Joan Okorodudu and one of her models at the DC Fashion Week
Joan Okorodudu is fast becoming a top African fashion designer as shown by the most recent display of her latest designs at the 12th International Couture Collections Show that is popularly known as the DC Fashion Week held at the La Maison Francaise (Embassy of France) in Washington, D.C.
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu
Nigeria is blessed with highly gifted fashion designers like the celebrated Deola Sagoe, Frank Osodi, Dakova, Mudi, Zizi Cardow, Hallero, Estella Ogbonna, Bayo Adegbe of Modela Couture and others who can walk tall among the best in the world.
The DC Fashion Week is seen by over 10 million people all over the world.
The last time I saw the ever beautiful and charming Joan Okorodudu was at Linda Ikeji’s Style Night held at the Jade Palace on Adeola Odeku Street on Victoria Island, Lagos. She was full of smiles and dimples as she admired the awesome designs of Bayo Adegbe of Modela Couture and other creative designers. She has been doing her best to promote Nigerian haute couture locally and internationally.
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu
Joan Okorodudu was showcased with Corjor International, Andrew Nowell, Van Maela, Thinkking Hats, Cameron Gray, Kalaa and Destiny’s Creations & Designs, Saman Zar, Tatjana and other fashion designers who were from the US, Pakistan, Serbia, Nigeria and other countries.
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu
About Joan Okorodudu
Joan Okorodudu was born on October 28, 1958. She hails from Aniocha North Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. She graduated from the prestigious Boston University with a political science degree in 1981, and returned to Nigeria to fulfill her Youth Service commitment. During that same year, she was named first runner-up and later Miss Nigeria. This was also the year she became a fashion designer. Okorodudu showcased her House of J’ola Clothing lines in many African nations’ fashion weeks. She is a well tested fashion designer and also the Chief Executive of House of J’ola Designs, which produces exotic designs for all ages and occasions. House of J’ola stocks original fabrics from Gucci and Roberto Cavalli, including silk and taffeta, French and original woodin. Her sojourn into fashion designing dates back to 1990 when she opened her first fashion house in Wilmington, Delaware, which she ran for three years before returning to Nigeria. Joan, or “Mama J” as she is fondly called by close friends and relatives, is a mother and wife of 26 years.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, February 25, 2010.
Ivory Coast's suspension of France 24 is politicized
ABIDJAN, February 25, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about politically motivated censorship in Ivory Coast after authorities banned international French broadcaster France 24 on Monday on bogus allegations of unprofessionalism over coverage of political unrest in the West African nation.
Speaking to Reuters today, Frank Anderson Kouassi, the president of Ivory Coast's National Broadcasting Council (known by its French acronym as CNCA) accused the Paris-based satellite station of reporting “many deaths in a peremptory manner” after security forces opened fire on an anti-government protest in the southwestern city of Gagnoa on Friday. Ivorian military chief Gen. Philippe Mangou declared in a public statement to the media the same day that five people had been killed and several injured in the clashes, according to news reports. Kouassi told CPJ that France 24 had aired “unbalanced information.” In a press statement on its Web site on Monday, France 24 said it hoped the CNCA would reconsider the ban, saying that it “seemed unjustified.”
“The ban on France 24 deprives Ivorians of an essential source of information on the critical political situation in the country,” said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. “We call on the authorities to reverse this ban and refrain from censorship.”
Several local journalists CPJ interviewed said they believed the ruling appeared to be meant to suppress France 24's exclusive coverage of opposition movements across the country. The government-controlled national broadcaster Radio Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) has not carried demonstrations or interviews with demonstrators, they said.
Thousands of Ivorian opposition supporters marched to the studios of RTI in the economic capital, Abidjan, in January to protest against what they described as President Laurent Gbagbo's monopoly of publicly funded state media, according to news reports. Earlier this month, the official National Press Council suspended private daily Le Patriote for three days over several stories critical of members of the government, according to news reports.
News Extra 16:30 24 Feb 2010 Compete Releases Ranking of Top 50 Web Sites for January 2010 Compete, a Kantar Media company, today released its ranking of the top 50 Web sites for January 2010. At the category level, tax and travel Web sites saw the most dramatic traffic increases in January 2010. The top five fastest growing Web sites...
IFQC Ranks Top 100 Countries by Gasoline Benzene Standards; South Korea Ranks First
HOUSTON, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Fuel Quality Center (IFQC) has ranked the top 100 countries based on gasoline benzene content standards. South Korea came in first with the earliest nationwide implementation of the lowest benzene limit - 0.7 vol% since January 2009, down from 1 vol%. Colombia followed in second and Canada was third.
