Christian Aid’s Chicago Event to Focus on African Native Missions

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The forthcoming mission outreach events in Chicago fixed for May 19, 2011, will focus on the needs of native missions in Africa.


This is contained in a report in the monthly online bulletin - Mission Insider of the Christian Aid Mission (CAM) (www.christianaid.org) adding that the northern Illinois and Indiana focus has been called in response to "a new wave of interest" in African native missions from pastors and leaders in the Chicago area.

(Bill Bray of the Christian Aid Mission)

Speaking on this recent development, a Communication Staff in CAM Virginia headquarters Bill BrayBill Bray said that during the team's visit to Chicago, they will also make a presentation and exhibit at the National Black Evangelical Association Annual Convention in Oak Lawn.

He noted that they’ll also do same at the annual Focus Pastors Conference at Moody Bible Institute, and the U-Turn 2011 Momentum Conference, Dyer, Indiana. In addition they will speak at many church and mission groups almost every night.

"This is the first time we have ever done something like this in Chicago. However, we have to respond to this new wave of interest - especially now with so many African countries in turmoil, revolution and unprecedented church growth,” he stated.

According to Bray, the month-long outreach to Chicago will feature a reunion banquet for friends of the mission, churches, individuals as well as interested guests on May 19. The "all nations" fundraising event at the Omega Banquet Hall in Naperville will answer questions and offer an opportunity for more people to get involved in the reformation in foreign missions.

He stated: “The celebrative evening begins promptly at 6 pm at the restaurant, 4S040 Route 59, Naperville. Reservations are required. For advance tickets contact Dr. David Rhoads at 630-668-2020 or Dr. David Rhoads at Christian Aid Mission, 800-977-5650.

He pointed out that an exciting presentation team from CAM will share the latest news from North Africa and focus on the amazing power of native missions in Africa and that a special report is expected from Rae Burnett who will have just returned from a two-month inspection tour of ministries in Africa.

“Christian Aid is the oldest and largest indigenous mission's agency in the world, assisting over 800 indigenous ministries to 3000 language groups in 122 countries. The mission aids projects in many of the 54 countries on the African continent,” Bray also stated.


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China Warns Philippines Over South Sea Oil Drilling

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Chinese authorities Thursday sent a warning signal over the Philippines plans to commence oil exploration in the South China Sea. And this is coming barely few days after Philippines signified its intention of possible drilling there.


This revelation is contained in a report by the Agence France-Presse (AFP) adding that the Philippines Department of Energy Manila said that the United Kingdom (UK) based Forum Energy had completed a seismic survey for the Reed Bank, near the disputed Spratly Islands.

The AFP report noted that the Spratlys are called the Nansha Islands in Chinese and claimed by Beijing.

(Hu Jintao, Chinese President)

Speaking on this development, the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang YuJiang Yu said China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the adjacent sea waters.

She noted that any activities by countries or companies to explore for oil or gas in the sea waters in China's jurisdiction without the permission of the Chinese government will constitute a violation of China's sovereignty and will be illegal and invalid.

Jiang did not make any direct reference to the Philippines or Forum Energy, nor did she say the survey area was actually in waters under Chinese jurisdiction.

Chinese embassy officials in the Philippines earlier requested a copy of the Forum Energy announcement, but did not return subsequent calls by AFP.

Officials of Forum Energy on Wednesday said it used the survey data to evaluate the commercial potential of the block and to "help identify the best location for possible appraisal wells to be drilled."

It noted that the Reed Bank lies about 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of the reputedly oil-rich Spratlys, which are claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines and China.

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Death Toll on Myanmar’s Quake Hits 65

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

Following the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated Japanese people, another earthquake has happened in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar on Thursday.


In a report by the CNN Wire Staff (http://edition.cnn.com), it noted that the death toll from the powerful earthquake 6.8-magnitude has gone up to 65 adding that at least 111 people were injured.

(The devastating effect of the Myanmar earthquake)

Quoting the Myanmar Radio and the U.S. Geological Survey, CNN said the earthquake happened near Myanmar’s borders with China, Thailand and Laos adding that it was a relatively shallow quake, which can be very destructive.

The U.S Geological Survey according to the report said that the quake had a depth of 142 miles (230 kilometers), but it later revised its estimate to say the quake was 6 miles (10 km) deep, putting it fairly close to the surface.

