Archive for November 2010
1 in 3 Fatally Injured Drivers Tested Positive for Drugs
Washington, DC – Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), called attention to the alarmingly high percentage of fatalities on our Nation’s roadways involving drivers that had drugs in their system and called on communities to act immediately to prevent drug use before it starts in light of a new traffic fatality analysis released by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While national data focusing on the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol is readily available and often cited, less is known or discussed about drivers under the influence of other drugs. However, according to the first-ever analysis of drug involvement from NHTSA’s Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) census, one in three motor vehicle fatalities (33 percent) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009. Additionally, according to the new analysis, the involvement of drugs in fatal crashes has increased by five percent over the past five years, even as the overall number of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States has declined.
“Drugged driving is a much bigger public health threat than most Americans realize and unfortunately, it may be getting worse,” said Director Kerlikowske. “It is critical that communities across the Nation address the threat of drugged driving as we redouble our efforts to make America’s roadways safer by increasing public awareness, employing more targeted enforcement, and developing better tools to detect the presence of drugs among drivers.”
These new data from NHTSA’s FARS census reports the presence of narcotics, depressants, stimulants, cannabinoids (marijuana), hallucinogens PCP, anabolic steroids, and inhalants among drivers fatally injured in car crashes over the past five years. Drugs recorded in FARS include illegal substances as well as over-the-counter and prescription medications, which may or may not have been misused. Alcohol, nicotine, aspirin, and drugs administered after the crash are excluded from these results. Additionally, drug involvement means that drugs were found in the driver’s system and does not imply impairment or indicate that drug use was the cause of the crash. However, research shows that drugs have adverse effects on judgment, reaction time, motor skills, and memory – critical skills for safe and responsible driving.
These data build upon other recent reports confirming that there are far too many Americans driving on our roadways with drugs in their system. According to a 2007 NHTSA Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers, 1 in 8 nighttime weekend drivers tested positive for an illicit drug. This number rises to 1 in 6 when you include illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, according to the most recent Monitoring the Future report – the Nation’s largest survey of drug use among young people – one in ten high school seniors reported that in the two weeks prior to the survey they had driven after smoking marijuana.
President Obama has made combating drugged driving a drug control strategy priority and has set a goal of reducing drugged driving prevalence by 10 percent by 2015. To achieve this goal, the Obama Administration is encouraging states to explore legal responses, such as per se laws that make it illegal for individuals to drive with illicit drugs in their system. Already, 17 states in the United States have per se or zero tolerance statutes. In these states, it is a criminal offense to have an illegal drug in one’s body while driving. Additionally, ONDCP is providing increased training to law enforcement to identify drugged drivers and is working with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop standard screening methodologies for drug-testing labs to use in detecting the presence of drugs among drivers.
The Obama Administration is committed to restoring balance to U.S. drug control efforts by coordinating an unprecedented government-wide public health approach to reduce drug use and its consequences. This effort includes increasing funding for drug prevention by $203 million and treatment programs by $137 million, placing a heavier emphasis on early intervention programs in healthcare settings, aligning criminal justice policies and public health systems to divert non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of jail, funding scientific research on drug use and expanding access to substance abuse treatment. ONDCP has also revamped the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to include a broader focus on substances most often abused by American teens, including prescription drugs, marijuana, and alcohol, and partnering with communities to reach at-risk youth populations in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
To download more information on drugged driving, including resources parents and communities can use to prevent drugged driving among young people visitwww.TheAntiDrug.com
The Office of National Drug Control Policy seeks to foster healthy individuals and safe communities by effectively leading the Nation’s effort to reduce drug use and its consequences.
USA Schools Adopt Yoruba Education
MICHIGAN – The Wayne County Community college districts school of continuing education is set to commence teaching Yoruba language. The program is slated to run between May 21st and August 7th, 2011. The course code which is LANG 5001 will attract a $30.00 fee.
According to information sent out by the college, Yoruba is one of the three major languages in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Cuba and Brazil. The course will provide an introduction to the standard Yoruba language and culture. Students will acquire knowledge of reading and writing in the native language of Yoruba.
