Nokia Lumia 630: Pocket Friendly Smartphone Experience

At first glance, the phone itself isn’t especially interesting. Like many budget smartphones, it feels a touch on the cheap side the first time you pick it up, with a simple flat glass front and a plain, removable matte-plastic rear cover, which is available in a variety of bright colours.

Lumia 630 is also the first Nokia device to run on Windows 8.1 operating system.
In terms of build, it isn’t a patch on the solid hunks found on models at the top of the Lumia range, but it does at least look reasonably smart with its angled edges and rounded corners. It’s light, weighing only 134g, and the 4.5in screen ensures the 630 is more pocketable.

On the rear, the Lumia 630 has a 5-megapixel camera with no flash and no front camera. Unusually for a Nokia handset, there’s no dedicated camera shutter button, which proves a real pain; to take a photograph, you have to first unlock the phone then launch the camera app, which can takes as long as ten seconds if you secure your phone with a code.

On the plus side, the phone’s 1,830mAh lithium-ion battery is replaceable, there’s 8GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot that supports up to 128GB.

NCC mourns Nnama, former EVC

 has commiserated with the family and friends of the Nnama Royal Family of Nibo, Anambra State over the death of Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Nnama, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission.
ITRealms earlier reported that late Dr. Nnama was shot dead by unknown men in his village, Nibo on March 27, 2014, and will be buried on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Ezilowo Haven, Nibo, Anambra State.
In a condolence message after his demise, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah regretted that the life of Dr. Nnama who served the Commission at a critical transition period after the military, with the elected civilian government, was cut short in an unfortunate circumstance.
“It is most regrettable that the life of this statesman was cut short by unknown gunmen in his home town, Nibo, at the prime of his retirement after a meritorious service to the nation,” he said.
He said during his stint as the EVC of NCC, late Dr. Nnama displayed an uncommon passion in the promotion of the potentials of telecommunications as a catalyst for national development.
“When the history of the nation’s telecommunications development is written, Dr. Nnama will occupy a meritorious space for his contributions towards accelerated deregulation of the industry and the transformation witnessed in the industry from 2001,” he said.
At the Night of Tributes hosted in the honour of the departed Dr. Nnama at the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos, on June 11, 2014, Dr. Juwah, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said late Dr. Nnama had a vision that telecommunications services will transform lives and businesses and would contribute to the development of our nation.
In the course of his administration, he developed the memorable “You too Can Phone”, slogan with which he dreamt about a phone revolution where every Nigerian location will be covered by communications signals while every Nigerian could afford todays’ communications equipment.
“I think most Nigerian are now living the dream of late Dr. Nnama, through the regulatory activities of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” he said.

WSIS+10 provides fresh priorities for global ICT ecosystem

THE over 1600 participants from across 100 government ministers and leaders from international organizations, businesses, civil societies and academia met in Geneva during the second week of June to review progress on the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) over the last 10 years and to set priorities for the post-2015 development agenda, DigitalSENSE Business News.
Addressing participants, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Mr Ban Ki-moon, said that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have long been recognized as key enablers for bridging the digital divide and achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental balance and social inclusion.

“We must do everything in our power to increase access to ICTs and broadband connectivity across the world, including reaching people in remote areas, land-locked countries, small island developing states and the least developed countries. This will empower millions of people and enable us to meet our development goals in the post-2015 era,” he said.

With the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the mainstreaming of ICTs into everyday life, the link between these technologies and human development has become increasingly important. It has therefore become necessary to consider the development of an inclusive information society in the broader context of the post-2015 development agenda, and this has been outlined in the WSIS+10 Vision for WSIS Beyond 2015 document, which was endorsed on June 12, 2014.
Equally speaking, the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ITU Dr. Hamadoun I. Touré noted that the WSIS+10 outcome documents would provide a set of fresh priorities for joint action oriented towards the further development of the global ICT ecosystem, while focusing on the power of ICTs in facilitating development.

“We are now paving the way for ICTs to contribute productively in achieving the objectives of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda” Toure said.
He stressed on the need to protect and reinforce human rights, both online and offline, as well as expanding access to ICTs to all, particularly to vulnerable and marginalized people has been emphasized along with the development and availability of simplified devices to facilitate digital inclusion.

Capacity building to keep pace with advancing technology, multilingualism in the use of ICTs, preserving cultural heritage in the digital age and addressing environmental challenges with green ICTs are considered priorities along with promoting a digital economy and e-commerce.
Governments are encouraged to implement appropriate national strategies and policies for the advancement of ICTs as enablers for social and economic development and to facilitate enabling regulatory, legal and investment environments to facilitate ICT for Development.
Building confidence and security in the use of ICTs, notably to protect personal data and privacy and to strengthen the security and robustness of networks has been emphasized along with enhancing national and regional capacity to address cybersecurity challenges by encouraging a culture of responsibility and joint efforts of all involved parties.

Further strengthening cooperation between all stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels is required, the WSIS+10 Vision document notes.
The WSIS+10 Statement on Implementation of WSIS Outcomes reviews progress over the past ten years. The Statement reaffirmed the importance of ICTs in the further development of the information society, stimulating innovations, empowering different groups of people in developed and developing countries, providing access to information, and fostering economic and social growth. It invites UN system organizations and stakeholders to take full advantage of ICTs in addressing the development challenges of the 21st century and to recognize them as cross-cutting enablers for achieving the three pillars of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental balance and social inclusion.

The Final WSIS Targets Review was launched on 10 June indicating significant progress in ICT use, access and infrastructure development but with mixed results in bridging the digital divide.
The WSIS Stocktaking Report 2014 draws attention to key achievements by different stakeholders worldwide. WSIS Success Stories provides a key reference point to WSIS projects which were awarded the 2014 WSIS Project Prizes.
DigitalSENSE Business News recalls that the World Summit on the Information Society was held in two phases, namely in Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005.

The WSIS+10 High-level event has been coordinated and organized by ITU, and co-organized by ITU, United Nations Education and Scientific Children Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
UN Agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), ITC, UNDESA, UNODC, UPU, UN Women, WMO, WHO, WFP, WIPO and the UN Regional Commissions also played a key facilitating role. The WSIS High-level Event was supported by governments and the private sector, including the United Arab Emirates and Intel (as Strategic partners) as well as Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland along with Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, IFIP, Internet Society (ISOC), and Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).

6 win British airways Leadership Awards

DigitalSENSE Business News:

Six students of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, have been named winners in the British Airways’ Leaders of Tomorrow award and are due to embark on a two-week internship programme to be held in Nigeria and London in July 2014 DigitalSENSE Business News reports.

