Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New York Film Academy holds training for Nigerian filmmakers

The New York Film Academy will be holding a two-month intensive training course scheduled to hold in Lagos and Abuja between January and February of 2010. The organisers of the event, Del-York International, said the training is a sure path at arriving at the prevalence of highly skilled filmmakers in the country.


Managing Director of Del-York International, Mr. Linus Idahosa, said the New York Film Academy is the best and most prestigious film making academy in the world.


According to Mr. Idahosa, the New York Film Academy is licensed by the Education Department of New York State and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design (NASAD).


"This Academy stands out as the most preferred training ground by top Hollywood actors, actresses and directors such as Steven Spielberg; Susan Sarandon; and Kevin Kline. NASAD is the only accrediting body for visual art programmes recognised by the US Department of Education."


He also said the relevance of the media to the growth of a vibrant film industry is as close as the connection between indigenous human capital development and national economic advancement.


"The film industry is a cornerstone of the prosperity and growth of the world's leading economies. In the UK, the industry generates about £1.6 billion to the British Exchequer and employs 67,000 directly and a similar number indirectly. In the US, it generates a surplus of $9.5 billion from the global sale of American movies, aside from it employing over 1.3 million people."


Guardian


Related stories: CNN covers the Nollywood industry


Bollywood and Nollywood join forces


Video report on piracy in Nollywood


Interview with the father of Nollywood


Nigeria's entertainment industry



President Yar'adua hospitalized in Saudi Arabia


It's been reported by Sahara Reporters that Nigerian president Umaru Yar'Adua was admitted on Tuesday to a hospital in the western seaport city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The president's office said in a statement that president Yar'Adua will call on his personal physicians while in Jeddah for "follow-up medical checks." President Yar'Adua has long been known to suffer from a kidney ailment.


Related story: Video report - Goodluck Jonathan takes over from Yar'Adua


President Umaru Yar'Adua is dead


Video - CNN reports on Nigeria's missing president


Video - Unrest in Nigeria


Wole Soyinka says Nigeria is becoming a failed state


Former first lady Maryam Babangida dying of cancer


Obasanjo in the hot seat in Hardtalk interview



Monday, November 23, 2009

Mikel Obi says qualifying for World Cup is a dream come true


Chelsea and Super Eagle midfielder, Mikel Obi, who was a fan favourite in the World Cup qualifying match against Kenya that Nigeria won last weekend spoke on Brila FM radio in Lagos and assured Nigerians of a better outing in South Africa next year.


"First, it is a dream come true. I mean it is a good thing that we will be at the World Cup after missing out in the previous edition. I can not imagine Nigeria not being in the World Cup.


"Honestly speaking, it would have been another disaster for this country, but thank God we qualified and will be among other teams representing their countries. But I want to assure soccer fans that come 2010 World Cup in South Africa, they will not be disappointed.


Vanguard


Related stories: Nigeria qualify for the 2010 World Cup


The World Cup comes to Nigeria


Video overview of Group B in the 2010 World Cup



Sunday, November 22, 2009

Zimbabwe farmers relocate to Nigeria



Due to President Mugabe's controversial land reform. White Zimbabwe farmers are relocating to Nigeria where commercial farming opportunities are opening up.


Related stories: Investing in Nigeria video


CNBC covers investing in Nigeria


China invests $6 billion in Nigeria


Documentary on rebranding Nigeria



Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sani Abacha's son convicted in Geneva, Swiss authorities’ confiscate $350m

Abba Abacha, was found guilty by Swiss authorities of being a member of a criminal organisation. The son of the late military dictator General Sani Abacha, will have $350 million seized from him by Swiss authorities from orders by the investigating judge, Yves Aeschlimann.


"The first order of the sentence issued yesterday by the examining magistrate found that Abba Abacha, born November 9, 1968, son of the late General Sani Abacha, was guilty of participation in a criminal organisation," Geneva Canton's justice office said in a statement.


The Swiss authorities also convicted a financial intermediary who lives in Monaco for having been part of the "criminal organisation".


"The person has also been ordered to pay the Canton of Geneva 10 million Swiss Francs, which corresponds to illegal gains obtained from these culpable activities," added the statement.


This Day


Related stories: Sani Abacha's son getting into politics


Abacha told Colin Powell about his coup d’état




Friday, November 20, 2009

32 year old man kills 2 year old son over witchcraft

32 year old Mr. John Effiong poisoned his two year old son after a prophet known as Prophet Ini Monday, from the Caretaker Light of God Church of Benin City in Edo State told him that his son was a wizard planning to harm his pregnant wife.


According to Vanguard, the 2 year old boy identified as Comfort Effiong, was allegedly fed a plate of poisoned rice by his parents. Police arrested Mr. Effiong and two others at a check point along Benin-Abraka road and discovered the body of the two year old in a Ghana-must-go bag. Others arrested for complicity in murder are Pastor Aniekan Achio-bong and a Mr. John Okoh.


