Russia, Qatar win bids to host Fifa World Cup 2018, 2022

Russia won the right to put on the 2018 World Cup and Qatar will stage the 2022 finals, both first-time hosts, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Thursday.

Qatar has shrugged off fears of searing summer heat to become the first Arab, Middle Eastern or Muslim country to be awarded the right to stage football's World Cup.

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday congratulated Qatari leadership, government and people on winning the Fifa World Cup 2022 bid during a telephone call to Qatari Emir Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Shaikh Khalifa stressed that this achievement, which is considered an Arab achievement, is a source of pride for all. He affirmed Qatar's ability to host this global event thanks to its modern infrastructure and huge capabilities.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also congratulated Qatar during a phone call to Shaikh Hamad.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed his happiness on Qatar winning the bid. He described it as a win for all Arab countries, sports, and the Middle East in general.

The young bid team succesfully swayed Fifa's ageing grandees with promises of a glitzy, compact and carbon-neutral World Cup that will be held in solar-powered stadiums where temperatures would be maintained at a comfortable 27 degrees Celsius with the help of novel cooling technology.

"We are offering Fifa a historic opportunity to expand the frontiers of the World Cup," Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Al Thani said in his final pitch to the 22 strong executive committee of world football's governing body on Wednesday.

Qatar 2022 bid chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi promised to harness huge growth in the region's football-inspired young population, as well as its lucrative television viewing opportunities in a time zone in between east and west.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who visited Qatar in April, had also spoken in favour of a first ever World Cup in the region.

"The Arabic world deserves a World Cup. They have 22 countries and have not had any opportunity to organise the tournament," he said.

Oando Graduate Trainee Programme (GTP) 2010



 Oando Plc, Nigeria's leading indigenous energy group is seeking young dynamic and talented graduates who are interested in building a rewarding career through its Oando Graduate Trainees Programme (GTP).

Job Description:
The Graduate Training Programme is designed to develop tomorrow’s leader and equip them with the right professional and soft skills required to survive in the dynamic business world.

Subsequent to a highly competitive selection process: shortlisted candidates will undergo a structured, broad-based training programme involving both formal and on the job learning. At the end of the programme, successful candidates will be considered for permanent positions within the company

Requirements:
Prospective candidates will be professional, passionate, ambitious and able to demonstrate a high level of integrity. They will be team players, who exhibit a high level of respect and must possess the following:
Bachelor or Master Degree with minimum of Second Class Upper Division (2:1) in any discipline
NYSC Discharge Certificate
Minimum of 5 B’s and 2 C’s in WASC, SSCE or GCE ‘O’ in one sitting, which must include Mathematics and English.

Age:
Not more than 25 years as of the 31st December 2010

The programme is open only to graduates who obtained their Bachelor’s degree in the last four years.

Click here to apply

Arik Air Fresh Graduate Recruitment for Engineers 2010

Arik Air Fresh Graduate Recruitment for Engineers December 2010

Applications are invited from qualified graduates of Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, and Materials Engineering, to take up a rewarding career in Avionics and Aircraft engineering / maintenance.

Requirements
The candidates required for this position should not be more than 25 years of age by 31st December 2010 and possess Bachelors Degree, minimum of second class (upper division).
In addition, candidates should have an SSCE Certificate with credits in five subjects at one sitting.

As applications are welcomed from every part of Nigeria, candidates will be required to provide evidence of their local government of origin.

Job Specification
In addition to going through a systematic training program that will lead to obtaining appropriate certifications, successful candidates shall provide high standard of technical support to line maintenance and daily flight operations.
This includes checking of support equipments, transportation of spares and tooling and support to certifying engineers during defect analysis, monitoring of repetitive defects, and assessment of defects, while maximizing safety and reliability at optimum cost.

Interested applicants should forward their current CVs to:

graduate.engineers@arikair.com

NNPC Nigeria Jobs: Graduate Trainee Recruitment 2010

NNPC Recruitment: Nigeria Fresh Graduate Trainee Recruitment December 2010 – B.Sc.

The Role
Undergo the Foundation Skills Training Program and the Initial Professional Development Program.
Work as part of a team, learning and contributing to the achievement of business goals and departmental bottom line.
Develop into a well rounded technical professional within 3 – 5 years.

