Education is considered by many Nigerians to be the gateway to success and the passport to a better life. Debunking this myth that one cannot be successful without a formal education are these successful Nigerians who have been able to survive life’s challenges and cross the hurdle of a formal education to become who they are today. Take a look at some of Nigeria’s mist successful individuals who didn’t have formal education or complete schooling experiences.
Cosmos Maduka:
If you are a lover of cars then you are certain to have heard of the name Cosmos Maduka. He is the founder of Coscharis Group, which is the sole distributor of BMW vehicles in West Africa. He dropped out of elementary school and became an apprentice at a tender age of seven. Today he sits atop one of the biggest conglomerates that Nigeria can boast of.
Folorunsho Alakija:
Ranked not only as Nigeria’s richest woman, according to Forbes ratings, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija is Africa’s richest woman. The wealthy billionaire who as at 2012 is estimated to be worth $2.5 billion revealed recently that she never attended a university. She made this revelation at the United Nations International Youth Day held at the University of Lagos.
Olorogun Michael Ibru:
Olorugun Michael Ibru is the founder of Ibru Organization which is one of the largest conglomerates in Nigeria and head of one of the richest family in Nigeria. He is a prominent Nigerian businessman who has only a school certificate to his name, he graduated from Igbobi college in 1951.
Razaq Akanni Okoya:
A Nigerian billionaire industrialist, he is the founder of Eleganza Group which has a marketing span across West Africa. The lack of a proper education was not a barrier to Razaq Okoya in his quest for success. He had his only formal education at Ansar-un-deen primary School, Oke popo, Lagos.
Orji Uzor Kalu:
He is the billionaire founder of SLOK Holding as well as the founder of Daily Sun and New Telegraph Newspapers. He was rusticated from the university for participating in a students’ protest. The university later reconsidered its decision and he was called back but he rejected the offer and ventured into entrepreneurship instead.
Michael Collins Ajere (Don Jazzy):
Prolific music producer and C.E.O of Mavin Records, Michael Collins better known as Don Jazzy is one of Nigeria’s successful Nigerians that didn’t need education to attain greatness. He was ranked the second most bankable artiste in Africa by Channel O and Forbes Africa, interesting to note is that he dropped out of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in his first year
Vincent Obianobo:
The name Vincent Obianobo might not sound familiar but you can’t help but to have heard of his transportation company “The Young Shall Grow Motors.” He is also the owner of Rockview hotels and his transport company is supposedly the largest in Nigeria. This astute businessman had humble beginnings and not much education but today, he is one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen.
Friday, 14 November 2014
Thursday, 13 November 2014
**SEE FRAUD COMMENCING!**
PDP Female Presidential Aspirant Drags Goodluck Jonathan To Court Over Nomination
A Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential aspirant, Prof. Akasoba Duke-Abiola, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the party from nominating any candidate as its presidential candidate at its planned primaries.
Duke-Abiola’s contention is that the party cannot validly hold the primaries, having allegedly flouted the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act by refusing to provide her the party’s expression of interest form after she had paid N2m for it.
In her suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/836/14, she maintained on Wednesday that the party had shunned her repeated demand for the expression of interest form after paying the N2m fee into its account.
She filed the suit through her lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, urging the court to stop the PDP from holding the presidential primary on the grounds of the alleged violation of the relevant laws by the party.
The PDP has since adopted President Goodluck Jonathan as its consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2015 poll.
But Duke-Abiola, a widow of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola, seeks an order of perpetual injunction against the PDP, restraining it from fielding any candidate for the purpose of the 2015 presidential election.
The PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission are the defendants in the suit.
The plaintiff wants the court to declare that the failure of the PDP to issue to her the expression of interest form for the office of the President is a violation to Article 3 (1) (a) and (b) of the Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections, 2014 of the PDP.
She wants the court to declare that by virtue of provisions of the PDP Constitution and Section 87(1) and (9) of the Electoral Act 2010, the party is under obligation to comply with ALL the rules made under the Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections 2014 of the PDP.
Part of her prayers read, “ A declaration that the failure, refusal or neglect of the 1st Defendant (PDP) to make available to the Plaintiff the Expression of Interest form, code No. PD 002/P, despite repeated demands and upon payment of the mandatory N2,000,000.00, is a breach of Article 3(1)(a) and (b) of the ‘Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections 2014 of the PDP.’
