Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Jay Jay Okocha admits it will take a miracle for Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup


Nigerian football Legend Jay Jay Okocha  says a miracle is needed for the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after their draw with Tunisia at home.


"We need a miracle to qualify for the World Cup. The ticket is already out of our hands after we failed to beat Tunisia here, but we don't need to give up," Okocha said.


"But to be honest, it will take a miracle for us to qualify for the 2010 World Cup because of the situation we find ourselves now."


Okocha was appointed technical assistant for the Nigerian Super Eagles earlier this month.


"The new role will give me the opportunity to be closer to the players than before when I had to first seek the consent of the coaches to speak with the players," he said.


He also responded to reports about him coming out of retirement to play for the Super Eagles.


"I can't play football forever. I am not a greedy person. Leaving the stage would pave the way for younger players to come up too. People may want to see me back in the national team but I don't plan to return. I have got my pride to defend,"  Okocha said.


Leadership


Related stories: Jay Jay Okocha becomes technical assistant for the Super Eagles


Jay Jay Okocha appointed football ambassador


Video overview of Group B in the 2010 World Cup



Monday, September 28, 2009

Six Flags plans to build theme park in Nigeria


America's largest amusement park corporation is planning to do what no other foreign  theme park company has done before and is venturing into uncharted territory to build a Six Flags theme park in Nigeria.


Six Flags plans to build a 250-acre park by 2013 in the city of Calabar in Cross River state. The only other two international theme parks Six Flags operate are in Montreal and Mexico City. There are currently no large-scale theme parks like Six Flags in existence in Nigeria.


The executive vice president of strategic development and in-park services for Six Flags, Andrew Schleimer had this to say about the venture:


"We saw Nigeria, a country with a population of more than 140 million people, a rapidly growing middle class and relatively few theme-park options, as a good emerging market to expand Six Flags' global brand,"


Dennis Speigel, the president of International Theme Parks Services, a consulting firm in Cincinnati expressed some reservations on the project:


"I'm not sure if this announcement brings credibility to Six Flags' table," 


"It's a worthy cause for Six Flags to spread this type of entertainment, but [Nigeria] is a tough place to do business given the role corruption and government interference play there," he said. "Some parts of the country are having trouble clothing its people. I have to question whether Nigeria is ready for an attraction of this nature," he said.


The development of a Nigerian Six Flags Theme Park is still in the early stages but Six Flags officials have expressed their confidence about the project. "We have certainly done our due diligence," Mr. Schleimer said.


 "The first phase of this project is designed to get to know the partners, the lay of the land and to conceptualize the look and feel of the project. The first phase is a fact-finding mission for both parties.


"We are aware of pockets of civil unrest in the country, mainly in the north. So far, we are comfortable with the stability of the region that we are working in," he said. 


After completion of the planning phase, Six Flags and the Nigerian government will collaborate on the design, construction and management of the park according to Mr. Schleimer. He also said construction labour is expected to come from the local population, which will bolster economic growth and that financing of the project will probably be the result of a public-private partnership in which the government pays part of the cost.


Washington Times


Related stories: SONY to invest in Nigeria


Plans to build first Hooters in Africa, just in time for the 2010 World Cup



Friday, September 25, 2009

Dora Akunyili wants SONY apology letter re-written


The managing director of SONY Gulf-Mideast and Africa, Mr. Muira Osamo came to the Radio House office of the Ministry of Information and Communications to offer "sincere apologies" to the government and people of Nigeria for the reference made in a new SONY ad campaign for the PlayStation 3.


Mr. Osamo said he came on behalf of SONY to show the corporation's commitment and respect to Nigerian people.


"There was no bad intention or reason for the advert. It is a genuine mistake by our organisation."


A letter signed by SONY Corp. Vice President, Shiro Kambe stated that "it has come to our attention that a TV advertisement made by SONY Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA), one of our group companies in the U.S. responsible for PlayStation business in the U.S. and Canada, may have offended some members of the Nigerian community. We sincerely apologise to anyone this may have offended."


"immediately after learning that it contained statements that might have offended some individuals. By September 7, all replacement work was completed, and the original advertisement has not been aired."


The Nigerian Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili expressed her dissatisfaction at the wordings of the letter and advised SONY to "re- write the letter to reflect the real feelings of SONY. You said that you offended some members of the Nigerian community.


That is not true. In fact, you offended all Nigerians. I have a reservation on the apology. We will not take the apology seriously until you modify it."You have taken the first step by apologising. Then re- write the apology to make it more acceptable. We are expecting clearer apology from SONY."


