9 Apr 2009 20:32 Africa/Lagos
Somali Justice Advocacy Center Expresses Deep Concern Over Al Qaeda Involvement in Piracy in Somalia and Cautions U.S. to Not Exercise Military Force
ST. PAUL, Minn., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Somali Justice Advocacy Center has been in contact with Somali pirates in the northeastern region of Somalia and is currently talking to them about the release of a Nigerian ship that has been held hostage for a couple of months. The Nigerian ship captain's brother is a resident here in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Somali Justice Advocacy Center, while on the phone yesterday with pirates in Somalia, asked about Captain Phillips' condition and will talk to them further today.
The Center further expresses a concern over huge amounts of ransom cash (in U.S. dollars) changing hands without any proper institutional supervision and is afraid it might end up in the hands of extremists.
The Center is deeply troubled by the lack of proper action from the international community against the piracy issue and the increasing influence of extremists in the region.
"This is not about piracy, but rather the absence of an effective governance in Somalia," said Omar Jamal, Executive Director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center.
"We caution the U.S. not to exercise the military option against piracy, which would further complicate the issue," Jamal continued.
www.somalijustice.org
Source: Somali Justice Advocacy Center
CONTACT: Omar Jamal of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center,
+1-612-715-1221, Info@somalijustice.org
Web Site: http://www.somalijustice.org/
Friday, April 10, 2009
Nigeria, A New Dawn
Nigeria, A New Dawn
Friday April 10, 2009
4.35 am
The Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up whilst I was asleep and enraptured in my dream. a dream that was more of a vision of a new Nigeria.
I saw the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo speaking at a world press conference in Nigeria, with a mammoth crowd of journalists and publicists.
I saw a foreign newspaper report with the headline Nigeria in a Dawn and then I saw two wide palms lifting up Nigeria in the sunrise with green foliage in the background and wind blowing.
I believe this dream is a vision of the re-branding campaign for a new orientation for the reformation of Nigerians in the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa in the 21st century.
Friday April 10, 2009
4.35 am
The Publisher of Supple magazine woke me up whilst I was asleep and enraptured in my dream. a dream that was more of a vision of a new Nigeria.
I saw the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo speaking at a world press conference in Nigeria, with a mammoth crowd of journalists and publicists.
I saw a foreign newspaper report with the headline Nigeria in a Dawn and then I saw two wide palms lifting up Nigeria in the sunrise with green foliage in the background and wind blowing.
I believe this dream is a vision of the re-branding campaign for a new orientation for the reformation of Nigerians in the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa in the 21st century.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Rebtel Introduces World's Lowest Rates on Calls to Nigeria
8 Apr 2009 19:00 Africa/Lagos
Rebtel Introduces World's Lowest Rates on Calls to Nigeria
First 30 Minutes Free to New Subscribers
STOCKHOLM, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Rebtel, the people's global communications company, today slashed in half its rates to Nigeria so Nigerians living abroad can call their loved ones at home for just 9.9 cents per minute.
"It's the best of all the networks I have ever tried," said Daniel Mejabi, an English teacher at Lanzhou Jiatong University, in Beijing. Added Harmony Home, a Nigerian entrepreneur in New York City: "I love Rebtel. It's genuine, and a real value for the money. Rebtel doesn't charge when the line is busy nor when there's no answer. Other phone companies do. Long live Rebtel!"
There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. No monthly fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. And, all new Rebtel customers who use the voucher code NigeriaApril when they sign up this month and purchase at least $10 of calling time will receive 30 minutes of free calls to Nigeria.
To try Rebtel for free go to http://www.rebtel.com/CallNigeria.
Who is Rebtel?
Not yet 3 years old, Rebtel was started by serial entrepreneur Hjalmar Winbladh, his business partner Jonas Lindroth, and 14 like-minded rebels who began work with a unified mission: take the phony out of mobile telephony, and create the first genuinely good, honest, and trustworthy global mobile telecommunications service that saves people money. With Rebtel, they promised, there would be no hidden clauses. No small print. No secret charges.
Rebtel's technology vision was equally straightforward: Shrink the world, make it a friendlier place, and bring people worldwide closer together by making all phone calls local.
How Rebtel works
Rebtel gives people local phone numbers in the country where they live that connect them directly with their friends, family or work colleagues who live abroad.
That means, for example, Rebtel gives someone living in Texas a local Texas phone number that connects them directly to their friend or family member in Nigeria.
There's no access number to dial, no PIN to remember, or long international phone number to enter. The person in Texas only dials a local Texas phone number and Rebtel connects the call over the Internet to their contact in Nigeria.
This concept of making all calls local was invented by Rebtel - something never done before. And when the world heard about Rebtel on May 17, 2006 at the Innovate Europe conference in Zaragoza, Spain it was named one of Europe's top three new startups, and received acclaim from leading business and technology press all over the world.
"The beauty of Rebtel's service is it was designed from the start to be used with any mobile phone - even the most simple, cheap phone - without modification, software downloads or changes to the calling plan you already have with your cell phone provider," said Winbladh.
Today, Rebtel is available in more than 50 countries around the world, and is doubling in size every three months.
"People can spend hours surfing the web to save a few dollars on an airline flight, but for some reason they've given up on the idea that they can be just as smart when it comes to making phone calls," said Winbladh. "People are spending hundreds of billions of dollars calling abroad, roaming and sending SMS with their mobiles. Yet, there's something they can do for a fraction of the price, without changing their phone or carrier, and start saving real money."
