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ANAC ILLINOIS ENDORSES THE NAME REFERENCE
"NIGERIAN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY" INSTEAD OF "NIGERIAN DIASPORA". Dr. Abdulateef Kareem ANAC Illnois chairman.
The Executives and members of the ANAC Illinois unanimously endorsed the adoption of the name Nigeria international community. In a special meeting held on sunday November 12th 2006 which was convened purposely to consider various decisions reached by the Board of Trustees and stakeholder of ANAC national, the
illinois chapter intensely deliberated on those issues and concluded in affirmative with the national body. In a motion moved by the ANAC assistant Chairman Mallam Mahmud Mustapha and seconded by Dr Afiz Taiwo MD, Nigerians abroad will henceforth be refered to as Nigerian International community with the word Diaspora done with and henceforth dropped from our Lingo. More >>
FG earns N3.8tn from crude oil exports
By Oluyinka Akintunde
Published: Thursday, 9 Nov 2006
Nigeria is potentially African richest country and of course, one of the
world largest producer of crude oil. Nigeria, with her huge reserves of
mineral and agricultural richest and manpower should be enjoying some the
highest global living standards; however, corruption continues to pose a big
challenge to the nation. Ironically, available indicators, some of which
have been posted on this forum point, to some of the lowest living standards
in Africa, for a large majority of Nigerians 130 million people. And the
most recent indicator which was also posted on this forum last week show
that the situation is getting worse. Nigeria is said to be one of the
richest oil country in the world and the wealthiest in Africa. From the
article below, Nigeria earned N3.792tn in 8 months. No wonder why our
richest folks in Nigeria are either elected or appointed officials in the
government; and they always chase their own share of the oil proceeds. It
also explains why, to secure a political position in Nigeria is a "Do or
Die" task. Oil has proved to be a blessing and a curse for Nigeria and has
been especially damaging in certain region of our homeland. Most part of
the country, especially in the regions where this oil is produced remains
mired in poverty. Large areas have erratic electricity supplies and little
or no government services such as good water quality, few functioning
schools, healthcare centers, emergency response system, post offices, police station, etc. In Niger Delta region, oil continues to blight rather than
benefit the lives of most delta population. The decades of neglect and
deprivation, and the few prospects for fundamental change, have resulted in
increasing levels of violence between inproverished communities competing
for control of the oil riches and against oil company personal and property.
DO YOU BLAME THEM?
Other Nigerians are busy chasing government or political positions at all cost in their efforts to partake of the oil wealth which
will be used to enrich themselves instead of making lives comfortable for
all Nigerians. More >>
ANAC ADVOCATES USAGE OF "NIGERIAN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES" INSTEAD OF
TERM "NIGERIAN DIASPORA"
ANAC Board and Stake Holders Unanimously Approve a Bill to drop usage of the phrase “Nigerians in Diaspora”, instead it adopted the term "Nigerian
International Community".
The Board of Trustees and Stake Holders of All Nigerian American Congress
{ANAC} met on Thursday Nov 2nd to discuss several proposals on first
reading. Among the bills discussed was the proposal to drop the usage of the
phrase “Nigerians in the Diaspora” in favor of “Nigerian International
Community”. The proposal was passed with a unanimous vote, and was adopted
as it reflects the true present position of millions of Nigerians Abroad.
The resolution will now be forwarded to the entire house of delegates in all
State Chapters accross the United States and chapters in existence outside
the United States as required by the ANAC constitution. However, with a
resolution passed by a unanimous vote by the Upper House of Trustees and
Stakeholders, it will take a joint session of all the State Chapter
Delegates and majority two third vote of the Trustees to overturn such a
resolution. The resolution is now circulated to the State Chapters houses of
delegates. More >>
IDEAS ARE CAPITAL, THE REST IS JUST MONEY
Philip Emeagwali, Baltimore, Maryland USA
I once believed that capital was another word for money, the accumulated wealth of a country or its people. Surely, I thought, wealth is determined by the money or property in one's possession. Then I saw a Deutsche Bank advertisement in the Wall Street Journal that proclaimed: "Ideas are capital. The rest is just money."
I was struck by the simplicity of such an eloquent and forceful idea. I started imagining what such power meant for Africa. The potential for progress and poverty alleviation in Africa relies on capital generated from the power within our minds, not from our ability to pick minerals from the ground or seek debt relief and foreign assistance.
If ideas are capital, why is Africa investing more on things than on information, and more on the military than on education? Suddenly, I realized what this idea could mean for Africa. If the pen is mightier than the sword, why does a general earn more than the work of a hundred writers combined? If ideas are indeed capital, then Africa should stem its brain drain and promote the African Renaissance, which will lead to the rebirth of the continent. After all, a renaissance is a rebirth of ideas. And knowledge and ideas are the engines that drive economic growth. More >>
AFRICAN ARTS AND CULTURE PERILS
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Interview by Chris Onofua
Lagos, Nigeria
Prof. Sylvester Ogbechie;
a professor of (History of Arts and Archietcture) at the University of California who recently visited Nigeria having been away for a long time, in interview with Chris Onofua, xrays the problems and gives an insight into turning the fortunes of arts and cultural heritage in Nigeria.
