Monday, 17 February 2014

Latest Jobs in Nigeria

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From: "JobRIB.com - Nigerian job portal!" <jobribteam@gmail.com>
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Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 06:01:39 +0000
To: <cwizard123@gmail.com>
Subject: Latest Jobs in Nigeria

Latest Jobs in Nigeria


Senior General Manager, Marine Business - Nigeria Job at Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 02:30 PM PST

Job Title: Senior General Manager – Marine Business
Location: Nigeria
Employer: Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc. (part of Japaul Group)

Job description:
• To oversee the Marine and Offshore Operations Business with current fleet of 13 vessels and with potential to grow to 40 vessels in 5 years.
• Will be responsible for managing the day to day activities (support and operations) of the marine and offshore interests of the company and provide feedback to the Executive Director regarding technical operations, administration & logistics, and management of the marine fleet operations.
• The responsibilities include management of the marine strategic business expansion and acquisition of marine fleet, client services, crew management, technical, maintenance and commercial contracts management and ensure 90% availability of vessels and equipment.
• The focus is on strategic, tactical, and long term operations management.
• Create Business development / Marketing materials where appropriate to support the Business development / Marketing activities. Take responsibility for the design, operation, and improvement of the marine operations and systems.
• Responsible for the attainment of short- and long-term financial and operational goals.
• Directs the development of the organization to ensure future growth.
• Plans and directs business operational policies, objectives, initiatives.
• Develop Company Crisis Management and take charge/ lead in Crises Management. Initiate, develop, implement and monitor relevant policies and procedures for conformity and compliance.
• Ensure that Company Assets and staff are fully equipped with insurance, equipment, registration, licenses and communication tools required to fulfil their objectives.
• Develop and manage the divisionall budget including leading cost saving initiatives and innovative/ creative ideas.

Desired Skills and Experience:
• Minimum 15 years (of which 10 years of specific maritime operations experience is mandatory) of broad knowledge and experience of technical marine fleet operations, management, operation of commercial vessels, shipping agency activities, vessel husbanding, cost control, supervision of personnel, repair procedures and customer relations.
• A degree in business administration, marine operations or related field is required.
• Twelve (12) or more years of specific maritime operations experience.

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online or send their Cover Letter and CV to careers@japaulgroup.com



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Business Development Manager, Marine Business - Nigeria Job at Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 02:27 PM PST

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Marine Business
Location: Nigeria
Employer: Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc. (part of Japaul Group)

Job description
• To develop business for the Marine and Offshore Operations Business with current fleet of 13 vessels and with potential to grow to 40 vessels in 5 years.
• Establish relationships with clients by providing support, information and guidance.
• Sustains rapport with key clients by making periodic visits and identify their specific needs, anticipating new opportunities to achieve maximum revenue and profitability through all available sources.
• Will be responsible for ensuring that there is no idle time for the fleet of vessels and equipment, utilization of up to the tune of 85% is minimally acceptable.
• Identification and development of potential clients and new business opportunities in the oil and gas, marine and offshore industry.
• Development and retention of existing clients and enhancement of customer relationships for unbroken business patronage.
• Review of tender documents and contracts, preparation and submission of commercial and technical proposals, negotiation of commercial, technical and contracts
• Manage and seek improvement in process or system Reporting, business statistics and financial forecast to the management.
• Expand and develop Business plans and/or Strategic marketing activities by researching and exploring Marine, Offshore and Oil & Gas industry’s opportunities and draw up road map for realizing it.
• Promote new markets and improve competitive positions by identifying new challenges, emerging issues and execute appropriate strategies to address the challenges.
• Form strategies targeting specific engagements and opportunities and implement road mapping on how to get actualize the strategies.

Desired Skills and Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of proven track records of designing and implementing Business / Marketing plans in Marine, Shipping and Offshore Industries.
• Possess excellent technical, operational, client-consulting skills. Suitable candidates will have a Degree in Engineering / Strategic Marketing / Business development or equivalent professional qualification with experience in preparing and maintaining Maritime & Offshore contracts.

