In ‘The Art of Nigerian Women,’ Bosah shines light on Nigeria’s female visual artists…Read full details

http://ift.tt/2lKoH2u

Dark Emotions by Omo Udenta is one of the many visual art works mentioned in the book.

The much-anticipated book, The Art of Nigerian Women, by Chukwuemeka Bosah, will be presented to the public at the Nike Art Gallery on March 8, 2017, to commemorate World Women’s Day this year. The Wheatbaker boutique hotel will also host a private Collectors’ Preview of The Art of Nigerian Women to coincide with Standing Out II, an exhibition of works by ten female artists’ featured in the glossy coffee table book.

The Art of Nigerian Women is a 360-page hardback book printed on silk paper, featuring the work of seventy-five leading and emerging contemporary visual artists — some of Nigeria’s brightest. Complementing the artists’ works are scholarly essays, features and profiles of women who have influenced and helped shape the art industry in Nigeria.

Professor dele jegede, noted art historian, renowned artist and Professor Emeritus of Miami University praised the book saying “this is a pioneering work, one that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of corporate, institutional, college, and personal libraries. Bosah deserves admiration for the courage and resources ploughed into this work.”

“The journey of researching, writing, and publishing The Art of Nigerian Women has been a labour of love which started in 2011,” explained US-based publisher Chukwuemeka Bosah, whose acclaimed work 101 Nigerian Artists has become an important reference point for the international art community. “

The Partners’ and Collectors’ Preview of The Art of Nigerian Women is being held at the Wheatbaker in conjunction with the opening of Standing Out II, an exhibition featuring 10 emerging female artists (Amami Isiuwe, Bunmi Oyesanya-Ayaoge, Data Oruwari, Marcellina Oseghale-Akpojotor, Ngozi Omeje, Olawunmi Banjo, Omo Udenta, Ozoz Sokoh, Sade Adebowale & Taiye Idahor) presenting paintings, photographs, mixed media works, poetry, and a thread & ceramic installation.

“We are honoured to showcase works by some of the phenomenal artists featured in Bosah’s beautiful book,” commented Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary Art, the Wheatbaker’s long-standing art curator. “The Art of Nigerian Women is a testament to the awesome “rising tide” of female artists in Nigeria, who are indeed Standing Out globally.”

The public launch of the book will take place at the Nike Art Gallery on next Wednesday to mark World Women’s Day. The book launch is being celebrated with the #BeBoldForChangeWomenArise exhibition of diverse artworks curated by the Female Artists Association of Nigeria.

“Chukwuemeka Bosah’s book celebrating female artists is a timely gift to Africa and the world,” said Chief Nike Okundaye, who has mentored generations of female artists, and won international awards for her groundbreaking work in teaching art to marginalised women in Nigeria and Europe. “We are delighted that the powerful work of our female artists is being projected in this beautiful publication.”

The exhibition at Nike Art Gallery runs from March 8-13, 2017, while Standing Out II runs until May 15, 2017, at The Wheatbaker.

The Art of Nigerian Women publishing project was supported by GTBank, The Guardian, XL Africa Group, The Wheatbaker, SMO Contemporary Art, Global Energy Company, Veuve Clicquot, Knowledge Exchange Center, Max10, UpByFive, Arik Airlines, and committed art patrons.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2mp6mMi

In ‘The Art of Nigerian Women,’ Bosah shines light on Nigeria’s female visual artists

http://ift.tt/2lKoH2u

Dark Emotions by Omo Udenta is one of the many visual art works mentioned in the book.

The much-anticipated book, The Art of Nigerian Women, by Chukwuemeka Bosah, will be presented to the public at the Nike Art Gallery on March 8, 2017, to commemorate World Women’s Day this year. The Wheatbaker boutique hotel will also host a private Collectors’ Preview of The Art of Nigerian Women to coincide with Standing Out II, an exhibition of works by ten female artists’ featured in the glossy coffee table book.

