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Members can earn 1,000 Bonus Points per night Thursday through Monday
MCLEAN, Va. - Sunday, October 21st 2012 [ME NewsWire]
(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Whether it is extending a business trip, planning a last-minute escape or enjoying extra days on a family vacation, this November and December, Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, is providing travelers with an extra incentive to plan weekend travel through its latest global promotion, 1,000 Reasons.
From November 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012, members will earn 1,000 Bonus Points per night for hotel stays completed Thursday through Monday at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.
“Weekend travel is always rewarding for HHonors members, but now, even more so, the 1,000 Reasons promotion helps members earn their way, faster, to even more unforgettable travel experiences with family and friends,” said Jeff Diskin, senior vice president, global customer marketing, Hilton Worldwide.
To participate in the 1,000 Reasons promotion, members can register at HHonors.com/1000Reasons. Hotel stays can be booked with the promotion between now and December 31, 2012. For more information or to become a Hilton HHonors member, visit HHonors.com.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.comfor more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwideand www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
About Hilton HHonors
Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands, offers its 34 million members more ways to earn and redeem points than any other guest-loyalty program, enabling them to create experiences worth sharing at more than 3,900 hotels in 90 countries. HHonors members can now redeem points for any room, anywhere, anytime, including the most luxurious suites, using any of four room rewards: Premium Room Rewards, Room Upgrade Rewards, Points & Money Rewards and Standard Room Rewards. In addition, HHonors members can use points to purchase unique experience rewards, merchandise and vacation packages, make charitable contributions and more. HHonors is also the only guest-loyalty program to offer ‘No Blackout Dates’ and ‘Points & Miles’ for the same stay at its properties worldwide, including participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels& Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. Membership in HHonors is free, and travelers may enroll online by visiting www.HiltonHHonors.comor connect with Hilton HHonors at news.hiltonhhonors.com.
Contacts
Scott Carman
Hilton Worldwide
(703) 883-5803
scott.carman@hilton.com
news.hiltonhhonors.com
The event which took place at Ngwo, Enugu State on the 2nd of January 2011 attracted a lot of dignitaries from all walks of life. Patience the ageless veteran actress who appreciated the presence of her friends, associates and colleagues in the movie world couldn’t hide her joy.
The title was conferred on her in appreciation of the smiles she has put on the faces of so many people all over the world most especially Nigerians by traditional rulers, king makers and other chiefs in Ngwo. Speaking on the conferment, Mama G simply put “It was the Lord’s doing and I am happy indeed about it”
Aside her acting prowess spiced with her comic ability, Mama G is one actress loved by all and sundry because of her spirit of giving and amiable disposition. Speaking further on her nomination for such an enviable title, she said “my nomination came from Ngwo Social Club even without my involvement.
I was shocked when I got the letter notifying me that my community wanted to honour me”. It would be recall that Mama G was among the few Nigerians who were awarded with the National Honour by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. As a mother and lover of good things of life who has delivered even more than promise in the movie world, she can not but keep the flag flying. 9jabook joins other Nigerians home and abroad in saying a big congratulations.
At least, 1,051 pregnant women have tested positive to the dreaded HIV disease in public hospitals in Lagos State, South West Nigeria in 10 months, says the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris.
According to the commissioner, the 10-month period is between January and October, 2010. He revealed that over 28,000 pregnant women were tested for HIV within the period and 1, 051 of them tested positive.
Dr. Idris butressed his claim from a survey carried out by National Sentinel Surveys which put the prevalent rate of HIV infection in the state at a staggering 5.1 percent.
“The sentinel surveys carried out in Lagos has confirmed a steady, though, inconsistent increase in the number of HIV infected people. While sharing the love and not the virus, let us all join hands together to achieve an HIV/AIDS free Lagos,” said Idris at a conference to mark the World’s AID Day in Lagos.
According to him, Lagos has almost one million people infected with HIV out of the estimated 18 million people in the state, adding that over 115,000 people were tested for HIV in various health facilities across the state between January and October 2010.
“Over 35,000 clients are enrolled into ART programme. The state government has significantly increased the service delivery points in the state in respect of HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services.
“Lagos State has taken the lead in the fight against discrimination with the passage of a law for the protection of Persons Living With HIV/AIDs, PLWHAs,” he added.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government has intensified efforts to ensure that access to HIV/AIDS preventive and curative services were improved throughout the state and the rights of PLWHAs were not infringed...
