Segun Adepoju, Maker of Made In Nigeria, Low Cost Tablet Computer

Nigeria’s Saheed Adepoju is a young man with big dreams. He is the inventor of the Inye, a tablet computer designed for the African market.

According to the 29-year-old entrepreneur, his machine’s key selling point is its price – $350 (£225) opposed to around $700 for an iPad.

He believes that, because of this, there is a big market for it in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, particularly amongst students.

He is also hoping to sell his tablet – which runs on the Google Android operating system – to the Nigerian government and plans to have at least one computer in each local government area.

“The Inye is a mobile internet device. It gives you access to the internet; it allows you to play media files and watch movies. What we have is an 8-inch device, a device that is half-way between a laptop and a mobile phone,” he told the BBC’s series African Dream.

“You have the standard software applications that come pre-installed and then you have the ones that we are working with various local developers to bundle on,” he added.

Among those local apps there is one designed to raise awareness about HIV and others related to water and sanitation.

“We work with local developers that have expertise in particular areas so that we don’t end up doing so much work and we just have a collaborative way of doing things together,” he said.

‘Word of mouth’

Mr Adepoju has a background in software development and is a Sun-certified Java programmer.

After doing a first degree in maths and computer science in Nigeria, he completed another one in advanced computing by research at Bournemouth University, in the United Kingdom.

Upon graduation in 2009, he returned to his home country and started working for a consulting firm.

“Within eight months I got fired, primarily because of differences in approach to doing business. In the middle of all this, the Apple iPad launched, back in January of 2010, which inspired us to actually look to build such [a] product within the African marketplace,” the entrepreneur told the BBC Africa’s Chris Ewokor.

He said that, with that goal in mind, he borrowed money from friends and family, raising a total of about $60,000.

According to him, all of that went on the devices and the logistics – there was no budget for marketing, so early advertising was “word of mouth” on social media.

The first 100 units of the Inye, which means One in Nigeria’s Igala language, were built in China and, after receiving feedback from its users, a second version was launched in May 2011.

Encipher Group, the company he cofounded with web developer Anibe Agamah, also offers customised IT services and products, including cloud computing, which are mostly based on open technology to keep costs down.

Raising capital

According to Mr Adepoju, the company and the apps it develops are focused on preserving local culture through technology and making products which are specific to the local market.

Another product that the firm has been working on is Encipher TV, a box where people can watch African television, plays and films.

However, he says that it has not been easy to raise capital in order to develop the business faster.

“Here venture capital (VC) is still in its infancy and most VC firms wound want to invest in tried and trusted companies that have gained some form of traction,” he said.

“We face the challenge of getting people to listen to the various propositions. We’ve been to a number of private investors and also to the government,” he explained.

Not surprisingly, his immediate plan is to “try and raise capital from whatever sources we can get – locally, internationally or privately – and to try and still to push the brand forward as much as we can”.

PHCN Power Cable Electrocuted Father of Four-Residentssidents

The electrocution of a father of four, Simon Nwafor, by a high tension wire of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria in Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos is stirring controversy.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Simon, a driver, was electrocuted on July 3 at about 6:20am while he was on his way to his boss’ residence on Somosu Street.

It was learnt that Simon, 47, who had taken cover from the rain in front of some shops close to the power line was electrocuted few minutes after he helped some schoolchildren to cross the road and board their school bus.

A resident of the area, Theophilus Eze, said his corpse was found inside the gutter around 6:30 am.

He said, “I just came down in the morning and saw a dead body in the gutter while the PHCN high tension wire was also dangling.”

A trader in the area, Joseph Okeke, said there had been several reports to PHCN on the precarious state of the wire.

He said, “This is the third time the wire will suddenly cut. It happened towards the end of 2011, in February, and this third one which unfortunately took Simon’s life.

“The sad part of it is that we have been lodging complaints with the PHCN authorities on the precarious state of the wires for long.

“To be candid, the death of Simon is entirely their fault because we informed them about it. When I expressed concern about the state of the wire with the technician in February, he simply accused me of embarrassing him.”

Another trader in the area, Gloria Agwuncha, while corroborating Okeke’s claims said the poor maintenance culture of the PHCN was responsible for the sad event.

