Imo House of Assembly Confirm 12 Commissioner Nominees

The state assembly has confirmed 12 commissioner nominees sent to it by the state governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha for screening.

The commissioner nominees are:

Prof. Uba Nnabue - Njaba L.G.A
Lady Nma Love    - Okigwe L.G. A
Dn. Chike Okafor - Obowo L.G. A
Chief Nick Oparandudu - Owerri North L.G. A
Ifeanyi Nwachukwu     - Ezinni Ihitte L.G. A
Mrs. Uche Ejiogu     - Ihitte Uboma L.G. A
Jerry Okolie - Orlu
Com. Uch Nwoaosu - Nkwerre L.G. A
Ugochi Nnanna Okoro - Owerri West L.G. A
Ichie uchebest Mbanaso - Orlu
Com. keneth Emelo - Ideato South L.G. A
Prof. Okey magnus Okoro - Ohaji Egbema L.G. A

In another development, the 4-member adhoc committee led by Mrs Ngozi Pat Ekeji that screened members of ISOPADEC management has screened chairman and members except Mr. Ugochukwu Nwokeoma.

The house also adopted the committees recommendation that the chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. matthew Irondi Ukaegbu who hails from Ngor-Okpala be comfirmed accordingly. Chief Charles Obioha was not comfirmed as ISIEC chairman as he failed to present himself for screening.

The house has also asked the Governor to submit another nominee to represent Owerri Zone.

Nigeria Needs A Female President

Governors Adams Oshomhole and Babatunde Fashola of Edo and Lagos States respectively say it is not bad for Nigeria to have a female president sijce the male leaders have failed the country.

The duo spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2013 National Women Conference organized by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, held at the Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria on Tuesday.

Oshiomhole stated that the feat achieved by the late former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher is yet to be rivaled till this moment, saying that the woman was able to take Britain to an enviable height.

“There are evidences around the world where women have led. There is no question in my mind that we need to create a level playing field for the women,” he stated.

Red Hot Chimamanda dazzles in BFI London Film Festival Premiere of “Half of a Yellow Sun”

's sensational writer, Chimamanda Adichie On Saturday 19th October 2013 was the center of attraction as the adaptation of her best selling novel Half of a Yellow Sun premiered at the 57th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon West End, London, UK.

For the premiere, the Nigerian novelist sizzled in a red dress. She styled the dress which features an edgy cut-out on the skirt, gold drop earrings and gold sandals.

She completed the look with red lipstick as well as a rich Nigerian hairstyle famous in the 60s and 70s.

Amos Adamu's 3 year Football Ban Ends

BBC sports has reported that the 3 year ban from football places on Nigeria's former FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu has ended.
He was sanctioned for bribery after being filmed asking undercover reporters for $800,000 and was not allowed to take part in the 2010 votes.

The bribery scandal three years ago implicated Adamu and five other officials in corrupt behaviour and plunged Fifa into turmoil weeks before the votes which saw Russia chosen to the 2018 World Cup and Qatar selected as the host for the 2022 event.

Adamu, who is free to work in football again after the ban ended on Sunday, said: "I can only thank God it is over.
I hold no grudge against anyone

Hunger Level In Nigeria Has Fallen - Global report

Well this is some cheering news to start the day.

According to report published by International Food Policy Research Institute, IFPRI, hunger levels in Nigeria has decreased in the last eight years, but has remained at am "alarming" level in Africa.

The report showed that Nigeria's index dropped from 16.3 in 2005 to 15 in 2013.

Safe and comfortable levels are below five. Burundi has the highest at 38.

The report identifies Africa generally among other regions with a high level of hunger which, it says is alarming.

This is contained in the 2013 Global Hunger Index (GHI) released by IFPRI, Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide.

The report said global hunger is decreasing as the 2013 World Global Hunger Index score has fallen by 34 per cent from the 1990 GHI score.

However, world hunger still remains serious, with 19 countries suffering from levels of hunger that are either alarming or extremely alarming, it adds.

Nigeria's Billionaires Turn To Agriculture

Indigenous investors who have made fortunes in other sectors of the economy are now increasingly investing in agriculture under the new dispensation of agricultural transformation agenda.

