BIAFRAN FRIENDS & PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

Igbo’s Pillar of Defence Battle must start soon because they have been pushed to the wall in Nigeria.

2012-11-20T21:31:00.002-08:00

Biafra Map with Provinces

My Dear Readers,

It is my pleasure to thank each and everyone of you to pray for Africa, Israel, Middle East and more especially the Igbos living in the Eastern part of Nigeria whose right of sovereignty was denied in the past.

Africa is plagued by corrupt Leadership. The problems of the Boko Haram in Nigeria requires splitting of the Country and permitting the Igbos, that the Biafra that was fought for from 1967-1970 to exist as a Sovereign nation from Nigeria.

The Igbos from Eastern Nigeria have suffered immensely both in the hands of the corrupt leadership of Nigeria and the present mayhem of Boko Haram.

If the attention of the global community is not channeled to Nigeria and more especially to the splitting of Nigeria to Southern Christian Nigeria and Northern Islamic Nigeria. I want to tell the global community to expect crisis greater than Sudan in a shortest time from Nigeria.

The Igbos are still massacred in every sport and in a smallest provocation in Nigeria. The massacring of the Igbos led to Nigeria civil war. The same thing has continued unaddressed by the Federal government of Nigeria.

If this massacring of the Igbos is not addressed. The Igbos will stand up as other people and suppressed nation to deliver their territory from the corrupt administrative system by their hands and I believe that the God of justice will fight for them.

The massacring of the Igbos in Nigeria is the next global agenda that must be addresses before it becomes unbearable to the Igbos. I advice whosoever that needs peaceful co-existence in that West African part of the world to act today because a stitch in time saves nine,

Best Regards,

Uchenna C. Okonkwor.

TRIBUTE TO OJUKWU BY DR. MOROCCO

2012-08-09T02:23:00.001-07:00

http://youtu.be/youbyQWsUvE

Funeral Of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu "VIGIL IN NEW YORK" 1 Funeral Of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu "VIGIL IN NEW YORK"

2012-08-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TOmOpK03p0&feature=player_embedded#t=162s

Peaceful settlement of the Nigeria / Biafran war Dr. Azikiwe talking about a settlement of the war.

2012-08-01T05:16:00.003-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPBLDhFh0jM&feature=player_embedded#t=37s

Biafran War 1967-1970 (A) The Biafran War of 1967

2012-08-01T05:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv0GrYMKgvM&feature=player_embedded#t=69s

Biafran War 1967-1970 (B) The Biafran war of 1967 and the atrocities Nigeria committed

2012-08-01T05:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An7IZBBATTM&feature=player_embedded

2012-08-01T05:00:00.003-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n50-qZAxFSM&feature=player_embedded

2012-08-01T04:49:00.002-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UrfUrJO-E0A

2012-08-01T04:47:00.002-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O0K4RrbntFE

7 symptoms men shouldn’t ignore

2012-05-24T17:51:00.003-07:00

An annoyance or a sign of something serious? Experts say these symptoms should warrant a trip to the doctor.

Some people will do anything to avoid it seeing their doctors — including dismissing seemingly minor health complaints. We all know symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain require immediate medical attention, but sometimes the symptoms we overlook can signal something serious too.

Here are seven symptoms men shouldn’t ignore, according to experts.

Erectile dysfunction

We know it’s embarrassing to talk about — despite quirky commercials about little blue pills. ED (also known as impotence) affects many men as they get older. Not only can it impact a man’s self-image and sex life, this condition can warn of other diseases that have subtle symptoms.
For example, ED — a pattern of not being able to get or keep an erection — can be caused by health issues that affect the nerves, brain and blood vessels. It could be a symptom of diabetes or pre-diabetes, or be caused by a hardening of the arteries (a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart to disease). High blood pressure, kidney failure, stress, smoking and alcohol abuse can all be culprits.
The symptoms of ED can be treated, but experts warn men to talk to their doctor to make sure the cause gets some attention too.

Changes in the penis, testicles or scrotum

It’s advice men as well as women should heed: know your body. Any changes “down there” like lumps, swelling, a feeling of heaviness or a change in size of the testicles could be a warning sign of testicular cancer. Likewise, a lump on the penis, sores, discharge or bleeding could warn of penile cancer.
Sores, a rash, redness, itching and oozing could be symptoms of sexually transmitted illnesses. Though usually not serious, men should have these symptoms checked out before the conditions get worse and they pass it along to their partners.

Urinary problems

Experts say most men experience some changes to their bathroom habits as they age, but it’s time to see a doctor when things become uncomfortable or interfere with daily activities. Problems with the prostate can cause symptoms like:
- a frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- a weak or interrupted urine stream
- an inability to urinate
- difficulty starting or stopping a urine stream.
These symptoms don’t automatically mean prostate cancer — they could also be a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some of these symptoms can also be caused by medications, infections or inflammation — but that’s up to a doctor to determine.