Benzene is found naturally in crude oil and thus passes into refined products, including transportation fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies benzene as a Group A known human carcinogen. Controlling benzene levels in gasoline is the most direct way to limit evaporative and exhaust emissions of benzene from vehicles.
"It is delightful to see that the first 50 countries in the ranking have a limit of 1 vol% or less. The improvements in Asia and Latin America are very encouraging and show that the world is making efforts to improve fuel quality and reduce emissions," said Liisa Kiuru, executive director, IFQC.
European countries ranked high (Luxembourg in fourth, Belgium in fifth and nine others tied for sixth), as did with several Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, tied at 19th with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The U.S. ranked 73rd, primarily because these rankings are based on national maximum allowance standards - U.S. standards have not been updated since 1997. California would have actually ranked first if it was a country - its state limit is 0.7 vol%. The U.S. is now in the process of implementing tighter limits under the Mobile Source Air Toxics-2 (MSAT 2) rule, which will reduce benzene levels in gasoline to an annual average of 0.62 vol% beginning in 2011 with a cap of 1.3 vol%. U.S. reformulated gasoline (RFG) has a lower limit, requiring an annual average of 0.95 vol%.
"We at Hart recognize the key role that government, refining and automakers have played in reducing benzene content in gasoline. Airborne toxics have long been a key global concern in major urban centers for many decades. It is gratifying to see the steady progress being made in reducing benzene content in fuel and related air toxics emissions," said Frederick L. Potter, executive vice president, Hart Energy Publishing.
The complete ranking is available on IFQC's Web site (http://www.ifqc.org/).
Hart Energy Consulting is a division of Hart Energy Publishing, LP, one of the world's largest energy industry publishers, with a diverse array of informational products for the worldwide energy industry. Multi-client consulting services include the International Fuel Quality Center, the Global Biofuels Center and an annual Crude, Refining & Clean Transportation Fuel Outlook to 2030. Headquartered in Houston, with offices in New York, London, Washington, D.C., Brussels, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro, Hart Energy Publishing's market-leading publications include Oil and Gas Investor, E&P, FUEL and PipeLine & Gas Technology. Hart also produces newsletters, custom publishing products, conferences, and unique multi-and single-client consulting services.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Terrence S. Higgins
Press Contact: Florence Kosmala Director of Marketing Hart Energy Consulting fkosmala@Hartenergy.com +1-713-260-6400
Source: Hart Energy Consulting
CONTACT: Florence Kosmala, Director of Marketing of Hart Energy Consulting, +1-713-260-6400, fkosmala@Hartenergy.com
WASHINGTON, February 24, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- William Fitzgerald, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
Taken questions:
QUESTION: What is the U.S. reaction to the reported overthrow of Mamadou Tandja in Niger?
MR. FITZGERALD: Well, it's very disappointing on the one hand, because we never countenance the violent overthrow of any government. So far, the new government seems to be saying the right things. They call themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy. And if anything, today, we would encourage them to move as quickly as possible if they are serious, and we hold them to that, to restore, in fact, the democracy that existed before Mamadou Tandja himself had begun to modify the constitution and extend his rule extrajudicially.
So at this point, what we're doing is – the ball is in their court. We are telling them, in our statement today, that they need to move as quickly as possible to restoring civilian democratic rule in Niger.
QUESTION: Have we seen signs that they're doing that?
MR. FITZGERALD: Well, I think we've seen some encouraging signs, first being that they actually call themselves the – (laughter) – council for the restoration of democracy. My understanding from press accounts is that curfew has been lifted. We understand that President Tandja is being held along with General (Moumouni) Boureima, who has been a long supporter of him, and that the violence has stopped.
We've heard from folks in Niger that once the shooting stopped yesterday afternoon in Niger time, it really hasn't started again – in other words, that they're consolidating their power and control of the government. In fact, curfew which was put into effect yesterday – again, according to press accounts – seems to have been lifted already, so that's a good sign.
QUESTION: So between the possible violence on the ground and curfew, are we satisfied that the situation on the ground is indeed calm?
MR. FITZGERALD: Well, I think it is calm. We've been speaking with the Embassy out there and they report, in fact, that it is calm.
QUESTION: Is the U.S. Embassy open and operating?