This Day


Related stories: Nigerian government reacts to Sony's PlayStation 3 Ad


PlayStation 3 ad changed after Nigerians protest against it


SONY apologizes to Nigeria for PlayStation 3 ad


Nigerian government lashes out on District 9 and demands apology from SONY Pictures


Nigerian scammers scammed and arrested



Thursday, September 24, 2009

72-year old man abducted and held ransom for $131,200

Chief Sunday Kanu was abducted at gunpoint from his home at about 7:30 on Sunday. According to the Vanguard, the gunmen have contacted relatives of their 72-year old captive and demanded a ransom of 20 million naira ($131,200) paid for the old man's release. Chief Kanu happens to be the uncle of the Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Mr. Glory Kanu.


Mr. Glory Kanu has called on security agents in the state to ensure the release of his uncle. He condemned the rise in kidnappings in the state and called on the youth to engage in useful activities rather than crime.


Related stories: Nigerian priest kidnaps woman and demands N4m in ransom


76 year old woman kidnapped and held for 2 months released after family refuse to pay ransom



Action Congress disgusted by Governor Timipre Sylva's actions on CNN



The political party Action Congress (AC), through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has expressed its disgust on how Governor Timipre Sylva presented the Bayelsa State House to CNN's Christian Purefoy in the video up top. The Action Congress released these statements:


"Gov. Sylva, who had no inhibition in ordering a local journalist to be abducted from Abuja and whisked to Yenagoa over an alleged offensive article, was virtually genuflecting before Purefoy, virtually begging him to accept his invitation to play in his proposed 18-hole golf course! What an irony!"


"If the governor believes in such nonsensical superstition in this age and time, why has he not walked round it seven times so that his own wish for peace in the Niger Delta will come true? Or are we to assume that he has not done that because he does not wish for peace in the region?"


Vanguard


Related stories: Nigerian Governor living in opulence in midst of poverty


Action Congress accuses government of deceit over fuel scarcity



Tuesday, September 22, 2009

U.S. demand for oil from Nigeria drops

The United States of America (Nigeria's biggest oil consumer) has drastically reduced its demand for oil from Nigeria due to a rise in stockpiles of distillate fuel that has almost reach a 26-year high according to the American Petroleum Institute. This has forced the price of oil to drop below $71 per barrel.


America's reduced consumption of Nigeria's oil comes as a big blow to the country because 95% of Nigeria's economy is dependent on oil revenue. The U.S. buys more than 1 million barrels out of the 1.7 million barrels Nigeria produces per day.


Commodity strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney, David Moore made these following statement: 


"Most of the macro data from the U.S. over the last month has been supportive of oil prices,"


"But inventories remain high and demand is weak, so that's capping prices."


David Moore also predicted that crude will most likely average $64 per barrel in the fourth quarter before rising to average $80 in the October to December period of 2010.


Daily Independent


Related stories: Oil prices rise $71. a barrel after MEND shut down Shell in Nigeria


Oil prices fall on wallstreet after amnesty report in Nigeria


The oil must flow - video report on the amnesty deal in Nigeria




Doctor jailed for death of former first lady Stella Obasanjo


The Spanish surgeon has been sentenced to one-year in jail for involuntary homicide by a court in Malaga, Spain for the death of Stella Obasanjo after a liposuction operation he carried out on the former first lady in 2005.


The court banned the surgeon from practicing medicine for three years and ordered him him to pay Stella Obasanjo's son Olumuyiwa Obasanjo 120,000 Euros ($176,000) in compensation.


Daily Independent


Related stories: Forensics show that Stella Obasanjo's death was avoidable


Criminal prosecution case against surgeon charged with Stella Obasanjo's death begins in Spain



Nigeria improves and rises to Tier 1 in 2009 T.I.P. report


Nigeria has risen to Tier 1 status in the 2009 TIP (Trafficking in Persons) report and has met the "minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking", according to a statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Department of State's ninth annual TIP Report in a public event at Washington D.C.


"Over the past year, the Government of Nigeria more than doubled the number of trafficking offenders convicted, while it improved assistance given to victims, demonstrated strong awareness-raising efforts, and increased funding to its anti-human trafficking organization, the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)" 


"the 175-country report is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, a modern-day form of slavery". it stated.


According to the statement the findings are intended to raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons.


Nigeria was rated for increased efforts in 2008 and achievements over the past few years in preventing human trafficking. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria also congratulated the government of Nigeria and the National Agency for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on its accomplishment and encourages continued progress in the future.


"The U.S. Congress, through its passage of the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), as amended, requires the Secretary of State to submit this Report each year. The goal of this Report is to stimulate action and create partnerships around the world in the fight against modern-day slavery".


"Within the Report, countries are assigned to one of three tiers: countries assessed as meeting the "minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking" as set forth in the TVPA are classified as Tier 1; countries assessed as not fully complying with the minimum standards, but making significant efforts are classified as Tier 2; and countries assessed as neither complying with the minimum standards nor making significant efforts to do so are classified as Tier 3." It stated.