Blood where there shouldn’t be blood

The presence of blood is seldom a good sign — especially when it comes to bodily functions. For example, blood in urine — when the urine has a pink or brown tint — could be caused by a urinary tract infection, inflammation in the urinary tract, kidney stone, an enlarged prostate or cancers of the prostate, bladder or kidney. Experts estimate that roughly one in ten men will experience blood in their urine — or hematuria, in medical terms — during his lifetime. Sometimes no cause is ever found, and sometimes the discolouration could be due to medications like blood thinners.
What about blood in the stool? Bright red blood is most commonly caused by annoying conditions like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis, but experts warn that dark red, maroon, black or tarry stools mean the blood has been in your gut for a while — and could be a sign of ulcers or colon cancer.
Coughing up blood can be caused by conditions from blood clots to infections (including tuberculosis and pneumonia.) When in doubt, any sign of blood shouldn’t be ignored.

Pain

Think aches and pains are just a part of getting older? Not so, say doctors. Persistent pain can be a warning sign of many conditions including arthritis, a damaged nerve, kidney disease, gallbladder disease and even cancer. Pain during intercourse could also be a sign of prostate cancer, say experts.
Acute pain — like a red, swollen and painful joint — also deserves a check-up. It could be caused by an injury, or a chronic condition like gout or bursitis (both of which are more common in men than women). Infections can also attack joints and cause permanent damage or spread if left untreated.
In short, any pain should warrant a trip to the doctor. Chances are the cause isn’t serious, but a doctor can suggest treatment options that tackle the pain and treat the underlying cause.

Persistent thirst

We’re often told to drink plenty of water, but constantly being thirsty isn’t so healthy. Of course, hours of exercise, a salty or spicy meal or medications can cause the problem, but excessive thirst could be an early sign of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes — conditions that may not have any other symptoms.
Another cause: fluid could be leaving the blood stream and building up in tissues, leaving the body wanting more. This swelling (or edema) can be the result of heart, liver, or kidney failure or a severe infection or burn. Dry mouth can also be associated with thirst, and can have many causes from medication side effects to autoimmune disorders.
Regardless, experts warn that unusual thirst should be checked out, especially when other symptoms like dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea and changes in urinary habits go with it.

Depression

Depression is more common among women than men, so why is it on this list? Some experts warn men are less likely than women to get help due to societal pressures, and they might even experience symptoms differently. They might become aggressive, bury themselves in work or turn to drug or alcohol abuse to cope with their feelings. Unfortunately, men are also three times more likely than women to kill themselves. Suicide is one of the top causes of death in men in Canada, according to Statistics Canada.
It may sound stereotypical, but experts warn that depression may be harder to spot in men because of the stigma against showing weakness, crying or expressing emotion. Symptoms of depression in both sexes can include prolonged feelings of sadness, guilt or grief, loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, thoughts of suicide, fatigue, changes in appetite and loss of interest in sex.
Depression can be treated with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes, but it’s just as important for men to get help as women. (See the Canadian Mental Health Association website for more information.)
This list is just a few of the symptoms worth paying attention — and we know the causes can sound intimidating. However, experts say most of the time these symptoms have benign and treatable causes. The message is to be aware, but not to panic. Your doctor will likely want to review your symptoms and medical history, do an exam and run some tests. The key is to get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible — and some conditions simply shouldn’t have to wait.
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, Huffington Post Canada, Mayoclinic.com, U.K National Health Services, U.S. National Library of Medicine, WebMD

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Miroslaw Oslizlo

Court suspends Ratko Mladic war crimes trial

2012-05-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

General Ratko Mladic, center, commander of Serbian forces in Bosnia, arrives at Sarajevo airport on August 10, 1993 to negotiate the withdrawal of his troops from Mount Igman.

HIDE CAPTION

Ratko Mladic: Villain to many, hero to others

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The trial of the alleged "Butcher of Bosnia" is suspended on its second day
A dispute over evidence halted proceedings against the alleged war criminal
The ex-general faces 11 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity
Nearly 8,000 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered in Srebrenica

The Hague, Netherlands (CNN) -- The war crimes trial of former Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic was suspended until further notice Thursday over the prosecution's failure to disclose some evidence against Mladic, court spokeswoman Nerma Jelacic said.

The abrupt suspension came only a day after the long-awaited trial began.

Prosecutors had been planning to focus Thursday on the massacre of up to 8,000 Muslim men and boys at Srebrenica, for which they accuse Mladic of responsibility.

But the defense called for a halt to the trial after it found that the prosecution had not shown it all the evidence against Mladic. Under court rules, the defense has a right to study prosecution evidence before a trial begins.

It was not clear what the evidence was or how long the delay would last, but it could be a matter of weeks.