MR. FITZGERALD: The U.S. Embassy is open for consular services. Friday is typically a shortened day for many posts, including Niamey. We're not operating normally, but we are open and we are basically helping out American citizens who need assistance and keeping an eye on things.
QUESTION: What do we know about the group behind the overthrow?
MR. FITZGERALD: Well, some of them – that's a very good question because the leaders are a group of three colonels so far as we know. Again, this is – the overthrow of the government less than 48 hours ago, so a lot of this is not confirmed. It's a very sterile, very fluid situation. There are three colonels, two of whom participated or were involved in the coup in 1999, which was, frankly, much more violent. Two of them, like I said, were in the – have participated in the '99 coup. The other fellow did not, but what we heard in their statement last night is that they were tired of what they perceived as President Tandja's moves away from the constitution and away from democracy.
QUESTION: Where is President Tandja now?
MR. FITZGERALD: We believe President Tandja – again, press accounts – we have not spoken with him. We believe that he is being held at a military base along with some members of his cabinet, as well as perhaps General Boureima, the equivalent of our Joint Chiefs of Staff – the head of our Joint Chiefs of Staff – are being held at a military base outside of Niamey, just on the outside – just on the outskirts of Niamey.
QUESTION: First, what is it that we expect of the CSRD?
MR. FITZGERALD: Here's what we expect from the CSRD. They have to make – they have to return to civilian democratic rule as quickly as possible.
QUESTION: What have we – what has been the international reaction? What have we heard from some of our friends in the region?
MR. FITZGERALD: Right. Well, the ECOWAS – the West African organization – we support completely, and have been supporting. They've already been trying to facilitate the difficulties within the Nigerien Government since Mamadou Tandja tried to extend his rule. They are – again, they have sent up a team to Niamey to meet with the de facto government, and we support all of their efforts. They are likely to be telling them how to go about getting back to democratic rule.
QUESTION: Are there any overriding concerns for citizens, whether it's foreigners, United States citizens, or obviously Niger citizens?
MR. FITZGERALD: That's an excellent question. Really, what we're seeing and what is going on here in Niger is amongst the Nigeriens. The only danger I could see, frankly, is if Americans get out in the middle and are caught in the crossfire and get in the middle of stuff that they don't need to be. As I said before, it is calm, but still, Americans, as we say in our Warden Message to them, should just stick around the house for the next few days.
Again, it's an overthrow of a government. It's a very fluid situation. While the government – the de facto government appears to be taking measures to establish control, there's always that chance that there could be some other sort of difficulties and other sort of conflicts emerging. So I think if Americans stick close to their houses, I think everything will be fine.
QUESTION: Are we satisfied this is a path to democracy for Niger?
MR. FITZGERALD: We're given a set of circumstances that we have very little control over. Nevertheless, we do have some leverage. We do want to see Niger return to democratic rule. Frankly, I think the majority of the people in Niger want to return to democracy. And we are telling the de facto government that that is absolutely essential for them to be – to return to the international community. It's to return to civilian democratic rule.
QUESTION: With the latest occurrences over there, what about elections?
MR. FITZGERALD: That's a good question. Elections and – would be obviously a key benchmark in showing that they are successfully returning to civilian democratic rule. Nevertheless, elections can be a difficult and onerous task for any government, much less in Niger, which is considered to be one of the poorest countries of the world.
Yes, I think that it's possible to have elections by the end of the year, and certainly, we would push this government – this de facto government into doing that as quickly as possible. Again, with help from ECOWAS, perhaps the African Union, and Niger's international partners, I think that is a possibility and I think frankly, it's an important – it would be an important step.
Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs in the office of President Barack Obama has warned the politicians in Nigeria and Niger to beware of undemocratic actions that can destabilize the two nations.
24 Feb 2010 22:57 Africa/Lagos
State Department's Top Diplomat for Africa Encourages Nigeria and Niger to Stay with the Democratic Processes that have Proven Successful in the Two Countries.
DATELINE/CITY: February 24, 2010 - Washington, DC
FORMAT: Soundbites
STORY SUMMARY: Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, briefed journalists on current issues in Africa.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1532-state-departments-top-diplomat-for-a frica-encourages-nigeria-and-niger-to-stay-with-the-democratic-processes-that- have-proven-successful-in-the-two-countries
www.state.gov
CLIP CONTAINING 2 SOUNDBITES (TRT: 1:57)
SOUNDBITES:
Soundbite #1 Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Summary: Carson cautions Nigerians in responsible positions, not to use the situation surrounding the health of their President, for personal political gain.