Daily Trust


Related stories: Alarming increase of Nigerian girls trafficked to Italy


Nigeria is the largest African source of  trafficked women to Europe and Asia


Video report of Hillary Clinton comparing Nigeria's election to America's previous election in 2000



732 Nigerians in Chinese Prisons

It's been reported by Vanguard that about 732 Nigerian are in imprisoned in China for various offences. Out of the 732 Nigerians, 322 are in detention, 304 are awaiting deportation, and 106 are serving prison terms for trafficking, fraud, and robbery.


The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi made these following statements during discussions between the two countries: 


" Nigerian side is expected to raise and collaborate with the Chinese, to find lasting solutions to the increasing arbitrary arrest and detention of Nigerians who have over stayed their visas in China.


"Discussion on the consular problems has become inevitable in view of increasing number of Nigerian being arrested for violating Chinese immigration laws, with available statistics that about 732 Nigerians are in various Chinese prison for various offences; 322 out of the number are in detention and another 304 are awaiting deportation, while the remaining 106 are in prison for trafficking, robbery and fraud", 


" By Chinese penal code, foreigners who overstay their visas' period, face severe penalties including arrest, detention and payment of fines before they could leave the country.


Related stories: Nigerians in China


Video report of Nigerians rioting in China


52 Nigerians on Death Row in foreign countries



Monday, September 21, 2009

Video report on Nigerian Police accused of illegal killings in Boko Haram incident


The violence that erupted in Nigeria earlier this year left at least 1,000 people dead. Human rights group say the Nigerian police carried out illegal killings during their attempt to suppress Boko Haram fighters.


Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports on the hundred of families in northern Nigeria that are accusing the Nigerian police of murder.


Related stories: Family of executed Boko Haram Leader threaten to Sue Police


Video report on the widows of Boko Haram militants


Boko Haram declare Jihad 



Oprah Winfrey picks Nigerian author Uwem Akpan's "Say You're One of Them" for book club



Uwem Akpan said he was "humbled" to know that his debut collection of short stories titled "Say You're One Of Them" was picked by Oprah Winfrey for her book club.


Say You're One of Them becomes the first book of short stories to be added to Oprah's book club and is her 63rd book club selection. She said the stories left her stunned and profoundly moved.


The Nigerian author who runs a parish in Lagos said he was "very, very humbled" to have Say You're One Of Them chosen by Oprah. Due to work with his parish Uwem said he's been too busy to work on another book but that the church still supports his writing.


"I have permission to write, but I do not need an imprimatur from the church -- that is more for people who are writing about theology and philosophy. They see that I am writing fiction and assume it is made up," Uwem said.


"Don't forget that Jesus was a priest and a poet."


With almost two million online members. Oprah's book club is the biggest in the world and books chosen for the club usually end up becoming bestsellers.


Uwem Akpan studied English and philosophy at Creighton and Gonzaga universities then went on to study theology for three years at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.


In 2003, he was ordained as a Jesuit priest and received his masters degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan in 2006.


Say You're One Of Them is a collection of five short stories published in 2008. The stories are from the perspective of an African child that captures the resilience of children growing up in the face of unimaginable devastation.


Times Live


Related stories: Anderson Cooper reports on Uwem Akpan


Chimamanda Adichie on African Voices


Nigeria's Wole Soyinka on CNN's special African Voices



Drug traffickers stuff cocaine in roasted chicken

 



29-year old Owolabi Opeyemi was arrested for drug trafficking at the departure lounge of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.


Mr. Opeyemi who claimed to be a trader in Mumbai, India was about to board an Ethiopian airline flight to India when he was called aside for mandatory baggage screening. As screening of his bag was about to start, Owolabi confidently took the cocaine stuffed roasted chicken out of his bag, took a few bites then handed it to a Mr. Lekan Fagbemi who claimed to be his brother as the screening ensued.


With the screening completed and nothing incriminating found in his luggage, he was cleared to board. As Owolabi proceeded, he reached out and collected his roasted chicken. But was unaware that NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) agents were keeping a close eye on him.


As Owolabi was triumphantly waving goodbye to his accomplices, he was swiftly pulled aside by NDLEA agents who wittingly asked to have some of the roasted chicken. The agents found 3.55kg of cocaine stuffed in the chicken and Owolabi was arrested on the spot. His cohorts were also arrested as they were about to get on a Taxi.


Owolabi broke down in tears and confessed to the crime when NDLEA agents presented his accomplices to him. He blamed hardship for his predicament.


Airport Commander of the agency, Mr. Victor Cole Shower was amusingly impressed with the attempt of concealment and called it "superb". He also said "drug pushers are daily devising means of perpetrating their devilish act".


Vanguard


Related stories: Video report on Nigerian woman arrested for smuggling cocaine in stomach


Two Nigerian drug traffickers excrete 160 grams of cocaine while in custody


CNN reports on the Drug War in Nigeria




Saturday, September 19, 2009

Nigerian Government lashes out on District 9 and demands apology from SONY Pictures

 



The Nigerian minister of information and communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili has expressed her utter contempt for how Nigerians were depicted in this summer's sci-fi blockbuster District 9.