Getting started with Rebtel is fast, easy and free
1. Go to http://www.rebtel.com/CallNigeria and enter your number and a
friend's number in Nigeria.
2. Rebtel creates a local number where you live that you can use from any
phone, anywhere.
3. Save the number in your address book and use it any time. It's yours
forever.
"We believe our service is the future of international calling," said Winbladh. "It's easy to use, has great call quality, and above all it offers serious savings for ordinary people. There's no smarter, easier way to make low-cost international calls on your mobile phone than Rebtel."
About Rebtel
Rebtel is a global calling service for individuals and business. With Rebtel it's possible to call any phone, anywhere in the world, for just pennies per minute. Rebtel's services can be used with any mobile phone without modification or software downloads. There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. No monthly fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. Anyone may make a free 10 minute call to test the service. Thereafter, customers only pay for the minutes they use. Smart Calls between the 50 counties served by Rebtel are always free and only one of the two people on a call have to be a Rebtel customer. For more information, or to start using Rebtel services, go to http://www.rebtel.com/.
Source: Rebtel
CONTACT: Greg Spector of Rebtel, +1-415-717-4666,
greg.spector@rebtel.com
Web Site: http://www.rebtel.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
8 Apr 2009
19:00
Rebtel Introduces World's Lowest Rates on Calls to Nigeria
18:22
WACS Consortium and Alcatel-Lucent Sign a Contract to Deploy New 14,000 km Submarine Cable Network
Rebtel Introduces World's Lowest Rates on Calls to Nigeria
First 30 Minutes Free to New Subscribers
STOCKHOLM, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Rebtel, the people's global communications company, today slashed in half its rates to Nigeria so Nigerians living abroad can call their loved ones at home for just 9.9 cents per minute.
"It's the best of all the networks I have ever tried," said Daniel Mejabi, an English teacher at Lanzhou Jiatong University, in Beijing. Added Harmony Home, a Nigerian entrepreneur in New York City: "I love Rebtel. It's genuine, and a real value for the money. Rebtel doesn't charge when the line is busy nor when there's no answer. Other phone companies do. Long live Rebtel!"
There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. No monthly fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. And, all new Rebtel customers who use the voucher code NigeriaApril when they sign up this month and purchase at least $10 of calling time will receive 30 minutes of free calls to Nigeria.
To try Rebtel for free go to http://www.rebtel.com/CallNigeria.
Who is Rebtel?
Not yet 3 years old, Rebtel was started by serial entrepreneur Hjalmar Winbladh, his business partner Jonas Lindroth, and 14 like-minded rebels who began work with a unified mission: take the phony out of mobile telephony, and create the first genuinely good, honest, and trustworthy global mobile telecommunications service that saves people money. With Rebtel, they promised, there would be no hidden clauses. No small print. No secret charges.
Rebtel's technology vision was equally straightforward: Shrink the world, make it a friendlier place, and bring people worldwide closer together by making all phone calls local.
How Rebtel works
Rebtel gives people local phone numbers in the country where they live that connect them directly with their friends, family or work colleagues who live abroad.
That means, for example, Rebtel gives someone living in Texas a local Texas phone number that connects them directly to their friend or family member in Nigeria.
There's no access number to dial, no PIN to remember, or long international phone number to enter. The person in Texas only dials a local Texas phone number and Rebtel connects the call over the Internet to their contact in Nigeria.
This concept of making all calls local was invented by Rebtel - something never done before. And when the world heard about Rebtel on May 17, 2006 at the Innovate Europe conference in Zaragoza, Spain it was named one of Europe's top three new startups, and received acclaim from leading business and technology press all over the world.
"The beauty of Rebtel's service is it was designed from the start to be used with any mobile phone - even the most simple, cheap phone - without modification, software downloads or changes to the calling plan you already have with your cell phone provider," said Winbladh.
Today, Rebtel is available in more than 50 countries around the world, and is doubling in size every three months.
"People can spend hours surfing the web to save a few dollars on an airline flight, but for some reason they've given up on the idea that they can be just as smart when it comes to making phone calls," said Winbladh. "People are spending hundreds of billions of dollars calling abroad, roaming and sending SMS with their mobiles. Yet, there's something they can do for a fraction of the price, without changing their phone or carrier, and start saving real money."
Getting started with Rebtel is fast, easy and free
1. Go to http://www.rebtel.com/CallNigeria and enter your number and a
friend's number in Nigeria.
2. Rebtel creates a local number where you live that you can use from any
phone, anywhere.
3. Save the number in your address book and use it any time. It's yours
forever.
"We believe our service is the future of international calling," said Winbladh. "It's easy to use, has great call quality, and above all it offers serious savings for ordinary people. There's no smarter, easier way to make low-cost international calls on your mobile phone than Rebtel."
About Rebtel
Rebtel is a global calling service for individuals and business. With Rebtel it's possible to call any phone, anywhere in the world, for just pennies per minute. Rebtel's services can be used with any mobile phone without modification or software downloads. There is no charge to set up a Rebtel account. No monthly fees, no connection fees and no hidden costs. Anyone may make a free 10 minute call to test the service. Thereafter, customers only pay for the minutes they use. Smart Calls between the 50 counties served by Rebtel are always free and only one of the two people on a call have to be a Rebtel customer. For more information, or to start using Rebtel services, go to http://www.rebtel.com/.
Source: Rebtel
CONTACT: Greg Spector of Rebtel, +1-415-717-4666,
greg.spector@rebtel.com
Web Site: http://www.rebtel.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
8 Apr 2009
19:00
Rebtel Introduces World's Lowest Rates on Calls to Nigeria
18:22
WACS Consortium and Alcatel-Lucent Sign a Contract to Deploy New 14,000 km Submarine Cable Network
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Michelle Obama and Her Mother On the Cover of ESSENCE Magazine!