Speaking on the award, regional commercial manager British Airways West Africa, Mr. Kola Olayinka said, “As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria needs a strong aviation sector. Leaders of Tomorrow is our contribution to this and we expect big things from the winners in the coming years.”

 According to him, the value of the programme is that it bridges the gap between the classroom and the work environment, providing hands-on experience with one of the world’s most admired airline.

The initiative aimed at deepening competencies in the aviation sector, saw Abimbola Caulcrick,( a student of Abridged Airframe and Powerplant AAP-8); Fajemisin Peter Adebola, Adachie Eneojo, (both Post Graduate Diploma students of Aviation Management); Banigo Michael, Ubong George Itok, (both studying at Standard Airframe and Powerplant, AP-27); and Ogunranti Olaluwa, a student of Abridged Avionics (AAVO-13), named as winners.

These winners DigitalSENSE Business News gathered were selected by an independent panel of three judges including aviation writer, Wole Shadare, aviation consultant, Simon Tumba and petroleum & energy services professional, Tunde Arogunmati.

The internship it was learnt includes a two-week theoretical and practical training in aviation management in Nigeria and London; visiting British Airways Training centre in Crane bank as well as the Engineering base in Cardiff. The programme will be concluded with an opportunity to understudy Keith Williams, Chief Executive Officer of British Airways in London, as well as visiting other departments within the company to get firsthand experience of the workings of a global airline.

At the end of the internship, the winners will receive a British Airways’ accredited certification from the CEO to mark their graduation from the Leaders for Tomorrow Academy.

Recall that British Airways Leaders of Tomorrow was launched on the 13th of March, 2014 for aviation college students to send a 500-word essay on the topic; Building a more Robust Aviation Industry and Travel Luxury; Benefits of International Airline.

All entries were vetted and scrutinized by a panel of three judges while the panel of judges selected the winning six entries. .

Chukwudi Obi

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

UNDP seeks better welfare for informal workers

DigitalSENSE Business News:

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator to Nigeria, Mr Daouda Toure, has called for improved welfare for informal workers as they provide a wide range of important services to citizens saying that, for many people in the developing world, the informal economy is an important source of livelihood for individuals, families and communities, DigitalSENSE Business News reports.

Toure told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that in many parts of the world, the informal sector constitutes an intrinsic part of the social landscape adding that in many developing countries, informality is associated with a way of life, moulded by custom and tradition, than with a conscious decision to remain outside the formal sector.

“It provides a wide range of important services to citizens like local transportation, accommodation, food, entertainment or services which sustain the life of many. Yet, there are other, less desirable aspects of informality, which also need to be recognised. Informal workers tend to have low and irregular incomes, long working hours, and reduced access to benefits and opportunities for skills development. They are also not mostly covered by labour legislation such as safety and health requirements relating to conditions in the workplace,” he said.

He said all of these factors increased the vulnerability of informal workers and their families to external shocks, and exposed them to the so called “working poverty.”

Chukwudi Obi 

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

MTNGroup shuffles as MTN Nigeria gets new CFO, Moolman

DigitalSENSE Business News:

Telecommunication giant, MTN Nigeria has appointed Ferdi Moolman as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), DigitalSENSE Business News reports.

This is coming as MTN Uganada, Irancell and MTN South Africa all subsidiaries of MTN group have experienced staff reshuffling at the top level cadre.

In a statement made available to DigitalSENSE Business News, until his appointment, Moolman was the Chief Operations Officer at MTN Irancell and he takes over from Andrew Bing, who was CFO of the company for eight years.

“This would be his second working experience in MTNNigeria as he was the pioneering General Manager, Financial Operations between 2001 and 2007,” the statement said.

Other key MTN Group leadership appointments announced were Mazen Mroue, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, who was appointed as the new Chief Operations Officer of MTN Irancell. He will be succeeded in Uganda by Brian Gouldie, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN South Africa.

MTN Group President and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa, congratulated the executives on their appointments, saying, “We are delighted that we are able to fill these executive management positions from within our leadership ranks, in line with our leadership development strategy.”

Chukwudi Obi

... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

University of Djibouti goes live on Oracle e-campus to deliver world-class education

DigitalSENSE Business News:

Dr Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education and Research

The University of Djibouti has implemented a sophisticated software system to help it achieve its ambition to deliver tertiary education to students in countries in the horn of Africa, DigitalSENSE Business News gathered.

Oracle’s Corporate Communications Leader, Mr. Peter Rae, disclosed to DigitalSENSE Business News that the initiative which was sponsored by the Ministry of Higher Education, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by the Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and students from the university.

Minister of Higher Education and Research, Dr Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, in the statement said that the system will entrench global best practices in delivering and managing higher education. “This is the perfect platform upon which to build our continuing investment in the youth of this region, for whom world-class education is essential,” he said.

Dr. Ahmed noted that modern technology is a key requirement to advance education in Djibouti and beyond.

Oracle Senior Vice President, East Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, Alfonso di Ianni said “significance of this implementation lies in the vision of the Djibouti’s President, who recognized that modern technology today is a vehicle for progress,” stressing  that this implementation has proved that information technology is a very powerful transformational tool for business and government.

Principal of Djibouti University, Dr Djama Mohamed Hassan, said that the software platform constitutes a complete university system delivering teaching, research and administrative management in line with international modern practices.

“The university would not have had the skills to implement these processes manually, but the Peoplesoft system already has best practices built into the workflows. Students, academic staff and administration can have a fluid, seamless engagement whether virtual or physical, thus allowing them to address student and academic needs dynamically.”

The long-term goal of the university is to provide degree and post-graduate courses to students in surrounding countries, a service the university believes will be supported by the system.

DigitalSENSE Business News checks reveal that implementation was conducted jointly by Mahindra Satyam and Mega Bureautique, a Djibouti-based partner which trained a team of software engineers to provide support. Oracle provided servers, storage, and software to ensure the project was a success.

Chukwudi Obi


... Making SENSE of digital revolution!

Domain names: Types of disputes between registrants and third parties- concluding part

Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy
THE Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy (TDRP) applies to transactions in which a domain-name holder transfers or attempts to transfer a domain name to a new registrar. The TDRP concerns registrar disputes under the Inter-Registrar Transfer Policy, which is followed by the .biz, .com, .info, .name, .net, .org, and .pro TLDs. Proceedings under the TDRP may be filed with the appropriate registry operator or with an independent dispute resolution provider. Any ICANN-accredited registrar may initiate a TDRP proceeding against another registrar by submitting a complaint in accordance with the selected registry operator or dispute resolution providers’ supplemental rules.

