Disagreement Over Ceasefire Deal (Boko Haram Leaders)

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Imam Shekau, and his deputy, Muhammad Marwana, have reportedly disagreed over the issue of dialogue and ceasefire with the federal government.

AfricCon Blog Report - Shekau, message sent through YouTube, said that that there was no dialogue or ceasefire pact with the federal government, but the deputy leader of the sect, Marwana, in his own statement disclosed to the Voice of America (VOA) that Shekau’s comment via YouTube was his personal opinion and not that of the sect.

 “Shekau speaks his own opinion,” he told the VOA.

Marwana, in a comment he sent to the VOA via email, he said the sect was fully ready to meet with the committee on dialogue.

He stated some of the actions the security agencies took against Shekau’s  family and said, “That is why we took verdict for retaliation.”

Marwana, however, said: “There is a need to meet with the committee and let’s forgive one another and make sure that there is no rivalry between us and the populace.”

Marwana also urged Nigerians to shun any statement made by Shekau, especially as they relate to attacks.

“Anybody that hears issue of attack from Abubakar Shekau should go and sleep; nothing will happen by the grace of God,” he added.

The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Imam Shekau, and his deputy, Muhammad Marwana, have reportedly disagreed over the issue of dialogue and ceasefire with the federal government.
Shekau, message sent through YouTube, said that that there was no dialogue or ceasefire pact with the federal government, but the deputy leader of the sect, Marwana, in his own statement disclosed to the Voice of America (VOA) that Shekau’s comment via YouTube was his personal opinion and not that of the sect.
 “Shekau speaks his own opinion,” he told the VOA.
Marwana, in a comment he sent to the VOA via email, he said the sect was fully ready to meet with the committee on dialogue.
He stated some of the actions the security agencies took against Shekau’s  family and said, “That is why we took verdict for retaliation.”
Marwana, however, said: “There is a need to meet with the committee and let’s forgive one another and make sure that there is no rivalry between us and the populace.”
Marwana also urged Nigerians to shun any statement made by Shekau, especially as they relate to attacks.
“Anybody that hears issue of attack from Abubakar Shekau should go and sleep; nothing will happen by the grace of God,” he added.
- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/220713/boko-haram-leaders-disagree-over-ceasefire#sthash.mtPFcOzH.dpuf

The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Imam Shekau, and his deputy, Muhammad Marwana, have reportedly disagreed over the issue of dialogue and ceasefire with the federal government.
Shekau, message sent through YouTube, said that that there was no dialogue or ceasefire pact with the federal government, but the deputy leader of the sect, Marwana, in his own statement disclosed to the Voice of America (VOA) that Shekau’s comment via YouTube was his personal opinion and not that of the sect.
 “Shekau speaks his own opinion,” he told the VOA.
Marwana, in a comment he sent to the VOA via email, he said the sect was fully ready to meet with the committee on dialogue.
He stated some of the actions the security agencies took against Shekau’s  family and said, “That is why we took verdict for retaliation.”
Marwana, however, said: “There is a need to meet with the committee and let’s forgive one another and make sure that there is no rivalry between us and the populace.”
Marwana also urged Nigerians to shun any statement made by Shekau, especially as they relate to attacks.
“Anybody that hears issue of attack from Abubakar Shekau should go and sleep; nothing will happen by the grace of God,” he added.
- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/220713/boko-haram-leaders-disagree-over-ceasefire#sthash.mtPFcOzH.dpuf

The Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Imam Shekau, and his deputy, Muhammad Marwana, have reportedly disagreed over the issue of dialogue and ceasefire with the federal government.
Shekau, message sent through YouTube, said that that there was no dialogue or ceasefire pact with the federal government, but the deputy leader of the sect, Marwana, in his own statement disclosed to the Voice of America (VOA) that Shekau’s comment via YouTube was his personal opinion and not that of the sect.
 “Shekau speaks his own opinion,” he told the VOA.
Marwana, in a comment he sent to the VOA via email, he said the sect was fully ready to meet with the committee on dialogue.
He stated some of the actions the security agencies took against Shekau’s  family and said, “That is why we took verdict for retaliation.”
Marwana, however, said: “There is a need to meet with the committee and let’s forgive one another and make sure that there is no rivalry between us and the populace.”
Marwana also urged Nigerians to shun any statement made by Shekau, especially as they relate to attacks.
“Anybody that hears issue of attack from Abubakar Shekau should go and sleep; nothing will happen by the grace of God,” he added.
- See more at: http://leadership.ng/news/220713/boko-haram-leaders-disagree-over-ceasefire#sthash.mtPFcOzH.dpuf

Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer

AfricCon Transfers Update
Report Says; Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer as Real Madrid remain hopeful that the Portuguese international will agree to a new contract which will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2018

Blogspot - Ronaldo set the Spanish side on the way to an impressive 6-0 win away at Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly, scoring the game’s opening two goals and generally stealing the show, with his first, a characteristic long-range free-kick, drawing applause from the Dean Court crowd.

