Nigeria Emerge D+ Most Positive African Country [2015]

Nigeria has emerged the most positive country on the African continent on the World’s Most Positive Countries 2015 index published by Daily Positive (D+).

Despite slow response to the rescue of the missing Chibok schoolgirls, Africa’s biggest economy Nigeria stood firm with new administrations and fresh approaches against terrorism in the country.

Nigeria signed a bill that criminalizes female genital mutilation in the country. In case these were not impressive enough in order for Nigeria to take the regional title from Africa, it is worth mentioning, the World Health Organization announced that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria, bringing the country and the African region closer than ever to being certified polio-free.

Globally, Switzerland emerged the World’s Most Positive Country for 2015, according to the annual global index published by Daily Positive (D+). It is the first time Switzerland took the top spot in this annual positivity index.

The annual list of top ten most positive countries is compiled based on a positivity index comprised of a global expert panel rating, a D+ journalists rating, a global web poll and the number of positive news entries in 2015 on the D+ website.

According to Dr. Arif Jubaer, Founder of D+:

“D+ World’s Most Positive Countries is in its fifth year and this year it has been celebrated with more enthusiasm and excitement indicating global citizens are more eager than ever before to have access to positive news. It is one of the biggest wake-up calls for world media to give positive news a chance to spread.”

Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu Wins 2015 UNESCO-MARS Prize

Dr. Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu has emerged the first prize-winner of this year’s UNESCO-Merck Africa Research Summit (UNESCO-MARS) held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Dr. Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu is a Medical laboratory science lecturer in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, College of Health Sciences, Okofia Nnewi.

Dr. Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu, whose area of specialization is Immunology, beat 99 other scientists/researchers across Africa who attended the summit. The annual summit aims to bring together young top researchers across the continent to discuss the generation, sharing and dissemination of research data and to draw a roadmap for Africa’s development as an international hub for research excellence and scientific innovation.

This year’s summit focused on building research capacity in health and life sciences with special attention on Ebola and emergent infectious diseases. Chukwuanukwu’s work was on: Modulation of the Immune Response to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis during HIV/Malaria Co-infection. The first prize of the UNESCO-MARS comes with a prestigious six months fellowship in Merck research and development hub.

Dr. Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu’s publication summary

Cryptococcus neoformans Antigenemia in HIV Positive Pregnant Women Attending a PMTCT Clinic in South-East Nigeria
R Chukwuanukwu, P Manafa, E Iloghalu, C Onyenekwe, M Ifeanyichukwu, …
Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 3 (18), 15-20
1 2013

Atheromic and lymphoplasmacytic effects of Mangifera indica methanolic leaf extract on the heart of chinchilla rabbits
AA Ngokere, PC Ezeofor, JO Okoye, RC Chukwuanukwu
Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology
2015

Evaluation of Zinc and Copper and Immunological Implication in Menstrual Cycle of HIV Infected Females in Nnewi, Nigeria
NR Ukibe, SN Ukibe, CC Onyenekwe, JE Ahaneku, AO Igwegbe, …
Advances in Life Science and Technology 31, 9-16

Cryptococcus neoformans Antigenemia in HIV Positive Pregnant Women Attending a PMTCT Clinic in South-East Nigeria
R Chukwuanukwu, P Manafa, E Iloghalu, C Onyenekwe, M Ifeanyichukwu, …
Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare 3 (18), 15-20
1 2013

Atheromic and lymphoplasmacytic effects of Mangifera indica methanolic leaf extract on the heart of chinchilla rabbits
AA Ngokere, PC Ezeofor, JO Okoye, RC Chukwuanukwu
Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology
2015

Evaluation of Zinc and Copper and Immunological Implication in Menstrual Cycle of HIV Infected Females in Nnewi, Nigeria
NR Ukibe, SN Ukibe, CC Onyenekwe, JE Ahaneku, AO Igwegbe, …
Advances in Life Science and Technology 31, 9-16
2015

Pattern of Lipid Profile in Adult HIV Seropositives in Nnewi, Nigeria
IP Ezeugwunne, CC Onyenekwe, JE Ahaneku, M Ifeanyichukwu, …
Food Science and Quality Management 29, 35-38
2014

Assessment of Some Cardiac Biomarkers in Adult HIV Seropositives in Nnewi, Nigeria.
IP Ezeugwunne, CC Onyenekwe, JE Ahaneku, G Ahaneku, …
Chemistry and Materials Research 6 (7), 8-13
2014

The Status of Some Trace Elements in Sickle Cell Homozygous and Heterozygous Subjects Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nigeria
PO Manafa, CE Okocha, SC Nwogbo, GO Chukwuma, RS Ebugosi, …
Archives of Basic and Applied Medicine 1 (1), 73-75
2013

Can serum concentration of C-reactive protein, albumin and body weight serve as an index of disease progression and treatment assessment in HIV/AIDS subjects?
AO Oluboyo, UN Onyekachi, CC Onyenekwe, BO Oluboyo, …
Orient Journal of Medicine 25 (3-4), 101-106
2013

Evaluation of Pcv, Cd4 T cell Counts, ESR and WBC Counts in Malaria Infected Symptomatic HIV (Stage 11) Male HIV/Aids Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy (Art) In Nnewi, South Eastern Nigeria
IP Ezeugwunne, CC Onyenekwe, JE Ahaneku, M Ifeanyichukwu, …
Evaluation 2 (5), 38-42
2012

Assessment of haemostasis in malaria and HIV infected subjects in Nnewi, South East Nigeria
R Chukwuanukwu, E Ukaejiofo, P Ele, C Onyenekwe, M Ifeanyichukwu
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY 157, 32-32
2012

Assessment of Lipid Profile in HIV Seropositive Pregnant Women attending Ante-Natal Clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria
PO Manafa, RC Chukwuanukwu, CP Ugochukwu, JI Ikechebelu, …
Orient Journal of Medicine 24 (3-4), 40-44
2012

CD4 counts in HIV positive subjects before and during antiretroviral therapy
RC Chukwuanukwu, SC Meludu, TOG Chukwuanukwu, …
Journal of Biomedical Investigation 5 (2), 66-69
2007

The Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive Patients on Therapy in Nnewi.
RC Chukwuanukwu, PO Manafa, EE Ugwu, CC Onyenekwe, AO

35 Nigerians selected for Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ Masterclass

35 Nigerians have made the final list of selected participants for the inaugural edition of Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ Masterclass after a four week screening period.

