who are known for their entrepreneurship and trade.
Henceforth, businessmen and other travelers from Enugu, Aba, Abakaliki, Onistha, Owerri, Umuahia, and as far as Asaba and Benin, will be saved the distress of travelling hours to Lagos and Abuja to board international flights, with the inherent dangers on the road, as they fight for time to catch their flights to international destinations.
Aka Ikenga unanimously resolved that President Jonathan and his team have fulfilled their promise of giving every part of the country equal opportunity to develop and realize its dreams. The group particularly commends the aviation minister for her determination in actualizing the aviation master plan, which the Jonathan administration has prioritized in its transformation agenda, with the objective of giving every part of the country and every citizen, the opportunity to grow to his full potential.
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Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Malala Calls for Peace and Development in Nigeria, Syria and Somalia
The following are the awesome words of Malala Yousafzai as she declared open a new library in Birmingham, the largest in Europe. She was flown to the central English city for surgery last October after being shot by a gunman as she travelled to school in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat region.
"Pens and books are the weapons that will defeat terrorism."
"There is no greater weapon than knowledge and no greater source of knowledge than the written word."
"We must not forget that 57 million children are out of school."
"We must speak up for peace and development in Nigeria, Syria and Somalia."
"We must speak up for the children of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, who are suffering from terrorism, poverty, child labour and child trafficking."
"Let us help them through our voice, action and charity."
"Let us help them to read books and go to school."
"And let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world." .
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17 year-old Nigerian Girl in Coma After Gang Rape in Ogoniland
17 year-old Nigerian Girl in Coma After Gang Rape in Ogoniland
A 17 year-old Nigerian girl fell into coma last Saturday after she was raped by a rampaging gang of suspected Deegbam cultists in Teyor Kaani, an Ogoni community in Khana local government area of Rivers state.
According to a report by The Neighbourhood.com, the girl, not knowing that there was danger in the community innocently walked into an ambush by the heavily armed gang of cultists believed to be from Gbor Kaani at 9 am on Saturday, August 31, 2013.
The gang-rape group assaulted the girl until she fell into coma before they left her, thinking she was dead. She was later rushed to a nearby hospital where efforts were made to revive her. However, as at press time, she was still in coma..
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#Trending: Wine's Growing Influence on Culture
4 Sep 2013 18:01 Africa/Lagos
#Trending: Wine's Growing Influence on Culture
World's Largest Trend Community Weighs in as Wolf Blass
® Marks 30
th Anniversary of Yellow Label in Canada
According to "Top Trends in Wine" released today by
Wolf Blass
and Trend Hunter, the largest online trend community encompassing approximately 12,000
Canadians: our growing knowledge of wine is fueled by technology, we
have an infatuation with fashion, and a thirst for experiences are
among the trends moving wine out of the cellar and putting it squarely
on our 'social agenda' in and out of the home.
Five Hot Trends, One Top Blend:*
Regarded as an innovator globally, the wineries' founder, Wolfgang (Wolf) Blass, is credited for setting many wine trends, including helping to establish quality wines from Australia in Canada. Today's release of the "Top Trends in Wine" coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Wolf Blass Yellow Label in Canada, ranked as Canada's top-selling Cabernet Sauvignon. The milestone is being marked by the release of a "Limited Edition" Yellow Label Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre Barossa blend and through a series of wine experiences and social campaigns (#HadABlass), placing Wolf Blass squarely in the trends.
Wolf Blass History of Innovations / Milestones:
Jeremy Gutsche, Chief Trend Hunter and Author Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change.
"Wolf Blass and Trend Hunter are revealing new research reflecting a radical shift in society's engagement with wine, fueled by our growing obsession with style, access to technology, and pursuit of experiences. These trends are indicators of what we value socially, with our friends at our table, and socially in our network. One thing is clear: change has come to the wine industry affording a new opportunity to capture Millennials and Gen X'ers in addition to boomers."