7 Apr 2009 13:26 Africa/Lagos
ESSENCE Magazine's White House Exclusive!
SPECIAL MAY COVER STORY FEATURES FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND HER MOTHER
NEW YORK, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- ESSENCE's May issue celebrates Mother's Day in a special way -- with two of the most popular mothers in the world! In their first interview together, First Lady Michelle Obama and her mother, Marian Shields Robinson, 71, did a sit down interview in the White House during their first photo shoot together to speak to ESSENCE editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray about retaining their family values, what it takes to raise good kids and being role models for the Black community. They were photographed exclusively for ESSENCE at the White House on February 24th.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090407/NY95539 )
In the article, A Mother's Love, Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Robinson also share their personal thoughts on some of the challenges facing families today and provide practical tips for parents everywhere. In addition, the issue features a special Mother's Day message from President Barack Obama on why he is thankful for his wife and mother-in-law.
"We wanted our ESSENCE readers to see first-hand the dynamic bond between First Lady Michelle Obama and Mrs. Robinson. Both of these ladies are phenomenal women in their own right, and are each others' greatest fans. Their relationship is inspiring -- and they are a wonderful example for mothers and daughters everywhere," said Burt-Murray.
Some of the quotes from the cover story include...
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA ON...
-- ADVANCING THE ROLE OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE: "We have to talk about flex
hours and exercise and nutrition and health and what that means. And
we have to talk about values, and about our relationships with men.
All of those are part of the conversation that I think we need to
have, not just in this country but around the world."
-- COMBATING STEREOTYPICAL IMAGES OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN: "The women
in videos and the stereotypes are just not the truth of who we are as
a community. We already know that because we are living these lives
every single day. It's nice to have this reminder in the White House,
but I would say we don't need it...all you need to do is look around
your own community and you will see this same family in churches and
in schools."
MRS. MARIAN ROBINSON ON...
-- ADVICE ON RAISING CHILDREN: "The main thing that I think needs to be
taught to children is the ability to think and make decisions. You
don't have to have a lot of information, but you have to know how to
get through the process. If you make mistakes you don't [just] decide
I will never do that again."
-- ENJOYING LIFE IN THE WHITE HOUSE: "...I really am. You want to know
why? Because my children are good parents. It makes it very easy to be
a grandmother when your children are good parents."
Visit Essence.com for more on this story and behind-the-scenes images from this photo shoot, and pick up the May 2009 issue of ESSENCE on newsstands now.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090407/NY95539
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN10
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: ESSENCE Magazine
CONTACT: Dana Baxter, +1-212-522-1634, dbaxter@essence.com, Sheila
Harris, +1-212-522-1089, sharris@essence.com, both of ESSENCE Magazine
Hot Topics
Pulte and Centex to Merge Creating America's Largest Homebuilding Company
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Despite Economic Pressures, Majority of Companies Plan to Increase Emphasis on Sustainability
Half of Workers Who Were Laid Off in the Last Three Months Found Jobs, According to a New CareerBuilder Survey
Bonus Cuts Reduce Take Home Pay Growth to a Record Low
Easter 2009
Space Station Crew Lands in Soyuz After Successful Mission
Quarterly Earnings Reports
Gay Marriage in Iowa, Vermont
Astronauts Named for Next Space Shuttle Mission
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus Leading Delegation From Bangladesh to World Health Care Congress to Advance Affordable Health Care Innovat
7 Apr 2009 16:00 Africa/Lagos
Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus Leading Delegation From Bangladesh to World Health Care Congress to Advance Affordable Health Care Innovations
Health Care innovations and opportunities attract attendees from more than 35 countries and delegations from over 12 to the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress April 14-16, 2009, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank and a delegation of 12 leaders from Bangladesh will be joining delegations from more than a dozen other countries at the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress, April 14-16, Washington, D.C. Professor Yunus, a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will be speaking at the conference regarding the Grameen Healthcare initiative, a program to develop a world-class, sustainable health care network to serve the people of Bangladesh.
"A vital component of our health programs is the accompanying micro-health insurance program to encourage positive health seeking practices. This serves a dual purpose of enhancing utilization of health services and improving cost-recovery to achieve sustainability," states Professor Yunus. "While initial evaluations of the Grameen Clinic network and its health impact are positive, continuous improvements in coverage, disease prevention, quality of care and sustainability remain as top priorities."
The Bangladeshi delegation will be joined by others who will represent the spectrum of foreign health care leaders, from health ministries to hospitals, medical research facilities, pharmaceuticals and media outlets. This year's congress will feature delegations from: China, India, Israel, Romania, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa, Poland, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Denmark, Canada, and Nigeria. Representatives from more than 35 other countries are also registered.
Countries such as China also will be represented with pavilions that highlight companies that are shaping the future of health care delivery in their home countries.
"The World Health Care Congress is a truly international event, and our international participation continues to grow," said Nicole Garratt, World Health Care Congress president and director. "We strongly encourage everyone to join the global discussion concerning health care. It's exciting to see one conference connect all points on the globe through health care thought leadership and new business opportunities."
