Vision Africa Online

The Essence of Biodynamics

2010-11-20T06:08:00.000-08:00

A biodynamic farm functions as a strong, self-sustaining and vibrant single organism that recognizes and respects the basic principles at work in nature. It is a complete system in which all the different components of the farm are seen as parts of a greater whole. With farm animals at the centre a self-sustaining, balanced and harmonious environment is the result.

Special manure and herb-based preparations are applied to the fields and compost to enhance and stimulate the microbiological life in the soil and improve fertility. These have been shown to significantly improve the health and well being of soil, plant and animal as well as enhancing the vitality, flavour and keeping qualities of the produce for the benefit of the consumer. With the soil sequestering up to 25% more carbon than conventional farming methods, the health of the planet is also cared for. Biodynamic is a sound basis for sustainable food production.

Further to this biodynamic farmer recognizes that the life of a farm is exposed to wider as well as internal farm-based influences. The more subtle rhythms associated with the sun, the moon and the planets form the basis of an annually produced planting calendar. This guides the farmer towards appropriate times for cultivation and sowing for maximum quantity and quality.

The result is a rich and diverse farm built on sound organic principles that is embedded and sensitized to its surroundings. It produces food with such an individual quality that, as with wine, it can be described as having the ‘terroir’ of the farm – the sense of the place where it was grown.

LAGOS STATE AGRIC YES

2010-11-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

ADMISSION FORM IS OUT

BETWEEN 8TH & 19TH NOV.,2010.

CONTACT BLOCK 17 RM 303,ALAUSA,IKEJA,LAGOS.

OUR VISION:“To breed a new generation of agro entrepreneurs, create employment and ensure food security in Lagos State"

OUR MISSION: “To engage, equip and empower youths with resources to become world-class agro entrepreneurs”

You are most welcome to the official website of Lagos State Agric-YES.

In the wake of the growing urban youth unemployment and perennial food crisis, the Administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) embarked on the Agriculture-based Youth Empowerment Scheme as a Social Protection Response aimed at empowering the youths of Lagos State in modern agricultural practice.

Government's decision was informed by a series of reports indicating that in the 21st century, agriculture continues to be a fundamental instrument for sustainable development and poverty reduction in developing countries.

A six-month intensive training programme was designed to empower youth with skills for productive employment in cutting-edge agriculture. The overall aim of the Scheme is to breed a new generation of Agro entrepreneurs. Already, 100 Course One participants have undergone the first 6-month training, while the 100 participants for Course Two have commenced training at the Agricultural Training Institute, Araga – Epe.

After the six-month of intensive training, the Course One participants have proceeded for another six-month internship in the Commercial Farms managed under a Lagos–Israeli Partnership. There they will be exposed to the best practices in modern farm management.

The best five trainees in each Course will benefit from a 3-month internship on farms in Israel, and return to the Lagos Agric-YES Farm to complete the remaining 3 months of internship. On completion, graduate farmers will be settled in contiguous land holdings to be provided by the government across the state. They will also have the privilege of accessing extension services and microfinance loans through the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives and Microfinance Agencies respectively.

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November 2010

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Harambe Cameroon - "Transforming Our Problems Into Opportunities"

2010-11-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

HARAMBE CAMEROON IS A PRIVATE, APOLITICAL AND LEGALLY CAMEROONIAN ORGANIZATION LED BY THE BRIGHT MINDS OF CAMEROON IN THE DIASPORA AND IN THE COUNTRY. THE ENDEAVOR WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 2009 AT ROYAL-CO BASTOS, YAOUNDE.HARAMBE-CAMEROON’S MISSION IS TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF YOUNG LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS WHO SEE PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES IN NEED OF SOLUTIONS AND HAVE THE POISE AND WHEREWITHAL TO ENGAGE OTHERS TO CREATE LONG-LASTING SOCIAL IMPACT.

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HARAMBE NIGERIA SET TO HELP YOUNG AGRI-ENTREPRENEURS

2010-06-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

After two years of innovative projects and events to put a spotlight on Agriculture in Nigeria , especially amongst young people, Harambe Nigeria, has moved on to a new level of engagement: providing young agri-entrepreneurs with the opportunities to build and expand their ventures.