The Edo state Police declared Prophet Ini Monday wanted. Spokesman of Edo State Police, ASP Peter Ogboi said the police has spread its dragnet to arrest the prophet.


Related stories: The Young Turks cover witchcraft in Nigeria


36 year old man rapes 3 year old girl to cure himself of HIV




Thursday, November 19, 2009

100 year old man to sue police for unlawful detention

100 year old Ishola Shodiya and four others were granted permission by the FCT High court in Abuja to sue the police for unlawfully detaining them since August 2009 without any charges. Justice M.M. Dodo ordered the Inspector General of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yuguda to bring the five detainees to court on December 8, 2009.


The detainees want the court to declare that their arrest and detention since August 2009 till date without any charges against them is a gross violation of their rights to personal liberty according to Section 35 in the 1999 Constitution and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. The five detainees are also seeking a payment of N50 million ($332,700) in damages.


According to City News, the detainees are farmers from Ogun State, who petitioned against a Mr. Enitan, alleging that he was causing havoc and murder. The lawyer of the detainees, Barrister P.A.N Ejiofor said Mr. Enitan also wrote a petition to the police and mobilized them to arrest and detain the father, family and community members that petitioned against him.


"Instead of the police team known as X squad to investigate the allegation, they rather undertook to arrest the father and relations of the murdered victims while the suspected murderers walk the streets free," Barrister Ejiofor said.


Daily Trust


Family of executed Boko Haram leader threaten to sue police


Police gun down 70 year old man who refused to pay bribe




Wednesday, November 18, 2009

DAG Group plans to invest $30 billion in the Niger-Delta of Nigeria

Foreign firm, Dag Group Germany/United Kingdom announced it's made plans to invest $30 billion in human and infrastructural development of the Niger Delta, due to the apparent success of the amnesty deal between militant groups and the Nigerian government.


Mr. Jason Nworah who represents the firm revealed this at a press briefing for the forthcoming two-day Niger Delta Youths Post-Amnesty Interactive forum organised by the International Centre for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (CENPAD). He also mentioned that the firm plans to get the $30 billion from the $600 billion the World Bank has allocated for the development of Africa.


The Forum Co-ordinator for the International Centre for Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development (CENPAD), Mr. Onuoha Oliver made the following statements:


"This peaceful atmosphere needs to be sustained and consolidated through constant dialogue and interaction between all stakeholders and youth elements in the region.


"Government's alienation and neglect of the youths in policy making and implementation is the genesis of militancy in the Niger Delta.


"Thus, this forum will gather all the renounced militants in the Niger Delta and other youth elements to hear them out, know exactly what they want and how all stakeholders with cooperation of these youths will work together for a new Niger Delta.


Vanguard


Related stories: Investing in Nigeria video


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


Oil War


U.S. vs China for Nigeria's oil



Nigeria ranked 130th in 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index survey

Transparency International released its 2009 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in which 180 countries were surveyed. Nigeria is ranked 130th in the survey. Last year Nigeria scored 2.7 points and was ranked 121st, this year the country's CPI score dropped to 2.5 bringing Nigeria to the same position as Libya, Lebanon and Mauritania. The first three countries on this year's CPI index are New Zealand, Denmark and Singapore.


The Secretary General of Transparency in Nigeria, Mr Osita Nnamani Ogbu made this statements in response to the CPI Index.


"Firstly, there is absence of electoral accountability in Nigeria. Nobody has been punished for his or her role in the fundamentally flawed 2007 elections. The leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission which conducted the flawed elections still remains in power. INEC has since then continued to conduct other flawed bye-elections,"


"The trials of the former Governors who were alleged to have siphoned billions of public funds have been reduced to a playboy affair. A special 'rule of law' has been contrived in their favour which may result in their escaping justice," he said.


Daily Trust


Related stories: Video report on the EFCC crackdown on corruption in Nigeria


Wole Soyinka says Nigeria is becoming a failed State


Nigerian Banks




NDLEA agents arrest woman with wraps of heroin stuffed in her hair

31 year old Angela Okiri was arrested by NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) at the departure lounge of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos on Sunday, with 92 wraps of heroin, 14 of which were stuffed in her hair.


She was headed to Italy via an Alitalia flight when she tested positive during passenger screening. According to the Agency's head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Afoyeju, the 92 wraps of heroin found in her possession weighted 930 grammes, besides the 14 wraps found in her braided hair, she also ingested 52 wraps and hid the remaining in a sanitary pad in her hand bag.


Angela Okiri said she lived in Bergano, Italy for 11 years as a labourer, but later confessed that she was unemployed when she was introduced to illegal drug trafficking by some of her friends and decided to do it due to financial pressures. She said she was to be paid 4,000 Euros for the job.


Vanguard


CNN video report on the illegal drug trade in Nigeria


CNN covers Nigeria's drug war


Nigerian criminals using Asian women as drug mules


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



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Nwankwo Kanu to retire from international football after World Cup


International football star Nwankwo Kanu, who has had an illustrious career with the Super Eagles and  such clubs as Ajax, Inter-Milan, Arsenal to name a few, has announced he'll be retiring from international duties after the World Cup in South Africa. He made the following statements after the cliff hanger World Cup qualification match against Kenya.


