How to use Social media to get a job

Recent grads know how to use social
media for personal matters—to chat
with friends, to find information, and
to coordinate events—but not when it
comes to using online networks to find
a job.
They just don’t know where to start,
and no one at their respective
academic institutions is helping them.
So here are four ways to use social
media to find that first job. (Keep in
mind, social media should not be the
primary way to find a job—simply a set
of tools.)
Establish a digital home base.
For many, this is going to be LinkedIn.
For a much smaller number of
students/grads, this could be a blog.
Let’s start with LinkedIn, as that’s
the “home base” for the lion’s share
of grads. What’s interesting is the
amount of recent grads with no
LinkedIn profile at all. If you fall in
that camp, change that ASAP.
LinkedIn is often the first place
hiring managers and HR reps will look
for information about you. When they
look and find nothing (or an incomplete
profile), what do you think that says
about you? A complete, optimized
LinkedIn profile is table stakes in
today’s job search environment.
Students don’t have a lot of job
experience to list, but that’s no
excuse. List jobs you had in college
(both relevant to PR, and those that
don’t seem to be). List professional
organizations you’re a part of (PRSA,
etc.). Include widgets for your blog
and Slideshare (for presentations you
may have given in school or as part of
PRSA, etc.). Be sure to have a short,
punchy summary, and share stories/
links on LinkedIn regularly—it proves
you’re an “active participant” on the
social network. Employers like active
participants.
Bonus points: Ask a couple of your
favorite professors—and maybe even a
student leader or two—to write you a
recommendation. Very few recent
grads have online recommendations,
given their lack of professional
experience, so this is a nice way to
distinguish yourself from the
competition.
Start a blog today.
One of the refrains I hear from
college students is: “I’d like to start
a blog, and know it’s important, but
would I blog about?” My response:
Anything. Blog about PR. Blog about
cookies. Blog about running.
Start blogging now. Why? For several
reasons:
1. It’ll hone your writing skills.
Blogging two or three times a
week will help you become a
better writer—a key skill among
younger pros.
2. It’ll also help you refine your
creative process (coming up with
two or three posts a week isn’t
easy). The longer you blog, the
more it shows deep commitment.
(Keeping a blog running also isn’t
easy.)
3. It’ll also give you a great tool
to use during the interview.
What better way to showcase
your writing than to show the
potential employers samples from
your blog? You could even write
posts about the potential
employer prior to your interview
that you could showcase in the
interview (5 reasons COMPANY X
is doing a great job with PR). I
mean, what employer wouldn’t
love that in an interview?
The big X factor here is
differentiation. How many recent
grads have longstanding blogs? I’m
guessing not many. One in 10 maybe?
Be among the elite 10 percent.
Increase your hiring odds. Start a
blog.
Use Twitter to network and show your
personality.
I often tell students that if I were
22, I would be thrilled with the
current environment. Why? Because
tools like Twitter have completely
flattened the playing field and put me
on the same level with my peers.
With Twitter, you now have access to
CEOs of agencies, HR specialists at
Fortune 500 companies, and other
employees who might work for the
employer you’re targeting. That simply
didn’t exist when I graduated. I had
little idea who many of those people
were.
Now,you can talk to them in real-time
online whenever you’d like. Now, I’ll
grant you, getting their attention can
be a challenge, but the opportunity is
there. Grab it.
Start Twitter lists of agencies you’re
targeting in your job search. Start
another list for employees who work
at that agency (cross-reference with
LinkedIn, and use Google to find
Twitter accounts). Start yet more
lists to find recruiters at companies/
agencies you’re targeting; you can
also follow #happo for job referrals
every day on Twitter. Twitter is the
ultimate door-opener—use it to meet
colleagues before the interview, as a
precursor to coffee meet-ups, and as
a way to get to know others in the PR
industry.
Use social media to build a real
network.
It’s great to have 10,000 followers on
Twitter, but do you know what’s
better? To have a network of people in
your local community willing to help you
at a moment’s notice. Ask my friend
Heather Cmiel, who recently relied on
her network to help her get a gig at
Bellmont Partners PR.
Use social tools such as Twitter,
LinkedIn, and your blog to grow that
“in person” network? How? By using
Twitter and LinkedIn as door openers
to coffees—where you can really
connect with people.
Remember, you’re most likely going to
find that first job (and subsequent
jobs) via your in-person network—
those people you’ve met face to face,
who know your full name, who know a
bit about your experience, who believe
in you. That kind of depth can’t be
cultivated on Twitter or LinkedIn
alone, but you can use those tools to
have people meet you in person, so you
can nurture that kind of relationship.
Remember, once you do get a few
coffee meet-ups, don’t treat them
lightly. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Twitter/LinkedIn are door-openers.
The coffee meet-up is an entrée, and
it’s up to you to close the deal.

posted from Bloggeroid

Its official BBM for Android its here(septenber 21/2013)

App will be free and available for
devices running Ice Cream Sandwich
and higher
BBM for Android (and iOS) is certainly
one of the most popular ideas to come
out of Waterloo in a while. There have
been tons of rumors and speculation,
but BlackBerry has finally set a date —
September 21 for Android, September
22 for iOS.
The app, which will be free for folks
running ICS (Android 4.x) or higher,
has plenty of the same features that
have made it a favorite among
BlackBerry fans. Here are the
highlights, in handy bullet-point form:
BBM Chat – Enjoy real, immediate
conversations with friends on
Android, iPhone and BlackBerry
smartphones. Not only does BBM let
you know that your message has
been delivered and read, it also
shows you that your friend is
responding to the message.
More than chat – With BBM you can
share files on your phone such as
photos and voice notes, all in an
instant.
Keep your group in the loop – Multi-
person chats are a great way to
invite contacts to chat together.
BBM Groups lets you invite up to 30
friends to chat together, and go a
step further than multi-chat by
sharing photos and schedules. And,
with Broadcast Message, you can
send a message out to all your BBM
contacts at once.
Post Updates and stay in the know
– BBM lets you post a personal
message, profile picture and your
current status, and lets your
contacts know instantly in Updates.
Your unique PIN – Every BBM user
has a unique PIN that maintains
your privacy, so you don’t have to
give out your phone number or
email address to a new or casual
contact.
In addition, BlackBerry says video and
voice calling are planned for the
Android version in the future.
The app is insanely popular across the
globe. In fact, it's enough to have
kept people on the BlackBerry platform
while others have migrated away in
droves to offerings from Google and
Apple. Will the app have the same
popularity on platforms where it has
some serious competition is the
question everyone is asking. We don't
have that answer, but you can bet
some of us here will be giving it the
old college try.
Source: BlackBerry

