SNG USA condemns Kwara massacre, demands U.S. security assistance and national day of prayer - ITREALMS

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The Save Nigeria Group (SNG) USA has issued a blistering condemnation of the recent massacre in Kwara State, where over 170 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered in the Woro and Nuku communities, reports ITREALMS.

According to the group, reports from local sources suggested the tragedy is even more catastrophic, with the death toll potentially exceeding 300 as search teams continue to recover bodies from the surrounding bushland.

USA-based GPNews, NIDO to host confab on patriotism among Nigerians - ITREALMS

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A United States of America (USA)-based media organisation, the Global Patriot Newspapers (GPNews), is set to host an international conference aimed at reviving the spirit of patriotism among Nigerians, reports ITREALMS.

GPNews, ITREALMS gathered is organising the virtual conference in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey Chapter, with support from the Nigerian Consulate in New York.

FG places travel bans travel on China, USA, UK, Germany, 9 others

ITREALMS:

THE Federal Government (FG) has issued a travel ban on 13 countries over the spread of the Coronavirus, otherwise known as CoVID19, with effect from Saturday, March 21, 2020, reports ITREALMS.

Disclosing this development, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with the Presidential Task Force Committee on COVID-19 in Abuja, that the ban affected some 13 countries including China, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, USA, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, France, and Japan.

He also said the committee after a meeting concluded that all officials in the Ministries, Department, and Agencies, comprising parastatals to stop all forms of travels out of the country for whatever reasons.

“At the conclusion of the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Task Force on the control of COVID-19, the committee has reached some decisions.

“We have decided to advise that all officials in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies including parastatals, that government has banned all forms of travels out of the country for whatever reasons.

“Whether for meetings, bi-lateral, multilateral, conferences, seminars, workshops and any form of other ceremonies. And this ban will remain in place until further notice and until the situation of pandemic nature of the COVID-19 stops.

FG warned that “By this notice, any prior approval to travel abroad on official assignment during this period is accordingly resisted.”

As said by Mustapha, the committee equally urged for scaling up the nation’s health emergency system to the highest level and put in measures to curb further spread of the disease.

The committee headed by the SGF also advised the citizens strongly in their own interest to cancel or postpone all non-essential travel abroad including business and vacation trips.

“This is especially so, especially when it comes to the countries known to be seriously affected by the COVID-19.

“Secondly, we urge anyone returning to Nigeria from any country to strictly self-isolate for 14 days. And that all people returning from countries with high community transmission rate, especially countries that have recorded a thousand cumulative cases and above would be actively isolated for 14 days by the health authorities,” he said.

The nation’s chief scribe said that the Nigerian government was also in support of measures taken by the government of other countries, particularly high burden countries who have urged their citizens to stay home and avoid non-essential travels.

*Uboshe Uboshe with additional reports from NAN

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FG applauds USA, UK position on 2019 elections - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government has welcomed the statements from the United States and the United Kingdom demanding credible and peaceful election in Nigeria and threatening punitive measures against election riggers and perpetrators of electoral violence, reports ITREALMS.

In a statement available to ITREALMS from Ilorin on Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the Federal Government is particular delighted that the statements came after it alerted the nation to the machinations of some opposition elements who are working to scuttle the 2019 polls through widespread violence.

''A few days ago, we alerted the nation to the plot by the opposition to orchestrate widespread violence in the country, using insurgents and criminal elements within and outside the country. Their plan is to scuttle the election and then push for an interim government, having realized they can't win a free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

''The fact that those statements came after we issued our red alert, which is based on credible intelligence, shows that the international community is closely monitoring events ahead of the election. We urge them to keep a close tab on the desperate opposition, whose language, actions and undisguised threats are antithetical to the conduct of peaceful polls,'' he said.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Pre-2019: USA to train 100 Nigerian journalists

ITREALMS:

The United States Mission in the country is gearing up to training some 100 Nigerian journalist in preparation for the 2019 general election, reports ITRealms.

Disclosing this on Thursday in Lagos, the Consul General, Mr. John Bray at the occasion of the 2018 World Press Freedom Day, said the training will be for 100 political reporters and editors.

This training, he also said, has been scheduled in four cities across southern Nigeria, and will be co-facilitated by Voice of America’s Director of International Media Training and a renowned Nigerian journalism professor.

Bray explained that this support was designed to help the media further appreciate their huge responsibility of reporting accurately on elections and electoral processes.