For more information, visit www.wcccd.edu
photo by Trendy Africa media
At the Inauguration of Comforting Hands Foundation(CHF) in Dallas
DALLAS – In the spirit of lending a helping hand and bringing smiles to the faces of orphaned African children, friends and supporters gathered in Dallas for the successful launch of CHF- comforting hands foundation.
Founded in May 2010 by Olajumoke Bakare-Keleko and co founder Lola Fajemirokun, CHF was borne out of the desire to lend physical and emotional support to the ever growing population of babies without parental care and assist in developing them to grow into constructive members of society.
The inaugural event featured fashion shows, comedy by Seyi Brown, music by Atlanta DJ E-Cool and poetry by Mike Guinn. The guest speaker was Okechukwu Ofili; author of “How stupidity saved my life” while Malcolm Fajemirokun was master of ceremony.
CHF would donate proceeds from the event to some orphanage’s in Nigeria during a pre planned visit.
photos by Dsol for Trendy Africa Media.
Flavour N' Abania storms TEXAS
DALLAS – The show was as much electrifying as was advertised. Flavour N’ Abania literally held the capacity crowd active for more than two hours of non stop stage performance. The 2nd annual thanksgiving bash packaged by Big A Entertainment and DFW Townkrier lived up to its billing with lots of creative new attractions including a fashion show hosted by UK base MAZE couture.
Popular hit songs performed by Flavour include; Nwa baby, oyi na atum, alcohol, ashawo and mama osodi owendi. Dallas high octane DJ More Fyah also rocked the venue with vibes that kept the Murphy’s 2 venue warmed up all night.
photo and TV production by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa Media.
Anthonia Adewole and Philip Fasoro Wed in Texas
ARLINGTON, TX – Timely attendance by both families combined with warm colors characterised the successful traditional engagement ceremony between Dr. Anthonia Oludolapo Adewole and Mr. Philip Ayotilewa Fasoro.
The couple attracted guests from distant locations to witness the nuptial which had been in the making for about seven years according to information reaching us at the event.
While the grooms parents reside in Texas, the brides parents arrived from Nigeria to play a significant role in the marriage ceremony of their children.
PHOTO by Tosan Aduayi
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje explains his intense role in “faster”
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is every bit the perfectionist. An intense actor, familiar with fans of the television show “Lost” and the HBO drama “Oz”, he always brings compassion to his characters. With upcoming projects such as “The Thing” and “The Killer Elite,” he talks to Samantha Ofole-Prince about his current heist movie “Faster” about an ex-con (Dewayne Johnson), who sets out to avenge his brother’s death after they were double-crossed during a bank robbery.
1. What’s the best way to describe this movie?
It’s an action packed ride with heart, and it deals with real issues of revenge, forgiveness and redemption. You get lots of eye candy, you get lots of action and there is a lot of drama.
2. What’s the attraction to a project like this aside from the paycheck?
What I liked about it when I read the script is that every single character in it has an arch, which is difficult to do with film because you don’t have a lot of time to tell the story. It’s an action film with a difference. It has a lot of heart and soul and a dept that the audience will be surprised with.
3. What would be that dream role for you as an actor?
I enjoy playing the character supporting actor, because they are richer and are not as predictable, but I would relish playing the lead man. The action man, who gets the girl, gets the stash and kills everybody. I would love to play that.
4. As an actor with several years in the business, have you perfected a method of portraying your characters that’s become second nature?
I stay in character for the entire time I am playing them, which makes it hard to socialize. In “Faster” it’s a different accent and if you come in and out of that, the consistency wavers and I am very much a perfectionist. I want to give the audience the upmost and so I stay in it. That’s my method, because that’s how I know how to do it and it’s worked so far. I call it keeping in the character.
5. You play a bank robber turned evangelist in “Faster,” what sort of research did you undertake to perfect the character?
The director [George Tillman] comes from a background of ministry. His father was a minister, so we did extensive research on the type of ministers he wants in the movie. We watched videos and I read dialog and then I came up with how I wanted to project him.