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online or send their Cover Letter and CV to careers@japaulgroup.com



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Business Development Manager, Construction - Nigeria Job at Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 02:24 PM PST

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Construction
Location: Nigeria
Employer: Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc. (part of Japaul Group)

Job description:
• Develop new and maintain existing client relationships.
• Seek clients in company target markets through networking and direct contact with potential clients and their representatives.
• Generate project/business opportunities and RFP’s through client contact to meet company’s business plans and growth strategies.
• Drive the sales process from inquiry/RFP coordination through “Closing the Deal”.
• Lead the development and preparation of RFP’s, Pre-Qualification, formal presentations.
• Ensure all communication with clients are in accordance with company standards and correct in content and format.
• Solicit client feedback through the project proposal and execution phases.
• Collaborate with company management to prepare and implement the company’s Marketing and Business Development strategies.
• Plan and strategy for meeting business goals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the industry, proven relationship with principal decision makers in the industry and with potential clients in government, international, private and non-governmental organisations.
• Proven record of securing substantial civil engineering projects within the industry in Nigeria.

Desired Skills and Experience:
HND/BEng. in any Engineering discipline with minimum of 10 years cognate experience in the Construction Industry with at least 5 years at managerial or supervisory level.
• Very good knowledge and understanding of the Construction industry in Nigeria and the basic guiding statutory laws, contract principles and implement issues will be an added advantage.
• Candidates should have strong links to industry and knowledge of the business drivers for our key markets.
• Experience in managing construction contracts in infrastructures development will be an added advantage.

How to Apply:
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online or send their Cover Letter and CV to careers@japaulgroup.com



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Product Sales Executive - Business Analytics Job at SAP Nigeria

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 02:17 PM PST

Job Title: Product Sales Executive – Business Analytics
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Employer: SAP Nigeria

Do you demand the best from your professional career? Are you inspired by excellence? At SAP, you will have the power to make a real impact. As the global market leader for business software, SAP helps companies and organizations in more than 25 industries to run better.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:
• Specialist Solution Sales Executive bears responsibility for providing active revenue growth in Business Intelligence, Enterprise Information Management (EIM), Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) and Governance, Risk and Compliance solutions (GRC), Netweaver Platform and any Third party solutions that go along with the above solution portfolio.
• As a Business Analytics & Technology Sales Executive you will be responsible as opportunity owner for development and execution of appropriate sales strategies in new new accounts and stand alone BAT opportunities and as a co-prime in installed base accounts (where BAT solutions are part of a larger opportunity) with the Generalist Account Executives. The Sales Executive will work with the broader specialist solutions team in the country and hub to generate pipeline within their assigned territory and also accelerate the pipeline to closure.

EXPECTATIONS AND TASKS:
• Develop a plan to provide BAT account and sales coverage across identified Territory / Enterprise accounts.
• Identifies and qualifies and drives to closure of standalone / net new BAT Opportunities. Executes account strategy and generates product, service revenue as a individual contributor in these engagements.
• Work as a co-prime with the Generalist Account Executives in named accounts to to build a qualified pipeline of Business Analytics solutions to ensure revenue predictability quarter over quarter.
• Conduct sales & solution presentations for prospects & customers.
• Effectively leverage the rest of the BAT team, including pre-sales in country and SEA, consulting as well as the SAP Partner EcoSystem to work with the various direct and indirect account team in order to expand SAP’s BI, EIM, EPM, GRC, Platform footprint.
• Maintains good relationships with SAP customers, which will be measured by their reference ability and customer satisfaction surveys.

Desired Skills and Experience:
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates passion for building and closing deals.
• Demonstrates ability to work in matrix structured environment and a team player.
• Strong track record of identifying problems and providing clear actionable solutions.
• Resourceful problem solver, and has worked in highly competitive market segments against competition.
• Strong presentation & negotiation skills.
• A strong sales professional who is disciplined in ensuring forecast accuracy, diligent in accounts closure activities and consciously build a strong pipeline to over-achieve the sales target.
• Demonstrated understanding of local enterprise business markets.
• Knowledge and demonstrated use of Miller Heiman or similar sales methodology.
• Consistent over-achievement of quotas.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• At least 5-8years’ IT enterprise software solution sales, preferably in the area of
• Business Intelligence, Analytics, EIM, Financial Consolidation, Planning & Budgeting and
• Governance/Compliance solutions. Have worked in sales capacity in Hyperion, SAS, Microstrategy, Qliktech, Cognos, Frango/TM1, Teradata, Netezza, Greenplum, etc, preferred, but not required.