About Wolf Blass:
Wolf Blass was established in the Barossa Valley in 1966 and has grown from a humble tin shed to become one of the world's most successful and awarded wine brands. A recipient of more than 3,000 medals and trophies at national and international wine shows, the essence of Wolf Blass wines is exemplified through the passion of its custodians past and present as they continuously strive to produce wines of quality, character and consistency.
About Trend Hunter:
Trend Hunter, based in Toronto, Canada, was launched in 2006. With 40,000,000 monthly views, TrendHunter.com is the world's largest, most popular trend community fueled by a global network of 121,000 members. Trend Hunter crowd sources thousands of ideas and crowd filter the best articles using millions of weekly views. Trend Hunter TV and Trend Hunter PRO feature 201,000 micro-trends and cutting edge ideas.
* Additional data on trends by region and by gender available.
___________________________________
1 http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1102565/canada-s-wine-and-spirits-market-to-continue-rapid-growth
2 http://www.vintank.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/VinTank_SocialMediaReport.pdf
3 http://visual.ly/are-there-any-good-wine-apps-iphone
4 www.facebook.com/WolfBlassCanada
SOURCE Wolf Blass
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Wines www.wolfblasswines.com. 2013 Marks the 30th Anniversary of Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon in Canada. (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30362.jpg
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Yellow Label 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Blend (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30331.jpg
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Wines Marks 30 Years in Canada with a look at wine trends around the world and evolution of Canada's top-selling Cabernet Sauvignon. (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30385.jpg
TORONTO, Sept. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadians love their wine. So much so,
we're not only among one of the fastest growing wine consumers globally1, we're fundamentally changing an industry centuries in the making as
wine continues to become a key part of our lifestyle.
Five Hot Trends, One Top Blend:*
Regarded as an innovator globally, the wineries' founder, Wolfgang (Wolf) Blass, is credited for setting many wine trends, including helping to establish quality wines from Australia in Canada. Today's release of the "Top Trends in Wine" coincides with the 30th Anniversary of Wolf Blass Yellow Label in Canada, ranked as Canada's top-selling Cabernet Sauvignon. The milestone is being marked by the release of a "Limited Edition" Yellow Label Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre Barossa blend and through a series of wine experiences and social campaigns (#HadABlass), placing Wolf Blass squarely in the trends.
Wolf Blass History of Innovations / Milestones:
- 1960s: Australian table wines first introduced to Canada.
- 1970s: Amidst an industry of plain white labels, Wolf Blass introduces colour coded labels to simplify wine shopping.
- 1983: Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon available for the first time in Canada.
- 1991: Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon now a general list in Ontario - LCBO price $13.30.
- 1996: Wolf Blass becomes Canada's top selling Australian wine (750 ml).
- 2000: Wolf Blass moves to screw cap closures across its entire portfolio of wines.
- 2006: Wolf Blass collaborates with LCBO to launch world's first 750ml unbreakable wine bottle.
- 2013: Wolf Blass named Red Winemaker of the Year at London's International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Jeremy Gutsche, Chief Trend Hunter and Author Exploiting Chaos: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change.
"Wolf Blass and Trend Hunter are revealing new research reflecting a radical shift in society's engagement with wine, fueled by our growing obsession with style, access to technology, and pursuit of experiences. These trends are indicators of what we value socially, with our friends at our table, and socially in our network. One thing is clear: change has come to the wine industry affording a new opportunity to capture Millennials and Gen X'ers in addition to boomers."
About Wolf Blass:
Wolf Blass was established in the Barossa Valley in 1966 and has grown from a humble tin shed to become one of the world's most successful and awarded wine brands. A recipient of more than 3,000 medals and trophies at national and international wine shows, the essence of Wolf Blass wines is exemplified through the passion of its custodians past and present as they continuously strive to produce wines of quality, character and consistency.
About Trend Hunter:
Trend Hunter, based in Toronto, Canada, was launched in 2006. With 40,000,000 monthly views, TrendHunter.com is the world's largest, most popular trend community fueled by a global network of 121,000 members. Trend Hunter crowd sources thousands of ideas and crowd filter the best articles using millions of weekly views. Trend Hunter TV and Trend Hunter PRO feature 201,000 micro-trends and cutting edge ideas.