It noted that Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, has been badly hit by natural disasters in the past few years and that a powerful cyclone in 2008 left an estimated 100,000 people dead, and another one two years later left 70,000 people homeless according to United Nations (U.N).

CNN said the quake was significantly less powerful than the one that hit Japan two weeks ago, causing a tsunami and leaving thousands dead or missing stressing that the quake also prompted fears of a nuclear meltdown.

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Churchnet, New Online Christian Social Networking Site Launched

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

It’s amazing to note the formal launching of Churchnet, a new online Christian Social Networking Site (CSN) (http://www.churchnet.co.cc), which its owners say will carter for the new trend of people relying on online social networking sites like facebook, myspace, twitter, etc., to get across to friends and family.


Speaking on this new development, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayofem Concepts, the Nigerian born, Oluremi Bamidele in a statement said there is an overwhelming need for churches to provide an online community to cater for their members.

(Churchnet)

According to him, the CSN application is geared towards helping church members, workers, ministers and pastors get much more involved in the day to day activities of the church stressing that it is also an online community where church members can share ideas, discuss spiritual matters, seek Christian related employments, meet and interact with members of their church all over the world.

“They can also listen, view and watch life changing messages from matured men of God from their church. Through our online Christian Social Networking (CSN), members can view each others profiles, pictures, share thoughts and ideas also create groups,” he stated.

On the control user registration, Bamidele pointed out that registration of members is carried out individually, but that it is possible to setup the application so that the site administrator(s) can decide either to reject or accept an application if the individual is not a member of the church.

He stated: “Also member’s access can be restricted to certain pages, and protection is giving to each member as to the information to be shown to others. The administrator(s) can also delete members that are disturbing other members unnecessarily or not complying with the terms of use of the site.”

Bamidele observed that their system is easy to use and provide unparallel Christian community package that will benefit all members of the church, giving them a family-like atmosphere online and providing refreshing spiritual experience on the internet away from all other negative influence on the internet.

“We are available to provide additional information, product demonstration and other services required by your church. Also we have uploaded a demo site to give you an insight into the working of the Christian Social Networking (CSN) Application,” he also stated.

And to avail yourself of the opportunities inherent in this new Christian Social Networking Site, log on to http://www.churchnet.co.cc/

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Nigerian Extremists Plan to Disrupt April elections

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Muslim Extremists in Nigeria are seriously planning on how to disrupt the forthcoming general elections in April by stirring up unrest in some parts of the Northern States.


This view is contained in a report by the United Kingdom based registered Christian Charity organization, Release International (www.releaseinternational.org) adding that they have launched fresh attacks on Christians and churches in Plateau.

(Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Nigerian President)

It noted that in Plateau state, central Nigeria, bombers appeared to be targeting church goers when they detonated a device in Nasawara Gwom, a mainly Christian district of Jos, on Sunday. However, they succeeded only in killing themselves and damaging a nearby shop.

It observed that the intended targets of this attack were apparently members of the nearby Church of Christ In Nigeria and the Evangelical Church Winning All adding that the militants also planted a second bomb behind the headquarters of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry (MFMM) but it was discovered and made safe.

“Churches were already on high alert – after warnings of bomb attacks. Release sources suggest that extremists may have been trying to sidestep heightened security around churches, by targeting Christians on their journeys home,” the report stated.

It continued: “Release sources in Nigeria say that extremists appear to be trying to whip up religious violence to create a state of emergency in Plateau ahead of the elections on April 9. Last week, security officials intercepted a truckload of explosives and ammunition in Jos.”

It noted that Release partners also reported that three other people, said to be Christians, were killed earlier on Sunday – and six others stabbed.

Speaking on this latest development, the Archbishop of Jos, The Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kwashi, stated: 'The only real answer is prayer. I trust God to defend us. I have been threatened with death personally three times. In all three times, the Lord has rescued me.”

Quoting Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the report said that violence continues in other parts of Nigeria. In Bauchi state, more than 4,000 people fled their homes after armed assailants launched night raids on villages in the Tafawa Balewa area on March 10. Extremists burnt down 13 churches and more than 450 homes.



