How ICT impacted MDGs in 15 years

Recently, the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda was held in New York with a high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly. The  summit was also meant for governments to make their final assessment of the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which global leaders agreed upon in the year 2000. It is evident that in the past 15 years, the ICT revolution has not only impacted on the MDGs but driven global development in an unprecedented way.

The Wired World: A graphic representation of the Internet

According to ITU study on ICTs,  the report indicated that ICTs will play an even more significant role in the post 2015 development agenda and in achieving future sustainable development goals as the world moves faster and faster towards a digital society. Experts say technological progress, infrastructure deployment, and falling prices have brought unexpected growth in ICT access and connectivity to billions of people around the world.

For instance, statistics have shown that in 2015 alone, there are more than 7 billion mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide, up from less than 1 billion in 2000. Out of this number, 3.2 billion people globally are said to be using the internet of which 2 billion are from developing countries.

Internet  penetration

Globally, the ITU study showed that 3.2 billion people are using the internet and expected to do so by end 2015, out of which 2 billion are from developing countries. For every internet user in the developed world, the report said there were about two in the developing world. However, about 4 billion people from developing countries are said to have remained offline, representing 2/3 of the population residing in developing countries.

Of the 940 million people living in the least developed countries (LDCs), only 89 million use the Internet, corresponding to a 9.5 per cent penetration rate. Specific achievements in the last 15 years of ICT growth

Mobile cellular subscriptions

The report postulated that by end 2015, there will be more than 7 billion mobile cellular subscriptions, corresponding to a penetration rate of 97 per cent, up from 738 million in 2000, an indication that global internet penetration grew 7 fold from 6.5 per cent to 43 per cent between 2000 and 2015.

Mobile broadband

In a similar trend, mobile broadband is said to be the most dynamic market segment; globally, reaching 47 per cent penetration in 2015, a value that increased 12 times since 2007.

 Household with Internet

The proportion of households with internet access at home recorded another substantial growth which increased from 18 per cent in 2005 to 46 per cent in 2015.

Fixed broadband

On the contrary, the fixed-broadband uptake is said to be growing at a slower pace, with a 7 per cent annual increase over the past three years and is expected to reach 11 per cent penetration by end 2015.  The report also revealed that the proportion of the population covered by a 2G mobile-cellular network equally grew within the same period from 58 per in 2001 to 95 per cent in 2015.

3G mobile broadband

The 3G mobile broadband coverage, according to the ITU survey is extending rapidly and into the rural areas. 1n 2011 alone, 3G recorded 45 per cent population coverage out of world population of 7 billion. In 2015, its population coverage hit 69 per cent out of world population of 7.4 billion and rural population coverage hit 29 per cent out of world rural population of 3.4 billion people. This is also as its urban population coverage hit 89 per cent out of world population of 4 billion.

The Digital Divide in 2015

By end 2015, 34 per cent of households in developing countries are expected to have internet access, compared with more than 80 per cent in developed countries. In least developed countries (LDCs), only 7 per cent of households is estimated to have internet access, compared with the world average of 46 per cent. While, internet penetration in developing countries stands at 35 per cent; LDCs lag behind with only 10 per cent.

In Africa, one in every 5 people is said to be using the internet in 2015, compared to almost 2 in 5 people in Asia and Pacific, and 3 in 5 people in the CIS. However, it was further revealed that mobile-broadband penetration levels are highest in Europe and the Americas, at around 78 active subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Africa is the only region where mobile broadband penetration is found to have remained below 20 per cent, with fixed-broadband penetration standing at less than 1 per cent in LDCs. Africa and the Arab States stand out as the regions with the fewest fixed-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, at less than 1 and less than 4, respectively.

Broadband now affordable in 111 countries

The study recorded that in 2014, the price of fixed or mobile broadband plan corresponds to less than 5 per cent of average growth (GNI) per capital in 111 countries, thus meeting the Broadband Commission target. The global average price of a basic fixed-broadband plan (52$) is 1.7 times higher than the average price of a comparable mobile-broadband plan of (30$).

In developing countries, average monthly fixed-broadband prices (in $) are 3 times higher than in developed countries; mobile-broadband prices are twice as expensive as in developed countries.

Fixed broadband subscriptions

According to the survey, fixed-broadband uptake remained slow in developing countries and particularly in LDCs, where penetration rates stood at 7 per cent and less than 1 per cent, respectively. While the prices of fixed-broadband plans dropped sharply between 2008 and 2011, especially in developing countries, they have been stagnating since then and even increased slightly in LDC.