Part of the global Harambe Endeavour Alliance, Harambe Nigeria’s goal is to enable Nigerian youth develop innovative solutions in Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing them with the necessary tools, networkand exposure that will enable them translate their ideas into actions.

Through this, Harambe Nigeria is confident it will inspire a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs who will lead innovation in the agricultural sector and in turn help bring diversity to Nigeria ‘s economy.

For this next phase of the project, the organization has designed an agricultural business plan competition for young people between the ages of 21 and 35.

“What we are looking for are Innovative and sustainable agro business ideas in two categories,” said Tola Sunmonu, its President. “Budding entrepreneurs; which are those with nothing established expect perhaps a bright idea and a pen, and then established entrepreneurs, which would be those who have an agrobusiness that has been operating for a maximum of 18 months.”

Applications will be received starting from the month of April and will contain three separate phases. The first phase will involve the submission of a resume and an entry form available on www.hendeavor.org/content/bgroups/nigeria.php or at the Center for
Entrepreneurial Development Services, Victoria Island; the Fate Foundation Office, Ijora; Value Frontier Ikeja, The Future Project in Surulere and LEAP Africa in Lekki Phase 1. Deadline for this is May 31.

The second phase will involve the submission of a full business plan, and in the final phase, the semifinalists will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of judges and after a series of interviews the winners will be selected. Deadline for this is August 6.

“We want to ensure that Nigeria does not miss a beat on its journey towards development,” said Obinna Ukwuanim, the Head of Communications.

“Harambe Nigeria is launching this competition to hopefully identify the fertile future leaders and lavishly capitalize on their talent. The first step in achieving an aspiration is always the first step. Once those endowed with leadership are acknowledged and properly equipped to realize their ideas, the limit of impact is then beyond any man’s foresight. But first, great minds must be given a chance.”

In order to ensure that the winning ideas are successful implemented and sustained, Harambe Nigeria will be giving up to 7.5 million naira in cash and training. The trainings will be courtesy of renowned institutions such as the Centre for Entrepreneurial Development Services (EDS) at the Pan African University and the Fate Foundation. The winning entrepreneurs will also receive extensive follow up services provided by Harambe Nigeria to ensure that they receive ample support as they implement their winning solutions.

The winners of the competition will be unveiled during this year’s symposium where they will receive significant media attention and an opportunity to present their winning ideas to potential investors. They will also be given a full feature in the Harambe Newsletter and will be Harambe Ambassadors for a year.

“Farming is not a usually attractive sector mostly because only lip service is paid to it, but what we have done in the past two years is to
let young Nigerians in these important field know that people are watching them and are ready to support with knowledge, skills, opportunity for growth and finance,” Ms. Sunmonu said. “This has always been part of our middle-term plans, and it’s the next natural progression. Many of these young entrepreneurs need practical support and we are excited that we are able to provide it.”

Harambe Nigeria , in partnership with the Dangote Group, Zenith Bank, Notore, and Shell Nigeria, has hosted two Youth Conferences in Lagos . The overwhelming response from young and enterprising students in attendance prompted Harambe Nigeria to establish the Harambe Incubator for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (HISARD).

The incubator at the Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife consists of 10 students, and their goal is to create innovative solutions ot the
agricultural problems facing the farming communitities in Orile Owu and Wakajaiye. They have completed a successful phase of needs assessment and are in the process of implementation of an on-campus business that will add value to the farmers’ palm oil and garri.

For any questions, applicants can email info@harambenigeria.org.

FreeBorn Farms...A whole new vista

2010-05-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

FREEBORN FARMS NIGERIA
an iwin global company
visionafrica2009@gmail.com

ART_STROKES FROM AFRICA

2010-04-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

"Art is a medium of telling our own stories. Africa can be reflected in strokes of charcoal pencils [or whatever medium you chose]. As an artist, I paint what I imagine. I imagine a great Africa."

Godspower Oboido
Creative Artist and Scientist
[Finalist, The Future Nigeria Awards 2010]
kingpowerunited@yahoo.com

paintings by:
Godspower Oboido
Creative Artist and Scientist

[Finalist, The Future Nigeria Awards 2010]
kingpowerunited@yahoo.com

PRAYER OF FAITH

2010-03-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

Prayer for Finances
(it works)

God has more than a thousand ways to provide
For us, that we know nothing about.