The ideal candidate profile:
Candidates should posses a Bachelors Degree with a minimum of second class upper (2:1) in the following areas:
Sciences: Geology, Geophysics, Computer Science, Physics, Surveying and Mathematics.
Engineering: Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil Environmental, Pipeline, Marine and Computer Engineering.
Business/Finance: Business Administration, Accounting, Banking and Finance, Insurance, etc.
Social Sciences: Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Human Resources etc.
Humanities: Mass Communications, English, History, etc.
Law Medical and Health Sciences: Pharmacy, Radiography, Laboratory Science, Dentistry, Occupational Health, and Nursing

Candidates must have graduated in the last 5 years and must not be more than 29 years by December, 2010.
Candidates must have completed the mandatory NYSC program.
Good leadership, verbal and written communication and computer skills.
Must be a team player with good interpersonal skills and have ability to do well in a multi-discipline and culturally diverse workplace.

HOW TO APPLY
To Apply For NNPC Graduate Trainee Recruitment, visit:

http://recruitment.nnpcgroup.com/

Note: Remember to read the general instructions before filling the form.

Good Luck

Scholarships For Nigerians: Google Scholarship for Women in Computing Anita Borg Scholarship

Google Scholarship for Women in Computing Anita Borg Scholarship

Women constitute about half of the world’s population. But traditionally women have been disadvantaged. Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is to "Promote gender equality and empower women" – the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women.

The computing world is no exception. More women need to come into all areas of computing – work, research, education, etc.

In fact there is a digital gender gap - women have less access to ICTs than men and the percentage of women working and involved as scientists, professionals and decision makers in the high value of areas of ICT is quite low comared to men. Over the years as awareness has grown there has been improvements in some areas but overall the numbers are really insignificant.

Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Google the Internet search engine giant that has benefited immensely from online computing applications has decided to institute the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship to encourage women in computing. Though the overall picture of Google in terms of development and growth of e-business globally especially with regards to developing nations is debatable. Is it helping? A bully? Or another proprietary lock-in monster or a growth enabler?

Your perspective of Google will depend on what you see and interactions you have had, positive and negative. Google is certainly not the “innocent” one, but this move by Google is certainly commendable. It is hoped that this is genuine and not just another smart commercial “undercover” move playing to the social responsibility gallery.

Google has made so much money from the Internet world and it is morally right that it gives back to society. Because of the impact of women in society, promoting and encouraging women in computing is a worthy cause. Interestingly the scholarship is announced by Google as the 2011 Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

According to the release from Google the Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship was established by Google in 2004 to honour Dr. Anita Borg, a computer science pioneer. She founded the Institute for Women and Technology and is said to have dedicated her life to changing the way the world thinks about diversity and technology.

Are you qualified?

Interested in the scholarship award?

Be a female student enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme (or equivalent) in 2011/2012.
Be enrolled at a University in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.
Citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply.
Be studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics, or a closely related technical field.
Maintain an excellent academic record (e.g. a First Class Honours degree).

In addition to the award of scholarships to successful recipients, scholarship finalists and recipients are also invited to visit Google’s Engineering Centre in Zurich for an all-expenses-paid retreat as part of the scholarship award activities.

Kudos to Google

Google owes most of its success to services it offers to a global audience. It must be said that while the jury is really not yet out on the real impact and purpose of Google, the giant must be commended for supporting a good cause.

For once Google is not just selfish but is supporting a good cause. The award should not be tokenist and it’s important to improve spread and impact of the award in Africa.

While the commercial world is quite competitive, and even sometimes brutish, it is hoped that this is a sign that Google would continue to adopt this same humane approach in its other activities. And that just as it pursues its corporate objectives it should still do more to aid development and help the less fortunate.

Applying for the Scholarship
The deadline for applications is 1st February 2011.

For more information visit the about Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, please visit the scholarship site.

Google Anita Borg Memorial Site

Nigeria 'to charge Dick Cheney'

Dick Cheney faces bribery
scandal charges in Nigeria

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency is to charge former US Vice-President Dick Cheney over a bribery scandal that involves a former subsidiary of energy firm Halliburton.

The case centres on engineering firm KBR, which admitted bribing officials.

A lawyer for Mr Cheney said allegations he was involved in the scandal were "entirely baseless".

Mr Cheney was Halliburton's chief executive before becoming vice-president to George W Bush in 2001.

A spokesman for the anti-corruption agency, Femi Babafemi, said the charges were likely to be brought against Mr Cheney next week.

Mr Babafemi said the charges were "not unconnected to his role as the chief executive of Halliburton".

KBR last year pleaded guilty to paying $180m (£115m) in bribes to Nigerian officials prior to 2007, when it was a subsidiary of Halliburton. The firm agreed to pay $579m (£372m) in fines related to the case in the US.