The completely free three-day workshop, which kicks off on October 27, 2015, is in partnership with The British Council, True Nollywood Stories and X3M Ideas.

In a statement, Founder and Lead Facilitator, Chris Ihidero said:

“We always knew that there was a need for capacity building in storytelling but it was nonetheless intriguing to see that the workshop was three times oversubscribed. I think we are on to something here and it will be a real pleasure to engage these participants over the course of the next three days”.

‘Story Story’ Masterclass has been described by pundits as another intervention project, capable of bridging the skills gap in an industry that could potentially be a driver for the Nigerian economy.

Nigeria’s creative industry is worth an estimated 5 trillion, but peopled by thousands of enthusiasts and practitioners with limited access to training and skills development.

The selected participants are drawn from varied industries, including photography, filmmaking, public relations, media, writing, poetry, blogging, and marketing.

It’s the first time the workshop is happening here, but there are plans, according to Ihidero, a widely acknowledged writer, filmmaker and trainer, to take it round the country following demands.

Chris Ihidero’s ‘Story Story’ Masterclass will also feature a faculty of creative professionals who will be narrating realities in storytelling. Established and respected in the industry, these experts include producer and director, Tope Oshin; publisher, journalist and PR Expert, Ayeni Adekunle Samuel.

Others are award-winning writer, journalist and PR Consultant, Toni Kan; advertising guru, Steve Babaeko; culture journalist, Jahman Anikulapo; writer and TV producer, Nkiru Njoku and producer, Emmanuel Uduma.

First Bank Of Nigeria Obtains ISO 10002 Certification [2015]

First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FBN) has again achieved ISO 10002 certification – an international certification on Complaints Management.

The certification was achieved on the bank’s drive to improve its management controls and processes that deal with handling customers’ complaints more effectively and efficiently.

Continue reading First Bank Of Nigeria Obtains ISO 10002 Certification [2015]

Linda Iheme

Dr. Linda Iheme, 25, is record holder of highest number of distinctions of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin (UNIBEN).

Dr. Linda Iheme, is a versatile and noble young lady who let her light shine from an early age and has since become a role model to many people around the world. She is a Multiple Award Winning Scholar, Laureate, Dentist, incredible Public Speaker, a passionate African Youth Activist, a very helpful Mentor and a visionary Social Entrepreneur. She is known by her top notch skills and she is totally committed to the development of African Youths. Her dexterity is second to none and she is highly motivated and demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and humility as well as integrity, accountability, honesty and commitment to excellence.

She has a long track record of academic excellence and has won multiple awards and scholarships as a result. In 2006, she was awarded Best Graduating Student at Government Girls’ Science Senior Secondary School, FCT Abuja, Nigeria from where she proceeded to study Dental Surgery at the University of Benin, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. At the University, she won the prestigious Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship Award which covered her 6 years of study amongst other scholarship awards. owing to her strong passion for community development. To crown it all, Linda Iheme recently made an outstanding academic achievement on graduation from the University of Benin. She is now the first ever to graduate with a record of 6 distinctions in the history of the College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin,Nigeria, a feat that has never been achieved before.

Dr. Linda Iheme is the Founder and CEO of the International Initiative for Youths Inspiration, Growth & Development, a Non-profit organization dedicated to helping youths get international experience and Public Speaking skills while counselling and mentoring them on social entrepreneurship and was awarded Top 35 Under 35 CEOs by The Under 35 CEO Foundation, Young African Role Model by Ignite The Youth Africa and also honoured as Opportunity Desk’s Young Person of the Month (July 2014) owing her work through this platform and being meticulous in academic performance, a vocal community activist, health advocate and being a Young African Change maker with a relentless attitude. She is also the Founder of Catalyst Academy Nigeria, where excellence in academics, leadership and social entrepreneurship are promoted through a one-on-one mentorship method. In addition, Linda Iheme hosts the Lunch with Linda Iheme show which was inspired by her passion to inspire and motivate young people to pursue their dreams tirelessly. Through the show, she promotes the African Cultural Heritage, Moral Values among fellow youths, Entrepreneurship and Oral Hygiene.

Prior to now, Dr. Linda Iheme has worked as an International Promoter for The Rome Model United Nations and an Online Volunteer for the United Nations as well as a Volunteer Dentist for Pro-Health International and the TY Danjuma Foundation.

She is also a certified Business Coach, Mentor for the Federal Government of Nigeria YouWIN! Initiative, a consult to the Charles Loto Healthcare Development and Research Organisation U.S.A. and an Associate Fellow of The Royal Commonwealth Society, London, United Kingdom.

Dr. Linda Iheme is well travelled, well cultured, and unrelenting in her quest to achieve the unachievable, empower African Youths and beam hope to the hopeless. Her light continues to shine and she continues to be an inspiration to many around the world.