posted from Bloggeroid

6 Things that pr pros can learn from vladimir putin

It raised eyebrows when Russia
seemed to seize the communications
initiative on Syria, picking up on a
stray comment by U.S. Secretary of
State John Kerry to call for a
diplomatic solution to the mess. But
it’s downright shocking that Russian
President Vladimir Putin made his case
with a bylined column in The New York
Times Wednesday (a piece placed by PR
firm Ketchum).
In calling for restraint in the use of
military force in Syria, Putin suggests
that the use of poison gas that killed
thousands was actually perpetrated by
Syrian rebels—an accusation that the
White House immediately shot down.
But Putin’s reasonable tone and
elegant language make such a “false
flag” attack almost credible.
It is in Putin’s final paragraph that
the former KGB strongman really lets
loose and shows his communications
chops. In what seems a direct
response to President Obama’s
Tuesday address, he challenges the
concept of American exceptionalism.
Pushing back against Obama’s earlier
reference to what makes our nation
different, Putin warns that it is
“extremely dangerous” to encourage
people to see themselves as
exceptional and reminds us that “we
are all different, but when we ask for
the Lord’s blessings, we must not
forget that God created us equal.”
Astonishing, considering the source: A
man whose government has taken a
shellacking in recent months over a
highly restrictive anti-gay law and for
silencing critics thereof.
The U.S. response to the editorial has
been cynical, but from a
communications perspective, the piece
is very instructive. Putin and his PR
handlers have done several things that
can be very effective when making a
case in public.
Find common ground. The Russian
president opens by reminding us of
historic bonds between our two
nations and our many shared
accomplishments. He even tries to
soften us up by mentioning the Nazis.
Reframe the argument. Putin
describes the Syrian conflict not as a
struggle for democracy— that most
precious of American ideals—but as an
ethnic and religious war abetted by
mercenaries.
[RELATED: Learn to write
smarter at our PR Writers
Summit.
]
Sow seeds of doubt and fear. In a
calm, reasoned tone, Putin suggests
that the U.S. version of events does
not correspond to reality. More
skillfully, he expresses concern for
the consequences of Syrian military
action.
Exploit weakness. As if on behalf of
the American people, Putin questions
why we would want to “repeat the
mistakes” of the past by becoming
embroiled in the Syrian conflict. Of
course, this echoes many domestic
discussions, and he knows that very
well.
Invoke core values. He then cites the
prized American ideal of equality for
all people, our most cherished core
value, and turns it upside down to
make his case for non-intervention.
Even bolder, he invokes America’s
tradition of religious freedom and our
Judeo-Christian tradition by
mentioning God.
Bypass intermediaries. In his
editorial, Putin mounts his appeal
directly to the American people. That’s
another reason why his closing
paragraph, as disingenuous as it may
be, is so resonant.
Dorothy Crenshaw is CEO and creative
director of Crenshaw Communications.
She has been named one of the public
relations industry’s 100 Most
Powerful Women by PR Week. A version
of this story originally appeared on
her agency's ImPRessions blog.

posted from Bloggeroid

AN article on D'banj written by the NewYork Times

Famous magazine, The New York
Times did a review of his latest
album, DKM and here is what
they had to say: -
D’Banj is one of the great African
pop stars of the past decade, a
charming singer but, more
important, a savvy showman.
For years, this Nigerian singer
was at the center of the Mo’Hits
Records stable, but now he’s
struck out on his own with a new
label and the compilation
“D’Banj Presents DKM (D’ King’s
Men)” (DB/G.O.O.D./Sony).
It’s an alluring contemporary
pop album with an emphasis on
king-size dance music, like the
militarily efficient “Don’t Tell Me
Nonsense” and the flash of last
year’s excellent smash hit “Oliver
Twist.”
D’Banj is also a savvy synthesizer
of the old and new Africa, as on
“(We the Best),” a duet with the
Congolese singer Fally Ipupa.
But really, D’Banj has his eye on
the world; he’s signed to Kanye
West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint,
and the lovely “Scape Goat (The
Fix)” features what’s certainly
the most cheerful version of Mr.
West you’ll hear this year, or any
year.courtesy Infoemation Nigeria.org

posted from Bloggeroid

The top 20 richest nigerians presently:(

This trend of various list is really
getting annoying and boring,
but…… we still like to know
right?!?
So, here goes the list of top 20
Nigerian billionaires presently.
The list was based on:
The value of their shares held in
quoted companies, the size and
market share of their companies,
the number of companies they
own and its assumed value, the
market value of their company’s
brand and the impact of their
companies on the Nigerian
economy.
Despite the harsh terrain and
business challenges involved with
starting a business in Nigeria; the
successful entrepreneurs listed
below held their ground and
fought their way to the top.
In a country with a population of
over 160 million inhabitants and
millions of businesses; these 20
entrepreneurs diligently carved
their names in the sands of time.
LIST: -
*.Alhaji Aliko Dangote – founder
of Dangote Group, Richest man in
Africa and Richest black man in
the world
*.Mike Adenuga – Conoil,
Equatorial Trust Bank, Globacom
*.Femi Otedola – ZENON Oil and
Gas
*.Orji Uzor Kalu – Slok Group
*.Cosmos Maduka – Coscharis
Group
*.Jimoh Ibrahim – Nicon
Insurance, Global Flee
*.Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank,
Visafone
*.Pascal Dozie – MTN Nigeria,
Diamond Bank
*.Oba Otudeko – Honeywell
Group Nigeria
*.Alhaji Sayyu Dantata – MRS
Group
*.Umaru Abdul Mutallab –
former Chairman First Bank Plc,
Mutallab Group
*.Prince Samuel Adedoyin –
Doyin Group
*.Dele Fajemirokun – Chaiman
Aiico Insurance, Xerox Nigeria,
Chicken Republic, Kings Guards
etc.
*.Chief Cletus Ibeto – Ibeto Group
*.Raymond Dokpesi – Daar
Communication, AIT,
*.Tony Ezenna – Orange Group
*.Chief Molade Okoya Thomas –
Chairman CFAO Nig and other six
french companies
*.Ifeanyi Ubah – Capital oil and
gas
*.Leo Stan Ekeh – Zinox
Computer
*.Fola Adeola – GTBank /courtesy Information Nigeria.org

posted from Bloggeroid

How to develop bad news to any audience

Raising your prices? Cutting
services? Not giving out staff
bonuses this year? Putting an
employee on probation?
No one wants to deliver this kind
of unwelcome news—or receive.
But sometimes it’s a necessary
evil of doing business, and
you’re the unfortunate soul who
has to bear the burden. Here are
five tips to mitigate the drama:
1. Let your own emotions run
their course before you have to
share the news with others. You
may not like or agree with the
news you must deliver, but there
is a reason why it needs to be
done. Come to terms with it so
you don’t bring your negative
emotional energy to the
communication. Your audience
will take its cue from your
approach, and if you’re
defensive, nervous, weepy, or
angry, it will only fuel their
negative response.
2. Restrict your build-up and get
to the point. By the time people
get through six long paragraphs
of posturing and pussyfooting in
your email or press release,
their B.S.-radar is on high alert
and involuntary butterflies in
their stomach are flooding their
brain with negative emotion. So,
when you finally hit them with
the unpleasant punch line in that
last paragraph, their adverse
reaction is intensified by the
emotions you nurtured in them.
The same thing holds true for
verbal delivery. Often, the
anticipation is worse than the
actual news.
3. Consider the timing carefully.
Procrastinating often makes it
worse (especially if there is a
rumor mill in the mix), but
rushing to break the news just
because you want to put it
behind you comes with great
risk. A knee-jerk communication
is usually delivered with clouded
judgment, high emotion, and a
lack of due diligence. Most
importantly, consider when this
news will best be received. Bad
news is never welcome, but
before you decide on the ideal
time consider factors such as
time, day, and your audience’s
state of mind.
4. Avoid misdirection and
trickery. It’s tempting to load up
bad news communication with a
bunch of good news in the hopes
of distracting your audience.
However, it will only damage
their trust in you. You may
choose this path because it
makes you feel better (“See?
I’m not that bad—look at all the
good things I’m still sharing.”)
but to the news recipient, it
just looks wishy-washy and
weak. And in many cases, it can
give the appearance of
trivializing serious news and not
treating it with the respect it
deserves.
5. Remember that nothing is
confidential. Emails can be
forwarded, and social media is
designed to be the world’s
fastest grapevine. Whatever you
do—whatever you say—before
you “go there,” answer this
question: How would I feel if 50
million people knew about this
tomorrow? Nothing tames you
into acting gracefully like the
thought of being vilified by an
outraged public. United Airlines
(among other companies) learned
this lesson the hard way.
Above all, you must remember
that no matter how you spin it
or when you say it, your
audience won’t like it. That’s
why it’s called “bad news.” It
would be irrational for you to
tell your customers you’re
raising prices and have them
respond “No worries, we don’t
mind.” So, be realistic. If you
expect to deliver bad news and
have people walk away happy,
this will not work out well for
you.
And that brings us to the last
point: Delivering bad news is not
about you . The recipient does
not want to hear about how you
were up all night bellyaching over
this conversation or that it
gives you no pleasure to do this.
Asking for their empathy at a
time like this will likely result in
their wanting to smack you. Let
them have their moment of
sadness without trying to steal
some sympathy.
Christina Miranda is a principal
at New York-based Redpoint
Marketing PR and author of the
marketing education blog
redpointspeaks.com. Visit the
Redpoint's website to learn
about the firm's PR expertise in
the travel, hospitality, culinary,
home furnishings, and design
industries.