LOCATION: Any Location, Nigeria
WORK AREA: Sales
EXPECTED TRAVEL: 0% – 30%
CAREER STATUS: Professional
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Regular Full Time
REFERENCE CODE: NG-58336374-EN-14-002



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System Sales Engineer - Nigeria Job at Emerson Electric Co

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 12:22 PM PST

Job Title: System Sales Engineer
Job ID: EPM-00006596
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Job Level: Supervisor / Manager
Employer: Emerson Network Power / Emerson Process Management (Emerson Electric Co.)

Job Description:
The Overall Purpose of the Role: Systems Sales Engineer supporting the West Africa in pursuing all systems (DeltaV) opportunities. The individual by virtue of coverage in the region will bring in leads for LCS, MHM, AO etc.

Roles and Responsibilities:
• Lead divisional sales and business development initiatives in West Africa.
• Meet or exceed territory financial objectives required in support of the PSS MEA business plan.
• Collaborate with and support sales representatives in the region.
• Develop and implement sales strategies for projects. Maintain an accurate project pursuit list and provide monthly reports and forecasts to divisional Sales & Marketing Directors in PATT.
• Prepare and present marketing forecasts, pricing surveys, competitor intelligence and country marketing plans.
• Work closely with proposal generation group to ensure all offers reflect customer needs, are competitively priced and are submitted on time.
• Improve customer satisfaction by finding solutions to their needs.
• Take a pro-active role in working with the Emerson Global Project Pursuit Team representative to identify, qualify and pursue control system projects to achieve order conversion and maximize the potential for all Emerson Process Management products and services.
• Develop long-term relationships with senior management within customer accounts to ensure awareness of the capabilities of Emerson Process Management.
• Promote the business benefits of PlantWeb to customers.
• Profile accounts and establish a clear understanding of business drivers and process control requirements.
• Liaise with Emerson personnel Worldwide for Global Project Pursuit.
• Capture customer key business drivers and ensure inclusion within Emerson proposals.
• Maximize revenue and profit from the existing installed base.

Job Requirements:
Education and Qualifications: University/College/Bachelors, School Education (up to 12 Grade), Diploma Engineering/Technical/Business

Experience: 2 – 5 Years Experience

Languages:
• English/Portuguese – fluent
• French – Preferable

Lominger Competencies: Ethics and Values, Integrity and Trust, Action Oriented, Business Acumen, Customer Focus, Listening, Planning, Presentation Skills, Priority Setting, Drive for Results



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Healthcare Sales - Nigeria Job at Cangrade Health Innovators

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 12:06 PM PST

Job Title: Healthcare Sales – Commission only
Employer: Cangrade (Health Innovators)

Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Areas: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, & Biotech / Hospitals
Hiring Manager: Matthew Kelly

• We are selling a billing software, the U.S. Healthcare system requires new software and the deadline for hospital to implement the new software is Oct 2014.
• You can find more about the product at http://healthinno.org/icd10.html.
• The tool costs the hospitals $10,000, we will give you a commission of $1,000. This is a very good commission.
• You will be working with Sales Managers located in the USA. You will be reaching out to potential customers on LinkedIn and other lists.
• We are looking for energetic sales representative who can email and generate leads. We are looking for serious people with interest in Healthcare.
• You can be anywhere in the world, all that is required is written English proficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Email customers.
• Call customers.
• Build a relationship with the customer.
• Set up a meeting to meet the customer.
• Either you or someone in the team will meet the customer and demo our solution.
• Written English (1 to 3 years)
• Sales (optional but a plus)

Required Skills:
• Written English (1 to 3 years)
• Sales (optional but a plus)

This is commission based sales position, please apply only if this requirement suits you.



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ITS Territory Sales Representative - Nigeria Job at IBM Nigeria

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 10:47 AM PST

Job Title: ITS Territory Sales Representative
Employer: International Business Machines (IBM)

Job ID: GTS-0610358
Job type: Full-time Complementary
Work country: Nigeria
Position type: Professional
Work city: – Any
Travel: 50% travel annually
Job area: Sales
Business group: Global Technology Services
Job category: Sales
Business unit: Int Tech Svcs
Job role: Solution Representative – Brand Specialist
Job role skillset: General
Commissionable/Sales-Incentive jobs only: Yes

