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ACTRESS, WRITER & TALK RADIO HOST -ALEX OKOROJI TO RECEIVE ICONIC WOMAN AWARD AT WEF 2017 IN INDIA

 

Nigerian Actress, Writer & Talk Radio Host – Alex Okoroji who was recently ranked one of the Top 250 Most Influential Women Leaders in the World by Richtopia, will be receiving the prestigious WEF17 ICONIC WOMAN AWARD for “Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All” at the 2017 Annual Global Women Economic Forum (WEF) in New Delhi, India.

Alex who recently ‎appeared in a special edition of the Television Game Show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”as a Celebrity Guest on the HOT SEAT played alongside Tosin Ajirire, Entertainment Editor at The Sun Newspaper on behalf of Charity – for Mama Dada and the Dada Marquis Foundation to win 2 Million naira. She is also nominated to receive a Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Award “For Agent of Positive Change in Nigeria” in July – is one of the WEF 2017 Speakers and will be speaking on

Day 1: The NAKED Road To Personal & Business Success

Day 3: Understanding Business Globalization, Creativity and Innovative Leadership

Day 5: Hosting a Lunch Roundtable – Topic: The NAKED Philosophy for Success.

The Gala Annual Women Economic Forum gathers women leaders from 100+ countries at its mega marathon spectacular conference in New Delhi spread over 6 days.

In just few days from now India will be abuzz with the energy of passionate women leaders and entrepreneurs from different countries across the world gathering together for the marathon 6 days of the Annual Women Economic Forum.

From May 8th to 13th , a rich confluence of leaders and achievers from a 100+ countries will empower one another by sharing and speaking across 520 sessions and workshops under the overall bold theme of “Women: Creating, Innovating, Understanding and Driving the Future”.

What is most unique is that the extensive program across 41 theme verticals and 520+ sessions has been built over the past year with the committed participation of a widely constituted Advisory Board and Advisory Executive Council (AEC) of over 500 people from the world. This is to ensure meaningful dialogues on topics that engage the needs of All the participants from different fields, cultures and backgrounds.

The vibe of the conference is interactive. Power points are not encouraged; whereas open hearted sharing is celebrated. Apart from the fact that this format enhances engagement of all in the audience.

Over 2000 delegates and speakers representing experiences from 150 countries, are joining. Countries include, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Cote D’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Lithuania, Louisiana, Malaysia, Maryland, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Philadelphia, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Togo, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

In addition, companies, institutions and startups are sharing their ideas and initiatives; like BMW financial services, Fortis Escorts); Facebook, Google, Teach India, and many start-ups like in 3D printing, genomics, crafts etc. Countries and embassy representatives are also presenting opportunities therein for business, education and tourism, and special outreach for women.

Confirmed ministers & dignitaries:

International Ministers and MPs:

Dr. Anja Kopač Mrak, Minister for Labour of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Slovenia.

Ms. Alenka Smerkolj, Minister responsible for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion, Slovenia.

Ms. Shamma Sohail F. Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, UAE

  1. Sara Dowie, MP, New Zealand

Ms. Marija Pavilioniene, MP, Lithuania

Cabinet Ministers from India:

Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Railways; Mr. Thawar Chand Gahlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment.

Expected Dignitaries

Invited and confirmation awaited for: Ms. Draupadi Murmu, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand; Dr. Harshavardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology; Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development. Mrs Lamia Zribi, Minister of Finance, Tunisia, Ms Hela Cheikhrouhou, Minister for Energy, Tunisia

Speakers & Awardees:

The forum will also felicitate inspiring women and men with WEF 17 awards for Women and Leaders of the Decade in various fields from across India and other parts of the world, as also iconic leaders making a difference to society. These are in Business, Entrepreneurship, Startups, Technology, IT, Celebrities, Education, NGOs includingMr. William Bissell , MD at Fab India,

Ms. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou , MD at Tototheo Maritime Group, Cyprus