As one of its features, the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress will offer a roster of foreign speakers for a two-day International Health Summit, with topics including:
-- Game changing innovations in developing countries that improve the
cost and quality of care
-- Global health's major killers and new medical research efforts
-- Advancing the Electronic Medical Record - UK's lessons learned to
improve physician compliance and quality
-- International partnerships for health care delivery innovation
-- Lessons learned from global hospital and health system shared
experiences and best practices
-- Responses to world public health challenges
About Grameen Healthcare
Grameen Healthcare aims to establish a sustainable health system in Bangladesh that will serve the health needs of all Bangladeshis income levels with low cost and high quality health care. Grameen Healthcare will design low-cost, affordable health services for all of Bangladesh, especially the lowest income women and children, and sustain these services thru social business. In addition to existing social business partnerships with Danone and Veolia, Grameen Healthcare has recently announced partnerships with Pfizer, GE Healthcare, and the Mayo Clinic. Grameen Healthcare continues to gather more new and innovative partners committed to harness best practices to build sustainable business models that can meet the unmet health needs of the poor in Bangladesh.
About Grameen Bank
Grameen Bank (GB) has reversed conventional banking practice by removing the need for collateral and created a banking system based on mutual trust, accountability, participation and creativity. GB provides credit to the poorest of the poor in rural Bangladesh, without any collateral. At GB, credit is a cost effective weapon to fight poverty and it serves as a catalyst in the over all development of socio-economic conditions of the poor who have been kept outside the banking orbit on the grounds that they are poor and hence not bankable. As of January, 2009, it has 7.71 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women. With 2,541 branches, GB provides services in 83,744 villages, covering almost 100 percent of the total villages in Bangladesh. Grameen Bank was jointly awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with its founder Dr. Muhammad Yunus. See http://www.grameen.com/ for additional information.
About the World Health Care Congress
The 6th Annual World Health Care Congress is the most prestigious meeting of chief and senior executives from all sectors of health care. The 2009 conference will convene over 1,700 CEOs, senior executives and government officials from the nation's largest employers, hospitals, health systems, health plans, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and leading government agency policy makers. For more information visit www.worldhealthcarecongress.com
CONTACT: Shadab Mahmud
Program Manager, Grameen Healthcare Support Group
617-953-1665
Shadab.Mahmud@gmail.com
CONTACT: Patrick Golden
Director of Communications, World Congress
781.939.2511
Patrick.golden@worldcongress.com
Source: World Health Care Congress
CONTACT: Shadab Mahmud, Program Manager, Grameen Healthcare Support
Group, +1-617-953-1665, Shadab.Mahmud@gmail.com; or Patrick Golden, Director
of Communications, World Congress, +1-781-939-2511,
Patrick.golden@worldcongress.com
Web Site: http://www.worldhealthcarecongress.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
7 Apr 2009
16:00
Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus Leading Delegation From Bangladesh to World Health Care Congress to Advance Affordable Health Care Innovations
13:00
Entrust Strengthens Global Leadership Role in ePassport Technology With Support for Master List Signing
Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus Leading Delegation From Bangladesh to World Health Care Congress to Advance Affordable Health Care Innovations
Health Care innovations and opportunities attract attendees from more than 35 countries and delegations from over 12 to the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress April 14-16, 2009, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor Muhammad Yunus of the Grameen Bank and a delegation of 12 leaders from Bangladesh will be joining delegations from more than a dozen other countries at the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress, April 14-16, Washington, D.C. Professor Yunus, a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will be speaking at the conference regarding the Grameen Healthcare initiative, a program to develop a world-class, sustainable health care network to serve the people of Bangladesh.
"A vital component of our health programs is the accompanying micro-health insurance program to encourage positive health seeking practices. This serves a dual purpose of enhancing utilization of health services and improving cost-recovery to achieve sustainability," states Professor Yunus. "While initial evaluations of the Grameen Clinic network and its health impact are positive, continuous improvements in coverage, disease prevention, quality of care and sustainability remain as top priorities."
The Bangladeshi delegation will be joined by others who will represent the spectrum of foreign health care leaders, from health ministries to hospitals, medical research facilities, pharmaceuticals and media outlets. This year's congress will feature delegations from: China, India, Israel, Romania, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa, Poland, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Denmark, Canada, and Nigeria. Representatives from more than 35 other countries are also registered.
Countries such as China also will be represented with pavilions that highlight companies that are shaping the future of health care delivery in their home countries.
"The World Health Care Congress is a truly international event, and our international participation continues to grow," said Nicole Garratt, World Health Care Congress president and director. "We strongly encourage everyone to join the global discussion concerning health care. It's exciting to see one conference connect all points on the globe through health care thought leadership and new business opportunities."
As one of its features, the 6th Annual World Health Care Congress will offer a roster of foreign speakers for a two-day International Health Summit, with topics including:
-- Game changing innovations in developing countries that improve the
cost and quality of care
-- Global health's major killers and new medical research efforts
-- Advancing the Electronic Medical Record - UK's lessons learned to
improve physician compliance and quality
-- International partnerships for health care delivery innovation
-- Lessons learned from global hospital and health system shared
experiences and best practices
-- Responses to world public health challenges
About Grameen Healthcare
Grameen Healthcare aims to establish a sustainable health system in Bangladesh that will serve the health needs of all Bangladeshis income levels with low cost and high quality health care. Grameen Healthcare will design low-cost, affordable health services for all of Bangladesh, especially the lowest income women and children, and sustain these services thru social business. In addition to existing social business partnerships with Danone and Veolia, Grameen Healthcare has recently announced partnerships with Pfizer, GE Healthcare, and the Mayo Clinic. Grameen Healthcare continues to gather more new and innovative partners committed to harness best practices to build sustainable business models that can meet the unmet health needs of the poor in Bangladesh.
