Friday, February 15, 2013

ST Remy Unveils “Slam Jam” Promo



ST REMY UNVEILS “SLAM JAM” PROMO

Top rated brandy St Remy is rewarding its loyal consumers with a new promo “SLAM JAM” which kicked off on February 1st 2013. Loyal consumers who buy 20 cartons of the authentic St Remy Brandy get one carton free.

According to the marketers of the French brand, Ekulo international ltd, purchases can be made at the company’s wine shop, Ekulo wine shop at Tiamiyu savage street, Victoria Island and from other accredited Ekulo international ltd distributors.
St Remy brandy has a well balanced, smooth taste and distinctive French brandy character. St Remy is a magnificent amber colour VSOP brandy distilled in France. The bouquet reveals notes of cherry and raspberry with touches of vanilla and oak while the taste is suave and well balanced.



With over 120 years of brand history, the St-Rémy original distillery was established in France in 1886 in the tiny village of Machecoul near Nantes, an ancient vineyard town which had been growing quality wines for centuries.

In Machecoul, located in France’s Loire valley, the main grape variety ‘Gros Plant’, presented very interesting features for making brandy. For this reason, it was decided to set up the distillery in Machecoul, along with St-Rémy’s strong desire to produce top quality brandy.
N°1 French Brandy worldwide, St-Rémy has conquered markets around the globe from the USA to Vietnam, from Canada to Finland, from Nigeria to Australia.

St-Rémy met with immediate success in France and began to be exported to the rest of Europe in 1920s’. As St-Rémy became readily available throughout the world, the essence of this unique and authentic French Brandy has remained unchanged for over a century.

Originally sold as Fine St-Rémy, it was launched as Napoléon VSOP in 1980 and Napoléon XO in 1989. At the start of the 21st century, St-Rémy launched St-Rémy Authentic VSOP and St-Rémy Authentic XO to flawlessly express the authenticity of the French brand and its loyalty to its roots.
St-Rémy has become highly appreciated by true spirits connoisseurs and is best-seller on five continents, making St-Rémy Authentic the world’s favourite French brandy.

St-Rémy brandy is the result of years of French expertise under the supervision of Martine Pain, the dedicated Cellar Master.

The unique savoir-faire of St-Rémy makes it the world’s favourite French brandy.
Each drop of St-Rémy evokes the very best of the French art of living.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mr. Ingram Adichie Osigwe
MD/CEO Fullpage International Communications Limited







submit to reddit

Farewell Golden Girl of Nigerian Hip Hop


Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey aka Goldie Harvey suddenly died on Valentine's Day at the Reddington Hospital on Victoria Island, Lagos, after she returned from the 55th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 10, 2013, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, U.S.A.



Let us celebrate the life she lived for that is what matters most to the living.
What lessons can we learn from her life for the lessons will help us to appreciate the values and virtues of life in a country where most people prefer to live in fallacy and hypocrisy and wickedness.

Every second counts and every breath is precious.
Don't gamble or waste it in ignorance of true love for in true love is our life fulfilled for the glory of God our maker.

Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom
.

~ Psalm 90:12 (New International Version)


PROFILE OF SUSAN OLUWABIMPE ‘GOLDIE’ HARVEY


Growing up in a family where music was virtually the only bright spot in a tripartite existence that revolved round home, school and church, it did not come as much surprise that Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey now known as Goldie chose to be a singer, songwriter and performer.

If it was to give vent to a childhood social denial, available indices indicate that Goldie is making a resounding success of her career choice. If it was to prove to her hitherto unbending dad that her sometimes rebellious streak as a teen was just a quest for her true essence, she has equally succeeded. And everybody must indeed be very proud of this young lady because less than five years into her musical odyssey, the crown of Nigeria’s nonpareil pop diva now nestles snugly on her golden mane.

Since her emergence onto the pop culture radar a few years ago, Goldie has cut large swaths though the fields of musical accomplishments; exemplifying a special conception of musical heroine who can say or show anything while providing a view of the bold, confrontational and liberated woman. Colourful and cerebral, Goldie’s musical strength and depth, sensuality and serenity have appropriated her as the high water mark that other female singers have to live up to. Add to that mix the fact that the multiple awards-winning singer has created a smouldering, public persona that borders on the eccentric and eclectic, otherwise creative and precise, but engaging enough to keep you talking about her. Despite the mixed reactions to her musical style and outré outlook, Goldie has fitted perfectly into the role of Nigeria’s most consistent female performer of the moment.

