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  • Houston agog for African Cultural Film Festival

    Houston agog for African Cultural Film Festival

    The entirety of Houston and its environs is currently bubbling with excitement of the news of the maiden edition of the African Cultural Film Festival (Affricuff).

    The film festival is slated to take place between October 26 and October 29, 2003 in Houston, Texas.

    According to the organisers, the festival is a platform to showcase the unique voices and stories of Africa that celebrates the wealth of African culture through the lens of the cinema.

    Festival director, scriptwriter and filmmaker, Emem Isong Misodi said: “In ‘Thinking local, Going global’ we want to discuss, among other things, how we as filmmakers can tell our rich local stories and enable them to appeal to a global audience without losing our authenticity.

    Read Also: 12 Nigerian musicians who were choristers

    Affricuff is not just a film festival, it is a cultural exchange, a celebration of unity in diversity. It’s about breaking stereotypes, forging connections and creating opportunities for dialogue.

    Through this festival we hope to promote diversity, empower filmmakers, foster collaboration, educate and inspire and celebrate culture.”

    Chairman of Advisory board and chairman of the jury, Dr. Shuaibu Husseini informed that 48 films have been submitted of which 18 shortlisted.

    Other members of the jury include Bola Aduwo, Obi Emelonye, Dr. Victor, and Steve Ayorinde.

  • Sanwo-Olu campaign offers free surgeries

    The Professionals for Humanity (PROFOH), a group of doctors, nurses, microbiologists and other volunteers from Houston, Texas, United States, has partnered the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on free medical care to indigent Lagos.

    The medical mission which provides free surgeries, is done under BOSKOH – Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (his running mate) – platform

    At the flag-off ceremony, at the Shomolu General Hospital where experts will spend a week before moving to another, Sanwo-Olu said it was not a political mission as the welfare of Lagosians had nothing to do with politics.

    “We are not asking for their PVCs before they can be attended to; anybody who needs help will be attended to. This is all about service to humanity,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu’s wife Dr. Ibijoke, a former chief medical director of Shomolu Primary Health Centre, enjoined those who need surgery to present their cases, assuring that they would be attended to.

    Hamzat lauded the mission, saying it would restore hope and life to the sick. “A woman came to me in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State and asked me to thank the BOSKOH medical team for taking care of her 20 years’ ailment,” he said.

    Gbimieotor Daniel Kama, who is the head of PFOFOH, affirmed that the team had been carrying out free medical treatment over the years, adding it had performed thousands of surgeries in and outside the country over the years.

    “The surgical operations we have embarked on include hernia, tumours, different kinds of surgeries, and fibroids, among others. We’ve been taking in as many people as possible until the medical team is tired and can not take in any people any longer. Sometimes we do up to 20 types of surgeries in a day.

    “You never know until you get inside the theatr; there may be a lot of complicationes you’ll find there. The surgeries we can’t handle are heart and liver related; we do more of general surgeries including glaucoma, thyroid, hernia, fibroids, tumour, gad bladder,” he said.

    Cliff Jarrell Director, the head of PROFOH in Nigeria, observed that there is a long list of people with different kinds of surgical operations such as cancers, malignant and non-malignant tumors, orthopedic cases and classes of plastic surgeries.

    The team has solved many medical challenges.

    Coordinator of the mission, Nike Osa, a microbiologist, stressed that the group wanted to see how it could reduce the number of surgeries available; hence the group is doing its bit to improve the healthcare system.

    “The hospitals where the surgeries take place are:  Hernias, fibroids glaucomas and plastic surgeries are being handled at the Onikan General Hospital; the Lagos General Hospital is mostly for paediatric cases, while Gynaecology and Obstetrics cases are done at Shomolu General Hospital.”

     

    Our plastic surgeon, when available, is about the third best on earth and so we have the capacity to handle these cases,” she said.

    According to Osa, the major aim of the team is to ensure that people who are not able to afford this expense will get these services for free and it is an immediate intervention for them. In a community like this and with the volume of emergencies you find, if they can’t access healthcare and instead of leaving them in a state where they can’t help themselves, we have brought this to them totally free. We have doctors from the UK, Australia, Spain and USA. We have all the capacity because we have brought in the best. We also welcome volunteers to join the team to bring wellness to Lagosians,” she said, while promising that the free medical surgeries will be replicated in all the local government areas in the state

  • Goldcoast Foundation losses patron

    The Patron of Goldcoast Development Foundation (GDF), a Bayelsa based non-governmental organisation has passed on.