He noted that PLWHAs should be an integral part of the society with equal right as any other citizen without limitation and discrimination. He said there should be no discrimination at work places, public places; no travelling restriction and victims should have equal rights with people not affected.
The commissioner also revealed that government has put in place measures to enable people with HIV/AIDS have access to preventive and curative services as well as enhance the health of PLWHAs through nutritional programmes.
He described Lagos State as a trail blazer in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria as it was the first state in the country to recognize the epidemic impact of the disease in 1999 by setting up a foundation which later became the state’s AIDS Control Agency in 2002.
He explained that through the foundation’s efforts, the 2005 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey showed that more than 97 percent of Lagosians have heard of HIV and AIDS and 94 percent of them had good knowledge of its prevention.
“Presently, there are 56 HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) sites spread across the State. There are 40 prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) sites, 29 adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) sites and 22 paediatrics ART sites. Several developmental partners are committed along with the state government towards improved access to HIV/AIDS services in the State.
Today Friday 29th October through Sunday 31st will be quite tasking for the judges. Aside the huge crowd of contestants, Lagos is the fun capital of Nigeria, and as such, special talents will be on display at the auditions. Almost every contestant on the long queue is sure he/she has something unique the judges are looking for. This might be a daunting challenge for the judges.
And of course, on hand entertainment is aptly provided by Etisalat the proud sponsors. Maybe prospective contestants might listen and memorize songs from the blaring speakers from the Etisalat stand. It’s all part of the fun. Best of luck to the contestants, Nigeria and the world is set to witness the unraveling of the newest singing sensation. Nigerian Idol rocks!
Previously:
Starting from Sunday 21 November, Idols, the highly publicised and anticipated music show, which has turned many into stars and captivated the entire world, will begin airing for the first time on Nigerian television as first season of Nigerian Idol debuts.
•Idol Judges.
For five consecutive months, television audience across Nigeria will have the pleasure of watching the biggest music talent competition and the opportunity to root and vote for their favourite Idol wannabe.
The Nigerian Idol auditions just wrapped up after a month of searching for talents in Enugu, Calabar, Abuja and Lagos, with Lagos audition producing an astonishing number of 5,000 young talents all hoping to become the next international music superstar from Nigeria.
Broadcaster Yemisi Fajimolu, fondly called Misi, by her radio fans, will be the host of the talent hunt show. She will be joined by Anis Holloway, a former reality show contestant.
For the first time ever, Audu Maikori, Chocolate City boss, American superstar Jeffrey Daniel and singer Yinka Davies, have taken up positions as judges of Nigerian Idol and they will play their role in commenting on the performances of this year’s contestants while helping the wannabes be the best they can.
Originally referred to as Pop Idol, Idols debuted on British TV in October 2001. Nigerian Idol is sponsored by Etisalat, Pepsi and Royal Exchange Assurance. The winner will go home with a cash prize of N7.5 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, Ipod and an easy net data card along with a recording contract with Sony BMG
The first runner up gets N1.5 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, easy net data card and an Ipod, courtesy of Etisalat, while the second runner up receives N1 million, a BlackBerry phone, Ipad, Ipod and easy net data card, also courtesy of Etisalat...
African Michael Jackson From Naija !The Mayor of the City of Cleveland, Frank G. Jackson, has declared October 1, 2010, as the Nigerian-American Day in the city. The Mayor made the proclamation to mark the celebration of the golden jubilee anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
In a statement announcing the declaration, Mr. Jackson remarked that the proclamation is also a recognition of the contributions of Nigerians ( about 10, 000 Nigerian-Americans) living in the Greater Cleveland, most of whom are professionals in the field of medicine, science, engineering, academia, and business men and women..
“On behalf of the citizens of the City of Cleveland, I am honoured to offer the proclamation designating October 1, 2010, as Nigerian-American Day in the City of Cleveland,” he declared.
In another development, the Congress woman, representing 11th District Ohio, Marcia Fudge, will be the keynote speaker at the event scheduled by the Nigerian community in Greater Cleveland to celebrate the anniversary.
Part of this year’s independence celebration includes the extension of scholarship awards to Nigerians and Americans in Greater Cleveland, display of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and artefacts such as Nigerian dances and masquerades, which will include the Eyo festival masquerade, Ekwe dance, and Abang dance groups.
Example
Noun: IBB is a kaita, so is Ota boy. Verb: Don't kaita what we have been building for 11 yrs in one day." I like that girl, please don't be a Kaita" Or In a Foolish Person's Thought: We are winning 1 - 0, let me kaita this game, so that I can get a red card and my opponent can win.
BODO, Nigeria — Big oil spills are no longer news in this vast, tropical land. The Niger Delta, where the wealth underground is out of all proportion with the poverty on the surface, has endured the equivalent of the Exxon Valdez spill every year for 50 years by some estimates. The oil pours out nearly every week, and some swamps are long since lifeless.
Perhaps no place on earth has been as battered by oil, experts say, leaving residents here astonished at the nonstop attention paid to the gusher half a world away in the Gulf of Mexico. It was only a few weeks ago, they say, that a burst pipe belonging to Royal Dutch Shell in the mangroves was finally shut after flowing for two months: now nothing living moves in a black-and-brown world once teeming with shrimp and crab.
Not far away, there is still black crude on Gio Creek from an April spill, and just across the state line in Akwa Ibom the fishermen curse their oil-blackened nets, doubly useless in a barren sea buffeted by a spill from an offshore Exxon Mobil pipe in May that lasted for weeks.
The oil spews from rusted and aging pipes, unchecked by what analysts say is ineffectual or collusive regulation, and abetted by deficient maintenance and sabotage. In the face of this black tide is an infrequent protest — soldiers guarding an Exxon Mobil site beat women who were demonstrating last month, according to witnesses — but mostly resentful resignation.
Small children swim in the polluted estuary here, fishermen take their skiffs out ever farther — “There’s nothing we can catch here,” said Pius Doron, perched anxiously over his boat — and market women trudge through oily streams. “There is Shell oil on my body,” said Hannah Baage, emerging from Gio Creek with a machete to cut the cassava stalks balanced on her head.
That the Gulf of Mexico disaster has transfixed a country and president they so admire is a matter of wonder for people here, living among the palm-fringed estuaries in conditions as abject as any in Nigeria, according to the United Nations. Though their region contributes nearly 80 percent of the government’s revenue, they have hardly benefited from it; life expectancy is the lowest in Nigeria.
“President Obama is worried about that one,” Claytus Kanyie, a local official, said of the gulf spill, standing among dead mangroves in the soft oily muck outside Bodo. “Nobody is worried about this one. The aquatic life of our people is dying off. There used be shrimp. There are no longer any shrimp.”
In the distance, smoke rose from what Mr. Kanyie and environmental activists said was an illegal refining business run by local oil thieves and protected, they said, by Nigerian security forces. The swamp was deserted and quiet, without even bird song; before the spills, Mr. Kanyie said, women from Bodo earned a living gathering mollusks and shellfish among the mangroves.
With new estimates that as many as 2.5 million gallons of oil could be spilling into the Gulf of Mexico each day, the Niger Delta has suddenly become a cautionary tale for the United States.
As many as 546 million gallons of oil spilled into the Niger Delta over the last five decades, or nearly 11 million gallons a year, a team of experts for the Nigerian government and international and local environmental groups concluded in a 2006 report. By comparison, the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 dumped an estimated 10.8 million gallons of oil into the waters off Alaska.
So the people here cast a jaundiced, if sympathetic, eye at the spill in the gulf. “We’re sorry for them, but it’s what’s been happening to us for 50 years,” said Emman Mbong, an official in Eket.
The spills here are all the more devastating because this ecologically sensitive wetlands region, the source of 10 percent of American oil imports, has most of Africa’s mangroves and, like the Louisiana coast, has fed the interior for generations with its abundance of fish, shellfish, wildlife and crops.
Local environmentalists have been denouncing the spoliation for years, with little effect. “It’s a dead environment,” said Patrick Naagbanton of the Center for Environment, Human Rights and Development in Port Harcourt, the leading city of the oil region.
Though much here has been destroyed, much remains, with large expanses of vibrant green. Environmentalists say that with intensive restoration, the Niger Delta could again be what it once was.
Nigeria produced more than two million barrels of oil a day last year, and in over 50 years thousands of miles of pipes have been laid through the swamps. Shell, the major player, has operations on thousands of square miles of territory, according to Amnesty International. Aging columns of oil-well valves, known as Christmas trees, pop up improbably in clearings among the palm trees. Oil sometimes shoots out of them, even if the wells are defunct.