•Transfer Dispute Resolution Policy
•List of Approved Dispute Resolution Service Providers

Proceedings
ICANN does not maintain a current centralized index of domain name dispute resolution proceedings. Search tools for UDRP proceedings can be found at the individual dispute resolution proceedings sites of ICANN’s approved dispute-resolution service providers, which can be found at the following link:
List of Approved Dispute Resolution Service Providers
Limited indexes of past UDRP proceedings are archived in the following link:
Archived Indexes and Statistics for UDRP Proceedings
Approval Process for Dispute Resolution Service Providers
ICANN is not currently soliciting additional dispute resolution service providers; however, interested parties may contact ICANN on an individual basis to express their interest. The procedures used for approving providers in the past are provided for reference below.
Organizations seeking provisional approval as service providers under any of ICANN’s dispute resolution policies should take the following steps:
1.Become familiar with the relevant policy and associated rules.
2.Submit an application by email to (icann@icann.org) and by postal mail:
Dispute Resolution Service Provider Applications
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
4676 Admiralty Way, Suite 330
Marina del Rey, CA 90292-6601 USA

Applications should contain:
1.An overview of the applicant’s capabilities and background in providing alternative dispute-resolution (ADR) services, including a description of the applicant’s track record of handling the clerical aspects of expedited ADR proceedings.
2.A list of the names and qualifications of the panelists the applicant proposes to include on its published list and a description of the screening requirements applicant has used in selecting panelists to be included on its list.
3.A description of training and educational measures the applicant proposes to employ for listed panelists with respect to domain-name disputes, the relevant policy, and the associated Rules.
4.A commitment by the applicant not to prevent or discourage any of its listed panelists from serving as panelists for domain-name disputes administered by other approved providers.
5. A copy of the applicant’s proposed supplemental rules (including fee schedule).
6. Documentation of applicant’s proposed internal operating procedures. If requested, ICANN will hold this documentation in confidence.
7. A proposed schedule for applicant’s implementation of its program for administering proceedings under the policy, including a statement of applicant’s administrative capacity in terms of number of proceedings initiated on a monthly basis.
8. A statement of any requested limitations on the number of proceedings that applicant handles, either during a start-up period or on a permanent basis.
9. A description of how the applicant proposes to administer proceedings, including its interactions with parties, registrars, ICANN, and other approved providers.
10. Description of how the applicant intends to publish decisions of panels in proceedings it administers and a commitment to provide ICANN with copies of all portions of decisions of panels not published.
In general, ICANN examines the applications to determine whether the applicant has demonstrated its ability to handle proceedings in an expedited, global, online context in an orderly and fair manner.

Attributes that are especially important include:
1. Applicant should have a track record in competently handling the clerical aspects of ADR proceedings.ICANN considers proper review of pleadings for administrative compliance and reliable and well-documented distribution of documents to the parties and panels to be essential capabilities for providers. In the absence of a well-established track record in handling the clerical function, a detailed plan for providing those abilities ordinarily must be submitted.
2. Applicant should propose a list of highly qualified neutrals who have agreed to serve as panelists. Applicant’s list should include at least twenty persons. Applicants are expected thoroughly to train the listed neutrals concerning the policy and rules, the technology of domain names, and the basic legal principles applicable to domain-name disputes. Accordingly, excessively long lists of neutrals are discouraged. The applicant should either present a list of panelists from multiple countries or, if the applicant initially presents a single-country list, propose a plan to expand its list to become multinational.
3. Applicant’s supplemental rules and internal procedures should demonstrate that applicant understands the workings

Brief History: Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

THE Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference on September 10–14, 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. The five Founding Members were later joined by nine other Members: Qatar (1961); Indonesia (1962) – suspended its membership from January 2009; Libya (1962); United Arab Emirates (1967); Algeria (1969); Nigeria (1971); Ecuador (1973) – suspended its membership from December 1992-October 2007; Angola (2007) and Gabon (1975–1994). OPEC had its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in the first five years of its existence. This was moved to Vienna, Austria, on September 1, 1965.

OPEC’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.

The 1960s
OPEC’s formation by five oil-producing developing countries in Baghdad in September 1960 occurred at a time of transition in the international economic and political landscape, with extensive decolonisation and the birth of many new independent states in the developing world. The international oil market was dominated by the “Seven Sisters” multinational companies and was largely separate from that of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and other centrally planned economies (CPEs). OPEC developed its collective vision, set up its objectives and established its Secretariat, first in Geneva and then, in 1965, in Vienna. It adopted a ‘Declaratory Statement of Petroleum Policy in Member-Countries’ in 1968, which emphasised the inalienable right of all countries to exercise permanent sovereignty over their natural resources in the interest of their national development. Membership grew to ten by 1969.

The 1970s
OPEC rose to international prominence during this decade, as its Member-Countries took control of their domestic petroleum industries and acquired a major say in the pricing of crude oil on world markets. On two occasions, oil prices rose steeply in a volatile market, triggered by the Arab oil embargo in 1973 and the outbreak of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. OPEC broadened its mandate with the first Summit of Heads of State and Government in Algiers in 1975, which addressed the plight of the poorer nations and called for a new era of cooperation in international relations, in the interests of world economic development and stability. This led to the establishment of the OPEC Fund for International Development in 1976. Member Countries embarked on ambitious socio-economic development schemes. Membership grew to 13 by 1975.

The 1980s
After reaching record levels early in the decade, prices began to weaken, before crashing in 1986, responding to a big oil glut and consumer shift away from this hydrocarbon. OPEC’s share of the smaller oil market fell heavily and its total petroleum revenue dropped below a third of earlier peaks, causing severe economic hardship for many Member Countries. Prices rallied in the final part of the decade, but to around half the levels of the early part, and OPEC’s share of newly growing world output began to recover. This was supported by OPEC introducing a group production ceiling divided among Member Countries and a Reference Basket for pricing, as well as significant progress with OPEC/non-OPEC dialogue and cooperation, seen as essential for market stability and reasonable prices. Environmental issues emerged on the international energy agenda.

The 1990s
Prices moved less dramatically than in the 1970s and 1980s, and timely OPEC action reduced the market impact of Middle East hostilities in 1990–91. But excessive volatility and general price weakness dominated the decade, and the South-East Asian economic downturn and mild Northern Hemisphere winter of 1998–99 saw prices back at 1986 levels. However, a solid recovery followed in a more integrated oil market, which was adjusting to the post-Soviet world, greater regionalism, globalisation, the communications revolution and other high-tech trends. Breakthroughs in producer-consumer dialogue matched continued advances in OPEC/non-OPEC relations. As the United Nations-sponsored climate change negotiations gathered momentum, after the Earth Summit of 1992, OPEC sought fairness, balance and realism in the treatment of oil supply. One country left OPEC, while another suspended its Membership.