“A declaration that in view of Section 87 (1), (7) and (9) of the Electoral Act, 2010, the 1st defendant cannot lawfully hold a valid primaries to nominate a presidential candidate for the purpose of 2015 general elections.
“A declaration that, having failed to comply with the ‘Electoral Guidelines for Primary Elections 2014 of the PDP and in view of the provision of Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act, 2010, the 1st Defendant (the PDP) cannot validly field any candidate for the Presidential Election in 2015.
“A declaration that the 2nd defendant cannot accept any candidate fielded by the 1st defendant for purposes of the Presidential Election in 2015, by reason of the provisions of Section 87 (9) of the Electoral Act, 2010.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant (INEC) from accepting any candidate fielded by the 1st defendant for purposes of the 2015 presidential elections.”
The case has yet to be assigned to any judge and the defendants had not filed their responses.
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
[PHOTOS] Man Proposes To His Girlfriend With 99 iPhones, See Her Unbelievable Response
For some outrageous reason, a guy decided to try proposing to his girlfriend by buying her 99 iPhone 6s. Shockingly,she said no .
November 11(today) in China is Singles’ Day; when millions of unattached men and women try to woo the subject of their affections with extravagant gifts and propositions. For those in relationships, it’s a popular day for popping the question.
Why this day? Because of all the lonely, single ones that make it up – 11/11. And while he wasn’t single at the beginning of the day, one resident of Guangzhou has been left red-faced after his significant other turned him down… in front of a crowd of people.
There’s the proposal:
(Photo: Weibo via The Nanfang)
He had splashed out on one shy of 100 Apple devices; organising them into a heart shape before stepping into the centre and asking for his girlfriend’s hand in marriage in front of gathered onlookers. She, unfortunately, said no.
According to The Nanfang, the phones will have set him back RMB 500,000; equating to just under £52,000. So, in short, about two years’ worth of wages. Ouch.
Then the alleged rejection:
(Photo: Weibo via The Nanfang)
But thankfully, with the phones still being relatively new to the market, he shouldn’t have too much trouble selling them on again. Unlike that poor guy who, together with his girlfriend, bought round the world plane tickets but couldn’t change the name on them once they’d split… so had to find another girl with the exact same name.
Lesson learned, though…
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Late Preacher, Dr. Myles Munroe
Myles Munroe was a widely known and respected evangelist who died on November 9th, 2014. His death came as a shock to many who looked up to him for inspiration. He will forever be remembered for his good works and inspirational messages. Here are 8 things you probably didn’t know about the late preacher:
1) He was born on 20th April, 1954 in Nassau Bahamas and his life was cut short at the age of 60. Throughout his lifetime, he always resided in his birth town.
2) He had poor background and he had 10 siblings to contend with.
3)Myles was a loving father of two, son and husband. He died in a plane crash with his wife, Ruth Munroe, his daughter, Charissa and 6 other passengers who were with him during the crash.
4) Dr. Munroe wrote over 38 books on several life issues including sex, family relationships, finance and spiritual growth. Some of his best selling books include Waiting and Dating, The Spirit of Leadership, Rediscovering the Kingdom, Understanding Your Potential, and God’s Big Idea. His books have received rave reviews and some of them have even been translated in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
5) He attended Oral Roberts University where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Education, and Theology in 1978. He went on to receive a Masters degree in Administration from the University of Tulsa in 1980. He has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees till date.
6) Munroe founded the Bahamas Faith Ministries International in the early 1980s and it was a non-profit Christian growth and resource centre. He also gave rise to Myles Munroe International (MMI) which served as an outreach center that comprises of leadership training institutes, a missions agency, a publishing company, a television network, radio and Web communications, and a church community.
7) Munroe was a evangelist and motivational speaker who went round the world and touched many lives at his numerous summits. He also consulted for reputable Fortune 50 companies and top corporations.
8) He won the Silver Jubilee Award for 25 years of outstanding service to the Bahamas in the category of Faith in the year 1998. He also became Bahamas’ youngest recipient of the Queen’s Birthday Honors of the Order of The British Empire (OBE) Award also in 1998 and he was given the award by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England for his tremendous work in contributing to the spiritual and social development of his home country.