* Additional data on trends by region and by gender available.
___________________________________
1 http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1102565/canada-s-wine-and-spirits-market-to-continue-rapid-growth
2 http://www.vintank.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/VinTank_SocialMediaReport.pdf
3 http://visual.ly/are-there-any-good-wine-apps-iphone
4 www.facebook.com/WolfBlassCanada
SOURCE Wolf Blass
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Wines www.wolfblasswines.com. 2013 Marks the 30th Anniversary of Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon in Canada. (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30362.jpg
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Yellow Label 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Blend (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30331.jpg
Image with caption: "Wolf Blass Wines Marks 30 Years in Canada with a look at wine trends around the world and evolution of Canada's top-selling Cabernet Sauvignon. (CNW Group/Wolf Blass)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130904_C9776_PHOTO_EN_30385.jpg
CONTACT: Gabby Nobrega, Breakthrough Communications
gabbyn@rogers.com
(mobile) 416-930-9756
(office) 905-565-6112
@gabbynpr .
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Do You Want To Travel for Free and Even Get Paid?
10 volunteer opportunities for free travel
The chance to give something back, share your
skills and knowledge, meet other travelers, or simply to meet the locals
— this is the essence of volunteer travel.
THERE ARE MANY reasons to engage in volunteer travel, and there are
literally thousands of charities and organizations that provide
volunteer opportunities for passing travelers.Many ask for donations or fees to cover costs and others operate as for-profit businesses, but the list below includes only those that cost little or nothing to get involved with and help out:
1. WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
www.wwoof.org – Board and lodging is offered in exchange for a day’s work on the farm. Stays available from one week to many years, and with thousands of hosts available in 53 countries there are volunteer opportunities suitable for everyone.For more information, check out A first-timer’s guide to WWOOF-ing.
2. Turtle Teams, Worldwide
A generic name for the thousands of small groups that help threatened sea turtles. Most groups are based at one or two nesting beaches — which are typically at risk from over-exploitation — and appreciate help for even just one night.All-inclusive, week-long volunteer travel tours range in cost from a few hundred dollars to the thousands, their style of accommodations reflecting the pricetag. However, if you can cover room and board on your own, nearly all sea turtle organizations accept volunteers. A few even offer extremely low-cost housing (though typically very basic) for those willing to volunteer long-term, including Playa Las Tortugas in Mexico.
Search for groups at the local tourist office close to any tropical beach and help a species come off the endangered list. More information can be found at these larger organizations: www.seaturtles.org and www.cccturtle.org.
3. Conservation Volunteers, Australia and New Zealand
www.conservationvolunteers.com.au – Through various short-term projects in Australia, New Zealand, and a few international locations, you’ll work in teams to protect habitats and promote ecotourism.Volunteer opportunities that include overnight stays, meals, and lodging are typically provided at approximately AUS$40 per night for shorter stays, and starting from AUS$208 for week-long projects. The type of accommodations can vary widely from campsites to bunkhouses. UK-based TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) offers programs for EU residents ranging from no-cost day trips to pricier week-long International Conservation Holidays.
4. Sudan Volunteer Programme, Sudan
www.svp-uk.com – Teach English in one of the world’s most impoverished countries. Placements are at schools or universities, but many volunteers help with community projects in addition to their teaching.Volunteers must pay for their airfare but all other costs are covered, and a small monthly stipend is provided.
5. Appalachian Trail Conservancy, USA
www.appalachiantrail.org – At over 2,000 miles long, the Appalachian Trail is the classic long trail in the Eastern US and home to almost 2,000 endangered or threatened species.Volunteers help with trail building and maintenance in return for food and (usually very basic) accommodation.
6. Trip Leader for HF Holidays, Europe
www.hfholidays.co.uk – One of Europe’s most popular walking holiday operators is searching for volunteers to guide their treks. Leaders are provided with accommodation, meals, and the chance to explore Europe in return for sharing their passion and knowledge with the groups they accompany.7. Help Exchange, Worldwide
www.helpx.net – A website that lists worldwide hosts who are looking for an extra pair of hands, whether it be in their farm or garden, working in schools or on religious projects, building houses or community centers, or simply helping a family take the kids to school.A small membership fee is required to access host details, but board and lodging is provided in exchange for your work.
