US SUPPORTS SAVING MOTHERS, GIVING LIFE (SMGL) TEAM BUILDING 

 Last week Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) Initiative concluded a productive week-long, global team-building meeting, sponsored by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Calabar, Cross River State.

The five-year, $18 million USG initiative is a public-private partnership that addresses the three primary delays associated with maternal and newborn health: the delay in seeking services, the delay in reaching care, and the delay in receiving high-quality care at a health facility. In 2014, Nigeria became the third country to adopt the initiative after successes were reported by the program in Uganda and Zambia.

The meeting, organized by the Cross River State Government in partnership with USAID, brought together national and regional partners and key stakeholders to share updates on the progress of activities in Uganda and Zambia and guide inputs on expansion in Nigeria. The U.S. Consul General, John Bray, USAID Acting Mission Director, Aler Grubbs, and the Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Benedict Ayade participated in the opening ceremony. SMGL team members worked together to provide solutions to problems, share lessons learned, and lay the groundwork for increased collaboration and technical assistance.

“Health challenges in Nigeria are not always a result of limited access to facilities, but access to enough skilled professionals and quality services within those facilities.  Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative is helping reduce both maternal and neonatal mortality. We will continue to support and encourage the Cross River State Government in its efforts as we look to expanding the program into other areas in Nigeria,” said Consul General, John Bray.

A woman dying from pregnancy and childbirth related complications is a major challenge in Africa and reducing maternal mortality has become a global priority. In Nigeria, the probability of a maternal death occurring is 1:13. In partnership with host countries and non-governmental organizations, the U.S. Government has been working to not only reduce, but also end preventable maternal and newborn deaths globally.

US awards Public Diplomacy grant to Nigerians

US awards Public Diplomacy grant to Nigerians

by Prisca Sam-Duru

US Consulate General, Lagos has awarded a United States public diplomacy grant in 2016, to a 23 Nigerian recipients.

U.S. Consul General F. John Bray who gave out the awards yesterday at the Consulate, Lagos, disclosed that the grant was given because the recipients are working to solve hugely important problems for their communities in southern Nigeria.

He said, “Our 23 small grant recipients have been through a very competitive selection process. With mentors from the U.S. Consulate, these outstanding young women and men design and work on projects that improve the health, economic empowerment, education, and good governance of their communities.”

Finally, we are also recognizing a unique award to the Co-Creation Hub. The Co-Creation Hub is a partner of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria to set up and operate a new Priority American Space at their business incubation facility in Yaba, Lagos.

This Priority American Space will, when ready, be a publicly accessible space for Nigerians to access a broad range of information and materials about the United States and our culture, take part in English language learning, learn about opportunities to study in the United States, and especially to participate in programs on technology and entrepreneurship.

All told – taking our small grants, CYFI Fellowship program, and Priority American Space awards together – the United States Consulate General in Lagos has awarded approximately 381,220 U.S. dollars in Department of State funds to thirty recipients in 2016.

Finally, let me note that, by making these awards, we seek to increase the capacity of non-governmental organizations and individuals to strengthen communities – bringing more opportunity to more Nigerians through creative projects that have lasting benefits in society.”

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Nollywood, Kannywood tango in EbonyLife’s theatrical excellence

Nollywood, Kannywood tango in EbonyLife’s theatrical excellence 
  By  PRISCA SAM DURU

-FILM TIMES are changing in the world of entertainment and so is Nigeria’s movie industry. Since EbonyLife TV came on board with top notch blockbuster movies, the changes have become even more captivating and impactful. Always daring where others fret to thread, EbonyLife TV’s new political and cultural series, Sons Of The Caliphate, premiered last week, at Imax FilmHouse cinema, Lekki Lagos, with the mission  to banish the stereotypes about Northern Nigeria like never before. Created, written and produced by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya, and screen played by Sifa Asani Gowon,  ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, a 13-part drama series which  strum a unique thematic message, invites viewers into the rich, cultural and flamboyant aristocratic lifestyle of Northern Nigeria. Starring some of the biggest A-listers in both Nollywood and Kannywood such as Patrick Doyle, Mofe Duncan, Sani Muazu, Rahama Sadau, Paul Sambo, Yakubu Mohammed, Yvonne Hays etc, the  high profile movie showcases a part of the North which has remained in the dark for ages. 