posted from Bloggeroid

Eldmand ceo pr must be cooperate conscience

Outsiders sometimes perceive public
relations professionals as used car
salesmen willing to hype any cause or
product.
Folks in the business know that the
truth works better than spin,
especially in an age of cynicism about
business and government.
So, how about making PR the driving
force in shaping organizations for the
good?
“In advising on the what to do, we
have to act as the corporate
conscience,” said Richard Edelman,
chairman of the board of DJE Holdings
and president and chief executive of
Edelman, told an audience of
communicators.
Speaking at the International
Association of Business Communicators
world conference in New York this
week, Edelman urged PR professionals
to make it their job to advise
organizations not just about
communications, but about how to
behave ethically and transparently.
Edelman heads the world’s largest
public relations firm, with 67 offices
and 4,800 employees worldwide.
Declining trust
The 2013 Edelman Trust Barometer , a
survey of 31,000 respondents in 26
countries, shows a dramatic decline in
trust since 2008, Edelman says.
Eighty percent of people believe
government is inept or corrupt, and 50
percent believe businesses are
unethical. “This is a pretty staggering
state of affairs,” he said. Only 20
percent of people believe that a
business leader will tell the truth
when confronted with a difficult
issue.
Chatter about how great your
organization is doesn’t cut it
anymore. He cited one PR executive
who said public perception of an
organization is influenced 90 percent
by what it does, and only 10 percent by
what it says.
“Too often we have accepted the role
of the 10 percent,” he said. “We’ve
only influenced how we communicate.
It’s not good enough anymore, ladies
and gentlemen.”
Edelman echoed the conclusions of the
survey: Only 18 percent of people trust
business leaders and only 13 percent
trust government leaders to tell the
truth, it concluded.
“Ultimately, the 13th annual Edelman
Trust Barometer shows a crisis of
leadership,” the company states in a
video summary .
[RELATED: Hear how top
companies adapted to the digital
PR industry changes at this
August event.
]
Public engagement
The company calls for a new model:
Business leaders still communicate
from the top down, but employees,
consumers, and social activists speak
out and change the conversation,
with news from the few to the many.
“I believe that we have to expand
from public relations to public
engagement,” Edelman told his IABC
audience. “It is now about advising on
a company’s behavior, strengthening
relationships across the entire
stakeholder universe, and making sure
that we build trust.”
Each of you, he said to the attendees,
can change the supply chain or boost
sustainability. Meeting the minimum
legal standards isn’t what the public
wants nowadays. They want companies
to operate at a higher level.
“That means that you serve not only
the interests of your shareholders,
but the interests of society,” Edelman
said. “We have to help companies
operate on the basis of principles, not
just by obeying laws. Compliance is no
longer enough.”
Engagement that builds trust
He cited the software company Adobe.
When it launches a product, it beta-
tests it with its Facebook community,
giving people a link to software and
involving the public in development.
“They get early feedback from
passionate consumers who then
publically blog about it and say, ‘I like
this feature,’ or, ‘I hate this
feature,’” Edelman said. “When the
product is introduced, it’s already
been road-tested.”
He also cited GE’s participation in
conversation with employees and
employees. Its Ideas Lab brings in
respected outside contributors, as
well as employees involved in areas
ranging from turbines to intellectual
property.
Edelman predicts a shift to radical
corporate transparency, so that a
shopper buying a fish could scan the
code with a smartphone and find out
where the fish was caught, whether it
was raised sustainably, and even who
the fisherman was. (This is already
happening in Germany, he said.)
Edelman’s remarks rang true with
several members of his audience.
Joanne John, director general of
communications and marketing for
Natural Resources Canada , a federal
agency, said her organization deals
with matters such as the Alberta oil
sands. These fields would be the
source for the controversial Keystone
XL Pipeline, a proposed project that
would pump crude oil 1,179 miles from
Hardisty, Alberta, to Steele City, Neb.
Communicators must present such
issues transparently to the public and
to their own employees, she said.
“We have to be able to explain what we
do in order to reassure Canadians that
we’re not doing anything that’s not
in their best interest, that we’re
trying to do it in a sustainable way for
the environment,” Johns said.
Anna Wingard, a senior graphic
designer at CDM Smith, sees a
generational difference in employees’
demands for greater trust and
transparency. For millennials and
others entering the workforce, the
goal of becoming the conscience of an
organization doesn’t sound unrealistic
or beyond reach.
“They want to make a difference,”
Wingard said. “They don’t just want to
pop in and pop out. They want to work
somewhere where they know they’re
really making a positive change.”
Russell Working is a staff writer at
Ragan Communications.coursey -pr daily.

posted from Bloggeroid

Syria hails us-deal on chemical weapons

The US-Russia deal on Syria's chemical
weapons is a "victory" that averts
war, a Syrian minister says.
The framework document says Syria
must provide full details of its
stockpile within a week - with the
chemical arsenal eliminated by
mid-2014.
If Syria fails to comply, the deal could
be enforced by a UN resolution with
the use of force as a last resort.
The US had threatened to attack Syria
which it blames for a chemical attack
in August which killed hundreds.
President Bashar al-Assad's
government denies the allegations and
has accused the rebels of carrying out
the attack.
Syria recently agreed to join the
global Chemical Weapons Convention,
and the UN said it would come under
the treaty from 14 October.
The framework deal was announced on
Saturday after three days of talks in
Geneva by Russian Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of
State John Kerry.
"We welcome the agreement," Syrian
Reconciliation Minister Ali Haidar told
Russian news agency Ria Novosti,
giving his country's first reaction.
"On the one hand, it helps Syria come
out of the crisis and, on the other, it
helps avoid the war against Syria
depriving those who wanted to launch
it of arguments to do so," Mr Haidar
said.
"It's a victory for Syria achieved
thanks to our Russian friends."
China, France, the UK, the UN, the
Arab League and Nato have all
expressed satisfaction at the
agreement.
On Saturday, US President Barack
Obama said in a statement that the
deal was an "important step" but urged
Syria to "live up to its public
commitments".
"If diplomacy fails, the United States
remains prepared to act," he said. The
Pentagon said the US military was still
in position for military strikes.
In an interview with the ABC network
on Sunday, Mr Obama confirmed that
he had exchanged letters about Syria
with newly-elected Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani.
In an allusion to the dispute between
Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear
programme, Mr Obama said: "What they
should draw from this lesson is that
there is the potential of resolving
these issues diplomatically."
"My view is that if you have both a
credible threat of force, combined
with a rigorous diplomatic effort…
you can strike a deal," Mr Obama
added.
French President Francois Hollande
also said on Sunday that the military
option should remain on the table.
'Last-ditch' option
The timetable for the process is
described by analysts as extremely
ambitious.
Rebel fighters have rejected the deal
as a Russian ploy to gain the regime
time
It envisages Syria providing a full
inventory of its chemical weapons in
one week, all production equipment
being destroyed by November, and all
weapons being removed from Syria or
destroyed by mid-2014.
Mr Kerry and Mr Lavrov said a UN
resolution could be sought under
Chapter VII of the UN charter, which
allows for the use of force, if Syria
fails to comply.
However the Russian foreign minister
said force remained a last-ditch
option.
Russia and the US have agreed on an
assessment that the Syrian
government possesses 1,000 tonnes of
chemical agents and precursors,
according to a US official.
The US believes the materials are
located in 45 sites, all in government
hands, half of which have useable
quantities of chemical agents.
But it is thought that Russia does not
agree on the number of sites, nor
that they are all under the
government's control.
The military leader of the anti-Assad
Free Syrian Army has rejected the
deal, saying it it a ploy by Russia to
buy time for President Assad.
On Sunday the Syrian National
Coalition, the main umbrella opposition
group, demanded in a statement that
the ban on chemical weapons be
extended to the Syrian government's
use of ballistic missiles and air power
against civilian population centres.
Fighting continued inside Syria on
Sunday, with heavy shelling reported
by government forces on suburbs of
Damascus, where fierce fighting has
been taking place for several days.
Several deaths were also reported
elsewhere in the country, including in
the central city of Hama where the
UK-based activist group the Syrian
Observatory for Human Rights said
that rebels, including Islamist
fighters, had clashed with government
forces and pro-government militias.
In comments to a press conference
after talks with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Kerry said he
understood the opposition's
contention that removing chemical
weapons would not stop the killing in
Syria.
However, he insisted the deal was a
"step forward" in eliminating those
weapons from the government's
arsenal.
Mr Netanyahu said: "What the past
few days have shown is something that
I have been saying for quite some
time, that if diplomacy has any chance
to work, it must be coupled with a
credible military threat."
Mr Kerry is due to go to Paris to meet
his French, British and Saudi
counterparts on Monday.
More than 100,000 people have died
since the uprising against President
Assad began in 2011.
Millions of Syrians have fled the
country, mostly to neighbouring
nations. However, on Saturday, Italy's
coastguard said more than 500 people,
mostly Syrians, had been rescued off
the Italian coast.
Millions more have been internally
displaced within Syria.