The new commercial farmers, seeing the prospects in the agricultural sector, are putting huge investments into agribusiness investments.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this to the audience at the Agribusiness Forum 2013, an annual programme for Africa, organised by the European Marketing Research Centre (EMRC) based in Brussels, Belgium. “Our billionaires used to make money” from other sectors, including oil, “now, they are moving back to the farm,” he noted.

The theme of the EMRC forum 2013 is ‘The Agri-Food Sector: A Catalyst for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Africa.’ The minister was optimistic about the prospect of agriculture, as he said “the future of Africa is bright. We need to secure that future,” and “agriculture as a business is what is needed to secure that future.” The minister gave specific examples. “We have treated sorghum as a subsistence crop before now. We are now turning sorghum into a cash crop,” he said.

Do you think Super Eagles Deserved The Win?

For the most part of the match, the Ethiopian team were the dangerous side with their sharp movement and threatening forrays into the Super Eagles 18 area. The Nigerian team were really outwitted by the Ethiopians and were almost chasing shadows.

Do you think the Super Eagles deserved their victory over the Walya Antelopes?

World Bank Partner Federal Government To Recover Abacha Loot

The last may not have been heard about the much publicized million dollar loot of former military head of state, General Sani Abacha.

The federal government has announced it was collaborating with the World Bank to recover about 185 million euros transfered to some commercial banks in Liettenstein in Central Europe by the Abacha regime through some shell companies.

According to coordianting minister of the conomy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the recovery effort started 14 years ago under the Obasanjo regime when about $500 million were also repaid by banks in Switzerland. She also said the funds received will be used to finance rural development projects accross the country.

Manchester United DID try to snap up Arsenal star Mesut Ozil

MANCHESTER UNITED made a late dash to try to sign Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, it has been revealed.

United were chasing a number of targets on deadline day in the summer window, including Ander Herrera but were foiled.

They ended up getting Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini, although had to stump up £27.5million.

United had showed interest in Ozil in the summer, but dithered over lodging a bid for the 24-year-old who joined Arsenal for £42.4m.

The Red Devils have tried to play this down but a source close to the club, said: "United made a call. 

Kenny Moyes, David's brother who is an agent, was trying desperately to get hold of Ozil's agent

Source close to Manchester United

"Kenny Moyes, David's brother who is an agent, was trying desperately to get hold of Ozil's agent. 

"I think that by the time they managed it it was too late."

Ozil has gone on to make a flying start with the Gunners, who currently top the Premier League.

Is this further proof that Marouane Fellaini was a last resort? Leave your comments here

NCC plans bids for broadband license

NCC plans bids for broadband license

Executive Vice-Chairman, EVC, of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, yesterday, announced plans to open bids for broadband licenses next month, just as the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, CTO, also challenged Nigeria to actualise its newly-drawn Broadband Action Plan which may then become a model other Commonwealth countries can adopt.

Addressing a world press conference to herald the 2013 annual CTO conference in Abuja, Secretary-General of the organization, Prof Tim Unwin, said that with its human, natural and skill potentials, Nigeria should by now have become the role model which other countries would copy to develop their economies.

According to Unwin, much as the drawing of broadband action plan recently by Nigeria is a positive development in itself, it may amount to nothing if adequate and practical implementation does not follow up.

His words: 'The benefit of broadband is best appreciated when it is made available to where it can be used to develop sectors like health, education and others. But this can not be achieved without collaborations. I think Nigeria's broadband development needs multi-sectoral collaboration. Your broadband plan should be such that other countries could copy from, if you get it right. We have to move from rhetorics to action. It is easy to write action plans but getting practical action into the plan is where the job really is.'

Samsung Unveils World's First Curved Screen Smartphone

The handset is called Galaxy Round and features a flexible 5.7-inch high definition display.

By curving from side to side the device will be more comfortable to hold, according to Samsung.

It will also allow users to check the information such as the date, time, battery life and missed calls more easily while the home screen is off.

In beating rivals to launch the first curved screen phone, Samsung – the world's bestselling smartphone maker – will hope to establish a foothold in a market that is set to boom over the coming years.

Earlier this week LG announced it will start mass producing flexible screens and expects to unveil a curved smartphone early next year.

Source - Telegraph.co.uk

Chelsea Made Enquiry About My Services - Laudrup

Current Swansea manager, Micheal Laudrup has revealed Chelsea made an enquiry as to his services in the summer.
Rumours about the 49-year-old manager's departure from  Swansea gathered pace when his agent Bayram Tutumlu fell out with the club. Laudrup, who handed 18-year-old midfielder Pau Morer professional terms on Wednesday, told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "Someone tried to

know my availability through intermediaries, but there was nothing concrete.

"Also, I had given my word that I would be in Swansea." He said.

Establish Election Offences Tribunal Before 2015

Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman has again called on the Nigerian Government to establish election offences tribunal before the election in 2015.

Speaking on the issue, at Friedrich Ebert Foundation on Tuesday night in Abuja, the chairman said that the tribunal will help restore sanity to the electoral process and discourage people from engaging in electoral offences.

“I was privileged to serve in the Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais-led Committee and I know we made a recommendation for the establishment of a tribunal to deal with the impunity in the way electoral offences are being committed in Nigeria. “We need to do something unique and that is to establish an electoral offences tribunal which will be saddled with the responsibility of arrest, investigation and prosecution of offenders,” he said.

Mr. Jega said that in the 2011 general elections, the commission detected 870,000 cases of multiple registrations out of the 73.5 million voters registered. 

Electoral tribunal? Can this really be the solution? Spoken English!!!!

Twitter Tweaks It's Welcome Page Ahead of IPO

If you have noticed (or maybe haven't), our darling social network Twitter has quietly updated the twitter.com homepage over the weekend, changing the visual design and welcome text that visitor see when they open the site.

Seen above, the new design is subtle, and focuses on two major points: Mobile, and just exactly what newbies to twitter should expect.

We might call this a minor change. But no change is without it's reasons, with the company's intentions to go public.

Nigeria's Helen Apreala To Participate In Grand Canyon Skywalk Fashion show

Nigeria's top International designer, Helen Apreala will be among the stars in the first ever fashion show on the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the Colorado River in the United States.

It is believed that Helen's collections will be the face of Africa in the Autumn Fashion show being organised by J Model Management. The event will feature the exquisite combinations of Haute Coutre and Pret-a-Porter collections from America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Announcing the news on her Facebook page on 4th October, she wrote:

"Hello HA Fam, It is official Fam...We are going to world fashion week, organised by J Model Management at the Autumn Fashion Show...Venue is the Grand Canyon USA!"

Nigeria's Dolapo Shobanjo Launches Twin Fashion E-stores

A twin fashion E-store, MyAsho.com and MyAshomarket.com, which stock unique pieces of wares and accessories have been launched in far away London, UK. The online marketplace which are masterminded by Nigerian born Dolapo Shobanjo and designed to offer unique pieces that are scarce on high streets, offers stylish shoppers clothing designs from talented, contemporary, up and coming designers from around the world.

"MyAshomarket.com is aimed at providing fast fashion items for women who crave individuality at great and affordable prices. The products offered on MyAshomarket.com allow the fashion savvy shopper to keep up to date with the latest trends, whilst retaining a sense of individuality with unique pieces" She stated.

Hello Ladies...It's time for some easy shopping!!

Radio Astronomy - Nigeia Building first Radio Telescopes

Nigeria will soon join the ranks of nations conducting high-level astronomical research. The country through the centre of Basic Space Science (CBSS), Nsukka is constructing an extensive network of radio telescopes, called "interferometer".

Engineers at the research centre are building some smaller instruments themselves, using local materials. According to Professor F.E Opara, recently appointed director:

"It is important, for both scientific and strategic reasons that we quickly break into the ranks of nations conducting serious research. In fact, we want Nigeria and, indeed, West Africa to be a cetre of excellence".

He added that the centre's parent body, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is now laying heavy emphasis on radio astronomy.

NASRDA’s vision is that its interferometer will become the hub of an expansive network of radio telescopes, encompassing not only Nigerian institutions but also universities and space agencies in other African countries, particularly in the western sub-region.