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Nigerian Govt. Set to Implement Key Economic Policies

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has said a special technical committee that will include members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) will be set up soon to ensure that key economic policies of government are implemented to the letter.


Speaking at an interactive session with representatives of the MAN in Lagos on Monday, March 21, President Jonathan maintained that he has the political will to implement all policies that will step up the living conditions of Nigerians and improve the economy of the country.

(Dr Goodluck E Jonathan of Nigeria)

According to President Jonathan, the manufacturing sector is key to the realization of the nation’s Vision 20/2020 aspiration, hence a team of technocrats from MAN, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and related bodies as well as key government officials will constitute a special committee to be coordinated by the Chief Economic Adviser to the President, that will deliberate regularly on policies that will improve the nation’s economy.

“If we must create jobs, we must manufacture. This is a critical sector and I have the political will to implement any policy that will improve the economy of this country,” the President said.

President Jonathan urged the manufacturers to examine the nation’s laws critically and intimate government of any law that impedes economic growth, assuring that such will be tabled before the next National Assembly for amendment.

The President said the issue of multiple taxation, for instance, will become a thing of the past as the new National Tax Policy to be endorsed soon will address it and related issues.

President Jonathan also expressed Government’s desire to reduce production costs by inviting manufacturers of imported commodities that are in high demand among Nigerians to set up production factories in the country.

Speaking earlier, MAN president, Chief Kola Jamodu, commended the Jonathan administration for various intervention funds granted the textile and agricultural sectors as well as the small and medium scale enterprises, noting that the grants have helped in no small way to revive and expand the sectors.

Jamodu also lauded government for protecting the nation’s economic interest by not hurriedly signing the Economic Community of West African States/ European Union (ECOWAS/EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), while calling for a more critical look at the document to accommodate national interest.

He said the private sector holds the reforms of the Jonathan administration to heart, noting that the interactive session at the instance of Mr. President “is a clear testimony of the deep and abiding rapport that exists between the present administration and the private sector”.

While praising President Jonathan for his commitment to infrastructural development, improved power supply and uninterrupted supply of petrol in the country, the MAN president said the body is developing a blueprint for accelerating the growth of the manufacturing sector and will present it to government soon.

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Three Filipino Drug Convicts to be Executed in China

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

Chinese Government has set coming week as the date for the execution of the three Filipinos, Ramon Credo, 42, Sally Villanueva, 32, and Elizabeth Batin, 38 that were recently convicted of drug offences.


This development is contained in a statement by the Agence France-Presse (AFP) adding that the Philippines Government said it will no more make any appeals to salvage their lives.

Speaking on this, the foreign department spokesman, Ed Malaya said the Philippines government respects the laws of China and the final judgment of the Chinese People's Court. "All sentences will be carried out in one day."

(Philippines President Benigo “Noynoy” Aquino III)

He noted that Chinese court officials had informed Philippine authorities that the three convicts will be executed next Wednesday adding that Philippine authorities had gone to great lengths in a bid to save the three, who were convicted in 2008 of trafficking heroin, and made repeated appeals for their sentences to be commuted to life in jail.

Malaya noted that the government had insisted that the three, who are among 227 Filipinos jailed in China for drug offences, were from poor families and were duped into becoming drug mules by crime gangs. “Vice President Jejomar BinayJejomar Binay went to Beijing last month to plead for their lives.”

He said Chinese authorities responded to his move only by delaying their executions stressing that they were originally scheduled to be executed in February, but said they would eventually be put to death.

“The foreign department said the relatives of the death row inmates had been informed of the impending executions, and arrangements were being made for them to leave for China to see them for the last time,” he also stated.


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Philippines Now Ready to Commence Oil Exploration

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Government of the Philippines is now getting ready to commence full oil drilling in the disputed South China Sea that has been long under dispute.


Agence France-Presse (AFP) report said that this move is coming despite series of spats from the government and people of the People’s Republic of China.

Hu Jintao, the Chinese President

According to the Philippines authorities and the company behind the project, the Britain-based Forum Energy it said it has completed a seismic survey on the Sampaguita Gas field off the Reed Bank, which is much closer to the Philippines than China.

In a statement, Executive Chairman of Forum Energy, Robin Nicholson said it will immediately begin processing the data with the aim of further evaluating the commercial potential of the block, and to help identify the best location for possible appraisal wells to be drilled.

