http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/541073
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http://www.takingitglobal.org/express/panorama/article.html?ContentID=21277]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:11:00 EST http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/541073 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/531103
On the 29th of November, 2008 GYCA, Akwa Ibom State chapter is collaborating with other stakeholders to host a Pre-World AIDS Day "Peer Education Session".

This event is aim at encouraging young people to become actively involved in the fight to stop AIDS. I believe the penetration of AIDS is also affecting the young cambodians. We cant afford to see our future tarnished by a certain disease. We have the strength and all it takes to stop AIDS.

Our event can be veiwed on:
http://youngpeoplestopaids.blogspot.com
http://events.takingitglobal.org/21461
http://worldaidscampaign.org/en/Key-events/World-AIDS-Day/World-AIDS-Day-2008/WAD-2008-Events-Calendar/Young-People-Take-the-Lead.-Stop-AIDS!

See you guys!]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:16:00 EST http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/531103 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/531093
I have come to see that the older generation are somehow free, but our generation may end up living 65% positive in some regions - increase in the rate of bachelors and spinsters cos no one would really love to raise HIV positive kids.

Looking at the subthemes -lead, empower, deliver. our Government must also see that they owe us (young people) true leadership, empowerment - such that would discourage sex work and drug abuse, and also see to it that they deliver their promises to the citizenry - building infrastructures for development -social, economic, educational, etc.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:59:00 EST http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/531093 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/523705

Today, the Nigeria Appeal Court confirms former President of Nigeria’s Labour Union, NLC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Labour Party as the Governor of Edo state after his victory at the Tribunal.

His words " i congratulate the Judiciary for proving the just, and thank Nigerian who supported me in diverse measures to make today a reality"

From this indication, it shows that the court is moving on the right direction in Nigeria and the rule of law of the Umaru Musa Ya'Adua's government is receiving good marks from the masses.

Oshiomole stated that the suffering and struggle of the Edo people for the past two years has finally ended as he would take all possible steps to make Edo people feel the impact of true democracy.

On the other hand, Oshiomole is from Labour party and his house members are mostly PDP and ACs, can he really cope with this parade?]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:11:00 EST http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/523705 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/523643
His words " i congratulate the Judiciary for proving the just, and thank Nigerian who supported me in diverse measures to make today a reality"

From this indication, it shows that the court is moving on the right direction in Nigeria and the rule of law of the Umaru Musa Ya'Adua's government is receiving good marks from the masses.

Oshiomole stated that the suffering and struggle of the Edo people for the past two years has finally ended as he would take all possible steps to make Edo people feel the impact of true democracy.

On the other hand, Oshiomole is from Labour party and his house members are mostly PDP and ACs, can he really cope with this parade?]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:47:00 EST http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/523643 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/512327
The results help explain why the Democrat is pressing his money and manpower advantages in a slew of traditionally GOP states, hoping not just for a win but a transcendent victory that remakes the nation's political map. McCain is scrambling to defend states where he wouldn't even be campaigning if the race were closer.

Less than a week before Election Day, the AP-GfK polls show Obama winning among early voters, favored on almost every issue, benefiting from the country's sour mood and widely viewed as the winning candidate by voters in eight crucial states — Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

"If you believe in miracles," said GOP consultant Joe Gaylord of Arlington, Va., "you still believe in McCain."

Despite a mounting chorus of Republicans predicting their nominee's demise, McCain aides insist their internal surveys show victory is still within reach.

Indeed, polls are mere snapshots of highly fluid campaigns, and this race has been unusually volatile. McCain was written off prematurely last year, and Obama seemed poised for victory in New Hampshire's Democratic primary just before Hillary Rodham Clinton thumped him.

Even this close to Election Day, racial tensions and the numbers of late-deciding voters identified by the AP-GfK polling leave room for doubt. But the surveys confirm what McCain aides acknowledge privately — their chances of winning are low.

The polling shows Obama holding solid leads in Ohio (7 percentage points), Nevada (12 points), Colorado (9) and Virginia (7), all red states won by Bush that collectively offer 47 electoral votes. Sweeping those four — or putting together the right combination of two or three — would almost certainly make Obama president.