Ms. Vandana Luthra, Founder and Vice Chairperson at VLCC Health Care Ltd, India

Ms. Gina Rinehart , MD at Hancock Prospecting, Australia

Ms. Jyoti Deshpande, CEO at Eros International, India

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, CEO, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions, India

Ms. Nishi Vasudeva, ex Chairman & MD of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, India

Mr Harsh Mariwala, Chairman at Marico Limited, India (v)

Ms. Betty DeVita , Chief Commercial Officer at MasterCard Labs, USA

Ms. Agatha Amata, CEO of Inside Out Media LTD, Nigeria

Ms. Cathy Engelbert, CEO, Deloitte LLP USA, USA

Mr. Umang Bedi, MD, Facebook, India and South Asia

Ms. Kamila Rubaninska, Director of Operations, AT&T, Czech Republic

Ms. Susan Pointer, Head, Government Relations, Google Inc., USA

  1. Sandy Carter, ex GM, Ecosystem Development and Social Business, IBM, USA

Ms. Nancy Valentinio, COO, Julien’s Auctions, US

Mr. Nikhil Kumar, Time Magazine, South Asia

Ms. Ellen Barry, New York Times, South Asia

Mr. Vikram Chandra, NDTV, India

Mr. S.M. Khan, DG, Registration for Newspapers of India

Ms. Dragana Djermanovic, Social media influencer in South East Europe

Ms. Sabina Chopra, co-founder,Yatra.com

Mr. Bhavish Agarwal, founder, Ola cabs

Ms. Nikki Giant, MD, Full Circle Education Solutions, UK

Mr. Subhash Ghai, Veteran film director,

Ms. Betty Young, President at Hocking College , USA

Ms. Chiara Hensley, Assistant Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Eastern Michigan University, USA

Ms. Penny Simmonds, CEO of the Southern Institute of Technology, New Zealand

Ms. Lila Poonawalla, Lila Poonawalla Foundation, India

Ms. Ofra Abramovich, Founder of Mamanet, The Mothers’ League, Israel

Ms. Nisha Agarwal , CEO at Oxfam India, India

Ms. Revathi Roy , CEO-HeyDeedee , India

Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder, Goonj

Dr. Ashok Seth Chairman – Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Chairman – Cardiology Council, Fortis Group of Hospitals, India

Mr. Kapil Sibal, former Union Minister, India

Mr. Lalit Bhasin, President, Bar Association of India

Ms. Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General of India

 

H.E Ambassador of Iceland

H.E Ambassador of Poland

H.E Ambassador of Macedonia

Ambassador of India to Angola

Ambassador of India to Cyprus

Distinguished Legendary Leaders Award to Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, India

 

Quotes:

Dr Harbeen Arora, Founder and Global Chairperson, ALL Ladies League (ALL) and Women Economic Forum (WEF) said: “WEF is a supportive platform where women from All walks of life can come and empower their skills, attitudes and networks. This year almost 18 Women Economic Forum events would get organized across the world; with the purpose of giving women worldwide greater voice and visibility.” “The response and affection we receive across these forums is overwhelming.

Support is also growing now from other stakeholders in society as All are now recognizing the power of women unfolding and strengthening.” “This is indeed the Century of Women, and the caring and cohesive spirit they bring. We need to celebrate the spirit and values of women and we need those in our troubled times to regain our balance and drive our future with sustainability”.

WEF events are about Conversations, Collaboration and Celebration:

One feels a vibe of authentic sharing and humane connection at the WEF events. In addition empowering business knowledge and networks, WEF is also a platform for open hearted peer learning and generous mentoring. People also share moving personal stories and experiences on a range of subjects on how one can deal with emotional grief, mindsets and cultural influences impeding or enhancing personal leadership, how one can master fears and doubts within, dealing with work-life challenges, overcoming trust deficit so that women can be women’s best friends, dealing with emotional and physical abuse, parenting and its challenges, putting an end to child trafficking, commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and processes for community and society building; challenges of leadership for fostering creativity and collaboration; and tapping into the power of education to make a positive change in the world.