    The 72-year-old woman died at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas, United States.

    In a statement made available yesterday, signed by the founder, GDF, Mr Moses Dickson, who is also one of the sons of the deceased, described Mrs Dickson as a visionary and selfless mother to all.

    Dickson said through her legacy the foundation was established to positively impact the lives of rural women and children of communities within Bayelsa and the Niger-Delta region.

    He said her death was a huge loss to the family, but also a reminder that life is too short to live without purpose and contribution to humanity.

    “My mother is an inspiration to me, as she proved that hard work, determination, a positive disposition to life and concern for people less privileged than one is, is all life is about.

    ‘’In October 2018, the foundation was involved in providing over 10,000 relief materials to women and children affected by the flood in the Niger-Delta region and received a commendation from the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, during his routine visits to flood-affected states,” he said.

    He explained that this is a testament to the example laid by Mrs. Goldcoast, as she has been a lifelong contributor to the lives of women and children in Bayelsa state.

    ‘’The burial schedule for Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson as announced by the family would begin with a service of songs on December 6, 2018 at the Bayelsa state Ecumenical Center, Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. This would be followed by a wake-keep 7 December, 2018 and a commendation and thanksgiving service on 8 and 9 December, 2018, ‘’ he said.

    “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know Mrs. Goldcoast have lost a dear mother and a true lover of humanity,” said Mr. Authority Benson, the coordinator of the foundation.

    Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson passed away on the 8 August, 2018 at the age of 72 and fondly known as Mama Gogo.

     

  • U.S. retaliates, expels Venezuela’s envoys

    The U.S. has expelled the Chargé d’Affaires of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC and the Deputy Consul-General of the Venezuelan Consulate in Houston.

    The U.S gave the Venezuelan envoys 48 hours to leave the country, in a retaliatory move against Venezuela’s expulsion of U.S. envoys by President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday.

    Maduro had ordered the expulsion of the top U.S. diplomat in Venezuela following a new round of sanctions imposed by Washington over his re-election.

    The Venezuelan leader had given Charge d’affaires Todd Robinson and his deputy, Brian Naranjo, 48 hours to leave the country.

    In a statement by its Spokesperson, Ms Heather Nauert, the U.S. Department of State described Maduro’s action as “unjustified diplomatic actions”.

    “The Department of State, in accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Article 23 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, declared the Chargé d’Affaires of the Venezuelan embassy and the Deputy Consul General of the Venezuelan consulate in Houston, personae non grata.

    “They have been directed to leave the United States within 48 hours.

    “This action is to reciprocate the Maduro regime’s decision to declare the Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, personae non grata.

    “The accusations behind the Maduro regime’s decision are unjustified; our Embassy officers have carried out their official duties responsibly and consistent with diplomatic practice and applicable provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

    “We reject any suggestion to the contrary,” the U.S. said.

    The Venezuelan president had announced the expulsion of the U.S diplomats in a nationally televised speech on Tuesday, after being officially proclaimed the winner of Sunday’s election.

    “The empire doesn’t dominate us here. We’ve had enough of your conspiring,” Maduro said, referring to Naranjo as the head of the CIA – U.S. Central Intelligence Agency  in Venezuela.

    He accused the pair of trying to sabotage Venezuela’s presidential election by pressuring several anti-government presidential candidates not to compete in the race.

    The White House branded the vote a “sham”, and President Donald Trump issued an executive order limiting Venezuela’s ability to sell state assets.

    Washington and Caracas have not exchanged ambassadors since 2010.

     

  • Bayelsa signs MOU with Calvert Energy Group in Houston

    THE Bayelsa State Eco-Investment Park Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Calvert Energy Group for the development of the Bayelsa Eco-Industrial City. The MOU was signed on Thursday, in Houston , United States of America at the ongoing Onshore Technology Conference. A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Francis Ottah Agbo, noted that the agreement is the first of many more investment agreements to be signed by the government of Mr Henry Seriake Dickson.