Boko Haram was created by the government to destabilise Nigeria – Balarabe Musa
A Second Republic Governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, has stated that terror sect, Boko Haram, isn’t a religious problem but a political problem. According to him, the government created Boko Haram to destabilise Nigeria, divert people’s attention away from its (government) failure and distract citizens ahead of the 2015 elections. He said this while speaking during an interview. “Some of us believe that Boko Haram is not a religious problem. It is more of a political problem. Boko Haram is a problem created by the government deliberately to destabilise Nigeria and divert the attention of the people from the failures of the government. “With Nigeria destabilised, starting from the North, when the 2015 elections come, the level of insecurity will be so much that Nigerians will not be concerned with the elections. Instead, they’ll be concerned primarily with peace. That will make election rigging easy,” Musa said. He however urged voters to stop selling their selling their votes for money. “It is (lack of) money that undermines the freedom of the people to choose the right person. They can shun the money used for elections and politics, generally; it is not impossible, in spite of the poverty in the country and the manipulations by the elite,” he said.
fight against Boko
The Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr.
Oliver Doeme Dashe, has lamented that the federal
government is more committed to the 2015
general elections than the fight against Boko
Haram.
He noted that the action of the government at the
centre is risking the spread of the insurgency
across all parts of the country, stressing that
“government must expedite action towards ending
the Boko Haram insurgency or risk its spread
across the country.”
Bishop Dashe, who spoke with our correspondent in
Maiduguri, observed that Boko Haram is spreading
like wild fire in the North East states of Adamawa,
Borno and Yobe with Gombe and Bauchi gradually
being listed in the trail.
The bishop who is in charge of Borno, Yobe and
some parts of Adamawa states noted that the
activities of the insurgents have paralysed
economic, social, religious, agricultural, among
other activities in all the affected states as people
continue to wallow in abject sufferings, adding
that, “government seems to be less concern.”
Oliver Doeme Dashe, has lamented that the federal
government is more committed to the 2015
general elections than the fight against Boko
Haram.
He noted that the action of the government at the
centre is risking the spread of the insurgency
across all parts of the country, stressing that
“government must expedite action towards ending
the Boko Haram insurgency or risk its spread
across the country.”
Bishop Dashe, who spoke with our correspondent in
Maiduguri, observed that Boko Haram is spreading
like wild fire in the North East states of Adamawa,
Borno and Yobe with Gombe and Bauchi gradually
being listed in the trail.
The bishop who is in charge of Borno, Yobe and
some parts of Adamawa states noted that the
activities of the insurgents have paralysed
economic, social, religious, agricultural, among
other activities in all the affected states as people
continue to wallow in abject sufferings, adding
that, “government seems to be less concern.”
Saturday, 1 November 2014
5 Signs You'll Get Cancer
“You have cancer” are three words you never want to hear . . .
Unfortunately, over 5,000 people in North America do hear those words — every single day. Even worse, cancer has become the second leading cause of death for Americans.
America’s foremost holistic health practitioner, David Brownstein, M.D., has spent much of his medical career studying cancer, and learning the best ways to avoid becoming its victim.
And Dr. Brownstein does not shy away from the hard truth. Statistics demonstrate we are not winning the war on cancer. Far from it. In fact, cancer death rates have remained nearly unchanged over the last 80 years. Plus, traditional cancer treatments have been a dismal failure, particularly when the initial cancer returns — often with a vengeance.
Because the only big winner in the cancer treatment story to date has been the cancer industry’s multibillion-dollar profits, Dr. Brownstein has just released a complimentary video documentary revealing some of his startling findings.
In this video, you’ll discover five specific signs that you will be diagnosed with cancer during your lifetime.
More important, you’ll see:
• Seven simple but smart steps to prevent cancer from taking over your body . . .
• How to help your body naturally kill cancer cells . . .
• Easiest ways to avoid known cancer-causing factors . . .
• The little-known relationship between iodine and cancer . . .
• And much, much more . . .
According to Dr. Brownstein, nearly all of us have cancer cells in our bodies at various times during our lives. The trick is to avoid letting those cells multiply and overwhelm the body’s natural defenses.