Here is your financial blessing!

It's a simple prayer, you got 30 Seconds?

Don't sleep on this...Someone recently
Read this for the first time and
Received exactly enough for a $0 balance
On all credit cards.

If you need a financial blessing,
Continue reading this.

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving
God, I pray to you that you Abundantly bless
My family and me.

I know that you recognize, that a Family
Is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, cousin,
Husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You.

Dear GOD, I send up a prayer request for
Financial blessing for not only me, but for all who will read this message.

And that the power of joined prayer by
Those who Believe and trust in you is
More powerful than anything!

I thank you in Advance for your blessings.

God, deliver the person reading this right Now
From debt and debt burdens.

Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a
Good steward over all that you have given me
GOD, for I know how wonderful and mighty
You are and how if we just obey you and walk
In your word and have the faith of a Mustard
Seed that you will pour out blessings.

I thank you now Lord for the recent blessings I have
Received and for the blessings yet to come,
Because I know you are not done with me yet.

In Jesus name Amen...

TAKE 60 SECONDS and send this on quickly via the facebook share at the top of this page

and within hours, you will have

Caused a multitude of people to pray to

God for each other.

FACTS ABOUT AFRIICA : GHANA

2010-03-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ghana - Main Cities
Political Capital : Accra
Main Commerical City : Accra

Ghana - Country Data
Population : 19,533,560
Area (sq Km) : 230,020

Ghana - Economy
Gross National Product (GDP) US$ million : 7,605
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Capita $ : 390
National Currency : 1 Cedi = 100 Pesewa

Ghana - Politics
Political Leader : John Kufuor
Independence Date : 6 March 1957
Colonial Occupier : United Kingdom

CNN MARKET PLACE AFRICA

2010-03-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

CNN Marketplace Africa offers CNN viewers a unique window into African business on and off the continent. It is the destination for movers and shakers at the forefront of African business.

... Sit down with major players and innovators changing the face of African enterprise and bring you fresh, cutting-edge business news.

CNN Marketplace Africa -- where Africa and the global marketplace converge.

NELSON MANDELA

2010-03-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

Nelson Mandela was born the son of a Tembu tribal chieftain on July 18, 1918, at Qunu, near Umtata, in South Africa. He renounced his right to succeed his father and instead chose a political career. He attended college, became a lawyer, joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944 and helped found its powerful Youth League. In 1962, he was arrested by South African security police for his opposition to the white government and its apartheid ("separateness") policies of racial, political, and economic discrimination against the nonwhite majority. In 1964, the government brought further charges including sabotage, high treason and conspiracy to overthrow the government. This is Mandela's statement from the dock at the opening of his defense in the 1964 trial.

NELSON MANDELA_I am prepared to die

2010-03-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

"Who will deny that thirty years of my life have been spent knocking in vain, patiently, moderately, and modestly at a closed and barred door? What have been the fruits of moderation? The past thirty years have seen the greatest number of laws restricting our rights and progress, until today we have reached a stage where we have almost no rights at all."
READ MORE

AFRICA_BEST OF NATURE

2010-03-11T19:09:00.000-08:00

ESTABLISHING BUSINESS IN GHANA

2010-03-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

GENERAL

The following Legal Instruments, The Companies Code 1963, The Partnership Act 152, The Business Name Act 1962, The Ghana Investment Promotion Act (Act 478, The Free Zones Act (Act 504), establish the general legal framework for the setting up of business, and for investing in Ghana.

With a stable political environment and forward looking investment climate, Ghana is prime location for investors, who may wish to tap the country's abundant natural resources, exploit market opportunities in Ghana and also within the larger Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

INVESTMENT CLIMATE

The economy of Ghana has undergone a remarkable transformation. The economic management program embarked upon in a rather challenging environment of the 80's has re-engineered the Ghanaian economy, which has since registered an average growth rate of 5% per annum. The consistent growth rate of the economy has laid the foundation for social stability and international credibility. Amendments to Ghana's 1985 investment code have opened up a wide range of new business opportunities. The 1994 Ghana Investment Promotion Act guarantees the freedom for non-Ghanaians to establish and run enterprises in potentially lucrative areas such as natural gas, hydropower projects, fruits and vegetables farming, food processing including fish canning; production of agro-chemicals, pharmaceuticals and information technology. The government's privatization initiatives also open up a number of sectors for new business partnerships and investment, notably the banking and the state petroleum and telecommunication s sectors. Tourism is an especially strong area for a new business projects. Key opportunities in this sector include: tourist accommodation, particularly beach resorts; tourists transportation, catering enterprises, eco-tourism, night life and leisure and tourist servicing enterprises. As a result, renewed private sector activity is increasing and attracting foreign investment in a growing number of strategic areas, notably mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, real estate development and financial services.