She said, “The high tension wire snaps whenever rain falls. I’m surprised that they are not taking responsibility for Simon’s death.

“Whenever the wire snaps, all they do is to manage it by joining both parts together until it becomes very fragile and weak. This last one snapped at the point where it was previously joined.”

Simon’s wife, Esther, said she was surprised that the PHCN authorities did not accept that their negligence caused her husband’s death.

She said, “The negligence of PHCN authorities has made me a widow overnight. I am a housewife and Simon was the breadwinner of the family. I and the four children he left behind are now living from hand to mouth.

“Up till this time that I speak to you, none of the PHCN officials had visited me on the death of my husband. It saddens me whenever they say that they are not to blame for cause of his death.

“All they keep saying is that the fault was not theirs. If the power line had been properly fixed, would it have fallen on my husband?

“Apart from finding it difficult to feed the children it has also been difficult to keep them in school. Our rent would soon lapse and we might likely be sent packing as there is no means of getting money.”

Simon’s daughter, Ugochi, a Junior Secondary School three pupil, who spoke to our correspondent in a pensive mood, said she had yet to recover from the shock of her father’s death.

She said, “I mourn the death of my dad everyday and the thought that the carelessness of the PHCN caused his death adds to my sorrow. He was a loving and caring dad and he shouldn’t have died like that.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone.

She said, “The case of electrocution of Simon who was said to be passing by before a wire fell on him was reported at the Aguda Police Station.

“Policemen from the division went to the scene to recover his corpse. The corpse had since been handed over to the family of the deceased.

“No foul play was suspected. In fact, an autopsy was carried out on him, which confirmed that he died of electrocution.”

Makoko Brutality: Police Arrests Killer Cop

The Lagos State Police Command, on Sunday, confirmed the arrest of the police officer allegedly responsible for killing a Makoko traditional ruler.

A statement signed by the Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, revealed that Cpl. Pepple Boma, posted on Special Duty to the State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for demolition exercise at the waterfront of Makoko area, Yaba, had been arrested.

According to the statement, Boma allegedly shot the deceased, who was identified as Timothy Agbe, in the stomach.

“The corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital, Ikeja for post-mortem examination, while the suspect has been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba,” the statement read.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to use this medium to appeal to Lagosians to maintain peace and remain calm as justice must be done in this case. Investigation has however commenced in the matter, please.”

The incident occurred on Saturday, during the controversial demolition of shanties at the coastal community of Makoko and Iwaya water front.

Agbe, who was the Itun-baale of Egun Makoko, was killed while trying to prevent officers monitoring the exercise from setting some property in the community ablaze.

In a related development, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, launched an e-mail address to enable the public communicate directly with his office.

According to the police, the address, policemonitor@npf.gov.ng, serves as a platform to “promote access to justice, transparency and accountability in matters relating to policing and general crime fighting.”

Along with providing information on criminal activities and offering tip-offs to the police, the public was also encouraged to use the e-mail to report the conduct of police personnel or those of other law enforcement agencies “involved in corrupt and other forms of unlawful acts.”

The police, however, warned that the e-mail address should not be used to provide “false, malicious or deliberately misleading information to the Force”, warning that such actions may attract reprimand and prosecution.

Didier Drogba Scores on Debut for Shanghai Shenhua

Didier Drogba made an instant impact on his debut for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua on Sunday, setting up his new team’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw away to Guangzhou R&F.

The former Chelsea striker started the game on the bench but came on at half time, almost scoring with his first touch of the ball — an outrageous 40-yard free kick which Guangzhou goalkeeper Cheng Yuelei tipped wide.

Earlier Shenhua had struggled in the first half after falling behind to an unfortunate own goal by Brazilian defender Moises on 21 minutes, but the introduction of Drogba instantly transformed the visitors’ fortunes.

The game had been one of China’s most eagerly-awaited this season, with Drogba-fever having swept the Chinese football world.

Former Japan national team coach Phillippe Troussier, now managing Chinese second division side Shenzhen Ruby, and Italian World-Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi, manager of Guangzhou Evergrande, were in the stands.