Srebrenica the focus of Mladic trial

'Butcher of Bosnia' shows no remorse

Mladic war crimes trial begins

2011: Ratko Mladic captured

Lawyers will meet the judge Thursday afternoon to discuss how to proceed. The prosecution says that it did not show the defense all of its evidence, an apparent error that became evident when prosecutors began to lay out their case Wednesday.

Mladic is accused of orchestrating a horrific campaign of ethnic cleansing during the bloody civil war that ripped apart Yugoslavia.

The former general showed no remorse as his war crimes trial opened Wednesday, at one point even appearing to threaten victims in the court.

He drew his hand across his neck as if cutting a throat while staring at victims of the war that introduced the phrase "ethnic cleansing."

At other times, the man accused of being "the Butcher of Bosnia" stared at them, fire in his eyes, and he once growled at the survivors.

The 70-year-old former Bosnian Serb general has been indicted on 11 counts of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in the 1992-95 war.

His trial is taking place at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands, a special court established to try those responsible for atrocities during the war.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Dermot Groome laid out details of the case against Mladic, saying that ethnic cleansing was not a byproduct of the war, but a specific aim of the Bosnian Serb leadership.

He aimed to show that Mladic was directly responsible for atrocities carried out by his forces, who were fighting for control of land in ethnically mixed Bosnia.

Sexual violence was a weapon of war, Groome said, describing a woman who said she had been raped more than 50 times, and women who were forced by Bosnian Serb forces to perform sex acts on members of their own families.

Prosecutors will use survivor testimonies and video clips to make their case at a trial that is likely to last for months or years.

Among those in the courtroom were the families of Srebrenica victims.

"Victims have waited nearly two decades to see Ratko Mladic in the dock," Param-Preet Singh, senior counsel in the International Justice Program at Human Rights Watch, said ahead of the trial. "His trial should lay to rest the notion that those accused of atrocity crimes can run out the clock on justice."

2011: Ratko Mladic captured

Mladic's trial began after a landmark war crimes ruling last month, when another international tribunal found former Liberian President Charles Taylor guilty of aiding and abetting war crimes in neighboring Sierra Leone's notoriously brutal civil war.

Taylor got a final chance to address his court Wednesday as Mladic's trial opened, and he said he was "saddened" by a verdict that he portrayed as unfair.

"Both trials are evidence of the growing international trend to hold perpetrators of atrocities to account, no matter how senior their position," Human Rights Watch said.

Mladic eluded authorities for nearly 16 years until his capture in May 2011, when police burst into the garden of a small house in northern Serbia.

Europe's highest-ranking war crimes suspect was discovered standing against a wall in a utility room normally used for storing farm equipment, according to a government minister.

Though he was carrying two handguns, he surrendered without a fight. He was extradited for trial in the Netherlands.

But from day one in custody, he has exhibited defiance and appears not to have relinquished his visceral antagonism toward his enemies. Before the trial that started Wednesday, he also drew a finger across his throat in court, a gesture aimed at some of the Srebrenica widows. At other times, he disrupted proceedings by putting on a hat in the courtroom and refusing to enter a plea.

He has sought delays in his trial and said he is in failing health.

In July 1995, Mladic was in command of the Bosnian Serb army and led his soldiers into the town of Srebrenica. In the days that followed, the soldiers systematically slaughtered nearly 8,000 Muslim men and boys.

Bosnia peace negotiator Richard Holbrooke once described Mladic as "one of those lethal combinations that history thrusts up occasionally -- a charismatic murderer."

In the three decades leading up to the violent splintering of Yugoslavia, Mladic rose rapidly through the ranks of the Yugoslav army. In 1991, he served as a front-line commander spearheading Serb forces in a yearlong war with Croatia.

By the time he took to Bosnia's battlefields, he had become a hero to many Serbs, seen as a defender of their dwindling fortunes.

In May 1992, Bosnia's Serbian political leaders picked him to lead the assault on their Muslim enemies who clamored for independence.

Robertson: Bosnia's future is tied to justice

Mladic wasted no time galvanizing his heavily armed forces in a siege of Sarajevo, cutting the city off from the outside world. Serb forces pounded the city every day from higher ground positions, trapping Sarajevo's ill-prepared residents in the valley below. More than 10,000 people, mostly civilians, perished.

Some observers conjured images of Sarajevo in describing Syrian attacks on the besieged city of Homs earlier this year.

As the war ended in the fall of 1995, Mladic went on the run.

Shortly after Mladic was sent to The Hague last year, authorities nabbed former Croatian Serb rebel leader Goran Hadzic. He was the last Yugoslav war crimes suspect at large.

Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic was arrested in 2008. And Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic was arrested in 2001 but died before his trial could be completed.

CNN's Moni Basu contributed to this report.