"Kenya have a very good team, they played well but we are happy to win. Despite the pressure, we knew we could do it. It was just was a matter of time. Now we have a chance to go to World Cup and do well. Our chances are good."


"I will quit after this World Cup. I cannot play when I am 50. I have reached the heights and my aim is to go to World Cup. I thank God that finally after all the fight, all the struggle, all the hard work, we are there."


Leadership


Related stories: Nwankwo Kanu to release biopic and book after World Cup 


The World Cup comes to Nigeria


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



Sunday, November 15, 2009

70 year old man bites off fingers of 28 year old wife because she refused having sex

70 year old Terhemen Gabu has been sentenced to one year in prison by a court in Benue State, Nigeria for beating his 28 year old wife and biting off her fingers because she refused to have sex with him.


It's been reported by Vanguard that Mr. Gabu repeatedly demanded sex from his wife Nyikeghen Gabu, but she consistently turned him down. So it got to the boiling point were he resulted to brute force in order to have his way with her.


In court the 70 year old defendant alleged that his wife was cheating on him but had no proof to back up his allegations. He then pleaded for the court to have mercy in hope for lenient sentence.


Judge I.N Ajon condemned Mr. Gabu for resorting to violence, noting that the accused failed to show fatherly virtues to his young wife but treated her like a common criminal instead and even a sex slave should not be afflicted with that sort of torture.


Terhemen Gabu was sentenced to a year in prison with an option of N500 ($3.30) fine.


Related stories: Man sets pregnant wife on fire


69 year old man beats wife to death over rent money


50 year old man beheads his wife




Saturday, November 14, 2009

Nigeria qualify for the 2010 World Cup



Nigeria defeat Kenya 3-2 to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. A miracle is what we needed and a miracle is what we got. It was a battle of epic proportions with Nigeria winning in dramatic fashion and Mozambique doing us a huge favor by beating Tunisia 1-0.


Kenya started with all guns blazing in the first half with Dennis Oliech scoring in the first half and Allan Wetende scoring in the second. But the heroes of the day are Yakubu Aiyegbeni who scored in the 65th and Obafemi Martins scoring twice in the 62nd and 83rd minute.


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


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


The World Cup comes to Nigeria


Video overview of Group B in the 2010 World Cup



Friday, November 13, 2009

Super Eagles arrive in Kenya for World Cup qualifier

 



The Nigerian Super Eagles arrived Kenya today for their World Cup Qualifying match against Kenya's Harambee Stars this Saturday. The match is expected to be an epic battle between the two teams as it is must-win for both Nigeria and Kenya...Godspeed Super Eagles...Godspeed.


related stories: Obi Mikel included in World Cup qualifier against Kenya


The World Cup comes to Nigeria


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



Former First Lady Maryam Babangida dying of cancer


Nigeria's former First Lady Maryam Babangida is dying of ovarian cancer at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Her conditioned is said to have worsened about six months ago after the former First Lady attended the wedding of the daughter of President Umaru Yar'Adua.


According to Saharareporters, Former President Ibrahim Babangida was granted a US visa on compassionate grounds to be with his wife in Los Angeles, as her cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and she might only have days left.


Related stories: Former First Lady Maryam Babangida passes on at 61


Doctor jailed for the death of former first lady Stella Obasanjo


Forensics show that Stella Obasanjo's death was avoidable



Thursday, November 12, 2009

Michael Jackson's This is it premiere in Nigeria



Michael Jackson's This is it premiered at Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos, Nigeria to a warm reception. The documentary chronicles the late king of pop rehearsals for his last concert performance hours before his untimely death.


Related stories: R Kelly pays tribute to Michael Jackson in his performance in Lagos, Nigeria


Bootleg discs of Michael Jackson's memorial go on sale in Nigeria


Marlon Jackson visits Nigeria




Nigeria join forces with Germany to combat drug trafficking

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is teaming up with the German government to combat illegal drug trafficking in Nigeria through the exchange of intelligence information, training, and supply of drug detecting equipments for airports in Nigeria.


The announcement was made on Tuesday at the office of the anti-narcotics agency in Murtala Muhammed International Airport by the Vice President of the German Federal Criminal Investigation Office, Professor Juergen Stock.


"We are in Nigeria to pay a working visit, which is aimed at exchange of information, intelligence gathering, training programmes and other areas where we could learn how to pull down intimidation drug cartels that dominate the illicit business between Europe, Asia , South America and Africa.


We are doing this because we belive no country could do it all alone. Only global collaboration through networking could address the drug challenge. That is why we continue to forge stronger and closer ties through a multi lateral approach with our partners, for which Nigeria stands out in West Africa.


We are convinced that stronger partnerships, expertise as well as technology will assist law enforcement agencies in tracking criminal activities," he said.