FIFA accepts 7 presidential candidates, David Nakhid excluded

FIFA has accepted seven presidential candidates to stand to replace incumbent Joseph Blatter at an extraordinary congress in 2016, excluding former player David Nakhid, the world football governing body said on Wednesday.

An online statement did not give specific reasons for not accepting the bid of Nakhid, a former Trinidad and Tobago international, saying only that FIFA’s member associations have proposed, in due time and form, seven candidates.

Gianni Infantino, the general secretary of the sport’s European organization UEFA, Bahraini royal family member Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Liberian football association head, Musa Bility confirmed their bids on deadline day.

Also standing are UEFA president Michel Platini, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, South African businessman and apartheid-era political prisoner Tokyo Sexwale and ex-FIFA official Jerome Champagne.

Platini was the favourite before being suspended by FIFA’s ethics committee for 90 days along with Blatter, awaiting an investigation into a 2 million Swiss franc (2.06 million dollars) payment by FIFA to the former France player in 2011.

Due to his ban, Platini would not yet have his candidacy processed by the committee in charge of the election. “Should such a ban be lifted or expire before the FIFA presidential election, the Ad-hoc Electoral Committee would decide.

“Also, depending on the respective exact point in time, on how to proceed with the candidature concerned,’’ the statement said. However, the other six were to be assessed by the committee and would undergo integrity checks carried out by the investigatory chamber of the FIFA ethics committee. The election will take place at an extraordinary FIFA congress in Zurich on Feb. 26, 2016.

Should I stop eating meat? No need, experts say

The UN’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warned Monday that processed meats like sausages and ham cause bowel cancer, and red meat “probably” does too.

Does this mean we should stop eating meat?

By the IARC’s own account, meat has “known health benefits”.

And the agency says it does not know what a safe meat quota would be — or even if there is one.

Other specialists insist the report is no reason to drop steak from the menu, though it is probably wise for big eaters of it to cut back.

Meat is a good source of key nutrients like zinc, protein and vitamin B12, they point out, as well as iron, which humans absorb more easily from meat than from plants.

“This decision doesn’t mean you need to stop eating any red and processed meat,” said Tim Key, an epidemiologist at Cancer Research UK.

“But if you eat lots of it, you may want to think about cutting down. You could try having fish for your dinner rather than sausages, or choosing to have a bean salad for lunch over a BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich).”

Nutritionist Elizabeth Lund from Norfolk in England said obesity and lack of exercise were a far bigger cancer risks.

“Overall, I feel that eating meat once a day combined with plenty of fruit, vegetable and cereal fibre plus exercise and weight control, will allow for a low risk of CRC,” she said, referring to colo-rectal cancer.

“It should also be noted that some studies have shown that if meat is consumed with vegetables or a high-fibre diet, the risk of CRC is reduced.”

Ian Johnson of the UK-based Institute of Food Research, said meat consumption was “probably one of many” factors contributing to relatively high rates of bowel cancer in the United States, Western Europe and Australia — parts of the developed world where more meat has traditionally been eaten.

However, “there is little or no evidence that vegetarians in the UK have lower risk of bowel cancer than meat-eaters,” he said.

The specialists point out that the cancer risk posed by a meaty diet was statistically much lower than other factors like tobacco smoking and air pollution.

The IARC report “does not mean… that eating bacon is as bad as smoking,” said University of Reading nutrition expert Gunter Kuhnle.

“Processed meat can be part of a healthy lifestyle — smoking can’t”.

According to the World Health Organization, bowel cancer is the third most common type, with some 900,000 new cases every year, and 500,000 deaths.

Generally, dietary advice is to limit red-meat intake to once or twice a week, said nutrition professor Tom Sanders of King’s College London — the equivalent of about two steaks or three hamburgers.

“The problem with this issue is that food is not like tobacco — we have to eat something.”

Water down your cancer risk with watermelon

Watermelon is a “wonder fruit” and the perfect example of food that can help you stay hydrated. The juice is full of good electrolytes, not only great on a hot day, but also helps to quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and even cancer.

                                                                                                                                                                        Watermelon contains mostly water but the refreshing fruit is loaded with goodness. Each juicy bite is loaded with powerful nutrients. Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties.

Most of the most important antioxidants in nature, such as vitamin C (which boosts the immune system), vitamin A (which maintains eye health), and vitamin B6 (which augments brain function), are found in watermelon.

Two important anticancer agents, carotenoid and lycopene are are present in high quantities in watermelons. As a matter of fact, watermelon has the highest concentration of lycopene of any known fresh fruit or vegetable.

Lycopene is a phytonutrient, which is a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables that reacts with the human body to trigger healthy reactions. It is also the red pigment that gives watermelons, tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas their colour. Scientists have taken notice of watermelon’s high lycopene levels.