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SAD! TEENAGE ARRAIGNED IN COURT FOR ALLEGEDLY LURING HER FRIEND TO A HOTEL WHERE SHE WAS GANG-RAPED

A 16-year-old girl was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly luring her friend to a hotel for gang-raping.

The accused, a student, who resides at Alagbado, a Lagos suburb, is being tried for conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu told the court that the offence was committed on March 26 at Mega Funds Hotel, Alagbado.

Ogu said the accused lured her friend to meet a boy at the hotel where she was allegedly gang-raped by four men
now at large.

The offence contravened Section 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Akanni adjourned the case until May 17 for mention.

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MERCY AIGBE-GENTRY WRITES OPEN LETTER TO HER ESTRANGED HUSBAND LANRE

Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe-Gentry has written an open letter to her estranged husband Lanre Gentry after he, in an interview allegedly said she is mentally unstable.

The duo are currently involved in a domestic violence case which the police is investigating.

Mercy wrote on Instagram:

Dear Lanre Gentry, It breaks my heart that I have to do this but as it is you have left me with no choice……I had sleepless night because I just couldn’t comprehend why someone I loved , someone with whom I have a child will be hell bent on destroying me, I just cannot comprehend it…….. I read with tears in my eyes all the LIES you fabricated against me, LIES you feel will justify your inhumane act, LIES you feel will gain you public sympathy and LIES calculated to bring my person to public opprobrium……..

You claim ….
(1) I am Mentally Unstable (2) That you have caught me with different men
(3) That I do not take care of my parents (4) That a man rented an apartment for me……….
LIES all LIES……..
Dear hubby I challenge you to back on your claims with PROOF!!!!!!!!!……….
Hmmmm lanre you forget quickly!…., you forget how I have labored and stood by you all these years, even tho all what I was getting from you was constant beating, harassment, threat to my life and threat to destroying my image if I dare leave you…… .,,You must PROVE all your allegations otherwise God knows I am going to add another lawsuit to the one on ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Although my Team has been pleading with me to stay silent all these while, but I have come to realize that you want to ride on my keeping mum……
#saynotodomesticviolence #realmendonthit
#mylifeisnotinyourhands

Lanre responded to the post saying: “(it’s) not true”.

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KEMI DASILVA IBRU’S WOMEN AT RISK INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION IS A SAFE HAVEN FOR BATTERED WOMEN

Everyday we hear horrible stories of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and all sorts of inhumane treatment which women in Nigeria are exposed to. Society begins to ask questions like: why did she stay? Why didn’t she leave? But, where will these women go to?

Most times they can’t go back to their parents, out of shame, or for of reproach. Other times it’s because they are financially incapable or leaving; the weight of the despair and helplessness is heavy upon them. So, they stay… waiting for hope, salvation, peace and a quiet from all the noise. Sometimes the silence comes only when they’re dead.

What can be done to reduce the number of victims of domestic violence and rape? Where is the safe haven for women?

Dr. Kemi DaSilva Ibra‘s new organization, Women at Risk International Foundation, is providing a safe haven for victims. She shared, with BellaNaija, the inspiration behind the foundation.

****
Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-governmental organization that was incorporated in 2016 by Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru in response to the high incidence of sexual assault, rape and human trafficking occurring among young girls and women in Lagos State and across Nigeria.

As a practicing Obstetrician and gynaecologist with 10 years experience in this health space, I have noted over the years, a rising number of gender based violence cases directed at young girls and women. I have also witnessed and treated first-hand the harrowing effects of rape and sexual violence amongst these women in our communities. Characteristics such as the age, religious affiliation, race or social economic class of the young girls and women I have treated over the years is also varied. These effects from the assault are both immediate with physical and psychological harm experienced by the affected women who I believe should be seen and referred to as “survivors” and not “victims” and the long term, with social consequences such as an increase in the rate of new HIV cases, unwanted pregnancies and adverse effects on the education and empowerment of the girl child in our society.

