Photos: Alleged Victim Of FRSC Officials’ Brutality

According to an mail received by blogger Linda Ikeji, the person whose swollen face you see in the above photos, apparently from battery, was a victim of Federal Road Safety Commission officials’ brutality.

The letter was written by the victim’s colleague and we reproduce below (un-edited):

"On October 24, at about 10am, Gbolahan Olayinka and his office driver had gone to the Mobil filling station along Agege Motor Road, adjacent FRSC office, Mushin, where they usually buy fuel. On arrival, they observed that some men of the Federal Road Safety Commission where stationed there. Gbolahan and his office driver parked at a place that obviously didn’t obstruct traffic, by the gate of the filling station. Before they could turn an eyelid, one of the officers was by their car and was about to release the tube of their tyre.

Gbolahan challenged him for his action. That was when a slap landed on his face, then another slap from another officer. Before he could say anything in self defense, the officers – three of them – had pounced on him. He was bundled into their vehicle and taken to their office where he was handcuffed to a mast behind their office, his phone was ceased – he was held incommunicado – and beaten mercilessly. He was forced to write a letter of apology (under duress). They made it clear to him that he had no way out; he got threats that he would simply be said to have attacked an officer of the law or that he used charms on someone.

When his brother, who is a lawyer, and other family members got there,the FRSC officials threatened to beat them too. Gbolahan and his people have lugged complaints at the FRSC office in Ojodu and the Commissioner of Police. "

How do we curb the brutality of these men in uniform..Army, Navy, Airforce and the regular culprits, the Nigeria Police and now the FRSC? Don't get me wrong as there are some good ones among them, but generally their image are being tarnished by the bad ones.

This allegation should be thoroughly investigated and the guilty brought to book.




informationnigeria

Albino models setting the trend for Africa

Backstage amidst the chaos of Africa Fashion Week in the South African city of Johannesburg one woman sits quietly in a corner.

Other models and designers from across the continent dash from one end of the tent to the other - there seems to be an unofficial competition to see who can make the most noise.

Yet despite her silence, US albino supermodel Diandra Forrest is still the most noticeable person in the room.

With a complete lack of pigment in her hair or skin, the New Yorker who grew up in the city's mainly black Bronx community is used to sticking out a mile.

Around one person in 17,000 is born with the genetic disorder, which can also cause blindness.

But she knows that her presence at Africa Fashion Week has a much greater significance than just challenging ideas of what is beautiful.

In some African countries, particularly in East Africa, people with albinism are at risk of abduction and mutilation, as their body parts are believed by some to make potions and rituals more powerful.

"It matters a lot to me to be here, because I want to change the way people see girls with albinism on the continent," she told the BBC.

Nigeria’s Movie Industry Becomes Third Richest Globally

Nigeria’s film industry a.k.a. Nollywood has ranked third in revenue generation globally, behind US’ Hollywood and India’s Bollywood, respectively, despite challenges undermining its true potential.

In a BusinessDay report, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) MD, Robert Orya was reported to have said Nollywood generated close to 126.4 billion naira ($800 million) revenue within 2010 till date.

According to the report, the global film and entertainment industry generated about 14.3 trillion naira ($90.6billion) revenue in 2010 which is expected to increase to 16.2 trillion naira ($102.7 billion) in 2012.

Orya speaking on global entertainment industry revenue generation, said most of the revenue channels come from “theatrical distribution,” with North America accounting for the largest market share of about 40 percent. Africa, Europe and Middle East make up for 24 percent, Latin America, 20 percent and Asia Pacific accounting for a meagre three percent contribution.

With an average production of over 2,500 movies per year– 2,408, 2,514 and 2,621 in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively, Nigeria ranks has Africa’s largest producer. Bollywood on the other hand churns out an average of 800 movies yearly, which is more than double the amount of feature films produced by Hollywood.

Like many industry watchers, Mildred Okwo, former US-based film maker and producer agrees that Nollywood is a potential multi-billion dollar industry, underdeveloped and undermined by poor distribution framework, piracy and poor funding.

Orya said at a media briefing: “Aside piracy, there are still genuine concerns regarding distribution, developing a proper framework for the industry, and of course the problem of funding.”

According to Okwo, California, home of the world’s largest movie industry and the ninth largest economy in the world, did not feel the pinch of the global recession due to immune internal revenues generated from the movie making industry.

Mildred believes Nollywood can contribute much to the GDP of Africa’s second largest economy, which is poised to grow with continued investment and development in the oil rich country.




businessday; venturesafrica

Breast Self-Awareness...Your Breast Care: Helpful Hints for Women

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it's most treatable.

1. Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40

3. Know what is normal for you
See your doctor if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone use
• Breastfeed, if you can

PHOTOS: MTN LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK SPRING/SUMMER 2013

Here are some of the collections from your favourite designers, showcased at the MTN Lagos fashion and design week..day 2.

Kinabuti:

House of Marie: