It is imperative to invest in childreen.

Investing any resources to help children survive and develop to their full potential is, first and foremost, a moral imperative. But investing in children is also important on practical grounds as it yields positive benefits not just to the economies but the societies as well. 

Therefore, the most opportune time to break the cycle of poverty, or prevent it from beginning, is in early childhood. Donate to Save the childreen's Annual Fund Appeal today through this link:

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8461811/k.284D/Save_the_Children__Annual_Fund_2012.htm?msource=dmefuaufd112

Assassination attempt on activist Dr Denis Mukwege;

Ungent apeal: Democratic Republic of Congo must protect Dr. Denis Mukwege after violent attack.

Dr. Mukwege is a founding member of the Advisory Committee of the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict regoins.

Dr. Denis Mukwege

Dr. Mukwege is a world-renowned surgeon and director of Panzi Hospital in Eastern Congo’s South Kivu province. The clinic has treated over 30,000 survivors of sexual violence.

According to the African Press Organization (APO); October 27, 2012, The International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict (http://www.stoprapeinconflict.org) urgently calls on the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to protect Doctor Denis Mukwege after a violent attack and assassination attempt at his home in Bukavu.

Campaign member Physicians for Human Rights, today reported that four armed men forced themselves into Dr. Mukwege’s home in his absence and held hostage several family members at gunpoint. Upon his arrival, they tried to force him out of his car; mean while shooting his trusted security guard and aide who attempted to intervene; he died on the spot. Dr. Mukwege lowered his head and body quickly when the armed men fired shots towards him, before driving off in his car, which was later found abandoned.

Check out this latest video of Meeting Grand Challenges for the 21st Century

Meeting Grand Challenges for the 21st Century. Global Agenda Council Members met to share ideas and real options to address the grand challenges of the 21st century.

With input from people around the world -- an international group of leading technological thinkers were asked to identify the Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century. 

From urban centers to remote corners of Earth, the depths of the oceans to space, humanity has always sought to transcend barriers, overcome challenges, and create opportunities that improve life in our part of the universe. In the last century alone, many great engineering achievements became so commonplace that we now take them mostly for granted. Technology allows an abundant supply of food and safe drinking water for much of the world. We rely on electricity for many of our daily activities. We can travel the globe with relative ease, and bring goods and services wherever they are needed. Growing computer and communications technologies are opening up vast stores of knowledge and entertainment. As remarkable as these engineering achievements are, certainly just as many more great challenges and opportunities remain to be realized. While some seem clear, many others are indistinct and many more surely lie beyond most of our imaginations. Hope today such discussion from people like Valerie amos can be a begining of  a path to the future. 

This meeting was attended by the following key people; 

• Baroness Valerie Amos, Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), New York; Global Agenda Council on Catastrophic Risks.

• Céline Cousteau, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CauseCentric Productions, USA; Global Agenda Council on Oceans. 

• Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Director-General, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Sweden; Global Agenda Council on Youth Unemployment.

• Beatrice Weder di Mauro, Professor of Economics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany; Young Global Leader Alumnus; Global Agenda Council on Fiscal Sustainability.

Unfaithful husband deforms wife's face with acid

A WOMAN whose husband threw acid in her face after she divorced him has now been forced into remarrying him again.

Nurbanu divorced her husband of 18 years eight days before he returned and threw acid in her face in Shatkhira in south west Bangladesh. She had originally ended the marriage after she found him with another woman.

According to Nurbanu account to The Huffington Post, "My husband went into hiding. After 10 months he was caught and jailed for a year,"

Nurbanu's husband spent 12 months in jail for disfiguring her. He had been on the run for ten months before authorities caught up with him, but after his release his family coerced her into re-marrying him.

"His mother paid for his release on bail," she said. "She made me sign an affidavit to have him released. She used my sons to convince me to marry him again."

The acid attack has left the 36-year-old mother with horrific facial injuries. She is now blind and unable to even prepare a meal for herself.

Nurbanu is one of thousands of women in Bangladesh who have had acid flung at them by a relative or partner due to domestic arguments, financial woes or even rejected marriage proposals.