posted from Bloggeroid

PUNCH:Interview with Dr Reuben Abati of Nigeria

Special Adviser to the President on
Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati,
in this interview with OLALEKAN
ADETAYO, speaks on corruption,
politics of 2015 and the security
challenge in the country among other
issues http://www.reubenabati.com.ng/Punch-Interview-Jonathan-didn-acirc-t-create-corruption.html

posted from Bloggeroid

Content Marketing Boot camp with Mark Regan

Before Coca-Cola Journey. Before HSBC's Business without Borders. Before Adobe's CMO.com...Ragan Communications was already doing content marketing—also known as brand journalism.Find out why this is the hottest new trend in communications and marketing as organizations discover they can bypass the old-media gatekeepers and tell their own stories.In this one-day Content Marketing Boot Camp, PR Daily and Ragan.com publisher and CEO Mark Ragan will show you how to develop a content strategy that turns prospects into buyers and converts readers into evangelists for your organization.Sept. 16 in Charleston, SCSept. 25 in Washington, DCOct. 29 in Atlanta, GANov. 4 in Chicago, ILA former award-winning national reporter, Mark will share the content strategy that resulted in a 20-fold increase in traffic for the two main Ragan sites, from 40,000 visitors in North America to 800,000 worldwide.He'll demonstrate how this content strategy increased sales around the world. And he offers a model for measuring the ROI of content creation and management.Learn how to:Create content that people share—over and over againBecome the top destination for potential customers—and do it on a tiny budgetIntegrate social media and content to boost your website trafficGenerate sales leads by writing must-read whitec papersBuild a subscription list of customers, the media and key influencers and keep them coming back for moreCreate a rich editorial strategy with limited staffMark's sessions sell out quickly. Don't miss outand—fall behind!

posted from Bloggeroid

Ever wish you could explore Ecuadors Galapagos islands?

http://bbc.in/
1gbbp5d
Tech giant Google is marking the 178th
anniversary of Charles Darwin's visit to
the islands by bringing high-definition
360 degree pictures to their Street
View mapping tool.
Google staff captured pictures of many
of the animals seen by Darwin during
his 1835 voyage, including sea-lions,
marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies
and Frigatebirds.
Screenshot courtesy Google

posted from Bloggeroid

How to snag the end-year bonus

Summer's already over. More than half of the year is gone. Whatever happened to those New Year's resolutions you scribbled on a cocktail napkin?Forget them. Instead, focus on what to do with the rest of 2013. Spend a day with two of the communication world's most in-demand speakers, master new strategies, and re-launch in time to snag that year-end bonus. Learn how to:Build a communication strategy that makes you shineMeasure your outcomesBlend social media, multi-media and traditional media without overwhelming employeesChange your writing style as you move among blogs, podcasts, print and the intranetDevelop powerful researchDesign strong tacticsKey on the best channels to optimize your message.

posted from Bloggeroid

The iPhone 5c isn't a cheap iPhone, it's just a colorful one It's a neat trick, but how will it work in China?

THE THREE PRICE POINTS REMAIN THE
SAME
These price points have helped the
company sell a large number of
iPhones. Apple sold 31.2 million of them
in the most recent quarter, 20
percent more than the same quarter
last year. While the iPhone 5 is
undoubtedly a popular device, it's clear
that the low-cost iPhone 4 and 4S
have been propping up the sales
numbers: Verizon, the nation's
biggest wireless carrier by subscriber
numbers, revealed earlier this year
that half of its iPhone activations in
one particular quarter were iPhone 4
and 4S. Consumers want a cheaper
iPhone, but until now they’ve had to
settle for last year's model.
IT'S A CHEAPER IPHONE, BUT NOT A
CHEAP ONE
With the 5c, consumers do indeed get
a cheaper iPhone — but not
revolutionarily so. In reality, Apple is
positioning it firmly in the middle. The
specs include a 4-inch display, an
improved forward-facing camera, a
bigger battery, and a polycarbonate
colored shell. Essentially, it's an
iPhone 5 with a plastic body that Apple
is willing to sell as a new midrange
device. It’s keeping an 8GB 4s model,
which will be available free on
contract, or $450 less. Instead of
pushing iPhone price points down, as
many had expected, Apple’s new 5c
model is primarily designed to look and
feel new to consumers.
This midrange iPhone will undoubtedly
boost sales, but importantly it may
help with the product line’s average
selling price (ASP). A high ASP acts as
a barrier to penetrating more price-
sensitive markets — like China, for
instance, widely seen as an enormous
target for Apple’s continued success.
Since 2009, the ASP of the iPhone has
been well above $600, but in its latest
quarter that dropped significantly to $
581 from $613 in the previous
quarter. If Apple wants to improve on
that trend, it needs to increase
market share in the face of low-
priced Android devices worldwide. To
increase profits, it needs to sell more
iPhones as the smartphone market
starts to saturate at the high end.
WHAT ABOUT A CHEAP IPHONE FOR
CHINA?
The timing for focusing on lower-cost
hardware couldn't be better for Apple.
Google just revealed it has activated 1
billion Android handsets, Samsung's
devices continue to attack Apple's
smartphone profits, and ultra-cheap
Android handsets eat away at the all-
important Chinese market. A China
Mobile deal, widely expected to be
announced tomorrow for the iPhone
5c, will provide Apple with access to
over 700 million subscribers. This is a
key area of growth for smartphones,
and an opportunity for Apple to
capture some of the profits in a
region where Android devices
currently dominate with over 90
percent of the installed base.
However, without a wildly different
pricing model, or perhaps an 8GB model
of the 5c, it’s hard to see how Apple’s
colorful machine, that's priced at $
549 off contract , is primed to crack
the most populous wireless market on
the planet. Analysts had expected a
price between $400 and $500, a
sweet spot for Chinese smartphone
buyers. Strangely, Apple appears to
still be selling the iPhone 4 in China
for around $422 off contract, despite
not listing it on the main comparison
site. This may well change tomorrow,
too.
The iPhone 5c is Apple's answer to the
Android threat in the midrange, but
it’s merely a cheaper iPhone, not a
cheap one. Given Apple’s old strategy,
the iPhone 5 would have dropped to $
99 on contract today anyway. The
iPhone 5c could be a big deal in
established markets like the US,
where value carriers like T-Mobile
stand to benefit from a new iPhone
that isn’t coming to market with
premium pricing on day one. China,
though, remains a huge question
mark.
A COLORFUL MARKETING TRICK THAT
MIGHT JUST WORK
If Apple can manage to convince
consumers to buy the iPhone 5c in
favor of the free 4S, then it will
maintain and possibly even improve its
lucrative margins. Given the choice,
consumers may be more inclined to
spend $99 on what amounts to a
marketing trick: a "new" colorful
iPhone with the internals of the old,
instead of a free model that features
the last-generation iPhone design.
Apple has always been good at pushing
its customers to spend a little more —
and in established markets, that could
be the case once again with the
iPhone 5c. But for now, all eyes turn
eastward.
RELATED ITE .com/2013/9/10/4716286/iphone-5c-not-a-cheap-iphone-just-colorful/in/4479677