Among the factors responsible for this trend has been the adoption and implementation of sound macroeconomic policies and the enactment of more liberal investment legislations. These legislations seek to free the investor from bureaucratic constraints and provide facilitating mechanisms to reduce costs associated with delays in implementing projects. One such legislation is the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 1994 (ACT 478), which re-established the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) as an autonomous government agency mandated to encourage, facilitate and promote domestic and foreign investment.

SETTING UP BUSINESS IN GHANA

PROJECT APPROVAL is NOT required for investment in the economy, except in the following areas:

Petroleum Business - by Ghana National Petroleum Corporation
Minerals and Mining Business - by Minerals Commission
Portfolio Investments - by the Ghana Stock Exchange
Free Zones Activities - by the Ghana Free Zones Board

PROCEDURES

One stop approval and or facilitation by respective Investment promotion Agencies.

OWNERSHIP

Joint-Ventures with Ghanaian partners are encouraged BUT 100% Foreign participation is allowed.

EQUITY

US$10,000 for Joint Ventures with Ghanaian partner
US$50,000 for 100% Foreign Ownership
US$300,000 for Trading Activity

EXPATRIATE EMPLOYMENT

Automatic quotas tied to Investment Capital

One quota for US$10,000 - US$100,000 paid-up capital
Two quotas for US$100,00 - US$500,000 paid-up capital
Four quotas for US$500,000 plus paid-up capital

INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

Corporate tax - 8% on export income, 25% for hotels and 35% for others
Locational incentive - 25-50% tax rebates
Tax holidays - indefinite for cocoa farming, 3-10 years depending on sector; 10 years for Free Zones with 8% corporate tax thereafter
Tariff exemption - 100% duty exemption for production equipment

INVESTMENT GUARATEES

Constitutional provision
Investment laws which guarantee 100% transfer of profits, dividend etc.
MIGA membership
Investment Promotion

ADVANTAGES FOR DOING BUSINESS IN GHANA

Stable Multi-party government
Demonstrated commitment to market liberalization
MIGA membership
Investment Promotion
Ongoing privatization in key economic sectors
Expanding stock market
Competitive labour force
Export free zones where goods traded with other countries are exempt from customs and laws
Immediate access to all markets of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Quota-free access to U. S. A. and European Union markets
Member of the World Trade Organization
Official language English

USEFUL CONTACT ADDRESSES

Listed official channels in exploring business opportunities and/or establishing operations in Ghana.

For information on investment opportunities, registration of projects involving foreign participation, and general investment:

TRADE AND INVETMENT

2010-03-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

EVERY CHILD IS YOUR CHILD

2010-02-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

SUPPORT A CHILD TODAY

contact the nearest charity near you

Doing Business In Central & West Africa

2010-02-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

Best Prospects :The Central and West Africa sectors that hold the most promise for U.S. exporters are:Oil and gas extraction and refining equipment industries,Mining,Agro-industrial machinery and chemical,Food processing equipment and technology,Telecommunications,Generic pharmaceutical products,Reconditioned industrial equipment,Cosmetics,Used clothing

The Central and West African region holds some of the world's best prospects for the remaining areas of unlicensed oil and mineral exploration. New seismic data and changing technology that reduce costs in deep water make deep water offshore oil prospects in West Africa viable and have generated serious interest by major oil companies.

Regional Cooperation Makes It Easier To Do Business : As a result of regional cooperation, entry into one Central and West African country often grants easy access to numerous other countries in the region. Harmonization of regulations, customs, banking laws and currencies is already in place or in the works.