Job description:
• Serves as the ITS brand focal points on the cross brand IBM sales team
• Drives ITS opportunities (for all ITS Services) in assigned territory
• Develops and maintains strong client relationships with executives and key influences, in the IT and line of business organizations, based on a history of performance and credibility, earning a reputation as one of the client’s trusted business advisers
• Demonstrates a high level of business acumen and applies an understanding of the client’s business, organization, strategy, financial position, and business issues
• Maintains an understanding of the client’s industry, including industry trends, industry performance indicators and key client competitors in their industry
• Understands and applies IBM’s strategies and offerings for all ITS Service Lines and IBM industry solutions to address the client’s business needs
• Understands and navigates IBM to identify, acquire and coordinate a team of critical resources needed to address client needs; leads the cross-functional team to develop the best solution for the client
• Identifies solution opportunities by aligning IBM’s industry and ITS strategies with the client’s most important business needs
• Responsible for overall client satisfaction for services

Required:
• Master’s Degree
• At least 5 years experience in Sales and Solution seller
• English: Fluent



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Ecosystem Development Manager Job at IBM Nigeria

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 10:45 AM PST

Job Title: Manager, Ecosystem Development
Employer: International Business Machines (IBM)

Job ID: SWG-0637086
Job type: Full-time Regular
Work country: Nigeria
Position type: Professional
Work city: – Any
Travel: 25% travel annually
Job area: Sales
Business group: IBM Software Group
Job category: Software Development & Support
Business unit: SWG HQ
Job role: Software Developer
Job role skillset: General
Commissionable/Sales-Incentive jobs only: No

Job description:
• The Ecosystem Development (EcoD) organization has a cross IBM mission to develop the ecosystem of Independent Software Vendor partners (ISV), developer community, MSP content providers, start ups, born on the coud companies and academic partners to accelerate growth for IBM results. As software create a strong link between the ecosystem and IBM, providing high value for partners and for IBM, the EcoD role reports to the SWG leader.
• The EcoD country leader should focus on key growth initiatives developing the ecosystem to drive ASL and influenced revenue (IBM sales when partners are selling their assets). Growth initiatives (GI) include Cloud, Big Data & Analytics, Mobile, Social, PureSystem, and Smarter Cities as the main focus in Africa.
• For those growth initiatives is expected that the EcoD leader develops and execute a plan to enable local partners in IBM technology, driving the technical enablement as well as Go To Market plan to generate wins for IBM. Plan should also include the development of local skills with Universities, including IBM content in the Universities curricula, driving international partners to do more business with IBM locally and to promote IBM with local developer community, leveraging on IBM Developer Work (DW) site and content.
• The EcoD leader will also manage the use of the IBM Innovation Centers where they exist by using them as a gearbox for Technical promotion and enablement, business development and customer events.
• Thru the Global Entrepreneur Program (GEP), EcoD leader should drive new companies : StartUps, Born on the Cloud partners to do business with IBM since early stages, ensuring we grow together as they evolve. That part of the business include partnering with Incubators / Accelerators as well as Gov’t programs and Venture Capital/Angel Funds ecosystem.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong business background (sales, bus. Development) with a good understanding of the technology on how it affects and can transform the business of ISVs and customers alike. He or She will need to have a good understanding of the local ecosystem, identifying and engaging with local key players : Partners, Universities, Accelerators, Government institutions.
• EcoD leader should have seniority to call on CEOs / Deans / Managing Directors or partners , with the ability to articulate IBM value and how they can increase their success by partnering with IBM.

Key measurement for the roles will be:
• Influenced Revenue for the Growth Initiatives
• Number of partners doing business with IBM and number of wins in the market
• Number of partners on IBM Cloud OE (blue mix), running their business on IBM cloud with IBM SW Infrastructure
• Number of courses in Universities with IBM Growth Initiative content
• Number of new Startups in the GEP program, and number of Startups enabled with IBM technology embedded.
• Technolgoy reach to Developer Community with Hackathons, Mobilithons, DW downloads.

