Watch Lanre Ope as he declares for the Lagos State Guber Race 2015

Lagos, Nigeria November 7, 2014: A key gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Lanre Ope has announced that he has the capacity to make the economic and social development leap. Ope made the declaration yesterday at a rally to formally announce his gubernatorial aspiration in Epetedo, Lagos Island. In his address, Hon. Ope, said “I am not seeking to be Governor of Lagos State to do small things. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola have shown that Lagos is capable of big dreams and doing great things. And for the next four years, together, we will make outstanding landmarks.” Speaking further on his aspiration to be Lagos State Governor, he said “I am in this race not just to hold the office as the Governor of Lagos State, but to take a big leap in the social economic development of our State. I urge our supporters and all Lagosians that we can be one people, doing the impossible to build a more conducive centre of excellence.” Having witnessed progressive changes in the State, Hon. Ope rhetorically asked the question about who becomes the next Governor of Lagos state. He answered by saying, “the next governor should therefore be someone who can keep the dream alive; someone who embraces the true philosophy of service, integrity and commitment - the very hallmark which has defined progressive governance in Lagos State”.

He emphasised that despite the good work of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the job is not done yet. New challenges emerge almost on a daily basis, which will require someone like him to manage prosperously the continuous population growth and the pressure on the existing infrastructure, which are the two primary factors responsible for the complexity of Lagos State problems. In making his declaration, he announced, “I decided to put myself forward for the APC nomination as Governor of Lagos State because I don’t want us to roll the state back to pre-May 1999 era. That is why this campaign cannot only be about me. It must be about us. It must be about what we can do together to ensure that Lagos keeps moving forward. He conclude that he has the creative energy to take Lagos to this new level of development and prosperity. “And with the support of the good people of Lagos, I am confident that we will get there by the mercy of God & diligent work,” Hon. Ope concluded. =ENDS= For more information on Lanre Ope, please visit: www.lanreope.org Twitter: @IamLanreOpe ( #LeapLagos) Facebook: LanreOpe For enquiries on this release, please send email to:info@lanreope.org

Join #TweetMeet with Hon. Lanre Ope

Bar Baric, a digital marketing and social media personality will be hosting Honorable Lanre Ope, a former member of the Lagos State of House of Assembly, to a tweet meet from 2pm to 3pm on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Come 2015, Hon. Lanre Ope will be seeking to become the Governor of Lagos State. To join the conversation, follow his twitter handle @iamlanreope and track the hashtag: #LeapLagos

As a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lanre Ope sponsored motions and supported bills that improved the welfare and well-being of Lagosians in general and Lagos Islanders in particular. Lanre is a very good debater and he is a consensus builder. He was very willing to bring to bear, his significant experience in legislative procedure, which he gained in his role as Legislative Officer at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the 2nd republic. In the Lagos State House of Assembly, he sponsored some motions including the Child Rights Bill, and the motion that led to establishing the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). He joined the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), under which platform he contested to represent Lagos Island II in the Lagos State House of Assembly. As a member of the Assembly, Lanre was appointed into various House Committees where he made valuable contributions to developments in Lagos State. Lanre served in the following committees: • Security, Information and Strategy • Health • Judiciary Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions • Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation • Inter Government Relations • Youth, Sports and Culture • Hotel and Tourism

TalkVilla Broadcast Of Eden Ministries with Fela Durotoye

EdenRetreat

Save The Children Global Hand Washing Day 2014

Live streaming video by Ustream

Listen Live to Quaterly Relationship Summit

Live streaming video by Ustream

TEST RUN OF TALKVILLA RADIO BROADCAST

TALKVILLARADIO

NIGERIA DIGITAL MARKETING SUMMIT 2014

Live streaming video by Ustream

GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION FOR ACCESS TO SAFE AND LEGAL ABORTION

GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION FOR ACCESS TO SAFE AND LEGAL ABORTION Press Statement “Abortion” is one word many Nigerians have been made to believe is a terrible one. Not many think it is a right thing to do under any condition. But such stance may have been informed by lack of appropriate information, inadequate knowledge or lack of value for the life of women. Nigeria has retained a British Abortion Law of 1861, one of her colonial laws for more than a century. Both the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria and Criminal Code of Southern Nigeria drawn the colonial abortion law made access to safe abortion very difficult. Ironically, while the law remains in place and rarely utilized, many Nigerian women lose their lives to unsafe abortion. Many of the people affected are victims of rape and incest. Abortion is safe when it is performed by a competent skilled medical professional at a health facility well equipped for such procedure. There are copious evidences which show that mortality from safe induced abortion is extremely rare. On the other hand, unsafe abortion is a major cause of maternal death in Nigeria. Today in Nigeria, approximately 10,000 girls and women die from complications of unsafe abortion every year. Many who survive are left to live with emotional trauma, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Incidents of rape appear to be rising in Nigeria. At least 3,800 cases of rape have been reported in the past three years and still counting. The prevalence of rape cut across religion, tribe or geographical location. In a country like Nigeria with restrictive abortion laws, unwanted pregnancies that arise from rape or incest lead to unsafe abortion and its complications including loss of lives. In the real sense, not may women would want a situation that will lead to induced abortion to arise, but the reality is that these situations arise daily in Nigeria. As young professionals who are convinced by evidences that universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and quality services would enable individual Nigerian women to live healthier lives and contribute to national development, we strongly demand the following; • That the Senate pass the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill without further delay. • That the National Assembly make laws to allow women in Nigeria make informed choices including Safe Legal Abortion in cases of unwanted pregnancies arising from Rape, Incest or where the pregnancy continues to threaten the health of the woman. • That Government of Nigeria institute comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents and improve access to contraceptives for Nigerian women; these would help to prevent unwanted pregnancies arising from consensual sexual relationships. Ghana made the recommended legislation on safe legal abortion and after a couple of years, evidence shows reduction in unsafe abortion and abortion-related mortality. There was no increase in the overall number of abortion procedures in the country either. For every case of unwanted pregnancy, men are involved. Should we continue to allow the woman alone suffer the consequences? This issue is not about religion. It is about humanity. It is about Choice for Life. Let Nigeria grant victims of rape or incest the right to make choices that will enhance the quality of their lives. Such choices should include carrying the unwanted pregnancy to term or safe abortion. Every woman counts and should be allowed to make choices for life! Dr Laz Ude Eze, MPH, CPH For #Choice4Life Advocates #Choice4Life Advocates are 32 young Nigerians from diverse ethno-religious and social background across Nigeria, who uses social media platforms to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights of women in Nigeria.

Press Releases For 2014 Edition Of The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award

PRESS RELEASE 2014 Edition Of The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award Nominations for the 2014 Edition of The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award have revved up with over 2,000 individuals and Corporate Organization jostling for the prestigious awards scheduled to hold 13th December 2014 at the Eko Hotels & Suits, Lagos. The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Awards is an exclusive award that seeks to reward excellence among the most committed and dedicated businesses operating in Nigeria. It focuses on recognizing outstanding corporate organizations and individual who have positively impacted the economy of our country Nigeria Its the Premiere National gathering of Business Leaders/ Entrepreneur in Nigeria A statement issued by Mr Uwabor Joshua, the coordinating director of the Award, said this year’s Award is designed to reward excellence service delivery and create the consciousness among CEO's in Nigeria. The idea behind the awards is to imbibe a culture of excellence in young and emerging business leaders and showcase thriving businesses in the Nigeria economy that will serve as model businesses for others to emulate. We aim to showcase model businesses that have redefined how business is done in the Nigeria economy. He said the judging process for The Nigeria Entrepreneur Awards is robust. It was driven by intensive research to identify worthy nominees who have shown outstanding corporate behavior i.e. delivered immense value to its customers, shareholders and benefited the society in the course of the year. After this initial shortlist, each nominee will be assessed and scored by a Panel of experts who will determine the winner in each category. He further said, judging panel comprising of about 20 business professionals and consultants will decide who the country’s most outstanding companies and individuals are. Winners will be honoured at the Award dinner, a night of fun, relaxation, networking and rejuvenation. There are no entry fees for the award or participation fees for the award night, recipient are advice to book for there tables. The Award promises to engage and encourage stakeholders to partner with small startup businesses, this award promises be an outstanding one. Signed Joshua Uwabor. 07032177557. www.emagezsolution.com ....going beyond your imagination