The 2000s
An innovative OPEC oil price band mechanism helped strengthen and stabilise crude prices in the early years of the decade. But a combination of market forces, speculation and other factors transformed the situation in 2004, pushing up prices and increasing volatility in a well-supplied crude market. Oil was used increasingly as an asset class. Prices soared to record levels in mid-2008, before collapsing in the emerging global financial turmoil and economic recession. OPEC became prominent in supporting the oil sector, as part of global efforts to address the economic crisis. OPEC’s second and third summits in Caracas and Riyadh in 2000 and 2007 established stable energy markets, sustainable development and the environment as three guiding themes, and it adopted a comprehensive long-term strategy in 2005. One country joined OPEC, another reactivated its Membership and a third suspended it.

Alison-Madueke and OPEC politricks

THE Minister for Petroleum, Princess Diezani Kogbeni Alison-Madueke was December named the alternative president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and in the last six months, it seems the political tide of OPEC is swerving against the Nigerian, NaijaAgroNet reports.
But the current position as the alternative president, NaijaAgroNet reports offers Nigeria the privilege to deputise the incumbent president from Libya at OPEC meetings, in spite of the schemes by Iran to turn the table and the reported desire for Nigeria to occupy the office of the Secretary-General of the oil-nations’ caucus.

What’s OPEC Secretary-General?
The Secretary-General of OPEC is the legally authorized representative of the Organization and Chief Executive of the Secretariat. In this capacity, the Secretary-General administers the affairs of the Organization in accordance with the directions of the Board of Governors.
The Conference appoints the Secretary General for a period of three years, which may be renewed once for the same period, hence making a total of six years in office for any person so appointed. This appointment takes place upon nomination by Member Countries.
The Secretary General is assisted in the discharge of duties by a team of officers and staff including two Directors responsible for the Research Division and Support Services Division, six Heads of Department, the General Legal Counsel, Head of the Office of the Secretary-General and the Internal Auditor who independently ascertains whether the ongoing processes for controlling financial and administrative operations at the Secretariat are adequately designed and functioning in an effective manner.
Leadership standoff:

Sources close to OPEC and exposed by in the media quoted an OPEC insider as saying this “could end a long-running leadership standoff at the cartel, but which could also be controversial at home” due to corruption allegations against the Federal Government’s nomination.
The report also exposed that Nigeria’s delegation at OPEC stepped up lobby for Alison-Madueke to get the OPEC topnotch job, as the Secretary-General, stressing that Petroleum ministers from other OPEC countries are “reportedly divided over new Nigerian leadership pitch” and that Alison-Madueke as a woman faces resistance from the Arab member-nations.

Further NaijaAgroNet inquiries showed that OPEC has been bedeviled with internal wrangling and divisions as it looks to nominate a new leadership. Abdulla Salem el-Badri, the group’s long-standing secretary general, had been due to step down two years ago but the group could not decide on a replacement. Iran has for years coveted placing one of its own senior oil officials at the head of the group’s secretariat in Vienna; a move that Saudi Arabia has vigorously opposed, as gathered by correspondent.

Seeking positions with power:
NaijaAgroNet equally gathered that last December, Alison-Madueke was named OPEC’s alternate president at the caucus’ 164th session in Vienna, Austria, which means that Mrs. Allison-Madueke could deputise for Dr. Abdel Bari Ali Al-Arousi, who is the Minister of Oil and Gas of Libya elected president of the conference for another year from January 1, 2014.

Nigeria became full member of OPEC since 1971 and as NaijaAgroNet recalls that Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources represents Nigeria as the alternate President of the OPEC Conference since assumption of office in 2010.

Born on December 6, 1960 in the city of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Alison-Madueke holds BArch, Howard University, Washington, DC (USA), MBA, Judge Institute of Management, University of Cambridge, UK, 2003, and has worked for Charles Szoradi Architects, Washington, DC.
She was a project engineer, American Interior Builders, Inc., Washington, DC and Coordinated designs for Furman Construction Management, Inc., Rockville, Maryland; Project Manager, Howard University, Washington, DC where she also worked as member, Planning and Development Team, Howard University, Washington, DC before returning to Nigeria to join Shell Petroleum Company Lagos as the Head of Project Unit, Estate Development Division.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke continued to progress within Shell Corporation as she was elevated to Head of Corporate Issues Identification & Management Department, External Affairs Directorate, Shell Petroleum Company, Lagos; Senior JV Relations Adviser for Strategy and Planning, Shell Petroleum Company; Lead Ventures Relation Adviser, Shell Petroleum Company, Lagos, Nigeria; External Affairs Director, Board of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria.

In July 2007, she was appointed Minister of Transportation; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, December 2008 and till date serving as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, since April 2010.

What worked against Diezani:
However, the desire of Nigeria to occupy the position of the Secretary-General of OPEC may have gone nose-diving on the bases of corruption against the oil Minister, who was being accused by some stakeholders of not managing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) very well, thus enmeshed on corrupt practices.

The submitted report by the Senate Committee on Finance had however indicted the Ministry of Finance, CBN and the NNPC for what it described as lack of coordination in record keeping as it concerns remitting crude oil proceeds.

But the official report from OPEC has it that the tenure of the incumbent Secretary-General, Mr. Abdalla Salem El-Badri, was extended once again by one year.

Although if Princess Alison-Madueke was appointed, she would have been the first woman to ever lead the organization, and could necessitate her exiting current position as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum, because the OPEC position is a full-time job with its office in Vienna, Austria.

Despite the scheming of Alison-Madueke to get this job, obviously to get a breather from the Nigeria’s politics, she recently met with some oil ministers from Libya, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yet it seemed the efforts to get her nomination into the semi-annual agenda of OPEC meeting which held on June 11, 2014 was not successful, alongside others, which forced the conference to extend the tenure of the incumbent till December 2014 with the hope that at such a time, things must have been sorted out to pave way for peaceful transition to whoever is chosen.
She is anticipated to face opposition candidates from countries like the Saudi Arabia and Iran anytime this position becomes vacant.