Who would have believed the Northerners enjoy the lifestyle portrayed by Kowa Caliphate. And like never before, the drama brings out the best of Kannywood. Sons Of The Caliphate, a fantastic, intriguing production narrates in very spellbinding manner, events that make the Northern Caliphate State of Kowa tick. Elections in the state are fast approaching and as the tussle for the governorship seat goes into full gear, Alhaji Umar Loko(Patrick Doyle), former military Head of State and present political force in Kowa state, presented as a deadly politician and godfather in the region, busies himself with every known political schemings while grooming his own, Dikko to take over. As three rich, passionate and ambitious friends Kalifah, Nuhu, Dikko get caught in the dirty web of politics, the darkness of addiction and the obligations of family loyalty, Abuja-based stunning beauty, Binta Kutigi (Rahama Sadau), who runs an events management company called Binta’s Bespoke Events, joins the men to navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, assassinations, betrayals and love. Binta appears to be at the center of the entire drama. She however, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Nuhu and Dikko, and manages to befriend Naziha and Lottie in the process. Her cool, calm, friendly exterior serves well to conceal her flaw as a shrew. • A scene from one of the episodes of Sons Of the Caliphate Speaking shortly before the premiere, the CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, said “It is very important for us as Nigerians to share as many stories from as many parts of Nigeria as possible. A lot of hard work has gone into this particular project. We took on this gigantic task and we are so proud of the work we have done. We hope that you love the series. It is important that we tell our African story by ourselves. This is a material that must travel across the globe.” The Producer of the series Dimbo who was visibly excited with what Ebonylife TV did with the series said, “We knew that if we are going to tell a contemporary northern story, it had to be on a platform that celebrates the rich culture of Africa. And the northern part of Nigeria has a rich heritage and culture. A lot of people have this mindset about Northern Nigeria. There is the stereotype that the Northern Nigerian is all about chaos and fighting but really, there is so much beauty over there. We set out to do it and we did it right,” he said. In order to ensure that the production would not in anyway, step on northern belief, Dimbo explained that the services of a religious and cultural consultant were employed noting that he decided to tell a northern story from a different perspective which is outside the stereotypes of war and terrorism. TIMES are changing in     the world of entertainment and so is Nigeria’s movie industry. Since EbonyLife TV came on board with top notch blockbuster movies, the changes have become even more captivating and impactful. Always daring where others fret to thread, EbonyLife TV’s new political and cultural series, Sons Of The Caliphate, premiered last week, at Imax FilmHouse cinema, Lekki Lagos, with the mission  to banish the stereotypes about Northern Nigeria like never before. Created, written and produced by Dimbo and Karachi Atiya, and screen played by Sifa Asani Gowon,  ‘Sons of the Caliphate’, a 13-part drama series which  strum a unique thematic message, invites viewers into the rich, cultural and flamboyant aristocratic lifestyle of Northern Nigeria. Starring some of the biggest A-listers in both Nollywood and Kannywood such as Patrick Doyle, Mofe Duncan, Sani Muazu, Rahama Sadau, Paul Sambo, Yakubu Mohammed, Yvonne Hays etc, the  high profile movie showcases a part of the North which has remained in the dark for ages. Who would have believed the Northerners enjoy the lifestyle portrayed by Kowa Caliphate. And like never before, the drama brings out the best of Kannywood. Sons Of The Caliphate, a fantastic, intriguing production narrates in very spellbinding manner, events that make the Northern Caliphate State of Kowa tick. Elections in the state are fast approaching and as the tussle for the governorship seat goes into full gear, Alhaji Umar Loko(Patrick Doyle), former military Head of State and present political force in Kowa state, presented as a deadly politician and godfather in the region, busies himself with every known political schemings while grooming his own, Dikko to take over. As three rich, passionate and ambitious friends Kalifah, Nuhu, Dikko get caught in the dirty web of politics, the darkness of addiction and the obligations of family loyalty, Abuja-based stunning beauty, Binta Kutigi (Rahama Sadau), who runs an events management company called Binta’s Bespoke Events, joins the men to navigate the treacherous waters of corruption, assassinations, betrayals and love. Binta appears to be at the center of the entire drama. She however, finds herself in the middle of a love triangle with Nuhu and Dikko, and manages to befriend Naziha and Lottie in the process. Her cool, calm, friendly exterior serves well to conceal her flaw as a shrew. Speaking shortly before the premiere, the CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, said “It is very important for us as Nigerians to share as many stories from as many parts of Nigeria as possible. A lot of hard work has gone into this particular project. We took on this gigantic task and we are so proud of the work we have done. We hope that you love the series. It is important that we tell our African story by ourselves. This is a material that must travel across the globe.” The Producer of the series Dimbo who was visibly excited with what Ebonylife TV did with the series said, “We knew that if we are going to tell a contemporary northern story, it had to be on a platform that celebrates the rich culture of Africa. And the northern part of Nigeria has a rich heritage and culture. A lot of people have this mindset about Northern Nigeria. There is the stereotype that the Northern Nigerian is all about chaos and fighting but really, there is so much beauty over there. We set out to do it and we did it right,” he said. In order to ensure that the production would not in anyway, step on northern belief, Dimbo explained that the services of a religious and cultural consultant were employed noting that he decided to tell a northern story from a different perspective which is outside the stereotypes of war and terrorism.