It takes 270 electoral votes to win the White House. Obama can earn 252 by merely reclaiming states won by John Kerry in 2004. There are only two Kerry states still in contention — Pennsylvania with 21 votes and New Hampshire with four — and AP-GfK polls show Obama leading both by double digits.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081029/ap_on_el_pr/ap_poll_battlegrounds
]]> Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:48:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/512327 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/507225
Pls follow th link below to comment on my project on changemakers and forward it to friends.
YOu can as well read the project by clicking on "Read the ENtry tab"

http://changemakers.net/en-us/node/13305

Thank you.]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:48:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/507225 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/503235
The Human Right and Youth project has been a revelation to hidden facts i'd for some time been unaware of.

I do also express my appreciation to the initiator of the project, Nassar and particularly to all Group One members for their contributions and level of commitment.

Thanks.
UnyimeAbasi
Group 1 leader]]> Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/503235 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/483985
"Today (Sunday) I handed a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly the honourable Baleka Mbete to tender my resignation from the high position of President of the Republic of South Africa effective from the day that will be determined by the National Assembly."

Mbeki said he had been loyal, and traced some of the country's social and economic achievements during his tenure.

"We must admit that we are still faced with many challenges in this regards."

He singled out the criminal justice system to improve the fight against crime and improve moral regeneration.

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:53:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/483985 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/479895
They put their names to a 55-page documentmarking a power-sharing deal that is hope will stable the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe.

The deal resolves Tsvangirai as the prime minister and aims to end the violence which ravaged the country.

Morgan said the agreement provided the best hope for Zimbabwe and called on Mugabe to work with him to implement the deal, Mugabe said he was committed to national unity and would do "his best".
Tsvangirai, of the Movement for Democratic Change - MDC - was introduced as "prime minister" and warmly applauded. But Mugabe was jeered when he said opposition parties in Zimbabwe and other African nations had used violence to achieve power.

He went on to accuse Britain of meddling in his country's affairs by imposing sanctions and calling for a "regime change".

Tsvangira i said the agreement was a "product of painful compromises" and that it did not provide "an instant cure" to the fortunes of Zimbabwe.
He said: "I believe it represents the best opportunity for us to build a peaceful and prosperous democratic Zimbabwe."

I do believe this deal would see a lasting peace to Zimbabwe to as to create a developmental sphere for young people to thrive.

The goverment should also notice that whatever course they take has much impact on the development of their young generation and therefore set a determined stake to bring a lasting peace. ]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:53:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/479895 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/478549
Though, Prof. Jeffrey Sach's committee proposed to end extreme poverty by 2015, but the current alarming rate shows not much headway.

Its therefore time for our government to include young people directly in the struggle to end the global torture. Let the young people from different corners of the globe arise to fight and lets awaits testimonies next year by now.

Our next years blog with then full of success stories.
I believe... together we would create the needed change!

http://blogactionday.org/js/9bcdfbede4b4e7d045b5f051703e4713818cd2ba]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:13:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/478549 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/477241
Date Created: 23 September, 1987

State nickname: Land of Promise

Capital: Uyo

Area: 7,081 km² Ranked: 30th

Population: Ranked 9th

1991 Census: 2,359736

2005 est.: 4,805,451

GDP (PPP)2007 (estimate)
-Total: $11.18 billion[1]
-Per Capita: $2,779[1]

ISO 3166-2 NG-AK
Website: akwaibomstategov.com

]]> Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:36:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/477241 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/472019
Report by BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7568146.stm
]]> Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:29:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/472019 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460105 One outstanding factor in the Nigerian leadership is their ability to make or create positive and developmental initiative. Over the past few years, since the coming on board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a body set aside to pilot and fast-forward development plans in the oil rich but impoverished zone in Nigeria. In order to reduce poverty rate in the region, NDDC was given the task to take up developmental programmes for alleviation of poverty among young people to include “Youth Empowerment Programs” targeting at training young people in various skills with the aim that at completion, the trainees would be assisted with resources and funding to start-up in their respective field.

Yes. A nice initiative, but Nigeria is deadly suffering from the disease of achieving proposed initiated projects”. This disease has spread from the power sector, transportation, and aviation, through corporate governance down to rural development and lots more. The idea of NDDC Youth Empowerment Program would have been a huge success but not for the fact that after lingered completion of the training, the aspect of establishing the trainees become a case that pumps fumes all round. The Nigerian government through NDDC have failed completely in her promise thereby leaving the Youth stranded and still undeveloped.

