Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Adams Oshiomhole Versus Charles Airhiavbere Gubernatorial Election TV Debate


Governor Adams Oshiomhole

Adams Oshiomhole, Charles Airhiavbere: Gubernatorial Questions for Televised Debates

~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D

Now that the governorship primaries are settled, let the first set of major debates begin between Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and retired Major General Charles Airhiavbere, the former Director, Nigerian Army Finance Corps.


Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd)

The Edo people are known for their great traditional leaders, power traditional institutions and a cycle of traditional knowledge marked with wisdom, knowledge, and teachings of collective advancement. So we will expect much more from our two great Edo sons and leaders.

The future moderators should begin to prepare their questions, and in addition to the moderators’ questions, the public should be invited to submit questions during the debate with competing responses from the gubernatorial candidates.
The moderators in the expected two to three debates before mid-July, 2012 should demand in-depth responses to simple, difficult, expected or unexpected questions and allot equal-time rules to allow for responses.

Gubernatorial debate questions tailored to the needs and aspirations of the Edo people across the cities and rural areas are what should be expected and brought forward.
Here are some main questions that could be addressed in the public debate?

• Explain your respective feelings and thoughts of being both fortunate and lucky to be a top statesman in Edo State, and to be blessed to stand here today as a leader of the people?

• It now seems that the nation appears to be struggling to unite for a common purpose, so what is your blueprint to chart the course of unity in the Edo Kingdom or State, politically speaking?

• The people of Edo State certainly have the right to know when deciding who to vote for; so what right credentials do you bring to the people that make you believe you can do an exceptional job for the State, and the country?

• The people of Edo are known for being forward looking people, as such many of them are less concerned about the past and more concerned about the future, what type of future are you constructing for them?

• As Edo people, we have a caring spirit, so what do you plan to do for some of our people with visual/physical impairments, mental health challenges and other forms of disabilities?

• What is real leadership, have you experienced it, and when under crises how will you deal with essential issues like State matters?

• There are times when a Governor or a leader must make lonely and important decisions on behalf of the people, in what instance do you perceive this type of challenge to occur?

• At a time when the nation and many States are struggling with issues of national insecurity, what is your tract record as a peacemaker, and what role will you be playing to help to enhance peace and unity in the country? Do you a support State police system in the future and why?

• Many scholars believe that the nation has neglected Agriculture for too long, since it is one of the pillars that could help to rebuild the economy, what are your future plans in this area?

• Our young people’s problems fully revolve around education and employment challenges, how will you help them?

• For the first time in their lives many youths are worried about this country, and their own future, so, sir how are you going to turn this around, especially in Edo State?
• Sir, across Edo State, you've got families sitting in their parlor or living rooms checking their heads to see if they have enough money to make ends meet for a whole month or the week, how will you help them?

• What are your plans to see that everybody in our great State have the kind of economic opportunities that will keep them to become very content, and make them believe that Edo State will open up a future that will be brighter for their children than it has been five to ten years ago?

• President Jonathan in the past have mentioned two or three States that are doing very well for themselves, Edo State is not among them, so how do you plan to give the people opportunity and to let them enjoy the freedoms that will make the rest of the country envy Edo State?

• Now that the federal government is talking about entrepreneurship, as one way to reduce unemployment, what training programs as in business-oriented training program which involve the government giving trainees some money to invest, so that in less than 100 weeks the person becomes an investment in him or herself, thereby giving the State the best-trained workforce in the nation, what is your view about this?

• The Edo people and kingdom and all the areas of the kingdom are renowned for their dexterity and skills in traditional cloth-weaving, molded statues, statuettes, figurines, pottery making, and other areas of arts, how do you plan to keep and make this great blessings economically helpful to the State?

• If you were to focus on corruption, unemployment, road construction, healthcare, schools, and sanitation issues (please write each one down and address each specifically) in these tough times, what is exactly your plan in each of these areas?

• Why do you want the people to think your opponent can't be trusted to carry out these plans adequately?

• If truth be told, one of you was once a general in labor matters, and the other a general in in the Army, in these hard times, how will you use your experience to challenge any State adversity, and fight back like a bold leader?

• The Edo people are known to cherish and value traditions including respect for our rulers, chiefs and elders and how do you want to maintain this cherished traditional psychology and keep politics out of these customs and values?