Chief M.O. Feyide – Nigeria - 1.1.1975–31.12.1976 was the first Nigerian to occupy this position in OPEC between January 1, 1975 and December 31 1976; while Dr. Alhaji Rilwanu Lukman – Nigeria – was OPEC secretary general between 1.7.1986–30.6.1988 and later was returned on January 1, 1995 which lasted till December 31, 2000. Also, in 2006, Dr. Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru a Nigerian was appointed into office till December 31 of the same year.

If Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s desire is accomplished though delayed at the moment, she will be not only the first lady to occupy such a high-placed office but also fifth Nigerian in that capacity and the 28th Secretary-General of OPEC.

If Nigeria truly wants to place Alison-Madueke as the Secretary-General of OPEC must take advantage of the extension of tenure for the incumbent to put her house in order, align with the oval opposition like Iran and Saudi Arabia.

As matter of fact, industry watchers see Saudi Arabia as the key opposition due to how well its oil wealth has been reportedly used to develop the country. So, it may be advisable to bring Iran into the Nigeria’s fold as its anticipated Iran may not get to this exulted office due to non-alignment with major interests in the west.
Iran also has a genuine case because since being the first Secretary-General in 60s, it has not had a second chance and may have the sympathy of other member nations in this regard.
But then, only time shall tell.

Dora Akunyili: Tribute galore for the Amazon

THE death of Prof. Mrs Dora Nkem Akunyili on Saturday, June 7 at the Indian hospital after a two-year battle with cancer, must have come to many Nigerians as a surprise, given that she raised some hopes at the on-going National Conference, where she was sighted visibly sick but very hopeful and energetic.
For most Nigerians who saw her at the National Conference address, which invariably has become her last to the confab, her voice was firm as always although the ailment may have given her some showdown on physical appearance.

As Nigerians prepare to give Prof. Akunyili a befitting burial on August 28, 2014, it’s important that Nigerians did not forget the woman reputed as Madam NAFDAC, due to her unprecedented active role as the former Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
ITRealms recalls that the immediate past Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Akunyili, died in Bangalore, Karnataka, India, at about 10am Nigerian time, which is 3pm Indian time. This came four weeks after she was flown to India for further treatment on Sunday, May 11, 2014, following her initial treatment in Abuja National Hospital.

ITRealms gathered that late Dora Akunyili passed on peacefully, surrounded by her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, and her brother, Dr. Francis Anayo Edemobi; both had travelled to India with her on May 11 and remained by her side until she drew her last breath.

Prof. Dora Akunyili, who was born on July 14, 1954, would have turned 60 by July 14, 2014 and is survived by her husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili, her siblings, her children, grandchildren and a host of relatives.

The Amazon passes on:
Also known as ‘The Amazon,’ Prof. Akunyili was a patriot whose love for Nigeria is immeasurable and served the country with all she had, irrespective of whatever risks was involved in doing so. Industry observers report that Prof. Akunyili throughout her life time took every assignment very seriously and worked judiciously to excel.

ITRealms recollect that even from the classroom at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where she taught for a while before joining the Presidential (Special) Task Force (PTF), National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC), Ministry of Information & Communications, Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, and the on-going National Conference in Abuja.
However, in a press statement made available to ITRealms soon after by the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, CON, who was with Prof. Akunyili in India a few days before her passage, entitled “Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Akunyili is dead.” which read in part:

The battle is over:
“On behalf of the Akunyili’s family, I wish to officially confirm the death of Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Nkem Akunyili, OFR, in a Specialist Cancer Hospital in India this morning at 10 am, Nigerian Time, after a two-year battle with cancer.

“In spite her illness, Prof. Akunyili was unwavering in her belief in a better Nigeria. That was why she defied her condition and was part of Anambra State Handover Committee and the National Conference.
“The last time I visited her in India, even when she needed all the prayers herself, she was full of concern for the abducted Chibok girls, security and other challenges facing the country and told me that she remained prayerful for the release of those girls and for God to help President Goodluck Jonathan to overcome all the challenges facing the Nation. She therefore urged all Nigerians to remain prayerful and committed to building a better society for our children. We all prayed together and I promised to be visiting her every month.
“We thank all those who remain fervent in prayers for her recovery and urge them to remain prayerful for the peaceful repose of her soul.”

Ada! Anambra will always love you - Obiano:
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano described Prof. Dora Akunyili as a shooting star, just as he expressed a deep sense of shock and sadness over the passage of the former Minister of Information and Communication.
According to the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Anambra State Governor, Mr. James Eze, late Dora Akunyili was a counterfeit drugs czar as a shooting star whose dazzling sparkles illuminated the universe while she lived.

“Dora was a meteor; a shooting star whose brilliant sparkles illuminated our universe all through her adult life. She led the life of one who had a foreboding that she did not have much time to spare. She carried a sense of mission and urgency in her approach to public life, leaving the quintessential Dora signature on every task she handled. Dora had no second thoughts on putting her life on the line once she had the courage of her own conviction. She was an Amazon; a fearless fighter who braved the traumatizing pain of the illness that claimed her to participate in some sessions of the on-going National Conference in Abuja. Humanity is poorer with her demise at a young age of 59,” Governor Obiano declared.

Recalling his last contact with Dr. Mrs Akunyili, the governor narrated how he had paid the ailing former minister a visit in a specialist hospital in Abuja along with his wife, Ebele, and made spirited efforts to assure her of the support of his government and the people of Anambra State.

“… Our thoughts are with the Akunyili family, Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians who knew and loved Dora in this moment of grief. We pray that Almighty God will grant us all the fortitude to bear this loss and the wisdom to live a life of meaning like Dora,” he said, insisting that in her death, the world had lost one of its rare tribe of crusaders whose little acts had sought to reshape it.

Dora: Jewel of my administration says OBJ:
For the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Dora Akunyili’s death is shocking, pointing out that she was one of the jewels in the glamour of his administration. “I am shocked, because she could not survive the traumatic and transfiguration of a once active and vibrant person. Her death has left a vacuum to be filled and the country has to search and motivate such person to achieve the standard she left behind. There are two things involved: One is to search for the person. Men and women of such standing abound.

Confab members mourn Dora Akunyili:
For her colleagues at the National Conference, Prof. Akunyili was one of Nigeria’s finest administrators, as enunciated by Mr. Akpandem James, the Assistant Secretary for Media and Communications, declaring that the confab was saddened news of her demise of a delegate, Professor Dora Akunyili.

Chairman of Conference and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi was quoted as saying expressing sadness at the demise of one of Nigeria’s finest administrators and, on behalf of the principal officers and delegates to the Conference, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

Dora, a forthright public officer – President Jonathan:
Also for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, he received the news of Madam Dora’s demise with shock and sadness. He believes that Prof. Akunyili would live long in the memories of those who were privileged to know her as a diligent professional, a public-spirited and forthright public officer, and as a person of great convictions.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan sees Prof. Akunyili contributions to nation-building while she served as the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and as Minister of Information and Communications, particularly invaluable.