COMMUNITY INTERNSHIP TRAINING & EXCHANGE PROGRAM WITH CARE GROUP INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

,

Dear Interested Applicants The management of Care Group International Services a non Governmental Organization that is into Community Building and Development through its Training and Development Programs for Young and Upcoming Professionals wishes to inform interested applicant's that the Care Group International service is presently Recruiting Part Time Social Workers staffs & Permanent staffs within the framework of her establishments for both skilled and semi skilled professionals who are ready to work with Care Group International Service after undergoing a 6 Months Internship training & Exchange Program in all sectors starting on 17th November 2014 till 15th of May 2015, All applications must get to us immediately. All our Prospective Employees are expected to participate in the Care Group Community Service Internship & Exchange Program in one of the Caribbean nation so as to familiarize our prospective Employees with our Humanitarian Work Load. All successful applicants would be absorbed within the outfits of care Group Services in the United States and Caribbean. Are you a Humanitarian, a Social worker, a lover of Community Development you stand a chance of been part of the care group community Building Program If you wish to take up with this opportunity send us a detail summary of your qualification, Cvs and a signed application letter with your detail signature to caregroupservices@outlook.com For enquires Call: Mr. Pedro Gomes :+2456563997 , +2455409083, caregroupservices@outlook.com,caregroupservices@secretary.net, We also like to use this Opportunity to extend our Invitation to Interested NGOs & Personnel to make use of this Internship Training & Exchange Program for its staff and Members Yours in Service, Pedro Gomes Care Group International Management 27 Av. Amilcar Cabral BP : 189 Praca Bissau Guinea Bissau +2456563997,+2455409083 caregroupservices@outlook.com

IMUAS TV UK OXFORD UK

IMUASTV

Register For The Social Enterprise Media Boot-Camp (SEMB 2014)

. Register Now For A Free Seat @ The Social Entreprise Media Boot-Camp (SEMB 2014) Tagged Connecting For Purpose . Speakers Samuel Isiechie :CEO Mahomet Center Miss.Adekunbi Adeoye :CEO Sesewa Dayo Israel. CEO Gleehd Foundation Miss.Aisha Adeniji CEO IQRA Foundation New-Jersey USA. Jide Jinadu :CEO Project Seal Miss. Jennifer Ehidahmen Director Rural Reporter/Voice Of America Mrs .Debola Deji- Kurunmi International Peak Performance Trainer Ms.Toyin Adesola CEO Saminitiative Omoniyi Bethel Chief Interpréter RSI Mrs.Biodun Daphrede CEO EPO New Jersey USA Ms. Sade Ademuyiwa :CEO ChefCapital Date 29th-30th August 2014 Venue Dream Center 8 Gbagada Express Way beside Trem Church . Time 9AM-3PM Daily. For partnership and sponsorship, call 08177746179, 08078686167Follow us on Twitter @talkvillageint . To Register Now : www.sembc2014.eventbrite.com Join the BB Group Conversations @2261E4F7

Talk Radio Host The Women in Buisness And Leadership Summit 2014

Talk Vila Radio

Ibitayo Jeje Geared to Launch an High-life Album

Call for applicants – New Media Ambassadors at GEYC Resource Center

Deadline: September 1, 2014. Benefits: experience, recommendation letter In order to promote, develop and enrich GEYC Resource Center in Bucharest, Romania launch a call for candidates for the position of “New Media Ambassador“, a 3 months practical training in the field of social media, multimedia, PR and communication skills. The New Media Ambassador has the role to promote, develop and contribute to GEYC Resources Center during the practical training:

• 3 months period: 15 September 2014 – 15 December 2014;

• involvement: at least 5-10 hours/week;

• all activities will be done at the initiative of the candidate, therefore, it could be online or at local level in order to not require any cost on behalf of the candidate.

Eligibility

• ability to communicate in English;

• ability to communicate by e-mail/Facebook on a daily basis;

• basic experience in using social media and multimedia tools;

• sense of initiative, creativity, responsibility, self-management.

Benefits

• getting/ improving their communication, social media, multimedia skills;

• working in an intercultural team, sharing experiences and working together with other New Media Ambassadors, networking;

• time/location flexibility (everybody can work from home as long as they dispose an Internet connection and they are able to speak in English);

• the title of “New Media Ambassador” could be a great asset for their CV;

• signing a volunteering contract which will be a great asset for their personal portfolio;

• getting a recommendation to enhance the practical training according to the main achievements in order to facilitate the future employment of the volunteer;

• being presented on their website.

Application The deadline for submitting the application form is 1 September 2014. Fill out the online application from HERE. Applicants able to communicate English, and with interest in social media, multimedia, PR.   Click here to visit official page.