Background:
• University Degree preferably in IT , Engineering of Bus. Administrations
• Work experience of more than 10years
• Sales or Business Development Experience of more than 7 years
• Knowledge of local Ecosystem: ISVs (local/Int’l), Universities, Start Ups environment
• Preferably Multinational Background

Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 7 years experience in Management skills, People Management
• At least 7 years experience in Time conscious, mentoring
• English: Fluent

Preferred:
• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences
• At least 10 years experience in Management skills, People Management
• At least 10 years experience in Time conscious, mentoring



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Second Mate DPO – MPSV Fleet - Nigeria Job at BOURBON

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 04:58 AM PST

Job Title: Second Mate DPOMPSV Fleet
Reference: 140030
Locations: Nigeria
Employer: BOURBON

A leading international player inmarine services, BOURBON offers to the most demanding oil & gas clientsworldwide a full line of innovative, safe, high performance and new generationvessels and an expanded offer of offshore oil & gas services.

BourbonOffshore Greenmar recruits a SecondMate DPOMPSV Fleet

Duties & Responsibilities:
The SecondMate assists the Master in vessel operations and has whatever duties delegatedto him/her by the Master:
• Carry out watch keeping duties.
• Commitmentto safety and company procedures in all tasks.
• Assist theChief Officer and learn all aspects of his duties with a view to eventualpromotion.
• Work underthe Master and Chief Mate’s supervision.
• Traincadets and deck crew.
• Work ondeck as required.
• Keep chartcorrections up to date and recorded.
• Assist inmooring and unmooring of vessel in port and at offshore locations.

Line reporting and functional linkage

This position will report directly to the Master and tothe Chief Mate.

Qualifications:
Key skills and behaviors:
• Organization skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Initiative to take on responsibilities and challenges
• Attention to detail

Experience:
• The SecondMate DPO shall have at least one (1) year offshore experience in the position.
• Experience on MPSV vessels.

FULL DPCERTIFICATE (DPO) is a mandatory requirement to apply for this position.

Education:
• The SecondMate DPO shall be holding a OOW Unlimited license as minimum requirement.
• Chief Mate license would be an asset.

Contract:
• Permanent contract (1 year, renewed automatically at the end of the year)
• Vessel – Evolution 802 in Nigeria

Job Type: Permanent
Primary Location: Nigeria



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Diabetes Product Manager - Nigeria Job at Novo Nordisk

Posted: 17 Feb 2014 04:54 AM PST

Job Title: Diabetes Product Manager
Locations: Nigeria
Employer: Novo Nordisk

This exciting opportunity would suit an experienced, well-qualified, enthusiastic marketer who is looking to demonstrate their product manager capabilities with our world class diabetes products in a challenging and rewarding affiliate spanning 48 countries.

Novo Nordisk Middle Africa business unit was formed in early 2012. This affiliate is composed of 16 nationalities spanning 48 countries in Africa. Novo Nordisk has an established presence with human insulin across Middle Africa and our focus today is to sustain the growth of the market, ensure availability of better quality modern insulin within the markets and support the communities living with diabetes.

The position is based in Nigeria and reports to Marketing Manager based in Dubai.

About the Department: You will have the opportunity to join a small, dynamic, and high performing team which works cross functionally with sales, medical, and market access in order to support continued commercial success of the Novo Nordisk Portfolio for Nigeria.

The job
• The position is based in Nigeria and reports to Marketing Manager based in Dubai.
• As Diabetes Product Manager, you will develop and implement strategic product direction, forecast product revenues, and develop product promotional budgets and projects. You will also develop product brand image through a strong brand plan and execution of tactical plans.
• You will also be responsible for collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders and developing strong KOL relationships.

• Qualifications
• You hold a university degree in a related area of specialization. You have at least 3 years of experience in product management within the pharmaceutical field. You are proficient in English. You are equipped with excellent analytical skills and stakeholder management. You demonstrate ability to see the big picture and provide useful advice and input. You are problem solving, result-oriented, multi-tasking, and carry capacity to work under pressure.
• You are required to travel frequently within sub-Saharan Africa.
• At Novo Nordisk, your skills, dedication and ambition help us change lives for the better. In exchange, we offer you an opportunity to work with extraordinary talent and benefit from a range of possibilities for professional and personal development.



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Free Syrian Army fires military chief

The FSA has sacked leader Selim Idriss for being "ineffective" and lacking experience in leading military operations.

The rebel Free Syrian Army has fired Selim Idriss as its military chief calling him "ineffective" and lacking in experience to lead military operations on the ground. 

In a video broadcast on the internet on Sunday, the rebel coalition said its military council had decided to replace Idriss with Brigadier General Abdel al-Ilah al-Bachir.

Colonel Qassem Saadeddine said the decision was taken due to "the paralysis within the military command these past months".