• What is in your background and past that you may be battling with that the people of Edo State ought to know; it is your option to answer as it is a matter of trust. This is in regards to you —financially, morally, legally, medically and personally that will not later come out and make some people to say, “I told you so”?

• What do you appreciate about each other despite the gubernatorial war between the PDP and ACN, and most of all, between your selves?

Hopefully, these great debates will reveal the facts and less of emotional responses.
The candidates should remember that the whole world will be watching them in a nationally televised and timed context, as such no intimidating, interrupting or disrespecting each other as in reaching out across the table toward the other but they will be expected to square off with all they possess intellectually and experientially.

We do not want the candidates repeating talking points handed to them by their parties, and giving us canned answers as we want to see elements of realness, freshness and rightness as markers of the debates.

This is a very important election that should bring out the best in the candidates, and they need to show the people which of them are ready to sink or swim with Edo State?

While none of them is expected to have all the cures for Edo State woes, at least they should go toe-to-toe in the race to be ringmaster of one of Nigeria’s artistic kingdoms known as Edo State.

~ John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D., is a Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Abuja. Jos5930458@aol.com 08126909839.


Feb 27 2012 6:45 Africa / Lagos

President Obasanjo Called for a Peaceful Election in Senegal


Chief Olusegun Obasanjo




DAKAR, 27 February 2012/African Press Organization (APO) / - The Peace Mission joint AU / ECOWAS deployed as part of the presidential election on February 26, 2012 in Senegal held a press conference Saturday, February 25, 2012.

This joint mission, led by SEOlusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria consists of Mr. Koffi Sama, Head of EOM ECOWAS, Mr. Edem Kodjo, former Prime Minister of the Togolese Republic and Mrs Mary Chinery -Hesse, member of the Advisory Group of the AU.


During this press conference, the Chief of the Joint Mission has appealed to all political party leaders, activists and their supporters and to all the Senegalese people to exercise restraint, patriotism and civic order ensure the integrity of the electoral process.


In the best interests of the nation and to consolidate the democratic gains of Senegal, President Obasanjo urged all stakeholders to preserve peace and national cohesion and, in the spirit of sacrifice, for an election free, transparent and free from any form of violence.


Stressing the need for an election subsided cohesion and national unity and regional stability, the Chief of the Joint Mission reiterated the commitment of the African Union and ECOWAS to support Senegal in its process democratic consolidation


It should be noted that the deployment of the joint AU-ECOWAS was decided during the 40th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in Abuja, Nigeria on 16 and 17 February 2012, and whose objective is to promote dialogue between different stakeholders and ensure the holding of peaceful elections, free and transparent.

Source: African Union Commission (AUC)

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Monday, February 27, 2012

The First French Actor To Win An Oscar for Best Actor


84th Academy Awards - 2012
THE 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS(r) Jean Dujardin - BACKSTAGE - Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 presented on Sunday, February 26 (8:30 p.m., ET/5:30 p.m., PT), from the Hollywood & Highland Center(r) and televised live by the ABC Television Network. (A.M.P.A.S.)

Jean Dujardin (born 19 June 1972) is a French actor and comedian. He has worked notably with director Michel Hazanavicius, starring in his OSS 117 spy parodies. His starring role in Hazanavicius' silent movie The Artist, playing actor George Valentin, received widespread acclaim. The role won him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award, and the Academy Award for Best Actor. He is the first French actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.



And the Winners Are The Artist and Others Following




Jean Dujardin wins Best Actor for THE ARTIST.

The night of the Oscars belonged to The Artist as the French Black and White film won the most coveted Oscars at the 84th Academy Awards, for Best Picture, Best Director, Actor in a Leading Role, Original Score and for Costume Design as well.



As the era of silent films draws to a close, two actors find their careers and their relationship influenced by the coming of talking pictures. While popular screen star George Valentin resists the transition to sound, young Peppy Miller embodies a modern age that is leaving Valentin behind.

The Iranian film A Separation by Asghar Farhadi won the Oscar for the best Foreign Language Film.

When an Iranian couple separate prior to their divorce, a chain of events is set in motion that will affect the future of two families. After his wife’s departure, Nadar hires a woman named Razieh to care for his elderly father, but complications in Razieh’s own life give rise to an escalating series of problems.