Lycopene has been widely studied in humans and found to be protective against prostate, lung, colorectal, endometrial, and breast cancers. Lycopene has also been shown to help prevent heart disease. It has also been linked with heart health, bone health and prostate cancer prevention. It’s also a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Watermelon’s high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower risk of heart disease. The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit. Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals.

To really maximize your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increase as the watermelon ripens. Nevertheless, all parts of the watermelon are good. There are a lot of nutrients throughout, including the white flesh nearest the rind.

Watermelons are rich in electrolytes (sodium and potassium), nourishing the body by not only replacing the electrolytes lost through sweat, but also by hydrating cells and maintaining the water balance. And because of the higher water content and lower calorie content than many other fruits, watermelon delivers more nutrients per calorie – an outstanding health benefit.

Try this great tip today. Cut a medium or large watermelon into small pieces and remove the seeds. Take about two cups of the diced watermelon and put into the blender. Add strawberries and some yogurt or milk and a little honey. If you want it a bit thicker, add a couple of bananas or avocado for added taste. Blend and enjoy!

300 houses submerged, as River Benue overflows its banks

MAKURDI—A sudden surge in the water level of River Benue has left over 300 houses and huts submerged, with many families rendered homeless in Makurdi, the state capital.

The unexpected flood, which also swept away property and valuables worth millions of Naira, may have created a major humanitarian crisis in the town and it’s environs.

Among the worst hit areas are Wurukum, Wadata Rice Mill, Agboughoul, Kutcha Utebe and Gydo Villa area settlements, while all the buildings that are less than 500 meters from the shore of the river and those directly behind the New Garage Road are also facing the prospect of going under the fast rising river.

One of the victims and resident of Wadata Rice Mill settlement, John Agboyi, said residents of the area were taken aback by the unanticipated flood.

“Its strange, we went to bed last night, only to wake up this morning to discover that flood water has overtaken our homes and neighbourhood, all we did was to battle to rescue some of our property from the fast rising flood water,” he said.

At Kutcha Utebe where families were seen moving their property from their homes, a resident, Terhile Fidelis, said the flood washed away most of his property before he could mobilize enough support and help to move them away.

He said: “My worry is that I do not have anywhere to go to with my family at the moment. I just can’t understand why this sudden rise in water levels cannot be adequately tackled by the government.”

Efforts to reach the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr. Nick Wende, on the issue failed as he did not pick his calls nor reply to the message sent to his phone.

Photos: President Buhari departs for India

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, departed Nigeria, via the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on a 4-day official visit to New Delhi, India.

See photos:

President Muhammadu Buhari, departing the Nnamdi Azikwe, International Airport, Abuja, on 4-day official visit, to New Delhi, India, on Tuesday (27/10/2015)

President Muhammadu Buhari, departing the Nnamdi Azikwe, International Airport, Abuja, on 4-day official visit, to New Delhi, India, on Tuesday (27/10/2015)

Renewables to top Global Power Growth by 2020 – IEA

By Sebastine Obasi

RENEWABLE energy is expected to represent the largest single source of electricity growth over the next five years, driven by falling costs and aggressive expansion in emerging economies, the France-based International Energy Administration, IEA, said in its annual market report.

Pointing to the great promise renewables hold for affordably mitigating climate change and enhancing energy security, the report, warns governments to reduce policy uncertainties that are acting as brakes on greater deployment.

“Renewables are poised to seize the crucial top spot in global power supply growth, but this is hardly time for complacency,” said IEA’s Executive Director, Fatih Birol, as he released the IEA’s Medium-Term Renewable Energy Market Report 2015 (MTRMR) at the G20 Energy Ministers meeting. “Governments must remove the question marks over renewables if these technologies are to achieve their full potential, and put our energy system on a more secure, sustainable path.”

The report noted that renewable electricity additions over the next five years will top 700 gigawatts (GW) more than twice Japan’s current installed power capacity. “They will account for almost two-thirds of net additions to global power capacity – that is, the amount of new capacity that is added, minus scheduled retirements of existing power plants.

Non-hydro sources such as wind and solar photovoltaic panels (solar PV) will represent nearly half of the total global power capacity increase,” it added. The report sees the share of renewable energy in global power generation rising to over 26 per cent by 2020 from 22 per cent in 2013. This is considered a remarkable shift in a very limited period of time.

“By 2020, the amount of global electricity generation coming from renewable energy will be higher than today’s combined electricity demand of China, India and Brazil.” It also showed that the geography of deployment will increasingly shift to emerging economies and developing countries, which will make up two-thirds of the renewable electricity expansion to 2020.