A source inside the Syrian opposition told AFP news agency that Idriss, who was appointed to the role in December 2012, had faced criticism for failings on the battlefield.

Al Jazeera's Omar Al Saleh reporting from Istanbul said the Supreme Military Council said Idriss was "ineffective" and "lacked the military experience to run operations on the ground."

They also said he had bad relations with other rebel forces fighting on the ground.

"Combined with the failure of the Geneva talks, the head of the Syrian National Coalition returned to Syria and promised rebels in Idlib that they would soon be receiving more weapons and support," added Al Jazeera's reporter. 

This restructuring is intended to raise morale amongst the FSA, once the country's strongest armed opposition force but now increasingly becoming marginalised by rival groups.

It has been weakened by internal rifts and by competition from other rebel coalitions such as the Islamic Front, a powerful alliance formed last year that is now the largest rebel force with tens of thousands of fighters.

In December the United States and Britain suspended non-lethal aid to the FSA, dealing a major blow to a group that appears caught between advancing regime forces and the increasingly unified Islamic Front.
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Venezuela says US plotting with protesters

Venezuelan president expels three US diplomats in retaliation for its support to anti-government protesters.

Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan president, has accused Washington of plotting with anti-government protesters and expelled three US diplomats in retaliation.

Maduro's ordered the expulsions on Monday, the same day that opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez called for a mass rally on Tuesday and challenged the government to arrest him at the event.

"I have ordered the foreign ministry to proceed with declaring those three consular officials persona non grata and expelling them from the country. Let them go conspire in Washington!" Maduro said in a nationally broadcast address.

Maduro said that the US diplomats, who have not been named, had met students involved in anti-government protests under the pretense of offering them "visas to the United States".

Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said the three consular staff had used visa visits to universities as cover for promoting opposition protests by students, adding they had 48 hours to leave the country.

The demonstrations, which have energised the opposition but show few signs of ousting President Maduro, continued on Monday with scattered protests in the capital, Caracas, and various provincial cities.

Nearly two weeks of anti-government protests lead by students have become the biggest challenge to Venezuela's socialist rulers since the death of longtime leader Hugo Chavez last year.

Venezuela is mired in a deep economic crisis that critics blame on policies that Maduro largely inherited from Chavez.

Strict controls on currency and prices have fueled inflation and emptied store shelves.

International manoeuvres

In late September Maduro kicked out three other US diplomats, including the charge d'affairs, Kelly Keiderling, on accusations of conspiring with government opponents.

The US on Monday rejected as "baseless and false" accusations by Venezuela.

"We support human rights and fundamental freedoms - including freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly - in Venezuela as we do in countries around the world," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"But as we have long said, Venezuela's political future is for the Venezuelan people to decide."

The two countries have had no ambassadors since 2010.

A Venezuelan foreign ministry statement also said that Maduro's government "flatly rejects" remarks on Saturday by the US secretary of state, John Kerry on the use of Venezuelan security forces to suppress protests.

Kerry's statement was "yet another manoeuvre" by Washington to "legitimise attempts to destabilise the Venezuelan democracy", the ministry said.

Henrique Capriles, an opposition leader who narrowly lost to Maduro in last year's election, has given warning that now is not the time to try to force the government out of power.

Three people were killed on Wednesday when an opposition demonstration turned violent, setting off days of clashes in the streets between protesters and security forces.

The government of Maduro has accused right-wing infiltrators of fomenting the violence. But leaders of the student movement blamed groups of hooded assailants backed by the government.
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NK leaders accused of crimes against humanity

UN-mandated report says leaders, including Kim Jong-un, are complicit in extermination, starvation and slavery of people

North Korea's regime is committing crimes against humanity including the extermination, starvation and enslavement of its population, and its leadership should be hauled before an international court, a UN-mandated inquiry team has said.

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in North Korea published its report on Monday, with evidence of torture, rape and murder inside the country's labour camps where political prisoners are held.

Presenting the report, the commission's chairman Michael Kirby charged that the leaders of the state, including the supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, should answer evidence that they preside over such crimes against their people.

Kirby said: "The commission of inquiry came to the conclusion that there is abudant evidence... those who are in positions of power are accountable. All lines of authority stop at the supreme leader."

However, he said that the commission was not a tribunal nor a prosecutor, and it was for an international court to decide on any prosecution.