List of the 84th Annual Academy Award winners announced Sunday:

1. Best Picture: "The Artist."
2. Actor: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist."
3. Actress: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady."
4. Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners."
5. Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, "The Help."
6. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist."
7. Foreign Language Film: "A Separation," Iran.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, "The Descendants."
9. Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Rango."
11. Art Direction: "Hugo."
12. Cinematography: "Hugo."
13. Sound Mixing: "Hugo."
14. Sound Editing: "Hugo."
15. Original Score: "The Artist."
16. Original Song: "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets."
17. Costume Design: "The Artist."
18. Documentary Feature: "Undefeated."
19. Documentary Short: "Saving Face."
20. Film Editing: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
21. Makeup: "The Iron Lady."
22. Animated Short Film: "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore."
23. Live Action Short Film: "The Shore."
24. Visual Effects: "Hugo."
------
Oscar winners previously presented this season:
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Oprah Winfrey.
Honorary Award: James Earl Jones.
Honorary Award: Dick Smith.
Gordon E. Sawyer Award: Douglas Trumbull.
Award of Merit: ARRI cameras.

Winners List compiled by FOX News.



Sunday, February 26, 2012

Pray the Devil Back to Hell



"The film is inspiring, uplifting and is a call to action for all of us"
-Desmond Tutu, Winner 1984 Nobel Peace Prize.




Pray the Devil Back to Hell is the astonishing story of the Liberian women who took on the warlords and regime of dictator Charles Taylor in the midst of a brutal civil war, and won a once unimaginable peace for their shattered country in 2003. As the rebel noose tightened around the capital city of Monrovia, thousands of women – ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim – formed a thin but unshakeable line between the opposing forces. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they literally faced down the killers who had turned Liberia into hell on earth. In one memorable scene, the women barricaded the site of stalled peace talks in Ghana and refused to move until a deal was done. Their demonstrations culminated in Taylor’s exile and the rise of Africa’s first female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Inspiring and uplifting, Pray the Devil Back to Hell is a compelling example of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.

Credits for Pray the Devil Back to Hell
October 7, 2011

Produced by
Abigail E. Disney

Directed by
Gini Reticker

Edited by
Kate Taverna and Meg Reticker

Co-Produced by


Johanna Hamilton

Cinematographer
Kirsten Johnson

Music Composer
Blake Leyh

Vocals
Angelique Kidjo

Associate Producer
Regina Boyer

Title Design and Art Direction
Interspectacular

Illustrator
Olaf Hajek

Writer
Sara Lukinson

Production Designer
Norval Johnson

Field Producer
Edwin Clarke

Production Sound
Wellington Bowler

Additional Camera
Maryse Alberti
Johann Perry
Jimmy Mangou

Videographers
James Brabazon
Tim Hetherington
Pewee Flomoku
Jonathan Sahn

Assistant Camera
Mariusz Cichon
Ben Bloodwell
Anton Jeffes
Dan Moody

Additional Sound
Judith Karp
Sean O’Neil
Doug Dreger

Post Production Supervisor
Shannon J. Fogarty
Parker Chehak

Post Associate Producer
Juli Kobayashi

Assistant Editor
Alexandra Meistrell

Additional Assistant Editors
Omry Maoz
Elizabeth Merrick
Naftali Rutter

Gaffer
Iris Ng

Consultant
Stephen Ellis

Post Production Facility
Full Circle Post

Online Editor
Rob Burgos

Re-Recording Mixer
Andy Kris

Sound Editor
Dave Patterson

Mixed at
Sound One

Production Assistants
Jeff Clark
William Cruz

Production Associate
Yvonne Moore

Archival Footage
ABC News VideoSource
AP Archive
Aurora Productions
James Brabazon
British Broadcasting Corporation
CNN Image Source
Everyday Gandhis ®
Gabriel Films
GTV
Harper Karmon
ITN Source
Jimmie Mangou
Journeyman Pictures
Just Media
Nancee Oku Bright
National Geographic Digital Motion
New Jersey Network
Pewee Flomoku
Jonathan Sahn
Television for the Environment
TV3
West African Network for Peacebuilding Women in Peacebuilding Network

Still Photographs
Pewee Flomoku
Getty Images
Foley Sanyon
Sunny Ugoh
Moses Zangar