About Grameen Bank
Grameen Bank (GB) has reversed conventional banking practice by removing the need for collateral and created a banking system based on mutual trust, accountability, participation and creativity. GB provides credit to the poorest of the poor in rural Bangladesh, without any collateral. At GB, credit is a cost effective weapon to fight poverty and it serves as a catalyst in the over all development of socio-economic conditions of the poor who have been kept outside the banking orbit on the grounds that they are poor and hence not bankable. As of January, 2009, it has 7.71 million borrowers, 97 percent of whom are women. With 2,541 branches, GB provides services in 83,744 villages, covering almost 100 percent of the total villages in Bangladesh. Grameen Bank was jointly awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with its founder Dr. Muhammad Yunus. See http://www.grameen.com/ for additional information.
About the World Health Care Congress
The 6th Annual World Health Care Congress is the most prestigious meeting of chief and senior executives from all sectors of health care. The 2009 conference will convene over 1,700 CEOs, senior executives and government officials from the nation's largest employers, hospitals, health systems, health plans, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and leading government agency policy makers. For more information visit www.worldhealthcarecongress.com
CONTACT: Shadab Mahmud
Program Manager, Grameen Healthcare Support Group
617-953-1665
Shadab.Mahmud@gmail.com
CONTACT: Patrick Golden
Director of Communications, World Congress
781.939.2511
Patrick.golden@worldcongress.com
Source: World Health Care Congress
CONTACT: Shadab Mahmud, Program Manager, Grameen Healthcare Support
Group, +1-617-953-1665, Shadab.Mahmud@gmail.com; or Patrick Golden, Director
of Communications, World Congress, +1-781-939-2511,
Patrick.golden@worldcongress.com
Web Site: http://www.worldhealthcarecongress.com/
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
7 Apr 2009
16:00
Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus Leading Delegation From Bangladesh to World Health Care Congress to Advance Affordable Health Care Innovations
13:00
Entrust Strengthens Global Leadership Role in ePassport Technology With Support for Master List Signing
Monday, April 6, 2009
Osama bin Laden Can Attack the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria
Monday morning in Lagos, the US warned of possible attacks on embassies in Nigeria. The red alert sent the Nigerian Armed Forces to the streets of Lagos and other major cities and towns in Nigeria, during the rush hours of Monday morning, but the Nigerian soldiers and mobile police officers soon returned to their normal duty posts before sunset.
It was the CNN that reported Sunday night that the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had received threats of a possible attack on diplomatic missions in Lagos.
"As a result of this information, Nigerian police have heightened their vigilance along Walter Carrington Crescent and are monitoring traffic more closely," the CNN quoted the U.S. Consulate General. Then the embassy warned U.S. citizens in the capital Abuja, and Lagos, to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings in Africa's largest crude oil producer, and fifth largest exporter to the United States.
Osama bin Laden once mentioned Nigeria as one of the targets of his terrorist organization al-Qaeda.
The U.S.Consulate in Lagos is a sitting duck target for terrorists, because of the location near the Atlantic ocean and the lack of enough security. A refuse disposal truck could be used by dare-devil terrorists to attack the consulate from less than 100 meters. So Osama bin Laden can attack US targets in Nigeria as the al-Qaeda did in Kenya and Sudan.
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Major 2010 Census Operation Under Way
Rabobank Releases New Farm & Ranch Confidence Survey
North Korean Missile Launch
NCAA Basketball Tournament
44th Annual Academy of Country Music(R) Awards
Earthquake in Italy
It was the CNN that reported Sunday night that the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria had received threats of a possible attack on diplomatic missions in Lagos.
"As a result of this information, Nigerian police have heightened their vigilance along Walter Carrington Crescent and are monitoring traffic more closely," the CNN quoted the U.S. Consulate General. Then the embassy warned U.S. citizens in the capital Abuja, and Lagos, to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings in Africa's largest crude oil producer, and fifth largest exporter to the United States.
Osama bin Laden once mentioned Nigeria as one of the targets of his terrorist organization al-Qaeda.
The U.S.Consulate in Lagos is a sitting duck target for terrorists, because of the location near the Atlantic ocean and the lack of enough security. A refuse disposal truck could be used by dare-devil terrorists to attack the consulate from less than 100 meters. So Osama bin Laden can attack US targets in Nigeria as the al-Qaeda did in Kenya and Sudan.
Hot Topics
The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI)(TM) Shows Strong But Moderating Decline in March
Ford Completes Debt Restructuring Initiatives; Reduces Debt by $9.9 Billion and Lowers Annual Interest Expense by More Than $500 Million
Major 2010 Census Operation Under Way
Rabobank Releases New Farm & Ranch Confidence Survey
North Korean Missile Launch
NCAA Basketball Tournament
44th Annual Academy of Country Music(R) Awards
Earthquake in Italy
Nollywood Star Goes To Jail!
Murder Case: Nigerian Superstar Sent To Kirikiri Prison!!!
9jabook.ning.com — The ex-beauty queen, Ibinabo Fiberesima, who has been convicted for the murder of a Lagos medical doctor through reckless driving, appeared in court today as directed by the presiding judge, Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, and was sent to Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.The judge further ordered that the Medical Director of the prison...
9jabook.ning.com — The ex-beauty queen, Ibinabo Fiberesima, who has been convicted for the murder of a Lagos medical doctor through reckless driving, appeared in court today as directed by the presiding judge, Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, and was sent to Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.The judge further ordered that the Medical Director of the prison...