He described democratic societies are not infallible but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance.

“Peaceful and credible elections are essential to Nigeria’s continued economic, political, and social development so I am interested in your discussion today on media and the transparence of the 2019 election,” he said.

Nigeria, he also said, plays a vital role on the world stage and as the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria’s stability is crucial to the security and economic prosperity of the rest of the continent. 

“Nigeria’s future is full of promise and opportunity,” Mr. Bray declared.

The U.S. government, he reiterated, is dedicated to supporting Nigerians in ensuring that the 2019 elections will be transparent, credible, and peaceful.

He charged media to foster active debate, provide investigative reporting, and serve as a forum to express different point of view.

“When people don’t have the facts, they make them up and that creates unstable environments, rife with rumors, gossip and lies,” he said.

Urging Nigerian journalists, to ensure this doesn’t happen, by providing information, researching, conducting interviews, and then educating the electorate. 

“The people of Nigeria rely on your unbiased and accurate coverage of the campaign season and the elections. That is why your role is so important,” he enthused.

Assuring that on the 2019 election, the U.S. Mission will supports journalists effort toward providing objective and balanced reporting to the Nigerian people. 

The U.S. government, he said, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has assisted Nigeria with strengthening the elections process since 1999. 

“Working with Nigerian and international partners, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has also engaged diplomatically and publicly to prevent violence and increase accountability, contributing significantly to the goal of free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections in Nigeria,” he assured.

Other speakers at the occasion include former chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, Professor Femi Mimiko, Professor of Political Science and Former Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State.

Equally special guest at the occasion comprised President Nigeria Guild of Editors, Ms. Funke Egbemode; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Qasim Akinreti and Zonal Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command, Superintendent of Police Dolapo Badmus.

Remmy Nweke/ED, Ops

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Miyetti Allah is terrorist organization – CAN insists

ITREALMS:

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) a terrorist organistion, reports ITRealms.

They also called on Federal Government and well-meaning entities and organisations like the United Nations and United States of America (USA) to chorus their declaration by designating Miyetti Allah, appropriately.

Speaking through its General –Secretary, Rev. Dr. Musa Asake, at the National Christian Centre, Tuesday, CAN said that declaration of Miyetti Allah as a terrorist organization is long over-due, 

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately overhaul the National Security Council with a view to sharing its membership equally between Christians and Muslims and possibly those who do not belong to either.

CAN equally said that Miyetti Allah has proved beyond doubts that its mission is not merely to breed cattles,  describing as hugely unfortunate the backing such a group is enjoying from current security agencies in Nigeria, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Ibrahim Idris Kpotum, particularly, given his recent utterances.

According to CAN scribe, Miyetti Allah has exhibited and committed genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Christians, especially the minorities in the Middlebelt.

"The Myetti Allah organisation should be tagged a terrorist organisation. Its leaders should be arrested and prosecuted for the genocide against the Christian minorities in the Middlebelt," CAN insisted.

CAN pointed out that the overhauling of the security apparatus of the country should start with the immediate replacement of the IGP Idris.

“We call for immediate replacement of the Inspector General of Police because our security can no longer be guaranteed.”

While advising President Buhari to eschew appointments built on religion, CAN said “No religion has a monopoly of competency, commitment and patriotism.”

Further, they called for immediate redeployment of all the Commissioners of Police nationwide, condemning in strong terms the attempt by this pro-Fulani government to introduce “cattle colonies.”

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Africa is future economic engine not a ‘shithole’

ITREALMS:

The African Leadership Magazine (ALM) has expressed deep disappointment over the rather unfortunate comment attributed to the President of the United States of America (USA), Mr. Donald Trump, which described Africa as a "shithole" as widely reported in the media, reports ITRealms.

The Group Managing Editor, at ALM, Mr. Kingsley Okeke told ITRealms that instead of seeing Africa as such, that Mr. Trump should see Africa more as the future economic growth engine of the world.

ALM in a press statement also made available to ITRealms, noted that the aforesaid comment is very unfortunate, and displays a posturing of a person that is not in tune with prevailing realities.

According to Okeke, available data has proven time and again, that Africa is a resource-rich continent, which has consistently rewarded American companies doing business on the continent.

Experts, he said, have projected that Sub-Saharan Africa, will reach a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $29 trillion by 2050.

“The continent is also arguably blessed with some of the most outstanding human resource on the planet today, plying their trades in very key strategic roles globally,” he said.