Verbatim: We hope very, very much that the President has recuperated and is healthy and is able to resume his normal duties as President. But it is very important that those who are in responsible positions, put the health of the President of Nigeria first, that they think of the interests, of the stability, and the continued democracy of the country as a primary focal point of interest. This is not a time where personal political ambitions should in fact take precedence over the stability and continued democracy and adherence to the constitutional rule that governs Nigeria today.
TRT: 56 seconds
Soundbite #2 Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Summary: Carson sees restoring of democracy in Niger very possible and comments on recent actions taken by junta to force new elections.
Verbatim: If they did this to restore democracy and liberty to the country then they should move forward with doing so very quickly. Niger has had very successful political elections in the past. They have had multi-political parties. There are established parties. There are institutions that were working, institutions that were defending democracy against President Tandja. It should be very easy for that country to move back towards a democratic process. If it does, we will be in the forefront of restoring as quickly as possible, our support for that, for that country.
TRT: 48 seconds
VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State
FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE E-MAIL: digitalcenter@multivu.com
Media Contact: Joan Storck, (202) 504-6411, storcklj@state.gov
/PRNewswire -- Feb. 24/
Video: http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1532-state-departments-top-diplomat-for-africa-encourages-nigeria-and-niger-to-stay-with-the-democratic-processes-that-have-proven-successful-in-the-two-countries Source: U.S. Department of State
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Payless ShoeSource unveiled its designer label, Christian Siriano for Payless, at the Fall (TM) 10 NY Fashion Week. The shoes are designed to complement the designer's RTW collection, pulling inspiration from antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century with its filigree and clawfoot detailing. A focal shoe from the collection is the Rocaille style -- a platform pump featuring a signature artisan heel reminiscent of a clawfoot. The collection is expected in Payless stores in September. www.paylessontherunway.com. (PRNewsFoto/Payless ShoeSource, Getty Images)
Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane' and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com/) are voicing their support for Uganda's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their distress at the new perils that the community faces under the country's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, but the proposed legislation would create a new offense of "aggravated homosexuality," punishable by death. An extraterritorial clause would require that even Ugandans living in other countries be extradited to face prosecution for offenses listed within the bill. The bill also proposes jail sentences for failure to report a homosexual act and for "promoting homosexuality," which could cover the activities of human rights groups, including organizations working on HIV and AIDS prevention.
Christianity is the most widespread religion in Uganda. In an open letter addressed to President Obama, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Timane' points out the disparity between the proposed legislation and God's law. She draws attention to the command in Micah 6:8 "to do justice, and to love kindness" as well as Mark 12:28-31 where "Jesus spells out the two commandments that encompass every other commandment," the second of which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." "The proposed anti-homosexuality bill is in direct violation," Timane' states.
A lesbian reverend from Nigeria, West Africa, Timane' was one of the first people to identify as openly gay in Africa and knows firsthand the life-threatening effects of homophobia. Her letter continues, "The Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill is anti-human, anti-Christian and in violation of the fundamental rights that ALL people living in our world today are entitled to. It is in essence, government-legislated genocide." Timane' calls on all Christians to oppose the proposed law. She also writes, "I ask Uganda's president (Yoweri Museveni) and all Ugandan lawmakers, to please engage in dialogue with the rest of the world on the importance of protecting the rights of minorities."
On February 21, 2010, the ministry took spiritual action by conducting a prayer vigil at the Unity Fellowship of Christ church in Riverside, Calif., praying against the passage of the bill. A record of the vigil is posted in the video section of the Gospel Truth Music Ministry Web site.
In addition, the ministry will be offering monthly video devotionals at its Web site, starting Sunday, March 7, 2010. The devotionals will be video responses to the most often asked questions the ministry receives and occasional sermons on God's inclusive love for all people. "Gospel Truth Music Ministry is available to LGBT individuals 24 hours a day worldwide, including those suffering in Uganda," said Timane'. "We are a resource for anyone in need of encouragement or struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their spiritual faith."
The full text of the open letter is available at http://www.rizigospel.com/.