Although the country data available on this problem is limited, the numbers are alarming with findings from a national survey carried out in 2014 on Violence Against Children in Nigeria confirmed one in four females reported experiencing sexual violence in childhood with approximately 70% reporting more than one incident of sexual violence. In the same study, 5.0% sought help, with only 3.5% receiving any services.

The foundation serves to address this issue of gender based violence, through the successful implementation of target –oriented initiatives; The first immediate intervention was the opening of the foundation’s first sexual assault referral centre in Yaba – WARIF Centre – which serves as the prototype for a warm friendly safe haven for women at risk. It provided through qualified full time staff, medical treatment and forensic examinations needed especially within the first 72 hours of an assault; Psychosocial counselling is carried out by trained social workers who obtained specialized training by staff from the Washington DC Rape Crisis Centre in Washington DC (one of the organizations in partnership with WARIF). A 24-hour confidential help line is also available at the centre to address the needs of those who call for assistance or to report an assault.

WARIF has a strong collaborative spirit and works with many organizations in the same health space. We have developed strong international and local collaborative ties with both government and non – government agencies to assist in addressing the social welfare needs that often times arise in the care of young girls and women at risk. This is done through the provision of shelters, legal aid and vocational skills. As an official member of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSVRT), WARIF continues to work closely with government agencies including the judiciary and law enforcement in addressing the prevalence of gender based violence in our communities.


Other on-going preventive initiatives is the implementation of strong advocacy campaigns to raise awareness, such as the #menforWARIF campaign seen on International Womens Day 2017; an impactful social media campaign where male participants engaged and shared personalized fliers with endearing quotes passing on a crucial message to end sexual violence and discrimination against women.

The WARIF Educational School Program commencing in May 2017 is also set to raise awareness and educate the adolescent boy and girl child in various Lagos State Secondary Schools, through the implementation of a specially designed youth educational program on Gender Based Violence, introduced into their school curriculums.

As a nonprofit organization, all the services provided by the foundation, including all services provided by the WARIF Centre are offered FREE of charge. The foundation relies solely on donor funding from organizations, corporate bodies and private individuals.

For more information about WARIF:
Visit our website – www.warifng.org
Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) – @warif_ng

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HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WHO COULDN’T FIND A DATE TOOK HER COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTER TO PROM AS HER DATE

A young lady was not about to waste time feeling sorry for herself when she was unable to get a date for prom so she did the unexpected and showed up for the event with her Harvard acceptance letter as her date. Priscilla Samey, 17, is an exceptional student who got accepted into 7 out of 8 Ivy league colleges.
However, in spite of her acceptance into these prestigious institutions, the boys in her class did  not accept to go to prom with her, so this daughter of West African immigrants made do with the available.

On the night of prom, Priscilla dressed as beautiful as possible and stepped out with one of her acceptance letters.

She took a photo with the acceptance letter, looking like she did not have a care in the world, and shared it on Twitter with the caption:

“Couldn’t find a man to accept me for prom so I took a college that did #Harvard2021 #prom2k17”.

The tweet blew up really fast and has now garnered 28,000 retweets and 124,000 likes with lots of social

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OSAI OJIGHO JOINS AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL NIGERIA AS NEW COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Amnesty International has announce that human rights lawyer Osai Ojigho joins the organization as Country Director in the Nigeria national office.

The appointment underscores Amnesty International’s commitment to Africa’s most populous country, and ensures a strong presence in order to challenge suspected perpetrators of human rights abuses more effectively – including armed groups like Boko Haram, multinational corporations and the Nigerian authorities.