Although it is widely known that Manchester United have been working exceptionally hard this summer on a potential purchase of their old star, Ancelotti insisted his future is at Real Madrid.

“I think Ronaldo is the most important player of this team, the player with the best quality. Everyone knows him,” Ancelotti said. “I think we have to help him every time to do his best because if he can do his best it’s a great opportunity for this season.”

Courts Convict 1,014 Drug Offenders In 6 Months

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: Courts of competent jurisdictions across the country have convicted 1014 suspects of drug trafficking and addiction in the first half of this year.

AfricCon Blog Report - The statistics of monthly convictions obtained by AfricCon Blogspot showed that in January there were 220 convictions, February 241, March 148, April 144, May 113, June 148.

The statistics also showed that the Kano state command of the NDLEA topped the list with 150 convicts followed by Lagos state command (97), while Plateau (68), and Adamawa (58).

However, there were no convictions in Benue, Nasarawa, Sokoto and Taraba state commands in the last six months, as well as Port Harcourt airport.

Other convictions include: NDLEA Headquarters (6), Lagos airport 53, Abia State Command 5 Adamawa 58, Anambra 2, Akwa Ibom 16, Bauchi 13, and Bayelsa 5.

Other convicted offenders include: Borno 10, Cross River 14, Delta 23, Ebonyi 15, Edo 25, Ekiti 12, Enugu 13, FCT Abuja 30, Gombe 19, Imo 18, Jigawa 30, Kaduna 25, Katsina 39, and Kebbi 52.

In Kogi State Command, the courts convicted 24 drug offenders, Kwara 9, Lagos 44, Niger 26, Ogun 47, Ondo 14, Osun 45, Oyo 28, Rivers 40 Yobe (4) Zamfara 16, Seme border Command 9, Abuja Airport 6, and Kano Airport Command 1.

AfricCon Blogspot investigation revealed that in 2012, NDLEA successfully prosecuted 1,720 persons.

The courts however discharged and acquitted 18 others while 660 cases were pending as at December 31, 2012.

Project Director Needed At BBC Media Action

Job Vacancy At BBC Media Action
Job Title: Project Director

Our Client:
BBC Media Action (BBC MA) is the charitable arm of the World Service established by the BBC.
BBC Media Action uses media and communications to reduce poverty and promote human rights in developing countries.

To achieve this, BBC Media Action partners with civil society, local media and governments to:
Produce creative programmes based on robust research in multi-media formats which inform and engage audiences around key development issues.
Strengthen the media sector through building professional capacity and infrastructure.

At present, BBC Media Action in Nigeria has several multi-year projects addressing issues of health and governance through different outputs including factual and drama.
We will be looking to develop new projects in 2013-14.
(Salary for both positions range from N600, 000.00 gross per month)

BSC Media Action is looking for interested/motivated candidates to join the Team as:

Job Title: Project Director.
Job Type: 1 year With Possibility Of Renewal

Job Purpose:
We require a dynamic Project Director with a highly developed understanding of media and development together with solid management skills to ensure delivery of our projects. The Project Director is a member of the Senior Management Team, and will be responsible for the overall management and delivery of a new project on family health in Nigeria.
The project will utilise the power of media to tackle issues of maternal and child health, including exploring the potential of mobile platforms to deliver health content to families and health workers.
The Project Director will make sure the agreed targets and objectives are met while ensuring the quality and cohesion of project outputs.
This will include managing a dedicated project team and working closely with the Senior Projects Manager and Executive Editor to implement different elements of the project.
This post will also ensure that all relevant departments are kept a--- of project timelines in order that all necessary support and reporting are delivered at the appropriate time within the project.

The Project Director will be responsible for overseeing financial management of the project and reporting on editorial and operational progress to the Country Director and liaising with the relevant teams in the London headquarters and donors.
In close coordination with the Country Director, the Project Director will represent Media Action in country to key stakeholders and will ensure effective relationships and partnerships with a wide range of partners including broadcasters, NGDs, international development agencies, government coordinating bodies, mobile operators, and others.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Country Director, to take responsibility for overseeing the planning and implementing of all activities for a new project on family health.
To help recruit, lead, and manage a diverse team of staff and consultants in order to meet agreed objectives, including developing staff skills where necessary so that they are able to make an effective contribution to planned activities.
To ensure that the design and implementation of project activities adhere to work plan and donor commitments and remain in line with BBC editorial standards and values and Media Action's best practice. To negotiate and mediate if conflicting views/ priorities arise within the project, working through these to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
To participate in the design and coordination of monitoring and evaluation and conduct regular feedback sessions, adjusting project delivery as necessary upon approval.
To manage project budgets and ensure the delivery of the outputs is in accordance with that budget and in line with Media Action's financial procedures and the funder's operating guidelines.
To develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including other actors in the health sector, mobile industry, and broadcast media, etc., and ensure these relationships are managed effectively.
To support business development activities. This will involve working with the Country Director and local staff to pursue appropriate funding opportunities in country, as well as working as part of a global team responding to international and sub-regional funding opportunities.
To work with the other BBC Media Action staff in country and in London to identify training priorities linked to the needs of staff, including greater development of in-house capacity, and ensure that training meets Media Action's high standards.
To lead the reporting of progress, both internally to the BBC and externally to partners, the donor, and other interested parties.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience Requirements:
Experience of senior project management in a developing country context with demonstrated capacity to manage large-scale projects effectively.
Experience of managing diverse teams, preferably within a developing country context, at a level which demonstrates experience in developing and leading on systems and processes, mentoring, and delegating as appropriate.
Strong financial management skills, with proven experience managing large budgets, including accurate and timely reporting to donors.
Ability to work on own initiative and organise time effectively within a range of often conflicting, juggle competing priorities to meet the agreed strategy.
The ability to forge strong working relations quickly and gain the trust of partners in other international NGDs, in government. in media houses, and elsewhere.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable:
Knowledge of regional and international current affairs
Experience working in Africa, preferably Nigeria, or at least awareness of its geopolitics, culture. religions etc.
A proven track-record in international development; experience in the use of media to achieve development goals is an advantage and is highly desirable.

Applicants with extremely sound ideas, but little media experience will be considered on evidence of creativity and potential.
Demonstrable creative ability or ability to manage and harness creative talents of staff, with a proven track-record in project design development and implementation.
Awareness of the BBC's editorial values and an instinct for how to apply these to media development projects,
Knowledge of the media development and media for development fields.
Knowledge of the health sector, particularly familiarity with maternal and childhood health initiatives.

Key Competencies:
Managing relationships and team work - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people.
Works cooperatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively.
Values individual's differences and, demonstrates a commitment to knowledge sharing and informal learning, for the benefit of the team.
Strategic thinking - Able to identify a vision and create plans for implementation of that vision to meet the end goal.
Evaluates situations, decisions, and issues in the short, medium and long-term Leadership - Ability to inspire others to realize an identified vision.
Analytical Thinking – Able to simplify complex problems, processes or projects into component parts, explore and evaluate them systematically.
Able to identify causal relationships, and construct frameworks for problem solving and/or development.
Planning and Organisation - Able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others; planning of activities taking into account all the relevant issues and factors such asDUE DATE:s, staffing and resources requirements. ..
Residence - Can maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or when dealing with provocative situations.
Can demonstrate an approach to work that is characterised by commitment, motivation and energy.
Decision Making - Able to take the initiative, originate action and be responsible for the consequences of the decision made.
Communication - able to get one's message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information. Highly-developed written and verbal skills. Listens, encourages discussions and two way communication.
Flexibility - adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups.
Able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one's own organisation or job requirements.
Mentoring - is able to recognise potential (managerial, professional, artistic or otherwise) and is willing to foster the development of that potential, creates a climate in which potential can be realised

To Apply:
Interested candidates should please send in their application/cover letter with an introduction and capability statement stating capability for the job, a detailed curriculum vitae (word document please) with names and addresses of at least 2 professional referees (including their telephone, fax and email addresses) not later than 6th August 2013 to: hrnigeria@bbcmediaaction.org  with the position applied for clearly stated on the application letter:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pregnant Woman, 3 Students Die In Auto Crash

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: Three students of a privately owned computer school around Mosogar, Delta State and a pregnant woman were yesterday killed in auto crash along the expressway after the Toyota Corolla car they were on-board with registration number AA 231 XX heading towards Warri in the early hours had its front tire burst.

AfricCon Blog Report - Eye witness said the accident occurred when the vehicle which was on high speed attempted to overtake a trailer heading towards Warri and as a result of the burst of the front tire the car somersaulted into the bush.

The driver however was said to have survived the accident.

Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity have berated drivers over reckless driving on the expressway adding that several accidents have occurred in the area due to reckless driving and over speeding.

Family sources said the late pregnant woman was barely a year old in her marriage before the cold hands of death snatched her away.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) who did not want their names in the print said the corpse of the victims was taken to the General Hospital Sapele where the driver is also being treated.

BBC Media Action... Recruiting Executive Editor

Employer: BBC Media Action
Vacancy: Executive Editor

Our Client:
BBC Media Action is the independent international charity of the BBC which uses media to advance development worldwide.

As part of one of the world’s leading media organisations, we are committed to improving the quality of people’s lives in developing and transitional countries through our innovative use of media.
We do this through our focus on health, governance, livelihoods, climate change and humanitarian response.
We work in partnerships that include governments, broadcasters, civil society institutions, donor agencies and international Non Governmental Organisations  (NGO’s).

Nigeria you will be managing multi-year projects which holds a responsibility for delivering our broadcast media outputs in Nigeria.

BBC Media Action, Nigeria looking to employ suitable qualified candidate to fill the vacant post of Executive Editor.

Vacancy - Executive Editor - Needed

Job Responsibility:
This role will expect you to raise and maintain editorial and technical quality across all programme content.
You will be working with the Senior Projects Manager, ensuring the teams have realistic goals and objectives.
You’ll communicate your creative input for all new productions.
The position needs you to complete recruitment for any new covers required.
You will help shape a coherent social media strategy and build the capacity of the team to deliver outstanding content.
You will work within financial and administration guidelines, ensuring this also upholds with donor requirements.
You’ll also advise and support the Country Director and Senior Projects Manger to manage risk related to production.

Requirements:
You will have previous experience of managing teams delivering radio and multi-platform outputs.
You will also have a skill in using radio and/ or TV production and preferably digital and mobile media You will also have a keen interest in and knowledge of development issues.
This role needs you to have a creative ability, with a proven track record in designing, developing and making programmes.
You will have experience of project planning, coupled with experience of project management to tight deadlines.
You’ll have worked with large budgets.
This position needs you to have previously designed training for production teams.
You will have good working relationships with external partners, along with having excellent interpersonal skills.
You will have previously managed and lead successful teams.
You’ll also have written plans and reports for internal and external audiences.

Package Description:
24 Months Fixed Term Contract

Grade: 9

Click Here To Apply Online

Health Service Bill Signs Into Law By Dickson

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: The Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has signed into law the Bayelsa State Health Service Bill, saying it has provided a legal backing for the establishment of a credible functional and sustainable health scheme for the public servants.

AfricCon Blog Report - Governor Dickson also ordered the remittance of N100million monthly from the state government account for the funding of the scheme in the state and gave a draft of N500million to the management board of the scheme as take-off grant.

Dickson said the scheme was primarily targeted at the public servants in the state and that they are automatic subscribers to the scheme.

He said, “The board will come up with a scheme of premium whereby different people at different grades in our public service will pay and subscribe to it.

“Irrespective of what they get because of the importance we attach to this programme and the need to ensure its sustainability, government of this great state, apart from the initial N500 million deposit that we are going to give to them, we will also make a monthly payment to the fund of N50 to N100 million every month”.

Dickson urged the private sector to take advantage of the scheme, pointing out that the ongoing diagnostic centre, when completed, would provide public servants access to free medical check-up once in a year.

He solicited the partnership of the federal government in the area of training of manpower in the medical field as his administration strives to ensure that public servants have access to good medical care.

5 suspected Gunmen Killed In Kaduna

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: No fewer than five gunmen suspected to be members of an unknown militant group  were killed by local residents in southern Kaduna in the early hours of yesterday.

AfricCon Blog Report - Sahara Reporters also reports that  the fierce fight happened in an area known as Fadan Kaje, close to Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf local government area.

A source added that the gunmen had specialized in carrying out night attacks in the volatile southern Kaduna area of Kaduna State.

According to the source, some of the locals who repelled the attacks suffered some injuries.

Several residents told SaharaReporters that the whole area was agog with gunshots throughout the night.

A security source said, “We are still gathering information from the scene, but the fact is that about five of the gunmen who attacked the village have been killed by the indigenes of the area.”

He added that this was the first time gunmen menacing the area suffered casualties since they commenced their guerrilla attacks.

A retired senior military officer who lives in the area, when contacted by telephone from New York, said he was aware of the development but added that he had not been briefed about the casualties suffered by the gunmen. “Their luck finally ran out,” said the retired officer.

Last Thursday, another set of gunmen attacked a police station and killed two officers in Kaura town, close to the scene of yesterday’s gun battle.