Violence against women remains an issue, according to Monira Rahman, the CEO of the acid survivors association in Bangladesh

"Having worked with survivors of acid and petrol attacks in Bangladesh for the past 14 years, I know that violence is a major obstacle for women's ability to access their rights," Ms Rahman said.

"Until women have real equality, they will continue to not only suffer the most from poverty but also be subjected to violence."

While government efforts have seen a decline in the number of acid attacks which has fallen from 500 in 2002 to 111 in 2011, there is still more work to be done Ms Rahman said.

TB Joshua sponsors a Nigerian Student to Oxford University

Nigerian Pastor T.B. Joshua who was recently named amoung others as one of the richest pastors in Nigeria, shocked congregants at his church, The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations on Sunday 18th November 2012 when it was revealed he has sponsored a Nigerian student to study a PhD in the University of Oxford to the tune of £100,000, approximately N26 million. T B Joshua is supposedly well known for his expansive philanthropic endeavours. 

Miss Yinka Oduwole, who according to her testimony was one of the youth who was brought up in The SCOAN and worked there extensively. she accounted that,  she had gained admission to study a PhD in Engineering Science in Oxford University, UK after a successful Master’s Programme in University College London (UCL). Yinka, who was equally sponsored in her Master’s Degree in Broadband Communication in UCL in which she came out with a distinction, said Prophet T.B. Joshua and Emmanuel TV Partners had paid the sum of £100,000 to enable her to study for a PhD in the prestigious Oxford University.

“My advice to youth all over the world is that they should pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on them,” Yinka, also a First-Class graduate from the University of Lagos, told the congregation and viewers worldwide on Emmanuel TV, equally counselling the youth to find a job in the church and actively engage in godly activities.

According to Forbes estimates; Joshua has spent up to $20m in charitable activities alone in the last three years. Thousands of less privileged students are currently studying in universities across Nigeria and around the world courtesy of SCOAN’s scholarship program.

Activist arrested and detained in Cameroon

Solomon Tembang Mforgham, AfricaNews Reporter in Yaoundé, Cameroon; Africanews.com

Four environmental activists have been arrested and detained in Cameroon. Nasako Besingi, the director of Struggle to Economise Future Environment (SEFE), was detained without charge on November 14, 2012 with three of his colleagues in the town of Mundemba in the South West region of Cameroon.

In a press release, Greenpeace International and Greenpeace Africa have expressed disgust over the arrest of environmental activists and called for their immediate release. They have also called on the Cameroonian authorities to respect the rule of law and individuals’ human rights.

Besingi, it would be noted, has been a vocal and peaceful critic of the plans and working practices of US-based company, Herakles Farms, whose large-scale palm oil plantation project in the region, he says, would cause widespread environmental destruction and threaten the livelihoods of residents in an area home to vital biodiversity.

The activities of SEFE have always been based on legal court actions and peaceful social dialogue around the only real tangible asset of people in the region – land.

The business of agriculture is well promoted among young people in Ghana

“Yara is all about knowledge; we don’t believe we just sell fertilizer, but we bring the knowledge that comes with it”, said Mehdi Saint-André, Managing Director of Yara Ghana.

According to him, the Academy will discourage the perception that farming is a punishment and rather inculcate in students the knowledge and skills in land preparation, seed selection and fertilizer application as well as post harvest activities and storage.

The pilot project would be undertaken with inmates of the Royal Seed Home at Odupong Ofaankor, Kasoa, where the company has established a 15-acre maize farm to support the orphanage.

An empowering success story: Free the Children on 60 Minutes

Brothers and founders of Free The Children, Craig and Marc Kielburger are two of the world's leading figures in youth empowerment. Free The Children, which works with more than one million youth every year, is the world's largest network of children helping children through education.

Marc and Craig are syndicated columnists and co-authors of the New York Times bestseller, Me to We, and most recently, The World Needs Your Kid.

Their work has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show as well as on CNN, BBC, 60 Minutes and The Today Show, and in People, Time and the Economist.