Without extending to other regions in the country, cases abound in the Niger Delta Region where individuals carelessly spend money, thus end up in police net on numerous charges of corruption and money laundering. It is rather unfortunate that our leaders are not true or do not have any positive urge to implement developmental changes in the society, instead an individual is ready to use the money meant for the masses to acquire half of a society for himself and turn around to suppress others, such that everyone would bow down with accolade to him.

The Niger Delta region would be the most developed region on both human capacity building and infrastructural status. This would only happen when our leaders develop a changed mind-set that focuses on true and valued leadership. A leadership that is keen to impact the society with sustainable development strides, not creating such amenities that has no lasting synergy.

As young people, we feel the pains, share in the struggle and at the same time learn the lessons. Youth expect the change and we believe that one-day, the liberation of the Niger Delta region will find its feat.
]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460105 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460087 Years ago at a drama series, principal actors and actresses involved in the drama refused to play a certain role considering how ludicrous the role was. Every other role was suitably accepted and performed accordingly. But whatever and however, the drama would not hold until the rejected, though, important role is performed. The Director of the Drama Series did encourage her relied-upon performers to take up the role, but all effort proved abortive.

For Unyi, though clever, he would however not want to be the fellow on the seat that is overlooked. By him, the role is either not fit or above his standard as the youngest in the series.

What a surprise either as unknown Unyi stood up to the challenge and volunteer to perform the abandoned role even without persuasion. Everyone looked flabbergast with such underlying thought as “hey! can this guy perform the role?” But for Unyi, he did decided to do it, wading out all sort of discouragement and shame; he went onto performing a role that finally threw him to glare of publicity and won him the most respected and unforgotten fame.

Nevertheless, opportunities for greatness usually comes in a manner not generally accepted and would also be very difficult to recognize. Most times, we tend to follow others to act as they do, as in responding to issues. The system of reacting as others do would also keep you behind the scene, just because you do not take your own decision but rely on what others say or do.

You could make a difference by deciding to take a definite step of yours; look around and you will find opportunities abound that lies untouched or disregarded. Its time to take a lead as Unyi did. Who knows? You may be the next star to watch!

Volunteer for a change and take the lead. Just give a try!
]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:09:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460087 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460015
At exactly 12.40p.m. Aondoakaa, representing Nigeria signed the handing over document and exchanged flags with his Cameroun counterpart, Prof. Maurice Kamto.

Some dignitaries present at the event.

- Ambassador Said Dginnit, Special Rep. of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and
Chairman, Cameroun-Nigeria Mixed Committee
- Sir Kiren Prendergast, Chairman of Follow-up Committee
- Etinnyin Etim Okon Edet, Paramount Ruler of Bakassi
- Senator Ita Giwa, Former Special Adviser to the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Mr. Ahmodou Alli, Deputy Prime Minister of Cameroun
- Chief Dominic Aqua, Member, Representing Bakassi in the Cross River State House of Assembly
- Mr. Frank Adah, Cross River State Acting Governor

Below are excerpts during the Handing over process:

AONDOAKAA, the Attorney General of Nigeria and Minister of Justices

“We are saddled with the painful but important task of completing the implementation of the international Court of Justice judgement by handing over Bakassi Penisula to Cameroun”

“Our government appreciates the fact that this handover will certainly generate some socio-economic and political fall-outs. To manage these peculiar circumstances and the developmental needs of our international border communities, government soon after the judgement, enacted the Border Communities Development Agency Act 2003 and amended same in 2006 to meet the expectation of the current challenges. The Act created an intervention agency charged with the responsibility of developing our international border communities. Presently, arrangements are in top gear for the take-off of this agency as a practical demonstration of our concern for the pains of these communities. I want to assure the people of Bakassi that this administration is very much interested in their welfare. The president is concerned about the welfare of bonfide citizens of Nigerian who have found themselves in a territory legally now another country”

“Article 3 of the Green Tree Agreement provides that Cameroun shall not force Nigerian nationals living in the Peninsula to leave the zone or change their nationality, and that it should respect their language, culture and beliefs, respect their right to continue agricultural and fishing activities, protect their property and their customary rights, among others. We believe that peaceful co-existence promotes good neighbourliness and guarantees harmonious and benefical bilateral relationships between the nations with the increasing globalization of most activities in the world today, physical boundaries and borders should no longer constitute barriers to free interaction among various peoples”.