For WOMEN, WAR & PEACE

Senior Producer
Nina Chaudry

Post Production Supervisor
Mridu Chandra

Re-Versioning Editor
Kristen Huntley

Theme Music
Bob Golden

Motion Graphics Designer
Yorgo Alexopoulos

Additional Motion Graphics
vanOs

Online Editor
Edward Goldberg

Post Production Sound
Doug Johnson

Series Announcer
Jay O. Sanders

Senior Multimedia Producer
Lauren Feeney

Multimedia Producers
Renee Feltz
Caitlin Thompson

Assistant Editor
Scott Greenhaw

Production Intern
Sam Jinishian

Sr. Project Manager
Rekha Menon

On-Air Promotion
Rob Issen
Jed Parker
Jon Berman

Legal
Jessica Bohrer
Robert Feinberg

Director of Publicity
Roberta Lee

Publicists
Lindsey Bernstein
Donna Williams

Executive in Charge for WNET
Stephen Segaller

Executive Producers
Abigail E. Disney
Pamela Hogan
Gini Reticker

—-

A Fork Films production in association with THIRTEEN for WNET

© 2008 Fork Films LLC
All Rights Reserved

This program was produced by THIRTEEN and Fork Films which are solely responsible for its content.



Call for Proposals: Fostering Open Society in West Africa


People queuing to vote in 2011 Election in Nigeria. Photo Credit. DipNote.

Call for Proposals: Fostering Open Society in West Africa

The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is a grantmaking and advocacy foundation that is part of the global Open Society Foundations. OSIWA works to support the creation of open societies in West Africa marked by functioning democracy, good governance, the rule of law, basic freedoms, and widespread civic participation. Its headquarters is in Dakar and it has offices in Abuja, Monrovia, Freetown and Conakry.

OSIWA calls for proposals that seek to:

Foster building of strong governance institutions, processes and structures that are transparent, accountable and intolerant of impunity;
Build the capacity of civil society organizations and increase citizen participation in decision-making processes; and
Promote the protection of fundamental rights and citizenship groups exposed to discrimination.
The programs will be implemented in one or more of these countries: Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

The detailed strategy to guide the application process is available at www.osiwa.org

Eligibility
OSIWA primarily awards grants to local organizations based in the nine countries in West Africa in which OSIWA works. In rare and limited circumstances, it provides support to West Africa based international organizations with a strong commitment to transfer knowledge to local groups they partner with. It provides grants to government institutions as well as regional and sub regional organizations working in its core priorities areas. OSIWA requires all organizations seeking funding to submit a completed application form, budget, work plan and a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Submission and Deadlines
Completed applications should be sent directly to: proposals@osiwa.org. Please note that the call for proposal targets two deadlines for submission. Proposals received after the first deadline will be considered during the second call.

First Call

Application deadline: February 27, 2012
Latest date for final decision: April 30, 2012

Second Call

Call re-launched: May 2, 2012
Application deadline: July 2, 2012
Latest date for final decision: October 31, 2012

For Further Information or to Apply
The application documents are available at www.osiwa.org/index.php/en/grants.



Bill Clinton, America, Boko Haram and Our Economic Injustice


President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria with Bill Clinton in one of his recent visits to Nigeria. Photo Credit: Sulekha.

Bill Clinton, America, Boko Haram and Our Economic Injustice


~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D
.

As a result of a sizeable number of men and women and a system deep in corruption as indicated by past and every day happenings, Nigeria now presents with a national and international face of violence.

A former President, of United States of America, Bill Clinton recently observed how the continued religious and economic grievances are fueling fear, terror, insecurity and instability in Nigeria.

Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, Terence P. McCulley has also called on the Nigerian Government to address the long standing poverty problems in the nation’s north where internal terrorism reigns with security forces doing their best to defeat the extremist group.

There is inequality and poverty everywhere, in the Northern stats mostly. Unlike many up and coming societies, one must wonder how effective and concerned are the offices or ministries of Labor and Productivity in regards to employment issues across the nation.

One needs to see more from the works of the ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development as well other related agencies in regards to job-related matters.
In all of our States, the northern states in particular, we see how lives of misery persist everywhere due to abject poverty. In a recent report, ‘Nigeria Poverty Profile 2010’ by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), at least 112.6 million of Nigerians are living below the poverty level. That is 69 per cent of the country’s population.

In the report by Mr. Yemi Kale, the Statistician-General of Nigeria, the highest poverty areas are within the North-West and North-East geo-political zones. In general, the number of Nigerians living in poverty continues to increase with 61 per cent of Nigerian currently living with less than one $1 per day, resulting in 60.9 per cent of them having minimum standards of foods, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.