In the interview up top, she calls for cinemas to stop showing District 9, demands an unconditional apology from Sony Pictures and even asks for a re-cut of the movie.


Related stories: Nigerian Government reacts to Sony's Playstation 3 ad


Playstation 3 ad changed after Nigerians protest against it


SONY apologizes to Nigeria for Playstation 3 ad


Dora Akunyili wants SONY apology letter re-written


Nigerian scammers scammed and arrested


Nigerian fraudsters targeting football youth


Ben stiller making 419 film



Friday, September 18, 2009

Tunde Adeniran rejected as Nigeria's Ambassador to the United States


The United States has rejected Nigeria's appointed Ambassador Tunde Adeniran after his son was arrested and charged with rape in Baltimore last month. Efforts are being made by the Nigerian government to persuade Washington to reconsider.


The Independent


Related story: Son of newly appointed Nigerian ambassador to the U.S. charged with rape



Virgin Nigeria changes to Nigerian Eagle


Earlier in the year Virgin Atlantic Airlines ended their partnership (Virgin  Nigeria) with Nigerian Airlines. The dissolution of the partnership initiated the rebranding of the airline to Nigerian Eagle Airlines.


Nigerian Eagle Airlines say the eagle "typifies strength and foresight" and the choice followed intensive research into African culture.


Chief executive Dapo Olumide says its executives aim to maintain the "culture of excellence" from which the airline has benefited:


"We are glad that, under the new management of the airline, we are going to fill the gaps in the aviation sector," 


Flight Global


Related story: Virgin Atlantic ending partnership with Nigeria airlines



MEND extend ceasefire


The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) announced an extension of its ceasefire that expired on September 15th. But MEND warned that the government must address their demands or attacks on oil installations and kidnapping of foreign oil workers will resume.


MEND issued a statement via email by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo:


"The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is extending its unilateral ceasefire, which expired midnight, September 15, 2009, by 30 days.


"MEND does not recognize an amnesty that has not made any provision for meaningful dialogue on the root issues that gave birth to the Niger Delta unrest in the first place.


"We have, therefore, resolved to continue fighting because the reasons for fighting has not yet been addressed.


"The government should use this extension of time to do the right thing instead of pretending to talk peace while arming the military for a war it cannot win.


"The oil and gas industry, which will bear the brunt of renewed hostilities, should not be deceived by the amnesty charade or the recent military hardware purchases as this is only leading to another cycle of violence".


Leadership


Related stories: Nigerian militants declare ceasefire


The oil must flow - video report on the amnesty deal in Nigeria


Nigerian militants blow up Chevron facility and attack Shell oil well head over the weekend


Oil War - Video recap




Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Video report on the fight against malaria


CNN's Christian Purefoy covers the fight against malaria in Nigeria.


Related story: Video report on Nigeria promoting marriage between HIV couples to prevent spread of the virus



Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Ikechukwu Uche out for Super Eagles


Ikechukwu Uche will unfortunately miss the last two World Cup qualifying matches for the Super Eagles due to injury. A scan showed the 25-year-old striker damaged the lateral and anterior cruciate ligaments of his left knee during Real Zaragoza's 4-1 loss to Sevilla in Spanish La Liga on Saturday.


Here's what he told the BBC in an interview:


"It's a terrible setback for me as it turned out to be worse than earlier thought,"


"I should be undergoing an operation in the next couple of days and the doctor said I could be out for at least five months.


"There's a chance that I could be back earlier but it's very remote." 


His injury adds extra pressure for Nigeria to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa seeing that Uche is the top scorer for the Super Eagles.


Related stories: Jay Jay Okocha becomes technical assistant for the Super Eagles


Football Legend Pele predicts Africa has a great chance of making it to the World Cup Final



Monday, September 14, 2009

Chimuanya ‘Aroma’ Ufodike makes history on who wants to be a millionaire


In it's sixth year. Chimuanya "Aroma" Ufodike has become the first person to win the 10 million naira grand prize ($65,160) on Nigeria's Who Wants To Be a Millionaire.