What an empowering story and shows you dont have to have lots wealth to help; all you need is willingness and a soul.

Help a mum by providing a healthy mama bundle

Happy Giving Tuesday! Give a mom the check-up, vitamins and medication she needs to be a pillar of strength for her family. Make a wish for a better world with a healthy mama bundle:

www.freethechildren.com/holidaywishingwell

KORA-All Africa Music Awards coming soon

The 12 edition of KORA- All African Music Awards coming soon. You can now vote for your best idol in different categories by following this link:http://vote.koraawards.org/container/_nom.php?categor=6#

The KORA All Africa Music Awards has in the past 10 years been held in South Africa; recently, it immigrated to other parts of the continent like Nigeria, then in Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou - which hosted the event in 2010. However this year, the event found a new home, Côte d’Ivoire for its next edition. The event is to take place under the theme of peace in Africa and will be held on December 29th, 2012 at “Palais des Congrèsde l’Hôtel Ivoire” in Abidjan.

Did we just missed Lynxx Bday?

Ooooopp!! Happy belated birthday to Lynxx.
Need not to introduce who this fine boy is huhh! Lynxx is a Nigerian Rapper Lynxxx who in his recent music video wedded the beautiful Ghanaian Actress Jocelyn Dumas “Fine Lady” featuring Wizkid!

Lets remind ourselves of the Fine Lady video below: ENJOY!!

More reasons why you should consume Fairtrade products: How Fairtrade benefits Ghanian cocoa farmers

There is an increasing Worldwide demand for cocoa as a major ingredient to make  chocolate products ; however, this does not neccessary mean that the income for cocoa farmers has equally increased.

During the annual International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) conference in Abidjan where cocoa industry gathers to discuss the future for cocoa, the biggest cocoa farmers’ cooperative in Ghanna called Ghana’s Kuapa Kokoo explains how Fairtrade, democratic organization and farmer empowerment are the key success factors of its operations and the future livelihoods of farmers.

According to the President of Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union, Christiana Ohene-Agyare, the co-operative exists for the sole benefit of its members and Fairtrade has played a crucial role in helping farmers improve their livelihoods.

“Fairtrade has delivered significant additional income to Kuapa Kokoo and through our democratic processes we have allocated that money. A significant part has been paid directly to our farmer members and to projects that directly benefit them. Without the support and extra income which Fairtrade and our Fairtrade partners deliver, we wouldn’t be here today and cocoa farmers would still have no say in their own futures,” she stated.

The Nigerian actress Uche fires back at plastic surgery rumour in her tweet

Someone posted these pictures of Uche and ait was  alluded  that she might have had surgery"@Zessell: @uchejombo @uchejombo_fan d 3pics cant be all UJ! Except some1 had a plastic surgery on her face! D last 2 r way different! Plz stop changn 

As usual, Uche didn't take the whole thing lightly and tweeted the following back. 

UCHE JOMBO-Rodriguez ‏@uchejombo

Dear clueless one stop talking *shit if I want to do surgery my nose and face will be the last thing I will touch because I am wonderfully made by God. Sincerely uche jombo-

Pictures of Serena and Venus in Nigerian

Serena, Venus with Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola

On the 31, October, 2012, Serena and big sister Venus arrive in Nigeria. Their mission was as part of a two-nation tour to promote women's rights.

Photo credit: Guardian news paper

During this tour, the US tennis star Venus Williams spoke to children during a two-hour tennis clinic at the Ikoyi club in Lagos. Serena Williams said she hopes her African tour with sister Venus would encourage athletes on the continent to strive for excellence in their sport. The sisters thn left for South Africa on November 2. More pictures after the cut...

YOUTHS WALK AGAINST VIOLENCE AND ABUSE ON WOMEN

Nigeria this weekend, citizens were empowered to make their voices heard on violence and abuse on women. The demonstration showed the people are sovereign—they are the highest form of authority and that power can only flows from the people to the leaders of government, who hold power only temporarily.