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Manchester United chief executive David Gill says funds available

2012-05-17T17:00:00.003-07:00

Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists the club have funds to challenge for the title next season.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to strengthen his side after missing out on the Premier League crown to Manchester City.
Ferguson has been linked with Borussia Dortmund duo Shinji Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski.
But he says he will spend wisely after claiming City "pay stupid money and silly salaries".
Ferguson also has Eden Hazard on his radar after watching the Lille midfielder on several occasions although City are also ready to move for the £30m-rated talent.

Who is Shinji Kagawa?

A 23-year-old playmaker whose 13 goals in 29 games helped Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title. Kagawa was a bargain when he joined from J-League side Cerezo Osaka for just 35,000 euros in 2010.

"We know City are going to spend fortunes, pay stupid money and silly salaries," said the United manager.

"We know that happens. We can't do anything about that.
"We are not like other clubs who can spend fortunes on proven goods. We invest in players who will be with the club for a long time, who will create the character of the club and the excitement for our fans.
"We are good at that and we are going to continue that way."
Ferguson and assistant Mike Phelan were in Berlin last Saturday to watch Japan midfielder Kagawa and Poland striker Lewandowski help Dortmund hammer Bayern Munich 5-2 in the German Cup final.

Continue reading the main story

“Funds are available without a doubt. We can still pay very well in terms of wages and transfer fees. Clearly City have raised the bar.”

David Gill

Gill said United have the finances to compete in the transfer market this summer as the club look to bounce back from missing out on a record 20th title on goal difference to City.

"Funds are available without a doubt," said Gill, who was speaking at the club's player of the year awards night on Monday.
"We can still pay very well in terms of wages and transfer fees.
"Clearly City have raised the bar. We have seen that with what they are prepared to pay for players and to them.
"But we need to move on. Financial Fair Play is just around the corner.
"It is a flagship programme for [Uefa president] Michel Platini and how that is implemented and the sanctions that are imposed are going to be interesting."
Meanwhile, City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has hinted the Blues may not spend as much as they have in recent close seasons.
As well as Hazard, manager Roberto Mancini has been linked with a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
"We have a championship-winning team," said Khaldoon in an interview on City's official website.
"We are not starting from the same point as in other pre-seasons.
"We have had to improve in a very dramatic manner. Now we have a nucleus. To improve further we have to harness that nucleus."

Manchester United beat Irish League 4-1 in Harry Gregg game

2012-05-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Patrice Evra, Ashley Young (2) and Wayne Rooney scored as Manchester United beat an Irish League Select 4-1 in Tuesday's Harry Gregg testimonial.

Michael Owen put Evra clear for the opener but Chris Scannell headed an equaliser early in the second half.
Young restored United's lead on 57 minutes with a direct free-kick.
Substitute Rooney scored from a penalty after Ross Redman's foul on Tom Cleverley before Young got his second goal near the end.
The game was a testimonial for ex-goalkeeper Gregg, who survived the 1958 Munich air disaster and was praised for staying with the burning plane to help passengers to safety.

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill pay tribute to Harry Gregg.

The former Northern Ireland international had a 10-year spell with United, making 247 appearances.
Before the match, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid a warm tribute to Gregg.
"We should alway pay homage to those players who have played such a part in creating our history and Harry is one of them," he said.
"Harry showed great courage in the Munich air disaster. There was also his longevity as a goalkeeper at Manchester United.
"He is part of the rich history of our club and we should never forget that."
See more photos from the Harry Gregg Testimonial .

Leicester buy Man Utd's Ritchie De Laet & Matthew James

2012-05-17T16:53:00.003-07:00

Leicester City have signed Ritchie De Laet and Matthew James from Manchester United on three-year contracts.

Undisclosed fees have been agreed for the pair, who City boss Nigel Pearson described as "hungry young players with winning mentalities".
Belgium international defender De Laet, 23, was recently on loan with Norwich City but also made six starts for United during his time at Old Trafford.
England Under-20 midfielder James, 20, has spent two loan spells at Preston.
"Both are hungry young players with winning mentalities," said Foxes boss Nigel Pearson.
"Ritchie and Matthew are both players we have been monitoring for some time and we are very pleased to be able to bring them both to the club.
"They will add considerable quality to the squad."
De Laet, who also appeared on loan with Sheffield United, Preston North End and Portsmouth during his time with the Red Devils, has so far won two senior caps for Belgium.
James, who can also play in defence, graduated from United's academy and was an integral part of the club's reserve sides after signing professional terms in July 2009.

Central African Republic profile

2012-05-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960 and is one of the least-developed countries in the world.

It has endured several coups and a notorious period under a self-declared emperor, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who headed a brutal regime.
The Bokassa era ended in 1979, when he was overthrown in a coup led by David Dacko and backed by French commandos based in the country.
After just two years in office Mr Dacko was toppled by Andre Kolingba, who eventually allowed multi-party presidential elections and was duly rejected in the first round.
Mr Kolingba's successor, Ange-Felix Patasse, had to contend with serious unrest which culminated in riots and looting in 1997 by unpaid soldiers.
When in that year the French pulled out, there were fears of a power vacuum, so Paris financed a group of French-speaking African countries to create a peacekeeping force. That force was then transformed into the UN Mission to the Central African Republic, or Minurca.
In 1999 Mr Patasse beat nine other candidates to become president again, but there were allegations of electoral fraud. He was overthrown in a coup in 2003 and went into exile in Togo.