The 36-year old bachelor won in spectacular fashion, with only having to use his lifelines for the last 2 questions. He capped his awesome performance by mimicking Usain Bolt as he celebrated being the first to win the biggest cash prize on the show. Here are the questions that cemented Mr. Ufodike's place in Nigerian television history:


1. Which of these is the name of a British Football Club?
A. Blackburn Losers
B. Blackburn Rovers
C. Blackburn Lovers
D. Blackburn Wanderers


2. An establishment where money can be deposited or withdrawn is called what?
A. Fridge
B. Bank
C. Market
D. Shoe


3. Name given to a boy born on Sunday in Ghana is what?
A. Bassey
B. Kwesi
C. Abiodun
D. Ejima


4. Which of the following refer to the word fire?
A. Inferno
B. Domino
C. Stiletto
D. Tornado


5. According to the constitution a public officer is not allowed to do which of these?
A. Marry a wife
B. Bury a dead parent
C. Have thanksgiving in church
D. Accept gifts or favour in kind


6. The process by which genetic traits are transmitted from parents to offspring is called what?
A. Tenacity
B. Verifiability
C. Hereditary
D. Validation


7. Roland Garros stadium is in which city?
A. Paris
B. Copenhagen
C. New York
D. Madrid


8. Where is Tiananmen Square?
A. Mumbai
B. Beijing
C. Rio de Janeiro
D. Seville


9. The word supersonic denotes which of these?
A. A speed equal to that of sound
B. A speed greater than that of sound
C. A speed equal to that of light
D. A speed greater than that of light


10. Which of these holds bones together at the joints of the body?
A. Nephrons
B. Nerves
C. Ligaments
D. Stitches


11. Linus Mbah achieved fame in Nigerian sporting circles as what?
A. Swimmer
B. Referee
C. Football Fan
D. Judoka


12. DAX refers to the stock market of which country?
A. France
B. United States
C. Germany
D. India


13. Who won the Academy Award for directing the movie ‘Million Dollar Baby’?
A. Clint Eastwood
B. Oliver Stone
C. Peter Jackson
D. Morgan Freeman


14. In which country is the Galeras Volcano?
A. Lebanon
B. Columbia
C. Japan
D. Eritrea


15. Professor Maathai Wangari won the Nobel Prize for which of these?
A. Literature
B. Economics
C. Peace
D. Medicine


Related stories: Naija who wants to be a billionaire. Warning...extremely funny 


Nigerian lottery winner gives entire cash prize to beggar



Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Lagos



Sahara Reporters check out the Sunborn Yacht Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. It's been almost a year since the yacht was purchased from the UK but still hasn't been put to use. From what you can see in the video it's in pretty bad shape due to lack of maintenance. As the multi-million dollar purchase remains derelict, homeless people litter around it.


Related stories: Nigerian governor living in opulence in midst of poverty


Nation in Darkness


Nigeria's Federal Fire Service



Saturday, September 12, 2009

Alarming increase of Nigerian girls trafficked to Italy

Italy has recorded an alarming increase of the number of Nigerian girls being trafficked into their country. In 2007 the count of young Nigerian girls trafficked to Italy was 166. In 2008 the number increased to 1,782 according to human rights organisations. An Island called Lampedusa located between Tunisia and Sicily is used as a holding centre for migrants mostly from Africa.


The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published a report that states human trafficking has become the third largest source of income for criminal organisations globally, followed by drugs and arms. The report also says that 80 percent of people trafficked are women who have been sexually exploited.


The U.N. report also says women are the majority among perpetrators in 30 percent of the countries that provided evidence on the gender of traffickers.


"These women, who we call maman, force us on the streets for days without pause, also when we have our period, also when we are pregnant...and a few days after childbirth we are pushed on the street again, or the maman would steal babies from us,"  Isoke said.


Isoke Aikpitanyi is 30 year-old woman from Nigeria. In 2000 she left home with plans to get a job in London but was 'sold' to a criminal group and sent to Italy where she was forced into prostitution: 


"Here I found true hell, a world of daily violence perpetrated by men, and by other women, and also by our own families who pretend they're not aware, and take their part of money."


Isoke said she raised $40,000 from her work for the people who arranged her trip. How it works is these criminal organisations lend women money to pay for their trip, and then the women are forced to pay the money back through prostitution. "Today, girls are asked for $80,000" she said.


"Girls who are forced into prostitution say that for each woman victim of human trafficking, an Italian woman is safe from rape," according to Isoke. 


A roommate of Isoke's was murdered after she reported to Italian police. Isoke managed to escape in 2003, she informed the police and was later beaten into a coma.


She later found protection from a women's organisation which guided her to build her own organisation to help Nigerian victims and former victims of trafficking. The group is called Girls from Benin City.


The minister for women's promotion and child protection Barry Bibata made the following statements:


"The government of Nigeria is doing a lot to stop human trafficking. In 2003 we enacted a law providing for a very severe sentence for anybody caught trafficking in persons, and we set up an agency for the prohibition of human trafficking (Naptip) that secures shelters and protections to victims. These girls are often very young, they are not mature enough to decide about their future," Bibata said.


According to Bibata the Nigerian government is cooperating with Italy to identify victims, assist them when they come back, and integrate them back within their family.


 IPS


Related story: Nigeria is the largest African source of trafficked women to Europe and Asia



All Nigerians to own phones by 2020


Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has announced that Nigeria will achieve 100 percent teledensity by the year 2020 which is equivalent to one telephone line per Nigerian. He made the announcement at the African Telecom Development Summit.