Shafer record label debuts, hits airwaves with fresh, exciting singles

 Shafer record label debuts, hits airwaves with fresh, exciting singles

by Prisca Sam-Duru

Shafer, a brand new top notch record label which made its debut yesterday, appears set to unleash a whole new level of musical ingenuity into the Nigerian music scene especially owing to the motivational nature of its music.

Shafer is the brainchild of a South African-based entrepreneur, Isaiah Oyibo (Shafer), founded as a wholly independent music label on February 17th, 2016. 

Details, Later

African writers scared to delve into terrorism, jihad subjects-Udenwe

African writers scared to delve into terrorism, jihad subjects-Udenwe
 By Prisca Sam Duru 

EBONYI State born and Nigeria’s foremost conspiracy crime fiction writer and author Obinna Udenwe speaks about his first traditionally published work, Satans and Shaitans, a conspiracy crime thriller offering the most intriguing answers to some of the ugly events that have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape. “I didn't set out to write a book on terrorism, first I started in 2007 and by that time, it had a different title and it was about a girl and a boy who were in love and she was pregnant for him. I kept on working on that till 2011 and the story changed. By that time the effect of terrorism in Nigeria hit its climax so, I incorporated the plot that contains terrorism. Then the idea of occult organizations and terrorism came along as Nigeria continued to deteriorate into chaos.



 I finally decided to explore and merge both strands into one story with different twists. When you read the book you would notice two plots, the issue of terrorism and love. This was why my dad described the book as a love story set in the time of terrorism,” he said. Throwing light on why he chose such title for his book, Udenwe explained that “In Islam, Satan is called shaitan. In the book you have the Christians who are the followers of Jesus Christ and the moslems, followers of Prophet Mohammed. The two groups came together and formed a secret society called the Sacred Order of the Universal Forces and they control almost every sector of the country. They wanted to ensure that no other person aside them, rules Nigeria again so they established a terrorist organisation and the story goes on and on and at the end, there was crisis and the moslems called Christians shaitans while Christians called moslems, satans. “I’m an Islamic scholar so for a long time, I did research on books on Islam. I read the Holy Quoran several times. I got a gift of the Hadith from a friend, who also helped in the research. A lot of research went into writing the book, without which we would have published it earlier than we did. But we had to be sure of what we were doing. “African writers seem scared to delve into conspiracy and crime fiction, thrillers and others especially the ones that have to do with issues of terrorism, jihad etc. So I felt we needed to start experimenting on these areas. We need to bring to the fore the issue of terrorism which is really destabilising Nigeria especially in the North East and gradually coming to the south and nobody is talking about it. The book will help people realise fully the effect of insurgency on people’s normal life.” Title and the blurb The talented writer asserted “I think we are no longer going to continue to be scared of voicing out on these issues. If we are scared to talk about it, no one will help us do that and it will keep escalating. Well, since the book came out, we’ve been receiving a lot of scary advises from people rather than threats.” They advise that I should be mindful of how I should go about because they believe the terrorists will attack and the Christians will attack me because to some extent it indicts them. The book is liberal to both Christians and moslems, so there’s nothing to be scared of instead is people when they read the title and the blurb, they feel the author is not safe. But when you read the work you will appreciate it.”

Falana, Brymo, Bantu, others thrill guests at German Day

Falana, Brymo, Bantu, others thrill guests at German Day
 By Prisca Sam-Duru & Vera Samuel Anyagafu 

THIS is a season of  independence anniversaries of countries around the world. For weeks now, Embassies and Consulates in Nigeria have seized the opportunity of celebrating their independence, just as Nigeria marked her 56th year, to organize diverse activities to celebrate their freedom. In all of this, the 26th Day of German Unity held Monday, which has always stood out in terms of entertainment, was as usual, held amidst pomp and pageantry.   The recession didn’t affect the party that much and as usual entertainment was at the fore. It was indeed a long evening of super entertainment. This year, the show had Muson Centre band, supplying nonstop music as guests danced and sang along. They performed evergreen tunes from Sound of music and a medley of hits from Africa’s music legend, Mariam Makeeba. Guests will never forget in a hurry, the rendering of Nigeria’s and Germany’s national anthem by Victor Okoli. One would have thought that after Nigeria’s Anthem, a German would perform theirs but Okoli continued and gave members of the audience goose pimples. 