posted from Bloggeroid

KENYA AND NIGERIA: HAND-IN-HAND FOR A BETTER AFRICA (ADDRESS By GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN TO THE JOINT SESSION OF KENYAN PARLIAMENT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS STATE VISIT TO KENYA)

ADDRESS By GOODLUCK EBELE
JONATHAN, GCON, GCFR - President
Federal Republic of Nigeria TO THE
JOINT SESSION OF KENYAN
PARLIAMENT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS
STATE VISIT TO KENYA. NAIROBI, 6
SEPTEMBER 2013
Mr Speaker
Principal Officers of the Two Chambers
Honourable Members of the National
Assembly
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Invitees
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I bring you fraternal greetings from
Nigeria. I am pleased to use this
opportunity to express our deep
appreciation for the warm reception
accorded us since we arrived this
beautiful country.
2. I thank the leadership and members
of this august assembly for inviting
and receiving me so warmly. I am
particularly grateful for this honour,
especially, for suspending your well-
deserved recess in order to receive
me. It is indeed the hallmark of true
friendship to be so honoured by such
an important arm of government. We
are not surprised because Kenya is
well known for her hospitality.
3. Even though we are separated by
distance, we have many things in
common. It will be of interest to you
that while the National Anthem of
Kenya starts with “O God of All
Creation”, the second stanza of the
Nigerian National Anthem starts with
“O God of Creation”.
4. We are two nations bound together
in love of God. Kenya, like Nigeria, is
a multi-ethnic and multi-religious
nation. Kenya is also a nation that has
resolved to live together no matter its
differences and divisions, just like
Nigeria.
5. Nigeria, therefore, along with
many other members of the
international community was
particularly pleased at the peaceful
outcome of your last election that
ushered in a new Administration and a
new National Assembly. Kenya
disappointed the pessimists and
reaffirmed that Africans can manage
their own affairs. We should be
allowed the space to do so. We
commend and congratulate the
leadership and entire people of Kenya
for overcoming the challenges you
faced in order to achieve such a
peaceful election.
Mr. Speaker,
6. Our quality of leadership is inferior
to none neither is our sense of
dedication to the common good below
par. Our commitment to the upliftment
of our peoples is paramount. Our
vision is clear; our sense of mission
remains ever resolute. Indeed, this
has run through the entire gamut of
Kenyan history. Your struggle for
independence and dignity was a major
struggle.
7. Here we must remember the heroes
of the past: the leaders and members
of the Kenyan Land and Freedom Army
(KLFA), also known as the Mau Mau,
whose revolt between 1952 and 1960
gave impetus to the struggle for
independence. These men and women
paid the supreme price. Their blood
watered the tree of liberty and
inspired nationalists in other parts of
our continent and even beyond. But
for them, Kenya would not have
attained its freedom when it did. To
them, we owe a debt of gratitude.
8. The moral justification of the
revolt has been further proved by the
recent agreement by the United
Kingdom to pay compensation to the
victims and their descendants. While
no monetary compensation would ever
be enough for lives lost, we join Kenya
in celebrating this moral victory.
9. We are the new generation to whom
the torch of leadership has been
passed by our forebears. We shall
neither let the flame go out nor
betray the sacred trust bestowed on
us. Our generation must bring about
the desired change for our people. We
are determined to do so. We shall
neither waver nor quit. We intend to
fulfill our manifest destiny.
Mr Speaker,
10. Bilateral relations between
Nigeria and Kenya have remained warm
and cordial. Happily, they are now at
the level of a strategic partnership
for the mutual benefit of our two
countries and peoples. This is right as
the East finally meets the West in
active and close collaboration to move
forward the African development
agenda. This is consistent with the
objectives of the African Union which
enjoins the best of African home-
grown solutions; turning current
challenges into opportunities for
peace, security and sustainable
development.
11. As Africa celebrates its Golden
Jubilee, we must pause and reflect on
the future of our continent in the
next 50 years. The questions are:
What will be Africa’s place in a world
that is increasingly knowledge-driven
and inter-dependent? Should Africa be
content to remain a mere producer of
raw materials and net importer of
manufactured products? Indeed, what
is Africa’s vision for itself at its
centenary? These are the new and
pressing challenges before us; the
battle against poverty, being one of
them. Nobody is going to fight for us
if we do not fight for ourselves.
Nobody is going to show us the way to
economic prosperity if we do not show
ourselves the way. The economic
liberation and development of Africa
lies in our hands.
12. We must devise innovative and
dynamic policies to fully develop our
potentials. We have to think together
as Africans, cooperate as partners,
improve our communication links,
expand inter-African trade and take
our continent to a higher level in the
global order.
13. I am therefore happy that the
recent visit of President Uhuru
Kenyatta to Nigeria underscored the
need for our two countries and Africa
to come together and work as one. It
augurs well for our relationship that,
during that visit, we signed an
agreement for the establishment of a
Joint Commission for Cooperation,
which provides the basic framework
for closer bilateral collaboration for
the mutual benefit of our peoples.
Again, during the current visit, our
officials and key private sector
operators have been discussing
modalities and strategies to actualise
our shared aspirations and
development objectives.
14. There is no doubt that additional
legislation will be necessary to bring
many aspects of our relations to the
required level. The importance of this
esteemed Assembly in this regard
cannot be over-emphasized.
Mr. Speaker,
15. We have a responsibility to ensure
Africa’s successful renaissance. We
must continue to act to eradicate
want, ignorance and disease through
the unlocking of our inventive genius.
We must continue to open up political
spaces for the free expression of
ideas. We must build a society where
justice reigns supreme, granting
fairness and equality to all before the
law. Africa also has to add further
impetus to its integration process. We
must re-double our efforts to
actualise our dream for an African
Economic Community (AEC).
16. For sustainable development, we
require peace. We must all work
together to put an end to conflicts
and wars on our continent. We must
confront all acts of terrorism
wherever they occur, as they
endanger the safety of our peoples
and societies as well as disrupt
economic activities. Here, I must
commend the efforts of Kenya, along
with other African countries in helping
to stabilise the situation in Somalia.
Nigeria is proud to be part of this
effort as demonstrated by our active
participation in the African Mission in
Somalia (AMISOM).
Mr. Speaker,
17. Knowledge remains a veritable tool
of social mobility and advancement. It
has enabled mankind to conquer
unknown frontiers, surmount
intractable problems and overcome
enormous challenges. Therefore,
education remains the key to
unlocking the door for development
and fostering improved well-being,
both for the community and the
individual. Science and technology have
vastly changed the world we live in and
their trajectory on this revolutionary
path is unstoppable.
18. To develop as we should, we must
put in place in all our countries, well
designed policies and strategies that
give young people ready access to
qualitative education. The strategic
objective should be to make our youth
independent thinkers, innovators,
developers, entrepreneurs and
community builders who can create
jobs and add value to society.
19. We must harness and properly
channel the energies of our youth for
economic growth and social
development. Africa’s youths are one
of the continent’s greatest assets.
Much of the continent’s immense
promise for the future rests on their
youthful shoulders. We have a duty and
responsibility to nurture them and
ensure their growth to the full extent
of their potentials.