“It is sad that her death has come at a time she was making further efforts to help sustain and strengthen the unity and stability of the country in her capacity as a member of the on-going National Conference. Without any doubt, she will be greatly missed,” he said and commiserates with the Akunyili family, the government and people of Anambra State, members of the National Conference and all her loved ones. He prayed that Almighty in His infinite mercies will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of this truly distinguished citizen and patriot.

Tribute from a daughter:
Chidiogo, one of the Dora’s children in her tribute on her facebaok page, described the final moments she spent with her mother, emphasizing that during their discussion, she seized the moment to appreciate her mother for being an inspiration to her and her siblings.

Chidiogo, who is a graduate of Economics and International Relations, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, United States, said she was happy to have spent some quality time with her mum a week before her death and wrote:
“... To many, she was an icon, to others, she was an inspiration, to me, she was my mother and all of the above. What I told her just last week stays with me.
“I am your daughter, and you raised me, you have been in the midst of everything, mummy and that is the strength that is now mine and all of us your children.
“It is also the strength of a whole nation; you touched so many lives, and that is a blessing that must not be taken lightly.’

She expressed thanks to her friends and Nigerians for extending condolences to her family. “Thank you all my dear friends from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. Mummy, may your soul rest in eternal peace, one with God, who you loved and served above all else.”
Dora Akunyili goes home August 28, 2014:

ITRealms gathered from the family at press time that the former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. (Mrs.) Dora Nkem Akunyili, will be buried on August 28, 2014, which was confirmed by Dora’s husband, Dr. Chike Akunyili issued penultimate Sunday in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

He thanked Nigerians for the great love they extended to Dora both in life and at death and expressed his family’s appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the special valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held in honour of Dora.

Also, Dr. Akunyili advised anyone who has a tribute or testimonial in honour of Dora to send it by e-mail to amazon4life@doraakunyilionline.org, amazon4laif@yahoo.com, or amazon4laif@gmail.com.
Conclusion:
As many Nigerians continue to eulogise late Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, some were specific by calling on the Anambra State government led by Chief Willie Obiano to ensure the naming of a state-owned project after her, so as to keep her spirit and what she believed in alive, especially leadership.
-Remmy Nweke

Mitsubishi Outlander 2014: the future direction for Mitsubishi

THE 2014 Outlander serves as an illustration of the direction Mitsubishi is headed—away from niche performance appeal and a bold personality, and toward efficient, comfortable, and ubiquitous. The Mitsubishi Outlander is all of that, as the automaker tries to push for the middle of one of the fastest-growing areas of the market.

And it only takes seeing the new model—or seeing it next to the 2013—to get that message. While the outgoing Mitsubishi Outlander, with its blunt, shark-nose front end, wedgelike silhouette, and performance-tinged interior, channeled some of the spirit of the Evolution sport sedan in appearance, Mitsubishi is showing simplicity and practicality in this more restrained look.

Without the bulbous front-end styling and unfocused exterior look, we’d call it elegant (it is, in profile), but it’s not a sporty look, with its smooth sheetmetal and single beltline crease. Inside, ‘simple’ is also the way to describe the look of the rather low-set instrument panel. There aren’t a lot of buttons, and the layout and trims are modest but tasteful.

Now Mitsubishi may aspire to reach more value-minded families with the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it’ll need to be those who aren’t all that interested in fashion-forward design. Driving enjoyment, too, is no longer as much of a priority.

The former Outlander was also, we dare say, a better drive. Although heavy, especially in top GT form, this former version was tuned (deceptively) for the back roads.

The 2014 Outlander may be more nimble, thanks to an aggressive weight-loss plan in the structure that includes more high-tensile steel; and it might be a bit faster, by the numbers. But with a softer suspension and other changes aimed at refinement, it’s not more fun to drive. If you know the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, the driving experience for the Outlander is fully competitive, if not a bit more refined.

31,000 boarding students in Zamfara sleep on mats

ABOUT 31,000 boarding students in Zamfara State secondary schools sleep on bare floors or mats in their respective dormitories.
This was contained in the preliminary report on secondary schools assessment carried out by a committee led by Professor Tukur Adamu.

The report revealed that most of the boar-ding schools have no beds for students and that even where there are available, the students sleep in “triple decker beds”.
Professor Adamu, while presenting the report to the governor, said most of the facilities such toilets, are over stretched, causing some students to defecate in open places including the kitchen area, where their meals are cooked.
He added that makeshift structures are used as offices and classrooms, especially in schools situated in rural areas.
On the meals served to students in the schools, Adamu said the problem at the state’s feeding agency was affecting the students, adding that on the day they visited one secondary school in Gusau, about 917 students missed their breakfast.

He said there were reports of cases of food diversion with the connivance of principals and that even where meals are served to the students, they were insufficient and under very poor hygienic condition.
Governor AbdulAziz Yari expressed shock at the revelation, saying that it is a collective problem that must be confronted. He promised to implement the recom-mendations of the report, irrespective of what it would cost him politically.

“We will implement the recommendations of the report. We are determined to bring back the lost glory of the education sector because had it been we were treated the way these children are being handled, we would not have been here as governors, permanent secretaries, professors and directors,” he said
Mitsubishi Outlander 2014: the future direction for Mitsubishi

THE 2014 Outlander serves as an illustration of the direction Mitsubishi is headed—away from niche performance appeal and a bold personality, and toward efficient, comfortable, and ubiquitous. The Mitsubishi Outlander is all of that, as the automaker tries to push for the middle of one of the fastest-growing areas of the market.

And it only takes seeing the new model—or seeing it next to the 2013—to get that message. While the outgoing Mitsubishi Outlander, with its blunt, shark-nose front end, wedgelike silhouette, and performance-tinged interior, channeled some of the spirit of the Evolution sport sedan in appearance, Mitsubishi is showing simplicity and practicality in this more restrained look.

Without the bulbous front-end styling and unfocused exterior look, we’d call it elegant (it is, in profile), but it’s not a sporty look, with its smooth sheetmetal and single beltline crease. Inside, ‘simple’ is also the way to describe the look of the rather low-set instrument panel. There aren’t a lot of buttons, and the layout and trims are modest but tasteful.

Now Mitsubishi may aspire to reach more value-minded families with the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it’ll need to be those who aren’t all that interested in fashion-forward design. Driving enjoyment, too, is no longer as much of a priority.