Contact:
Christina Thach Gospel Truth Music Ministry 25876 The Old Road, Suite 247 Newhall, CA 91381 888-474-9423 thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: The Gospel Truth Music Ministry
CONTACT: Christina Thach of Gospel Truth Music Ministry, +1-888-474-9423, thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
SAMHSA and Ad Council to Launch Mental Health Campaign for the African American Community
PSAs debut at Howard University and Colleges and Universities Nationwide as part of First Annual HBCU National Mental Health Awareness Day
Washington, D.C., February 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), working in collaboration with the Ad Council and the Stay Strong Foundation, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to raise awareness of mental health problems among young adults in the African American community. The new PSAs were unveiled at a Black History Month event at Howard University this morning to coincide with the first annual HBCU National Mental Health Awareness Day. The launch was telecast to colleges and universities nationwide.
Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are widespread in the U.S. and often misunderstood. According to SAMHSA, in 2008 there were an estimated 9.8 million adults aged 18 or older living with serious mental illness. Among adults, the prevalence of serious mental illness is highest in the 18 to 25 age group, yet this age group is also the least likely to receive services or counseling. In 2008, 6.0 percent of African Americans ages 18-25 had serious mental illness in the past year. Overall, only 58.7 percent of Americans with serious mental illness received care within the past 12 months and the percentage of African Americans receiving services is only 44.8 percent.
"Raising understanding and attention to these issues within the African American community will provide greater opportunities for those needing help to receive effective mental health services," said Kathryn A. Power, Director of SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services.
Created pro bono by Grey New York through the Ad Council, the campaign aims to promote acceptance of mental health problems within the African American community by encouraging, educating and inspiring young adults to step up and talk openly about mental health problems. The television, radio, print and Web ads feature real personal stories of African Americans dealing with mental health problems, and they aim to engage those in the community to support young adults who need help. The PSAs direct audiences to visit a new website, www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov, where they can learn more about mental health problems and how to get involved.
"According to our research and the leading mental health experts, young adults with mental health problems are more likely to seek help if social acceptance is broadened and they receive support and services early on," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "We are proud to continue our partnership with SAMHSA to address these issues in the African American community and help create the necessary societal change that will decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illness, and ultimately inspire those who want help to get it."
Terrie M. Williams, MSW, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, collaborated on the development of the Web videos and PSA materials and serves as a campaign spokesperson. The Stay Strong Foundation works to support, educate and inspire African American youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people and enhance their educational and professional development.
"It is the work of the Stay Strong Foundation and my personal mission to educate everyone, and in particular the African American community, about depression and its impact on our communities," said Williams. "Every day so many of us wear the "mask" of wellness that hides our pain from the world. Now is the time to identify and name our pain—minus the myths and the stigmas—and seek the help so many of us need."
SAMHSA's Campaign for Mental Health Recovery partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health, state mental health agencies, leading researchers on stigma and a broad coalition of stakeholders, including organizations that represent provider organizations and consumer and family member groups. The Campaign held a series of regional meetings to develop a grassroots network to support the Campaign and provide assistance with anti-stigma efforts to states and local communities.
A resource guide entitled, "Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative," is also a part of the campaign and is based on the evaluation and lessons learned from the Elimination of Barriers Initiative. The guide provides information on how to mount a statewide anti-stigma campaign, examples of outreach materials, reports on the best practices for stigma reduction, and lists important resources for technical assistance. Copies of the guide can be downloaded at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publication/allpubs/sma06-4176 or by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA7. SAMHSA also maintains a national technical assistance center called the ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion) to help States, communities, and individuals get the necessary information and resources to counter misperceptions, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. The ADS Center can be accessed by calling 1-800-540-0320 or visiting www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov.
"In general, mental health problems are difficult to talk about," said Rob Baiocco, EVP/Executive Creative Director of Grey New York. "But the second someone opens up and tells their specific personal story you instantly realize what they are dealing with. It's such an immediate, intuitive and emotional understanding. And from that understanding comes the healing."
Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Center for Excellence in Substance Abuse and Mental Health at Morehouse School of Medicine, a grant funded through (SAMHSA), created National HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day. The HBCU Mental Health Awareness Day is the first national effort to promote behavioral health on HBCUs. The all-day event is being co-hosted by three additional HBCU institutions, Howard, Elizabeth City State University and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The purpose is to increase public knowledge and student awareness about mental health issues and to foster a more supportive and informed environment on HBCU campuses and in the community. For more information, visit www.hbcucfe.net.
The Ad Council and SAMHSA first launched the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery nationwide in December 2006. Additional public service efforts designed to reach Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans will also be launched this spring. To view the ads, please visit www.adcouncil.org. The PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions, treatment and mental health services delivery system. SAMHSA can be reached at www.samhsa.gov.