8. Peace Corps, Worldwide
www.peacecorps.gov – A unique chance to live and work in another country. Participate in a variety of projects, from healthcare and the environment to business development.A commitment of 27 months to the placement is required, but for those who are willing, this is a life-changing position. Open only to US residents, but similar volunteer travel projects are available for other nationals with VSO.
9. United Nations Volunteers, Worldwide
www.unv.org – From healthcare and economic development to assisting after natural disasters, the UN offers volunteer opportunities for those that are dedicated to making a difference abroad.While many positions are open only to experienced professionals, the UN has links to hundreds of international NGOs and QANGOs that are looking for help in similar fields on a less formal basis.
10. Kibbutz Volunteer, Israel
www.kibbutzvolunteer.com – An area that is rarely out of the news, Israel is a land of tight communities but complicated politics.Engaging in volunteer travel here gives you the opportunity to experience this region firsthand while living as part of a socialist community where everything is provided. The region also serves as a good base from which to explore the Middle East and North Africa.
(Note: Traveling between other Middle East countries and Israel can be challenging, though you can fly from Israel to Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. Having Israeli stamps in your passport will likely cause issues when attempting to enter some Middle East countries. Entry into Israel after having traveled the region is typically not denied, though you may be subject to travel delays for questioning.) .
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52 Hearty Cheers To an Amazon, Philanthropist and Mother
52 HEARTY CHEERS TO AN AMAZON, PHILANTHROPIST AND MOTHER
~ By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
“Every wise woman buildeth her house,” according to Proverbs 14 verse 1. It is based on this singular fact considering how this passage of the bible tallies with the vision of Mrs. Evang. Ada Chioma Henrietta Eze who toils daily to build her house from noting to what it is today that I hereby decorate this inspiring woman, whose life is totally dedicated and committed to building her home. She has become her family a model to many Christian families in all aspects of what a God fearing family should be.
We have met in the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria in 1986 as undergraduates. I came to understand and appreciate what Proverbs 22:18 says, “Whosoever findeth a wife findeth good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” as this lady turned my life from nobody to somebody.
Mrs. Ada Chioma Eze formerly Miss Henrietta Nwaorgu of Ngor-Okpala in Imo State was born on 5th September, 1962 to the family of Pa Paulinus Nwaorgu and late Mrs. Celine Ada Nwaorgu. She is the third child of a family of nine with renowned Physician, Prof O.G.B. Nwaorgu of ENT Department in UCH, Ibadan and Romanus Nwaorgu a senior Custom Officer as brothers. She started her educational career at Umuodage Ntu Primary School from 1970 to 1976 and Secondary School at Amala/Ntu Sec. School from 1976 to 1981 all in Ngor Nkpala Local Government Area in Imo State.
From 1981 to 1983 she attended the famous Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Owerri where she did her Higher School Certificate which qualified her for a direct entry admission in the famous Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri and University of Calabar in 1985. She however preferred the University of Calabar where she read History and graduated in 1988. Mrs. Eze did the compulsory National Youth Service, NYSC with the Ministry of Sports in Rivers State. By 2006, this Amazon obtained her Master’s Degree (MPA) in Public Administration from Federal University of Technology, Yola Adamawa State.
Though married to this wonderful lady for over 23 years now, writing about her gives me so much joy and happiness which only God can give. I met her as a student in University of Calabar, Cross Rivers in 1985 but sports brought us closer and since then we have being lovers till date and it never surprised many of her room friends including (Barr Gloaria Akor, Barr Mrs Uche Uriri and Mrs Ohunene Scott-Ananaba, all of who I met recently, that we were married.