Beyond the Classroom Foundation in conjunction with AIESEC Lagos FEAVA Project (Female Empowerment against Violence and Abuse) over the weekend organized a WALK, campaigning to End Violence and Abuse on Women and Girls.

Omotola Vs. Genevieve: Who Is Hotter?

We certainly love these two Nigerian screen Idols. But sure most of us have preferences; so let us know, who do you think is the hottest and why?

We are suspects as we head to church these days

These days in Nigeria everyone is a suspect especially when going to places of worship. here is a pictures clearly demontrating that; many churches in Abuja city centre ewcently have resorted to subjecting their members and worshippers through thorough security checks before they are allowed to gain access into the church premises. To their excuse, this is all as a result of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.... 

Dont what the Nigerians or any one else feel about this..well you decide.

Stunning Pictures Of Genevieve On Thanksgiving

Were you wondering what the a celebrity like Genvieve could be doing on thanksgiving day? well as you can clearly see from the above picture; she did what we all did ...eat*** wink** Still in top shape as ever though. You rock Genny!!

Pictures of Yvonne Nelson looking fab in a bikiny

Yvonne 's new pictures with bikini. Although many will approave of this size, BUT some may also  view it as not a healthy size; She is looking skinny. We are Africans and should be proud of our thick selves.  We love you Yvonne Nelson. The real African women size should be promoted..!!

Dr Christopher Fomunyoh reviews Cardinal Tumi's latest book.

Christian Cardinal Tumi

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh has expressed his gratitude to Christian Cardinal Tumi for his service not just to Cameroon, but mankind in general. 

Dr. Christipher Fomunyoh 

Dr Christopher reviews Christian cardinal Tumi latest book: My Faith: A Cameroon to be renewed. By Christian Cardinal Tumi, Editions Veritas; 304 pages; $30.

In this book review, he says the following: To understand and enjoy this latest book by Christian Cardinal Tumi, you have to know the man (or of him) and his style – his simple, straightforward and frank style, and his willingness to speak out and to call things as they are. It is a style uncommon in a society where many prefer to be silent in the face of such evil, oppression and even material deprivation of their fellow compatriots. Some do not speak out because they have made their peace with the unholy ones and prefer the easy path of going along as if blind to the ills that plague our society and that have crippled an otherwise thriving nation that still has to build. For more details on this review, follow this link: http://www.icicemac.com/actualite/understandingmy-faitha-cameroon-to-be-renewed--14283-65-1.html

Cameroon First Lady concerns about the future

Democracy in Cameroon is falling behind despite several attempts from NGOs and other international organisations in trying to find and prescribe systematic solutions. Despite the world becoming increasingly an interdependent system, Cameroon seem to have set itself apart by being dogmatic in its electoral system. In this new era of globalisation, it is no doubt that, actions taken in one country has repercussions on the other side of the globe, therefore if some aspects of democracy are not integrated properly; pursuing national interests will often be restricted by international agreements; hence further deepening countries like Cameroon into economic and social difficulties.

Just to illustrate the case of democracy, lets use China; When we talk about China, although it is not a Western democracy, China has nevertheless provided a mechanism which alternates. Therefore, since the accession of Paul Biya in 1982, the Middle Kingdom has had five presidents and is preparing to host its 6th. What does it tell us?

Africa's first Anglican woman bishop

Ellinah Wamukoya, age 61, will serve as the church's bishop in the small, conservative kingdom of Swaziland. Ellinah's consecration happens just as the Church of England was due to vote on whether to allow women to become bishops."We have taken this step, and we wish the Church of England 'God speed' as they deliberate this week," Cape Town's Anglican archbishop said.

Stop the war against civilians in Congo

Congolese Civilians once again under rebel attack. Civilians of Goma were forced to flee their homes as gun shots and bombs are thrown in the city as a sign from the rebels that they are taking over the Democratic Republic of Congo. The M23 revolt began as a mutiny by soldiers against low pay.

Rebels' spokesman Colonel Vianney Kazarama spoke to a crowd at a stadium in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday. The M23 rebels said they planned to take control of the entire DRC after they captured Goma on Tuesday while UN peacekeepers looked on. The UN Security Council has demanded that the rebels withdraw from Goma and disband.