Mr. Speaker,
20. I am happy to note that the
Kenyan Constitution reserves thirty
per cent of seats in Parliament for
women representatives. This is a
progressive development to be
commended, indeed emulated by others
as it enjoins gender equality and
sensitivity across the spectrum in
appointment to public offices. It is a
development we applaud, even as we in
Nigeria are committed to achieving
the same goals. Besides pursuing a
policy of equal opportunity in
employment between gender in our
public and civil services, we have
opened up all cadres of the Nigerian
armed forces, including regular
combatants, to women who can now
aspire to the highest ranks possible
for the first time in our history. More
than thirty per cent of Cabinet
positions and other key political
appointments are held by women while
the judicial arm of government is
headed by a woman as Chief Justice of
the Federation.
21. These actions are not taken simply
because we want to comply with
international conventions or United
Nations resolutions. They are taken
deliberately because they are right
and fair. Indeed, it is the correct
approach to take if we genuinely
desire to attain the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) and sustain
them thereafter as envisaged by the
post-2015 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGS). Besides, they are in
recognition of the important role
which women continue to play in our
respective countries. Such women as
Prof. Wangari Maathai of blessed
memory, winner of the 2004 Nobel
Peace Prize and a tireless
environmental campaigner must be
celebrated.
Mr. Speaker,
22. I call for collaboration between
our two legislatures. This can only be
beneficial to our two countries and
peoples. It would engender exchange
of useful ideas and best practices with
a view to strengthening our
institutions, promoting human rights
and deepening democracy. In this
connection, I encourage Honourable
Members of the Kenyan Parliament, to
participate at the forthcoming
African Legislative Summit 2013
taking place in Abuja from 11-13
November this year. Such collaboration
can only enrich and reinforce the
African Legislative Agenda for
Development.
23. The need for a harmonious
working relationship between the
Legislative and Executive arms of
government cannot be over-
emphasized. Happily, such harmony
exists in Kenya between all the three
arms of government. This is how it
should be to ensure that our
governments are able to deliver
positive dividends of democracy to our
peoples.
24. Nigeria and Kenya are committed
to democracy, the rule of law and the
devolution of power from the centre
to subsidiary tiers of government as a
veritable model of governance. In this
regard, Mr. Speaker, we in Nigeria
are delighted that Kenyan democracy
is alive and well as was amply
demonstrated by the peaceful
elections last March which ushered in
the present administration. The
events which attended the elections
of 2007 can now be seen as
unfortunate aberrations which did not
in any way represent the natural
inclination of the good people of
Kenya, to live in peace and harmony
with each other.
25. I believe I share the sentiments of
the government and people of Kenya
when I say that we in Nigeria do not
embrace democracy and the rule of law
in response to external pressure or
demand. We have embraced democracy
and its underpinnings such as free,
fair, credible and transparent
election; rule of law; respect for
human and peoples’ rights, because
they are the right things to do and
they are good for us.
26. We do not seek the validation or
endorsement of our democracy outside
the collective will of our people, the
citizens and electorates of our
respective countries. Democracy is not
a one-size-fits-all system; rather it
is a dynamic political system which
must be operated within the particular
context it finds itself.
Mr. Speaker,
27. The African renaissance to which
we are all committed calls for the
consolidation, building and
strengthening of institutions. It calls
for reinforcing institutions of
government with the power, credibility
and resources they require to perform
to their optimal levels.
28. Kenya and Nigeria share similar
positions on a wide range of issues on
the African and global agenda. Thus,
we have committed ourselves to the
global fight against terrorism whose
trans-boundary nature calls for
concerted efforts on the part of the
international community. We are also
against the proliferation of small arms
and light weapons which fuels the
upsurge of conflict and terrorism in
many parts of the world, including our
African region.
29. We welcome the recent conclusion
of the Arms Trade Treaty, which
Nigeria has already signed. As a
matter of fact, we think that the
time has come for the international
community to consider the idea of
reparation from the manufacturers
and purveyors of these weapons of
small arms and light weapons, which
for us are the weapons of mass
destruction.
Mr. Speaker,
30. The on-going debate about the
emerging global governance
architecture should be of interest to
our two countries and Africa as a
whole. The existing international
system is undemocratic and unfair.
Africa’s non-representation in the
Councils and Chambers of international
decision-making in the past was
always explained in terms of our lack
of sovereign independence. This claim
is no longer valid. We call for the
reform of the inherited global
governance institutions. We call,
especially, for the reform of the
United Nations and its Security
Council.
31. Africa and other regions of the
world, either not represented at all or
inadequately represented, should be
admitted into the permanent
membership category of an expanded
UN Security Council. Similar expansion
and reform should also apply to all the
other multilateral institutions with
lopsided membership such as the
Bretton Woods institutions. This would
ensure that the decisions of these
organisations enjoy the respect and
credibility of their members.
Mr. Speaker,
32. Therefore, we need to build this
continent together with one mind and
one goal. We need to consolidate our
democratic practice. We need to
revolutionise our economies.
Democracy must deliver development to
the people. From the edges of the blue
waters of the Mediterranean to the
beautiful shores of the Atlantic and
Indian Oceans, our people are united
in demanding for the enthronement of
a system that recognises their role as
the ultimate source of power and
development in the society.
33. As we look to the future, we see a
new Africa that is ready to take its
rightful place in the comity of nations.
This new Africa, the shape of which is
already becoming evident, can only
become manifest through deliberate
and concerted efforts on the part of
the present leadership and
followership across the continent.
34. Africa cannot afford to stand still.
This is Africa’s season to gather and
unite. This is Africa’s moment to
rebuild. This century is ours. We must
claim it for our continent and for the
good of the world.
35. Kenya and Nigeria must work
hand-in-hand to herald the new Africa
that would be democratic, united,
developed and industrialised. An Africa
that is, finally, at peace with itself
and at peace with the rest of the
world.
36. Mr. Speaker, very distinguished
members of Parliament, I end my
remarks with the motto of your
country, the Republic of Kenya.
Harambee! Let us all pull together!
Let us soar as Eagles.
Long Live the Republic of Kenya!
Long Live the Federal Republic of
Nigeria!!
Long live Nigeria-Kenya Relations!!
Asante Sana!

posted from Bloggeroid

You ready for the awards

The Social Media Awards are here!
PR Daily is looking for the latest and
the greatest work that you are doing
on social media!
After splitting social media away from
our Digital PR Awards, we have made
this year’s awards bigger, better, and
more inclusive than any other
program!
We have categories for social media
platforms, all types of campaigns, and
even a separate list of social media
skills like tagging, use of
photography, and contests. With
thirty categories to choose from,
you’re bound to find at least one
that’s right for you!
Got a large campaign that used
multiple platforms? Enter it for the
Grand Prize. We will be awarding
multiple Grand Prize winners based on
the size and scope of their social
media campaigns.
This is your best chance to get your
work recognized by the #1 news site
in the PR industry! Share your work
with our audience around the world!