EARLY LIFE

Indeed, in the case of talent and passion, the apple does not fall too far away from the tree. Goldie was born In the early 80s to very educated and successful parents – her mum, late Mrs. Olabisi Betty from the illustrious Olaiya family in Ijebu, Ogun State was a former managing director in a bank, while her dad, a native of Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, also retired as a director in a new generation bank. He is now into full time clerical works in Lagos. The first of four kids, Goldie’s education began at the Green Springs Montessori Primary School and then St. John's College, Palm Grove, Lagos where Christian Religious Knowledge, she said, was her favourite subject because she didn’t have to study too hard to pass it. In fact, by the age of 10, she already knew so many bible verses that belied her age.

She recalled, “My childhood was very interesting but regimented. My Dad was a leader in church and very active too while my mum used to lead the choir. So, as their first child, I took very active roles in all church activities – drama, choir, bible classes and so on. Church was the only social life we had. On Mondays, we went for bible classes; Wednesdays were for prayer meetings and then one Friday in a month, we went for vigil. I never had toys or friends because my father thought they would lead me astray." Thus, her mum was her closest friend. However, the bond that held mother and daughter together snapped irretrievably in 1994.

LOSING HER MUM

Goldie described her mum as a woman of high intellectual and moral values. “She was the first to have a scholarship in her family. She was an avid reader and had a lot of certificates and degrees.” Every night, when every other person had gone to bed, Goldie and her mum would stay up chit-chatting and watching television. She was the only friend Goldie had. But she died too soon after a long-drawn battle with cancer, leaving behind four kids. “It was a traumatic experience for me especially because it was like losing my only friend and confidant. I cried bitterly and even up till now, over a decade later, the pain of her demise has not left me.” Goldie is however consoled that she now has another mum in her step-mother who she describes as God-sent.

FORAY INTO MUSIC

A prodigious kid with a strong flair for the arts and everything creative, Goldie recalled drawing sketches of anything that caught her fancy but whenever her dad saw her drawing, he would tear it, asking rather erroneously how many people have achieved outstanding success in arts. This however did not deter the blithely ambitious young lady from wanting to give vent to her dreams because like the cliché goes, music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent. Goldie had found music through the prism of divas like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton. And even at that age, she was already learning the style and nuances of pop, even emulating Braxton’s style of keeping her side burns oiled.

At that time too, it had become pretty obvious that Goldie was an embryonic diva. “I’d been flirting with music all my life. I don’t remember exactly how old but I was incredibly young when I knew that I’d go into some form of entertainment. Everybody who knew me back then knew that I could sing because I was always singing in school or church; I’ve always had that artistic flair.” So, when she got to the UK where she had been admitted to study Business Management at the University of Sunderland, she and a couple of friends formed an informal group which performed for friends and family. The group even did a couple of demos which never really made it out.

GOING PROFESSIONAL

Interestingly, Goldie’s return to Nigeria in the mid-2000s did not quite signal an immediate take-off for her career. Rather, she concentrated on building her date-reminder services business. In the course of this, she needed to do a jingle and was introduced to Mani of Cool FM who bowled her over with his production aplomb. They talked about music and what they’d like to achieve. The young lady evinced unadulterated passion and determination which prompted Mani to introduce her to industry players. Then, she met renowned producer, OJB Jezreel who would produce her first single, Komole. This was followed by three other singles Spin Me, Nothing has Changed, and Shift, which all formed part of her compilation CD. Since then, there has been no stopping her. Through the turbulence, drudgery and seeming imperviousness of the music industry, Goldie held her own, talent for talent, and creativity for creativity. After a tentative management deal in 2009, Goldie was signed on to Nigeria’s foremost music label, Kennis Music in 2010.