He noted that they have met their contractual commitments with the Philippine Department of Energy under Service Contract 72 and look forward to making further investments into the project.

Also speaking, the Chinese embassy spokesman, Sun Yi requested a copy of the Forum Energy announcement adding that China reiterated its claim over disputed islands in the South China Sea two weeks ago after both the Philippines and Vietnam protested to Beijing over its naval activity in contested waters.

He stated: "China holds indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters.”

It would be noted that the Philippines government lodged a complaint after two Chinese vessels ordered its oil exploration boat to leave waters near Reed Bank on March 2. And that the Reed Bank lies about 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of the reputedly oil-rich Spratly chain, which are claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, as well as the Philippines and China.

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April Polls: Nigerian President Expresses Confidence in Electoral Chief

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

Ahead of the next month general election in Nigeria, the country’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed his confidence in the electoral chief, Prof. Attahiru Jega.


The Nigerian President stated this last week while addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally at the Haliru Abdu stadium in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State praising the people of Kebbi State for their qualities of transparency and integrity.

(Prof. Attahiru Jega INEC Chairman)

He noted that this accounts for why he appointed one of their own, Prof. Attahiru Jega, as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to superintend over the April general elections.

While expressing admiration at the large turn-out and magnitude of support received from Kebbi indigenes at the rally, President Jonathan said Kebbi State continues to provide eminent Nigerians that are partnering with the Federal Government at the centre to move the country forward.

“God has provided people from this state that the Federal Government has made use of. Apart from the president, one person whose name resounds again and again is your own son, Prof. Attahiru Jega,” he stated.

He continued: “If I don’t have confidence in the people of Kebbi, I wouldn’t appoint your own son, Prof. Jega to supervise in an election in which I would participate and which we all want to be free and fair. I believe that he would do the right thing; he would not rig or manipulate any election to favor anybody. So the Federal Government and Kebbi people are indeed partners in progress,” the president stated.

He promised to run an open government if given a fresh four-year mandate, adding that his administration will take decisive steps to boost infrastructural development across the country, and specifically mentioning that the Sokoto-Kontagora road will be given urgent attention.

President Jonathan also promised to give more attention to the development of science and technology in the country, noting that “nowhere in this world can you fix any economy without science and technology”.

He commended the people of Kebbi State for their agricultural enterprise in the potato farming and urged them to step up its production for export purposes, assuring that the Federal Government will exploit the opportunities of the agricultural sector to provide employment for the nation’s teeming youthful population.

He also said the target of his administration for the next four years is for Nigeria to meet up with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the health sector, with emphasis on reducing maternal mortality rate and improving on primary health care delivery.

Also speaking, Governor Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi noted that Kebbi, though a young state, is catching up with the older states in terms of development, stressing that the PDP-led administration in the state has continued to sustain peace and security, and also deliver quality social infrastructure to the people of the state.

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Philippines Launches Disaster Alert Device

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

A new device that will give early warning for disaster-prone areas using Blackberry devices and laptops has been launched by the Philippine Charity on Monday.

Agence France-Presse (AFP), who stated this development, said the devices are hooked to a text message system that would immediately alert the communities to typhoons, storm surges, tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes.

(Philippines President Benigo “Noynoy” Aquino III)

Speaking on this recent development, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) noted that the 200,000-dollar project was carried out with the assistance of the World Bank and one of the country's leading mobile phone operators and is funded by the country's top chief executives.

The organization noted that the areas covered by the project are all in Southern Leyte province in the central Visayas region, which lies along a fault line and is also often battered by powerful typhoons.

According to them, the province was chosen (for the project) being one of the country's top 10 provinces highly prone to natural disasters like floods, tsunamis, storm surges, landslides, earthquakes, and typhoons.

They recalled that in 2006, heavy rain triggered a deadly mudslide that buried the entire village of Guinsaugon in Southern Leyte, killing more 1,000 people in one of the country's worst natural disasters of recent years.

PBSP said the deaths were blamed on a lack of proper seismic and weather equipment and an alert system that could have immediately led to a mass evacuation adding that the project's web-based information system enables officials from the towns to use BlackBerries and laptops to access and quickly spread alerts or store surveillance data, before, during and after disasters.