China alone will account for nearly 40 per cent of total renewable power capacity growth and requires almost one-third of new investment to 2020. It noted that renewable generation costs have declined in many parts of the world due to sustained technology progress, improved financing conditions and expansion of deployment to newer markets with better resources.

Angry Letter to Nigerian Youth: The future is here with us

By Bayo Adeyinka

My dear Nigerian Youth,

It was Albert Einstein that said “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it”.

That, unfortunately, is what you are doing. You complain about the problems and challenges but that’s all you do. You follow the same people who created the problems and eulogize them to high heavens. You are guilty of lack of depth and originality. Your level of thinking is pedestrian. Since no one can rise beyond the level of their thinking, you have remained at the aboriginal state of being- the same with your progenitors. Universities and tertiary institutions shape and mould their products such that they stand out in the originality of their ideas.

Alexandria, the first University in the world was a centre of enlightenment. Harvard turns out products who impact the world. Yale and MIT products leave their indelible footprints everywhere they go. Our own local universities and tertiary institutions churn out mass ignorance. They produce graduates who should know but don’t even know that they don’t know.

You only have weight and occupy space. Your constant thought is only about today while you don’t seem to know that tomorrow is already here with us. You wallow in the past while your contemporaries the world over leave you behind. Africa is behind the Western world by almost 250 years. You know what that means? You’re a relic. You’re a museum piece. You’re stuck in your ways. You’re becoming a liability to the entire world.

While youths all over the world are innovating and inventing things, all you do is to fight over one politician or the other. You carry placards at the screening of ‘wannabe’ ministers when your brains actually need screening. There is no other country in the world where people love their oppressors like you do. You think you change governments but all you do is change one oppressor with another.

While the demographics of leadership the world over is getting younger, yours is getting ancestral. The youngest person in your government’s cabinet is 48 while the oldest is 68. Justin Trudeau, the new Prime Minister of Canada is 43. If he were to be a Nigerian, he won’t even get a cabinet position. In 1973, Yakubu Gowon was 39 years when he visited Canada and shook hands with Justin Trudeau who was barely 2 years then. Today, Justin Trudeau is the Prime Minister.

The future is here with us while we remain stuck in the past. While others are carrying the destiny of their nations, you are carrying the bags of politicians. In 2012, 19-year-old Proscovia Alengot Oromait was elected as a member of parliament. Now 22 years old, she is the youngest person ever elected to office in not only Uganda but the entire African continent. While some are solving the problems of their nations, you Nigerian youth are one of the problems of the continent.

Does it not bother you that once you’re above 40 years, you have lesser years to spend as you arrive at the departure lounge of life? Should you not be thinking about the future more than the present? For instance, by 2050 Nigeria will hit the 1b population mark. Thirty five years before 2050, we are still stuck in subsistence farming. We can’t feed 170m people now so how can we feed 1b people? We can’t provide housing for 170m people now, so how can we provide housing for 1b people? While the rest of humanity is trying to land on Mars with 200,000 applicants vying for just 100 slots, we still find it difficult to run an airline.

While Fulani cattle run amok on people’s farms in Nigeria as a result of the archaic nomadic husbandry being practiced, future cities are being built elsewhere to raise cows on rooftops. Within five years, Europeans will swipe their smart phones or watches to pay for most goods and services, use phones as digital wallets, use them to borrow money, invest it and transfer it to other countries while we are still stuck with brick and mortar.

Mercedes-Benz is developing a system that will learn your schedule, tastes and even moods after a short while. For example, it knows that you leave the house every weekday at 7:30 a.m. to take your kids to school and the right temperature you always want in your car. Based on GPS and satellite data, it quickly learns your preferred routes and tracks real-time traffic problems, so it can suggest detours to help you save time. The car can even tune the radio to the Inspiration FM channel until you drop off the kids, at which time it will recommend Wazobia FM. In the afternoons, it knows you usually prefer Classic FM. A car can make smart decisions but you can’t.

Almost 3,000 cars and trucks equipped with prototype vehicle-to-vehicle(V2V) devices have been driving around a city in Michigan, over the past year-and-a-half as part of a pilot program by the University of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Transportation. What they are doing? Cars equipped with these devices emit beeps when they detect potential hazards such as another vehicle entering an intersection, a pedestrian, a patch of ice or even their driver speeding too fast around a curve. It is expected that these devices could prevent up to 76% of crashes on American roads. All we do here is to erect speed-breakers. We are always arriving very late. The first ATM in the world was installed in 1967. Nigeria’s first ATM was in 1990- twenty three years late.