A few months later, she released her debut album, Gold, which given Nigerians’ apathy towards pop music, has been a critical success. The album exudes the audacity and flamboyance of Goldie, and has spewed a couple of provocative, smart, and infectious videos; You Know It, JawoJawo and DTMB (Don’t Touch My Body) The 3 songs are now certified street anthems with increasing followership. “For me, the clothing, the props, and the creative direction must be properly coordinated because I want my fans to have very specific imagery in their head when they're listening to the music and watching the accompanying video.” Continuing, she says, “Entertainment as a whole has gone visual. The best way to sell yourself and your music is to make a video… I will say for the record though, that I love shooting music videos, that’s one of the highlights of being in my profession; I like bringing my fantasies to life. A good music video is just one of the many ways to do this.” Little wonder, the video for ‘You Know it’ won the best female video at the 2010 SoundCity Music Video Awards and also picked the award for best use of costume at the Nigerian Music Video Awards; while DTMB picked up best Afro Pop video at the 2011 Nmva’s.

TRIVIA

A movie buff and avid reader, when Goldie is not in the comfort of her home, she is making good music at the Kennis Music Studio. Though a nocturnal person, you can hardly find Goldie at Night clubs because she believes in channelling such hours into creative engagements.

ACCOLADES

Goldie is an ambassador of Project Alert, a world renowned not for profit organisation aimed at advocating Zero tolerance to all forms of violence against women and young girls. This rare honour was bestowed upon her after the president of the organisation saw all the charity works she had been doing on her own.

Goldie has so far in the past year nabbed a total of ten (10 awards) including Exquisite Lady of the year (ELOY) Best Female Artiste award and City People Best Female Artiste of the year... She has also been inducted as a Federal Celebrity Special Marshal alongside other notable Nigerian Celebrities. The Law Students Society of the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U) recently issued her an Award for Musical Excellence under the category of Best Female Artiste of the Year. She has also been conferred a United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace by the Federal Government.

Having won all the major awards on the African continent, headlined major events within and outside the continent, hosted sold-out tours, Goldie is not just a name but a brand that have since carved a niche for herself as a leading African Female pop Diva.

Goldie became the final celebrity to exit the BBA7 star game house in 2012 as the 3rd runner up.

The video for SAY MY NAME received BEST POP COSTUME at the Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) in December 2012. She was also honoured with a SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD at Top Naija music awards same month.

Queen G is currently working on a Continental-wide musical project titled THE AFRICA INVASION ALBUM. The first 3 hits off the Naughty Singles compilation; SKIBOBO featuring AY (Tanzania), MILIKI featuring NAVIO (Uganda), and GIVE IT TO ME featuring J MARTINS (Nigeria), have all recorded massive downloads worldwide.







submit to reddit

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

You Don't Have To Borrow Or Steal For Valentine Gifts For Your Sweethearts



Supermarkets are stocking various Valentine gifts, but many of them are just too expensive for majority of guys and babes who as we know now are really financially challenged in Nigeria and most of them are unemployed. Therefore they cannot afford expensive Valentine gifts for their sweethearts.




This is the time to humble girlfriends that are too demanding.
Of course wise boys and men avoid dating covetous and greedy girls and women who don't care how guys make their money to impress them and the day the good times stop, these greedy babes move on to more buoyant men. And lest we forget, they don't care about love and sacrifices. They just want to suck you dry like vampires.

Don't let any girlfriend make you borrow or even steal for Valentine.
Valentine is even one of the best times to know who truly loves you or not and the best gift for Valentine is the priceless gift of pure and true love and it is more precious than diamond, gold or any other precious gem.
And lest we forget true love is not free, because it comes with the greatest sacrifice, the sacrifice of a life time. True love can cost you your life like in Romeo and Juliet and the greatest love sacrifice of all, God sacrificing His only begotten son for our sakes. That is why the Holy Bible said, "His love surpasses all knowledge", because nothing else compares to His love. And today is Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) when all Roman Catholic Christians begin fasting and praying, the season of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. And any true Roman Catholic Christian will not abuse and misuse the St. Valentine's Day by messing around night clubs and any dalliance of carnal romance.
The Lent will definitely affect the way Roman Catholics will spend their Valentine's Day.




If you must give Valentine gifts, low budget Valentine gifts are available on the streets and mini supermarkets in Lagos from as little as N1, 000 (about $8) and trust me they are very sweet gifts such as lingerie, fragrances, flowers, teddy bears, chocolates, love scarves, handkerchiefs, mugs, etc.
With only N3, 000 you can get long lasting precious and sweet Valentine gifts for your sweethearts and hello, lest you forget, your sweethearts include children too.