Shenhua have struggled badly this season, winning just four of 17 games, but they played with a increased level of confidence when Drogba, a European Champions League winner with Chelsea in May, stepped onto the pitch.

In the 52nd minute of the game the Ivory Coast striker headed just over the bar from a cross from winger Feng Renliang, and was at the centre of every Shenhua move as the side tried to get back into the game.

Drogba’s biggest contribution came in the 68th minute with an exquisite through ball which found Shanghainese playmaker Cao Yunding, who rounded the keeper to equalise for his side.

The match was also notable for being the first time Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have played on the same side. The latter sealed a 175,000 pounds ($273,000) a week move from Chelsea to Shenhua last December.

Drogba was reunited with the Frenchman after sealing a deal that Chinese and British media have said is worth 200,000 pounds a week, making him the highest-paid player in China and in the top bracket globally.

He was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived in China last week to start his two-and-a-half year contract.

Twins Slaughtered in Yobe, Oldest Private School Burnt Down

Damaturu the capital of Yobe State was besieged by unknown gunmen late Saturday night.

At the end of the  insurgent attack which looks like  a sting attack orchestrated by Boko Haram, the oldest private school in the state was completely razed down, also two twins were slaughtered by the invading marauders.

A report monitored on Channels TV by our correspondent, shows that the 15 year old set of twins were murdered at about  half past 10, on Saturday evening, while the school was set ablaze at about 11 pm.

The state Commissioner of Police, Patrick Egbuniwe while confirming the incidence noted that cases of night killings and burning of schools are on the increased in the state capital as the hoodlums no longer use gun or explosive devices but resort to slaughtering of their victims as sounds of guns and bombs often attracts immediate response by security agents.

All rooms  except a staff room, the laboratory and the library were completely burnt down at the Yobe Children Academy.

The school established in 1992 has a population of over 3,000 students.

A staff of the school who spoke anonymously, re-echoed the fears of others who were to timid to talk, calling on government to act fast in the face of growing insecurity in the state.

The staff also said that as a result of the coordinated arson attack  the fate of students in Basic 9 who would be writing their Junior WAEC in some of the affected buildings is unknown.

Eyo – Wedding Day

By Onos O

Eyo was the second runner up of MTN Project Fame Season 3 in 2010 and has, ever since , released a single featuring Maytronomy “Show For Your Eyes” and its video. Here’s his follow-up single for the lovers, “Wedding Day”. Enjoy!

Nneka Models for Minku’s Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection “Folklorist Reloaded”

By Damilare Aiki
While promoting her 4th studio album “Soul is Heavy” in Europe, Kunmi and Juan – creative directors of hand made leather goods brand Minku, met up with Nigerian Afrosoul singer and activist Nneka in Barcelona earlier this month  to model some bags from their label’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection ”Folklorist Reloaded”.
The photo shoot which was described by the designers as “lively and informal”, sees the lovely Ms. Nneka light up the venue with her lovely smile and signature hairstyle, as she strikes various poses with the bags that included a five-compartment, red leather travel bag lined with green contrast aso-oke fabric, which made them (The Designers) say Nneka was a natural choice ambassador for Minku as she represents the brand’s goal which is to create hand made leather goods for a happier life.
The Nneka for Minku shoot

View the entire Folklorist Reloaded Collection

uerie The Dark Knight Rises : la police identifie le suspect, et l'avant-première parisienne est annulée

le 20/7/2012 - à 11h28

Ron Phillips/Warner Bros. Pictures

Le FBI a identifié le tireur qui a ouvert le feu dans une salle de cinéma du Colorado pendant une projection de The Dark Knight Rises. Il s'agit d'un jeune homme de 24 ans nommé James Holmes. C'est ce qu'a confirmé NBC News.
Le nombre de victimes s'élève à 12 et au moins 59 personnes ont été blessées quand Holmes a fait irruption lors de la projection du film dans un centre commercial d'Aurora, dans la banlieue du Denver, a lancé une bombe lacrymogène et a commencé le massacre.
ET AUSSI : Tuerie lors d'une projection de The Dark Knight Rises dans le Colorado : 12 personnes tuées et 59 blessées
Les premiers témoignages semblent indiquer que le tireur portait un gilet pare-balles et avait un fusil, un revolver et un couteau. Un autre fusil aurait été retrouvé dans la salle de cinéma.
Dix personnes ont apparemment été tuées sur place, et les autres ont succombé à leurs blessures dans les hôpitaux des environs, selon la police locale.
La police a évacué les bâtiments entourant l'appartement de Holmes dans la région de Denver, après avoir découvert qu'il était piégé. Selon plusieurs témoignages, la brigade anti-bombes a été envoyée sur place pour désamorcer les explosifs trouvés dans l'appartement de Holmes au deuxième étage de l'immeuble, qui se trouve à six kilomètres du cinéma où la fusillade a eu lieu.