The good news is that you and your loved ones do not need to become cancer victims. With the simple strategies revealed in Dr. Brownstein’s eye-opening video, you can take steps to prevent this deadly disease, or even reverse it.
Editor’s Note: This video is so crucial and groundbreaking, Newsmax Health pulled out all the stops to bring it directly to you at no charge. Click here to start watching this powerful video about preventing cancer immediately.With so many people dying needlessly, there’s no time to waste.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.Newsmaxhealth.com/Cancer/Brownstein-cancer-video-documentary/2013/02/11/id/489887/#ixzz3HnhdpJAD
Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now
Unfortunately, over 5,000 people in North America do hear those words — every single day. Even worse, cancer has become the second leading cause of death for Americans.
America’s foremost holistic health practitioner, David Brownstein, M.D., has spent much of his medical career studying cancer, and learning the best ways to avoid becoming its victim.
And Dr. Brownstein does not shy away from the hard truth. Statistics demonstrate we are not winning the war on cancer. Far from it. In fact, cancer death rates have remained nearly unchanged over the last 80 years. Plus, traditional cancer treatments have been a dismal failure, particularly when the initial cancer returns — often with a vengeance.
Because the only big winner in the cancer treatment story to date has been the cancer industry’s multibillion-dollar profits, Dr. Brownstein has just released a complimentary video documentary revealing some of his startling findings.
In this video, you’ll discover five specific signs that you will be diagnosed with cancer during your lifetime.
More important, you’ll see:
• Seven simple but smart steps to prevent cancer from taking over your body . . .
• How to help your body naturally kill cancer cells . . .
• Easiest ways to avoid known cancer-causing factors . . .
• The little-known relationship between iodine and cancer . . .
• And much, much more . . .
According to Dr. Brownstein, nearly all of us have cancer cells in our bodies at various times during our lives. The trick is to avoid letting those cells multiply and overwhelm the body’s natural defenses.
The good news is that you and your loved ones do not need to become cancer victims. With the simple strategies revealed in Dr. Brownstein’s eye-opening video, you can take steps to prevent this deadly disease, or even reverse it.
Editor’s Note: This video is so crucial and groundbreaking, Newsmax Health pulled out all the stops to bring it directly to you at no charge. Click here to start watching this powerful video about preventing cancer immediately.With so many people dying needlessly, there’s no time to waste.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.Newsmaxhealth.com/Cancer/Brownstein-cancer-video-documentary/2013/02/11/id/489887/#ixzz3HnhdpJAD
Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now
Relationship Advice: 10 Traits of Miserable Couples
By Editors
If you’ve been trying to figure out the components of a winning relationship, you aren’t alone! Researchers, philosophers, and lovers throughout time have been seeking the secret formula.
In an effort to help you identify what to look for in a relationship, we’ve compiled 10 problems that often pop up and cause major problems. Also included are a number of recent studies that you can read for more information.
On a mobile device? Feel free to flip through the slideshow and then scroll down the page for more details:
You’re BoredThe journal Psychological Science published a study that revealed couples who engaged in interesting activities (both together and apart) were much happier than those who were bored.
You Fight a Lot, But Never Did in the Beginning of Your RelationshipIf you find yourself fighting a lot, you may want to examine the history of your relationships. A Florida State study discovered that those who fought during the first year or two, yet were able to work out their differences, tend to be happy as the years progress.
Your Relationship Is Full of JealousyThis shouldn’t come as a surprise, but where jealous or indifference reins so does relationship failure. A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that celebrating your partner’s achievements leads to much higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
In an effort to help you identify what to look for in a relationship, we’ve compiled 10 problems that often pop up and cause major problems. Also included are a number of recent studies that you can read for more information.
On a mobile device? Feel free to flip through the slideshow and then scroll down the page for more details:
You’re BoredThe journal Psychological Science published a study that revealed couples who engaged in interesting activities (both together and apart) were much happier than those who were bored.
You Fight a Lot, But Never Did in the Beginning of Your RelationshipIf you find yourself fighting a lot, you may want to examine the history of your relationships. A Florida State study discovered that those who fought during the first year or two, yet were able to work out their differences, tend to be happy as the years progress.