The Art of Nigerian Women is a 360-page hardback book printed on silk paper, featuring the work of seventy-five leading and emerging contemporary visual artists — some of Nigeria’s brightest. Complementing the artists’ works are scholarly essays, features and profiles of women who have influenced and helped shape the art industry in Nigeria.

Professor dele jegede, noted art historian, renowned artist and Professor Emeritus of Miami University praised the book saying “this is a pioneering work, one that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of corporate, institutional, college, and personal libraries. Bosah deserves admiration for the courage and resources ploughed into this work.”

“The journey of researching, writing, and publishing The Art of Nigerian Women has been a labour of love which started in 2011,” explained US-based publisher Chukwuemeka Bosah, whose acclaimed work 101 Nigerian Artists has become an important reference point for the international art community. “

The Partners’ and Collectors’ Preview of The Art of Nigerian Women is being held at the Wheatbaker in conjunction with the opening of Standing Out II, an exhibition featuring 10 emerging female artists (Amami Isiuwe, Bunmi Oyesanya-Ayaoge, Data Oruwari, Marcellina Oseghale-Akpojotor, Ngozi Omeje, Olawunmi Banjo, Omo Udenta, Ozoz Sokoh, Sade Adebowale & Taiye Idahor) presenting paintings, photographs, mixed media works, poetry, and a thread & ceramic installation.

“We are honoured to showcase works by some of the phenomenal artists featured in Bosah’s beautiful book,” commented Sandra Mbanefo Obiago of SMO Contemporary Art, the Wheatbaker’s long-standing art curator. “The Art of Nigerian Women is a testament to the awesome “rising tide” of female artists in Nigeria, who are indeed Standing Out globally.”

The public launch of the book will take place at the Nike Art Gallery on next Wednesday to mark World Women’s Day. The book launch is being celebrated with the #BeBoldForChangeWomenArise exhibition of diverse artworks curated by the Female Artists Association of Nigeria.

“Chukwuemeka Bosah’s book celebrating female artists is a timely gift to Africa and the world,” said Chief Nike Okundaye, who has mentored generations of female artists, and won international awards for her groundbreaking work in teaching art to marginalised women in Nigeria and Europe. “We are delighted that the powerful work of our female artists is being projected in this beautiful publication.”

The exhibition at Nike Art Gallery runs from March 8-13, 2017, while Standing Out II runs until May 15, 2017, at The Wheatbaker.

The Art of Nigerian Women publishing project was supported by GTBank, The Guardian, XL Africa Group, The Wheatbaker, SMO Contemporary Art, Global Energy Company, Veuve Clicquot, Knowledge Exchange Center, Max10, UpByFive, Arik Airlines, and committed art patrons.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lMggEA

CAN blames persistent crisis in Southern Kaduna on security agencies

http://ift.tt/2mXnBRH

National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Samson Ayokunle

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that the failure of security agencies to arrest and bring to book those responsible for the killings in Southern Kaduna was the reason the crisis has persisted.

It, therefore, urged the security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities.CAN lamented that despite the curfew, the presence of the Police and other security agencies in the volatile zone, the killings remain unabated, urging its members to continue praying for the permanent restoration of peace in the area.

Speaking at the just-concluded meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Christian umbrella body in Abuja, its president, Rev Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, condemned the persistent destruction of church buildings in some parts of the country, lamenting the seeming powerlessness of the law enforcement agencies.

Ayokunle said: “All of us should organise prayers again and if possible, with fasting, to seek the intervention of God, so that this senseless destruction of human beings might stop.

“I think what has encouraged this type of carnage in Southern Kaduna is the inability of the law enforcement agents to apprehend the criminals responsible for these killings and if they were apprehended at all, they were not conclusively prosecuted.

“We have had these days more often than not, the law enforcement agents saying that the criminals are ‘unknown gun men.’ Whose duty is it to know them? Is it not the law enforcement agents?”

Ayokunle further disclosed plans by the National Secretariat of CAN to provide relief materials for the victims of the carnage in both Southern Kaduna and Agatu community in Benue State.

“We are planning to visit Southern Kaduna to distribute relief materials to the victims of the massacre there. We planned to do this earlier and chose date, but we couldn’t go because we received security report that it was not safe to do so.