posted from Bloggeroid

act KENYA AND NIGERIA: HAND-IN-HAND FOR A BETTER AFRICA (ADDRESS By GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN TO THE JOINT SESSION OF KENYAN PARLIAMENT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS STATE VISIT TO KENYA)

This is his speech of his commitment on behalf of Nigeria to the parliament during the visit(sept 7,2013):Mr Speaker
Principal Officers of the Two Chambers
Honourable Members of the National
Assembly
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Invitees
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I bring you fraternal greetings from
Nigeria. I am pleased to use this
opportunity to express our deep
appreciation for the warm reception
accorded us since we arrived this
beautiful country.
2. I thank the leadership and members
of this august assembly for inviting
and receiving me so warmly. I am
particularly grateful for this honour,
especially, for suspending your well-
deserved recess in order to receive
me. It is indeed the hallmark of true
friendship to be so honoured by such
an important arm of government. We
are not surprised because Kenya is
well known for her hospitality.
3. Even though we are separated by
distance, we have many things in
common. It will be of interest to you
that while the National Anthem of
Kenya starts with “O God of All
Creation”, the second stanza of the
Nigerian National Anthem starts with
“O God of Creation”.
4. We are two nations bound together
in love of God. Kenya, like Nigeria, is
a multi-ethnic and multi-religious
nation. Kenya is also a nation that has
resolved to live together no matter its
differences and divisions, just like
Nigeria.
5. Nigeria, therefore, along with
many other members of the
international community was
particularly pleased at the peaceful
outcome of your last election that
ushered in a new Administration and a
new National Assembly. Kenya
disappointed the pessimists and
reaffirmed that Africans can manage
their own affairs. We should be
allowed the space to do so. We
commend and congratulate the
leadership and entire people of Kenya
for overcoming the challenges you
faced in order to achieve such a
peaceful election.
Mr. Speaker,
6. Our quality of leadership is inferior
to none neither is our sense of
dedication to the common good below
par. Our commitment to the upliftment
of our peoples is paramount. Our
vision is clear; our sense of mission
remains ever resolute. Indeed, this
has run through the entire gamut of
Kenyan history. Your struggle for
independence and dignity was a major
struggle.
7. Here we must remember the heroes
of the past: the leaders and members
of the Kenyan Land and Freedom Army
(KLFA), also known as the Mau Mau,
whose revolt between 1952 and 1960
gave impetus to the struggle for
independence. These men and women
paid the supreme price. Their blood
watered the tree of liberty and
inspired nationalists in other parts of
our continent and even beyond. But
for them, Kenya would not have
attained its freedom when it did. To
them, we owe a debt of gratitude.
8. The moral justification of the
revolt has been further proved by the
recent agreement by the United
Kingdom to pay compensation to the
victims and their descendants. While
no monetary compensation would ever
be enough for lives lost, we join Kenya
in celebrating this moral victory.
9. We are the new generation to whom
the torch of leadership has been
passed by our forebears. We shall
neither let the flame go out nor
betray the sacred trust bestowed on
us. Our generation must bring about
the desired change for our people. We
are determined to do so. We shall
neither waver nor quit. We intend to
fulfill our manifest destiny.
Mr Speaker,
10. Bilateral relations between
Nigeria and Kenya have remained warm
and cordial. Happily, they are now at
the level of a strategic partnership
for the mutual benefit of our two
countries and peoples. This is right as
the East finally meets the West in
active and close collaboration to move
forward the African development
agenda. This is consistent with the
objectives of the African Union which
enjoins the best of African home-
grown solutions; turning current
challenges into opportunities for
peace, security and sustainable
development.
11. As Africa celebrates its Golden
Jubilee, we must pause and reflect on
the future of our continent in the
next 50 years. The questions are:
What will be Africa’s place in a world
that is increasingly knowledge-driven
and inter-dependent? Should Africa be
content to remain a mere producer of
raw materials and net importer of
manufactured products? Indeed, what
is Africa’s vision for itself at its
centenary? These are the new and
pressing challenges before us; the
battle against poverty, being one of
them. Nobody is going to fight for us
if we do not fight for ourselves.
Nobody is going to show us the way to
economic prosperity if we do not show
ourselves the way. The economic
liberation and development of Africa
lies in our hands.
12. We must devise innovative and
dynamic policies to fully develop our
potentials. We have to think together
as Africans, cooperate as partners,
improve our communication links,
expand inter-African trade and take
our continent to a higher level in the
global order.
13. I am therefore happy that the
recent visit of President Uhuru
Kenyatta to Nigeria underscored the
need for our two countries and Africa
to come together and work as one. It
augurs well for our relationship that,
during that visit, we signed an
agreement for the establishment of a
Joint Commission for Cooperation,
which provides the basic framework
for closer bilateral collaboration for
the mutual benefit of our peoples.
Again, during the current visit, our
officials and key private sector
operators have been discussing
modalities and strategies to actualise
our shared aspirations and
development objectives.
14. There is no doubt that additional
legislation will be necessary to bring
many aspects of our relations to the
required level. The importance of this
esteemed Assembly in this regard
cannot be over-emphasized.
Mr. Speaker,
15. We have a responsibility to ensure
Africa’s successful renaissance. We
must continue to act to eradicate
want, ignorance and disease through
the unlocking of our inventive genius.
We must continue to open up political
spaces for the free expression of
ideas. We must build a society where
justice reigns supreme, granting
fairness and equality to all before the
law. Africa also has to add further
impetus to its integration process. We
must re-double our efforts to
actualise our dream for an African
Economic Community (AEC).
16. For sustainable development, we
require peace. We must all work
together to put an end to conflicts
and wars on our continent. We must
confront all acts of terrorism
wherever they occur, as they
endanger the safety of our peoples
and societies as well as disrupt
economic activities. Here, I must
commend the efforts of Kenya, along
with other African countries in helping
to stabilise the situation in Somalia.
Nigeria is proud to be part of this
effort as demonstrated by our active
participation in the African Mission in
Somalia (AMISOM).
Mr. Speaker,
17. Knowledge remains a veritable tool
of social mobility and advancement. It
has enabled mankind to conquer
unknown frontiers, surmount
intractable problems and overcome
enormous challenges. Therefore,
education remains the key to
unlocking the door for development
and fostering improved well-being,
both for the community and the
individual. Science and technology have
vastly changed the world we live in and
their trajectory on this revolutionary
path is unstoppable.
18. To develop as we should, we must
put in place in all our countries, well
designed policies and strategies that
give young people ready access to
qualitative education. The strategic
objective should be to make our youth
independent thinkers, innovators,
developers, entrepreneurs and
community builders who can create
jobs and add value to society.
19. We must harness and properly
channel the energies of our youth for
economic growth and social
development. Africa’s youths are one
of the continent’s greatest assets.
Much of the continent’s immense
promise for the future rests on their
youthful shoulders. We have a duty and
responsibility to nurture them and
ensure their growth to the full extent
of their potentials.
Mr. Speaker,
20. I am happy to note that the
Kenyan Constitution reserves thirty
per cent of seats in Parliament for
women representatives. This is a
progressive development to be
commended, indeed emulated by others
as it enjoins gender equality and
sensitivity across the spectrum in
appointment to public offices. It is a
development we applaud, even as we in
Nigeria are committed to achieving
the same goals. Besides pursuing a
policy of equal opportunity in
employment between gender in our
public and civil services, we have
opened up all cadres of the Nigerian
armed forces, including regular
combatants, to women who can now
aspire to the highest ranks possible
for the first time in our history. More
than thirty per cent of Cabinet
positions and other key political
appointments are held by women while
the judicial arm of government is
headed by a woman as Chief Justice of
the Federation.
21. These actions are not taken simply
because we want to comply with
international conventions or United
Nations resolutions. They are taken
deliberately because they are right
and fair. Indeed, it is the correct
approach to take if we genuinely
desire to attain the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) and sustain
them thereafter as envisaged by the
post-2015 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGS). Besides, they are in
recognition of the important role
which women continue to play in our
respective countries. Such women as
Prof. Wangari Maathai of blessed
memory, winner of the 2004 Nobel
Peace Prize and a tireless
environmental campaigner must be
celebrated.
Mr. Speaker,
22. I call for collaboration between
our two legislatures. This can only be
beneficial to our two countries and
peoples. It would engender exchange
of useful ideas and best practices with
a view to strengthening our
institutions, promoting human rights
and deepening democracy. In this
connection, I encourage Honourable
Members of the Kenyan Parliament, to
participate at the forthcoming
African Legislative Summit 2013
taking place in Abuja from 11-13
November this year. Such collaboration
can only enrich and reinforce the
African Legislative Agenda for
Development.
23. The need for a harmonious
working relationship between the
Legislative and Executive arms of
government cannot be over-
emphasized. Happily, such harmony
exists in Kenya between all the three
arms of government. This is how it
should be to ensure that our
governments are able to deliver
positive dividends of democracy to our
peoples.
24. Nigeria and Kenya are committed
to democracy, the rule of law and the
devolution of power from the centre
to subsidiary tiers of government as a
veritable model of governance. In this
regard, Mr. Speaker, we in Nigeria
are delighted that Kenyan democracy
is alive and well as was amply
demonstrated by the peaceful
elections last March which ushered in
the present administration. The
events which attended the elections
of 2007 can now be seen as
unfortunate aberrations which did not
in any way represent the natural
inclination of the good people of
Kenya, to live in peace and harmony
with each other.
25. I believe I share the sentiments of
the government and people of Kenya
when I say that we in Nigeria do not
embrace democracy and the rule of law
in response to external pressure or
demand. We have embraced democracy
and its underpinnings such as free,
fair, credible and transparent
election; rule of law; respect for
human and peoples’ rights, because
they are the right things to do and
they are good for us.
26. We do not seek the validation or
endorsement of our democracy outside
the collective will of our people, the
citizens and electorates of our
respective countries. Democracy is not
a one-size-fits-all system; rather it
is a dynamic political system which
must be operated within the particular
context it finds itself.
Mr. Speaker,
27. The African renaissance to which
we are all committed calls for the
consolidation, building and
strengthening of institutions. It calls
for reinforcing institutions of
government with the power, credibility
and resources they require to perform
to their optimal levels.
28. Kenya and Nigeria share similar
positions on a wide range of issues on
the African and global agenda. Thus,
we have committed ourselves to the
global fight against terrorism whose
trans-boundary nature calls for
concerted efforts on the part of the
international community. We are also
against the proliferation of small arms
and light weapons which fuels the
upsurge of conflict and terrorism in
many parts of the world, including our
African region.
29. We welcome the recent conclusion
of the Arms Trade Treaty, which
Nigeria has already signed. As a
matter of fact, we think that the
time has come for the international
community to consider the idea of
reparation from the manufacturers
and purveyors of these weapons of
small arms and light weapons, which
for us are the weapons of mass
destruction.
Mr. Speaker,
30. The on-going debate about the
emerging global governance
architecture should be of interest to
our two countries and Africa as a
whole. The existing international
system is undemocratic and unfair.
Africa’s non-representation in the
Councils and Chambers of international
decision-making in the past was
always explained in terms of our lack
of sovereign independence. This claim
is no longer valid. We call for the
reform of the inherited global
governance institutions. We call,
especially, for the reform of the
United Nations and its Security
Council.
31. Africa and other regions of the
world, either not represented at all or
inadequately represented, should be
admitted into the permanent
membership category of an expanded
UN Security Council. Similar expansion
and reform should also apply to all the
other multilateral institutions with
lopsided membership such as the
Bretton Woods institutions. This would
ensure that the decisions of these
organisations enjoy the respect and
credibility of their members.
Mr. Speaker,
32. Therefore, we need to build this
continent together with one mind and
one goal. We need to consolidate our
democratic practice. We need to
revolutionise our economies.
Democracy must deliver development to
the people. From the edges of the blue
waters of the Mediterranean to the
beautiful shores of the Atlantic and
Indian Oceans, our people are united
in demanding for the enthronement of
a system that recognises their role as
the ultimate source of power and
development in the society.
33. As we look to the future, we see a
new Africa that is ready to take its
rightful place in the comity of nations.
This new Africa, the shape of which is
already becoming evident, can only
become manifest through deliberate
and concerted efforts on the part of
the present leadership and
followership across the continent.
34. Africa cannot afford to stand still.
This is Africa’s season to gather and
unite. This is Africa’s moment to
rebuild. This century is ours. We must
claim it for our continent and for the
good of the world.
35. Kenya and Nigeria must work
hand-in-hand to herald the new Africa
that would be democratic, united,
developed and industrialised. An Africa
that is, finally, at peace with itself
and at peace with the rest of the
world.
36. Mr. Speaker, very distinguished
members of Parliament, I end my
remarks with the motto of your
country, the Republic of Kenya.
Harambee! Let us all pull together!
Let us soar as Eagles.
Long Live the Republic of Kenya!
Long Live the Federal Republic of
Nigeria!!
Long live Nigeria-Kenya Relations!!