Are You Young, Nigerian and Innovative? Then the LEAP Africa 2013 Social Innovators Programme is For You | Apply NOW

Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability and Professionalism (LEAP) Africa is a non-profit organization committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders. Since 2002, through its core Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) and Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards (ANYLA), LEAP has advanced the cause of youth-led community consciousness for development in Nigeria.

LEAP Africa is introducing the Social Innovators Programme (SIP) to support talented Nigerian youth between the age of 18 and 29. LEAP Africa’s SIP is in partnership with YouthActionNet and the aim is to provide training, funding, advocacy and network support to young people with existing initiatives in order to help enhance their sustainability and area of impact.

FirstLove Assembly Owerri Holds HymnEve Concert

It was an awesome time of praise and worship as the Gistpedia crew stormed FirstLove Assembly, Owerri for her HymnEve concert. The concert is an initiative of the church to promote the singing of the good old hymns.

In performance were Adesoji, Melody Vallence, raggae artise and comedian Boss man, Tonnel Avo and the FirstLove choir. The event was anchored by Son of Man.

The high point of the night was the cutting of the HymnEve cake and the series of Raggae ministrations by Adesoji, Uzo Peters and Boss man.

The pictures will be coming soon...

Super Eagle Open Camp For Ethiopia Clash

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are due to begin training today till Friday in Abuja in preparation for next Saturday's 2014 World Cup qualifiers first leg play off with the Ethiopian national team in Adis Ababa before departing for the Ethiopian capital on board a chattered flight on Saturday for the Ethiopian capital.

Coach Stephen Keshi stated this when he was speaking with the 23 man squad that defeated Malawi 2-nill to secure the play off.

After next Sunday's qualifiers clash, Nigeria will host the Ethiopian in a return leg in Calabar to decide who picks one of the 5 African 2014 World Cup ticket.

PDP SWeeps Ebonyi State Local Government Elections

The people's democratic party (PDP) has won all the chairmanship positions in Local Government elections conducted in Ebonyi state last Saturday. The party also won all the Councillorship elections in the State.

However, According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the election was boycotted by opposition political parties in the state.

Announcing the result of the election in Abakiliki, the chairman of the Ebonyi State independent Electoral Commission (ESIEC), Chief John Nkwuda said APC candidate in the South south scored 43 votes.

The announcement of the results were witnessed by some independent observers and 25 chairmen of different independent electoral commissions accross the country.

Do You Know There Are Two Great Benefits to Goal Setting?

Recently, I was in London at a conference and was listening to a presentation on goal setting.

The topic was great,we all need goals and goal setting each many of us do naturally each year…
 …but even better it had a new insight. When you set goals, there are really two parts to it:
1. What you get – what is the tangible reward for achieving the goal
2. What happens to you along the path - what changes are made in who you are as you accomplish the goal.

The first one is easy – you set the goal, assign a reward and as you accomplish the goal you get the reward. Pretty straight forward.

 The new twist was around what happens to you along the way when accomplishing your goals.
For example, accomplishing goals requires discipline. So as you accomplish your goals, you actually become a more disciplined person.
Or perhaps, your goal was to become a consistent reader. As you accomplish your goal, you actually become smarter based on your reading. Or finally, perhaps your goal is to reach a certain weight. As you accomplish your goal, you actually become a healthier eater (it is difficult to get in better shape while eating unhealthy food).

So, there are two benefits to accomplishing any goal. Not only is there the reward, but the person you become. The personal change/growth in you by actually accomplishing the goal.

By David Bater

Broadcast Music (BMI) Join In Gospel Recording

According to Comvoivesonline, global music image rights management giants, Broadcast Music  Inc. has concluded arrangements in conjunction with Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) to release the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Live 2013 album on October 22.

Recorded live on January 18 at the 14th annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville, the album features performances from Pastor Shirley Caesar, Le’Andria Johnson, Donald Lawrence & Company, Yolanda Adams, Kierra Sheard and many more. Each performer – including Anaysha Figueroa whose interpretation of “Holy One” leads the release of the album – delivered a rousing tribute to gospel leaders Edwin Hawkins, Lady Tramaine Hawkins and Kurt Carr, who were honored at the fete.

Read President Jonathan Independence Day Address.

FELLOW NIGERIANS:

Today marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way. In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate.

Today’s Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.