Your Relationship Is Full of JealousyThis shouldn’t come as a surprise, but where jealous or indifference reins so does relationship failure. A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that celebrating your partner’s achievements leads to much higher levels of relationship satisfaction.
You Never Have SexStatistics show that if you can increase your sexual activity from once per month to once per week, your enjoyment of life and your relationship will increase exponentially.
You’re StraightA 5,000 person study at the Open University of Britain found that young couples tend to be happier and more connected.This doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed if you’re straight, but it does point to the importance of shared interests and open communication.
Beautiful Woman with Hot ManHave you ever wondered why so many hot women marry less-attractive men? Interestingly enough, a recent study revealed good looking women do better with men who are considered less attractive. However, the statistics didn’t look so hot when a good looking man considered himself to be better looking than his spouse.
Rushed into Sex and the RelationshipA Cornell University study suggests that rushing into a relationship doesn’t do most couples many favors. Researchers found a positive correlation between waiting a month to have sex and long-term relationship success.
Have Lots of Divorced or Unhappily Married FriendsAccording to a Brown University study, you are 75 percent more likely to divorce if you have a friend who is divorced.
You’re Both Sleep DeficientIf you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be setting yourself up for failure. A University of Arizona study, conducted in 2009, discovered that men feel much better about their relationships when they get enough sleep. Women also reported a correlations between lack of sleep and problems.
Beautiful Woman with Hot ManHave you ever wondered why so many hot women marry less-attractive men? Interestingly enough, a recent study revealed good looking women do better with men who are considered less attractive. However, the statistics didn’t look so hot when a good looking man considered himself to be better looking than his spouse.
Rushed into Sex and the RelationshipA Cornell University study suggests that rushing into a relationship doesn’t do most couples many favors. Researchers found a positive correlation between waiting a month to have sex and long-term relationship success.
Santa Claus dies at 86
When he was not shooting for Coca-Cola, he spent the rest of the year working as a taxi driver and barman. RIP, Mr Moore.
Program helping to reduce wait times at border bridges
Donna-Rio Bravo bridge to open rapid-service lane March 28
A vehicle approaches a U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth Monday, March 21, 2011, at the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge in Donna.
Posted: Friday, October 31, 2014 8:57 pm
Nine months into a federal pilot program created to reduce wait times at international ports of entry, operators of bridges on the Texas-Mexico border say it appears to be accomplishing that goal. But they also say it’s difficult to measure whether cars, trucks and pedestrians are moving faster across the border. Launched in late January, the project allows local governments and private companies to help pay for increased U.S. Customs and Border Protection staffing at international ports, bridges and airports during peak times. Texas sites chosen for the public-private partnerships include international bridges in El Paso and South Texas and international airports in Houston and Dallas. “In many cases, it has been very successful, particularly in the passenger lanes,” said Sam Vale, president of the South Texas Assets Consortium, which runs bridges in Laredo, Cameron County, Pharr, McAllen and Rio Grande City.
For example, the program helped two of the consortium’s bridges open additional lanes during this year’s Easter travel rush, reducing wait times from four hours to 40 minutes, Vale said. It also helped add a commercial inspection lane at the Rio Grande City bridge, which increased the numbers of vehicles inspected per hour to nine from just over four, he said.
Supporters of the program, which passed in 2013 with a bipartisan vote, said it would speed up international trade and travel even as the federal government failed to keep enough agents on duty. It also allows local governments and private companies to pay for improvements to international ports. Meanwhile, the federal government is in the process of hiring up to 2,000 additional Customs and Border Patrol officers.
More than $100 million in economic output is lost per minute during bridge delays at the nation’s five busiest southern ports, which include El Paso, Hidalgo County and Laredo, according to a 2013 U.S. Department of Commerce study.
Mexico is Texas’ largest trade partner and the United States’ third largest, behind Canada and China. More than 1.8 million northbound trucks passed through Laredo in 2013, and about 739,000 passed through El Paso, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation.
As of late July, the program had led to U.S. Customs and Border Protection opening lanes and booths for an additional 24,000 hours at ports in El Paso, South Texas, Dallas, Houston and Miami, according to the agency.
The program, which began in Texas and Florida, is slated to expand soon in those states as well as to California, Nevada, Colorado, Delaware and Pennsylvania. It offers local governments some flexibility to negotiate the terms of the partnerships.