Q: Can we meet you Professor and perhaps get an insight into your background?
A:
I am Sylvester Okwunodu Ogbechie, a native of Onicha-Ugbo in Delta State. I was born in Ibadan in 1965, moved back home when I was 11 to attend high school, lived in Abuja for two years from 1982-83 and then attended UNN (the University of Nigeria Nsukka) where I obtained a First Class degree in Fine and Applied arts (1988) and a master's degree in art history in 1992. I then received a scholarship to study art history for a Ph.D at Northerstern University near Chicago in the USA. I left in 1993 and have lived in the USA since them. After getting my Ph.D, I took a job at the University of California Santa Barbara where I still teach. I am fluent in Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin, English, read French and some German, and can say a few words in Hausa and Edo.
Before I left Nigeria, I travelled extensively in the country and I am familiar with many places in Nigeria. I still travel a lot for
business, and as a hobby. More >>
ANAC LEADERS CALLS FOR MORE REVIEW OF "THE MANIFESTO"
As the Nigerian government releases Diaspora report.
Leaders of the All Nigerian American congress (ANAC) met over the weekend in the United States to discuss the step forward on the prepared manifesto by a group formed from within ANAC and other leaders within the regional Nigerian groups in the International communities, consisting of the Zumunta the diaspora organization that represents the North east, North west and North central regions of Nigeria in the international communities, the Omo Egbe Yoruba that represents the South western region, the World Igbo Congress that represents the five eastern states of Nigeria and the South South Niger Delta Consortium which represents all the six south south regions states of Nigeria in the international community. The document which is titled "The Manifesto, a road map to Nigerian Development" is a fifty more pages of practical solution and steps to revitalize the social economic fabric of the Nigerian society and push forward toward full na! tional economic advancement. The documents takes the view that the solutions are primarily moral social with economic strains and then subsequently political. Speaking at the session the leadership group which consisted mainly of the upper house delegates and chairmen of the different state chapters affirmed the document and praised the principal authors of the document. This was a well thought true and clearly articulated document. The principal authors of the document are Dshaik Izuchukwu, Chairman of the California chapter, Bright Aregs the Vice President of the House of Delegates, Akeem Bello the Chairman of the North Carolina State Chapter, and the Virginia State trustee and current Chairman of the Upper house Dan E. Austin M.D. The leadership group voted with little opposition to make the document more available to the Nigerian International community and the entire peoples of Nigeria. ANAC will be sending this document out to all Nigerians groups! in the international community and largely to the Nigerian press. More >>
Beyonce and other Stars Rock Nigeria
By Peter Bakare
October, 2006 Abuja, Nigeria
It was a move that was as surprising as it was touching. But Beyonce Knowles, the star act at the First THISDAY Music Festival, which ended early this morning had mastered her craft and left the crowd enthralled. Following her introduction Saturday night, she had danced for a while then paused. "I am nervous. I don't know how to begin this but I hope you people will help me by singing along," she said as the crowd waited. The ecstatic members of the audience, most of who had anticipated that Beyonce was about to render one of her popular songs were dazed when she began, in her uniquely sonorous voice, to sing a familar tune: "Arise O Compatriots..." More >>
What Young People Are Going Through
By Reuben Abati, Lagos
Young people in Nigeria today face special challenges. They live in a
society that is morally disturbed, where values have been turned upside down
and there is so much uncertainty. They are bombarded daily by spectacles of
failure and dispossession, in form of bad roads, epileptic power supply,
absence of basic infrastructure, and widespread poverty. They are growing up
in the midst of area boys, okada cyclists, prostitutes in the neighbourhood,
gruffy artisans, armed robbers and pick pockets on the prowl; they are
surrounded by desperate compatriots who are involved in a rat race:
kidnappers, drug couriers, rapists, undisciplined motorists, corrupt men in
uniform extorting money from the public, callous landlords and land
speculators, treacherous public servants, with each and every one trying to
take advantage of the other. More >>
Onookome Okome: nudity in Nollywood movies is normal
by Jumoke Giwa
October 7, 2006
Nollywood expert, Onookome Okome speaks on mammy water, black magic,
objectification of women, and nudity in Nigerian movies. He also expressed
his views about the unrest in the Niger-Delta, Nollywoodís entrance into the
Toronto International Film Festival, and his vested interest in late Ogoni
environment! alist an d civil rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwaís work. Onookome
is an Associate Professor of African Cinema and Literature at the University of Alberta in Canada. He spoke to me from his base in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. More >>
Hip-Hop and R&B Artists Release "The Green October".