The clarity of his angelic voice made his rendition exciting and the crowd responded with resonating applause and whistling. As the party progressed, performing artists took centre stage and one after the other, gave the already excited crowd a good dose of what brought them to the party in the first place. All the way from Ghana was Gyedu Blay Ambolley, who delighted everyone with thrilling performances. New music sensation, Falana, award winning son of erudite lawyer, Femi Falana who has been making waves since  returning to Nigeria was on stage, giving excellent rendition of the best of his music. Also performing were Brymo and The Theosolites who dished out tunes from 2015 performance of Ade Bantu led Afropolitan Vibes. As a sign of unity and love for their host country, some Germans were dressed gorgeously in Nigeria’s attires especially  Yoruba traditional rulers’ attires. The national dresses added colour to the glamorous event. Declaring the party open, the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr. Ingo Herbert who implored all to enjoy the evening owing to the fact that Nigeria and Germany have reasons to celebrate, announced that very soon his Consulate will be launching a book on the history of Germany and Nigeria business relations. While noting that there are so many reasons the two countries should celebrate, Mr Herbert disclosed his country’s readiness to continue to work towards boosting Germany’s cultural relationship with Nigeria.

Ola’s creative documentation on developing Africa through entrepreneurship manual out

Ola’s creative documentation on developing Africa through entrepreneurship manual out 
 By Prisca Sam-Duru 

Judging by the simple fact that civilisation began in the continent of Africa which is sadly, today, the most backward, poverty-stricken, war-torn, disunited continent where there exists a huge gap between the leaders and the masses, one cannot help but wonder what went wrong. In all of these challenges confronting Africa, unemployment has played and is still playing a huge role in the continent’s underdevelopment. The labour force is largely dormant and the resultant effect is that they utilise their endowments to perpetuate criminal acts. This has been a major bane of Africa’s development. In Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, Ola Grace, a lawyer and an alumnus of the Enterprise Development Centre of the prestigious Pan- Atlantic University, Lagos, explicitly addresses the critical need for harnessing Africa’s enormous resources and endowments through entrepreneurship as well as business endeavours. 


Grace articulates and analyses the dynamics of entrepreneurship development, while positing that governments across the continent must ensure that entrepreneurship development is prioritised for any meaningful socio-economic growth to be recorded. Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, a handbook of 119 pages, is divided into three practical parts of varying lengths, that guide entrepreneurs, intending entrepreneurs and policymakers as they prepare to venture into private enterprise oriented economies to curb unemployment and generate wealth for speedy growth. Although the book lays emphasis on Africa’s development through entrepreneurship, it harps more on tackling local and international dynamics by catering for illiterate women in remote areas in addition to the teeming youths in cities. In a nutshell, the book with foreword written by a personality of no mean repute in the the world of entrepreneurial development, Professor Pat Utomi, as well as Dr Chance Glenn, Alabama, USA, in very strong terms, avers that the need for Africa to sharpen her tools of entrepreneurship so as to enjoy an economically vibrant population, is non-negotiable. Entrepreneurship, the book maintains, “has proven itself as a viable economic order that accommodates great and small businesses of all stripes.” Part 1 of the book examines the basics of entrepreneurial development and its relevance in the much desired development of the continent. With sub-titles such as Proem, Practical Insights in Entrepreneurship Development, A Quick Guide for Entrepreneurs, The Making of an Entrepreneur and Steps to Entrepreneurial success, the book presents elaborately, practical insights and guides for entrepreneurs stemming from the author’s decades long sojourn in the entrepreneurship terrain. Part two entitled Africa’s Entrepreneurship Agenda( 10 Dynamics for Entrepreneurship Development), documents salient propositions for Africa’s development “through a collaborative and integrated entrepreneurship development framework.” Although the word, underdevelopment, could comfortably serve as metonymy for Africa owing to how devastated the continent has been, this part of the book optimistically records that just as Singapore, China and some newly developed economies in Asia turned their woes to success, Africa can develop if economic activities increase. The book emphasises at this juncture that Africa is endowed with all needed resources for development which are unfortunately, left untapped. In the heading, Doing business in Africa, readers are awed by the figures representing the mineral resources and raw materials Africa has, as well as Africa’s billionaires; yet, the continent is retrogressing due to bad leadership. The author however, states that in spite of everything, there are lots of opportunities for entrepreneurs in all sectors. A Prototype standard Entrepreneurship Centre and Postscript which are documented in Part three, would be exceptionally pleasing to the readers as they deal with practical methods and strategies that entrepreneurs or aspiring ones can adopt and become successful in their ventures. The author deploys a very simple and succinct language spiced with references of individuals and countries that are thriving due to entrepreneurial development. With Our Entrepreneurship Mandate, Ola Grace is no doubt, confidently occupying a space in the guild of authors who have provided priceless insights into life-changing mechanisms for self reliance and socio-economic development. The book is a must read for students, entrepreneurs and policymakers.