The city of El Paso, which operates three international bridges, uses a portion of bridge toll revenue to provide additional agents. As a result, pedestrians walking to or from Ciudad Juárez are moving more quickly, said Paul Stresow, director of El Paso’s bridge system. That has an economic impact because many people walk over the bridge to shop in downtown El Paso, he said.
Wait times in El Paso have decreased about 1.2 minutes per vehicle and more than four minutes per pedestrian, said U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, citing information he received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The program "has been a big part of it, but I also think there's been a lot of increased awareness and attention and pressure on CBP to be more effective," O'Rourke said.
There is limited data available on the program's impact on bridge wait times, so observations are largely anecdotal, Vale said.
“There is a big hesitation to provide a lot of numbers because nobody wants to be held accountable,” Vale said of bridge operators and federal officials.
Border wait times are difficult to measure, said Erik Lee, executive director of the North American Research Partnership, a nonprofit organization that analyzes North American trade information.
“The methodology is not yet an exact science,” Lee said. “Mexico has its own history, its own set of customs and its unique circumstances.”
Many factors can affect wait times, Stresow said, like change in traffic flows due to security concerns in Mexico or staffing during early-morning hours.
“The anomaly is that at 2 a.m., there are only two lanes open and the lines are longer,” he said. “It skews the overall results.”
Stresow said El Paso is considering asking manufacturers in Ciudad Juárez to help pay for the bridge staffing.
Lee said there is growing interest in the project and lauded its creation, but also cautioned against expecting the private sector to play an integral role too quickly.
“The thinking is that these are industries that provide jobs in an already economically distressed region,” he said. “To burden them with additional fees is kind of unfair.”
He added that dealing with wait times at bridges – though not ideal – is better than the alternative: waiting weeks for a shipment from China.
For example, the program helped two of the consortium’s bridges open additional lanes during this year’s Easter travel rush, reducing wait times from four hours to 40 minutes, Vale said. It also helped add a commercial inspection lane at the Rio Grande City bridge, which increased the numbers of vehicles inspected per hour to nine from just over four, he said.
Supporters of the program, which passed in 2013 with a bipartisan vote, said it would speed up international trade and travel even as the federal government failed to keep enough agents on duty. It also allows local governments and private companies to pay for improvements to international ports. Meanwhile, the federal government is in the process of hiring up to 2,000 additional Customs and Border Patrol officers.
More than $100 million in economic output is lost per minute during bridge delays at the nation’s five busiest southern ports, which include El Paso, Hidalgo County and Laredo, according to a 2013 U.S. Department of Commerce study.
Mexico is Texas’ largest trade partner and the United States’ third largest, behind Canada and China. More than 1.8 million northbound trucks passed through Laredo in 2013, and about 739,000 passed through El Paso, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation.
As of late July, the program had led to U.S. Customs and Border Protection opening lanes and booths for an additional 24,000 hours at ports in El Paso, South Texas, Dallas, Houston and Miami, according to the agency.
The program, which began in Texas and Florida, is slated to expand soon in those states as well as to California, Nevada, Colorado, Delaware and Pennsylvania. It offers local governments some flexibility to negotiate the terms of the partnerships.
The city of El Paso, which operates three international bridges, uses a portion of bridge toll revenue to provide additional agents. As a result, pedestrians walking to or from Ciudad Juárez are moving more quickly, said Paul Stresow, director of El Paso’s bridge system. That has an economic impact because many people walk over the bridge to shop in downtown El Paso, he said.
Wait times in El Paso have decreased about 1.2 minutes per vehicle and more than four minutes per pedestrian, said U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, citing information he received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The program "has been a big part of it, but I also think there's been a lot of increased awareness and attention and pressure on CBP to be more effective," O'Rourke said.
There is limited data available on the program's impact on bridge wait times, so observations are largely anecdotal, Vale said.
“There is a big hesitation to provide a lot of numbers because nobody wants to be held accountable,” Vale said of bridge operators and federal officials.
Border wait times are difficult to measure, said Erik Lee, executive director of the North American Research Partnership, a nonprofit organization that analyzes North American trade information.
“The methodology is not yet an exact science,” Lee said. “Mexico has its own history, its own set of customs and its unique circumstances.”