The Director-General of NDLEA, Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho had this to add. "The visit by the German delegation will not only boost our relationship for better understanding but will motivate both countries for greater results in the areas of mutual interests such as crime control and prevention".


Daily Champion


Nigeria and Britain join forces in combating drug trafficking


CNN's video report on the illegal drug trade in Nigeria




Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Football player gets 40 lashes for drinking alcohol in Sudan


20-year old Nigerian football player Stephen Worgu who plays his club football in Sudan was found guilty on Tuesday of drinking alcohol and driving under the influence. He's been sentenced to receive 40 lashes and pay a fine of 50 Sudanese pounds ($20) for drinking alcohol and 200 Sudanese pounds ($80) for driving under the influence.


Stephen Worgu has been finding it difficult to adapt to the Sudanese lifestyle since his move in 2008. Here are some statements he made to the BBC in April:


"I am finding it hard to adapt (in Sudan). It?s a different culture, different religion, different language, everything,"


"They have this Sharia law, and it's really affecting me also, because you don't feel free to do the things you need to do."


Sahara


Related stories: Nigerian fraudsters targeting football youth


Globacom strikes five-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United




Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Anderson Cooper reports on Uwem Akpan


Anderson Cooper reports on Nigerian bestselling author Uwem Akpan.



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


Nigerian Legend Wole Soyinka on Democracy



Police gun down 70-year old man who refused to pay bribe

A 70-year old man on his way home after attending his son's wedding was shot dead by a police officer at a checkpoint in Osun State because he refused to pay police bribe. The amount the police officer demanded was N20 ($13 cents). Another passenger in the car was seriously injured.


It's been reported that one of the policemen at the checkpoint was drunk and fired a shot into the car as the 70-year old man was talking with another police officer. The policemen then shot sporadically into the air to scare away pedestrians and motorists as they fled the scene.


Related story: Video report on Nigeria police accused of illegal killings in Boko Haram incident


Champion



Monday, November 9, 2009

Bestselling author Uwem Akpan on CNN



CNN's Christian Purefoy talks with bestselling author Uwem Akpan who's collection of short stories titled "Say You're One Of Them" got mass exposure after Oprah Winfrey selected his book for her book club.


Related stories: Oprah Winfrey picks Nigerian author Uwem Akpan's "Say you're one of them" for book club


Chimamanda Adichie at 200 TED Conference


Wole Soyinka on African Voices




Sunday, November 8, 2009

Nigeria sign deal with China to stop import of fake products

Ambassador Idris Waziri revealed that Nigeria and China have signed a deal to stop the influx of fake products from China to Nigeria. Ambassador Waziri made these statements:


“Apart from the fact that the government wants to stop inflow of substandard products, the Chinese are the best investors for the country at present considering where they are coming from.


Even with their technology, we cannot totally call them developed nation, whatever Nigeria is passing through today, they passed through too, so our ordeal is not strange to them. We are expecting not less than 60 Chinese companies for the Investment forum, they are expected to show interest in specific sectors they want to invest in.


“In achieving the vision 20-20 20, we are shifting from buying and selling to full industrialisation, the country needs capital, strong investment, they should bring their money, expertise and skill.


The government has already created the enabling environment for business to strive in all sectors, like the energy sector, Solid minerals, agriculture, communication, oil and gas, sectors etc”.


The deal will be announced officially at the Nigeria-China Investment Forum in Abuja later this month.


Vanguard


Related stories:


China invests $6 billion in Nigeria


Government approves deal with Chinese firm for housing and power generation in Abuja


Video report of Nigerians rioting in China




Thursday, November 5, 2009

Documentary on rebranding Nigeria


Rebranding Nigeria is a BBC documentary that sheds like on the determined efforts being made by the Nigerian government to create a new positive image of Nigeria.


Reporter Henry Bonsu speaks with the Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola and Information Minister Dora Akunyili about the campaign to rebrand Nigeria. We also get to hear from Nigerians that are furious at the negative portrayal of Nigeria as a breeding ground of corruption caused by such things as the 419 scam coined the "Nigerian letter" which has become a lasting internet meme and also other Nigerians that are angry at the level of corruption in the government, poor infrastructure and lack of jobs in the country. Hit play below:









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CNN does special on Lagos


Nigerian government reacts to sony's playstation 3 ad


Nigerian government lashes out on district 9 and demands apology for sony



Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Obi Mikel included in World Cup qualifier against Kenya


Super Eagle and Chelsea FC midfielder John Obi Mikel has ruled himself fit for the World Cup qualifying match against Kenya in Nairobi on November, 14th.


Nigeria must win the match against Kenya to have any chance of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The players usually receive a $5,000 bonus for winning and $3,000 for a draw but it's been reported that no cash bonuses have been promised to the players for the match since there's no guarantee that the Super Eagles will make it to the World Cup finals.


Obi Mikel who's been out of action for a while due to an ankle injury said he is now fit to resume duties for club and country:



“I will start playing again this weekend,” Mikel said on Monday. “I’m also looking forward to helping Nigeria get a win in Nairobi. 