“We would equally visit Agatu community in Benue State to distribute relief materials.”The CAN president also charged its members not to cease praying for President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and a quick recovery of the economy from the recession to relief the populace, who are under its consequences.

He added: “We should organise prayers, if possible vigil, at every state secretariat of CAN to pray for our country at a chosen date and the FCT CAN should come to the national secretariat for their own.

“In each centre, the governor of the state or his representative should be invited to such prayer meeting.”On the economic recession, Ayokunle noted: “With the way our economy is going and violence is increasing without much answer from the law enforcement agents, we need divine intervention.

“Churches were destroyed in states, such as Jigawa, on the excuse that they did not get building permit, whereas they had applied for many years without being given the permit.

“Recently, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building was burnt down in Dei- Dei, here in Abuja, very early in the morning. What shall we do to these continuous provocations without any visible action by the law enforcement agents?”

He called on all and sundry to support CAN Trust Fund, as “it is the answer to the paucity of funds for operation in CAN,” adding that without sufficient fund, the CAN leadership might not be able to discharge all the constitutional responsibilities, including the Save Our Souls cries from its members.

The meeting had in attendance all the principal officers, national officers, zonal and state leaders, where they prayed for the unity of the body of Christ and the country, including Buhari and the government at all levels.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2loTMxa

Okorocha commends IGP over killing of vampire

http://ift.tt/2moxStK

Rochas Okorocha

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has expressed joy over the role the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, by dispatching the special squad that worked in tandem with officers and men of the Imo Police Command that finally ended the ugly story of the notorious kidnapper, Mr. Henry Chibueze, a.k.a Vampire.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sam Onwuemeodo, the Governor said the extermination of Vampire’s life is a milestone on the capability of the police.
 
Okorocha also commended officials of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), who had arrested Vampire in Owerri in 2015, creating the consciousness on the roles of all. 
 
On the reported threat against him and his family by Vampire over the N5m ransom he placed on his head, the governor said that such threat was an empty one, because he knew that Vampire, having stepped into Imo State to carry out criminal activities, would soon become history and a bad one for that matter.
 
Okorocha expressed optimism that with the development, Imo was safe for living. Crack squad from the IGP killed Vampire after several hours of gun battle in a forest in Ikwerre, Rivers State on Thursday.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2m6mhPa

Campbellsville University USA, pledges $30 million five-year empowerment plan in education for Africa

http://ift.tt/2lJnBVo

U.S based Campbellsville University has announced a $30 million five-year empowerment plan for education in Africa. The intervention fund is being deplored to the continent to develop a network with educational partners in both public and private sectors in order to empower the African youth and invest in the future of Africa as well as forge the mission of Campbellsville University in the continent and throughout the globe.

Speaking at a roundtable to unveil the plan, the Dean of International Education at the University, Dr. Mego Haralu, who was on tour of some African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Liberia, said the university is over the next five years investing the $30,000,000 in the youth of Africa, majority of who will come from Nigeria.

He said, “Campbellsville University will invest in the youth and students of Africa by awarding $15,000 to each qualified and exceptional student for each of the student’s four years of study in the undergraduate degree.”

“We project as many as 100 students per year to come to Campbellsville for the next five years for a projected 500 students. We strongly believe this will work out, and will translate into $1,500,000 per year in scholarships granted to students from Africa,” he added.

According to Haralu, in Nigeria, the University will partner with Ibadan based Citygate Institute of Innovation and Technology, adding that Rector of Citygate Institute of Innovation and Technology, Folajimi Fadenipo and his associates will oversee the operations of Campbellsville University’s affairs in Nigeria.

“Any individual or establishment, public or private, or any student who desires to partner with or want to study at Campbellsville University must do so through Mr. Fadenipo and his associates,” he stated.

He further explained that Nigerian students are academically strong, creative, and highly entrepreneurial with great leadership qualities. He explained that as a result of this, Campbellsville University employed a prominent Nigerian professor of business and director of programs who has been an employee of the university for 12 years.