In fact, 93.9 per cent of Nigerians currently consider themselves as poor, partly due to wealth and income inequality.

In the face of these painful statistics, it is time the government show us the national poverty reduction plans in the North, in regards to addressing vocational injustice both in the North and across the nation. And stop this nonsense about western education. It makes no sense to say that the economic emptiness in many Northern states is partly due some Muslims or members of the Boko Haram sect viewing "Western education” as sacrilege or "sin".

It is a false picture or perception in many peoples’ heads that a rejection of Euro-America or Western education/lifestyle signifies not embracing Western education; as such those individuals or localities with such mindset will not be able to attain the good life or economic progress.


Imam Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram.

It is essential to state that there could be grounds for some Nigerians including members of the Boko Haram to reject western education if judged from some well-known day to day standpoints. Even Bill Clinton and many Americans will testify to the reality that America, in a much deeper and prevalent way swims inside the infrastructure of sex clubs, and many of the Sex clubs stand out as studios of drugs, booze and violence.

There are drugs and alcohol addictions everywhere. There are constant threats and practice of violence in schools, homes and workplace. Strip clubs, pornography, prostitution, swapping of spouse, guns and huge dollar enterprises are the order of the day, at least socially.


Bill Clinton being welcomed in Northern Nigeria during one of his visits.

There is the general attraction to the allure of glamour, fast lifestyle, and other “sins”—at least from the point of Islamic psychology. So, could this be what some Muslims across the globe, and in Northern Nigeria view as bad-mannered, ungodly, irreligious and sacrilegious?

At the same time, no matter how deep is the rejection of Euro-America or Western education by the Boko Haram group or any other persons, the use of violence to make demands or to bring any meaningful change is never a welcomed strategy in a democracy.

Many in the government have asked what do many in the North want. They want what all humans want as in being able to make an adequate living. They hate economic injustice and corruption in governance.

The challenge of the Jonathan presidency on security matters in the North is to find useful ways to shrink poverty, illiteracy, and poor work conditions, and by the way, the English language is not the only avenue for doing this.

All over the globe there are new trends in training and work development for youths, adults and women, and vested interest could use native dialects to train potential employees to understand the most effective ways to do different jobs, even the so called Euro-American type vocations.

Remember, it is the individuals who usually help the economy, in terms of consumer spending; as such money to help local economies usually comes from both the employers and consumers.

In the United States of America, China, and in Latin America and Spanish societies, business is generally done with the natives using many native words. So in terms of business and economics, and from work-skill point of view, the Hausa/Fulani/Gwari/Kanuri languages and cultures could be looked upon as a set of avenues to enhance
employment. We can even make these Northern languages essential for the purpose of learning by other Nigerians as it could enhance everyday commercial relationship and our overall social relations.

In the North, we can focus on transportation, farming, mining and other related projects that could enhance the local economy.

We need to engage in various local activities to drive the economy in the North, which could result into a sustainable local economy and possibly drive up economic prosperity in the North. And in the process curtail regional frustration and irritability and help regenerate non-sectarian ways of living. If we are to understand former U.S.

President Bill Clinton’s warning that widespread poverty is plaguing Nigeria as well as fueling the religious violence in the country, in the Northern part especially; let us begin to reduce security challenges in the North by leveling the inequality that now exist.

It is time we create exemptions in our judicial guidelines and begin to use the tribal law as in public shaming, flogging, and whipping only if for the purpose of a threat, to alert any Nigerian involved in public corruption or found guilty of corruption in public office, especially.

And here is why?

A recent report from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) showed that a government official was caught hiding N2 billion cash in his house, so what do one tell that able bodied man or young adults, may be of Northern or Southern stock who is unsheltered, sleeping in the street, sleeping inside broke down vehicles and could still dance to a good music in the day time, and at night could become a part of an insurrection group with law enforcement officers as a collective or representational target, unfortunately.

What do you say to such a person?


~ John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D., is a Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Abuja. Jos5930458@aol.com 08126909839.

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23:38 Address by Canada's Minister Baird at the London Conference on Somalia / February 23, 2012 - London, United Kingdom
23:35 Orient-Express Hotels Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Results Highlights
23:33 US Secretary of State Press Availability on the London Conference
23:26 World Bank provides supplemental credit to help Niger deal with impact of Libyan crisis and drought / New US$15 million credit will help cover additional financing needs for programs to deal with food insecurity and the reintegration of migrant workers returning from Libya






Saturday, February 25, 2012

ABC Endorses Mitt Romney for President


Mitt Romney addresses Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) at its national board of directors meeting in Phoenix.