“It is very important for us to get a win, and we all have to work hard and pray that the result favours us.”


Daily Nation


Related stories: The World Cup comes to Nigeria


Globacom strikes five-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United




Monday, November 2, 2009

NTA turns 50



The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), turns 50. The video up top marks the station's five decades of dedicated service and steps it's taking to stay up to speed in the digital future.


Related stories: Nigeria's entertainment industry


Investing in Nigeria promo video





Globacom strikes five-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United


Nigeria's leading telecoms operator, Globacom Limited, signed a five-year sponsorship deal with the world's richest football club, Manchester United. The deal will be made official on November 6th at Manchester United's home ground, Old Trafford.


As part of the deal, aspiring football players in West Africa are to gain international exposure by having access to training facilities at Manchester United. The three west African countries to benefit from this five-year sponsorship contract are Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Ghana.


The Group Executive Director for Globacom, Mr. Paddy Adenuga made this statement:


"At Globacom, we have consistently played a leading role in identifying opportunities and providing platforms for positive transformation of youths through football. This new partnership with the world's most famous football club will no doubt give impetus to the quest by kids in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic to become world stars."


Included in the deal is an all expenses paid package for lucky Manchester United fans from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Ghana to travel to Old Trafford to watch 14 live matches of the English Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.


Mr. Adenuga said "Globacom will continue to explore opportunities to satisfy the people's deep passion for football and we believe that we can enrich such experience by making it possible for fans to meet their club heroes and watch them play."


This Day


Related story: CNN reports on street football in Lagos


Globacom appoints Nollywood Ambassadors


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



MEND threaten ceasefire



The main militant group in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), is threatening to end its ceasefire with the Nigerian government.


Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege spoke with MEND's leader, Henry Okah, who said in the video that the government has not kept its part of the deal and that "there will be a resumption of violence very soon".


Related stories: Oil War


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



Winners of the 2009 Nigeria Music Video Awards


The Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA) concluded yesterday at the Expo Hall Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos. The award show was organized by CallyVision Networks...and the winners are:


BEST AFRO HIP HOP VIDEO
Mo hits – Ten Ten


BEST GOSPEL VIDEO
Kefee – Kokoroko


BEST USE OF ANIMATION IN A MUSIC VIDEO
Holy Mallam – Somebody Say


BEST PRODUCER OF A MUSIC VIDEO
Soul Muzik


BEST MAINSTREAM HIP HOP VIDEO
M.I - Safe


BEST R n B VIDEO
Darey – Not The Girl


BEST DIRECTOR
Mex ( Safe – M.I)


BEST USE OF SPECIAL EFFECTS IN A MUSIC VIDEO
M.I – Safe


BEST AFRO POP VIDEO
D’banj – Mo Gbono Feli Feli


BEST HIGHLIFE MUSIC VIDEO
Mc Loph – Osondi Owendi


BEST USE OF COSTUME
Darey – More


MOST PROMISING DIRECTOR
Gbenga Salu


BEST REGGAE DANCEHALL VIDEO
Frank D Nero – Cure My Craze


BEST CONTEMPORARY AFRO MUSIC VIDEO
Bracket – Yori Yori


BEST USE OF CHOREOGRAPHY
Freewindz – Tolotolo


BEST INDIGENOUS CONCEPT
Benita – We Ose


BEST AFROBEAT MUSIC VIDEO
Seun Kuti - Many Many Things


BEST NEW VIDEO
Jaywon – Filebe


MOST POPULAR NIGERIAN MUSIC VIDEO IN EUROPE
May7even – Take off my clothes


BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Mo Gbono Feli Feli – D’banj ( Sesan)


BEST FUJI
Ayuba


Itweetnaija


Related story: Nigerian artists clean house at MTV Africa music awards




Sunday, November 1, 2009

Piracy in Nollywood



Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports from Lagos, Nigeria. She speaks with Nigerian film director Theodore Anyanyi and producer Emmanuel Isikaku about how Nollywood, the world's fastest growing film industry, is being affected by DVD piracy.


Related stories: Nigerian firm partners with Sony to combat piracy


Piracy stunting Nollywood growth


Interview with the father of Nollywood


Sony to invest in Nigeria



Saturday, October 31, 2009

Health insurance in Nigeria


 



The Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Bukola Saraki explains in the video up top that the exchange of expertise and resources between the private insurance company, the Health Insurance Fund and his Government is the key to making the insurance program the best healthcare model for Africa.


Related story: Nigeria getting social security next year 



The BBC World Service Trust


The BBC World Service Trust marks ten years in Nigeria. The organisation is an international charity run by leading broadcasters of the world. The video up top reflects on ten years of unique work by the BBC Trust and its collaboration with media organisations in helping people build better capacities.



Thursday, October 29, 2009

Nigeria's Entertainment Industry


A video produced for The World Bank Project on the Nigerian Entertainment industry that targets the Global Entertainment Industry. The video features Nigerian celebrities and entrepreneurs promoting the industry and showcasing the investment opportunities in Nigeria's entertainment industry.