Kazarama however promised a peaceful future by saying the following; "Our plan is to secure the people and their property," he told The Daily Telegraph, flanked by youthful insurgents carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles. "Today, the population can sleep well. Last night, we had a quiet night. We ask the people to come back to their homes because now it is peaceful." Any rebel guilty of theft, murder or rape would be punished, he promised.

Credit: JAMES AKENA/REUTER

Last night, however, a final report by UN experts charged with investigating the rebels made clear that neighbouring Rwanda was primarily responsible for commanding and supporting the M23 movement. Roger Meece, the UN's envoy to Congo, told the Security Council yesterday that the rebels had been carrying out "targeted summary executions" of their opponents during their advance.

Residential building collapsed yesterday in Lagos Nigeria

Two sisters in their late 20s have been reported dead after a storey building collapsed yesterday in Lagos Nigeria.

This building was located at Block M20, Jakande Estate, Church Street, Oke-Afa, Isolo, Lagos which collapsed at about 12 midnight killing these girls and seriously injuring their mother.

Nadia Buari turns 30

Happy birth day to Nadia Buari; the ghannian screen queen turned 30 yesterday. Nadia Buari was born November 21, 1982 and is a Ghanaian actress. Her achievenmentts so far; She received two nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2007 and 2009.

Buari is the daughter of Sidiku Buari, a Ghanaian musician. She studied Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, Legon and graduated with a BFA degree in Fine Arts. 

Buari premiered on Ghanaian national television with the TV series Games People Play in late 2005. Her first major film was Mummy's Daughter, after which she starred inBeyonce: The President's Daughter. Her role as Beyonce was her major breakthrough. She has starred in over 20 movies to date.

Migration affects welfare

According to the World Bank topic at a glance, migration of people across international borders affects economic growth and social welfare in both sending and receiving countries. More than 200 million people now live outside their country of birth.

What makes people move? Strong pressures such as the differences in demographics and real incomes between countries.

Why is there inequality so much that people have to move anyway? if you want to solve the issue in the receiving country why not solve those in the sending countries? If not stop mourning about it and let people keep migrating for a better life! after all the jobs they are willing to across border are the jobs the indigens are not willing to do1 so hope is that affecting economic growth and social welfare in the recieving countries?

Up to $406 billion of remittance will go developing countries this year

Remittance flows to the developing world are expected to exceed earlier estimates and total $406 billion this year, this is an increase of 6.5 percent over the previous year, according to a new World Bank brief on global migration and remittances.

In this same press release, remittances to developing countries are projected to grow by 7.9 percent in 2013, 10.1 percent in 2014 and 10.7 percent in 2015 to reach $534 billion in 2015.

Despite the growth in remittance flows overall to developing countries, it is no doubt that the continuing global economic crisis is dampening remittance flows to some regions, with Europe and Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa especially affected, while South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are expected to fare much better than previously estimated

Empower Sierra Leone for success

Remember the story of Kevin, the 13 year old boy who is the youngest Sierra Leone engineer discovered by David; a doctorate student? To read more about his story follow this link: http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/14/diy-africa-empowering-a-new-sierra-leone/

Google innovation improves the use of cell phones in Africa

The popular Web giant is setting to introduce a new innovative service to millions of cell phone users in Africa; this will allow people to send and recieve emails through SMS messages

Statatistic reveals that, while more that 1 billion African redident use cell phones, just a few really have access to e-mail. Whis is what Google is trying to change.

According to the Associated Press, the Web giant is on the way for an ambitious endeavor that will give people the opportunity to receive e-mails via text messages. In effect, Google will be giving people access to the Internet with feature handsets. Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya are the first countries to get the service. Why not Cameroon as well? Google!!??

Already in Nigeria, ads were seing posted on billboards around the country for Google's text message email service in July, according to the Associated Press.

The way the service works is that it will lets many users get free Gmail e-mails as text messages -- and the cost of a reply is only what it costs to send a text message.

