Sean Connery Foundation Gives More Than €1M To Scottish Filmmakers

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April 28, 2023

The Sean Connery Foundation, set up after the James Bond star’s death, has split more than €1 million in funds between four Scottish filmmaking organisations.

Four new Scottish film and television projects are to receive a share of a multi-million pound fund set up in memory of late actor Sir Sean Connery.

Glasgow Media Arts Centre, Screen Education Edinburgh, Station House Media Unit, Aberdeen and The Portal Arts will share £1 million (approximately €1.13 million) from the star’s estate over the next three years.

The Sean Connery Foundation was set up in October 2022, two years after Connery’s death at the age of 90, and aims to support projects in his home country Scotland and his second home, the Bahamas.

The funding will provide training for young people in the film and TV industries and offer practical assistance across various disciplines, including writing, producing and acting.

Explaining the reason for the fund, Connery’s son Jason said: “Before he was a globally recognised movie star, my dad was a lad from Fountainbridge (in Edinburgh), and he never once forgot that whilst talent might be distributed equally, opportunity is not. By supporting access for passionate young people to the screen sector, no matter what their circumstances, we’d like to help dreams come true. We hope that young people with an appetite for visual storytelling and a curiosity about the many behind-the-scenes jobs that make movies possible, will reach out to our grantees and get involved.”

Stephane, Connery’s stepson and the chairman of the Foundation, added: “The screen sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years as more global productions choose to shoot their film and TV in Scotland, providing good jobs for industry-ready young people. Our screen-education grantees offer a wide variety of programmes that introduce participants to the possibility of a career in screen production, often for the first time, and provide a clear path into an exciting industry that is too often considered out-of-reach”.

This isn’t the first significant grant made by the Sean Connery Foundation. It has already distributed over £6 million (about €6.8 million) in funding and the Foundation also gave a grant to another of Connery’s charities, the Scottish International Education Trust, which was set up in 1971, using his fee from his ultimate Bond film in the official canon, Diamonds are Forever.

Football Legend Pelé Enters Portuguese Dictionary

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Koko Lawrence

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April 28, 2023

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Football legend Pelé has entered the Portuguese dictionary as an adjective.

Collins Dictionary defines Pelé as: “ Brazilian footballer: scored 77 goals in 92 games for Brazil (1957–71) and was in the teams that won the World Cup in 1958, 1962, and 1970. ”

Fair, succinct and factual.

However, things are about to get a shakeup as a Brazilian dictionary has added “Pelé” as an official adjective to use when describing an exceptional performance.

The dictionary entry reads: “The one that is extraordinary, or who because of his quality, value or superiority cannot be matched to anything or anyone, just like Pelé; nickname of Edson Arantes do Nascimento (1940-2022), considered the best athlete of all time; exceptional, incomparable, unique. Examples: He is the Pelé of basketball, she is the Pelé of tennis, she is the Pelé of Brazilian theatre, he is the Pelé of medicine.”

The announcement by the Michaelis dictionary is part of a campaign that gathered more than 125,000 signatures to honour the late soccer great’s impact beyond his sport.

It’s not the first time Pelé’s legacy has changed the language of his home country, mind you.

A Portuguese sports term, “gol de placa”, translates to “plaque-worthy goal” and refers to one Pelé that blew past six defenders to score, inspiring a two-minute-long standing ovation in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã stadium. A local sports writer was so moved that he arranged for a commemorative plaque to be affixed to the arena.

Katy Perry V Katie Perry: Singer Loses Trademark Battle

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Koko Lawrence

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April 28, 2023

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Singer Katy Perry has lost a trademark battle with an Australian fashion designer called Katie Perry.

Katie Taylor, who sells clothes under her birth name Katie Perry, sued the pop star, saying her merchandise infringed a trademark she owned.

On Friday, a judge agreed that clothing sold for Katy’s 2014 Australian tour did breach Katie’s trademark.

“This is a tale of two women, two teenage dreams and one name,” Justice Brigitte Markovic wrote in her ruling.

The judge said the Teenage Dream singer, born Katheryn Hudson, used the Katy Perry name in “good faith” and does not owe any personal compensation to the designer.