Valentine's Day Gifts Discounts for Women and Men and Children are at the following:

SHOMOLU:
MERVILLS, opposite the Skye Bank Plc on Bajulaiye Road, Shomolu, Lagos.

MUSHIN:
CHIBEZE, Asaoku Street, Olosha Mushin, Mushin, Lagos.

IKOYI:
Falomo Shopping Complex where many shops stock affordable Valentine gifts, including cakes.

SURULERE:
Shoprite has many shops stocking affordable Valentine gifts.

IKEJA:
Alade Market on Allen Avenue and Shoprite at the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

VICTORIA ISLAND:
The Palms, Shoprite and other shops in the massive shopping mall, Lekki, where you can get low budget Valentine gifts.

Shop Amazon - Valentine's Day Event







submit to reddit

Monday, February 11, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI Decides To Resign


11 Feb 2013 15:19 Africa/Lagos

Papacy Of Pope Benedict XVI Highlighted His Pastoral, Scholarly, Holy Life, Says Cardinal Dolan

Sad he will resign but grateful for his eight years of selfless leadership

Reached out to religiously threatened in Middle East, poor in Africa, world's youth

Highlighted value of human life

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued this statement moments after learning of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on February 11, 2013.

Statement of Cardinal Timothy Dolan

The Holy Father brought the tender heart of a pastor, the incisive mind of a scholar and the confidence of a soul united with His God in all he did. His resignation is but another sign of his great care for the Church. We are sad that he will be resigning but grateful for his eight years of selfless leadership as successor of St. Peter.

Though 78 when he elected pope in 2005, he set out to meet his people – and they were of all faiths – all over the world. He visited the religiously threatened – Jews, Muslims and Christians in the war-torn Middle East, the desperately poor in Africa, and the world's youth gathered to meet him in Australia, Germany, Spain and Brazil.

He delighted our beloved United States of America when he visited Washington and New York in 2008. As a favored statesman he greeted notables at the White House. As a spiritual leader he led the Catholic community in prayer at Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick's Cathedral. As a pastor feeling pain in a stirring, private meeting at the Vatican nunciature in Washington, he brought a listening heart to victims of sexual abuse by clerics.

Pope Benedict often cited the significance of eternal truths and he warned of a dictatorship of relativism. Some values, such as human life, stand out above all others, he taught again and again. It is a message for eternity.

He unified Catholics and reached out to schismatic groups in hopes of drawing them back to the church. More unites us than divides us, he said by word and deed. That message is for eternity.

He spoke for the world's poor when he visited them and wrote of equality among nations in his peace messages and encyclicals. He pleaded for a more equitable share of world resources and for a respect for God's creation in nature.

Those who met him, heard him speak and read his clear, profound writings found themselves moved and changed. In all he said and did he urged people everywhere to know and have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

The occasion of his resignation stands as an important moment in our lives as citizens of the world. Our experience impels us to thank God for the gift of Pope Benedict. Our hope impels us to pray that the College of Cardinals under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit choose a worthy successor to meet the challenges present in today's world.

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

CONTACT: Sr. Mary Ann Walsh, O: +1-202-541-3200, M: +1-301-325-7935, mwalsh@usccb.org







submit to reddit

The Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama Bin Laden

Osama bin Laden.

11 Feb 2013 13:15 Africa/Lagos

Esquire Publishes First-ever Interview With The Navy SEAL Who Killed Osama Bin Laden
Magazine reveals untold elements of the historic raid as well as the personal aftermath for The Shooter and his family
Story to appear in the March 2013 Issue on Newsstands the week of February 11

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire magazine will publish an exclusive in-depth feature story in the March 2013 issue about the former Navy SEAL Team Six member who killed Osama Bin Laden. The 15,000-word story, "The Shooter," is written by Phil Bronstein, Executive Chair of the Center for Investigative Reporting (the piece was reported in cooperation with CIR), and is based on extensive interviews with the man who killed bin Laden. The story reveals untold, unforgettable details of the historic nighttime raid in May, 2011 at bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and stands as the definitive account of what happened there that night. It also offers a sobering portrait of life after the military and makes the case that the government largely abandons its most elite and highly-trained soldiers after their service is over. The Navy SEAL, identified as "the Shooter" for his safety and that of his family (and out of respect for his colleagues), told Bronstein his story both to correct the historical record of the bin Laden mission and to put a spotlight on how the United States government treats its most highly-trained and accomplished soldiers once they return to civilian life.