According to the vice president Nigeria has in the last 10 years experienced double digit growth of 20 percent per annum in telecommunications. The government has recognised there's still a long way to go in achieving universal service in the country since the current teledensity is at 48 phones per 100 people in Nigeria.


"We are therefore committed to encouraging investment growth to the sector aim at achieving 100 percent teledensity before the year 2020 in line with the nation's Vision 20 2020".


The vice president was represented by the Minister of National Planning, Shamsudden Usman who made these following statements:


"The ICT has continued to be the fascinating sector, the Internet has globalised commercial transactions, social networks, education and economic development generally. It is difficult to imaging a world without broadband internet.


"The internet has becomes the world's biggest reservoir of knowledge and is giving meaning to the description of the world as a global village. However the uses of internet has its own challenges, therefore I am happy this summit is devoting time to treat the issue of cyber security. It is important that users been save and secured by using ICT."


Daily Trust


Related stories: Firm plans to use solar power to light up Nigeria


Video report on Nigeria's fire service


Nation in darkness



Thursday, September 10, 2009

SONY apologizes to Nigeria for Playstation 3 ad


The senior director of corporate communications at Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Patrick Seybold said that sony pulled the ad off air after receiving complaints. Sony released this public apology to Nigeria:


"It has come to our attention that a recent TV advertisement for PlayStation may have offended some members of the Nigerian community. We never intended to create a situation that would upset anyone, and we have taken action to immediately remove the advertisement from the air. We apologize to anyone this may have offended."


Kotaku


Related stories: Playstation 3 ad changed after Nigerians protest against it


Nigerian government reacts to sony's playstation 3 ad


SONY to invest in Nigeria


Nigerian scammers scammed and arrested


Nigerians fraudsters targetting football youth




Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Playstation 3 ad changed after Nigerians protest against it

NEW



OLD



Sony removed the 419 reference from their playstation 3 ad after the Nigerian government released a press release calling it malicious and majority of Nigerians on the internet also reacted negatively to it.


Related stories: Nigerian government reacts to Sony's playstation 3 ad


SONY to invest in Nigeria


Nigerian scammers scammed and arrested


Dora Akunyili wants SONY apology letter re-written


Ben Stiller making 419 movie



Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Nigerian Governor living in opulence in midst of poverty


Nigerian Governor Timpre Sylva takes CNN's Christian Purefoy on a tour around the government house in Bayelsa,Nigeria coined The Glory Land Castle. The whole thing is quite reminiscent of that show on the telly called MTV Cribs as the governor proudly shows off the crib worth millions of dollars as majority of Nigerians live on less than one dollar a day and basic infrastructure requirements like constant electricity seems to be something that most Nigerians can only dream of.



Related stories: Oil War









Jay Jay Okocha becomes technical assistant for the Super Eagles


The Nigerian Football Federation has appointed Jay Jay Okocha as technical assistant for the Super Eagles last two remaining World Cup qualifying matches. The move comes after Nigeria's 2-2 draw to Tunisia which has drastically reduced chances of the Super Eagles making it to the world cup, even if they win their two remaining matches against Mozambique and Kenya.


An official from the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) released this statement pertaining to the appointment:


"We know the problem this new appointment may generate and this explained why we wanted them to be with the team in advisory role since we will not want to disrupt the unity already in the team," a top official revealed yesterday. The NFF officer also mentioned the players will be paid a $10,000 bonus for winning the rest of the matches as a way of motivation. 


"When the Minister met them after the match in camp they were all crying. Every one can see how sober they are which was contrary to the thinking of most Nigerians that they failed to give their best in the match," he said.


This Day


Related stories: Jay Jay Okocha appointed Football Ambassador


Obafemi Martins gets career back on track at Wolfsburg


Nigerian fraudsters targetting football youth



Monday, September 7, 2009

Video report on Nigerian Bankers facing the Heat


The video report by CNN's Christian Purefoy exposes the depth of corruption in the Nigerian banking system.


Top banking executives have been charged with stock price manipulation, money laundering, and fraud.


Related stories: Nigerian Banks


CNBC covers investing in Nigeria


Nuhu Ribadu testifies before U.S. financial services committee



Nigerian arrested in Mumbai for trafficking Heroin

Muri Jssola was arrested on Saturday at Mumbai's international airport by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs for trafficking 910gm of heroin.


He was about to board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET-611 for Lagos via Adis Ababa when he was arrested by AIU agents. The agents found the heroin concealed in five speakers of a home theatre system Muri was travelling with.


Upon further investigation by customs authorities it was established that Muri Jssola got the heroin from a contact in Delhi and made it by train to Mumbai on Friday.