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A visit from British former pm

VISIT OF FORMER BRITISH PRIME
MINISTER, MR GORDON BROWN TO
PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA

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Former British pm visits Nigeria

VISIT OF FORMER BRITISH PRIME
MINISTER, MR GORDON BROWN TO
PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA Vhttp://www.reubenabati.com.ng/photo-gallery/114.html

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Ozil-a dream come true

He was an outstanding player for his former employees in spain (RealMadrid)but he was sold at the end due to lack first team with the new coach (carlo ancelotti) with counter pessure anf intense competition from other new players...real opted to open the doors for the german playmaker... Arsenal fc aka the gunners snaped up the german before it was too late not to...He agreed,he will play for #afc and the best thing of all is that he wants to win trophy...and thats it lets expect that silverware soon!

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Congratulations

congrats to serena for the us open!!!big hugs

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Syria uprising forcing a 'double digits 'to retailiate

US Secretary of State John Kerry has
said the number of states ready to
take military action against Syria's
government is in the "double digits" to retaliliate the use if chemical weapons to their own people>check out for more insights> http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24004836

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Facebook changes

Recently facebook changes has been happening rapidly ...lets take a trip and survey on the changes and the need for the sudden changes check this out> http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15150.aspx

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Different spokespersons

There are different types of spokesperspons with different techniques for their clents :)http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15143.aspx

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Samsung smart watch!

The price for the already released samsung galaxy gear smart watch starts at 299$

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Yahoo logo

There will be a change in the famous purple colour!http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15170.aspx

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Pr jobs

http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15141.aspx

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It’s " crunch time"— click here to apply. Not the job for you? See what else we have in our weekly professional pickings:

Pr....job list for the grab>http://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15141.aspx

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Smart watch wristwatch is coming soon!

SmartWatch era is nearby.
It is said that Samsung will launch
Galaxy Gear smartwatch on 4th Sept.
What is more, Sony smartwatch 2 is
ready to sale on 6th Sept.

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This month>>>♥♥♥

Happy new month and Happy spring day.*You've the power to influence and change*spurn the power out...and be so good to people for appreciation.(I want to use this opportunity in my special medium to thank my family >dad,and mum<and friends who made last month memorable and as usual always does.You all special... and our love for eachother shall never lost)This month has started ticking again but to make it spiced well we must be in good shape.we anxiosly waiting for the year to come and go but lets not forget to pray and hope for life till then...that will make it complete as ever!Have a fabolous month y'all and enjoy the summer package >>With Me. :-)all comments here please via blog!

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