“The Philippines is considered among the world's most vulnerable countries to natural disasters. It sits on the Pacific's earthquake and volcano belt, and is battered by an average of 20 typhoons a year,” they stated.

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Lausanne Movement Calls on Christians to Support Japan

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Lausanne Movement has called on Christians to do everything they can to offer comfort, encouragement and tangible support to Japan as it struggles with a nuclear crisis and a massive recovery effort.

Tsunami survivors cook and eat in front
of their damaged house, picture by AP

The call is contained in a report by Brian Hutt of Christian Today (www.christiantoday.com) adding that thousands of people have been killed by last Friday’s 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, which has devastated whole swathes of Japan’s north-eastern region.

450,000 People Staying in Temporary Shelters

He noted that around 450,000 people are staying in temporary shelters, while food and water remain in short supply adding that in a rare televised address, Japanese Emperor AkihitoAkihito said he was praying for the people of Japan and admitted that he was “deeply worried” about the nuclear situation.

He said that seawater has been pumped into the Fukushima Daiichi plant in a desperate effort to cool the reactors but radiation levels have surged in recent days, prompting serious health concerns.

According to Hut, more than 140,000 people living within 19 miles of the plant have been ordered to stay indoors but many people are trying to move further south or leave Japan altogether to avoid any risk of contamination from leaked radiation.

Lausanne Movement Expressed Profound Sadness over Disaster

Speaking on this development, the International Director of the Lausanne Movement, Lindsay BrownLindsay Brown expressed his “profound sadness” over the disaster that has hit Japan.

“We grieve at the loss of life and the unimaginable devastation being experienced by the Japanese people. Our prayers, and the prayers of the Lausanne family, are with our brothers and sisters in Japan. We pray for strength for them as they struggle to comprehend these enormous losses in light of the hope we have as believers in Christ,” he said in a statement.

Impact of ACT Alliance of Christian Development Agencies

The ACT Alliance of Christian development agencies said today that the relief supply needs at evacuation sites were increasing adding that the sites were reporting a lack of food, water, electricity, health and hygiene kits, and blankets. The need for stoves had become “critical” following a drop in temperatures and the arrival of snow.

Also speaking, the advocacy officer for World Vision Japan, Mitsuko Sobata, said her organization is in one of the worst hit cities, Sendai describing the situation there as: “Last night, I visited one of the shelters housing some of the 340,000 people who have been evacuated around the city.

She continued: “Children are sleeping on cardboard with one blanket in freezing weather. It was very difficult for me to see that.”

World Vision Gathering Relief Supplies

According to her, World Vision is gathering relief supplies for thousands of people affected by the disaster and that a relief team was making its way today to the city of Tome, 250 miles north of Tokyo, to distribute clean water, blankets and other essentials to 4,500 survivors.

Head of emergencies at World Vision UK, Mark Bulpitt, said: “The sheer scale of this disaster is as bad as anything we’ve seen globally. Our experts on the ground are constantly assessing the situation and will focus on the specific needs of children, many of whom will be deeply affected by this experience.”

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Nigerian State Govts to Partner Smedan on Industrial Development Center | Newsflavor

Nigerian State Govts to Partner Smedan on Industrial Development Center Newsflavor

Philippines Experiences Mild Tsunami Waves

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

Philippines, a country located in the Southeast Asia on Friday experienced a very mild tsunami and left no damage or casualties even as lots of people fled the coastal areas for fear of being affected.

One of the floodings that devastated the Philippines in the past

This indication is contained in a report by the Agence France-Presse (AFP) adding that this is coming just few days away from the a massive quake and tsunami hit Japan, leaving untold casualties which is rising per day.

The report said waves of between 30 centimeters (one foot) and one meter (3.3 feet) were recorded across the length of the archipelago's east coast between 6:00 pm and 8:44 pm (1000-1244 GMT).

Speaking on this recent development, the Chief State Seismologist and director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology, RenatoRenato Solidum stated: "We have no intention of lowering the tsunami alert for the time being."

He confirmed that there has been no reported damage or casualties in the country stressing that the government warned communities all along its Pacific seaboard to flee inland hours after an 8.9 quake struck off Japan's main island.