“The oil was just shooting up in the air, and it goes up in the sky,” said Amstel M. Gbarakpor, youth president in Kegbara Dere, recalling the spill in April at Gio Creek. “It took them three weeks to secure this well.”
How much of the spillage is due to oil thieves or to sabotage linked to the militant movement active in the Niger Delta, and how much stems from poorly maintained and aging pipes, is a matter of fierce dispute among communities, environmentalists and the oil companies.
Caroline Wittgen, a spokeswoman for Shell in Lagos, said, “We don’t discuss individual spills,” but argued that the “vast majority” were caused by sabotage or theft, with only 2 percent due to equipment failure or human error.
“We do not believe that we behave irresponsibly, but we do operate in a unique environment where security and lawlessness are major problems,” Ms. Wittgen said.
Oil companies also contend that they clean up much of what is lost. A spokesman for Exxon Mobil in Lagos, Nigel A. Cookey-Gam, said that the company’s recent offshore spill leaked only about 8,400 gallons and that “this was effectively cleaned up.”
But many experts and local officials say the companies attribute too much to sabotage, to lessen their culpability. Richard Steiner, a consultant on oil spills, concluded in a 2008 report that historically “the pipeline failure rate in Nigeria is many times that found elsewhere in the world,” and he noted that even Shell acknowledged “almost every year” a spill due to a corroded pipeline.
On the beach at Ibeno, the few fishermen were glum. Far out to sea oil had spilled for weeks from the Exxon Mobil pipe. “We can’t see where to fish; oil is in the sea,” Patrick Okoni said.
“We don’t have an international media to cover us, so nobody cares about it,” said Mr. Mbong, in nearby Eket. “Whatever cry we cry is not heard outside of here.”
In About 3hours we will know our fate
All we need to do is beat Greece.
Keep your fingers crossed !
Our Defence is better than korea
We have Enyeama Magnet !
GOD HELP US Amen.
9jabookers let us pray
Amen
Barely two months after it laid off about 1400 members of staff, Intercontinental Bank Plc, one of the rescued banks, has again laid off another 1200, bringing the total number of sacked staff to almost 3000 in three months.
The bank, according to a statement issued yesterday, said the downsizing of its Support Staff cadre by 1182 is part of its repositioning exercise.
“Intercontinental Bank has announced the down-sizing of the Support Staff cadre by 1182 as part of the repositioning exercise in the Bank. The disengagement exercise, which took place yesterday, marks the conclusion of the right-sizing exercise embarked upon by the Bank last December,” the bank statement said.
The bank also said the exercise was carried out after due consultation with the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), and the local chapter of NUBIFIE, where the terms of disengagement were agreed upon.
The bank claims that the exercise was done based on clearly-defined criteria agreed by the Union and the bank, which will see the affected staff leaving with an enhanced severance package approved by the Board of Directors of the bank and in line with the collective agreement with NUBIFIE.
“Each of the affected staff will have access to three months free Medicare under the existing Health Insurance Scheme (HIS),” the statement said.
In December 2009, the bank eased out about 1339 members of its staff as part of its restructuring exercise.
Shareholders’ Interest
The bank last year launched a three-phased “Project Transformation” strategy aimed at stabilising, rebuilding and consolidating the bank for greater efficiency and profitability.
“The exercise, which is part of the strategic plans to reposition the bank to profitability level, affected Senior Manager to Executive Trainee Grades. This exercise was carried out with due consideration of a number of assessment criteria,” it said.
Hassan Adeleke, the National President of NUBIFE said the union is aware of the layoff. “It is true that we were notified. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is aware, NUBIFIE is aware and even ASSBIFI is aware. We had a dialogue with them and we were able to win what I think is right at this point. By this, we can follow up the lay off process. That they informed bank unions means they have followed due process. If there is any fallout of our agreement, we would be able to take it up with them,” he said.
The bank also faulted a story that it has concluded plans with Standard Bank for the acquisition of stakes in Intercontinental Bank.
Intercontinental Bank’s Group Managing Director, Mahmoud Lai Alabi, said although the bank is in the process of discussion with all those who have indicated interest in the bank, including Standard Bank, “no detailed discussion or negotiations have even commenced, not to talk of allotment of shares.”
Obi Mu O the number 1 video on top 9 at 9 by HiTV's Nigezie Music Channel
The un-employed are still on the streets looking for employment. Now we have the so-called employed ones joining the queue. It is such a repulsive shame, and to add to that, we have an uncaring Government.
Na like this e go dey dey??