At a glance

Politics: Country described as a failed state in permanent crisis, facing mutinies and rebellions. Peace process envisaged 2011 elections, demobilisation and reintegration of rebel groups
Economy: Decades of instability have undermined the economy. People here are among world's poorest.
International: Suffers spill-over of violence from neighbours; assisted by French military; hosts international peacekeepers. Ugandan troops pursuing rebels

Country profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring

Illegal weapons proliferate across the CAR, the legacy of years of unrest. Armed groups are active in the volatile north. The unrest has displaced tens of thousands of Central Africans; many of them have crossed the border into Chad.

Some progress towards ending the conflict was made in 2008, when peace talks led to an agreement committing two of the main rebel groups to disarm. The process culminated with the creation of a national unity government incorporating two rebel leaders in early 2009.
However, another threat has appeared - the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels of neighbouring Uganda, whose insurgency has spread to the wider region, including CAR. In 2009, LRA activities forced the populations of several towns and villages to flee, while government forces struggled to contain the gunmen.
The CAR possesses considerable agricultural, water and mineral resources. But corruption is rife, according to the IMF, and affects the timber and diamond industries.
The country is endowed with virgin rainforests and has some of the highest densities of lowland gorillas and forest elephants in Africa.

Met Police to extract suspects' mobile phone data

2012-05-17T15:20:00.002-07:00

The kiosks have been fitted in 16 London boroughs for a 12-month trial

The Metropolitan Police has implemented a system to extract mobile phone data from suspects held in custody.

The data includes call history, texts and contacts, and the BBC has learned that it will be retained regardless of whether any charges are brought.
The technology is being used in 16 London boroughs, and could potentially be used by police across the UK.
Campaign group Privacy International described the move as a "possible breach of human rights law".
Until now, officers had to send mobiles off for forensic examination in order to gather and store data, a process which took several weeks.
Under the new system, content will be extracted using purpose built terminals in police stations.
It will allow officers to connect a suspect's mobile and produce a print out of data from the device, as well as saving digital records of the content.
'Retained and handled'

“Start Quote

Mobile phones and other devices are increasingly being used in all levels of criminal activity”

End Quote Stephen Kavanagh Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service

A Met Police spokesman told the BBC that when a suspect was released, "data received from the handsets is retained and handled in accordance with other data held by the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service]" - regardless of whether charges had been brought.

Guidelines given to officers state that data extraction can happen only if there is sufficient suspicion the mobile phone was used for criminal activity.
"Mobile phones and other devices are increasingly being used in all levels of criminal activity," said Stephen Kavanagh, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service.
"When a suspect is arrested and found with a mobile phone that we suspect may have been used in crime, traditionally we submit it to our digital forensic laboratory for analysis.
"Therefore, a solution located within the boroughs that enables trained officers to examine devices and gives immediate access to the data in that handset is welcomed."
'Illegal' Over 300 London officers will be trained in using the "intuitive, fully-guided touchscreen desktop data acquisition tool", created by mobile forensic firm Radio Tactics.
The cost of leasing the 16 terminals for 12 months and training the officers will be £50,000, the Met said.

Privacy International has warned against the possibility of such tech eventually be used on the streets

Privacy International has expressed serious concern over the system.
"We are looking at a possible breach of human rights law," spokeswoman Emma Draper told the BBC.
"It is illegal to indefinitely retain the DNA profiles of individuals after they are acquitted or released without charge, and the communications, photos and location data contained in most people's smartphones is at least as valuable and as personal as DNA."
Ms Draper added that while the Met's current plans were limited to fixed extraction terminals in stations, portable technology was readily available.
"Examining suspects' mobile phones after they are arrested is one thing, but if this technology was to be taken out onto the streets and used in stop-and-searches, that would be a significant and disturbing expansion of police powers."

Non-Hispanic US white births now the minority in US

2012-05-17T15:17:00.006-07:00

Children from racial and ethnic minorities now account for more than half the births in the US, according to estimates of the latest US census data.

Black, Hispanic, Asian and mixed-race births made up 50.4% of new arrivals in the year ending in July 2011.
It puts non-Hispanic white births in the minority for the first time.
Sociologists believe the ongoing economic slowdown has contributed to a greater decline in birth rates among white people.
The US Census Bureau recorded 2.02m babies born to minorities in the year to July 2011, just over half of all births, compared with 37% in 1990.
'Sharp diversion'
US birth rates have been declining, but the drop has been larger for white people.