On the day "the Shooter" departed the military after 16 years, he was left with:

No medical insurance for him or his family.
No pension.
No comprehensive assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
No provision for security from the threat of retaliation for himself or his family.
An average wait of nine months for those limited VA benefits that are available to him.

(Note: Had "the Shooter" stayed in for 20 years, he would have been eligible for a pension of $2197.00 per month, the same pension as a member of the Navy choir.)

Please find the complete story here on Esquire.com :
http://www.esquire.com/features/man-who-shot-osama-bin-laden-0313

Bronstein spent more than a year establishing trust and building a rapport with the now-retired Navy SEAL at the center of this story, as well as interviewing several other SEAL Team 6 members. One, a friend of the Shooter, states: "If I get killed on this next deployment, I know my family will be taken care of. But if I come back and retire, I won't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of for the rest of my life. Sad to say, it's better if I get killed."

As Bronstein reports: With the American way of war evolving dramatically in the past decade to deal with asymmetrical threats, most of the future fighting will be done not by large contingents of conventional ground forces but with targeted strikes by Special Operations forces such as the Shooter and his colleagues. Consequently, "there will be an increasing number of vets in the Shooter's circumstance: abandoned, with limited choices." This riveting look at a legendary raid and the troubling second chapter for "The Shooter" and his Special Ops peers is a call-to-action: Something must be done.

Phil Bronstein will be a guest on The Today Show at 7:40 on February 11, 2013, to discuss this story. To schedule an interview with Phil Bronstein, Esquire Editor-In-Chief, David Granger or Esquire Executive Editor Mark Warren, or for more information, please contact Adam_Schiff@dkcnews.com.

About Esquire

Esquire (www.esquire.com), published by Hearst Magazines, is the most-honored monthly magazine in America. Over the past 15 years, it has won a total of 16 National Magazine Awards. Its Web site and e-reader applications have been similarly honored—Esquire won the first-ever National Magazine Award for iPad applications. In addition to its U.S. flagship, Esquire publishes 25 editions around the world. Follow Esquire on Twitter at @Esquiremag.

About the Center for Investigative Reporting

Founded in 1977, the Center for Investigative Reporting is the nation's oldest nonprofit investigative news organization, producing unique, high-quality reporting that has impact and is relevant to people's lives. The organization's stories appear in hundreds of news outlets, including NPR News, PBS Frontline, PBS NewsHour, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Sacramento Bee, Newsweek/The Daily Beast, MinnPost and American Public Media's Marketplace. CIR stories have received numerous journalism awards, including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton, George Polk Award, Emmy Award, Investigative Reporters and Editors Award, and the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Its reports have sparked state and federal hearings and legislation, United Nations resolutions, public-interest lawsuits and changes in corporate policies. For more information, please visit cironline.org, californiawatch.org and baycitizen.org.

SOURCE Esquire

CONTACT: Adam Schiff, DKC, +1-212-981-5216, Adam_Schiff@ dkcnews.com, or Stephanie Tuck, DKC, +1-212-981-5170, Stephanie_Tuck@dkcnews.com

Web Site: http://www.esquire.com







submit to reddit

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Up Nigeria! African Nations Cup Champions!


Nigeria ended a 19-year wait to regain the African Nations Cup after a stunning goal from winger Sunday Mba gave them a deserved 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in the final at Soccer City on Sunday.


“Winning this tournament is for my nation. When I came on board over a year and a half ago, I wanted to make Nigerians happy.
“I hope more African coaches will be given more responsibility to lead their countries. There is a lot of potential in this team but we need to be patient. I'm so, so proud of what we have achieved in this team.
“I'm an optimist, I never think negative. We came here to win the captain - I told my captain that we coming here to win this trophy and he didn't believe me. Today we have won."

~ Stephen Keshi, Nigeria coach


“I would like to thank the All Mighty God, this is a dream come true. I have been in six Africa Cup of Nations and this is my last tournament. I’m obviously very happy and proud to be in this team.”