Why am I so angry with you? Shouldn’t my anger be directed at your dealers erroneously called leaders? It’s because the destiny of this nation lie in your hands and you know not. A nation is as hopeless as its youths. A nation is as helpless as its youths. A nation is as creative as its youths. A nation is as clueless as its youths. A nation is as energetic as its youths. The strength of a nation lies in the promise of its youths. The greatness of a nation lies in the potential of its youths. A nation’s destiny is then essentially that charted by the young population. Whatever a nation will be, look no farther than the youth. I look at you and I’m afraid for Nigeria.

You are a mass production from the factory of ignorance. You are victims of a dysfunctional society. You are inheritors of an estate of crass foolishness. You are like Nabal of whom it was described that folly is with him. All you know how to do is wear designer labels- from Gucci to Prada, from Versace to Armani- you’re obviously well dressed but you’re a well dressed fool. You refuse to dance to the beats of the future rather preferring to wallow in the shallowness of the past. Wole Soyinka described his generation as a wasted generation. Will you be wasted also?

It is time to force your way to relevance. It is time to take responsibility for the future because the future will not be inherited- it will be earned. Stop playing the blame game. Stop blaming your circumstances because you can rise in spite of them. Stop blaming your ancestors because they bequeathed a legacy of ignorance to you- they don’t know any better. Organize rather than agonize. Don’t just think outside the box. Throw away the box. You have the numbers- use them to force a real change. As you ask questions, go further by seeking answers. Rather, be the answer. As you talk about the challenges, go further by seeking solutions. Rather, be the solution.

Find your niche. Faajihub was started when a cousin of Olaotan Oladitan, who’s one the founders, was coming in from the United Kingdom for her wedding. It was a challenge for her finding the people needed to make the event a success. Faajihub now has at least 700 vendors of different kinds. Faajihub is solving the problem of choice in event management. Brian Bett is a Kenyan agriculture techpreneur who designed a locally made greenhouse for the equivalent of N250,000.

The cheapest greenhouse in Nigeria is about N1.5m. Brian is solving the hunger problem. GoMyWay is a ride sharing service started by Damola Teidi, a model in her 20s. Damola is solving the transportation problem. Hotels.ng was started by Mark Essien and has over 6,000 hotels on its portal. Mark is solving the hospitality problem. PrepClass is an app by Olumide Ogunlana aimed at helping students prepare for exams. The app assists you to identify your weak points apart from the core functionality of preparation for exams.

Olumide is solving our educational problem. Jobberman, one of the top jobs websites in Nigeria was started by the trio of Opeyemi Awoyemi, Ayodeji Adewunmi and Olalekan Olude in 2009 during the famed ASUU strike. Jobberman is tackling the employment challenge. What problems are you solving? Stop merely existing. It’s time to start living. Let your life be a contribution to humanity and not a contamination to humanity. The future is already here with us.

Beat the heat with glamorous sunglasses

Glasses

As the scotching heat continue to beat down, it’s time to get some form of protection. Get your self a nice pair of sunglasses. It will not only protect your eyes from the hot rays, but nothing says instant glamour like a pair of gorgeous sunglasses.

Make that simple Saturday outfit extra ordinary with a pair of sunglasses. Be safe be chic.

Music meets Runway set for its 5th Edition

Music Meets Runway (MMR) is back and the 5th edition is to take place on Tuesday, 22nd of December, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos Nigeria.


Run by Le Reve Events, the annual celebration fuses the best of fashion and music in Africa, bringing together some of Africa’s finest creative artists, showcasing their talents to a huge audience.

This year’s Five-Star Special Edition show will celebrate MMR’s fifth anniversary and its contribution to the fashion and music industries, as well as the official launch of the MMR Foundation – “Empowering Lives” and the introduction of the MMR Recognition Awards, which will honour excellence in crafts.

Since 2011, MMR has featured fashion designers such as Deola Sagoe, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Ituen Basi, Tsemaye Binitie, Mai Atafo and much more. Some of the music artists who have performed on the stage include Wizkid, Davido, D’banj, Femi Kuti, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, among many others. This year’s designers and musicians (to be announced in November) will be performing to a bigger audience than ever before.

The MMR Foundation has been in existence since 2011 and its aim is to support and empower emerging talent across the arts. The mission statement for the MMR Foundation is “Empowering Lives’’, which is done through providing young entrepreneurs start-up capital or giving them an opportunity to break into the international market.