Saturday, April 4, 2009
G-20 Agreement For More Than $1 Trillion in Additional Global Stimulus is Dramatic and Vitally Needed
3 Apr 2009 21:15 Africa/Lagos
G-20 Agreement For More Than $1 Trillion in Additional Global Stimulus is Dramatic and Vitally Needed
Borosage: Leaders Decided To Let Crisis Decide If New Steps Are Necessary
WASHINGTON, April 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Campaign for America's Future co-director Robert Borosage, in Brussels this week for the Global Progressive Forum, said the additional global stimulus is a dramatic and vitally needed initiative. G-20 leaders this week pledged an additional $1.1 trillion in financing to the International Monetary Fund and other global institutions and declared a crackdown on tax havens and hedge funds.
STATEMENT OF ROBERT BOROSAGE
This trillion-dollar commitment for the developing world in this crisis is a dramatic and vitally needed initiative. We also need every major industrialized country to help boost the global economy with bold national, deficit financed, recovery plans. America can't do this alone. Everyone has to grab a bucket and start bailing.
The G-20 leaders chose to agree to agree. The Europeans avoided bold new stimulus commitments. The British and Americans avoided bold new regulation of the financial community. Clearly, the leaders decided to let the crisis decide whether new steps are necessary.
Source: Campaign for America's Future
CONTACT: Rachel Perrone or Jennifer Ettinger, both of Campaign for
America's Future, +1-202-587-1639
G20 Summit
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
3 Apr 2009
21:39
Civil Society Groups Issue Joint Statement on 'Unfinished Business' of the G20
21:15
G-20 Agreement For More Than $1 Trillion in Additional Global Stimulus is Dramatic and Vitally Needed
2 Apr 2009
20:58
Bread for the World Welcomes President's G-20 Pledge to Redouble Efforts on World Hunger
18:20
Ed Miliband statement on G20
18:09
Tax Havens and Secrecy Jurisdictions: Not the Beginning of the End But, Perhaps, the End of the Beginning
1 Apr 2009
22:21
Transparency Key to Effective Reform of Global Financial System in G-20 Process
19:04
The Conference Board Maintains That Global Growth Rates Are In Positive Territory
17:22
Bread for the World Urges G-20 Leaders to Include Food Security, Economic Recovery for Poor Countries
13:57
A Way Out of the Crisis
G-20 Agreement For More Than $1 Trillion in Additional Global Stimulus is Dramatic and Vitally Needed
Borosage: Leaders Decided To Let Crisis Decide If New Steps Are Necessary
WASHINGTON, April 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Campaign for America's Future co-director Robert Borosage, in Brussels this week for the Global Progressive Forum, said the additional global stimulus is a dramatic and vitally needed initiative. G-20 leaders this week pledged an additional $1.1 trillion in financing to the International Monetary Fund and other global institutions and declared a crackdown on tax havens and hedge funds.
STATEMENT OF ROBERT BOROSAGE
This trillion-dollar commitment for the developing world in this crisis is a dramatic and vitally needed initiative. We also need every major industrialized country to help boost the global economy with bold national, deficit financed, recovery plans. America can't do this alone. Everyone has to grab a bucket and start bailing.
The G-20 leaders chose to agree to agree. The Europeans avoided bold new stimulus commitments. The British and Americans avoided bold new regulation of the financial community. Clearly, the leaders decided to let the crisis decide whether new steps are necessary.
Source: Campaign for America's Future
CONTACT: Rachel Perrone or Jennifer Ettinger, both of Campaign for
America's Future, +1-202-587-1639
G20 Summit
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
3 Apr 2009
21:39
Civil Society Groups Issue Joint Statement on 'Unfinished Business' of the G20
21:15
G-20 Agreement For More Than $1 Trillion in Additional Global Stimulus is Dramatic and Vitally Needed
2 Apr 2009
20:58
Bread for the World Welcomes President's G-20 Pledge to Redouble Efforts on World Hunger
18:20
Ed Miliband statement on G20
18:09
Tax Havens and Secrecy Jurisdictions: Not the Beginning of the End But, Perhaps, the End of the Beginning
1 Apr 2009
22:21
Transparency Key to Effective Reform of Global Financial System in G-20 Process
19:04
The Conference Board Maintains That Global Growth Rates Are In Positive Territory
17:22
Bread for the World Urges G-20 Leaders to Include Food Security, Economic Recovery for Poor Countries
13:57
A Way Out of the Crisis
Friday, April 3, 2009
Three Defendants Sentenced in 'Advance-Fee' Fraud Scheme That Cost Victims More Than $1.2 Million
2 Apr 2009 23:55 Africa/Lagos
Three Defendants Sentenced in 'Advance-Fee' Fraud Scheme That Cost Victims More Than $1.2 Million
WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three defendants were sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty in January 2008 to federal charges of running an "advance-fee" scheme that targeted U.S. victims with promises of millions of dollars, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell of the Eastern District of New York announced. The defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dora L. Irizarry at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Nnamdi Chizuba Anisiobi (a/k/a Yellowman, Abdul Rahman, Michael Anderson, Edmund Walter, Nancy White, Jiggaman and Namo), 31, citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced to 87 months in prison.
Anthony Friday Ehis (a/k/a John J. Smith, Toni N. Amokwu and Mr. T), 34, citizen of France, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
Kesandu Egwuonwu (a/k/a KeKe, Joey Martin Maxwell, David Mark and Helmut Schkinger), 35, citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
All three defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, eight counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.