PHOENIX, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today endorsed Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to be the 45th president of the United States. The association's endorsement of Romney came during the ABC National Board of Directors meeting in Phoenix.

"The election of Mitt Romney as president is a top priority for the commercial and industrial construction industry and the millions of Americans it employs," said 2012 ABC National Chairman Eric Regelin, president of Granix, LLC, Ellicott City, Md. "He has articulated a clear position on issues important to ABC members, including opposing federally mandated project labor agreements, returning the National Labor Relations Board to a neutral arbiter of labor disputes and supporting the free-market, merit shop philosophy."

In his speech before the ABC board, Romney said, "If I become president of the United States I will curb the practice we have in this country of giving union bosses an unfair advantage in contracting. One of the first things I will do - actually on day one - is I will end the government's favoritism towards unions in contracting on federal projects and end project labor agreements.

"I also will make sure that workers in America have the right to a secret ballot and I will fight for right to work laws."

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association with 74 chapters representing 22,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms. Visit us at www.abc.org.


SOURCE Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.


RELATED LINKS
http://www.abc.org



Correspondent Chapel Interacts With Princewill, Makes Case for Assistance


Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill

Correspondent Chapel Interacts With Princewill, Makes Case for Assistance

~ By Nwaorgu Faustinus

The Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Rivers State Chapter, has appealed to the Prince of Niger Delta Politics, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill to use his status and influence to improve their welfare.

The union made the appeal during a courtesy call and media chat with the Prince recently in Port Harcourt. Mr. Terver Akase, the Chairman of the Federated Correspondent Chapel, who led the executive members among others on the visit, noted that the cost of running the chapel has not been easy, explaining that the rent of the apartment which serves as the Chapel’s office has been increased from the sum of
400,000 (four hundred thousand naira) to N700, 000 (seven hundred thousand naira).

He also appealed for among other things, provision of permanent site or office for the chapel by the present government, empowerment of their members as it is obtainable in a few States and extends membership of the chapel’s cooperative society to the Prince.

Mr. Terver Akase who described Prince Tonye Princewill as a friend to the media as well as a worthy friend thanked and prayed God to continue to protect him.

In his response, Princewill described the media as partner in shinning the light and reminisced the various roles and contributions it has made, especially at the time when he wanted to reclaim his alleged stolen mandate from the then Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia noting that he is comfortable with the State’s Correspondent Chapel led by Mr. Terver Akase.

In reaction to challenges facing the union as outlined by the Terver Akase, the Prince gave a cheque of N200, 000 (two hundred thousand naira) to the chapel to augment their financial base with a view to paying their office rent.

While accepting to be a member of the Chapel’s Cooperative Society, Prince Tonye said he would like to know what it entails to be a member of the society and promise to make case for them to the New Port Harcourt Authority and see if the Chapel will have a permanent office at the New Port Harcourt City.

On the issue of empowerment, the Prince averred there is nothing he can do as he is not an elected representative or a holder of a political office in the present administration in Rivers State.

The event ended with a visit to the chapel’s office and Cyber Café where the Prince saw things for himself, asked some questions and was briefed with the challenges facing the Cyber Café. At this point, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the Media Consultant to the Prince, directed that a list of what they want to be replaced should be made and forward same to the Prince.

It would be recalled that in recent time, Prince Tonye Princewill donated “world class” photocopier to the chapel without excluding other media outfits that benefited from his magnanimity in the time past which has earned him the name “friend” of the media in some quarters.


~ Nwaorgu Faustinus is a Reporter to Prince Tonye Princewill.




Friday, February 24, 2012

Airtel To Offer Fastest Mobile Internet With Its New 3.75G Service Launch In Kenya



24 Feb 2012 13:45 Africa/Lagos


Airtel to offer fastest mobile internet with its new 3.75G Service launch in Kenya

NAIROBI, February 24, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Airtel Kenya today announced the introduction of the fastest mobile internet in Kenya with the launch of its 3.75G platform in the country.