The former Outlander was also, we dare say, a better drive. Although heavy, especially in top GT form, this former version was tuned (deceptively) for the back roads.

The 2014 Outlander may be more nimble, thanks to an aggressive weight-loss plan in the structure that includes more high-tensile steel; and it might be a bit faster, by the numbers. But with a softer suspension and other changes aimed at refinement, it’s not more fun to drive. If you know the likes of the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4, the driving experience for the Outlander is fully competitive, if not a bit more refined.

LASU students reject reduced fees, say Fashola is joking

STUDENTS of Lagos State University (LASU) have rejected the reduction, yesterday by the state government, of the hiked school fees from between 34 and 60 per cent.

President, Student Union Government (SUG), LASU, Mr. Nurudeen Yussuff, dismissed the gesture, saying it is a “joke”.
Yusuf in an interview with The Guardian insisted that the Governor Babatunde Fashola administration is just playing games. According to him, “When the fees were increased in 2011, they mandated the governing council to look into the issue. There was a report, why are they not resurrecting it?”

Yussuf stressed that anything below N45,000 and N50,000 will not be acceptable to the students, even as he urged the government to “stop playing politics” over the issue. The fees had been astronomically increased from N25,000 to between N250,000 and N350,000.

Reading a 17-point resolution of the ad-hoc committee meeting as approved by the State Executive Council, the Special Adviser on Education, Fatai Olukoga, said the government agreed a reduction of the tuition fees ranging from 34 to 60 per cent across the different faculties and courses.

Olukoga revealed the decision of the state government while addressing State House Correspondents alongside the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba; the Special Adviser on Information, Lateef Raji and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello.

The reduction is coming after a series of protests by students and lecturers, as well as lingering crisis that had rocked the institution in recent times, largely owing to increase in tuition fees in 2011.

NBL names Jay-Jay, Kanu, as Star ambassadors

NIGERIAN Breweries, makers of Star and other leading brands has named two Nigerian football icons, Jay Jay Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo as ambassadors of Star.

Driven by a passion for football, Star will help millions of fans experience the game in an exciting, innovative way, with the mantra #ShineOnNigeria as the driving spirit. The new platform will allow football lovers share information, have access to live local and international matches, enjoy breaking news with football stars and so much more.

Marketing Director Walter Drenth says, “Football is such an important part of our lives and also a source of national pride, which is why Star launched the #ShineOnNigeria project to compel our team to victory in competitive football games”.

“Football is my life and I couldn’t have gotten here without encouragement and support from the fans. It is an honour to associate with a notable brand like Star to reward our fans” says JayJay.

“We commend Star for recognizing the important role that fans play in supporting their team and look forward to working with Star to reward fans,” adds Kanu.

To further demonstrate her support to the fans, Star is rolling out a nationwide cheer anthem competition where fans can send their celebratory messages to the national team.

Star Football was announced on May 12 2014, at a glamorous event, which took place at BeerHugz Café Ikeja.

25-yrs on stage: DJ Jimmy Jatt for nationwide tour

VETERAN Nigerian DJ, DJ Jimmy Jatt has been in the music scene for quite sometime as a matter of fact 25 years. The foremost DJ in the land who just recently released a new set of pictures from a photo shoot announced that the anniversary will involve a nation-wide tour which will see the DJ touring 6 cities across Nigeria from the 30th of May to the middle of June. The tour will start in Lagos, and run through Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ilorin and Abuja.

He also revealed that there would be a DJ Jimmy Jatt documentary, a 25th anniversary formal dinner on the 3rd of August, his Jimmy’s Jump Off on the 30th of September, and a launch of the DJ Jimmy Jatt foundation for the Entertainment Arts with its first project for up and coming DJs in October July 2014.

This year will also mark the return of his legendary TV show ‘Jimmy’s Jump-Off’ which has featured Nigeria’s biggest music acts including 2face, Mode 9, M.I, Ice Prince, the Late Dagrin, Sauce Kid and many more. A documentary on the respected DJ and an official video ‘Glasses Up’ featuring Tuface and Burna Boy will be released as the theme song for the anniversary.

Banky W signs MTN

BANKY W is one of the artistes who has made the most of his music career and clinched a number of deals so far.

The Empire Mates Entertainment recording artiste who recently signed on to the MTN Yhello family might be signing yet another deal as he is reportedly in talks with representatives from Ciroc vodka and may be signing a deal which will make him a face of the international liquor brand.

Subtly suggesting this, Banky posted on Instagram recently with this message:
“Taking a #SamsungSelfie, while signing my @MTNNG contract, while sipping on Ciroc. #NaGod#ThankYouJesus #Grateful #andWeAintDoneYet#YelloYear.”

If all goes according to plan, Banky will join the likes of Sean Puffy Combs, who has been a face of the brand since 2007 and in-line with Ciroc’s lifestyle positioning, Rick Ross, DJ Khalid and others.
Courtesy: HipHop

Kate Henshaw demands return of Chibok girls with Makeupfree pix

NOLLYWOOD actress Kate Henshaw is one of the concerned Nigerians who have pitched in their voices to solicit for the return of the missing Chibok school girls who were abducted from their school dormitory over a month ago. The actress posted an emotional make-up free photo on Instagram lending her voice the campaign, but the picture got a far different reaction than she expected.

Although some fans thought that it was a good move, even calling her brave for being able to show her face without makeup, some of Kate’s fans were disappointed because from what they wrote in the comment section, they have always envisioned the star actress as a beautiful, glowing and age defying woman, with or without make up.

Some of her Fans even went as far as saying “I used to use her as an example of a woman who can be over 40 and look 20, this particular one no follow at all”. After which another added, “Make up really does wonders”. Another fan then went on to write “I used to think she was younger than her age but she looks like a grandma”.

Only a short while after, Kate deleted all the negative comments from her page.

BRAZIL 2014: The masses’ sacrifice

ALTHOUGH eventually the 2014 edition of the most crowd-pulling sport event is here and on, the host country, Brazil’s preparation for the tournament was rather slow, controversial, unpopular at home and at even tragic.