However, the star’s company Kitty Purry must pay damages, which will be decided next month.

The designer started selling clothes using the brand name Katie Perry in 2007, and registered it as a trademark in Australia the following year.

The singer, who scored her first hits in 2008, was ruled to have infringed the trademark by promoting a jacket advertising her album Roar, “Cozy Little Christmas” hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants and scarves, on social media.

However, the judge rejected further claims relating to sales in certain stores and websites, and merchandise for a 2018 tour.

Justice Markovic dismissed a bid by the pop star to cancel the Katie Perry trademark.

The designer described the outcome as a victory in a “David and Goliath” case.

“Not only have I fought [for] myself, but I fought for small businesses in this country, many of them started by women, who can find themselves up against overseas entities who have much more financial power than we do,” she wrote on her website.

Elderly Japanese Man Opens Free Cafe In Ukraine’s Kharkiv

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Koko Lawrence

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April 28, 2023

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When Fuminori Tsuchiko arrived in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv last year, he said he wanted to do anything he could to help people following Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

Moved by the plight of residents forced by the conflict to shelter in subway stations, the 75-year-old Japanese national from Tokyo decided to stay.

For months, he said, he lived in a metro station and worked as a volunteer distributing food in the subway.

He and a Ukrainian he met in the station have now opened a free cafe in Kharkiv’s Saltivka neighbourhood – mainly thanks to what he said were donations made by Japanese people via social media.

“June, July, August, September, October, November, December – (for) seven months I stayed in the metro, underground, sleeping or eating, and together (with) many, many Ukrainian people,” Tsuchiko said.

‘FuMi Caffe’ serves about 500 people a day, he said.

Tsuchiko said he had been visiting Ukraine as a tourist in February 2022, when the Japanese embassy urged him to leave as Russia prepared to invade. He went to the Polish capital Warsaw but said he returned two months later.

One visitor to the cafe, Anna Tovstopyatova, said she had come to make a donation.

“It’s great that there are so sincere people with an open heart and soul, who sacrifice their life and time to help and give hope,” Tovstopyatova said.

Kharkiv held off Russian forces and Ukrainian forces then pushed Russian troops back towards the border. Despite the retreat, Russian attacks on the city have continued.

Guinea Book Festival To Turn Page On Low Literacy Rate

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Koko Lawrence

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April 28, 2023

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The 15th edition of Guinea’s “72 Hours of the Book” festival unfolded in venues across the capital Conakry, bringing together a wide array of writers, publishers, and readers from the West African country and across the continent.

Guinea’s national sports stadium buzzed with people seeking a different kind of workout this week, as minds flexed and stretched in pursuit not of muscle gains, but literary enrichment.

The annual three-day event is aimed at celebrating books and promoting literacy in a nation where over half the population is illiterate, according to World Bank figures, and access to libraries is limited.

“We Guinean authors have mobilized strongly to come together and promote this event,” Conakry-based author Bademba Barry said between bouts of signing copies of his works. “It’s been 15 years of continuously valuing books.”

Despite its low literacy rate, Guinea boasts a rich literary heritage and more than a dozen publishing houses. Most, however, struggle for funds to undertake large production runs. Those that do tend to focus on foreign works.

But Conakry’s arena transformed into a haven this week for readers clamouring to meet their favourite local authors, writers seeking to expand their audiences, and budding creators who took part in workshops.

“Learning things with games… creating stories with things you yourself create in your own imagination – that’s what I like and that’s what makes me come here,” said Kamano, an 11-year old student who joined a children’s writing class.

“I like it too much!” he said with a smile.

Spread across broad tables, works in French, English, Fulani and a cross section of local languages drew festivalgoers to local authors like Ousmane El Hadj, who for the last three years has used the festival to reach new readers.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for authors to be seen,” he said. “It’s three days dedicated entirely to books and reading.”

Excitement As First Flight Lands In Ebonyi International Airport

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Angel Gimalo

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April 27, 2023

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There was a great deal of celebration when Air Peace 5N-BXF arrived safely at the Ebonyi International Airport today at around 3:50 p.m.

Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi said as part of a test flight for the finished international airport, the plane that departed the Abuja Airport at 11am landed in Ebonyi state, Nigeria’s south-south.
The Ebonyi International Airport is situated at Onueke, in the Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

Temporary Vehicle Tag – Customs Agents Disapprove New Charge Imposed By Lagos State

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Angel Gimalo

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April 27, 2023

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Customs agents have kicked against a new charge of N4,600 imposed by the Lagos State government on all imported vehicles coming out of ports in the state.

Known as the Temporary Vehicle Tag, TVT, the charge was introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation; Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, MVAA.

This development is generating tension as port users and vehicle importers have vowed to resist the introduction of the new charge.

It was also gathered that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has reportedly linked TVT payment to the Terminal Delivery Order, TDO, and directed terminal operators not to release any vehicle without evidence of payment.

Confirming the development, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Collection Authority, Mr. Gboyega Savaldor said the introduction of the charge is for the security of everybody living in Lagos.

Savaldor also said the new charge will check the use of unregistered vehicles by dealers who sometimes use these categories of vehicles for criminal purposes.

Savaldor also disclosed that after payment of N4,600, the clearing agents would be issued a sticker that would be placed on the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to be driven within Lagos for the period of one month.

Reacting to the development, clearing agents at the port lamented that they were being overtaxed by the Lagos Government because already, Wharf Landing Fees are being collected on all cargoes, including vehicles.

Salvador however said: “The Wharf Landing Fee is being operated under a law. The money collected is not for Lagos State Government, it is to assist the operators. The Lagos government is inconveniencing itself to do this, the money is being collected to eradicate area boys harassing truck drivers on Lagos roads, and the money is shared among local government areas” he said.

But the Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Tin Can Island Port, Comrade Remilekun Sikiru counted Salvador, saying that the Lagos State Government first came to the port in December 2022 and claimed that the TVT would replace the Wharf Landing Fees.

“They came around last year around December, they claim this will replace the Wharf landing payment, I called and spoke with the coordinator whose phone was on the flyer, he told me that with the sticker which cost about 4,600 the vehicle can be driven within Lagos for the period of one month

“I told him this sticker should be directed to the dealers who take their vehicles around before they are sold.

“The truth remains that they want to take advantage of the fact that lots of vehicles come out of the port and want to compel the clearing agents to make this payment, furthermore they will begin operation with task force to enforce payment for the sticker” he said.

He added that “They have been forcing terminals to include TVT receipt and confirmation as part of the documents for TDO (Terminal Delivery Order).”

Another Customs agent, Emeka Mba, General Manager, Zenith Customs Brokers said that the introduction of the new charge will be resisted adding that there are some charges with no services rendered.

Reacting to the development at the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, the port economic regulator said the Council is not aware of the introduction of the charge.

Oando, Lagos Transport Authority Takes Delivery Of Electric Mass Transit Buses

By

Angel Gimalo

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April 27, 2023

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Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) have announced that they have taken delivery of the electric mass transit buses for Lagos State.

The delivery of the buses would kick off the Proof of Concept phase of the Sustainable Transport Initiative being championed by OCEL.

This was disclosed in a statement.

On Thursday, April 28, 2022, OCEL and LAMATA, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable the successful deployment of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Ecosystem (electric buses, charging stations, and other supporting infrastructure) towards the attainment of a sustainable road transport system in the state.

The MoU was also expected to boost bridge the gap in the current mass transit bus system for the increasing number of Lagos commuters and make up a significant part of the State Government’s larger drive to improve mass transit infrastructure.

“OCEL, partnered with Yutong Bus Co Limited (Yutong), the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer to produce the electric buses, equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

“In addition to the arrival of these electric buses, OCEL has also taken delivery of the charging stations and spare parts necessary to ensure their effective operation.

“Consequently, and in line with the provisions of the partnership between OCEL and LAMATA, the receipt of both the buses and charging stations marks the commencement of our Sustainable Transport Initiative, which is one of the Company’s pipeline projects to support Nigeria in meeting her goal of net zero by 2060,” the statement explained.

It pointed out that, “the company’s strategic vision is to decarbonise the transport system in Nigeria and in the process, strengthen the socio-economic impact of transportation within the country.