• First 3.75G network in Kenya

• Latest technology, same as that being rolled out in Europe and USA, to offer world-class 3G experience to consumers

• 3G capability will allow users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from internet enabled devices


The launch of the 3.75G platform promises profound changes to how subscribers in the Kenya experience the web on internet-enabled devices. The improved technology will enhance multimedia functionality, high speed mobile broadband and internet access; allowing users to make video calls, watch live TV, send and receive emails and download music from the devices. This is the latest global HSPSA plus technology with 21 Mbps speed, also being rolled out in Europe and the USA. It is the fastest 3G available and will be enormously beneficial for a variety of users, which include large Corporates, Small or Medium Businesses and the Youth.


“The technology on our 3.75G network will give our customers the opportunity to interact with data in a different way,” explained Mr. Shivan Bhargava, chief operating officer, Airtel Kenya. “This is why Airtel doesn't see 3G as a product but a platform that enables the community expand its social and commercial horizons, alongside the rest of the world.” According to Mr. Bhargava, Airtel will be rolling out its data network across all of Kenya with the objective of building the fastest and largest 3G network across the country, and will continue to provide useful and innovative services to make use of this new technology.


He added that “We are grateful to the Government of Kenya, represented by The Honorable Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Samuel Poghisio today, for being here with us today and sharing the Government's vision of enhancing the country's telecommunications platform. This has the capability to enhance social, cultural and commercial participation amongst the people of Kenya and the global community.”


He added; “Our 3.75G platform will allow customers to combine the enormous potential of the internet with the convenience of cellular phones and other devices. It will liberate the potential of our youth, through enabling fast access to the Internet for social networking, creating, accessing and sharing learning content like e-books and music. For the small and medium business, it will enable the entrepreneur to embrace a highly mobile way of working with high speed access to email and internet and it will allow large companies to increase productivity through vastly enhanced mobile internet speeds and access to record and allow for communication via video calls on handsets.”


The new 3.75G network will initially be available to Airtel customers in the key commercial centers of Kenya including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and Naivasha.


“Kenya is an emerging market and subscribers all over the country are increasingly demanding better network quality and superior services. We have partnered with Bharti Airtel to deliver the right infrastructure and solutions to help them meet these demands.” says Dimitri Diliani, Head of Africa Region, Nokia Siemens Networks. “With our strong products and services portfolio, we will partner and support Bharti Airtel to deliver HSPA+ technology, which will enable their customers in Kenya to enjoy high-speed mobile Internet services. This technology will enable Bharti Airtel deliver a unique experience to their customers.”


"We are pleased to have been selected by Airtel for the upgrade of their network in Kenya, and see Mobile broadband as key to realizing our vision of the Networked Society," said Lars Linden, Head of Ericsson sub Saharan Africa. “The new technology will enable Airtel to meet its desire to provide its customers with the most advanced solutions and quality browsing experience to its customers in Kenya and Africa”.


The company is offering its customers a FREE 7 day trial during first 15 days. Customers can access the FREE trial by simply sending the word start on SMS to 544.


Distributed by the African Press Organization for Bharti Airtel Limited.


Photo: http://www.apo-mail.org/airtel-photo.JPG (The picture shows Airtel Kenya chief operating officer, Shivan Bhargava, Minister for information and Communications Samuel Poghisio, Information Permanent Secretary Dr. Bitange Ndemo and Communications Commission of Kenya the acting Director General Francis Wangusi in celebration at the launch of the Airtel Kenya 3.75G network in Nairobi earlier today.)


Photo: http://www.apo-mail.org/airtel-photo2.JPG (The Chief Guest, Minister for Information and Communications, Samuel Poghisio watches a live streaming of a movie on internet at the launch of the Airtel Kenya 3.75G network in Kenya earlier today. Looking on is the Airtel Kenya chief operating officer, Shivan Bhargava.)


About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited (http://www.airtel.com) is a leading integrated telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 5 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G & 3G mobile services, fixed line, high speed broadband through DSL, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G & 3G mobile services. Bharti Airtel had over 244 million customers across its operations at the end of January 2012. To know more please visit, http://www.airtel.com.