Hours before the tourney kicked off, the country had been subjected to civil unrest with people going on strikes and engaging in street demonstrations in major Brazilian cities (including the capital Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), voicing their concern that the government had spent too much money on hosting the World Cup while the country is on the brink of poverty. Protests aside, the death toll in building or renovating the stadia rose to eight last month when a construction worker at the stadium in Cuiaba was electrocuted.
On the average, one worker has been killed per month on the site’s construction since November, The Guardian reported. To better put this into perspective, in preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, only two workers died in the construction efforts. Other deaths attributed to the 2014 World Cup constructions in Brazil include an injury sustained at a site in the capital Brasilia, three workers dying in Sao Paulo, and three in the jungle city of Manaus, including a man whose head was crushed by a machine part.
Unions across Brazil are using the leverage of the World Cup in an effort to get concessions from authorities, as has happened before in other big sporting events. Ahead of South Africa’s World Cup in 2010, bus drivers went on strike. So far, it’s often worked, as in the case of federal police officers and garbage collectors in Rio de Janeiro who have won better wages recently.

Protests, which arose last year before the Confederations Cup in Brazil, have become only more vociferous. As many citizens are angry that the government has spent an estimated $14 billion for the tournament in a nation where the International Labor Organization says the average worker’s salary is $778 a month. Late last month, about 1,500 protesters clashed with police in the capital, Brasilia.

Stadium construction delays have also raised concerns that all the promised seats won’t be ready on time. Just two weeks ahead, of the FIFA General Secretary, Jerome Valcke, gave warnings to organizers in Natal, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, where the site of the opener was unable to host a full test.

Sao Paolo, known for its miles-long traffic jams, is hosting six matches of the World Cup, including the championship’s inauguration game on June 12 between the teams of Brazil and Croatia at the 70,000-seat Itakeran stadium. With the subway workers in Sao Paolo joining the train of protesters with an open-ended strike to demand hike in salaries and better package of social benefits, raises the most concern. The subway system of the city with a population of some 10 million serves an approximate 4.5 million daily volume of passengers and is likely to cause chaos in Brazil’s largest city ahead of the global football event. This is worrying because most fans heading to Thursday’s opening Cup match in Sao Paolo will need to use the subway.

Let’s Face Facts
Are the people over-reacting or plainly anti-football?
On the contrary, Brazil is known as the Samba country for their love and style of football. Known as one of the powerhouses of football with the likes of Pele, Cafu and Ronaldo Delima writing their name on the world map with their mesmerizing performances in the past three decades.
We certainly can’t fault them for their desire to have better wages, healthcare, education and fight for their civil rights. As an expert rightly said, sports tournaments have contributed to the decline of their economy, “Brazil was first awarded for World Cup and when they were awarded for the Olympics back in 2009, the country was experiencing a period of huge economic crisis. But since then, there’s been the downturn and, at the same time, the costs of the World Cup have soared. And that hass made people particularly angry, as we saw last year and the World Cup has become a real vehicle so to say, for these socio-economic grievances to be raised. At the same time, the World Cup directly has contributed, due to the spending, as also a way to get attention.”

If these issues are not resolved and protests continue even during the World Cup itself, it can ultimately become something which could overshadow the tournament. For the love of football, the issues should be addressed now and our dear Brazilian leader Dilma Rousseff should end the use of the riot police, army and tear gas on his people.

Can the Eagles Fly in Brazil?

THE reigning African champions have the potential to cause plenty of problems for their opponents but can also just as easily be brushed aside as we saw four years ago in South Africa. Nigeria recorded one point, losing to Argentina and Greece, while drawing with South Korea in their final group stage match.
This time around, they have come into the tournament as the African Champions, after their 2013 African Cup of Nations heroics, which will undoubtedly serve as some sort of morale booster.
With recent friendly results producing draws and a loss to USA, it becomes hard to analyse just how the Big Boss and his boys will fare.

The Eagles look solid on paper but that does not necessarily mean they will be able to recreate the outcome of the 1994 and 1998 teams who both finished top of their group before losing out in the Round of 16.
The Team

Having conceded four goals in their last three outings, many have posited that the Super Eagles will have to be more compact in the backline if they are to go far at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The Nigerian defence indeed boasts of a healthy mix of players; home and foreign based. The youngest (Kenneth Omeruo) and the oldest (Joseph Yobo) in the Nigerian squad are already in Brazil to challenge 31 other countries for the World Cup trophy. With the injury and subsequent replacement of AS Monaco left-back, Elderson Echiejile, Coach Stephen Keshi is left with seven natural defenders in his roster.
The selected defenders indeed have their work cut out as they will face some of the most deadly front-men in Brazil, including the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko to mention a few of the star studded men in Group F where Nigeria will be playing in.

The usually defensive-minded Mikel will relish his creative role in the national team and will be flanked by clubmate Victor Moses and Lazio’s Ogenyi Onazi.

Games of football are decided by goals scored and for Coach Stephen Keshi to travel to Brazil with as much as eight forwards compared to teams like Germany, who named just one striker in their 23-man squad, the Big Boss definitely has something under his shelves. However, Keshi has several critics in the choice of the forwards selected.

Stephen Keshi has been faulted for overlooking top guns like Ike Uche, Brown Ideye, Chinedu Obasi and even Obafemi Martins who all are churning out commendable performances for their respective club sides. The Big Boss has defended his choice and it is time for the selected ones to prove their mettle as they go against opposing defenders in the coming days at the Mundial.

Past outings against group opponents
Nigeria have played Iran only once in the past, for a 1-0 friendly win in Hong Kong in 1998. Nigeria and Bosnia have never met at international senior level. Nigeria and Argentina have played each other six times previously. The Super Eagles have won just once, while drawing once and losing on four occasions. The Africans have lost three times to Argentina in the group stage of World Cups for three losses in 1994, 2002 and 2010.

With the team’s mandates to make it any further past the Round of 16, the Eagles have to strive not to finish at the bottom of Group F. As is expected, Keshi has instilled in his side a belief that they can beat anybody they come up against. Whether the Nigerian players actually believe that remains to be seen but we can rightly say that the boss has plenty of faith in his men.

Amid recent allegations of match-fixing, following goalkeeper Austin Ejide’s tricky disallowed own-goal in the 2-2 friendly draw with Scotland, the pkayers will surely stick together.

The midfield will be where most of Nigeria’s influence comes from as they look to feed Emenike who will most likely be their star striker in Brazil and scored most of the goals. Peter Odemwingie hasn’t scored an international goal since August 2010, Ahmed Musa doesn’t have the best of strike rates, Shola Ameobi is noted more for his hard work rather than finesse while Uche Nwofor and Michael Uchebo are largely untested at this level.

Group F is a group that Nigeria could easily qualify from but if they fail to get maximum points in the opening fixture against Iran(as most Nigerian teams do), they might consequently stand the risk of being knocked out in the group stage.

No doubt, the Eagles have got the talent but it will take their best performance and more to withstand the Argentines and Bosnians.