Past sponsors of the MMR event have included G.H. Mumm Champagne, Ciroc, Samsung, Mastercard, Le Reve Pieces – Jewellery, Union Bank, MTV Base, Spice TV, 99.9 Beat FM, Mud Makeup, Zaron Cosmetics and many others. The event provides an ideal opportunity for companies to effectively target their market and position their brand.

MMR offers various sponsorship deals for companies, allowing them to reach people working in the fashion and music sectors, as well as the wider business community and create an association between their product and their customers whilst having a great time.

Jennifer Olize, founder and creative director of MMR, said: “We’re so excited about this year’s Music Meets Runway event, which promises to be bigger, and more glamorous than ever before. We’ll be announcing the line-up in the weeks to come, we have very interesting elements to the event this year, so I’d urge companies and individuals to get involved and get prepared for THE event of the year”

The eight official FIFA presidential candidates

With Monday’s deadline reached, AFP Sport profiles the eight officially declared candidates for the FIFA presidency:

PRINCE ALI BIN AL HUSSEIN

The 39-year-old brother of Jordan’s King Abdullah was a member of his country’s special forces, specialising in parachute jumps. The prince was on the FIFA executive from 2011 until this year when he first challenged Sepp Blatter for the presidency. Prince Ali championed the cause of allowing women to play football in a hijab. He has repeatedly demanded greater transparency within FIFA and promised to increase the share of revenues sent back to the national associations. He has condemned the “backroom deals” that he says are one of the biggest causes of FIFA’s long-standing troubles. The prince has been one of the main advocates of releasing the Garcia report into the 2010 votes that gave the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

MICHEL PLATINI

One of the greatest footballers of all time and until he was implicated in a Swiss criminal investigation into FIFA, one of the sport’s most skillful politicians. After being co-chairman of France’s 1998 World Cup organisation, he became president of UEFA in 2007 and has since been re-elected twice. But the Frenchman’s 90-day suspension while FIFA investigates a 1.8 million euro ($2 million) payment from the world body without a written contract has seriously hit the chances of the man who was once hot favourite. Platini, 60, made his name as a sports administrator by pressing for football’s riches and decision-making to be spread between members.

JEROME CHAMPAGNE

The 57-year-old was a French diplomat in Oman, Los Angeles and Brazil before becoming a protocol advisor for the 1998 World Cup organisers. He joined FIFA in 1999 and rose to become deputy secretary general under Sepp Blatter, leaving in 2010. “I am not ashamed of the FIFA years,” he told AFP. Though not a footballer, Champagne was a freelance journalist for the magazine France Football. Champagne had tried to challenge Blatter in the election this year but could not get the required five signatures from national associations to enter. He has vowed to bring in greater transparency, stronger ethical standards and modernise the world body’s administration.

DAVID NAKHID

The mystery candidate in the FIFA race. Nakhid, 51, was captain of Trinidad and Tobagao and played club football with Grasshoppers in Switzerland, Waregem in Belgium and New England Revolution in the United States. His main administrative post has been running his own chain of football academies. Nakhid said it is time for football’s power to be moved away from Europe and that it will need a former player to reform the world body. “I cannot be reckless. I am committed to transformation that is fair and even-handed and will deal with all or any breaches and improprieties,” he said.

TOKYO SEXWALE

The South African anti-apartheid campaigner, who entered the race on Saturday, wants to make history by becoming the first African to head football’s governing body in its 111-year history. A former politician and one of his country’s wealthiest men Sexwale, 62, was jailed alongside Nelson Mandela. He served 13 years of an 18-year jail term on Robben Island on terrorism charges. A member of South Africa’s 2010 World Cup bid team he serves on FIFA’s anti-racism and anti-discrimination committee, likening racism to “a monster that is trying to infiltrate sporting fields”. He is also a FIFA media committee member.

SHAIKH SALMAN BIN BRAHIM AL KHALIFA

The soft-spoken Bahraini royal took over an Asian confederation in turmoil in 2013 after Mohamed bin Hammam was kicked out in disgrace, but he now enjoys an iron grip on the body. Enjoys strong backing from Kuwaiti powerbroker Sheikh Ahmad al Fahad al Sabah, one of the most influential figures in world sport and a major player in both FIFA and the Olympic movement. This year, Shaikh Salman was re-elected unopposed for a full, four-year term and became a FIFA vice president into the bargain. But he has been dogged by allegations that he was complicit in Bahrain’s harsh crackdown on pro-democracy activists in 2011, charges he denies.