E! News a aussi pu confirmer grâce à l'administrateur du tribunal d'État du Colorado que Holmes est attendu au tribunal du comté d'Arapahoe lundi à Centennial, dans le Colorado, où le ministère public doit l'inculper. Aucune heure n'a été fixée pour l'audience.
En début de journée, une femme de San Diego qui s'est présentée comme étant la mère de Holmes a parlé à ABC News et a déclaré qu'elle n'était pas au courant de l'incident et qu'elle n'avait pas encore été contactée par la police.
"Vous avez la bonne personne", aurait-elle déclaré d'une voix inquiète, en apprenant les actes présumés de son fils. "Je dois appeler la police", a-t-elle ajouté. "Je dois aller au Colorado."
Suite à cette tragégie, les mesures de sécurité ont également été renforcées pour les séances de ce film.
À New York, la police compte renforcer les mesures de sécurité dans toutes les salles de la ville. Selon le Hollywood Reporter, le commissaire de police Ray Kelly a déclaré dans un communiqué de presse que ces mesures étaient "une précaution contre les imitateurs et un moyen de rassurer les spectateurs au lendemain de cette fusillade horrible dans le Colorado."
La police de Los Angeles a également renforcé ses mesures de sécurité. NBC News a confirmé que des officiers avaient été envoyés dans plusieurs salles de cinéma de la ville vendredi matin pour éviter tout problème de sécurité ou toute activité suspecte.
"Bien que la tragédie qui a touché Aurora, dans le Colorado, semble être un acte isolé, nous sommes plus vigilants", a déclaré le commissaire Mike Parker de la police de Los Angeles. "Le niveau d'alerte a été élevé, nous avons plus de patrouilles pour que la présence policière soit visible près des cinémas et des endroits les plus peuplés."
De son côté, Warner Bros., le studio qui a produit le film, a dû agir à la hâte après cette tragédie et a annulé l'avant-première parisienne du film.
L'avant-première devait avoir lieu vendredi soir, en présence du réalisateur Christopher Nolan et des stars du film, Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway et Morgan Freeman.
Le studio aurait également annulé toutes les interviews et tous les événements promotionnels des acteurs, bien que ce soit le week-end très attendu de la sortie du film dans les salles américaines.

Justin Bieber : "Je me comporte davantage comme un homme"

Rolling Stone Magazine

Britney Spears a chanté jadis qu'elle n'était plus une petite fille, et pas encore une femme. Justin Bieber a carrément sauté l'étape de transition.
Dans une nouvelle interview pour Rolling Stone, la star de la pop de 18 ans dit qu'il a bien grandi.
"J'ai le sentiment de me comporter davantage comme un homme", a-t-il expliqué. "Je ne me comporte pas comme un petit garçon."
Bien sûr, ça ne veut pas dire que Bieber est trop mûr pour faire une crise de nerfs.
Au milieu d'une partie de golf, son équipe et lui ont rencontré des paparazzis. Selon Rolling Stone, Justin "a réagi en prenant son fer neuf et en leur envoyant une balle de golf. Il a ensuite dit à un employé du club : «On ne rejouera sans doute jamais ici.»"
Ça paraît logique.
Et si les jeunes fans de Justin sont ennuyées par sa relation avec sa petite amie Selena Gomez, dommage. Son manager, Scooter Braun, a dit que pour certaines filles, la vie amoureuse de Bieber "tue le rêve, mais il y a des filles qui le voient avec une petite amie, entendent parler des choses romantiques qu'il fait, et le voudront encore plus."