Pictures of Mercy Johnson showing off her baby bump

Pregnancy glow written all over Mercy Johnson; check out new pictures of the radiant beauty. Doesnt she make you wanna have one yourself....wink**

Omotola reality show coming soon this December

The most loved Nigeria actress Omotola has been up to some good projects lately and we have all been waiting impatiently. Her new  reality show is said to debut this December 6th. 

As we all know the gorgeous actress is happily married to a successful business man since we can remember; and he has been very supportive in his wife's career as a movie star despite its demanding nature; So what does it tell us? yes you can get married, yes you can choose entertainment as a career and yes a husband can for sure support you all the way; which is and should be empowering for any young and talented female who wishes to have a go in the entertainment industry but is scarred to for obvious reasons.

Maybelle Boma: The voice of Cameroon gospel music

As most often, ESIA is an advocate of unity when possible and necessary and as such, this beautiful video symbolises just that. 

For quiet sometime ESIA has been taking note of the beautiful Maybelle Boma who is a Gospel singer from the North West of Cameroon now resident in the United state to be precise, Washington DC.

Chocking News: Ghanian Movie Star Jacky Appiah Divorses Husband of 3years

Hold your breath before reading this if you are a fan......Ghanian most loved actress Jacky Appiah divorces husband of three years? What is this ? some kind of Brat pitt and Jennifer Anniston!!! I must pause here because the news is breath taking. Could this be the pressure of the entertainment industry? African women are suppose to be multitasking at everything. How empowering is this to the young celebrities coming up?

Joselyn Dumas on the red carpet at the the Channel O Awards show

Wooow!! check out Joselyn Dumas on the red carpet at the Channel O Awards which took place in Soweto Saturday night. Amazing choice Joselyn

Tiwa Savage brings her mother to the Channel O Awards

Mummy power all the way...... for Tiwa savage as she brings her mum to the 9th Annual Channel O Music Video Awards which took place last night in South Africa. Most people don't need science to appreciate the importance of a mother's love...... Bravo Tiwa.

Award season continues with Channel O Music Video Awards

Channel O Music Video Awards was hosted yesterday night in South Africa and like usual, Nigerian artists took the grace home by winning 6 out of the 14 categories.

The Nigerian winners were as below D'banj: Most Gifted Video of the Year Flavour ft Tiwa Savage: Most Gifted R&B Music Video of the Year P-Square, May D & Akon: Most Gifted Group/DuoDavido: Most Gifted New Comer of the Year Ice Prince: Most Gifted Hip Hop Video of the Year Brymo: Most Gifted Pop.

Video of the youngest engineer from Syria Leone

Meet the youngest engineer from Syria Leone; this shows talent is not just from the western world. A big thank you to David for giving Kevin the platform to demonstrate his inventive skills. Let us hope the western world politic does not fade his talent away or take total ownership of his scraft.

Empower Success In Africa tombs-up to Kenvin and may the Good God enlightens your vision further.

Cameroon Merit Movie Awards: Even brighter future

Cameroon entertainment industry future is looking brighter than ever. It is growing not only from the diaspora, but from the grass root itself Cameroon. 

Yesterday, many Cameroonian celebrities gathered to celebrate their first ever Cameroon Merit Movie Award (CMMA). It is good to know that, despite some controversial rumours; which the details aren't necessary for now, it went on successfully with merit given to those deserving. The good news is, the Cameroon entertainment industry is bringing artists together and so it should be hence forth (work, support and communicate together to avoid disunity!!..).

For the special event, Cameroonian favourite stars like Jeff Epule, Solange Yjika, Sahndra Fon Dufe, Onye Ubanatu, Penjo Baba, Jennifer T'neeya and others made their way across the pond for this Awards which took place in the South West of Cameroon, Buea, taking the stage for high-energy appreciations and shining on the red carpet in eye-catching and fab dresses.

This was definitely one of the biggest night in the Cameroon film industry calendar, and will from now be renowned for welcoming and honouring impressive line-up of stars. 

Good job to all the organisers and may the good Lord sees the country through its long standing difficult times. More pictures after cut...