Related stories: CNN covers the Nollywood industry 


Nollywood will win international award


SONY to invest in Nigeria 


Bollywood and Nollywood join forces


Interview with the father of Nollywood




Investing in Nigeria promo video


Came across this pretty cool video montage produced for The World Bank Project on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry that highlights the positive and visually intriguing aspects of Nigeria in order to promote Foreign investment.


Related stories: China invests $6 billion in Nigeria


CNBC coves investment in Nigeria


CNN does special on Lagos


Video report on growing middle class in Nigeria



China invests $6 Billion in Nigeria

The president of National Association of Nigerian Traders, Mr. Ken Ukaoha, announced in Abuja yesterday that Foreign Direct Investment from China to Nigeria has doubled from $3 billion in 2003 to $6 billion this year with 75% percent of investments in the oil and gas sector.


Mr. Ukaoha said that trade between China and Nigeria is based mostly on China providing resources for Nigeria's poor infrastructure and Nigeria providing China with oil for their rapidly growing manufacturing sector. Besides South Africa, Nigeria is China's largest trading partner in Africa.


According to Mr. Ukaoha, China's increased interest in Africa is based on China expanding its reach for more resources to support the demands of the country's growing economy and Africa as a whole looking for better terms of trade.


This Day


Related stories: Government approve deal with Chinese firm for housing and power generation in Abuja


Chinese firm to manage Nigerian airport


New source of oil found in the Niger Delta by Chinese and Nigerian firms



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Foreign Affairs Minister on CNN


CNN's Isha Sesay talks to Nigerian Foreign Minister Ojo Maduekwe about Nigeria winning a seat at the U.N. security council and accomplishments Nigeria is looking forward to achieve.


Related stories: Nigeria wins UN security council seat


Two awards for Nigeria at UN's ICT confab



Government approve deal with Chinese firm for housing and power generation in Abuja

A memorandum of understanding has been signed by The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for Chinese firm, Global Group Corporation (CGGC) to commence mass housing, development of infrastructure, and power generation in Abuja.


The managing director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Dr. Abdual Muktar made this statement:


"According to the recently approved mass housing guidelines only reputable developers would be engaged while FCT administration is committed to providing infrastructure. Some of the excuses that the developers have been putting for low quality of housing have to do with where they have to provide infrastructure themselves but the FCT Minister has made it clear that infrastructure would be provided for them," he said.


Head of Government Relations with the CGGC, Mohammed Mustapha, said that the company was invited to Nigeria in 2005 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo after being impressed with the hydro power project the company completed in China. Mr. Mustapha added that CGGC has vast experience in city planning, infrastructure development, and real estate. The company is currently working on Libya's largest housing project of 10,000 housing units valued $1 billion.


Vanguard


Related stories: Chinese firm to manage Nigerian Airport


New source of oil found in the Niger Delta by Chinese and Nigerian firms


Firm plans to use solar power to light up Nigeria



Monday, October 26, 2009

Nigerian police identify Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna as hotspots for ritual killings

In a confidential memo from Nigerian police to registered security practitioners. Lagos, Ogun, and Kaduna have been identified as hotspots where ritual killings take place in Nigeria.

"the Nigeria police wish to advise all to avoid the following places as they have been identified as hot spots for ritual killings".

The memo also named such black spots in Lagos such as Isheri Olowo-Ira under Bridge, Toyota Bus Stop on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, the Bridge linking Abiola Garden with Otedola Estate and the entire area of Ikorodu.

Other hotspots for ritual killings in Nigeria according to the memo include Waterfront River Niger area of Onitsha in Anambra State; Igwurita, Muruokoro, Port Harcourt in Rivers state, and Ilorin-Oro in Kwara.

This Day

Related story: Hundreds of students attack ritualist for taking male organ of colleague

Mother murders two-day old son

In Benue State, Nigeria. A mother allegedly killed her two-day old baby by injecting poison into the new born.


The mother, Nguemo Tyokia, allegedly carried out the murder in her room while her baby was sleeping and most neighbours where at their farms. But one of the locals who was still near the vicinity could hear persistent yells coming from the baby after being injected with poison. This brought the attention of other neighbours who made their way to the source of the screams.


An eye witness said the young mother, Nguemo Tyokia, had no justifiable reason to kill the new born since the baby was in good health.


The baby's grandmother, Mrs. Mngenda Hamgba, discovered the shocking crime her son's wife had committed and attempted to save the baby's life.


"When we discovered what had happened, we rushed the baby to the hospital in our locality in Tyowanye but unfortunately help came a little too late as the baby died few hours later", she said.


The accused has been sent to prison and her trial begins on the 9th of November.


Vanguard



Sunday, October 25, 2009

Plans to introduce the death penalty for Kidnapping underway in Nigeria

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, Nigeria plans to introduce the death penalty or life in prison for criminals found guilty of kidnapping in Benue State.