~ Joseph Yobo, Nigeria captain
Click here for more reports!.



TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY FOR OUR VICTORY!







submit to reddit


I Will Pop Cristalino Champagne for Super Eagles Victory Today!


I will pop a bottle of Cristalino Champagne to celebrate the victory of the Super Eagles of Nigeria over the Stallions of Burkina Faso in today's final match of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations at the National Stadium in Johannesburg in South Africa. And I know that millions of Nigerians are praying for Nigeria to win the Orange Africa Cup of Nations this evening and the good news will make headlines all over the world tomorrow.




Of course God will receive all the glory for our victory, because without Him we cannot achieve anything.









submit to reddit

Saturday, February 9, 2013

“Naija” Bond, is IFC's First Naira-Denominated Bond


6 Feb 2013 02:38 Africa/Lagos

IFC Naija Bond Marks First International Issuance in Nigeria's Domestic Capital Markets

WASHINGTON,5 February 2013 / PRNewswire Africa / - IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has issued a Nigerian local currency bond totaling 12 billion nairas—equivalent to approximately $75 million—to support domestic capital markets and increase access to local-currency finance.

The issue, called the “Naija” bond, is IFC's first naira-denominated bond. It is also the first placement by a nonresident issuer in Nigeria's domestic capital markets.

“Vibrant domestic capital markets create access to long-term, local-currency finance for the private sector—the key engine of job creation in emerging markets,” said Jingdong Hua, IFC Vice President and Treasurer. “The IFC Naija bond supports our efforts to deepen domestic capital markets in Africa, so they can sustain a thriving private sector in the region.”

The five-year bond was designed to appeal to a broad range of domestic investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Initially planned as a $50 million issue, the bond was increased due to strong investor demand. All investors in the bond are Nigerian pension funds, asset managers, and banks. The bond is priced at par with a yield of 10.2%.

Proceeds from the bond will be used to support IFC's private sector development program.

Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, said: “The IFC Naija bond supports the efforts of the government and authorities to deepen domestic capital markets and grow the corporate bond market in Nigeria. A well-developed corporate bond market in turn can provide affordable, long-term naira funding to meet the financing needs for critical sectors such as power.”

IFC's committed portfolio in Nigeria stands at $1.1 billion, the largest country portfolio in Africa and the eighth-largest globally.

In May 2012, IFC launched its Pan-African Domestic Medium-Term Note Programme, which focuses on Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia. IFC has also obtained approvals to issue local-currency bonds in Kenya. Previously, IFC worked with Ghana, Zambia, and eight members of the West African Monetary Union to establish local-currency bond programs. In 2006 and 2009, IFC issued bonds denominated in CFA francs.

IFC issues bonds as part of its regular program of raising funds for private sector development, and to support the development of domestic capital markets. In many cases IFC is the first, or among the first, nonresident issuers. As of June 30, 2012, IFC had outstanding bond issuances totaling $45 billion in 11 currencies.

The IFC Naija bond is the result of a collaborative process among IFC, the Nigerian government and regulatory authorities, and market participants. IFC appointed Chapel Hill Advisory Partners Limited—a Nigerian arranger— and Standard Chartered Bank as lead managers of the transaction.

IFC bonds are rated triple-A by Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's.

SOURCE : International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
7 Feb 2013
21:56 Platts: OPEC Pumps 30.45 Million Barrels of Crude Oil Per Day in January
21:00 Vir2o Joins HotSauce at Social Media Week, Lagos
19:58 Ex-Im Bank Signs $500 Million MOU with ICICI Bank 
00:28 Inclusive political process must accompany military progress in Mali
00:05 ICRC media brief February 2013
6 Feb 2013
23:41 ACCESS IMPROVING IN MALI BUT THE SAHEL STILL AT RISK FOR FOOD INSECURITY – UN RELIEF OFFICIAL
13:00 EarthSearch Communications Joins Halogen Security at Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja
02:38 IFC Naija Bond Marks First International Issuance in Nigeria's Domestic Capital Markets
02:05 AfDB Supports Export-Oriented SMEs to Boost Local Job Creation in Nigeria
5 Feb 2013
22:21 Aviat Networks Continues to Expand its Support Services Capabilities in Africa, Increases Role with MTN Ghana







submit to reddit

True Story Nollywood World Première on February 26 in New York City


True Story Nollywood Documentary Premieres February 26, 2013: A film about the stories written and told by the world?s third largest film industry, Nollywood

True Story Nollywood: The Trailer from TSN on Vimeo.