Its President, Benigno Aquino's who spoke through a spokesman, Edwin Lacierda said the entire eastern seaboard up to 40 meters (131.2 feet) from the water's edge would be cleared of people as a precaution.

He noted that local officials had enforced the order by the time the first waves arrived at dusk adding that more than 2,500 families have been evacuated from two provinces. “The government had ordered the coasts of 19 provinces cleared.”

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Nigerian Traders Call for Establishment of National Commercial Courts

 BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

A group of Nigerian traders under the auspices of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) (http://www.nants.org/) has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to urgently establish the National Commercial Courts.


This call is contained in a statement by it National President, Mr. Ben Ukaoha Esq. adding that this is to facilitate the quick dispensation and resolution of purely (within the border) commercial disputes, particularly as concerns the implementation of regional policies in member states. This consideration would have a positive spill-over effect on intra-regional trade.

Mr. Ken Ukaoha Esq NANTS President

On the need for synergy between National Laws and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Treaty, he observed that there is greater need for synergy between national laws and ECOWAS Treaty and Protocols in other to fast-track compliance of the latter by member states.

In order to strengthen the legal department of NANTS, Ukaoha noted that the legal department of NANTS needs to be strengthened in order to formidably assist in seeking redress and/or represent traders in actionable matters in the Courts, particularly when and where their “rights to trade” are infringed upon through arbitrary imposition of rules.

Others are unnecessary delays of goods at the border resulting in loses to the importer/exporter, harassments of women cross border traders, illegal non-tariff barriers, etc.

He called for specific sanctions for member states that have more than the approved number of check points on border routes. One serious bane of integration in ECOWAS is the lack or absence of sanction mechanism to deter member states officials from the tendency of impunity and arbitrariness in operations and enforcement of rules or adherence to obligations.

According to him, there should be a developed regional emblem/sticker to be used on goods that have passed custom checks. This would reduce and or eliminate repeated checks which cause undue delays at the borders.

“In the same vein, Security arrangements at border points and along border routes should be harmonized to avoid multiple checks and harassment of importers," he stated.”

On ways to improved inter-agency coordination, NANTS National President said there should be greater inter-agency cooperation at the borders, particularly, between the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) of all member states.

“In fact, ECOWAS should work towards designing a proper coordination mechanism which binds the Customs of member states together even with frequent meetings with other agencies located at the border,” he further stated.

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Japan: Nigeria Sends Solidarity Message

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The Federal Government of Nigeria has sent a message of solidarity to the government and people of Japan over the last Friday’s tsunami and quake that devastated the Asian nation and resulted to the tragic loss of lives and property.

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Nigeria

This message is contained in letter by the Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and addressed to the Prime Minister Naoto KanNaoto Kan and made public on Friday, March 11.

In the letter President Jonathan conveyed the solidarity of the government and people of Nigeria with Japan as it strives to cope with the devastating aftermath of the colossal natural disaster and give relief to affected persons and areas.

Jonathan stated: “Our hearts go out to the families of all those who have lost their lives, as well as others who have suffered sundry injuries and losses in this disaster.”

“In expressing our solidarity with the Japanese government and people at this time, we pray to God Almighty for strength, succor and quick recovery in the affected areas,” the President wrote.

It’s to noted that Japan's massive earthquake rocked the northern part of the country with an 8.9 magnitude quake and then a 30-foot tall tsunami wave.

Analyst described it as Japan’s tsunami worst crisis since world war 11 and it’ll be observed that people across a devastated swath of Japan suffered for a third day Sunday without water, electricity and proper food, as the country grappled with the enormity of a massive earthquake and tsunami that has left untold hardship to the people.

Again two nuclear reactors have suffered partial meltdowns since the earthquake, while families around Japan's earthquake-ravaged region are reunited with loved ones.

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How 60-year Old Japanese Man Survived Tsunami

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

It was all songs of joy for a 60-year Japanese man who survived the tsunami that hit the country on Friday, by clinging to the swept-away remnants of his home on the sea for more than two days.


This revelation is contained in a report by Minami Sanriku of CNN adding that Hiromitsu Shinkawa who was found more than nine miles out of the sea simply declared: "I thought today was the last day of my life."