Hindustan Times


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Nigerian women win The 2009 African Women Leadership Awards

The women from Nigeria that won the 2009 African Women Leadership Awards for their exemplary leadership qualities and community service are Mrs Alanyingi Sylva, wife of Governor of Bayelsa State; Dr Nechi Ezeako, company secretary of FinBank Plc, Yeye Bolanle Dare, proprietor, Mother Theresa Orphanage and Children's Home in Abuja, Mrs Sean Olagunju, director of news at Raypower; Dr Nafisatu Muhammad, executive secretary, National Commission for Nomadic Education, and Dr Betty Nnadi, proprietor of Home Aid Care Ltd based in the U.K.


The awards were presented in London to the six Nigerian ladies for their exemplary leadership qualities and community service.


Esther Austin was the mistress of ceremonies at Royal Lancaster Hotel. She described the women awarded as "individuals who have provided on unfailing example of the highest level of professionalism, a quiet dignity and bearing, character and integrity".


The organisers, Executive Reach, based in the U.K. said the winners "have all been known to be consummate team players, bettering any situation through their involvement. Each of the individuals selected are driving development, innovation, growth and providing long term opportunities for the larger society in their various areas of influence".


This Day


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Artist of the day - FEMI


Femi is an accomplished and versatile R&B vocalist and song writer. A native of Abeokuta, Ogun state Nigeria. Born in Lagos,. he had his early education at Fountain School Surulere, Maryland Private School and Spent 2 years at Government College Ibadan before he proceeded at age 12 to the USA.


While in college in the US Femi discovered his talent for singing and decided to pursue it full time and thus began to build a musical career. Femi continued to sing and write music while learning about the music business and became one of the lead vocalists in an R&B male group called 4thComing. They performed in talent shows, and community functions. The group was well known in the New England area of the US.


Femi started his solo career in 2000 and has collaborated with various artist and producers such as Cassidy from Full Surface Record, Pritty Boy from A-Records, London based Producer Kingsley O from Stryke Entertainment Femi has been invited to and has performed at different awards and non-award ceremonies. He has had the privilege of opening for and to share the same stage with internationally known artistes such as TUFACE IDIBIA, STYL PLUS, SUNNY NEJI & NE-YO to mention but a few in the United States. His dedication to his music has been evidenced by his incredible performances. Femi believes that to have a global impact, you need to have a home base and this has inspired him to come back home to his motherland, Nigeria to build from base up. Femi is blessed with a powerful soul voice and has got what it takes to be successful in the mainstream market. He is currently working on his debut album.


To listen to some of Femi's tracks check out Femi Got Soul


Related story: Artist of the day - Fluxxx



Sunday, September 6, 2009

World Cup Qualifying match - Nigeria vs Tunisia Live

Watch live video from mt909 on Justin.tv


Watch the World Cup Qualifying match between Nigeria and Tunisia in the links below:


Nigeria vs Tunisia


Nigeria vs Tunisia



Saturday, September 5, 2009

Shakara TV - The Good Samaritan


New Nigerian web show Shakara TV based in Hollywood, California is a hidden camera practical joke series that's a lot like Punk'd. Watch the first episode The Good Samaritan.



Nigerian Government reacts to Sony's Playstation 3 Ad


The Nigerian government has expressed dislike for Sony's new Playsation 3 ad campaign that references the Nigerian letter scam. Here's the press release made yesterday by the Nigerian minister of information and communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili.


PRESS STATEMENT 

MALICIOUS ADVERTISEMENT AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA BY SONY CORPORATION

The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to an advertisement by Sony Corporation on the internet which from all indications is designed to portray Nigeria in bad light in an effort for Sony to market her products. 

Link to ADVERT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-3uKprF824

1. The advert in question currently circulating on youtube.com and facebook.com and other international websites creates the impression that Nigerians hardly do genuine business. This insinuation is in bad faith and unacceptable.

2. The Government and the good people of Nigeria reject this unwarranted attack on the reputation and image of the country. The government sees this as an attempt by Sony Corporation to undermine Nigeria’s business interest around the world. 

3. It is on record that Sony Corporation has operated in Nigeria since the country’s independence and has enjoyed tremendous patronage from Nigerians at home and abroad. Over these years, there is no established record that the company has recorded any major incidence of scam or fraud by Nigerians that warrants its deliberate campaign against the country’s image. 

4. While Nigeria accepts or concedes that there are few criminal minded people within her population just like any other country including Japan the home country of Sony Corporation. The Federal Government of Nigeria has as a matter of policy put in place institutions and mechanisms to rid the country of any form of fraudulent practices. Nigeria therefore does not see the basis to single out the country as an example in that infamous advertisement. 

5. In the light of the above, the Federal Government of Nigeria requests Sony Corporation to immediately withdraw that advertisement from circulation.

6. Nigeria also demands an unconditional apology from Sony Corporation for this deliberate negative campaign against the country’s image and reputation. The apology must be given the same measure of publicity by Sony Corporation in all channels where the unfortunate adverts were aired.

