Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Africa's Tallest building to be built in Lagos,Nigeria

The multi-level, 65-storey building tagged as the "World Trade Tower", is set to be constructed in the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, which will will act as the home for the Lagos World Trade Centre. The construction of the building is being handled by BHS International Limited.


BHS Managing Director, Mr. Martin Baines, says the firm is projecting a 24-hour, seven days a week, and 12 month influx of international visitors within five years after completion:


"We remain consistent in our basic goal of turning the complex into a city centre providing top class hotel, business and leisure facilities and encapsulating the spirit and tradition of Lagos and Nigeria."


"The proposed city centre will have regular art activities with the atmosphere of Hollywood and little Las Vegas, with artists and movie stars working on a regular visit. With assorted restaurants, nightclubs, a huge shopping arena with about 2,000 shops, a modern world trade centre for the first time in Africa is here in Nigeria.


Mr. Baines mentioned the execution of the project would be handled by international experts working with local contractors. "The aim is to stimulate employment as well as acquisition of skill by the Lagos labour force."


Africa's tallest building is currently the 36 year old, 50 storey "Carlton Centre" in Johannesburg. South Africa, that stands at 223 metres tall.


Daily Independent


Related story: Minister wants Abuja in the top 20 cities in the world



Video and transcript of Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf interrogated before his execution


 



In the video, Mohammed Yusuf is seen to be calm and composed while being interrogated by Nigerian security forces after his capture. He was later executed by Nigerian police in what the police say was a "shoot out".


Here is a transcript from the interrogation that has been translated from Hausa to English:


NPF: Yesterday we went to your house; we saw a lot of animals, students and stuff you guys are putting together. What are you going to do with all these stuff?

MY: To defend our self.

NPF: Is there no authority to defend you?

MY: I don’t know what I did for this arrest?

NPF: You are a Muslim person.

MY: I don’t know why you are disturbing us?

NPF: You said Boko Haram (Western education is sin) who made the pants you are wearing?

MY: My pants are cotton and cotton is made by God.

NPF: God in the Quran’s chapter said ‘Ikra’ – or seek knowledge?

MY: Is not same with Islamic knowledge. There certain western knowledge that is bad.

NPF: We saw Computer and many things in your house are they not made from knowledge?

MY: These are technology different from Western schooling.

NPF: You are eating good food, driving a nice car, and wearing nice clothes.

MY: Is not like that. People have different means and abilities. Some have in their hand while others don’t.

NPF: Why did you leave your compound?

MY: Because you came to attack me.

NPF: You send others to fight and you left?

MY: All my people have left too.

NPF: What about the people that come to fighting?

MY: My people have left.

NPF: Where are your followers now?

MY: Bauchi, Gombe. Adamawa, Taraba and police have already attacked them before Maiduguri.

NPF: What happened to cut on your arms?

MY: I fell.

NPF: Where is your headquarters or branch offices.

MY: You have attacked my headquarters; my branches are in Gwange ward, Bulumkutu, etc.

NPF: Who is helping you, do you have soldiers, organizers and if you are not here who is second in command?

MY: Abubakar Shekau.

NPF: Where is your GSM Cell phone?

MY: I don’t know.

NPF: You ran away with many people, where are they now?

MY: I don’t know.

NPF: Are you getting any help from Niger Republic?

MY: No, no one is helping us – Insha Allahu Warahamatullah, Insha Allahu Warahamatullah.

NPF: Do you have a farm in Benishiek?

MY: Yes.

NPF: You made many die fighting, who do not know what they are fighting for, what is your opinion on their death?

MY: It is on the conscious of the killers of my people.

NPF: What about your Children that were killed?

MY: My children are killed? Again it is on the conscious of the killers.

NPF: Where are you from?

MY: From Yobe State.

NPF: Where from Yobe?

MY? From Jakusko.

NPF: Where is your mom from?

MY: From Gashua.

NPF: Have you travelled overseas?

MY: Yes. Only to Pilgrimage or Haji.

NPF: When?

MY: 2000 to 2003.


Nigerian News Service


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Monday, August 3, 2009

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


Watch Wole Soyinka - Nigerian Legend in Activism & Non-Profit  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com


Africa's first Nobel Prize winner, Nigerian Legend Wole Soyinka talks to CNN's Christian Purefoy about his illustrious career and political activism. Great story. 


Related stories: Nigerian Legend Wole Soyinka on Democracy


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Abacha told Colin Powell about his coup



Sunday, August 2, 2009

Video report on the Widows of Boko Haram militants


The video report focuses on how Nigerian police forces are holding the widows of suspected members of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.


Related stories: Training school belonging to Islamic radical group Boko Haram found in Taraba, Nigeria


Video report on latest counter attack by Nigerian security forces on radical Islamist group Boko Haram


Video and transcript of Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf interrogated before his execution



Saturday, August 1, 2009

Nollywood actress and wife of late M.K.O. Abiola, Remi Abiola passes away

Remi Abiola, prominent actress in Nigerian cinema and wife of late politician and winner of the annulled Presidential election in 1992 M.K.O. Abiola, went into a coma in a New York hospital. She never recovered and was taken off life support.


Last year, the late Remi Abiola travelled to New York to receive an award of excellence alongside other prominent Yoruba actors and actresses. She decided to settle down in New York after receiving the award. Efforts are currently being made by friends, fans, and colleagues to fly her body back to Nigeria.


Remi Abiola was in her late 50's and is survived by 2 children.


enownow


Related story: Interview with the Father of Nollywood