Decrying that to describe the generality of the continent as a whole in such derogatory parlance is generalization and freedom of expression taken too far.

“Certainly, a continent that has experienced growth, with over one-third of Sub-Saharan African countries posting 6 per cent or higher growth rates annually, and another 40 per cent growing between 4 per cent to 6 per cent per year, cannot be a "shithole".

“A continent, described by international business observers as the future economic growth engine of the world, is definitely not a "shithole."

ALM, therefore urged President Trump, when next he is in search of a narrative for the continent to consider these indices, as well as the 1.8 Million African in diaspora, that are contributing to the growth of the American economy.

“And we call on all people of good conscience to condemn this denigration of our beloved continent, while thanking the American people who have risen up to condemn this attack on Africa - the cradle of civilization. We hope that President realizes his error and retracts this statement,” Okeke concluded.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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CKN wins US-Nigeria Legislative & Executive Leadership Media Outstanding Award in USA

ITREALMS:

 

The publisher of CKN News, Mr. Chris Kehinde Nwandu, has won the United States-Nigeria Legislative and Executive Leadership Media Outstanding Award, reports ITRealms.

Affirming this to ITRealms, Nwandu popularly known as CKN, said in Washington DC, "The final crown came with this at an epoch event at America's seat of power ,Washington DC, when I was awarded the Most Outstanding Media Personality Award.

The award was presented at the US-Nigeria Legislative and Executive Leadership Forum for promoting social awareness in Nigeria through the media.

“I came out top of several media personalities,” he declared.

CKN, who also is the President, Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria (GPBN) also delivered a lecture on “The Role of Media On The Social Economic Development of Nigeria” at the

According to the organizers "We believe that your contributions and leadership is unparalleled in creating awareness to enhance US-Nigeria relations".

In his response, CKN asserted on his Facebook timeline, “Oh my God, I've not slept all through the night. From the dungeon of Ikoyi Prison to the highest Point in World's largest democracy. It could only be God.”

He went on to dedicate the award to all his fans across the world, “You made it happen, and to my lovely family who believed in me even when I was considered down and out and to my creator, the maker of all things, the one that pulls us up even at our lowest ebb. God bless you all."

ITRealms also gathered that some dignitaries at the award and lecture include Lt. Governor (Deputy Governor) of the State of Maryland, Mr. Boyd Kevin Ruthford and many other from the United States of America and Nigeria.

Uj. N. Dominic/GEE

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Breaking News: Obama breaks Presidential jinx, visits Havana after 88 years

ITRealms:

The President of the United States of America (USA), Barack Obama on Sunday broke a 88-year presidential jinx by visiting Havana in Cuba on a state visit, reports ITRealms.

Also, ITRealms gathered that this came after the last president of US visited Havana in 1928.

The Presidential jet, AirForce One arrived at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport at about 4pm local time, with President Obama, accompanied by his wife, Michelle and two daughters, Malia Ann and Natasha.

ITRealms gathered that the plan to reconnect with Cuba came soon after Obama came to power in 2008 and by 2009, Obama loosened travel restrictions on Cuban Americans visiting their homeland.

Also ITRealms recalls that under the President Bush’s administration, Cuban Americans could travel to the island once every three years. 

It was reported that if any Cuban had visited a sick mother in Havana and returned home to the U.S. only to find out she died days later, the Bush policy then, bars such a person from attending the funeral.

However, Obama changed that policy seven years ago, in 2009, thereby permitting Cuban Americans to go back and forth as they pleased. 

Further reports by Reuters showed that the visit by President Obama heralds a new vista of relationship between the U.S. engagement with the island's Communist government after decades of animosity between the former Cold War foes. 

Obama landed at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport aboard Air Force One, the presidential jet with "United States of America" emblazoned across its fuselage, a sight almost unimaginable not long ago.

Stepping down onto the red carpet in a light drizzle, Obama and his family, smiling broadly and with umbrellas in hand, were greeted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. They then boarded a black armored limousine, with U.S. and Cuban flags fluttering from the hood, and headed out in their motorcade.

The three-day trip, the first by a U.S. president to Cuba in 88 years, is the culmination of a diplomatic opening announced by Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro in December 2014, ending a Cold War-era estrangement that began when the Cuban revolution ousted a pro-American government in 1959.