GIANNI INFANTINO

The 45-year-old Swiss lawyer joined UEFA in 2000 and became general secretary in 2009. Multi-lingual, Infantino’s original role was to deal with legal, commercial and professional football matters. He was subsequently appointed as director of legal affairs and club licensing division in 2004. He worked on fostering close contacts with the European Union, the Council of Europe and governmental authorities. Prior to joining UEFA he had a lot of experience working in sport. He had been an advisor to various football bodies in Italy, Spain and Switzerland before then working as the general secretary of the International Centre for Sports Studies at the University of Neuchatel.

MUSA BILITY

President of the Liberian Football Association, Bility’s candidacy is something of surprise. He is one of a select band of Africans to stand for the presidency following current acting FIFA head Issa Hayatou in 2002, and Sexwale this time around. “If we are to change football, then we have to make sure that those (that) have been running FIFA for the last 20-25 years have nothing to do with it,” the 48-year-old Bility told the BBC after announcing his candidature.

Five reasons why you need a dual SIM phone

You might have heard that the Microsoft Lumia 640 has dual SIM capability. So what, you may ask?

In a nutshell, a dual SIM phone is exactly what it sounds like: a mobile phone with slots for two SIM cards. This means your phone holds two numbers and two identities simultaneously and allows you to make and receive calls on either number.

If you’re still not sold on the idea, think about these five scenarios when it comes to choosing your next smartphone. You can also stand a chance to win one of five Microsoft Lumia 640 by entering Microsoft’s competition on the Microsoft Africa Facebook page.

*uggle your professional and personal lives

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a new job, you’ll know how nerve wracking it is waiting for that important call. Now, imagine the horror of your potential new boss hearing your embarrassing voice mail message that only your friends appreciate.

If you had two SIM cards, with two separate numbers, you could reserve one just for your work life. That could mean the difference between landing your dream job or not.

It also just might allow you to maintain work/life balance when you do get the job – reserve one number for business purposes only and you’ll be able to decide when to take those calls from your boss and when to let them go to your (non-embarrassing) voice mail.

*Juggle the people in your life too

Finding the perfect partner is just as important as finding the perfect job. If you’re playing the field to find “the one” then your dual SIM phone is your wingman.

It’s as simple as giving one number to one date and one to another to avoid any awkward encounters and always know who is calling.

Just don’t get any ideas about your wingman becoming your evil sidekick… your dual SIM phone wants no part in any secret affairs.

*Stay in touch wherever you are in the world

Maybe that dream job is sending you on a trip overseas, or maybe you’re travelling the world with the date that turned into something more. Either way, you want to take your phone with you to keep in touch with new local friends and stay in contact with your loved ones back home.

With a dual SIM phone, you no longer have to decide whether to use your existing number and pay expensive roaming fees, or exchange it for a local number and cut yourself off from people back home – there’s room for both. That means you can stay in touch with everyone, wherever you are in the world, without it costing you the earth.

*Get the best (deal) of both worlds

Have you ever subscribed to one network and then had “buyer’s remorse” when you saw the great deal another network was offering? With a dual SIM phone, there’s nothing to stop you having two SIM cards from two different mobile networks.

So you can find the network offering the best call rates and another network offering the best data rates, and save yourself a lot of money by managing your two SIM cards effectively.

*Have a back-up in case of emergency

Not only do different networks have different rates for their services, their coverage also varies from area to area. Anyone who’s ever been stuck on the side of the road with a flat tyre and no signal can vouch for this.

Having SIM cards for two different networks is like having a safety net – if one isn’t picking up a signal, there’s a chance the other will.

*Two SIMS, two identities, countless uses
Whatever your reason for needing two different numbers – for work, for play, to save money or for emergencies – dual SIM functionality is a useful feature and more than just a “so what”.

Technology meets Fashion: Damaris Solaris bags come with charging unit

DOLAPO Otunla’s statement in the fashion industry  might seem conclusive with the three heeled and aluminum OYSBY Shoes; but, one must not underestimate the power of a fashionable, yet geeky, female engineer who has taken a bold step into the future of the fashion world by designing the Damaris Solaris.

A perfect fusion of technology and fashion; the Damaris Solaris bags offers the user room to look professional and be in tune with fashion trend. The bag is built using only high quality materials and is properly handcrafted using fine stitching and a solid construction which enables the bag to endure high levels of daily use while maintaining its good looks.

The clipping mechanism which is made from a solid and durable metal enables the bag to withstand constant opening and closing. Measuring up at 28cm high, 50cm wide and 10cm deep; it’s the perfect size that suits many needs with two large zip pockets and three internal compartments, the bag provides ample space for individual use.

Damaris-Techno-Bags

Every Solaris bag comes with a built in charger unit, which can be fully charged beforehand via a mains-socket in under 3hrs; hence, providing a full charge for up to two handheld devices. The charger unit can also be topped up by the integrated 13x12cm Solar Panel which can charge up to 2 phones (and a tablet) at once that allows the user to get the most out of their devices.