I was the Faculty of Arts Sports Coordinator in 1986 and it happened that we were in the same Faculty so because of her outstanding interest and performance in Sports, I called her to assist me coordinate the female athletes as it will be difficult for me to be visiting the female hostels to ask them to come out for training and participation in the games. At the end of that year’s Inter-Faculty Games, Faculty of Arts came tops; while she was the most outstanding female athlete. I was declared the Best Sports Coordinator that year that afforded me to be elected unopposed as the Director of Sports in the SUG Election of 1986.
With the help of this true gift from God, I was able to manage the UNICAL Football Team to become the champions of the Maiden edition of the NFA/PEPSI COLA Football Tournament amongst Higher Institutions in Nigeria in 1987. With this feat, I was awarded scholarship with the rest of the players to complete our education in the University.
By 1987, she assisted me to organize the first Sports Honours Nit ever in the University where prominent sports sponsors like Alh. G.NA. Hamza, Chief M.K.O Abiola and Chief Emmanuel Iwanyanwu were honoured.
On completion of her youth service in Port Harcourt, she joined me in Yola in 1989 where I was posted for the same exercise. Again, this Angel assisted me to become the most outstanding Corps Member in the State and becoming the first Corps Member in Nigeria to have served the nation without receiving the normal allowances paid to NYSC members when I donated mine for the development of my host Community.
We stayed back in Yola after the youth service and by the grace of God was able to finish the normal traditional demands of her people and formerly got wedded by the then Rev, Ignatius Kagama now Bishop Kagama in charge of Jos Diocese of Catholic Church at St. Theresa Cathedral, Yola in May, 1992.
With her assistance, we established a Sports Company (Eze Continental Sports Ltd through which we donated several cups for competitions and made our names household in the entire Adamawa State. Regrettably after several years in Yola, we were forced to leave Yola about a year ago due to the menace of the Islamic sect, Boko Harams. Today, we are blessed with six wonderful kids, four in the university and one in secondary school while the last aged ten in still in primary school.
Mrs Ada C.H. Eze was born under the Virgo Astrology sign of August 23 –September 22 and when, I wanted to write on this wonderful woman, I looked through her Horoscope star and it seems that those that drafted it had her in mind “Analytical. Observant, Helpful, Reliable and Precise as these are truly the characters of this epitome of true womanhood. Read through the Virgo Sign and u will be reading about Mrs. Ada Eze but if you are not satisfied with the Virgo Signs then read Proverbs Chapter 31 verses 10 to 31 and you would have captured Mrs Ada Eze in her true nature.
Let us consider just few of the verses of Proverbs 31 that was authored by the Holy Spirit that captures the kind of woman Mrs. Ada Eze is. Proverbs 31:10 says, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her prize is far above rubies.11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.13. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.14. She is like the merchant’s ships; she bringeth her food afar.15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens.16. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.17. she girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.18. she perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20. She stretchet out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her cloth is silk and purple.23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land, 24. She maketh fine linen and selleth it; and delievereth girdles unto the merchant.25. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her.29. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.30, favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.31. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates”.
Frankly speaking all these verses have one thing or the other to express about this woman that I have prayed God to allow me marry her and marry again, if there is anything like reincarnation. I wonder what will be my fate in this world if not for the part this special gift to me played in my life.
In line with Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 24. “She maketh fine linen and selleth it; and delievereth girdles unto the merchant”, I left our family business to her to run while I pursue my political career outside Adamawa State and she did improved so much on it that people wondered what exactly I was doing when I was in-charge.
In line with Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 20. “She strectcheth out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy”, she founded the Compassionate Ministry through which she shares to the needy the goods that comes her way. A devout Christian who love God and committed to live out the tenets of laws of God and work hard to inculcate her beliefs in her children and the rest of her family and the Public Relations Officer of the Women Fellowship of Redeemed Peoples Mission, Yola District. Drama Producer/Director of the same church from 2009 to 2011 and currently an Evangelist based in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to Chapter 31 verse 26. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness”, she stands as my most outstanding critic as she takes time to criticise any of my works or conducts that did not meet with her obvious high standard as she believes in excellence.