7. The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes to assure all genuine investors around the world that Nigeria remains a major investment destination and a country where most businesses thrives in trust, good faith, competition, competence and integrity.

PROF. DORA AKUNYILI
HON. MINISTER, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
4TH SEPTEMBER, 2009
http://www.fmic.gov.ng/


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Friday, September 4, 2009

France to invest $250 million in Nigeria

Federal Republic of France has declared its decision to invest $250 million in the Nigerian economy in the next one year with a focus on banking industry, water, transport and housing.


However, it said it is ready to commit $100 million to enhance an efficient transportation in Lagos State.


The Country's Director, French Development Agency (FDA), Luc Bonnamour, revealed this yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.


According to him, the visit was to explore "priority areas" in Lagos State that would facilitate "renewed partnership between France and Nigeria particularly in the area of support for development."


Leader of the French delegation, Senator Jacques Legendre said France was ready to partner Lagos to develop areas such as "water and sanitation, transport and housing."


Fashola, in his response said: "Africa holds the key to solving the world problem," after delving into history on the gory tales of the painful experience of slave trade era.


"In this century, the role that Africa will play is that of a partner in providing support for the whole world," he said.


He expressed the support of the state to the delegation, describing Lagos and Nigeria as "an emerging market" having what it takes for a good return on investment.


Vanguard



Lagos gets tough on wife beating

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has promised women in the state that his administration would fish out men who beat their wives and make them face the law, just as he commissioned a 176 bed facility at a transit home for traumatized women and children in the state.


The governor made the pledge yesterday while addressing residents of the state who converged on Ayobo town in Ipaja-Ayobo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) where the Refuge Home is sited. He said his government was ready to lead the war on wife battering, rape and trafficking.


"In Lagos , we will not give up, we will lead the fight against women because there is no life without a woman," he said. Earlier, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Joke Adefulire, said violence against women and children was not acceptable in the state.


She said the Home would challenge domestic abuse in the state until it is reduced to the barest minimum, noting that domestic violence was on the increase in the state and had traumatized victims. She added that such acts had led to increase in the number of area boys, prostitution and divorce.


She maintained that the Home was not to be a permanent abode for victims of violence, but a centre where women and children who had been exposed to domestic violence and abuse can go for proper counselling and medication. The chairman of the LCD where the Home is sited, Prince Bisi Yusuff thanked the state government for locating it in his domain.


He said the rehabilitative effort of the state government would offer succour to victims. Yusuff assured the state governor that residents and community leaders in the council would take full responsibility by ensuring that the Home was well protected and not subjected to any form of abuse, either environmentally or physically.


Daily Trust


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Landlord Beats Tenant to Death

Tragedy struck yesterday in Minna, Nigeria when a landlord, Mallam Isah Tsafo, beat his tenant, Mr. John James Enwerem, to death over a minor misunderstanding. Enwerem was said to have slumped and died when the landlord hit him on the chest while trying to rescue his  wife as she was being beaten and dragged on the ground by the landlord. Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Oguche, confirmed the story .



"There was actually an incident like that where a landlord murdered his tenant, which has been brought to the notice of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Michael Zuokumor , by the Kpakungu Divisional Police officer , Mr. Abayomi Surajudeen," he said.


According to him, the Commissioner of Police had ordered that the case should immediately be transfered to the state CID for further investigation.


According to an eye witness, an argument was said to have ensued between the two (landlord and tenant) when the landlord raised alarm that the children of the deceased who were playing and hitting their hands on the wall in their one-room apartment could bring down the wall of the house.


Threats by the landlord to deal with the children, according to the source, drew the attention of their mother (Ngozi), who intervened and pleaded with the landlord to ignore the children , saying there was no way they can bring down the house considering their age. Ngozi's pleas however did not prevent the landlord from going further in making his threats more practical by banging on the door of the Enwerem and, in the process, tearing the curtain to their room. The tenant's wife was however said to have been angered when she discovered that the landlord had torn their curtain and therefore challenged him. The landlord was said to have pounced on the woman, beating her and dragging her on the ground. Fearing the woman may die, the wife of the landlord, Amina, was said to have intervened by pleading with her husband to leave the woman alone so that she won't die but the pleading fell on deaf ears as he continued hitting the woman.


This Day


Related story: Man sets pregnant wife on fire



Thursday, September 3, 2009

Iloba Family Deported


After months of battling with the UK Immigration system. The Iloba family have been deported. They were put on a flight from Heathrow to Lagos at 10:20pm last Thursday.


The Iloba family and the Rochdale community in the UK put up a gallant effort to fight the rulings. But despite months of campaigning, the family's attempt to seek asylum was refused.


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Video report on Nigerian woman arrested for smuggling cocaine in stomach


The Nigerian lady in the video up top was arrested at the Mumbai international airport on Tuesday for attempting to smuggle cocaine concealed in her stomach.


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