The governor announced this at the Benue State Police Headquarters where three kidnap suspects involved in the alleged abduction of an eight-year-old girl, Stella Adamgbe, were being held.


Governor Gabriel Suswam said government was planning to send a bill to the state House of Assembly to give effect to the new law.


“the trend for people to abduct others just to grab money is strange to our people and we are forced by this development to emulate other states that have introduced stiffer punishments like death penalty or life imprisonment  for offenders in order to arrest the trend,” 


“Security is everybody’s business and responsibility and that is  why we must all team up with the police and the state government to fight this menace,” he said.


The governor also shared his sentiment on how Miss Priscilla, a 22-year-old undergraduate, could plan the abduction of her own niece: “This is a new dimension to the kidnap saga in the country.”


Vanguard


Related stories: Kidnapping culture in Nigeria on the rise


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


American doctor kidnapped in Nigeria sympathizes with his abductors



Saturday, October 24, 2009

The World Cup comes to Nigeria


The FIFA World Cup makes a stop in Nigeria on its tour around African countries. Might be the closest Nigerians ever come to the glorious cup considering how the Super Eagles have performed in the 2010 World Cup qualifications.


Related stories: Nigeria qualify for the 2010 World Cup


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


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


Documentary - Nigerian fraudsters targeting football youth



EFCC bust 800 scam sites and 18 Syndicates

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has shut down 800 scam websites and arrested members of 18 syndicates behind cyber crime in Nigeria. This renewed crack down on cyber crime by the EFCC is under a new campaign called operation "Eagle Claw".


The chairman of the anti-graft agency, Mrs. Farida Waziri made the announcement while attending the 35th annual convention of Black Mayors on "global vision for local action: a paradigm of connectivity in the African Diaspora." The convention was held on Wednesday in Las Vegas, United States.


Here are some statements Waziri made at the convention: 


"We expect that Eagle Claw as conceived will be 100% operational within six months and at full capacity, it will take Nigeria out of the top 10 list of countries with the highest incidence of fraudulent e-mails. At the moment, Eagle Claw has delivered the following results:


"Over 800 fraudulent e-mail addresses have been identified and shut down. The EFCC is fine-tuning security modalities with Microsoft and, upon full deployment, the capacity to take down fraudulent e-mails will increase to 5,000 monthly.


"Further, it is projected that advisory mails to be sent to victims and potential victims will be about 230,000 monthly. There have been 18 arrests of high profile syndicates operating cyber crime organisations."


"Project Eagle Claw is an initiative of the EFCC for the smart use of technology in fighting cyber crime. Hitherto, the EFCC structure for combating cyber crime revolved around cyber raids and investigation of petitions.


"However, the proactive stance of the new leadership required a radical departure, and Eagle Claw was developed. When it is fully deployed, it will afford the EFCC the option of either monitoring or shutting down all fraudulent email addresses. The EFCC would also have identified victims and potential victims and advised them that their email has been compromised."


Leadership


Related stories: Video report on the EFCC crackdown on corruption in Nigeria


Nigerian scammers scammed and arrested


Nigerian government reacts to Sony's Playstation 3 Ad



U.S. vs China for Nigeria's oil


CNN's Christian Purefoy talks with Nigeria's Minister for state of petroleum resources, Odein Ajumogobia about a proposed new petroleum industry bill to tackle corruption and the potential 50 billion dollar deal China is proposing for Nigeria's oil.










Thursday, October 22, 2009

CNN reports on Nigeria's electricity crisis


CNN gives an in-depth report on the electricity crisis in Nigeria, from the perspective of Nigerian citizens and government officials. The report also sheds light on the social media movement spear headed by Nigerian youth called Light Up Nigeria.


Related stories: Nation in Darkness


Light up Nigeria makes it on CNN


Electricity generation rises to 2,900 mega watts in Nigeria



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

10,000 protest on the streets of Lagos for an end to the electricity crisis in Nigeria

About 10,000 people took to the streets of Lagos yesterday to protest the lack of efficient electricity supply in Nigeria. The peaceful protest was led by Senior Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre (DCC), Reverend Sam Adeyemi who took the protest to the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola in Ikeja, Lagos. A letter was then submitted to President Yar'Adua via the governor.


Reverend Sam Adeyemi made these statements at the State Secretariat yesterday:


"We call on the Federal Government to break the monopoly of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and allow private investors and state governments to generate and distribute electricity. The strategy that worked for telecommunications should be made to work for power supply," he said.


He also called for a deregulations of the power sector since that has been successful for telecommunication in Nigeria:


"if there is no limit on the number of phone lines a telecommunications company should generate, there should be no limit on the volume of power a company should generate and distribute around the country. "States in the Niger Delta region who have gas flared in their backyards should generate, distribute and sell electricity locally and nationally. This will result in job creation in almost all facets of life in our nation."