In line with Proverbs 31 verse 31. “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates”; and according to Nnenna Eze one of her fruits and her third daughter, “My Mum is a Princess in the court of d most high. I’ve always known my mum to be a woman of honour, prayer, virtue, wisdom, anointing, inspiration, godliness, righteousness, endurance, an instrument of Joy, dignity to mention a few. She’s just the best mum any child can ask for and I am so proud to have her as a mother. As a child, her contributions and influence on me is infinite. She he instilled wisdom in me” if you look at my mum, you will think that she is 40 but my mum is 50 to the glory of God”
To her son, Kelechi Eze, “my mother is an outspoken and fearless woman who only fear God and stand by the truth always, she loves and supports me in my career”. While to Monica Eze her first child, “My mum is a virtuous woman, a woman of substance, a woman that understands realities of life and gives life to the broken heart. She is my star Queen that I look up to”.
To Chinyere Celine Eze her second daughter who she calls her mother as she was named after her late mother, Madam Celine Adama Nwaorgu, “My mum and daughter is a rare gem and gift to us her child. I am proud of her and pray God to grant her long life so that I can attempt to repay her little of her love towards us her children”
When I asked the woman of the moment what she thinks about herself, she sent me a text and stated, “I am a very practical person and outspoken. I hate lying, laziness, dirtiness, unkindness, immorality. I am a natural woman that hates makeup and painting by most women. I frown on indecent dressing; bad cook and most importantly, I fear, love and have great CONFIDENCE in God. I give God all the Glory for what He has done in my life. If there’s something the devil didn’t want me to witness, it was my 50th birthday. If there’s something I would like to be remembered for, it’s my love for my fellow human beings. I want the world also to know that Mrs. Ada Eze is a woman so much loved by her husband and greatly cherished by her children and friends.
If you may recall and in line with her submission above, the devil did all within his powers to terminate the life of this godly woman after attacking her severally including a fatal accident on 22nd December, 2011 on her way back to the East from Yola with five of our kids for Christmas. We encountered a DAF Trailer with her Jeep and according to her; “I was awake during the accident, when the Jeep encountered the trailer, I saw the Jeep flying while I and the kids were in a sort of enclosure and after the accident the Angel of God remove the enclosure after ensuring that nothing happened to me or any of my kids but the trailer was so battered killing both the Trailer Driver and his two conductors! Somebody should tell me where such an incident ever happened in this world where a trailer encounters a smaller car and the people in the smaller car survived while the people in the trailer were all dead, if not demonstration God’s might and power?.”
In conclusion, as this pillar of my life, my best friend, my mother, my wife and the power behind apart from God behind whatever I am today celebrates her golden jubilee birthday celebration, it becomes imperative that I state this fact that Jubilee in the bible is described as the period God restores lost dreams and destiny and time of relocation! Any one in bondage at Jubilee is bound to be freed! When Moses witnessed his jubilee, he moved from the backside of the desert to the centre point of history, Joseph moved from Prison to the throne, Queen Easter from slave girl to the throne, Lazarus from stench tomb to a celebrity, Obasanjo from Prison to Aso Rock and Gov Amaechi from exile in Ghana to Rivers State Govt House and as you are related to us and opportune to read this message on Evang. Mrs Ada C. H. Eze Snr Golden Jubilee birthday and based on the principles of God and His special love for her child and this family, I hereby extends this jubilee blessing to you and surely you shall be celebrated after reading this message so accept our congratulations for your great success and freedom from every disappointments in advance!
This two time visitor to Jerusalem on pilgrimage courtesy of Adamawa and Rivers State Governments love for God made her to establish the Compassionate Ministries’ which she uses to spread the gospel and bring succor to the God’s children with more attention to the poor and under privilege. Her unfulfilled desire is to wax and launch a Christian gospel musical album to enable her reach to the wider public about the love of God to mankind.
I wish I have the whole world to give to this woman, who turned my life around based on the grace of God in her life.
Once more congratulations my love and my beloved Angel!
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Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt. ezemediaconcept08@rocketmail.com or 08038199163. .
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