PRESS RELEASE:GLEEHD Foundation’s Women in Business and Leadership Summit (WBLS) 2014

The Dream Center,                                                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

8, Gbagada Expressway                                      

(Opposite Hotel Newcastle, Beside Trem Headquarters)

 Anthony Oke, Gbagada, Lagos. Nigeria. 

Tel: +234-816-676-5045

www.gleehdfoundation.org

Onari Duke,  Dr. Naomi King,  Omoni Oboli,  Linda Ikeji,  Sarah Sosan,  Hafsat Abiola, others to speak at GLEEHD Women in Business & Leadership Summit in Lagos

Eminent women drawn from various sectors of Nigeria and the United States are billed to speak at GLEEHD Foundation’s Women in Business and Leadership Summit (WBLS) coming up on the 20^th of August, 2014 at The Dream Center in Lagos. Under the theme Women - Transforming Societies, Developing Economies, the Summit features various plenary sessions including Transforming Public Service through Women Participation, Women in Business: Transforming the Market Place, Emerging Women Leaders: Leadership through Influence, Media and Imaging Women as Transformers and Mayor’s forum featuring local government chairpersons with the plenary theme - Women Transforming Communities. 

Join a Google+ Hangout on International Day of Youth 2014 to discuss:
‘United Nations and t
A Window of Opportunity to Enhance Youth Engagement in Global Challenges
12 August 2014, 9 A
On the occasion of International Youth Day 2014
Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges
society organization based in Klagenfurt,
the Year 2015 –A Window of Opportunity to Enhance Youth Engagement in Global Challenges
The objective of the online debate is
and the leadership potentials of global
post2015 global development agenda
with the active contribution from the
Implementation could facilitate resource
engagement in action to address global challenges
no doubt that an effective Resource M
post2015 Agenda is needed! Thus, 2015
stakeholders and young people themselves as a
Global Challenges Action through governance innovation and innovative resource mobilization
from words to action, concrete innovative
and youth organizations in the context of
presented and discussed with leading youth representatives of relevant U
context ‘The Global Challenges Youth Engagement Award
award and thus incentivize action for youth engagement in the Post
also be presented in the Hangout.
Technologies) to enable youth participation in global sustainable development agenda
on the outcomes of World Conference on Youth 2014
‘Sustainable Development, Innovation
social impact investors towards the development of tools and ICT
SPEAKERS:
Ravi Karkara, Global Children and Youth A
Results from My World 2015 survey and The World We Want consul
Miroslav Polzer, Secretary-General of IAAI
The Global Challenges Youth Engagement Award
Ivana Savic, United Nations Major Group
Kehkashan Basu and Nhattan Nguyen
Danae Espinoza and Sabrina Marquant
Milinda Rajapaska, Director of National Youth Services Council of
World Conference on Youth 2014 – Follow
MODERATOR: Jean Paul Brice Affana
the Year 2015 –
A.M EDT. Hangout link: http://goo.gl/ScIKsc
2014, the International Association for the Advancement of
(IAAI - www.glocha.info), a youth focused UN accredited civil
rganization Austria, is hosting a Google+ Hangout on the topic
on the one hand to highlight the central role of multistakeholder action
youth in this respect for effective implement
agenda. On the other hand the speakers of this Google
audience how the Post-2015 Development Agenda
mobilization by and for youth in order to
at local, national, regional and global levels
Mobilization Mechanism for the Global Partnership on
shall be considered by global development experts, civil society
Window of Opportunity to Enhance Youth Engagement in
plans for resource mobilization efforts
outh implementation of the post2015 Development
United N
Award' an initiative by IAAI which
Post-2015 Development Agenda
. Furthermore, the key role of ICTs (Information
www.wcy2014.com and GloCha Conference 2014
and Youth’ www.glocha.info with the aim to attract public and pri
ICTs infrastructure for youth engagement
Advisor, UN-Habitat and UN Millennium Campaign
consultations – What do Young People W
allenges – Enabling Youth Action for the Future We Want
of Children and Youth (UNCSD/HLPF)
Nguyen, UNEP Major Group of Children and Youth’s
Marquant, UNFCCC Youth Constituency’s Focal Points
Sri Lanka
Follow-up and Sri Lankan Leadership for Youth Development
an Affana, Head of Youth Programs of IAAI

Intercollegiate Model African Union Summit September 26th-28th, 2014 University of Oxford, United Kingdom Brought to you by the Oxford-Harvard Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development

About IMAUS 2014

IMAUS is a transformative, one-of-a-kind intellectual and social experience that seeks to agitate, connect and inspire! The purpose of IMAUS is to cultivate and strengthen a new generation of principled and thoughtful leaders and change agents for Africa and the world at large. The Summit brings together the greatest young minds from the Africa and her Diaspora, as mock-delegates of the African Union, to deliberate and resolve some of the most pressing security and development problems facing African nation-states today. 