“Start Quote

There's a sharp diversion between the older population... and the young population that is foreign to them”

End Quote William Frey Brookings Institution

What will a white-minority America look like?

The number of white births has fallen by 11.4% since 2008, compared with 3.2% for minorities, according to Kenneth Johnson, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire.

William Frey, head of demographics at the Brookings Institution, said the data presaged a new set of challenges to the US in years to come.
"There's a sharp division between the older population - with the votes and the money and the power, and a lot of needs - and the young population that is foreign to them and with whom they have no personal connection," he told the BBC.
As population changes the US will see an inevitable decline in the numbers of whites in the labour force, Mr Frey said, adding that better pathways to education were needed for the changing demographic groups.
In its analysis, the Census Bureau found that the national median age rose slightly to 37.2 years, and the number of people in the US who are 65 or older increased by 1.1m to 41.4m. There are now 5.7m people who are over the age of 85.
Hispanic peak? The nation's minority population now makes up 36.6% of the total US population.
Hispanics make up the largest minority in the US, forming 16.7% of the population in 2011. They are also the fastest growing group and have seen a 3.1% population increase since 2010.

Changing face of the US

50.4% of babies born in the year ending July 2011 are minorities
There were 52m Hispanics in the US in 2011 - the largest minority group - followed by 43.9m African-Americans
The Hispanic population grew at a rate of 3.1,% with Asian population growing by 3% since 2010
More than half the populations of four states - Hawaii, California, New Mexico and Texas - plus Washington DC - are minorities

But demographers also believe the Hispanic population boom may now have peaked.

"The Latino population is very young, which means they will continue to have a lot of births relative to the general population," Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau said.
"But we're seeing a slowdown that is likely the result of multiple factors: declining Latina birth rates combined with lower immigration levels. If both of these trends continue, they will lead to big changes down the road."
As well as changes in birth rates among Hispanics, studies have shown that immigration levels are also changing. A recent survey by the Pew Hispanic Center showed migration to the US from Mexico has begun to decline after four decades of sustained growth.
The data also showed African-Americans comprise the second largest US minority group, with a population of 43.9m in 2011, while Asians are growing second-fastest at a rate of 3% since 2010.
Four states - Hawaii, California, New Mexico, Texas - and the District of Columbia are now counted as majority-minority states, with more than half their population made up of minority groups.

Day in pictures: 17 May 2012-Juan Ramon Fonseca (centre) and another suspect (not pictured) are accused of trying to extort money from the family of Honduran radio journalist Alfredo Villatoro after he had been kidnapped. Villatoro was found dead on the outskirts of the capital a week after he was abducted.

2012-05-17T15:12:00.002-07:00

Juan Ramon Fonseca (centre) and another suspect (not pictured) are accused of trying to extort money from the family of Honduran radio journalist Alfredo Villatoro after he had been kidnapped. Villatoro was found dead on the outskirts of the capital a week after he was abducted.

Croatian Ship Linked to Crude Oil Theft

2012-05-16T06:25:00.001-07:00

CRUDE OIL THEFT

One of the two ships arrested last week with 1.3million barrels of stolen crude oil and destroyed by the Joint military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has been linked to Croatia, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

It was also gathered that the Ship, MT ANE, which was built in 1986 and registered with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), bore a registration number 8509703.

The vessel, which is classified as General Cargo Ship, had a Dead Weight (DWT) of 5,896 and was flagged in St.Vincent and Grenadines on February 1, 2010.

According to Lloyd’s Register, the ship had flown the Croatian flag from August 1, 2006, until it had its status changed on February 1, 2010.

On the current and former classification of the vessel, THISDAY gathered that the ship was classified by Lloyd’s Register on November 11, 2001 and November 11, 2006, while Croatian Register of Shipping carried out its survey of the ship on December 12, 2011.

THISDAY could not get any concrete information on the vessel before it got involved in the crude theft incident, because there was no record showing that it legally berthed in any Nigerian Port.

However, it was known to have been inspected in 12 other ports in South Africa, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia, between September 23, 2002 and October 19, 2011.

It was inspected at Durban Port in South Africa on September 23, 2002 and Rijeka Port in Croatia on February 1, 2006 and July 31, 2006.

The vessel was also inspected at Gioia Tauro Port in Italy on April 2, 2007; November 5, 2007; July 10, 2008; and September 30, 2008.
It also berthed in Rijeka and Spilt Ports in Croatia on December 18, 2009 and March 3, 2010, respectively.

The last known destinations of the vessel were the Koper Port in Slovenia on October 8, 2010; Porto Empedo in Italy on December 9, 2010 and Chioggia in Italy on October 19, 2011, according to records available to THISDAY.

Records also showed that the ship was not detained by any of the ports’ authorities but a total of 30 unspecified deficiencies were recorded against it.