This Day


Related stories: Nation in Darkness


Light up Nigeria makes it on CNN


Firm plans to use solar power to light up Nigeria




The Young Turks cover witchcraft in Nigeria



Today the young turks talk about how fraudulent pastors or witchdoctors commit brutal child abuse in some parts of Nigeria by labeling young children as witches and convincing their parents they have the cure in order to extort money from them.






Monday, October 19, 2009

Nigerian firm partners with Sony to combat piracy

The CEO of Yemi's Media Limited, Mr. Yemi Adeniyi announced over the weekend that his company is partnering with Sony to produce anti-piracy software to protect intellectual property.


"Apart from the fact that we are introducing different types of special discs which would make it difficult for people to duplicate or even source for the disc because we are the only one authorized to produce in Africa, it also comes with a hi-tech software configuration which is subject to upgrading to make the security unbreakable," he said.


Mr. Adeniyi also disclosed that that every single protected disc will have a different encryption code applied after authoring.


"New and different code is applied to every title and this high level of protection makes a generic crack impossible. Also this dynamic anti piracy solution packaged by us is exclusively in alliance with Sony technology that effectively deals with copying on personal computers, copying from DVD to DVD, DVD to hard drive and distribution on the internet."


"In line with this initiative development, we have written to the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Minister of Information and Communication, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), and other relevant organizations on the concept developed to effectively sanitize the entertainment industry from the menace of pirates."


Daily Champion


Related stories: Piracy stunting Nollywood growth


Interview with the father of Nollywood



Saturday, October 17, 2009

Person Of The Day - Ohdichi


Odichinma (Oh Dichi) was born in Watts, California in 1984 to two Nigerian parents she began singing at the tender age of 4 years old. Her first music role model was her Father who began recording her with her younger siblings on a tape player.


Once she heard her own voice playback out of the speakers she was amazed, and wanted to continue recording herself. Her father also loved video taping her and her siblings as they danced and sang to a wide variety of music. She went on to start singing at talent shows and small events.


She was blessed to be apart of the Mariners All Girls Show Choir for four years, which toured different states and performed all over the So Cal area. In college she continued to make music in her spare time while studying Acting, Sociology, and Film.She has performed in the following cities/areas: Los Angeles, Riverside, Cerritos, Lynwood, Hawthorne, Hollywood, Anahiem, Torrance, NewYork, Hawaii, San Diego, San Fransisco, Texas, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Nigeria.


Ohdichi has written over 50 songs, and records most of her music in California and NewYork. She likes to be a wellrounded musician so she listens and sings all types of music. Her collaborations include LudeBoi, Quiz, Conflict, Tayo, Jvion, Jazarri, KO, Micheal Okri, and most currently the talented/driven Meaku. She works with the following producers, Sinister Beats, Cras Bangers, Mikey Mic, Doc Savage, Drumma Boi, Twenty 20, Synphony, SixSeven, Meaku and others. 


To have a listen to Ohdichi's single "Actors" hit play below. Like what you hear, visit her page to download more of her tracks: Ohdichi









Related stories: Person of the day - Femi


Person of the day - Fluxxx



Nigeria wins UN Security Council seat

Nigeria has won a non-permanent seat on the United Nations security council as a representative of the Africa region.


Nigeria scored 186 votes to win the election and will serve as a representative of Africa on the security council from 2010 to 2011.


The four other counties elected are Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Bosnia-Herzegovina.


The newly elected non-permanent members will take their seats on the 15-member council on January 1, replacing Costa Rica, Libya, Uganda, Vietnam and Croatia who will complete their two-year mandate on December 31.


Vanguard


Related story: Bringing success to Nigeria



Thursday, October 15, 2009

CNN reports on street football in Lagos


CNN's Christian Purefoy covers the impressive attempt made by the Nigerian government to keep Lagos youth out of trouble by organizing the mega city street soccer competition.


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


Nigerian criminals targeting football youth




Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Young Nigerian women making a difference in Africa


With Love From Friends (WLFF) is a none profit organisation established in January 2008 by a group of friends all who became acquainted whilst studying at the acclaimed University of Manchester. After the success of their Grand Ball in 2008 they have returned to host their annual fundraising event on October 17th 2009 6pm, at the prestigious The October Gallery in Holborn, London (UK) ,entitled OUT OF AFRICA. 
 
Out Of Africa is guaranteed to be an evening equated to exhibiting a series of  excellent short films from across Africa, contemporary art exhibition, African themed music, African themed canapes, raffle prizes and a elegant drink reception. This red carpet event aims to celebrate the various entities within the African Culture whilst uniting people with the desire to see change in Africa together.
 
After raising £6,000 generated from the first WLLF fundraising event entitled Grand Ball 2008. Surplus amounts of books were purchased for the Iwaya/Makoko Book Fund Project in Lagos Nigeria. 
 
The Long term goal for WLFF is to assist charities and community schools project in Nigeria and Africa at Large, raising funds to improve infrastructure and provide basic resources such as textbooks, whilst maintaining a personal touch.
 
Further information about the organisation, including a detailed report regarding the projects WLFF are currently working on can be obtained from www.wlff.co.uk