    The Executive Chairman of Bayelsa Eco-Industrial City, Mr. Denzil Kentebe, represented the Bayelsa Eco-Industrial City Limited while the Mr. Tino Ceniti represented Calvert Energy Group. Dickson, who was also at the conference had earlier in the week said his government was working very hard to make the state the Houston of Nigeria.

    He said this during a session with the NNPC at the conference. He said making Bayelsa the Houston of Nigeria is realisable if the NNPC and the other critical players in the oil industry collaborate with his government. He said Bayelsa has over 30 percent of the gas reserves in the country, stressing that anyone thinking about investment opportunities in gas should go to the state. ” Where to go is clearly Bayelsa and there is no doubt about that, which is why we are here to market that comparative advantage to the investing world, ” he said. He said that the state is safe and peaceful for investments and called on potential investors to make the littoral state their choice destination.

  • Obiano bags 2017 Governor of the Year award

    Obiano bags 2017 Governor of the Year award

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has bagged the “2017 Eastern State and Nigerian Governor of the Year Award’’ of the Nigerian-American with Disabilities in the Diaspora and their Public-Private Partners ( P3 ).

    Obiano was chosen for the award by the group after a “massive 2014 to 2017 performance evaluation of the 36 Nigerian state governors, including the Minister of Federal Capital Territory’s works.

    “Today, Jan. 8, we the Nigerian-American with Disabilities in the Diaspora and our Public-Private Partners (P3), chooses, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, as our 2014-2017 Eastern State and Nigerian Governor of the Year,’’ it said.Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom, President of Houston, Texas-based Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International ( ERPDI ), Incorporated in the U.S. made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Read also: ‘Obiano focused on developing Anambra’

    They were assessed based on works on Nigeria’s disability-inclusive and accessible urban/city developments ( building of the first Silicon Valley of Nigeria at Anambra State ), progress, peace and unity, economic, trade and industrial developments.

    Other areas of the assessment are agricultural developments, social, human, security, democracy and governance, electoral and political, entrepreneurship, job training and placements and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities.

    The rest are Disability-Inclusive Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda, especially SDGs 1-5 for women and girls and the late effects of Polio virus infection called Post-Polio Syndrome.

    The group said Obiano, broke all records because on November 20, 2017, within less than 48 hours after winning his re-election that took place on November 18, 2017 and also, within 24 hours after he was issued with his re-election Certificate by INEC, he wasted no time to move into positive actions.

    It noted that it set to work through his Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Mr Michael Okonkwo, in collaborations with Nigerians in the Diaspora, led by Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom.

    Others members of the group are Iyom Ifeoma B. Oni-Orisan, Mrs Ngozi Pauline Ikebuaku, Mr Polycarp Onyeachonam Ufom, Ms. Chinyelum Ozumba, Mrs Uche Helen Okafor, Iyom Mabel Ozumba, Mr Frances Okeke, Mrs Ngozi Okeke and Mr. Grace Njideke Ojukwu.

    The governor introduced “Willie Obiano’s Silicon Valley of Nigeria’’; the Republic of Korea’s KOICA, UNDP and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD )’s, “Saemaul Initiative Towards Sustainable and Inclusive New Communities ( ISNC ) and A New Rural Development Paradigm and the Inclusion and Sustainable New Community Model Inspired by the Saemaul Undong’’ Institute.

    They also undertook Post-Polio Syndrome Clinics and Centres for Diagnostic and Clinical Managements of the late effects of Polio Virus Infection called Post-Polio Syndrome, Employment Developments, Work Readiness and Skills Training, Job Training and Placements.

    Also the team developed Therapeutic Recreations, Wellness and Fitness Centres for Micro Enterprise Development, Healthcare’s, sports, social engagements, capacity building and management for all the 36 states of Nigeria.

    Other African countries, including Lake Chad Basin Nations, Republic du Niger, Chad and Cameroon, with its headquarters at Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra, as the first projects to be built at the Silicon Valley.

    The statement said that the diplomatic meeting where the history was made took place during the UN Africa Industrialisation Day, at the UNDP-Nigeria’s headquarters, Abuja, during a meeting between Anambra, Plateau, Benue, Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International, ( ERPDI ) Incorporated and other Government/public-private Partners ( P3 ), with the UNDP-Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr Samuel Bwalya.

    “Industrialisation is a primary driver of economic growth and job creation, and will be pivotal in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.