However, two other “human element deficiencies” were recorded against the vessel at Gioia Tauro Port in Italy on September 30, 2009 and Rijeka Port in Croatia on December 18, 2009.

Before the vessel was arrested and burnt, there was no record indicating that it had berthed legally in any Nigerian Port.

At the time of arrest in Nigeria, the ship and another, MT OXO, was siphoning the crude oil from a Manifold that belongs to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Abonnema area of Rivers State.

The JTF, which made the arrests at Awoba area, under the Sector 2 Commander, Brig-Gen. Tukur Buratai, also set the two vessels on fire, explaining that it was the mandate it got from the Defence Headquarters.

A security source, who witnessed the incident, told THISDAY that a JTF patrol team arrested the crude oil thieves siphoning crude from Shell’s Awoba Riser, based on the information received by the task force from CAST surveillance team.

Buratai, who was on ground to inspect the vessels, had confirmed that all the 22 crew members on board the two vessels were Ghanaians, while the two local captains and two speed boat drivers, who were picked up for the assignment from Camp 45, near Bille, were Nigerians.

Man City in Premier League Victory Parade

2012-05-15T16:18:00.004-07:00

Man City players parade the EPL trophy to their fans in the city of Manchester

Tens of thousands of Manchester City fans are lining the streets for a victory parade celebrating the club winning the Premier League title.

City clinched the championship - their first since 1968 - with a dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, piping local rivals Manchester United, reports the BBC.

Players came on to the stage outside Manchester Town Hall to rapturous applause from City supporters.

They then set out on a 1.8-mile open-top bus parade through the city centre.

Before boarding the bus, the players thanked the supporters then the team held the Premier League trophy aloft to the crowd accompanied by Queen's We are the Champions.

Captain Vincent Kompany told the fans in Albert Square: "We want to say thank you to you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Winger Adam Johnson said: "Everything we did was for the fans. It's good we can repay them with trophies."

Fans waited for their arrival in Albert Square by watching highlights of the nail-biting win - and celebrating the goals with as much jubilation as when they were scored.

Craig Smith, 21, of Colwyn Bay in North Wales, said it is an "amazing feeling" to be part of the celebrations.

He said: "I've come to Manchester to see the champions of England.

"It would have been a massive day anyway but after the drama it's even better."

Andrew Hyland Withington is with his daughter Isabelle, eight, to cheer on the newly crowned champions. Withington admitted shedding tears during Sunday's match.

"It was unbelievable, typical City.

"My emotions were all over the place there were tears of desperation then so much relief when the final goal went in."

City had led the league for much of the season but were overtaken by United, who were eight points clear with six games to go. But the Old Trafford side dropped points in their last few games and City went into the final day knowing a win would make them champions.

But QPR led 2-1 after 90 minutes and Manchester City needed two injury-time goals to win the game and clinch the title.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said the parade was time for the fans to "enjoy [the] historic moment".

He said: "Having the city's two clubs contest the title has brought Manchester worldwide attention and helped boost tourism revenues.

"It's been a nail-biting finish to the season and the council [were] ready to support a parade whichever club triumphed.
Manchester City fans Fans watched highlights of the dramatic win over Queens Park Rangers

"This parade is an opportunity for Man City fans, who have experienced countless ups and downs over the years, to celebrate a resounding success."

Over the years City have been mocked by United fans, who, until City's FA Cup win last year, had documented their wait for a trophy with a banner at Old Trafford's Stretford End.

When Manchester United were eight points clear in early April, leading High Street bookmaker Betfred, founded by United fan Fred Done, paid out more than £500,000 to punters who had backed the Red Devils.

van Persie to Hold Arsenal Talks Wednesday

2012-05-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

Arsenal skipper, Robin van Persie

Striker Robin van Persie will open talks to determine his Arsenal future at a meeting with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday.

According to the BBC, discussions are scheduled to take place at Wenger's house at 10:30 BST.

It is unlikely that a final decision will be made before Van Persie links up with the Netherlands squad on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, ended the season with 41 goals in 53 games for club and country.

Of that tally, 37 came in 48 appearances for Arsenal and he was the Premier League's leading marksman with 30 goals in 38 matches.

A number of leading sides have registered interest in signing the Gunners captain, who was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' player of the year.

Speaking after Sunday's 3-2 victory at West Brom, which secured Arsenal's place in next season's Champions League, Van Persie refused to commit.

When asked if his future would be resolved quickly, he said: "You never know but Arsenal is a massive club. Whatever happens, I'll always love this club.

"I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change. We will sit down next week."

Van Persie was unwilling to open negotiations until the campaign had ended, with Champions League football a key consideration.

Another factor is Arsenal's transfer market activity, and Van Persie has been encouraged by the signing of Lukas Podolski from FC Cologne for £10.9m.

"Will Champions League football help to keep Van Persie?" said Wenger. "It makes it easier to attract good players and keep them."