New York, NY February 8 -- The New York Women in Film & Television will hold a screening at Anthology Film Archives on February 26 to share the works of its talented members, including the premiere showing of True Story Nollywood (TSN) - a film documenting the opinions about the authenticity of the African narrative in Nollywood films (a fast growing African film industry thought to be losing itself to Western culture).


Produced by a young up and coming filmmaker of Nigerian/Cameroonian descent, Ihuoma Mambo Atanga, True Story Nollywood highlights various subjects of discourse surrounding the topic, among prominent Nollywood filmmakers and people based in her current city of residence, New York City including renowned Nollywood director Tunde Kelani.

Inspired by the great conversations and writings of prominent works like Chimamanda?s Danger of a Single Story, Wainaina?s How To Write About Africa, and Achebe?s An Image of Africa, Ms. Atanga notes ?I became more aware of a magnificent transitionary phase of African storytelling, from a biographical to an autobiographical state. Affordable film technology has enabled Africans to now write their own stories and broadcast it to the entire world through one of the most pervasive mediums, film. So people naturally expect that stories from Africans by Africans make up a definitive and true African story.?

The juiciest discussions about the rapidly changing Nigerian film industry (Nollywood), ranging from cultural-authenticity, her/histories, language and of course sex, can be heard in Harlem?s African Hair braiding salons, Brooklyn?s African film shops, etc., unfortunately, the best of these riveting conversations never see the light of day. True Story Nollywood examines the educated opinions, gossip, lies and truths behind the evolution and authenticity of Nollywood stories from the perspective of industry connoisseurs, Michael Nwaesi, Oliver Mbamara, Tunde Kelani, and a host of Nollywood film enthusiasts.

###

About True Story Nollywood:

A MediAfritiQ Production, True Story Nollywood, is an enthralling, honest, enlightening, comic, and educational documentary. The viewer is sure to go through an array of mixed emotions as varying opinions are categorically spewed for the audience to critically ingest. The industry practitioners interviewed bring conversations about the change in the Nollywood film industry to light. Our cast include Prominent Nollywood New York filmmakers like Oliver Mbamara, filmmaker and vendor Michael Nwaesei, and one of Nigeria?s finest directors of all time Tunde Kelani. They are unafraid to state their sentiments on the good, the bad and the ugly changes in the Nollywood film industry, whilst bringing to light the contributions of the industry not only for the face of Nigeria, and West Africa, but the face of Africa to the world. The TSN production team is an all female group consisting of co-producer Tarisai Gombe and cinematographer Olubusola Ajayi, amongst our other phenomenal crew members. This fifteen-minute documentary serves as a teaser and introduction to a much larger project due to be announced in the fall of 2013. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/59014693

Media Contact:
Public Relations Officer: Jamila Woolford
jamila@mediafritiq.com

General Inquiries:
True Story Nollywood
inquiries@mediafritiq.com

Connect:
Facebook: Facebook.com/TrueStoryNollywood
Twitter: Twitter.com/TSNdocumentary
Tumblr: truestorynollywood.tumblr.com/







submit to reddit

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Home About Editorial Services Write for Us Book Awards Contact Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Invisible Giants: Changing the World One Step at a Time


6 Feb 2013 09:00 Africa/Lagos

Invisible Giants: Changing the World One Step at a Time, a Book by Lindsay Levin, is Out on 5th March


LONDON, February 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

"An extraordinary, warts-and-all account designed to jump leaders into 21st century realities." John Elkington, Executive Chairman, Volans Ventures; Co-founder of Environmental Data Services (ENDS) and SustainAbility

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130206/594060-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130206/594060-b )

Invisible Giants is a book about leadership, choices in life and the potential in everyone to make a difference. Author Lindsay Levin, who founded the social enterprise Leaders' Quest in 2001, tells the stories of some of the people she has met through her work, and their impact on the world.