The investigation was initiated by Dutch law enforcement authorities. After identifying victims in the United States, Dutch authorities notified the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which opened its own investigation, resulting in the charges against the defendants. Three of the defendants were arrested in Amsterdam on Feb. 21, 2006, and were subsequently extradited to the United States.
According to the indictment and an earlier filed complaint, the defendants sent "spam" e-mails to thousands of potential victims, in which they falsely claimed to control millions of dollars located abroad. Attempting to conceal their identities, the defendants admitted they used a variety of aliases, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. In one scenario, the defendants sent e-mails purporting to be from an individual suffering from terminal throat cancer who needed assistance distributing approximately $55 million to charity. In exchange for a victim's help, the defendants offered to give a 20 percent commission to the victim or a charity of his or her choice. Subsequently, as part of the ruse, the defendants sent a variety of fraudulent documents, including a "Letter of Authority" or a "Certificate of Deposit," making it appear that the promised funds were available, and pictures of an individual claiming to suffer from throat cancer. The evidence to the court established that Anisiobi telephoned victims, disguising his voice to give the impression that he was suffering from throat cancer.
After obtaining their victims' trust, the defendants asked them to wire-transfer payment for a variety of advance fees, ostensibly for legal representation, taxes and additional documentation. In return, the victims received nothing. In a variation of the scheme, if the victims said they could not afford to pay the advance fees, the defendants admitted they would send them counterfeit checks, supposedly from a cancer patient, to cover those fees. Many victims deposited the checks and then drew on them to wire-transfer the advance fees. Subsequently, when the checks did not clear their accounts, the victims suffered substantial losses.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Mary (Kit) Dimke, Amanda Riedel, and Nicola Mrazek, Paralegal Pamela Johnson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Y. Hill.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, TDD
+1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
Three Defendants Sentenced in 'Advance-Fee' Fraud Scheme That Cost Victims More Than $1.2 Million
WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three defendants were sentenced to prison today after pleading guilty in January 2008 to federal charges of running an "advance-fee" scheme that targeted U.S. victims with promises of millions of dollars, Acting Assistant Attorney General Rita M. Glavin of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Benton J. Campbell of the Eastern District of New York announced. The defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dora L. Irizarry at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Nnamdi Chizuba Anisiobi (a/k/a Yellowman, Abdul Rahman, Michael Anderson, Edmund Walter, Nancy White, Jiggaman and Namo), 31, citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced to 87 months in prison.
Anthony Friday Ehis (a/k/a John J. Smith, Toni N. Amokwu and Mr. T), 34, citizen of France, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
Kesandu Egwuonwu (a/k/a KeKe, Joey Martin Maxwell, David Mark and Helmut Schkinger), 35, citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
All three defendants each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, eight counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud.
The investigation was initiated by Dutch law enforcement authorities. After identifying victims in the United States, Dutch authorities notified the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which opened its own investigation, resulting in the charges against the defendants. Three of the defendants were arrested in Amsterdam on Feb. 21, 2006, and were subsequently extradited to the United States.
According to the indictment and an earlier filed complaint, the defendants sent "spam" e-mails to thousands of potential victims, in which they falsely claimed to control millions of dollars located abroad. Attempting to conceal their identities, the defendants admitted they used a variety of aliases, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. In one scenario, the defendants sent e-mails purporting to be from an individual suffering from terminal throat cancer who needed assistance distributing approximately $55 million to charity. In exchange for a victim's help, the defendants offered to give a 20 percent commission to the victim or a charity of his or her choice. Subsequently, as part of the ruse, the defendants sent a variety of fraudulent documents, including a "Letter of Authority" or a "Certificate of Deposit," making it appear that the promised funds were available, and pictures of an individual claiming to suffer from throat cancer. The evidence to the court established that Anisiobi telephoned victims, disguising his voice to give the impression that he was suffering from throat cancer.
After obtaining their victims' trust, the defendants asked them to wire-transfer payment for a variety of advance fees, ostensibly for legal representation, taxes and additional documentation. In return, the victims received nothing. In a variation of the scheme, if the victims said they could not afford to pay the advance fees, the defendants admitted they would send them counterfeit checks, supposedly from a cancer patient, to cover those fees. Many victims deposited the checks and then drew on them to wire-transfer the advance fees. Subsequently, when the checks did not clear their accounts, the victims suffered substantial losses.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Mary (Kit) Dimke, Amanda Riedel, and Nicola Mrazek, Paralegal Pamela Johnson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Y. Hill.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, TDD
+1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Financial Boost for Businesses in Developing Countries from the UK Government
2 Apr 2009 11:20 Africa/Lagos
New financial boost for businesses in developing countries from the UK Government
London, 2 April/GNN/ --
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT News Release (G20) issued by COI
News Distribution Service on 2 April 2009
Businesses in developing countries are struggling to survive due to the
economic downturn and need urgent financial support, said Secretary of State
for International Development Douglas Alexander.
At the London Summit, world leaders are working to stabilise financial markets
and help families and businesses across the world to get through the recession.
And the UK Government today (THURS) intends to take practical action to
support firms across the globe, helping stimulate trade in developing
countries and ensuring sustainable growth.
This will be done through the World Bank's new initiative called the Global
Trade Liquidity Programme (GTLP) set up to support small and medium businesses
by helping address the trade finance shortage in developing countries through
international banks.
The UK Government, through its development finance institution CDC, intends
to make a contribution of up to £300m to the GTLP.
Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander said:
"Private sector businesses are an essential engine of growth and play a vital
role in stimulating global trade, which provides a lifeline to millions of
people across the globe.