SIR KIREN PRENDERGAST, Chairman, Follow-up Committee

“Landmark events was a testimony to the determination and resolve of both countries to move beyond a difficult past and, with a common vision and aspiration to strengthen and respect the rule of international law, address their border dispute in a way that secured lasting peace and good neighbourly relations between the people of Cameroun and Nigeria. The case of the Peninsula has proven the viability of a peaceful and legal settlement of border disputes, when it is done with the full support of the international community and in a spirit of mutual respect, good neighbourliness and co-operation. It is the day of law for the rule of law, which lies at the very core of the mission and work of the United Nations”.

MR. MAURICE KAMTO, Cameroun Attorney-General.

“It is a privilege and great honour for me and for the Camerounian delegation to take part here in Calabar, on Nigerian soil, in the ceremony to mark the withdrawal of the administration and police forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the transfer of authority to Cameroun over the zone which under the Green Tree Agreement, has remained under Nigerian administration for a period of two years as from August 14, 2006”

“Cameroun looks forward to establishing with its Nigerian counterpart new reliable and mutually beneficial relationships”

However, for the essence of building a peaceful coexistence between Nigeria and Cameroun and for the future of the young people of these countries, Nigeria has accepted the defeat. But then, I believe this cannot stop Nigeria from achieving her focused state of living. It also serves as a lesson for both parties and for the future generation.]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:01:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/460015 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/438469
A situation in Nigeria elaborates …
“In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, prices of food stuff doubles dramatically. Ask the traders why? The general response is “Transportation cost is very high”.

The international authorities would do well in effect to focus on how to firstly tackle the core effect that led to the sudden increase in food prices. Obviously, the recent rise in fuel prices and fuel hike has contributed immensely to the current food crisis facing the global communities.

ACTION.
However, to effectively combat food crisis, the first and short-term plan should be to map out strategies, which will facilitate reduction of fuel prices in most countries, as the high costs of fuel hampers the transportation of farm produce to urban areas by farmers residing in interior communities and villages. Henceforth, the proposed ‘New Deal’ and 10 Point Plan actions by the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) respectively would have had a base while their goals are on course to actualization.

DELAY EFFECT.
The delay in the implementation of the food security plans by the World Bank and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has led to serious food scarcity which pose a risk to the populace and at the same time affect the following sectors:

a. Education:
Developing countries may experience out-of-hand effect as hunger would force a large percentage of children and youth out of school

b. HIV/AIDS:
More young people, especially young women may be exposed to hardship, which in effect will force them to engage in unlawful and unprotected sex activities, resulting in increased HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:23:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/438469 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/430355
The current issue is that of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources where the ministry has spend the sum of N10.5billion that was said to be realized from accumulated revenue from levies on rice importation between 1999 and 2008.

The Minister of State for Agric. and Water Resources Mr. Demola Seriki states that the Ministry had authority from the president to directly spend the funds for strategic grain purchase for storage and distribution.

On the other hand, the Senate Adhoc Committee on ‘food crisis’ led by Senator Idris Umar said such spending was unauthorized as there is no law in the country that authorizes the Ministry to spend funds without approval from the National Assembly, as such action would mean that Mr. President stands against the ‘rule of law’, which is a ‘core’ of the his administration.
]]> Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:15:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/430355 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/383147
Even though the UN would have used their gratitude as a game-play to engage the government of Burma to conceding to the liberalization pressure supported by the UN, the US, ...

I think its not under pressure for any country to accept any global protocol and i also believe that the UN cum US cannot play such games when it comes to giving aid to assist in saving human lives.

The Burma government should realise that the lives of children and youth, who are the future of the world is at stake, and therefore, should kindly accept aids given by nations in order to sustain the livelihood of the nations' future builders.]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:12:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/383147 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/379509
The first civilian election in fifteen years heralds a new beginning for Nigeria. Other nations were optimistic though with doubts considering Nigeria’s flawed history.
Many Nigerians who take democracy as being significant and something that they have relentlessly striven for, expressed hope that the election on February 27, 1999 of retired General Olusegun Obasanjo will bring major changes to the country. Such hopes that democracy will triumph over the former military dominance within Nigerian government, which had for years stalled Nigeria of the development.
More so, the most apparent show of confidence for the future of Nigeria was the Commonwealth's decision to consider re-admitting Nigeria as a member.

Before now, Nigerians encountered high level of poverty, an unstable economy and the closure of many of their schools and hospitals.