Levin takes readers on a journey from Canary Wharf to the streets of Mumbai, and from a high-security prison in Johannesburg to Chengdu, where thousands of new tower blocks are transforming the city. We meet individuals who are overcoming obstacles, and often their own frailties, to change the lives of those around them.

The invisible giants of Levin's story are grassroots leaders who, despite a lack of education and resources, are re-energising their communities, and business executives who strive to integrate purpose alongside profit, in the face of institutional resistance. They are female activists in slums campaigning to end the exclusion of girls from school, and environmentalists tackling the effects of industrialisation on the world's ecosystem. They are also ordinary Israelis and Palestinians committed to peaceful coexistence who are delivering a courageous and sometimes unpopular message to their own people.

"In my experience, people have infinite potential to grow and to create. I have written this book to try and share some of this optimism," says Levin.

After 15 years as a successful entrepreneur, Levin founded the social enterprise Leaders' Quest in 2001, to bring together people from all disciplines and sectors who want to use their unique influence to create positive change in the world. Her work has brought her into contact with an extraordinary range of leaders from across the world - some highly visible, and some not.

"Our work at Leaders' Quest is about bringing people together - from CEOs to grassroots activists - to learn from the unfamiliar and recognise the capacity they have to improve the world around them. The lives of these invisible giants have struck a chord with me. Not because they are inherently more virtuous than high profile leaders, but because their stories are rarely told and because they have a vital role to play in creating a brighter future."

"The book is also the story of my own quest to ask: "what really matters?" and to find out where the answers can take me."

Invisible Giants is published by Vala and will be available to buy online, at high street bookshops, or directly from the publishers at http://www.valapublishers.coop/invisiblegiants , from March 2013. It costs £16.99, and all the author's royalties go to the Leaders' Quest Foundation, a registered charity.

A launch event will be held on Tuesday 5th March at London's Paramount, on the 31st floor of Centre Point, 101-103 New Oxford Street (right next to Tottenham Court Road tube station), from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. It will be a stimulating gathering of corporate and community leaders, including some of the invisible giants who feature in the book. Lindsay will be speaking about the book and her work and taking part in a short Q&A.

The event is free but places are strictly limited. To reserve a place, please contact Richard.roberts@leadersquest.org.

What readers are saying

"Generous, deeply personal and beautifully written." Tom Glocer, former CEO, Thomson Reuters

"An important and enjoyable read for business leaders who want to better understand the complex relationships between people, culture, attitudes and opportunities that shape our world. Invisible Giants challenges us to think differently about business and the role of leaders. Reading it is, in itself, an inspiring journey, with wonderful stories of exceptional people beating the odds to accomplish extraordinary things." Bob Bechek, Worldwide Managing Director, Bain & Company

"It's not about privileged do-gooders who clamour for media attention, but "karmayogis": people who bring about change in quiet and purposeful ways. Truly inspiring, with powerful lessons for everyone." Anu Aga, Chairperson, Teach For India ; Director, Thermax Limited

About the author

After 15 years as a successful entrepreneur, Lindsay Levin founded Leaders' Quest in 2001, to connect leaders from all disciplines and sectors, and explore solutions to global issues.

A strong NGO advocate, her work ranges from searching for new initiatives that address poverty and environmental sustainability, to helping businesses redefine values and shift culture.

From 2008 to 2012 she was Chair of the International Steering Committee of OneVoice, a conflict resolution movement working to strengthen civil society in Israel and Palestine, and she regularly facilitates workshops and dialogues in the region.

About Leaders' Quest

Leaders' Quest works with people from all walks of life - from CEOs of multinational companies, to grassroots organisers - who use their unique influence to create positive change in the world. It designs experiential learning journeys which enable them to ask tough questions about business, society and their own leadership, and look for answers together. It runs programmes in Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.

Find out more at: http://www.leadersquest.org

About the publisher

The Vala Publishing Co-operative is an adventure in community supported publishing. They publish high quality books that explore and celebrate the human spirit with brave and authentic ways of thinking and being.

Vala is co-owned and democratically managed by its members.

Find out more at: http://www.valapublishers.coop

Media contact

For more information, to order a review copy of Invisible Giants, or to schedule an interview with Lindsay Levin, please contact either Richard.roberts@leadersquest.org or melanie.george@leadersquest.org, or call +44(0)208-948-5208.










submit to reddit