“Over the next seven years, and through the rollout of over 12,000 buses, this initiative will transition the current combustion mass transit buses to electric, starting in Lagos State and eventually across the country.

“In the medium to long term, and in line with our ambitions, our efforts within sustainable transport will lead to improved air quality, enhanced public health, enable the employment of at least 3,000 new drivers and an additional 2,000 workers to support bus maintenance, depot management, etc. as well as estimated economic cost savings of $2.6 billion (3.6% of Lagos’s GDP).”

Furthermore, it stated that the company’s EV roll-out plan strategically aligns with the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (NETP); specifically supporting the government’s roadmap for EV implementation across Nigeria and its ambition to boost local capacity in the medium term through the construction of EV assembly plants.

The Oando -Yutong Joint Venture Partnership is expected to, among others, “manufacture and deployment of additional electric buses during the Pilot and Roll-out phases of the partnership with Lagos State through LAMATA; design and facilitate training programs targeted at the following critical stakeholders – bus drivers, bus operators, and regulators including but not limited to LAMATA and the Ministry of Transport.

“Provide technical support and after-sales service; manage a supply chain network to support the availability of spare parts as and when required; construction of a local EV assembly plant to boost indigenous capacity.”

Commenting on the feat achieved, the Managing Director, Yutong West Africa, Mr. Frank Lee stated: “This is a watershed moment for Yutong. It’s our first delivery of electric mass transit buses in Sub-Saharan Africa and the first step in the large-scale deployment of an electric powered public road transport system in Nigeria.

“We are excited to be embarking on this journey in partnership with Oando, an organisation with a history of stellar performance in the energy sector and are hopeful to see a quick turnaround in our joint plans to advance all facets of the country’s transition to eco-friendly vehicles, including the development of local capacity through the delivery of, and exposure to extensive training programs for all stakeholders, from drivers to operators and the regulators

Aisha Buhari Seeks More Care For Cardiac Surgery Patients

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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April 27, 2023

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Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has lamented the wide gap in cardiac surgery and care, calling for improved investment from the government and the private sector.

Mrs Buhari made the call in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, during a luncheon in honour of beneficiaries of the recent cardiac mission organised by the Aisha Buhari Foundation.

She called on the government to subsidise the high cost of cardiac interventions and spend more on personnel training and the procurement of equipment.

“A year ago, I conceived the idea of providing free heart surgeries and interventions to Nigerians in need of such care.

“Through my organisation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation, we partnered with an international surgical team, the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, and other institutions to fulfil this dream,” the wife of the President said.

Mrs Buhari said the mission targeted the needy, especially children with critical heart conditions, to give them hope for a fulfilled life, as well as see them recover fully or revived to good health.

She thanked the medical personnel for their effort and sacrifices both during and after the mission.

In his message, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi Abuja, Professor Saad Ahmed, applauded the intervention of the First Lady.

Professor Ahmed called for the involvement of more men of goodwill in the sector to reduce the financial burden associated with cardiac surgeries and care, especially for underprivileged Nigerians.

Nasarawa Intensifies Effort To Attain Malaria Free State

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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April 27, 2023

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The Nasarawa state government has pledged to step up efforts to achieve zero malaria in the state.

Commissioner of Health, Pharm. Ahmed Yahaya stated this during a press briefing to Mark World Malaria Day in Lafia the state capital.

According to the commissioner, Malaria has continued to be the leading cause of childhood illness and deaths in most communities across the state hence the need for concerted efforts to change the narrative. He said that in Nasarawa State, the burden of malaria has dropped consistently over the years to a 15 percent prevalence rate.

Pharm. Yahaya explained that the state government has strengthened partnerships with international organizations such as Malaria Consortium, donor agencies, and development partners in other to tackle malaria infections in children of ages between 3 and 59 months.

He expressed delight that the Season Malaria Chemo-prevention (SMC) approach by the Malaria Consortium had recorded significant results as part of an intervention project set with the goal of eliminating malaria in children of the state.

Donor Partners present at World Malaria Day are, Malaria Consortium, World Health Organisation, and Action Breakthrough. The theme for 2023 Malaria Day, is “Time to deliver Zero Malaria,” while the slogan is “Act Now.”