Obama, who abandoned a longtime U.S. policy of trying to isolate Cuba, wants to make his shift irreversible. But major obstacles remain to full normalization of ties, and the Democratic president's critics at home say the visit is premature.

Traveling with first lady Michelle Obama, her mother and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, the president was to visit the newly reopened U.S. Embassy and then play tourist on his first night on the Caribbean island, taking in the sights of Old Havana.

He will hold talks with Raul Castro – but not his brother Fidel, the revolutionary leader - and speak to entrepreneurs on Monday. He meets privately with dissidents, addresses Cubans live on state-run media and attends an exhibition baseball game on Tuesday.
 

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Nigerian Team Charis shines @ Technovation 2015, wins $10,000

ITRealms:

Young women from Nigeria and India are celebrating their entrepreneurial success after being awarded $10,000 each in seed funding for their mobile app ideas at the 2015 Technovation World Pitch Competition recently in San Francisco, United States of America (USA), reports ITRealms.

Investigations by ITRealms, showed that estimated 400 apps were submitted to Technovation from 28 countries.

These 400 apps, ITRealms gathered were narrowed down to top 10 finalists from Brazil, India, Mexico, Nigeria and the United States, whose teams were flown into San Francisco for a series of events which culminated in the two day World Pitch Conference.

According to Events and Engagement Director, Technovation, Allie Holmes, on June 24, all teams pitched their apps to an audience of tech professionals and a panel of judges from Yahoo, Yelp, Google, Hackbright Academy and the Salesforce.com Foundation, and on June 25 learned with two teams awarded $10,000 each to develop their app and bring it to market.

“This year, the first place awards went to Team Charis from Nigeria (High School Division) and Team Pentechan from India (Middle School Division),” Holmes said.

ITRealms further showed that High School Winners, which is Nigerian Team Charis took first place in the high school division for their app “Discardious,” a mobile solution to the problem of improper waste disposal in Nigeria.

Team Charis’ members are Nmesoma Ogbonna, Sonam Kumar, Charlotte Takem, Praise Emem David-Oku, and Grace Akpoiroro, all of whom attend iKapture Afterschool Academy. They were mentored and coached by Yemurayi Chinyand and Grace Ihejiamaizu.

Also, the second place was awarded to Team WoCo, a team from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, for their app PraisePop. Team AMEKA from Winchester, MA took third place for their app Safeguard Driving.

For the Middle School Winners, which Team Pentechan from India emerged first place for their app “Sellexo”, an online marketplace for users to buy and sell dry waste.

Team Pentechan’s members are:  Anupama Nhavalore, Navyasree Balamuralidhar, Sanjana Vasanth, Mahima Mehendale, and Swasthi P Rao all of whom attend New Horizon Public School in Bangalore, India. Team Pentechan was mentored and coached by Pratheeksha K. S., Dipika Rajendran, and Aravamudhan Narayanan

Team AAT from New York City took the second place prize in the middle school division for their app ConcussionChecker.

The two first place teams will receive $10,000 in seed funding to continue developing their app and bring it to market when they return home.

All World Pitch events were sponsored by AVG, CA Technologies, LinkedIn, Rackspace and Yahoo. 

+ITRealms DSA +Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 

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NUSACC mobilizes $1b Diaspora fund for Nigeria

ITRealms

The Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) has concluded plans to raise $1 billion, about N198.95b Diaspora funds for development in Nigeria, reports ITRealms.

The fund meant to close infrastructure gap in Nigeria, will be mobilized at the 5th International Summit of the Chamber between August 27 and 29, 2015, at Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington DC, the United States.

According to Primus Igboaka, secretary, NUSACC, the business-to-business match-making event will provide opportunities for personal interactions between United States business leaders and Nigerian entrepreneurs, while also creating a platform for them to showcase their products and services, ITRealms gathered.

“They are avenues for market meetings, presentations and match-making between businesses and key industry players,” Igboaka said, adding that players in agriculture, construction and real estate, energy and power, information and communication technology (ICT) and franchising, among others, are expected to be there.

Nigerian Ambassador to USA, Adebowale Adefuye, ITRealms reports, will be the key note speaker, while former minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy; Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will be joined by the consul- general of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in US, Habib Baba Habu, as speakers.

The Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce, incorporated in 2009 in the State of Ohio as a non-profit organisation, functions as a unique business and legislative advocacy organization comprising members and professionals with business management, finance and accounting backgrounds.

Cyriacus Nnaji/GEE with additional report by BusinessDay

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