Haralu also explained that Campbellsville is a Christian liberal arts university, which began in 1906, has seven campuses with its main campus in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and has over 4,200 students, stressing that the university serves its students with 80 disciplines of study.

“I am the Dean of International Education at Campbellsville University; I oversee the affairs and welfare of all international students from 50 countries in the university. My experience over the years, has established that the best place to empower the youth is in education. Campbellsville University is now focusing on Africa to achieve this goal. Campbellsville University has Nigerian students from Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt,” he said.

“As an institution, Campbellsville University will also pursue educational partnerships in both private and public sectors at the level of higher education in some very specialised fields like sports management, education and teachers training, high-tech vocational training in information technology. We will engage in academic-industry collaboration in Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Liberia and others in Pan-African nations.

“I welcome all Africans to embrace this news and opportunity and come together to help the youth of Africa as well as to further the mission of Campbellsville University in Pan-Africa.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2m6esJg

CAN blames persistent crisis in Southern Kaduna on security agencies (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2mXnBRH

National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Samson Ayokunle

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said that the failure of security agencies to arrest and bring to book those responsible for the killings in Southern Kaduna was the reason the crisis has persisted.

It, therefore, urged the security agencies to wake up to their responsibilities.CAN lamented that despite the curfew, the presence of the Police and other security agencies in the volatile zone, the killings remain unabated, urging its members to continue praying for the permanent restoration of peace in the area.

Speaking at the just-concluded meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Christian umbrella body in Abuja, its president, Rev Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, condemned the persistent destruction of church buildings in some parts of the country, lamenting the seeming powerlessness of the law enforcement agencies.

Ayokunle said: “All of us should organise prayers again and if possible, with fasting, to seek the intervention of God, so that this senseless destruction of human beings might stop.

“I think what has encouraged this type of carnage in Southern Kaduna is the inability of the law enforcement agents to apprehend the criminals responsible for these killings and if they were apprehended at all, they were not conclusively prosecuted.

“We have had these days more often than not, the law enforcement agents saying that the criminals are ‘unknown gun men.’ Whose duty is it to know them? Is it not the law enforcement agents?”

Ayokunle further disclosed plans by the National Secretariat of CAN to provide relief materials for the victims of the carnage in both Southern Kaduna and Agatu community in Benue State.

“We are planning to visit Southern Kaduna to distribute relief materials to the victims of the massacre there. We planned to do this earlier and chose date, but we couldn’t go because we received security report that it was not safe to do so.

“We would equally visit Agatu community in Benue State to distribute relief materials.”The CAN president also charged its members not to cease praying for President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and a quick recovery of the economy from the recession to relief the populace, who are under its consequences.

He added: “We should organise prayers, if possible vigil, at every state secretariat of CAN to pray for our country at a chosen date and the FCT CAN should come to the national secretariat for their own.

“In each centre, the governor of the state or his representative should be invited to such prayer meeting.”On the economic recession, Ayokunle noted: “With the way our economy is going and violence is increasing without much answer from the law enforcement agents, we need divine intervention.

“Churches were destroyed in states, such as Jigawa, on the excuse that they did not get building permit, whereas they had applied for many years without being given the permit.

“Recently, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) building was burnt down in Dei- Dei, here in Abuja, very early in the morning. What shall we do to these continuous provocations without any visible action by the law enforcement agents?”

He called on all and sundry to support CAN Trust Fund, as “it is the answer to the paucity of funds for operation in CAN,” adding that without sufficient fund, the CAN leadership might not be able to discharge all the constitutional responsibilities, including the Save Our Souls cries from its members.

The meeting had in attendance all the principal officers, national officers, zonal and state leaders, where they prayed for the unity of the body of Christ and the country, including Buhari and the government at all levels.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2mlMGbY

$470m CCTV contract: Reps ask NSA to handle project .

http://ift.tt/2mCN1bc

CCTV

..Reject Privatization Of Public Security

The House of Representatives yesterday enjoined the authorities to urgently provide funds to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to activate the operations of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) nationwide.