    “This year’s Africa Industrialisation Day highlights the links between industrial development and Africa’s moves towards establishing a Continental Free Trade Area,’’ it said.

    The statement said it would also be critical to unleash the capacities of Africa’s young people and to strengthen African institutions.

    “Both the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 recognise these imperatives,” it quoted the UN Secretary General as saying on Nov. 20, 2017, at the UN Headquarters New York, during the occasion of Africa Industrialisation Day.’’

    Reacting to the UN Secretary-General’s call to, “unleash the capacities of Africa’s young people and to strengthen African institutions,’’ Obiano said it would be establishing the first Disability-Inclusive Silicon Valley of Nigeria being designed by Mr Michael Okonkwo, an Architect.

    He noted the project was in collaborations with Nigerians in the Diaspora, led by Chief Ufom, to ensure nationwide true local Disability-Inclusive economic developments by Nigerians, regardless of their different ethnic and religious groups, language and disability.

    The inauguration of Willie Obiano’s Silicon Valley and its Republic of Korea’s KOICA and other projects under it will be taking place on March 18 and March 19, immediately after Obiano’s swearing in ceremony.

    It will be followed by Obiano’s economic summit to be held at Houston, Texas and other selected countries around the world to introduce it to “our Ndi Anambra and Nigerians in the Diaspora’’.

    NAN

  • Lara George to launch album in Houston

    Lara George to launch album in Houston

    Multi-award winning Gospel artiste, Lara George is set to hold a live performance on Friday October 20, at the Dominion Chapel Stafford, Houston, Texas.

    According to information, the concert will also serve as an opportunity for the release of her new 15 track album; her fifth solo studio work- titled A Slice of Heaven.

    The singer, who recently released two tracks form the album; EyinLOba and Jesus You Reign, on September 4, celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary to her legal practitioner and music entrepreneur husband.

    The excited, mother of two who posted pictures of herself and hubby having a nice time together stated; “13 years today; happy wedding anniversary to us. Feels just like yesterday when we started out on this journey together. And I’m thankful. So thankful to God for love, life, family, and all. God knew in advance all that I needed, and chose to love me with the gift of you.”

    The graduate of the University of Lagos, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Architecture Lara George, also former mate of the disbanded musical group Kush group is a gospel artiste whose work has touched lives worldwide.

  • FG consoles with victims of US Hurricane Harvey

    FG consoles with victims of US Hurricane Harvey

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has commiserated with victims of the recent Hurricane Harvey in Houston, USA, especially Nigerians living there.

    In a statement Tuesday by her Media aide, Abdurrahman Balogun, she expressed concern about the damage done to the homes of those living in that area thus rending thousands homeless.

    With over four million estimated Nigerians living in the US, Dabiri-Erewa stated that statistics show that Houston hosts one of the highest community of Nigerians in that country.

    It must be noted that at the very least 80 per cent of Nigerians resident in places like Galveston, Cypress, Houston and the Bayou area have had their properties and personal belongings damaged.

    There was a case of a rescued Nigerian from Akwa Ibom state on Monday by speed boat having lost his car, home and personal belongings

    “This is to send my  heartfelt concern to Nigerians living in Houston, and indeed all residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. It is really sad and disturbing”.

    Dabiri-Erewa, however, called on Non- Governmental Organisations, corporate bodies as well as well-endowed individuals  to join in raising funds for victims of hurricane Harvey in Houston.

    “We should always be our brothers keepers and lend a helping hand as we are now one big global family”, Dabiri-Erewa pleaded.

    She commended the efforts of the US government in giving succour to the victims of the Hurricane Harvey in Houston and pray unto God to protect those living there.

  • Storm Harvey: Social media to the rescue for stranded Texans

    Storm Harvey: Social media to the rescue for stranded Texans

    Flood-stranded Texans in the Houston area took to social media on Sunday with desperate pleas to be rescued from their homes as Tropical Storm Harvey and its torrential rains slowly lumbered across the region.

    With authorities urging Houston’s more than two million residents to stay in their homes rather than risk venturing outside, some 70,000 of them formed a Facebook group that many of them used to call for help.

    “Rescue needed!!” Lorena Martinez posted on the group, known

    “Hurricane Harvey 2017 – Together We Will Make It; TOGETHER WE WILL REBUILD.”

    Martinez said 20 people, including six children, an elderly person and a pregnant woman, were stranded in a house on Houston’s Roper Street.