Arsenal are expected to offer the Dutchman a new four-year deal that would break their current wage structure, while Van Persie and his family are happy in London.

But, with the Netherlands assembling for a pre-Euro 2012 training camp in Switzerland on May 17, there is little time to reach an agreement.

Van Persie is open to the idea of playing in the tournament before making a decision.

Arsenal do not want a repeat of last summer, when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri were sold after the season had started.

Van Persie was signed from Feyenoord for £2.75m in 2004 and team-mate Laurent Koscielny is confident he will stay.

"He will be here next season," said defender Koscielny, who scored Arsenal's winner at The Hawthorns.

"He was a fantastic captain, he was so important for us. He will be here scoring goals for us next season."

Gowon: We Did Everything to Avert Civil War

2012-05-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon

More than four decades after the Nigerian Civil War, one of the key actors and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has expressed regrets about the carnage, saying he did everything possible to avoid it.

He said: “Whatever the cause, there was no need to go into a civil war.”

Gowon also said the call for the Islamisation of Nigeria by Boko Haram should not be interpreted to mean the position of the entire North.

Speaking at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos at the weekend at the sixth edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year event where he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award along with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, he said: “It was not my wish or the wish of those serving with me at the time (to prosecute the war). We did everything to make sure it did not happen.”

Referring to the effort of the late Ghanaian Head of State, Gen Ankrah to reconcile the Biafran secessionist leader, late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and himself at a parley in Aburi, which later became famously known as the 'Aburi Accord', Gowon disclosed that a decision was reached to give Ojukwu everything he wanted, “including giving up my own power”.

In a veiled pointer indicting Ojukwu for not keeping his part of the bargain, Gowon implied that the war was forced on him.

According to him, “if there was no secession, the situation would not have degenerated into war. In a situation where Nigeria was to be dismembered, we had to order a police action to bring back that part of the country. But in 24 hours, the Biafran army had overrun parts of Western Nigerian and were heading towards Lagos. Of course, their intention was not to come and shake hands with Gowon. If they had succeeded, Ojukwu would have been Head of State of Nigeria and he would have defended Nigeria.”

In an emotion-laden voice, Gowon, who spoke after watching highlights from a film, “Making of a Biafran Legend: Reminiscences of a Boy Soldier” by Basil Okafor, said the film brought back sad memories.

“My heart bleeds to see that (film) clip with those kwashiorkor-stricken children. God knows how much effort I made to send food to those children, but it was sabotaged by propaganda that the federal troops had poisoned the food,” he said.

Speaking on the popular interpretation of his name, Go-On-With-One-Nigeria, the former head of state said: "I did not produce that coinage. I read it on the pages of newspapers like everyone else. Then I thought to myself, 'is this what Nigerians want me to do?' This made me more resolved in the task of keeping Nigeria one."

Gowon, who is yet to write his memoirs, recalled the warm welcome he got from children in eastern Nigeria who survived the war.

“They sang songs of welcome and acknowledged us as their fathers and leaders. It drew tears from my eyes and I promised them that if I had anything to do with Nigeria, I will make sure we did whatever we can to restore the hope of those children.”
Acknowledging the efforts of former soldiers, officers and administrators who have written books on the Nigeria Civil War, Gowon said: “This calls for me to write my own story.”

However, the former head of state regretted the current state of insecurity in the country and said emphatically that the call by Boko Haram for Islamisation of Nigeria and its attendant carnage were being done by that particular sect and should not be misconstrued as the stance of the whole North.

“I feel very bad with what is happening (the way we kill ourselves). I had hoped that after the civil war, there will be no more killing. We must do whatever we can to halt this trend,” he said.

Gowon also said the way out “is for us to love Nigeria and believe in Nigeria; good or bad, right or wrong. In the name of God, stop the excesses and imbibe the love of your country. Bring all your grievances to the table for discussion. Let us get together truly and sincerely and find a solution to our differences.”

Gowon, who was Nigeria’s longest serving military head of state, was described by Chief Edem Duke, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation who presented him with the award on behalf of the organisers, as a “living legend”.

Ojukwu gets HERO's burial

2012-03-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Some of the children of Late Ojukwu as Ikemba arrives in Nnamdi Azikiwe Intl Airport Abuja

2012-03-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Tears as Ojukwu is buried

2012-03-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

BIAFRAN FRIENDS & PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS

Igbo’s Pillar of Defence Battle must start soon because they have been pushed to the wall in Nigeria.

Biafra Map with Provinces

TRIBUTE TO OJUKWU BY DR. MOROCCO

Funeral Of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu "VIGIL IN NEW YORK" 1 Funeral Of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu "VIGIL IN NEW YORK"

Peaceful settlement of the Nigeria / Biafran war Dr. Azikiwe talking about a settlement of the war.

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Biafran War 1967-1970 (B) The Biafran war of 1967 and the atrocities Nigeria committed

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