Adopting the report of its ad-hoc committee that investigated the award of contract for the installation of $470 million CCTV chaired by Mr. Ahmed Yerima (APC, Bauchi), the lawmakers rejected calls to privatize the National Public Security Communications System (NPSCS).

Stressing the need to cede the facility to the NSA’s office, the lawmakers maintained that it behooves on the NSA’s office to set up a department that would coordinate the activities of NPSCS.

The House further recommended that the commercialized excess capacity of the network be sold to operators and that the revenue derived be used to defray the cost of maintaining and operating the network.

They also directed that all military and paramilitary agencies as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), electricity generation and distribution companies, among others should utilize the NPSCS network.

They also said that ZTE Nigeria Limited, the company operating the CCTV systems, should refund the discrepancy amount certified after an audit exercise, or better still, it should supply necessary equipment worth the amount else government should deduct same from the $20.247 million outstanding.

Additionally, the House said a forensic audit of the outstanding debt of ZTE be conducted so that the actual amount could be verified and that it should be paid based on the exchange rate obtainable in 2013, when the contract was signed.

The lawmakers also advised that the number of cameras should be increased and those vandalized be replaced, saying the geographical coverage of the cameras should be expanded to increase surveillance and security in the country.

The lawmakers also said the federal government should cancel its engagement with Netlink Broadband Networks and that the disengagement of BCTEK Engineering Limited from the contract should be investigated by relevant security agencies.

The House also said the former permanent secretary in the defunct ministry of police affairs, Mr. James Obeigbu, should be prosecuted for deliberately refusing to release the approved N3 billion meant for network operations and maintenance.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mPEsGW

Okorocha commends IGP over killing of vampire (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2moxStK

Rochas Okorocha

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has expressed joy over the role the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, by dispatching the special squad that worked in tandem with officers and men of the Imo Police Command that finally ended the ugly story of the notorious kidnapper, Mr. Henry Chibueze, a.k.a Vampire.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sam Onwuemeodo, the Governor said the extermination of Vampire’s life is a milestone on the capability of the police.
 
Okorocha also commended officials of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), who had arrested Vampire in Owerri in 2015, creating the consciousness on the roles of all. 
 
On the reported threat against him and his family by Vampire over the N5m ransom he placed on his head, the governor said that such threat was an empty one, because he knew that Vampire, having stepped into Imo State to carry out criminal activities, would soon become history and a bad one for that matter.
 
Okorocha expressed optimism that with the development, Imo was safe for living. Crack squad from the IGP killed Vampire after several hours of gun battle in a forest in Ikwerre, Rivers State on Thursday.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2mlMM3p

Goldberg in excellent love affair with Yoruba music, culture

http://ift.tt/2mCHIJ8

Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream, Nigerian Breweries Plc Funso Ayeni (left); Marketing Director, Franco Maria Maggi; Wura 1 of 2016 Goldberg Fuji T’o Bam, Tope Ajani and Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, ; Emmanuel Agu at the Grand Finale of the 2016 Fuji T’o Bam

With the recently held traditional drumming contest organised as part of activities to kick off the Goldberg Excellency Tour in Abeokuta, it’s obvious that the brand is indeed enjoying an excellent love affair in the region, as a result of its association with the rich culture of the Yoruba people.

Staged at the Cultural Centre Ibadan, the grand finale of the drumming contest saw Otapo Bata Drummers from Abeokuta emerge winners and went home with the coveted prize of N250, 000. Ayanwale Drummers clinched the second position with N150, 000 cash prize, while Omo Aribido Drummers claimed the third spot with N100, 000 cash prize. Meanwhile, the remaining two finalists, Ayandare Drummers and Paramount Band, were not left out, as they both went home with N50,000 each.

The traditional drummers contest kicked off with a procession through the major streets of Abeokuta and attracted a huge turnout of residents, who were delighted by performances from drummers, praise singers and native dancers. And to a large extent, the procession helped to pull crowd to the main venue where the battle of drums was staged. Similar event will be staged in five more cities in the Southwest, including Ilorin, Ado Ekiti, Ikare Akoko, Ile Ife and Benin City.