    “Tried emergency service but not responding,” she said. “They’re in the attic with an axe on hand if necessary.”

    Many Houston residents reported being holed up in their attics, some with axes to chop their way out if necessary, even though emergency services advised people to climb onto the roofs to escape rising waters.

    “Anyone in the area that can help… 4 adults 4 kids stuck in the attic. no tools to break/cut into the roof,” said Carolyn Withrow Hutchins, who also posted a map with the location.

    Emergency crews had rescued more than 1,000 stranded people from cars and homes in the Houston area by early Sunday.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state was adding helicopters to those operated by officials in Houston and Harris County to help rescue stranded residents.

    “Before today, the state had already made multiple water rescues from helicopters from dropped lines, and we are prepared to continue that process,” Abbott said on Media “State of the Union” programme.

    Many residents posted that they were unable to reach emergency services by phone or were told that their rescues would take several hours.

    Kathaleen Hervey was among many who turned to Twitter for help, saying a resident she knew needed to be rescued.

    “He is trapped and can’t get through 911 or any of the emergency numbers, send a boat!!!” she tweeted to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

    Turner said emergency responders were giving their highest priority to the most flood-ravaged areas. “911 is working,” Turner tweeted. “Every need is important. Please give preference to life-threatening situations.”

  • IronWeaver to begin manufacturing in Nigeria

    IronWeaver to begin manufacturing in Nigeria

    IronWeaver Limited, manufacturers of flow control equipment is set to begin operation in Nigeria, The Nation has learnt.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Ada Obua, told The Nation in Houston, Texas, United States, that when it opens shop in Nigeria, it will be the only such firm that offers such services and equipment. When we commence operations, IronWeaver will be the sole local manufacturer of valves in Nigeria. A couple of multinationals such as Cameron/Schlumberger and Hy-Lok have some limited local assembly capabilities. A few local companies import their products.

    “Demand for our products is strong. Nigeria imports over $380 million in valves per year. That number will be up by 2018 as the majors work through the backlog of liquid fuels and gas projects. Plus, there is the focus of public and private spending on refinery and power generation infrastructure. Furthermore, the NCDMB’s requirement that 60% of project valves be sourced from local manufacturers remains in place

    She said: “IronWeaver manufactures and services industrial flow control equipment and related instrumentation in Nigeria. Our goal is to be a recognised leader in producing valves, actuators, positioners, pumps and related equipment. We leverage industry-standard technology to deliver reliable precision-engineered equipment in-country, and so support customers’ success with technical, economic and participation goals.

    “Our products and services meet the rigorous and demanding specifications for standard and critical applications in several industries, including oil and gas, power generation, utilities, chemicals and general industrials.

    “IronWeaver’s manufacturing and service operations are executed from its facilities in Ukwa, Abia State in Nigeria. The company will be the only supplier in Nigeria to run its entire machining and assembly manufacturing process in-country.

    “As such, IronWeaver is uniquely positioned to be the prime Tier 1 supplier to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies and international oil companies (IOCs) for tendered projects. Our differentiated supply chain and operational excellence delivers world class precision-engineered products, and creates value for our customers, in terms of reliability, delivery, economics and participation goals.”

    She noted that the management of the firm is focused on growing the business profitably, cultivating strong partnerships with its customers by supplying competent and reliable products, and maintaining an ethical, safe, rewarding and inclusive workplace for the employees. “Our growth will be driven by deployment of industry-standard technology and best operating practices to achieve high operational excellence, and a disciplined expansion of our product portfolio over time,” she added.

    Obua further stated that the company’s pumps product lines will include centrifugal pumps, electrical submersible pumps (ESP), water injection pumps, helicoaxial pumps, air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps, gas-operated double diaphragm (GODD) pumps, among others. The launch will also include coverage of pumps and related instrumentation within IronWeaver’s aftermarket support services.

    “IronWeaver’s Aftermarket and Procurement services support our customers, not just our equipment. Equipment services include inspection, maintenance and repair of our valves, pumps and other instrumentation. We also service customers’ equipment supplied by other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Our procurement services are available to support acquisition of flow control and other industrial equipment for our customers. Our goal is to deliver industry-standard support services to ensure optimal performance and extend useful lives for your assets,” said.