The Summit will be led by the Executive director and Officers of the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA), including representatives from the African Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Commonwealth Secretariat, and many other international organizations.

YALDA is endorsed by the African Union and it enjoys special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Accordingly, the resolutions that will be passed by the delegations at IMAUS 2014 will be submitted to the African Union and the United Nations to inform youth opinion on various topical issues. IMAUS offers an unrivaled opportunity to inform Africa-wide visions, strategies and policies!

Talk Village International Launches an Online Radio Station

Press Release                                                                                                    6th August 2014

Talk Village Media leading creative communication businesses. We create and deliver programs on key business issues that help influence a prosperous and competitive environment to audiences such as manufactures, investors, suppliers, advisers, thought leaders and employees. Our work and technical expertise covers all types of modern media including television, online and mobile applications.

Talk Villa Radio is an an online Audio broadcast news channel where  listeners can learn and get educated and have fun.

Register Now For The Social Enterprise Media Boot Camp 15th -16th August 2014 Lagos Nigeria.

The Social Enterprise Media Boot Camp 15th -16^th August 2014 

Talk Village International invites social communicator experts to The Social Enterprise Media Boot-Camp (SEMB 2014) Tagged::: Connecting For Purpose Participants will learn Enterprise and Communication Skills from top leaders in Development, Technology, and business that will help them develop their organisation, despite the stage of development. It’s an exciting place to meet other social entrepreneurs, share ideas, and build connections. This event is organised to enable people of various experiences learn valuable trend-based skills. The programmes will be run on two levels;

The Masterclass and The Fundamental Level. Sessions are:

PRESS STATEMENT EBOLA OUTBREAK: A TEN-POINT CALL-TO-ACTION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

August 03, 2014

PRESS STATEMENT

EBOLA OUTBREAK: A TEN-POINT CALL-TO-ACTION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe and highly fatal illness in humans. Currently, there is no known cure for the disease. However, early diagnosis and prompt access to supportive care offer the best hope of survival among infected individuals and limits the risk of further spread.  More than 700 people have been killed in the ongoing outbreak across West Africa, including an American Citizen, Patrick Sawyer, who recently died in Lagos. It is a regrettable fact that the Nigerian health system currently has limited capacity to handle a disastrous epidemic of such a humongous magnitude as Ebola might bring.

HAPPYNigeria recognises and commends the efforts being made by the government to halt spread of the virus both within the country and across West Africa.

Node Africa is pleased to sponsor the inaugural African Youth in Entrepreneurship Essay Competition

essays@nodeafrica.org


News Release

March 31, 2014

Node Africa is pleased to sponsor the inaugural African Youth in Entrepreneurship Essay Competition in honor of the Inaugural Summit of the Intercollegiate Model African Union at the University of Oxford.
The essay competition is meant to supplement the theme of this year’s summit, "Celebrating Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.” We hope this essay competition will encourage participants to develop business-supported or local solutions to overcoming food security and job creation challenges.
Participants are encouraged to share their personal experiences relating to the topic. If the essay includes a discussion of challenges, we ask you consider proposing solutions beyond what governments should do.
Entries will be accepted at www.nodeafrica.org/scholarships until August 31, 2014 at 11:00 PM (BST).
Winners will be notified by email by September 22, 2014 and announced at the Intercollegiate Model

Nominate a youth delegate to attend the Youth Event of 3rd High Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights & Governance

African Union (AU) organs and institutions that form the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and its Platform (AGP) are convening the Third High Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance focusing specifically on how democratic – developmental governance can be leveraged to silence Africa’s blazing guns. As part of the build up to the Dialogue, the second youth consultation to the High Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance will be convened to provide young people the space to impart, contribute and influence the discourse on how their passion, energies, insights, creativity and innovation will contribute to the building of a culture or democracy and peace in Africa to bring an end to conflicts on the Continent.