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
The Stay Strong Foundation (SSF) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded by Terrie M. Williams and Xavier Artis in 2001 to empower America's youth. The Foundation encourages corporate and individual responsibility; develops educational resources for youth and youth organizations; provides and coordinates internships; sets up mentoring opportunities; and facilitates visits by prominent individuals and business professionals to schools, libraries, youth organizations and group homes.
Media Contacts: SAMHSA Press Office 240-276-2130
Ad Council Press Office 212-984-1964 news@adcouncil.org
Ambassador Joseph Wilson (ret.) Gives Keynote Address at Africa's Indaba 2010 Power Conference
Urges Attendees To "Get On with the Job of Providing Power to the Vast Number of Africans Who Don't Have It"
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- VIPs and delegates gathered in South Africa yesterday to hear retired US Ambassador Joseph Wilson, a Director of Symbion Power, deliver the keynote address at the opening of the Power Indaba 2010 conference in Durban, Symbion Power announced today. Ambassador Wilson served for the United States government at the US Embassy in Niger and he served as Ambassador to Gabon and Sao Tome. He was President Bill Clinton's senior advisor on African Affairs at the White House when Clinton made his historic visit to Africa in 1998.
Ambassador Wilson served as Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq during the first Gulf War and after retiring from government service he became a vocal opponent of the President's decision to invade Iraq in 2003. After visiting Niger in the run up to the second Gulf War he challenged the Bush administration's misuse of intelligence stating that Iraq had attempted to purchase Uranium Yellow Cake from that African nation. His six-year battle with the Bush administration began when the White House exposed his wife's identity as a CIA covert officer. This has been chronicled in his bestselling book, The Politics of Truth and in another bestseller, Fair Game, written by his wife, former CIA Officer Valerie Plame. A movie telling the story, directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity), starring Naomi Watts as Valerie and Sean Penn as The Ambassador will be released later in 2010.
Following visits this January to Angola and Tanzania, Ambassador Wilson's remarks to the 1500 Indaba attendees exhorted the participants to match 35 years of political maturity with the unfinished business of creating economic growth. He said, "We have studied electrification to death. It is now time to dispense with conferences and get on with the job of providing power to the vast number of Africans who don't have it." Wilson underscored the importance of building the electrical power facilities that are needed to convert raw materials to finished products as well as emphasized the importance of building the capacity of local people to do this work. Ambassador Wilson remarked that Symbion Power's success working in difficult and hostile environments is based upon its corporate philosophy of training local workers and partnering with local firms.
Speaking by telephone, Symbion's Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hinks said, "Joe Wilson loves Africa and Africa loves Joe. I just spent much of January and February in Africa with him and I witnessed the love affair first hand. The courage he displayed by defending the dignity of Africa, when it was wrongly alleged that Saddam Hussein was buying uranium from Niger is further testimony to a man who wants to see poverty alleviated on a continent that is rich with an abundance of natural resources."
Hinks added, "Ambassador Wilson will be playing a greater, executive role with Symbion in 2010 and going forward. We have four projects under construction in Iraq and Kurdistan, we anticipate new work in Africa shortly and we are in client discussions for projects in Yemen and Oman." "We have unfinished business with regard to Afghanistan and we will be vigorous about this and in the pursuit of new opportunities there later this year," said Hinks.
The Ambassador concluded his remarks to the conference by urging the participants to redouble their efforts to realize the dream of bringing power, light and prosperity to the people of Africa.
About Symbion Power:
Symbion Power is an American company established in 2005 with offices in the U.S., across the Middle East and in Africa that specializes in developing complex turnkey electric power infrastructure systems, including transmission lines, substations and switchyards and thermal power plants, in regions of the world where conflict and instability are major impediments to progress. Symbion's collaboration with Hart Security, the global agency that shares a belief in the importance of working with local populations, has enabled Symbion to develop a unique formula for success that combines security and construction to deliver completed technical projects using a trained, local workforce in locations where security is a risk factor. www.symbion-power.com
Source: Symbion Power
CONTACT: Zelda Weitz of Symbion Power, +1-703-621-1202, +27-82-87-25-995, zelda.weitz@symbion-power.com
Joan Okorodudu and one of her models at the DC Fashion Week
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu
The DC Fashion Week is seen by over 10 million people all over the world.
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu 
Design from Lagos-based fashion label House of Jola by designer Joan Isisoma Okorodudu 