For further information contact:


Dick Omondi

Head of Corporate Communications Airtel Kenya

M: +254.737.048.009

E: dick.omondi@ke.airtel.com

Source: Bharti Airtel Limited



TOP 100 FILMS OF ALL-TIME (Worldwide Gross)*



  1. Avatar (2009)
  2. Titanic (1997)
  3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
  4. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
  5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
  6. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
  7. Toy Story 3 (2010)
  8. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
  9. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
  10. The Dark Knight (2008)
  11. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
  12. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
  13. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)
  14. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (2010)
  15. The Lion King (1994)
  16. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
  17. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
  18. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
  19. Shrek 2 (2004)
  20. Jurassic Park (1993)
  21. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
  22. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
  23. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009)
  24. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
  25. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
  26. Finding Nemo (2003)
  27. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
  28. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
  29. Inception (2010)
  30. Spider-Man (2002)
  31. Independence Day (1996)
  32. Shrek the Third (2007)
  33. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
  34. E. T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
  35. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
  36. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
  37. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
  38. 2012 (2009)
  39. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
  40. Shrek Forever After (2010)
  41. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
  42. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
  43. Up (2009)
  44. The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)
  45. Transformers (2007)
  46. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (2011)
  47. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
  48. Forrest Gump (1994)
  49. The Sixth Sense (1999)
  50. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
  51. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
  52. Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
  53. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
  54. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
  55. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
  56. The Incredibles (2004)
  57. Fast Five (2011)
  58. Hancock (2008)
  59. Iron Man 2 (2010)
  60. Ratatouille (2007)
  61. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
  62. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
  63. Mamma Mia! (2008)
  64. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)
  65. Casino Royale (2006)
  66. War of the Worlds (2005)
  67. Tangled (2010)
  68. Men in Black (1997)
  69. Quantum of Solace (2008)
  70. I Am Legend (2007)
  71. Iron Man (2008)
  72. The Hangover Part II (2011)
  73. Night at the Museum (2006)
  74. The Smurfs (2011)
  75. Cars 2 (2011)
  76. Armageddon (1998)
  77. King Kong (2005)
  78. Mission: Impossible II (2000)
  79. The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
  80. Despicable Me (2010)
  81. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
  82. Madagascar (2005)
  83. Puss in Boots (2011)
  84. The Simpsons Movie (2007)
  85. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
  86. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
  87. WALL·E (2008)
  88. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
  89. Meet the Fockers (2004)
  90. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
  91. Ghost (1990)
  92. Aladdin (1992)
  93. Troy (2004)
  94. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
  95. Twister (1996)
  96. Clash of the Titans (2010)
  97. Angels & Demons (2009)
  98. Toy Story 2 (1999)
  99. Rio (2011)
  100. Bruce Almighty (2003)


Source: BOX OFFICE.

24 Feb 2012 08:00 Africa/Lagos


Saga Launches the Search for the top 50 Films at 50

LONDON, February 24, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

Saga Travel has teamed up with LOVEFiLM to discover which films top the charts for the UK's over 50s. The travel and the home entertainment giants have developed an online survey to discover which films today's over 50s love, from Hollywood blockbusters and the latest comedies, to gripping drama and cult classics.

The quick and easy poll, which is only open to the over 50s, can be completed by visiting http://www.fiftyfilmsatfifty.co.uk and will be live from 22nd February to 6th March. Everyone taking part will be entered into a draw to win a fantastic 15-night voyage aboard Saga Sapphire [http://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/ocean-cruises.aspx ], the new cruise ship in the Saga fleet. Cruising to the Canary Islands and North Africa the winners will experience a wealth of contrasts from rainforest and verdant mountains to black-sand beaches and volcanic scenery.

There are also four runners up prizes of iPads to be won, including a year's free LOVEFiLM Instant, providing access to thousands of movies streamed direct to the iPads. All entrants in the survey can also take advantage of an exclusive LOVEFiLM offer; two months unlimited LOVEFiLM for just GBP2, a saving of GBP27.

Promising an authentic 'real ship' experience, along with many traditional British twists, Saga Sapphire will offer 700 guests the best in high-tech entertainment including iPads, onboard cinema and a new DVD library which will carry the top films as voted for in this survey.

Susan Hooper, Chief Executive, Saga Travel said, "As we continue to develop our onboard product we felt it would be great to discover which movies really resonate with today's over 50s. This survey may throw up a few surprise, and gives us the opportunity to stock our DVD library with movies our passengers really love."

For more information about Saga Sapphire visit http://www.sagacruises.co.uk
or call 0800-50-50-30.

For media enquiries please contact
Carl Catterall on +44(0)1303-771118 or at carl.catterall@saga.co.uk


Source: SAGA and LOVEFiLM