Visit for http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica/en/79.html details

NIGERIA: AREAS OF POTENTIAL INVESTMENT IN POWER AND ENERGY

2010-02-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

* Hydro power generation in Mambilla falls, Taraba State and Agbokin falls in Cross Rivers state

* Development of energy infrastructure;

* Commercialisation of energy;

* Construction and management by private companies to build, own and operate and / or transfer independent power plants;

* Production of steam and gas turbine spare parts;

* Repairs and testing of power transformer;

* Development of wind turbine for generation of electricity;

* Manufacture of distribution transformers and lines hardware;

* Technology transfer through joint erection of new power plants.

Procedures for Establishing a Business Enterprise by a Foreigner in Nigeria

2010-02-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Procedure Step 1: Incorporation of the Business at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in accordance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.
Step 2: Registration of the company with Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission for the granting of Business Permit (NIPC). NIPC also grants approval for expatriate quota positions and incentives.

Requirement for Business Permit

Purchase NIPC Form 1 for N10 000.- Completed form must be submitted with original receipt.
Certificate of Incorporation.
A minimum share capital of N5 million.
Details of share holding in the joint venture.
Joint venture/partnership Agreement where applicable.
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
CAC's Form C02 and CO 7 duly certified.
Evidence of capital importation for wholly foreign companies.
Approval from the appropriate professional bodies where applicable.

click here for details

or visit

http://www.nigerianembassy.nl/invest_procedure_enterprise.htm

SUPPORT HAITI

2010-02-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

...The young man was trapped but not crushed under a building in the January 12 quake. Doctors treating him after the rescue "believed the veracity" of his story, broadcaster CNN reported.The man must have had some access to water but was weak, emaciated and not coherent after his apparent ordeal, doctors told CNN. People described as the man's family said that they had not seen him since the day of the earthquake.If the story is confirmed, the man would be by far the longest surviving victim dug out from the rubble after Haiti's earthquake.

Nigeria Lattest Breaking News: NASS Empowers Jonathan as Acting President

2010-02-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Nigeria National Assembly has passed a resolution empowering Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to step in the saddle as Acting President, pending the return of ailing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Yar’Adua has been receiving treatment at King Faisal Specialist and Research Centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, since November 24, last year.

He had travelled on November 23 without transmitting a vacation letter to the National Assembly in line with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, thus making it impossible for the vice president to act in his stead while away.
Both Chambers of the Federal Legislature passed a resolution to fill the leadership vacuum created by the failure of the ailing president to transmit a written letter as provided by Section 145.

The Senate was the first to pass the resolution, consequent upon a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin and seconded by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu...M/F

VISION AFRICA - KENYA

2010-01-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

Vision Africa is a UK based children's charity working with orphaned and destitute children in Kenya. We support and operate schools in the Kibera slum and in other deprived areas of the country, providing food, clothing and educational resources. Our programme extends to various building projects, including building school classrooms and whole facilities, such as special needs schools and children's homes.

Through our sponsorship programme you can help to give a child a better future. The need is immense and for just £7 per month you can provide for the needs of a child in education, or for £16 a month (that works out at just 50 pence a day) you can provide full support for an orphaned or disabled child, or a teenager in our 'Seed of Hope' vocational training programme.

Please take a few minutes to fill out a simple form that will change the life of a child.

To sponsor a child now click here

FIFA WORLD CUP - SOUTH AFRICA 2010

2010-01-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa will feature all the emotion and passion of the fiercest national rivalries battling on the world's biggest stage, with all 199 national teams that took part in qualification, all 10 official stadiums to be used in South Africa and stadiums from each qualifying region. Gamers will be able to play as their home nation from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the FIFA World Cup Final and feel what it is like to score the goal that lifts a nation. Everything fans love about the World Cup will come to life in spectacular detail, including confetti rain, streamers, & fireworks-just like the official tournament.

For the first time ever in a videogame compete in a full and authentic online World Cup tournament. Carry the hopes and dreams of a nation into battle against fans from rival countries, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the chance to be crowned 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM champion. For fans of nations that failed to qualify for South Africa this is the chance to replay and re-write history. Plus, gameplay innovations capture the journey from qualification to the final tournament with home and away strategies for every nation, situational tactics in-game, and altitude effects that fatigue players faster and even impact the flight of the ball.