But Nigeria, along with France and Switzerland, has conducted its own investigations into the case.

Mr Cheney's lawyer, Terence O'Donnell, said US investigators had "found no suggestion of any impropriety by Dick Cheney in his role of CEO of Halliburton". "Any suggestion of misconduct on his part, made now, years later, is entirely baseless," Mr O'Donnell said.

Office raid
The bribes concerned the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in southern Nigeria.

KBR and Halliburton have now split, and Halliburton says it is not connected with the case against KBR.

Halliburton denies involvement in the allegations. It has complained that a raid on its office last week by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials was "an affront against justice".

Ten people were detained for questioning and later released.

A prosecutor quoted by the Agence France-Presse news agency said those charged would include former and current leaders of Halliburton and officials from firms in a consortium involved in the LNG plant.

Nigeria is a member of the oil cartel Opec and is one of the world's biggest oil exporters.

Source: BBC News

Halliburton: EFCC to charge ex-US VP for bribery

Indications emerged yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is planing to drag former Vice President of the the Unites States, Dick Cheney, to court over the roles he allegedly played in the $180 million Halliburton bribery scandal.

EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Femi Babafemi, confirmed yesterday that the commission was already preparing criminal charges against him.

He, however, could not give details on the charges even though he said the charges reflect the role Cheney played in the massive bribery scandal when he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Halliburton between 1995 and 2000.

Babafemi added that the charges would be ready early next week, explaining that they are connected to the probe into a deal involving construction of a liquefied natural gas plant.

Earlier this week, EFCC authorities had summoned top local officials from Halliburton as part of investigations into alleged bribery.

The summons came few days after operatives of the anti-graft agency raided Halliburton’s office in Lagos last week and arrested eleven people allegedly carting away some incriminating documents.

The EFCC also raided Shell’s office in Lagos in a separate investigation of a $240million bribery scandal, arresting its executive who was to be questioned over recent cases settled in the United States involving Panalpina World Transport Holding Ltd.

Meanwhile, the chief executives of the two companies who have been in detention at the EFCC are yet to regain their freedom.

Source: Vanguard Nigeria

N-Assembly emoluments: Reps suspend meeting with Sanusi

In very curious manner, the House of Representatives yesterday suspended a session with Central Bank Governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Sanusi was billed to flesh up his allegations before the House that the National Assembly alone has gulped 25% of the 2010 overhead budget.

The CBN governor had checked into the House of Reps Clerk Office at 9:45am, waiting to be ushered into the chamber at the commencement of a plenary that began one hour behind schedule (plenary officially begins every Thursday at 10:00am), but a turn of events forced Sanusi to quit the National Assembly complex.

However, in his response to the suspension of the session, Sanusi told reporters outside the complex that “It will be disrespectful to the House to make comments on the decision to suspend the session”, adding that “you will hear me on Monday when I will come to address the House.”

His presence around the Chamber was announced by the Clerk of the House, Mr. Sani Omolori, at 11:00am, more than hour after Sanusi’s arrival.

But Rep. Igochukwu Aguma (PDP/Port Harcourt 1/Rivers), who had earlier demanded the resignation of CBN governor for his “frivolous and misleading allegations,” raised a counter-motion to suspend an earlier motion by the leader of the House, Rep. Tunde Akogun (PDP/Akoko-Edo/Aiyegunle/Edo). Akogun’s motion sought to admit Sanusi in plenary yesterday, Aguma opposed. Aguma’s counter motion was seconded by Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (PDP/Isiukwuato/Abia). Aguma stressed that the Governor’s admission in plenary will be unnecessary, as the House “has more important things to do”. He adviced that a Joint Committee on Appropriations, Finance, Drugs, Narcotics, Economic and Financial Crimes should have him explain how he came about his “facts”, next week Monday in a Committee room.

The Apex Bank Governor had at a convocation held at a university in Benin made the allegations. He was summoned, first by the Senate and on Wednesday, in a marathon session with its Joint Committee on Banking and Currency, Appropriations and Finance and Millennium Development Goals he stuck to his guns, insisting his claim was right.

“I have figures from the Budget Office and overhead is N536.2 billion while NASS overhead is N136, 259, 768, 102 which is exactly 25.41 per cent of Federal Government overheads.

That’s as far as the text is concerned,” he told the Senate, adding that “There’s need to reduce the overheads, to reduce the expenditure, especially in government spending”.

However, in his response to the suspension of the session, Sanusi told reporters outside the complex that “It will be disrespectful to the House to make comments on the decision (to suspend the session)”.

Source: Vanguard Nigeria