6. Its often said that most actors are very self absorbed and vain. Do you see any of those traits in yourself?
I don’t know about vain. I think before I got into acting I was — being that I was a model, but when you become an actor you have to disarm yourself and just appear from who you are, because you are going to much deeper depth in your own spirituality and humanity and also with the characters that you portray.
7. Buddhism is not a religion hugely popular amongst Africans, and being of Afro-British descent, did you get any flak from your family when you became a Buddhist?
My family is used to me going against the grain. There are three lawyers in our family and being the only boy, I was intended to follow my father, but I went into entertainment and already that was perceived at the time as an abomination. By the time I became a Buddhist, they were already prepared. I think in truth, what they saw are the changes and benefits that it’s afforded me in life. Initially, it was like what the hell is he doing now, but to be honest, they are very used to me doing my own thing.
8. Most Buddhists are extremely spiritual people, who relate to the laws of Karma and as a Buddhist, what’s your definition of Karma?
Karma is an interesting word. It’s a spiritual thing and my understanding of karma is that it’s a collection of habits, which form a pattern, and it can be broken through prayer and faith and you can change whatever Karma you have.
9. As your career escalates and even more roles are offered to you, are there any limitations to the roles you will play?
I’m never going to say never to anything, for what is really going to motivate me is who that character is and the context of the story. If it’s a great story and arc, then I will consider it, but it has to resonate with who I am. I think that I have been rewarded this year by the amount of diverse roles I‘ve got. This is the fifth movie I am doing and right now I am on the set of the latest movie I am doing, which is “Best Laid Plans,” where I play a 37 year-old with a 7 year-old mentality.
10. Nigeria recently celebrated 50 years of independence. As an individual of Nigerian heritage, how do you view the country’s progress over the last 50 years?
We have certainly progressed, but there’s a lot to do. I think that economically we are burgeoning. We are creating new enterprises, certainly with Nollywood, now the second or third largest film industry in the world, but there is still a lot of infrastructure that has to be built to support the rest of the population. Meaning, you can’t just selfishly be going for money. There has to be the right apparatus to support Nigeria for it to come through, and that’s from education, welfare system, good lighting. Those elements still need to be addressed. I think we are always going to be enterprising as we find new ways to service and to generate revenue. We excel at that and we are great artists. We have progressed in certain areas, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
L-R: Adewale, Dewayne Johnson, Adewale
“Faster” is currently playing in theaters
U.S. Provides $4.5M to Fund Special Court for Sierra Leone Trial of Charles Taylor
On November 22 the Department of State released a $4.5 million grant for FY2011 to the Special Court of Sierra Leone. This grant demonstrates the U.S. commitment to ensuring that those most responsible for the atrocities committed during the war in Sierra Leone are brought to justice. This grant was expedited due to the financial crisis the Court is currently facing. By all calculations, the Court would have run out of money by early December which could have jeopardized the continuation of the Charles Taylor trial before the Court reached a verdict.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone was set up jointly by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. It is mandated to try those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and Sierra Leonean law committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since November 30, 1996.
The SCSL indicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor and 12 others for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2003, due to their involvement in and support of some of the worst atrocities in Sierra Leone’s civil war. The trials of three former leaders of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), of two members of the Civil Defense Forces (CDF) and three former leaders of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) have been completed, including appeals, leaving only the trial of Charles Taylor (two indictees died before the trial stage).
On June 16, 2006, the trial of Charles Taylor was transferred to The Hague because Taylor’s continued presence and trial in Freetown represented an impediment to stability in the sub-region, a threat to the peace of Liberia and Sierra Leone, and a threat to international peace and security in the region. The trial of Charles Taylor is close to completion; the defense evidence concluded on November 12 and a trial judgment is due in mid-2011 with an appeal to be resolved by early 2012.
The trial of Charles Taylor is of enormous historical and legal significance as he is the first African head of state to be brought before an international tribunal to face charges for mass atrocities and gross violations of international humanitarian law. The Taylor prosecution delivers a strong message to all perpetrators of atrocities, including those in positions of power that they will be held accountable. It is imperative the international community prevents the Taylor trial from being suspended due to lack of financial resources, which is why the United States rushed its FY2011 contribution to the Court. We hope other donor states will follow our lead and find ways to financially support the Court until it has finished its mandate and justice has been served.