At the heart of Africa’s violent conflicts, lies the problem of governance deficits which has hindered development and triggered violent conflicts on the Continent. Given the fact that weak democratic governance is part of the structural causes of Africa’s protracted violent conflicts, it is imperative that a more sustainable and meaningful response to violence is entrenched by strengthening governance systems, institutions and embedding a culture of democracy that works towards inclusive development.

Urgent Vacancy :Intern For New Media/Multimedia, Graphic Designer

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

New Media/Multimedia, Graphic Designer

This position is responsible for developing and ensuring consistent content creation on GLEEHD's online platforms.

Responsibilities

·        Curate relevant content to reach the organisation’s target          audience per time.

·        Monitor and listen respond socially to callers while achieving followership and preference.

·        Conduct online advocacy in GLEEHD’s focus areas and open stream for cross interactions

·        Use of a toolkit to measure and monitor social activity- find out what works, tweak and improve communications, tactics, campaigns etc

·        Oversee the design and layout of the organisation’s brand on various platforms for brands coherence and consistency. 

·        Coverage of organisation’s events socially and create adequate e-ambience for online audience.

·        Monitor feedbacks and compile progress reports

           Develop a 3D Animation of projects

·        Monitor audience programmes and digital campaigns such as webinars etc.

·        Keep updates on changes within social networks – functionality, etiquette, reporting etc and utilize etiquette skills to ensure you deliver the right message online, help people, stimulate discussions, encourage debate etc.

·        Work closely with the website development team and corporate communications

·        Should have a basic knowledge of Wordpress.

         Have Knowledge of Web Design

·        Other duties assigned.

Intrested Candidate should send thier CV's to s.oguntoyinbo@thedreamcenter.org.ng 

OR Call 08078686167

PRESS STATEMENT: A CALL FOR SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES IN THE NIGERIAN HEALTH SECTOR

July 18, 2014

PRESS STATEMENT

A CALL FOR SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES IN THE NIGERIAN HEALTH SECTOR

The recurrent resort to industrial action by various professional unions in the public health sector is a serious cause of concern to us, as it is to other well-meaning Nigerians.

For the umpteenth time, the ailing public health system in the country has again been paralyzed due to the ongoing nationwide strike action embarked upon by the doctors under the aegis of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). It was reported that the doctors downed tools following an alleged inability of government to accede to various demands contained in their 24-request protest letter.

Media reports suggest that health facilities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are deserted with only skeletal services being rendered by few consultants and other health workers. The effects of the ongoing nationwide strike action by the doctors, commenced 1^st July 2014, are monumental and devastating. Many sick children and pregnant women who require urgent attention by the doctors are being denied. All over the country, thousands of surgical cases that require surgical operation have been put on hold with dire consequences. This ugly situation, we believe, must have led to loss of numerous innocent and precious lives.

In the interest of teeming Nigerian masses, HAPPYNigeria calls for speedy resolution of the on-going industrial dispute in the health sector. Relevant government agencies should intervene with a view to finding lasting solution to the impasse. NMA should sheathe their sword in the overall interest of their patients and the downtrodden. Going forward, we implore government at all levels to be proactive in addressing industrial disharmony in heath and allied sectors in order to avert these incessant strike actions being embarked upon by doctors and other health workers and its attendant loss of human lives and economic misfortune.

Finally, in order to ensure lasting peace and restore normalcy to the Nigerian health sector, HAPPYNigeria calls on government to, as a matter of national top priority, convoke a National Health Stakeholders’ Summit (or any other name government may choose to call it) to discuss and come up with workable solutions to the lingering inter-professional conflicts and poor funding facing the country’s health system.  This will go a long way to restore dignity and confidence of Nigerians in our health system.

DR. FEMI AKINWUMI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AFRICAN AND EUROPEAN LEADERS TO GATHER IN LONDON FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA SECURITY, COUNTER-INSURGENCY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM SUMMIT 2014

AFRICAN AND EUROPEAN LEADERS TO GATHER IN LONDON FOR WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA SECURITY, COUNTER-INSURGENCY AND COUNTER-TERRORISM SUMMIT 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GLEEHD Foundation for Leadership and International Development in partnership with The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) part of the University of London, Rostra Consulting and Amandla Consulting announces its 1^st“West and Central Africa Security, Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism Summit 2014” coming up on the 29^th September to the 1^st October, 2014.

This high level security summit will bring together senior government officials, diplomats, Defence and law enforcement professionals, and stakeholders, from across West and Central Africa, and Europe in order to share best practices, as well as champion greater regional integration and cooperation. The conference supports and seeks to contribute to a unified response to insecurity and insurgency as the most effective way to fight terrorism in Africa.