The conclusion of Obasanjo’s Eighty years of rule followed a shift, which former President Obasanjo referred to as “a do or die affair”. With much struggles and pushes, Yar’ Adua became the president under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party, a position that brought the nation to a-almost-war-outbreak between different political parties, particularly, Action Congress (AC) led by former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

Alas, Yar’ Adua was accepted by most Nigerians. He came up with a 7-point Agenda, which made the Nigerian populace see him as a one who would deliver.

The Agenda;
POWER AND ENERGY – The infrastructural reforms in this critical sector through the development of sufficient and adequate power supply will be to ensure Nigeria’s ability to develop as a modern economy and an industrial nation by the year 2015.
FOOD SECURITY – This reform is primarily agrarian based. The emphasis on the development of modern technology, research, financial injection into research, production and development of agricultural inputs will revolutionalize the agricultural sector leading to a 5 – 10 fold increase in yield and production. This will result in massive domestic and commercial outputs and technological knowledge transfer to farmers.
WEALTH CREATION – By virtue of its reliance on revenue from non-renewal oil, Nigeria has yet to develop industrially. This reform is focused on wealth creation through diversified production especially in the agricultural and solid mineral sector. This requires Nigerians to choose to work, as hard work by all is required to achieve this reform.
TRANSPORT SECTOR – The transportation sector in Nigeria with its poor roads networks is an inefficient means of mass transit of people and goods. With a goal of a modernized industrialized Nigeria, it is mandatory that Nigeria develops its transport sector. The PDP government has already started this process by the ongoing rehabilitation and modernization of the railway. While the reforms might take some time to take effect, it is a need that must be addressed.
LAND REFORMS – While hundreds of billions of dollars have been lost through unused government-owned landed asset, changes in the land laws and the emergence of land reforms will optimize Nigeria’s growth through the release of lands for commercialized farming and other large scale business by the private sector. The final result will ensure improvements and boosts to the production and wealth creation initiatives.
SECURITY – An unfriendly security climate precludes both external and internal investment into the nation. Thus, security will be seen as not only a constitutional requirement but also as a necessary infrastructure for the development of a modern Nigerian economy. With its particular needs, the Niger Delta security issue will be the primary focus, marshaled not with physical policing or military security, but through honest and accurate dialogue between the people and the Federal Government.
EDUCATION – The two-fold reforms in the educational sector will ensure firstly the minimum acceptable international standards of education for all. With that achieved, a strategic educational development plan will ensure excellence in both the tutoring and learning of skills in science and technology by students who will be seen as the future innovators and industrialists of Nigeria. This reform will be achieved through massive injection into the Education sector.
------------------
Today, May 29, 2008, 2008 makes President Yar’ Adua a year in office as the president of Nigeria. But then, Nigerians have said much about the same man they preferred as the president.

As Nigerians celebrate democracy day today,

-Anambra State governor distanced himself from the celebration on grounds that the state has nothing to celebrate about.
-While political activists hailed the president for his non-interference in judicial decisions on election petitions.
-some described his pace of politics and programmes as "very slow."


Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has yet to fulfill some key campaign promises as he marks his first year in office today, May 29, 2008.

-the Nigerian leader is struggling to deliver on a promise to increase the supply of electricity.

- the blowing up pipelines and production facilities and kidnapping oil workers by armed rebels protesting against poverty in the oil-producing Niger Delta started resulted in the cut of nation's production of crude oil by at least a fifth since February 2006, The president's pledge to resolve the insurgency within 90 days of his inauguration but this promise has not been fulfilled

-Poverty is another problem. Critics say Mr. Yar'Adua has failed to stem endemic poverty. According to the United Nations, 70 percent of Nigerians live on less than two dollars a day, despite exports of billions of dollars worth of oil every year.
Though, much has been said of the president (some says he’s slow, while some gives accolades). Whatever the case may be, I believe Yar’Adua stands a chance to prove himself worth of being the no. one citizen of Nigeria, who personally faults corruption because his failure to fulfill his promises as contained in his 7-Point Agenda would define him a corrupt leader.

]]> Thu, 29 May 2008 09:56:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/379509 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/379461 First, it was China and Europe, then India; now is Japan and Africa, as Leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe and other parts of the world are in Yokohama for the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) - 28-30 May, 2008. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Towards a vibrant Africa” and will focus on bringing together; knowledge and resources in order to step-over the impediment of Africa as it moves forward its economy and social development strategies.