"People in developing countries have been disproportionately hard-hit by the
economic crisis. This money will help firms keep going during the difficult
climate and help to protect and create jobs.
"This is not an initiative to help make commercial banks richer.
Participating banks must all commit to using the money to support trade in
developing countries. In the first phase, this will include Kenya, Angola,
Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia." The
proposed sum alone could help fund beween £2bn and £3bn of trade over the next
two years, helping small and medium firms to import and export products. The
UK money will be invested in the GTLP on a loan basis.
The shortage in trade finance, due to the current economic crisis, is a
significant threat to world trade - already projected to decline by about
nine per cent this year. The World Trade Organisation has suggested there
could be a global shortfall of between $100bn and $300bn.
Notes to Editors:
1. The GTLP, which is due to become operational May, will provide capital to
international banks specialising in trade finance in the developing world
over a period of two, may be three years. The programme raises funds from
development finance institutions, governments, and works through global
and regional banks to extend trade finance to importers and exporters in
developing countries.
The GTLP will be based on a commitment of $1bn from IFC, a member of the
World Bank Group. The IFC is seeking a further $3bn to $4bn from donors. It
is expected to support up to $50bn of trade over three years.
2. CDC is the UK Government's development finance institution. CDC's mission
is to generate wealth by providing capital for investment in sustainable and
responsibly managed private sector businesses. It uses its own balance sheet
to invest in private equity funds focused on the emerging markets of south
Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. For further information visit www.cdcgroup.com
For more information call the DFID press office on 0207 023 0600.
DFID, the Department for International Development: leading the British
government's fight against world poverty. One in five people in the world
today, over 1 billion people, live in poverty on less than one dollar a
day. Information Department 1 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HE.
Website: www.dfid.gov.uk
Press enquiries 020 7023 0600 (overseas +44 20 7023 0600)
Public enquiries 0845 300 4100 (overseas +44 1355 84 3132)
Source: Department for International Development
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Apr 2009
15:40
Florida Energy Magnate Guma Aguiar Provides Major Funding for Chabad's Passover Seders Worldwide
11:20
New financial boost for businesses in developing countries from the UK Government
31 Mar 2009
18:00
Health Care Innovations and Opportunities Attract Attendees from 40 Countries and Delegations from 12 to 6th Annual World Health Care Congress
New financial boost for businesses in developing countries from the UK Government
London, 2 April/GNN/ --
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT News Release (G20) issued by COI
News Distribution Service on 2 April 2009
Businesses in developing countries are struggling to survive due to the
economic downturn and need urgent financial support, said Secretary of State
for International Development Douglas Alexander.
At the London Summit, world leaders are working to stabilise financial markets
and help families and businesses across the world to get through the recession.
And the UK Government today (THURS) intends to take practical action to
support firms across the globe, helping stimulate trade in developing
countries and ensuring sustainable growth.
This will be done through the World Bank's new initiative called the Global
Trade Liquidity Programme (GTLP) set up to support small and medium businesses
by helping address the trade finance shortage in developing countries through
international banks.
The UK Government, through its development finance institution CDC, intends
to make a contribution of up to £300m to the GTLP.
Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander said:
"Private sector businesses are an essential engine of growth and play a vital
role in stimulating global trade, which provides a lifeline to millions of
people across the globe.
"People in developing countries have been disproportionately hard-hit by the
economic crisis. This money will help firms keep going during the difficult
climate and help to protect and create jobs.
"This is not an initiative to help make commercial banks richer.
Participating banks must all commit to using the money to support trade in
developing countries. In the first phase, this will include Kenya, Angola,
Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zambia." The
proposed sum alone could help fund beween £2bn and £3bn of trade over the next
two years, helping small and medium firms to import and export products. The
UK money will be invested in the GTLP on a loan basis.
The shortage in trade finance, due to the current economic crisis, is a
significant threat to world trade - already projected to decline by about
nine per cent this year. The World Trade Organisation has suggested there
could be a global shortfall of between $100bn and $300bn.
Notes to Editors:
1. The GTLP, which is due to become operational May, will provide capital to
international banks specialising in trade finance in the developing world
over a period of two, may be three years. The programme raises funds from
development finance institutions, governments, and works through global
and regional banks to extend trade finance to importers and exporters in
developing countries.
The GTLP will be based on a commitment of $1bn from IFC, a member of the
World Bank Group. The IFC is seeking a further $3bn to $4bn from donors. It
is expected to support up to $50bn of trade over three years.
2. CDC is the UK Government's development finance institution. CDC's mission
is to generate wealth by providing capital for investment in sustainable and
responsibly managed private sector businesses. It uses its own balance sheet
to invest in private equity funds focused on the emerging markets of south
Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. For further information visit www.cdcgroup.com
For more information call the DFID press office on 0207 023 0600.
DFID, the Department for International Development: leading the British
government's fight against world poverty. One in five people in the world
today, over 1 billion people, live in poverty on less than one dollar a
day. Information Department 1 Palace Street, London SW1E 5HE.
Website: www.dfid.gov.uk
Press enquiries 020 7023 0600 (overseas +44 20 7023 0600)
Public enquiries 0845 300 4100 (overseas +44 1355 84 3132)
Source: Department for International Development
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
2 Apr 2009
15:40
Florida Energy Magnate Guma Aguiar Provides Major Funding for Chabad's Passover Seders Worldwide
11:20
New financial boost for businesses in developing countries from the UK Government
31 Mar 2009
18:00
Health Care Innovations and Opportunities Attract Attendees from 40 Countries and Delegations from 12 to 6th Annual World Health Care Congress
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