By Harry Baba
(Washington, D.C.USA) --- What happens when a group of Hip-Hop and R&B artists of Nigerian descent get together to showcase their talent? Well, the result is The Green October Project Volume I, a compilation album jam-packed with solid Hip-Hop beats, catchy R&B and Reggae dance hooks topped with traditional Afro rhythms giving each song a unique edge. More >>
HOLLYWOOD’S ANGIE RUIZ AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT AFRICAN “SHINE for SHINA” FUNDRAISER. WASHINGTON D.C.
Thursday, October 06, 2006
Washington, D.C:
Join host Kenyan International performer Anna Mwalagho and Hollywood’s Angie Ruiz on Saturday October 28th 2006 from 7pm to 1am as SHINA INC celebrates their 3rd annual fundraising banquet. Attracting more than 300 people yearly, this black tie event is a platform that celebrates Africa through cultural arts while raising funds for the impoverished women and orphans in remote East African communities. This year’s theme is “There is no insignificant job and no unimportant life”. This event will be held at the Washington Times Arbor Ballroom at 3600 New York Avenue, Washington DC 20002 from 7pm to 1am. More >>
All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC) was invited to join the Nigerian delegation on behalf of Nigerian diaspora at the United Nations on going summit in New York.
Chief Temitope Ajayi the ANAC President House of Delegates represented All Nigerian American Congress in the event. Speaking at the ANAC leadership session yesterday, Chief (Ms) Ajayi the energetic personality, revealed her report to the Upper House delegates, Trustees and Executive Stakeholders meeting. ANAC has really been there for the Nigerian International Community and we must continue in light of the recognition that we are the true champions of the Nigerian International community. More >>
ANAC SESSION HIGHLIGHT SUCCESS IN ENERGY, HOUSING, HEALTH AND PICKS NEW HOUSE OF DELEGATE PRESIDENT
All Nigeria American Congress (ANAC) concludes a very productive 2nd Congressional Session in Largo Maryland
All Nigeria American Congress {ANAC} has successfully concluded its highly productive second congressional session in Largo Maryland. ANAC, a conglomerate organization representing 2-3 million Nigerians and their families living in North America was formerly launched about two years ago, the organization has established itself as a respective voice in Washington D.C and beyond for all its constituents. The second congressional session was put together under the able leadership of Honorable Ola Aina, an ANAC delegate and trustee from Connecticut, who also served as the Chairman of the Congressional Committee.
The event was staged at the beautiful Radisson Hotel in Largo Maryland, a suburb of Washington D.C. The conference drew participants from 20 states of the United States, executives from several Nigerian firms including the CEO and Managing Director of the new Nigeria Social Insurance Fund {NSITF}, Mr.Oseni Elamah. Several media representatives both from the United States and Nigeria were at hand to cover the event.
At the instance of THE HAVIDS Niger Delta News Centre for Environment & Development:
A non profit,equal opportunity,multi-disciplinary ,training,consulting and development non governmental organisation poised to preserve the environment,foster peace,enhance education and community development incorporating HIV/AIDS awareness,reproductive and environmental health,micro finance-poverty alleviation and civic education with headquarters in Port Hacourt, Nigeria's Niger Delta a conference (deliberative and dialogue forum) was held with about two hundred and fifty(250) participants drawn from a wide spectrum of the society: government, civil society, youth, women, religious and traditional leaders across the Nigeria in December 15,2005 at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre Multi Purpose Hall, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State of Nigeria.
The ceremony was chaired by Elder Robert Ama-Tariah:Ex regional manager of First Bank of Nigeria and leader of a foremost socio-cultural and political organisation in the Niger Delta and attended by the representatives of the Executive Governor of Rivers State,Speaker of the Rivers State House of Asssembly,Rivers State commissioners of women affairs & sports; and the representatives of the chairmen of the Niger Delta Development Commission and Nigerian Bar Association-Rivers State council.
Speakers and discussants included Barrister Anyankwe Nsirimovu:human rights activist and legal luminary based in Port Harcourt;Chief,DR Anyamebo K. Okorosaye-Orubite:senior lecturer-University of Port Harcourt,traditional ruler and advisory board member of the conveners and Mrs Toru Ofili,JP:Rivers State Commissioner for women affairs.
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Moussaoui Says He Was to Hijack 5th Plane
By MATTHEW BARAKAT, Associated Press Writer
ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Al-Qaida conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui testified Monday that he and would-be shoe bomber Richard Reid were supposed to hijack a fifth airplane and fly it into the White House as part of the attack that unfolded Sept. 11, 2001.
Moussaoui's testimony on his own behalf stunned the courtroom. His account was in stark contrast to his previous statements in which he said the White House attack was to come later if the United States refused to release a radical Egyptian sheik imprisoned on earlier terrorist convictions. |
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