2 Nigerians featured in Spark Action's Top 24 Under 24 Youth Change-makers

                                  Temitayo Fagbenle                                              Adejire Bademosi
This year, The Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council and SparkAction (USA) honored 24 young people including 2 Nigerians namely Temitayo Fagbenle and Adejire Bademosi; who are strengthening our democracy through what might seem an unlikely route given their ages, deep engagement in policy-making and governance.

Among the 24 young members of the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council USA that come from all walks of life, Two Nigerian were selected and have truly inspiring stories to share about their own expriences and their work to strengthen the policies and systems that touch their lives. They have testified about HIV/AIDS in front of Presidential Commissions, helped redesign foster care, crafted innovative approaches to solving the national debt, and worked with city and tribal governments to overhaul local environmental policies.

Temitayo Fagbenle
Rookie radio producer of stories on issues ranging from stop-and-frisk policing to sexual cyberbullying.

Adejire Bademosi
The first African American female student elected to the School Board, she now trains girls in financial literacy.

Windows 8 unveiled in Lagos.

Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje

By Amaka Eze
 
Microsoft Nigeria has unveiled Windows 8 to its customers and partners in Nigeria at its Open Door event following the global launch of the product last October.

The Microsoft’s Open Door events serve to address the demand for space in which African technology professionals are able to experience the latest-generation technologies first-hand, exchange ideas, build skills, and network with their local IT community and Microsoft technology experts.

Windows 8 was the main product exhibited at this years' Open Door Event targeted at IT professionals, developer and partners.

Speaking at the press conference to announce the launch, Country Manager, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeje, stated that with the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world.

Onyeje said: “To enrich the reinvented Windows experience, local consumers and businesses will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer; as well-known manufacturers have released a wide-range of notebooks, tablets, all-in-ones, touch-enabled ultra-books, and convertibles, all designed for Windows 8.”

He explained that the product was suitable for any tablet or a PC, and said: “Whether you want to consume or create, work or play, Windows 8 delivers a personalised experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

He added that Windows 8 would have two available retail versions: Windows 8 designed for home users and Windows 8 Pro geared for business and proffesional users.
“It offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Ha-Shem Network Service Limited, Mr. Olaide Akisanya, said: “Windows 8 is an excellent product, which empowers our customers work force by enhancing their business productivity, makes them work smarter and better. They can view the world at their palm once they have installed on their devices. It gives customers an eagle eye view of the world.”

Also launched at the Open Door Event is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be pre-installed on new devices.

In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $40, while eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $15.

Lagos Okada rider protest ban on 475 roads

Commercial motorcycle operators, better known as Okada riders, Monday marched on to Lagos streets to protest the state’s new traffic law, which restricts their movement on about 475 strategic roads in the state.

 

The protests, which took place in many parts of the state including Ikorodu, Ejigbo and Onipanu resulted in a traffic gridlock in most part of Lagos as the motorcyclists impeded the free flow of traffic in the city. Other areas included Ijora Olopa, along 7up Road, Mashalasi and Ladipo.

 

Some of the protesters also took out their anger on the government-backed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, vandalising 10 of the buses and attacking commuters in them.

However, a team of security operatives from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was quickly deployed to the troubled spots to restore order.