“We welcome Osai Ojigho who will lead our operations in Nigeria where we have spent the past two years consolidating our presence on the ground by supporting local human rights organizations, and by monitoring and campaigning against human rights violations,” said Colm O Cuanachain, Amnesty International’s Senior Director of the Office of the Secretary General.

“Osai is a respected human rights lawyer and has vast experience of campaigning and development across Africa. Her knowledge of the region and understanding of the drivers of human rights violations will add value to the established reputation of Amnesty International as the leading human rights organization in Nigeria.”

Osai Ojigho has versatile experience, having served as Oxfam’s Pan-Africa Programme Manager. Before that she spent many years leading projects in the areas of gender, human rights, democracy and development.

Protecting human rights in Nigeria is crucial and will have wider impact across the continent
Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria

“The presence of Amnesty International in Nigeria continues to improve the prospects for the realization of human rights across Africa,” said Osai Ojigho.

“Working with local civil society organizations and the human rights community, Amnesty International Nigeria will campaign for accountability and safeguards for victims of human rights violations. Protecting human rights in Nigeria is crucial and will have wider impact across the continent.”

Osai is a law graduate of the University of Lagos and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2000. In 2010 she obtained a practice diploma in International Human Rights from the College of Law of England and Wales.

In her new role, she will lead Amnesty International Nigeria in expanding its work on housing rights, gender, children’s rights, armed conflict and the human rights responsibilities of corporates, among

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FLOWER , THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION WILL BE SHOWCASED ON MAY 6TH & 7TH

Flower is a delicate story intricately interwoven around the lives of 6 characters. Funny, edgy and thought provoking, it touches on the obvious, the ridiculous, and the unspoken that lurk in the secret fibers of our societies. Stories about self-esteem, infidelity, child abuse, mental health and tragic loss are told in ballads, monologues and dance.

The story showcases the often overlooked impact past choices have on present decisions and actions, it calls to question the choices we make every day and the influence they have on the future.

It celebrates the incredible ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity, to find humor in the mundane, to rise above the dirt…… to grow, to bloom, to flourish, to flower.

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“BE A PROUD WOMAN AND DON’T ALLOW THESE STUPID MEN TO USE YOU” – JOHN NJAMAH SAYS TO WOMEN FACING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

In the wake of another Nollywood actress’ marriage breaking on the grounds of domestic violence, actor/filmmaker John Njamah advices ladies to wake up. According to him;

“Women!.. why can’t our women learn!?.. it seems the more you advise them the more difficult it becomes for them to comprehend.. Gosh!!.. we need to introduce social media classes so that these women nd the younger women to come will understand how not to throw their entire lives out there… now all they want to do is SLAY and splash photos on insta when the home front is not so rossy… and when the STUPID women beater do their thing, you come crying to us.. THE HAND WRITING HAS BEEN ON THE WALL FOR YOU TO SEE GIRL… but no!! U must marry that man that has plenty money, or that footballer that can splash u with ur greedy needs.. or that politician that takes u on trips around the world.. and Batters you in the process. But you will rather stay in the marriage becos of the shame it mite bring you when the rest of the world knows how it is for you , with all the lies you hav told in the past. Honesty!!.. this false life is getting too much on our women..( especially my sisters in the entertainment industry)..live you life!.. work hard!!. Be a proud woman and don’t allow these stupid men to use you!.
NOW YOU WANT US TO PITY YOU!.. YOU BROUGHT THIS UPON URSELF GIRL!.. there is a strong need for us to talk to our women.. over the past 2 years, domestic violence cases has risen to 65%. YOU ALL NED TO BE CAREFUL.. and to those IDIOTS!.. those women beaters that call themselves men, those MEN that don’t have shame, those “men” that are heartless enuff to raise their hands and beat a woman to pulp remember that you hav daughters, sisters and mothers too.. its a vicious cycle nd it will come back to you.. WAKE UP GIRLS!!… WAKE UP!! #domesticViolence”
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