Snakes Kill 200 People In Bauchi Aftermath Of 2012 Flood

AfricCon Blogspot – News

Report Says: The devastating flood that ravaged most communities along the banks of River Benue in October 2012, not only washed away houses and farmlands in Duguri district of Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi State,
but also brought with it some species of dangerous snakes which to date have killed more than 200 people in the district.


AfricCon Blog Report - Duguri district is 136 kilometres away from Bauchi, the state capital, and 120 kilometres from Alkaleri, the local government headquarters.

According to the district head of Duguri, which is surrounded by villages such as Geji, Yuli, Shafa, Gamu, Dogon-Ruwa, Bogos, Rimi, Kukuri, Keffi, Talan, Geji-Gamu, Kunzum, Yalam, Sabonlayi, Kungimbar, Gyel, Anguwar-Gebi, Bunn, Sabon Gari, Yumi, Bayek, and Gobir, Adamu Mohammed, “we have lost over 200 people in this district since the floods of last year to date.”

..
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES last Thursday, the village head of nearby Shafa village, Adamu Abdullahi, said, “even yesterday, someone was bitten by a snake while working on his farm and he died on the way to the hospital. In fact I also lost my daughter, Sadiqa, after she was bitten by a puff adder (an African viper specie) while sleeping in her room. She died in less than 15 minutes after she was bitten. She was 14 years old.”

A resident of Duguri, Abubakar Umar, told PREMIUM TIMES that the snakes have killed and continue to kill residents of the affected villages but added that the villagers have also intensified efforts to “hunt the snakes and kill them,” after realising that government help is not forth coming.

“The incident of snake bites has reduced a little, because we have intensified in killing them. The Cobra specie is the one that has been killing our people since last year,” he said, adding that, “I can confidently tell you that over 360 persons died from snake bites in Duguri and surrounding villages from last year to date. That is not forgetting those who lost their limbs. Most of them were amputated at the General Hospital, Bauchi,” he said.

Speaking in similar vein, the Galadima of Duguri, Mallam Yusuf, said over 200 people in Duguri alone lost either a hand or part of their leg.

“The story is the same in all the villages in the district,” he said.

According to the district head of Shafa, “Since this disaster befell us, there is no family that has not lost a loved one to these snakes and I am talking of about 10 villages with a population of over 14,000,” he said.

According to the district head, victims of snake bite who survive are usually taken to the General Hospital in Kaltungo, Gombe State, where the hospital had dedicated a ward for the treatment of venomous snake bites.

 “Whoever is lucky to make it to Kaltungo is treated in only two days and then they return home,” he added.

The district head of Shafa, Mr. Mohammed and the Galadima of Duguri, Mr. Yusuf, told PREMIUM TIMES that the residents of the districts are predominantly peasant farmers and the snakes’ invasion has made it almost impossible for them to cultivate their farms.

When former information minister, Dora Akunyuli led a presidential subcommittee on flood relief and rehabilitation to Duguri district in November last year, she promised the people that samples of the snakes would be taken to determine the appropriate anti-venom vaccines and appealed to the villagers to exercise patience but the Galadima of Duguri said, “we have not heard from the federal government till date and just like she said we are in danger now. The snakes have killed over 200 of our people since her team left us.”

Repeated efforts made to speak to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Sani Malami, were unsuccessful. After several calls and text messages for one week, Mr. Malami responded to a short message on Thursday, saying, “I am travelling from Abuja at the moment, will speak when I get to Bauchi”.

Several calls to his mobile phone since then have been unanswered.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened his pre-season campaign with Two Goals

AfricCon Blogspot – News
Match Report Says:  
Bournemouth 0 vs 6 Real Madrid CF

 Blog -  Club Friendlies Matches-2013 Team: Bournemouth vs Real Madrid live Date : Sunday, July 21, 2013


(Sporting Alert) — Cristiano Ronaldo opened his pre-season campaign with another trademark free-kick for Real Madrid in the first half of their friendly game at English Championship side Bournemouth FC on Sunday

Ronaldo fired home a free-kick into the bottom corner of the goal after 22 minutes much to the delight of his global followers who celebrated with him as well.

The Portugal international also added a second in the 41 minutes, picking off a poor touch from a defender in the back and then cooly rounded Darryl Flahavan before slotting home the ball.

Midfielder Sami Kedira made it 3-0 two minutes before the half-time break as Carlo Ancelotti side took a commanding lead into the interval.

Bournemouth 0 vs 6 Real Madrid CF



 C. Ronaldo 21′

C. Ronaldo 40′

Sami Khedira 43′

Gonzalo Higuaín 46′

Ángel Di María 67′

Casemiro 82′