Electicity Problems In Africa

2010-01-21T22:57:00.000-08:00

Blackouts are routine in almost all West African countries. The bulk of power plants and transmission facilities were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Little investment and maintenance has left the infrastructure creaking at the seams. Nigeria, a prime example, operates at one-third of its installed capacity due to aging equipment.
During droughts, countries that depend on hydroelectricity ration power to relieve generators, transformers and cables -- such was the case with Ghana in the late 1990s. Wars have left equipment damaged and transmission lines cut. A large portion of Liberia's generation and distribution infrastructure was damaged or destroyed during its long civil war and the national electricity company estimates it will cost more than $107 mn and take over five years to fully restore the system. Sierra Leone's Bumbuna hydroelectric project was nearly complete when civil war disrupted construction.
"In this part of the world, when governments talk of infrastructural development, they are mostly thinking of building a road somewhere. Electricity is considered a luxury commodity”

West African electricity

Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire are the largest generators of electricity in West Africa. Nigeria's major sources of energy are petroleum, natural gas and hydroelectricity. Although the country exports electricity to neighbors, only a small portion of rural households in Nigeria are electrified. Ghana primarily relies on hydropower from its Akosombo Dam, on the Volta River about 80 kilometers upstream from the coast. Ghana supplies Benin and Togo with the majority of their electricity. In Côte d'Ivoire, thermal generating facilities powered primarily by oil and gas provide the majority of electricity. Countries connected to the Ivorian grid include Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin and Togo.
The three landlocked and sparsely populated countries of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are not particularly well served with energy, mainly because they are relatively poor and are at least partially situated in the Sahara. Energy development is also very limited in the small coastal countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau because of small economies and political strife.

Only 2 per cent of Africa's rural people are connected to national power grids.

President Yar'Adua's Unspoken Illness

2010-01-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Yar'Adua's health

President Yar'Adua's Unspoken Illness : A Global Concern

It is appropriate at this stage in the orchestrated national anxiety about President Yar' Adua's health and capacity to continue governing the country to unmask the hidden motives of those actively involved in death-wishing and other ploys to get the President prematurely replaced.

In this regard, we must remember that we have had similar bouts of national hysteria in the past; and they have all been whipped up by the same groups of people. The unmistakable common interest of those spinning the yarn of presidential incapacity is just to get President Yar' Adua out of the way so that another opportunity can arise to replace him. There is certainly no dispute about the peculiar circumstances surrounding the emergence of Umaru Musa Yar'Adua as Nigeria's President, especially Obasanjo's sinister choice of who he thought would be a short-lived lame duck Northern candidate and the singular political independence of the candidate from the entrenched cliques of established power brokers. The unspoken and most dreaded "illness" of President Umaru Yar'Adua therefore has little to do with his physical health.

If physical health is indeed so critical to leadership capacity, the governorship of Umaru Musa Yaradua in Katsina State would have provided more than enough evidence. It is rather puzzling to observe that the sheer scale of development witnessed during his tenure in Katsina State in spite of health challenges is a critical reference point that is calculatedly blanked out of assessments of his presidential performance capacity. In the same vein it is telling to recall that those who could not fathom how Umaru Musa Yar'Adua could literally isolate himself from so-called power brokers and cliques in Katsina State and still be so successful in governance persistently wished him dead whenever his health faltered.

This is exactly what is happening today. The only prominent political leaders who have volunteered mature comments to douse the contrived anxiety about the President's health and absence are those who are known to have no vested interests in politics and certainly no ambition to be president. All the others have either lent their voice to the hysteria or by their loud silence betrayed their bias against the survival of the Yar'Adua Presidency.

Nigeria:President Yar'Adua Speaks

2010-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Nigeria:President Yar'Adua Health A Global Concern

I testify that I heard the voice of President Umaru Yar'Adua on Tuesday morning. It was on the BBC's Africa Service, about 6.35 am. He was answering questions by telephone,

put to him by a BBC correspondent, on his nearly two-month absence from Nigeria and the intense public anxiety over his true state of health.

He said he was responding to treatment, but was not sure when he would return to his duties in Nigeria, as that would be determined by his doctors. He thanked Nigerians for praying for his recovery, and for praying for the nation. He also wished the country's football team playing in the ongoing Nations Cup tournament in Angola success.

Dafe Onojovwo (A Nigerian Reporter)

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