Subjects ranging from HIV/AIDS, eradicating extreme poverty to women empowerment will be addressed within a session on human security and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Japan has accepted to assist Africa with a funding of about $4 billion to improve Africa’s infrastructure. But is of interest that while supporting Africa, Japan does not need any repayment but instead taking another alternative to tap from African resources.

In a compounding view and for the social and economic development of African Youth, I think Japan (seeing them as being more polite than the British in relating with Africa) will bring its full technological know-how to Africa, and this would go a long way to;

-increase the capability of Africa’s young people
-get more young people involved in developing their technological base
-increase the entrepreneurial capacity of our young entrepreneurs.

However, with this renewed interest in Africa, what other benefits or risk do you think Africa is about to face in her collaboration with Japan?
]]> Thu, 29 May 2008 07:13:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/379461 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/368093
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006. Nigeria and 127 governments – over half of UN Member States – have signed the treaty. Nigeria and 70 other Nations have signed the Optional Protocol but Nigeria and is not among 25 nations that have ratified the Convention and Nigeria is not also, among 15 nations that have ratified the Optional Protocol.

For more than 19 million Nigerians with disabilities, this ratification of the right is a imperative hope.

Though, these countries have signed and accepted to the Right of Persons with Disabilities; but then, much is still left to be done by different authorities and governments on the part of ratification and implementation of the Right.

Taking Nigeria [my country] for instance, only the Diabled persons living in the urban areas are opportuned to benefit from government assistance while the ones residing in rural areas find it difficult or at times oblivious of any aid provide by government, which they can tap from. Its really heart-broken to witness situations faced by disabled persons, especially those dwelling in remote villages.

I do believe that it would be actualising if specific option of the Convention that states --Empower persons with disabilities and ensures their active participation in political, economic, social, and cultural life-- is initiated. Government can achieve this stride by embarking on projects that would directly impinge on Disabled Person Living-in-remote Areas (DPLIRA) through Public Private Partnership (PPP) by partnering with Micorfinance Banks to provide adequate funding for Manpower development; establishment of training centres in remote areas; and thereafter provide loan facility to empower Disabled Person Living-in-remote Areas (DPLIRA)]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 07:50:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/368093 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/367501 Though, some countries have signed and accepted to the Right of Persons with Disabilities; but then, much is still left to be done by different authorities and governments on the part of implementation of the Right.

Taking Nigeria for instance, only the Diabled persons living in the urban areas are opportuned to benefit from government assistance while the ones residing in rural areas find it difficult [or at times not even aware of any relief package from government] to tap from government aids. Its really heart-broken when you find condition of disabled persons dwelling in remote villages.

I do believe that it would be pertinent for government to initiate such projects that would directly affect the Disabled Person Living-in-remote Areas (DPLIRA).

This can be achieved if government takes up Private PublicPartnership (PPP) through Micorfinance Banks to establish and provide adequate funding for Manpower development and training centres in remote areas!

]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 11:36:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/367501 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/366377
The restriction is a lost-long issue of some 16 years after the end of Apartheid; 15 years after Nelson Mandela received the Nobel Prize for Peace and and 14 years after heading the South Africa executive.

May be the South Africans were never interested on how to resolve the issue not until now that the list is revisited.

Be it as it may, some Reps... Howard Berman, D-Calif., Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H. etc are heading a bill that would remove current and former ANC leaders from the watch lists. Also, the Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice strongly supports the Senate Reps that introduced the bill, which aims to remove these restrictions. They bill is hoped to be passed before Mandela's 90th birthday, July 18.

It is hopeful that the the ANC and it’s leaders will be cleared from the US black-list as soon as the law is passed. ]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:08:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/366377 http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/366451 Did you know this?

Naturally, we are born with something very special and impacting, but it takes 'you' to discover that inborne or God-given talent placed in you. Where you are today is just like 'one waiting at a bus stop to board a bus to another location.

But;

-are you just alright there where you are now?

-do you intend to move on from there? if not,

-what would probably stop you from moving on?IF you are to move on...

-which location are you heading to from where you are now?

-what are you plans when you get to the new location?

Take a step today and make a change in your life. The people within, near and afar are waiting for a change initiated by someone . . . that's you!

You can make it happen...

]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 11:05:00 EDT http://unyimeabasi.tigblog.org/post/366451