As a major donor to the Special Court, the United States serves on the Special Court’s Management Committee in New York. To date, the United States has contributed $81,189,445 amount to the Special Court.
Photograph: United Photos/Robin Van Lonkhuijsen/EPA
Enyimba Social Club of Dallas host 2010 induction ceremony
RICHARDSON, TX – Members of the Enyimba social club of Dallas Texas, a powerful and select group of Nigerian professionals who hail from the Eastern region of Nigeria has held its 2010 annual induction ceremony.
The two day event climaxed with a red carpet upscale reception featuring award presentations, cultural performances and a mind boggling show of appreciation (spraying).
The NTX Automotive museum in Richardson was the choice venue of the occasion. The museum features a large collection of classic, antique, hot rods and sports cars on display all year round.
Trendy Africa was on hand to capture the moments to treasure. Trendy Africa congratulates members of Enyimba social club for the successful outing.
Life band performance – IK Adophy and the “De Meritable Band” from Chicago.
by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa Media. Trendy Africa TV clips coming soon.
BLOOM: motivational seminar reveals realistic paths to wealth creation
ATLANTA – The first annual and much anticipated BLOOM event, an empowerment seminar hosted by Nina International lived up to its billing in Atlanta. BLOOM 2010 tagged;”EXPLORE YOUR PASSION: CREATE WEALTH” featured industry tested speakers who delivered raw positive information based largely on their personal experiences.
Nina Ijere, CEO of Nina international spoke about her personal life experiences and challenges that eventually shaped her life to the path of success and outstanding wealth creation. Nina particularly mentioned how she lost 40 pounds over a short period of time by sheer determination and zeal. Her personal trainer was on hand to lend credence to the attestation. Nina added; ” BLOOM 2010 is designed to jump start your success like nothing before, whether you are an existing entrepreneur or you have been thinking about starting your own business…BLOOM will empower you with stellar education, inspiration, motivation and networking”.
The first guest speaker was Jeff Hopeck, founder of Killer Shark Marketing, coach and 2-time author, small business and Internet marketing consultant and former secret service agent under President George Bush. His presentation titled “Leveraging the Internet to grow your business” revealed simple but effective tools to direct great profit yielding traffic to an Internet based enterprise (visit Bloom Website and order tapes for more information). Jeff Hopeck revealed how he started his online business and was unable to break even for over a year until his big break which got his product mentioned on the Howard Stern Show generating 26,000 visitors in three hours.
Okechukwu Ofili, social media and branding expert got up on the podium as the second guest speaker to send sparks of excitement and motivation to the very privileged audience. In his topic titled “Branding, Growing and Exploding your business with social media” Ofili graphically described the essence of leveraging social media and maximizing its benefits. By mere statistics, social media use has exceeded the worlds expectations and still growing thereby creating more opportunities to expand members outreach. Ofili who is the author of “How Stupidity Saved My Life” explained how resilience and belief in himself pushed him past the boundaries of failures into the realms of success.
The seminar featured comedy by Stephon, Vector club raffles draws and presentation of “Be-Virtuous Award” as well as a networking social mixer session which held later at night.
For more information, visit; http://www.thebloomevent.com
Photos and documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Media.
Nigerian, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin appointed Executive Director of the UN Population Fund
The United Nations (UN) Secretary General has announced the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin as Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Dr. Osotimehin has an impressive background as a trained medical doctor, a former Minister of Health for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), and a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Center for Population and Development.
“We are confident UNFPA will move forward under his leadership to pursue its mandate; ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect”.
We also want to thank outgoing UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid for her tireless service, particularly her efforts to reduce maternal mortality and promote universal access to reproductive health. During her tenure, contributions to UNFPA more than doubled.
The United States strongly supports UNFPA and family planning programs worldwide, providing $55 million to support UNFPA in 2010. We look forward to continuing our partnership with UNFPA and working with Dr. Osotimehin in the coming years.
source – US State department
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