Many factors can affect wait times, Stresow said, like change in traffic flows due to security concerns in Mexico or staffing during early-morning hours.
“The anomaly is that at 2 a.m., there are only two lanes open and the lines are longer,” he said. “It skews the overall results.”
Stresow said El Paso is considering asking manufacturers in Ciudad Juárez to help pay for the bridge staffing.
Lee said there is growing interest in the project and lauded its creation, but also cautioned against expecting the private sector to play an integral role too quickly.
“The thinking is that these are industries that provide jobs in an already economically distressed region,” he said. “To burden them with additional fees is kind of unfair.”
He added that dealing with wait times at bridges – though not ideal – is better than the alternative: waiting weeks for a shipment from China.
Friday, 31 October 2014
Photo: Nigerian girl dies after failed Butt enlargement surgery in Thailand
"We don't really know what went wrong, we only know what is in reports in the media." Anietie saidHe also said that the family is making preparations to bring her body home. According to the Daily Mail, Joy, who relocated to the UK from Nigeria in 2007 and lives with her mother in Thamesmead, died on October 23rd after visiting a clinic called SP Clinic in Thailand which she had found on the internet. Continue...
Photo allegedly shows Mubi villagers fleeing after yesterday's attack on their village
Atiku reacts to Mubi attack, says some of the dead are people he knew personally
Worst Places I've Ever Visited — From the Man Who's Been Everywhere
Worst Places I've Ever Visited — From the Man Who's Been Everywhere
Dhaka, Bangladesh
This oyibo man says Lagos is the worst place to visit on earth
Above (right) is the picture he shared of Lagos and below is what he wrote about Lagos
As far as I am concerned, Lagos, Nigeria, is the worst place on planet Earth. I’ve never experienced so much corruption in my life. It was just a horrific experience getting into the country. Crossing in from Benin, we got shaken down by the border guards. In addition to the multiple police shakedowns, the multiple ATM issues were enough for me; three times in two days, the machines dispensed the wrong amount of money. It was oppressive and hot. I couldn’t tell you one good thing about that place."Here's the article. Anyone who reads this garbage and has never been to Lagos would really think this city is that horrible. Not nice! Continue..
Here's his twitter handle @LeeAbbamonte
Pics: Bomb blast reported at Gombe Line motor park this morning
Pics: Bomb blast reported at Gombe Line motor park this morning
A bomb went off at the Gombe Line motor park in Gombe state around 9am this morning which has resulted in the death of at least 30 people. Eye witnesses say the bomb was planted by a man who came and dropped his bag in a Kano line bus and left. NEMA officials are said to be at the scene right now removing the dead bodies and taking the injured to the Gombe State Specialist Hospital. Hoping to get more info from the blast later. See more photos after the cut...
 |
| Gombe State Specialist Hospital this morning |
Looks like they may seek the death penalty for Kano child-bride
The case was heard in court yesterday Oct. 30th and AFP's Aminu Abubakar writes that prosecutors at the High Court in Gezawa, have filed an amended complaint that charged the young girl with one count of murder over the killing. Lead prosecutor Lamido Abba Soron-Dinki said that if convicted, the charge is "punishable with death" and indicated the state would seek the maximum penalty.
Above is Sani Garba, holding a picture of his 14-year-old daughter-in-law, Wasila Tasi'u
From AFP
Sani Garba, 55, stands in the abandonned bedroom of his 14-year-old daughter-in-law Wasila Tasi'u Tasi'u entered the court wearing a cream-coloured hijab and was escorted by two policemen.
Her parents, who have condemned their daughter's alleged act, were in the public gallery -- the first time the three were in the same room since Tasi'u's arrest in April, her legal representatives said.
The English-language charge sheet was translated into Hausa for the accused by the court clerk.
Tasi'u refused to answer when asked if she understood the charges.
The case was adjourned for 30 minutes so the charges could be better explained to the defendant, but when the alleged offences were read again Tasi'u stayed silent, turned her head to the wall and broke down in tears.
"The court records (that) she pleads not guilty," Judge Mohammed Yahaya said, apparently regarding her silence as equal to a denial of the charges and adjourned the case until November 26Photo credit: AFP
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