As a unifying factor, promoters of businesses and great brands have used culture extensively to appeal to the hearts of targeted consumers. Aside from celebrating human values and heritage, sponsorship of cultural activities tend to create emotional connection between brands and the people. From all indication, Goldberg seems to have identified this as a means to celebrate and respect the culture of its target audience. Through this same vehicle, it has continued to show respect for royalty through sponsorship of cultural events and visitations to palaces in the region to pay homage.

As at the last count, the brand has associated with not less than five of such events in Nigeria. However, its annual sponsorship of the popular of Osun Osogbo and Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode appears to be the most celebrated. Other notable ones are Oranyan Festival and Udiroko Festival in Ile Ife and Ado Ekiti respectively.

Festivals apart, the brand has also been involved in other musical platforms such as the Goldberg Fuji t’o Bam initiative, which brings to life the twin socio-cultural tradition of companionship and celebration. Designed for the propagation of the Fuji music genre, the initiative readily identifies and celebrates the rich musical tradition that sustains the cultural values of the people in the region. The platform, which has seen four editions already, has led to the discovery of budding Fuji talents and artistes. No doubt, the initiative has in no small way helped in burnishing talents and contributing ideas to the development of Fuji music and the culture of the Yoruba people.

However, in a bid to deepen it’s support for the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people, the brand recently gathered lovers and enthusiasts of Fuji music for the first of its kind Fuji Roundtable, a forum organised for intellectual discussions on how to take the genre of music to the next level.

In his welcome address at the event, which was held in Lagos, Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager of Nigerian Breweries Patrick Olowokere, disclosed that at Nigerian Breweries,informed that the brand does not take for granted the socio-cultural life of its host communities anywhere it operates.

“We respect people’s cultures and values. Our gathering here today is a testament of our resolute determination to contribute to the socio-cultural development of the people in the western part of our nation,” he said.

In his keynote address at the Fuji Roundtable, Olawale Obadeyi, a Fuji analyst, traced the origin of this genre of music to the period when Were, the local brand of music was in vogue among the Muslim faithful. He identified Fuji music as a unifying force that easily bonds Yorubas together, adding, “Goldberg had appropriated Fuji music as a veritable platform through which cultural values could be used to validate the essence of Yorubas living in the region and beyond.”

No doubt, Fuji music exerts a strong influence on the social life of the Yorubas. Through the music, foreigners can easily feel and connect with the culture of the Yoruba people. The influence that the music exerts on the social life of the Yorubas is therefore very strong irrespective of their locations.

In recent time, promoters of Yoruba culture are contending with challenges of losing their heritage to foreign imitations. To this end, scholars in Yoruba culture and arts have orgnised various fora to pass a message on the need for Yorubas to think deeply and look back to protect their heritage.

In Yoruba, respect particularly is seen as a renowned phenomenon that easily shows humility and the relationship between elders and the younger ones; it’s a culture that the Yoruba people take pride in. It remains an important aspect of the Yoruba custom that has been passed down to every generation, as it is an epitome of peace and orderliness, which we take very seriously.

As a result of Goldberg’s cultural affinity with the people of South West Nigeria and the loyalty of consumers there, the brand has inculcated visitation of royal palaces into its programmes in the region as a sign of respect to the throne; prostrating for the king is usually a part of the visit. No doubt, this has continued to strengthen the bond that has developed over the years between the brand and its consumers in the region.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2loXx5Z

Campbellsville University USA, pledges $30 million five-year empowerment plan in education for Africa (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2lJnBVo

U.S based Campbellsville University has announced a $30 million five-year empowerment plan for education in Africa. The intervention fund is being deplored to the continent to develop a network with educational partners in both public and private sectors in order to empower the African youth and invest in the future of Africa as well as forge the mission of Campbellsville University in the continent and throughout the globe.

Speaking at a roundtable to unveil the plan, the Dean of International Education at the University, Dr. Mego Haralu, who was on tour of some African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Liberia, said the university is over the next five years investing the $30,000,000 in the youth of Africa, majority of who will come from Nigeria.

He said, “Campbellsville University will invest in the youth and students of Africa by awarding $15,000 to each qualified and exceptional student for each of the student’s four years of study in the undergraduate degree.”

“We project as many as 100 students per year to come to Campbellsville for the next five years for a projected 500 students. We strongly believe this will work out, and will translate into $1,500,000 per year in scholarships granted to students from Africa,” he added.

According to Haralu, in Nigeria, the University will partner with Ibadan based Citygate Institute of Innovation and Technology, adding that Rector of Citygate Institute of Innovation and Technology, Folajimi Fadenipo and his associates will oversee the operations of Campbellsville University’s affairs in Nigeria.

“Any individual or establishment, public or private, or any student who desires to partner with or want to study at Campbellsville University must do so through Mr. Fadenipo and his associates,” he stated.

He further explained that Nigerian students are academically strong, creative, and highly entrepreneurial with great leadership qualities. He explained that as a result of this, Campbellsville University employed a prominent Nigerian professor of business and director of programs who has been an employee of the university for 12 years.

Haralu also explained that Campbellsville is a Christian liberal arts university, which began in 1906, has seven campuses with its main campus in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and has over 4,200 students, stressing that the university serves its students with 80 disciplines of study.

“I am the Dean of International Education at Campbellsville University; I oversee the affairs and welfare of all international students from 50 countries in the university. My experience over the years, has established that the best place to empower the youth is in education. Campbellsville University is now focusing on Africa to achieve this goal. Campbellsville University has Nigerian students from Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt,” he said.

“As an institution, Campbellsville University will also pursue educational partnerships in both private and public sectors at the level of higher education in some very specialised fields like sports management, education and teachers training, high-tech vocational training in information technology. We will engage in academic-industry collaboration in Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Liberia and others in Pan-African nations.

“I welcome all Africans to embrace this news and opportunity and come together to help the youth of Africa as well as to further the mission of Campbellsville University in Pan-Africa.”

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2mlKUb2

Social Media Week Lagos 2017 Day 3 schedule

http://ift.tt/2mrwrer

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lRTHAQ

Three feared killed in suspected herdsmen’s clashes in Delta, Rivers (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2kJP7pf

Fulani Herdsmen

Assembly moves to check activities of nomads

Three persons are feared killed in clashes involving indigenes and suspected herdsmen in some communities of Delta and Rivers states.Specifically, two indigenes were reportedly slaughtered in Omumu community, Ika South Local Council of Delta State on Monday evening.

Reports said the victims allegedly engaged the suspected nomads in their farmlands after crops, worth thousands of naira, were destroyed.Former party chairman in the community, Chief Joel Obuchi, told The Guardian that the situation portends bad omen, urging the state government to look into the problem.

Regretting that the suspected herdsmen had wreaked untold havoc on the community, Obuchi stated that the cattle rearers had turned many farms into grazing land. He warned that if urgent steps were not taken by security agents, the activities of the nomads might result in clashes of higher scale between the cattle rearers and their host communities.

In a swift reaction, the state Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, said his men were on top of the situation, adding that some persons had been arrested detained and were being detained for further investigation.

In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council of Rivers State, one person was left dead after an ensuing clash between the residents and the cattle rearers.
It was gathered that the herdsmen had lived peacefully in the communities until lately when their activities began to ruffle feathers.

Disturbed by the development, the State House of Assembly yesterday took steps to forestall the imminent crisis. It consequently passed a resolution directing security agencies, especially the police, to take urgent steps in checking encroachment into farmlands by the herdsmen.

The directive followed debate at plenary on a motion moved by the member representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency II, Nathaniel Uwaji and seconded by Barine Deeya.

The lawmakers also directed the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Omoku, Okwuzi and Ndoni communities to liaise with the community leaders and the leadership of the council to “seek ways that will proffer short, medium and long term solution” to the impasse.