Participants will include representatives from National Security Councils, Military and Defence Agencies, Ministry of Internal/Home Affairs, Border Security, Disaster Management and Emergency Management Unit and the diplomatic community- ECOWAS member states, US AFRICOM, United Nations, the African Union, UK House of Lords, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Funding Security Projects, Chatham House, Commonwealth Secretariat, UK and US intelligence agencies, special envoys, mediators and other senior officials involved in nonstop effort to promote peace, security and stability in Africa. Others will include expert scholars, leading journalists, security bloggers and African youths.

The summit will be held in London, Washington and Nigeria. While in London, participants will;

·         Meet with top European government ministers, counter-terrorism chiefs, private sector security companies in areas like policing, cyber-security, border security etc.

• Meet with globally respected experts on terrorism (at SOAS) and establish a permanent link with top international relations talent who will provide a research resource to African governments
• Visit civil society groups, one run by an ex-jihadi, now helping vulnerable young people reject the path of violent extremism.

·         Network with top European investors who are not put off by the news coverage on West and Central Africa and want to help their economies grow.

The Washington Summit would promote collaboration between North American, West and Central African security sector stakeholders. Session presentations would also include a Cross-National & Comparative Study of Counter-Terrorism Policies and Strategies. The input from this conference will help West and Central African nations understand how to man, equip and train the army to deal with counter-insurgencies now and in the future.

The Nigerian session would be a discussion with key policy experts on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria, West and Central African sub-regions, drawing on the outcomes and lessons learnt from both London and Washington conference.

Prior to the London Summit, a conference on “The role of Civil Society Organizations in Tackling Insurgency and Terrorism in West and Central Africa” will hold in Lagos, Nigeria bringing together CSO representatives and government to explore collaborative approach between CSO and security agencies in tackling the threat of terrorism.

Note to Editors:

Since inception, GLEEHD Foundation has worked with international organizations including the United Nations, ECOSOC, The Commonwealth Secretariat, The Government of Nigeria, The Government of Malawi, UKTI, British Council, UNICEF Nigeria, A.D King Foundation, Commonwealth Democracy Initiative, Save the Children, Rostra Consulting, Amandla Consulting and other international development partners in promoting development in Africa.

GLEEHD’s recent event in London featured a business roundtable at the UK Institute of Directors which had the participation of Nigerian Government/Business Leaders, and a series of High profile events promoting bilateral trade and investment between UK and Nigeria, including a High Level Trade and Investment Meeting at Buckingham Palace with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York (and former UK Ambassador for Global Trade and Investment), and participation at the Commonwealth Day Observance Service with Her Majesty, The Queen.

ABOUT GLEEHD FOUNDATION

GLEEHD Foundation for Leadership and International Development is a not-for-profit international organization headquartered in the United Kingdom (Reg: 07665576) with an African Secretariat in Nigeria (CAC: 44037) established to promote Africa’s Renaissance by fostering Good Governance and Democracy, Advancement of Economic and Entrepreneurial Development, Promotion of Human and Children’s Rights, and Advocacy for Youth Development and Participation in Africa through partnership with African public institutions, civil societies, regional and international development partners.www.gleehdfoundation.org, www.gleehdfoundation.org.uk

ROSTRA CONSULTING 

Rostra Consulting is a United Kingdom registered company (Reg: 08590783) that seeks to build networks for democracy, better governance and transparency. www.rostraconsulting.com

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

SOAS, University of London is the only Higher Education institution in Europe specializing in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. It is a remarkable institution that uniquely combines language scholarship, disciplinary expertise and regional focus. It also has the largest concentration in Europe of academic staff concerned with Africa, Asia and the Middle East.www.soas.ac.uk

Amandla Consulting is an independent firm of creative and dynamic professionals with sparkling stream of ideas, vast experience and expertise in providing a wide range of consultancy to Government, Businesses, Corporate Organisations, Not for profit, Religious Organisations, Boards, Industry, Professional Organisations, Policy Makers and Leaders. Amandla effectively combines insight and knowledge of global issues to meet ever-changing international, regional, national and local challenges, we also help develop economic both development strategies and workplace development strategies. Our experts also give counsel on international policy matters, conflict resolution, and regional & international crisis management.www.amandlaconsulting.net

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