Inspired by the need to combine her skills as an engineer with her flair for fashion, Dolapo designed the leather solar bags to provide added functionality in bags, initiating a lifestyle concept in which people make purchase decisions based on both style and function.

Supplement good for overall wellbeing

An indigenous herbal preparation, Jobelyn is actually food that meets nutritional needs, and corrects imbalances in the human system. This is according to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Health Forever Limited (FLP), Dr David Abia-Okon while talking to medics at the Department of Hematology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

Dr Abia-Okon said some of the health benefits of Jobelyn, made from sorghum bicolour include its ability to prevent certain types of cancer, help control diabetes, offer a dietary option for people with Celiac disease, improve digestive health, build strong bones, promote red blood cell development (including in people with sickle cell disorder), boost energy and fuel production.

He said the nutritional benefits from Jobelyn is the reason why it is not just a preparation but food ‘in a capsule’.  “Sorghum is a powerhouse and can provide those wise individuals who add it to their diet with vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin, as well as high levels of magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium, as well as nearly half the daily required intake of protein and a very significant amount of dietary fiber (48 per cent of the recommended intake).”

In particular, it helps in circulation and Red Blood Cell development: Copper and iron are also found in sorghum, and in a similar way as magnesium and calcium, copper helps to increase the uptake and absorption of iron into the body. This means a decreased likelihood of developing anemia, which is another name for iron deficiency. With enough iron and copper in your system, red blood cell development is increased, thereby boosting circulation of the blood, stimulating cellular growth and repair, and increasing the hair growth of the scalp, while also boosting energy levels throughout the body. A single serving of sorghum contains 58% of your daily recommended intake of copper.

Daily egg intake ‘ll improve children nutrition

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has urged Nigerians, especially children to consume eggs daily because it is rich in essential nutrients.

PAN President Dr Ayoola Oduntan, who spoke in Lagos at the World Egg Day (WED) with the theme: “Benefits of an egg a day for the Nigerian child,” said regular consumption of eggs will reduce malnourishment in children.

Moreover, people who are denied egg as part of their daily nutrients are losing.

“So, failure to consume egg daily may have a huge negative impact on the nutritional health of vulnerable group (expectant mothers and children),” he said.

Quoting the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF), it said, no fewer than 1.7 million Nigerian under-five children are severely malnourished. This, he said, accounts for 10 per cent of the world total of malnourished children.

He said regular consumption of eggs will help to address some nutritional challenges.

Oduntan identified egg as God’s natural pill that can conquer hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, adding that it contains the best proteins,vitamins and minerals.

Besides, it contains naturally occurring vitamin D, useful for calcium and phosphorus absorption for strong bones and teeth.

“Egg contains other very important nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin A and E, folate, riboflavin, choline and lutein. Eggs are the best follow up to breast milk in children as it contains the richest mix of essential amino acids. It contains the perfect combination of protein, 12 vitamins and 12 minerals,” Oduntan said.

He said egg helps to regulate the brain, nervous and cardiovascular system because one egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline to support memory and mental capacity.

Director-General of the association, Onallo Akpa said eggs for breakfast assist dieters to lose weight because of the feeling of fullness or satisfaction it stimulates.

He said some studies conducted across the world showed that egg may prevent breast cancer, as women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent. It also prevents ageing of the skin and helps to increase the red blood cell count in infants as well as aiding their brain development.

“Eggs are best brain and body food for expectant mothers, their unborn children and lactating mothers. Egg improves a child’s concentration level, attention span and scholarly performance for ‘eggcellent’ grades.”

He continued: “In March, 2002, the American Heart Association guidelines were charged to allow an egg per day into the average healthy American diet thereby ending the Association’s 30 years old campaign that limited egg consumption to three eggs per week.

“In the same light, the Harvard School of Public Health published that moderate egg consumption which is defined as one egg per day is not associated with increased risk of heart disease and does not have a negative impact on cholesterol neither does it affect a person’s lipid profile. The research finding suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.”

Funtuna Egg, an arm of Animal Care Services Konsult (ACSK) has inaugurated four egg quadpak product.

President, Animal Care Services Konsult (ACSK) Dr Olatunde Agbato underscored the importance of egg to healthy diet.

He described an egg as the best protein source nature provides as it is rich in lots of essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy diet.

“Eggs are packed full of goodness from Vitamin A which is needed for the healthy development of the body cells, B12 which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells; right through to Choline which is vital for nerves and muscles to function properly and proven to lower the risk of heart disease.”