In the meantime, residents of some Delta communities have asked the state government to investigate the bribery allegation levelled by some Fulani herdsmen living in their midst.

They had alleged that a number of their hosts secretly collected bribes in form of cash and cattle to enable them operate freely. A cattle rearer told our reporter that in communities within Kwale, they allegedly paid N200,000 to some persons who claimed to be leaders.But the spokesman for the community, Obusehi Edward, dismissed the allegation.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lSf2Kr

‘Jonathan, key to Osinbajo’s fruitful tour of Niger Delta

http://ift.tt/2ltvIpQ

Goodluck Jonathan

The successful tour of some Niger Delta states by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was achieved due to former president Goodluck Jonathan’s earlier visit to Gbaramatu kingdom.

A coalition of Niger Delta militant groups, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) said this in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday.The JRC spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte said: “In the past few months, Osinbajo had said the right words and a good number of people in the Niger Delta have expressed satisfaction with his utterances. We will continue to watch with cautious optimism. We however, wonder: Where were all these intellect and wisdom when his principal was in the saddle?

“It is important that we commend former president Jonathan for watering the ground before the trip by VP/AP Osinbajo. It was Goodluck Jonathan who made Osinbajo’s trip a success.

The militants claimed that when Jonathan visited Gbaramatu kingdom, he acted like a true statesman by advocating tolerance and co-operation with other sections of Nigeria as a strategy for bringing about peace and development in the region.

His utterances, they claimed, created the right atmosphere for the warm reception Osinbajo got in the region.In December 2016, former President Goodluck Jonathan was in Gbaramatu for the presentation of staff to the new paramount ruler of Gbaramatu, Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

While commending the tour of some Niger Delta states by the acting president, the JRC stated that Osinbajo had shown good intellect and a great measure of wisdom.

The JRC spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte said: “In the past few months, he had said the right words and a good number of people in the Niger Delta have expressed satisfaction with his utterances. We will continue to watch with cautious optimism. We however, wonder: Where were all these intellect and wisdom when his principal was in the saddle?

“It is important that we commend former president Jonathan for watering the ground before the trip by VP/AP Osinbajo. It was Goodluck Jonathan who made Osinbajo’s trip a success.

“It is truly difficult to understand why a Goodluck Jonathan, whose tenure had been so vilified, wants to work for the success of the same people who have continued to try so hard to denigrate him. The Niger Delta may be angry with Goodluck Jonathan, but that same zone may erupt in violence because of Jonathan,” Whyte said.

The JRC blamed Buhari government’s failure to put things right in the Niger Delta on “the antics of satanic elements within the rank and file of agitating groups in the Niger Delta.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lUZzYu

Reps to probe alleged misappropriation of N350b health insurance fund (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2lIbyIM

Members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Healthcare Services yesterday threatened to prosecute erring official of the Health Management Organisations (HMOs) over alleged misappropriation of N350 billion.

Nigerians contributed the fund toward the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).At an investigative hearing in Abuja, Chairman of the Committee, Chike Okafor, directed NHIS to halt the payment of allocation to all the HMOs, pending the conclusion of the investigative hearing scheduled for next month.

Okafor promised to conduct the public hearing on a national television, stressing, “The activities of the HMOs are another fuel subsidy scam.” The committee stressed the need for the actualisation of universal health coverage for all Nigerians, particularly children, women, vulnerable groups and the unemployed across the country.

NHIS Executive Secretary, Mahmud Yusuf admitted that the agency had failed to discharge its statutory responsibility, adding that only four per cent of Nigerians are presently covered by the scheme, as against 60 per cent neighbouring countries.

He, however, solicited the assistance of the committee towards ensuring adequate budgetary provision to the tune of N32.886 billion in 2017, against the sum of N12 million approved in the 2016 Appropriation Act.

Meanwhile, the House yesterday summoned the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Kano State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf, to explain their parts in alleged harassment of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano and similar cases in Rivers and Abuja.

Also yesterday, it mandated its committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management to liaise with the budget office to ascertain the debt owed to local contractors by the Federal Government.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lRTEFe