Hiromitsu Shinkawa waving to a rescue team picture by AP/Defence Ministry

He said that Shinkawa was found on Sunday March 13, 2011, by the rescue team, Maritime Self-Defense Force waving his hands to them and that when they spotted him, he was floating off the coast of Fukushima's Futaba town on the roof of his house after being swept away in a tsunami. He was in good condition.

Sanriku noted that amazing stories of survival began to emerge in Japan, even amid the horrific destruction of the massive quake and subsequent tsunami that has killed nearly 1,600, destroyed tens of thousands of homes and stoked fears of a potential nuclear power plant meltdown.

He said that a woman was found clinging to tree during tsunami, while other survivors were found in car in debris scattered all over the places.

According to Sanriku, three elderly people were found alive in a smashed car that had been tossed by the tsunami adding that another woman clung to branches in a tree and took her chances by grabbing onto a floor mat that drifted nearby.

“The rushing currents pushed her around and around, past many buildings. Her daughter was washed away and remains missing,” he stated.

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Ten Iraqi Soldiers Killed by Suicide Bomber

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

A suicide attacker in Baghdad rammed a truck loaded with heavy explosive thereby resulting to the death of ten soldiers, while 29 people were seriously wounded.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani

AFP report said that the incident occurred outside Iraqi army intelligence office in the country's east and that Diyala health directorate spokesman Faris al-Azawi said the blast which happened around 6 a.m. Monday had 14 other soldiers wounded.

According to the report, the suicide bomber drove his booby-trapped car past the security gate and blew up right outside the army battalion's headquarters in Kanan, east of the provincial capital of Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad.

Faris al-Azawi said emergency workers were frantically trying to rescue victims from beneath the rubble adding that a second bomb was discovered nearby but diffused by officials before it could explode.

Swiss Biostadt and Syngenta Partner to Boost Farmers’ Productivity

BY SUCCESS KANAYO UCHIME

The agricultural giants, Swiss Biostadt and Syngenta, are set to partner in order to seek fresh options that will boost farmers’ productivity, improve incomes and guarantee food security.


This indication is contained in a communiqué at the end of the training meeting between the two organizations held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria where the two firms made a survey of the Nigerian agro-ecological zones with a view to understanding emerging challenges faced by farmers.

African farmer working

Speaking during the meeting, the Head North and West Africa of Syngenta, Patrick Mirbey, said: “It became clear to us during the visits to farmers’ fields that pest and diseases are still a major challenge. Another is weeds and low on-farm productivity.”

He noted that across Africa, farmers suffer low productivity due to a plethora of problems that include inadequate availability of inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and poor extension services among others.

Poor Knowledge Frustrates Yields

According to him, in some cases where inputs are available, which is usually not the case, misapplication due to poor knowledge frustrates yields and place farmers in poverty adding that over the years, Swiss Biostadt and Syngenta have been providing crop improvement solutions by way of improved seeds, pesticides, and the training of farmers on improved agronomic practices.

“No doubt, this strategy has yielded result and we are reviewing how best farmers can access and adopt our new innovations and services,” Mirbey added.

He maintained that the training, which was attended by delivery specialists, agronomists and other company experts reviewed bottlenecks in the agricultural value chain and also marshaled out plans for a way forward.

The High Rate of Postharvest Losses

In his own contribution, Managing Director, Swiss Biostadt Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Ajayi said: “Again what we observed during the survey was the high rate of postharvest losses especially in vegetables.”

He emphasized that available data in Africa show that postharvest losses have remained a big constraint with estimate ranging from 50 percent and above depending on countries and crops. With a porous infrastructure, postharvest losses have been recorded even in famine-prone regions of the continent.

He noted that solutions on the table include the training of farmers on better use and application of pesticides, herbicides, and improved seeds. “What we are looking at, in postharvest for instance, is to offer farmers seed varieties with longer shelf life such that even without preservation facilities, their crops will not perish on time.

According to him, the two companies would continue to offer farmers genuine products and services stressing that the aim was to make the farmer happier by making agriculture more attractive, improving incomes and livelihoods. “At the end of the day, we want to make the life of the farmer better.”

About IITA

IITA is an international non-profit R4D organization since 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the CGIAR.

It develops agricultural solutions with its partners to tackle hunger and poverty. Its award winning research for development (R4D) is based on focused, authoritative thinking anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa.

The organization works with partners in Africa and beyond to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture.

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