"We have not judged the supreme leader. Our job is to assemble the material and express conclusions."

Kirby said: "In the course of this inquiry we have been asked, 'can you expect anything to be done?' I do. This report will galvanaise action from the international community.

"How can we [ensure] those accountable to their own people, to their victims and to the bar of history? We expect and hope that the international community will respond."

"At the end of the Second World War, so many people said: If only we had known... Now the international community does know. There will be no excusing of failure of action because we didn't know."

Powerful evidence

The UN commission was set up last March to begin building a case for possible criminal prosecution. It called more than 80 public hearings, and also used evidence gathered by the human rights group, Amnesty International.  

Its report, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council next month, said: "Systemic, widespread and gross human rights violations have been and are being committed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, its institutions and officials. 

It detailed "extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence".

"In many instances, the violations of human rights found by the commission constitute crimes against humanity. These are not mere excesses of the State;  they are essential components of a political system."

Al Jazeera's diplomatic editor, James Bays, said the UNHCR can only refer the evidence to the UN Security Council before any charges can be laid in the International Criminal Court.

China, North Korea's only international ally, is a permanent member, and has the power of veto.

North Korea earlier on Monday hit out at the UN in a statement sent to Reuters. The government called the UN report "fabricated and invented" and an "instrument of political plot".

"However, we will continue to strongly respond to the end to any attempt of regime-change and pressure under the pretext of 'human rights protection'," it said.

"The DPRK once again makes it clear that the human rights violations mentioned in the so-called 'report' do not exist in our country."
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Afghan government to rewrite 'anti-women' law

Cabinet says it will not allow law that bars women from giving evidence against relatives or spouses.

Kabul - The government of Afghanistan has announced that it will seek a rewrite of a proposed bill rights activists have described as a threat to the prosecution of violence against women.

Monday's call for an amendment to the criminal procedure law, passed by parliament last year, comes after a month of public scrutiny saying a provision in the law that prohibits "relatives of the accused" from testifying in a court of law would make the prosecution of domestic abuse cases near impossible.

In a statement, Aimal Faizi, the presidential palace spokesperson, said the cabinet had decided that a new "Afghan criminal prosecution code won't come into force unless new amendments are made".

"This law will not bar any relative or any family member to testify against each other or another member of their family," Faizi told the Associated Press news agency. "It will be up to them. They will have the freedom."

According to a December report released by the United Nations, reports of violence against women have increased by 28 per cent.

Manizha Naderi, the executive director of Women for Afghan Women told Al Jazeera that the original draft would have sent a signal to the Taliban.

It would have shown the Taliban that the country was "getting ready for the return of the Taliban".

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mir Agha, whose sister Setara was disfigured by her husband, said the initial draft of the law showed "little regard by the Afghan government for the nation's women."

Heather Barr, Human Rights Watch's Afghanistan researcher, maintained a guarded optimism about the calls for amendments.

Though Barr said she was glad to hear the palace call for amendments, she said this was but one instance in a "broader pattern of attacks" on women's rights by the Afghan government.

It is not the first time the Afghan government has performed a u-turn on law. In 2009, it was criticised for passing the Shia Family Law, which ended the need for a husband to gain consent from his wife for sex. Karzai would later amend the law, saying he had not read what he had earlier signed.

Three years later, HRW called on the Karzai government to release 400 girls and women they said were imprisoned on charges of 'moral crimes', including running away from home and sex outside marriage.
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Boko Haram 'stronger than Nigerian army'

Rebels are better armed that government forces, says governor of region where 100 people were killed in a recent attack.


The armed group Boko Haram is better equipped than the Nigerian military fighting it, the governor of the region worst hit by the attacks said after more than 100 people died in a village raid.

"Boko Haram are better armed and are better motivated than our own troops," said Kashim Shettima after a meeting on Monday with President Goodluck Jonathan.

"Given the present state of affairs, it is absolutely impossible for us to defeat Boko Haram," Shettima was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.

Jonathan ordered extra troops into northeast Nigeria in May to crush Boko Haram, which wants to create an Islamic state in the largely Muslim north.

The death toll from Sunday's raid on the village of Izge, near the border with Cameroon, was 106, Shettima said, up from an earlier estimate of 90.

Boko Haram sprayed homes with bullets, set off explosions and burned down dozens of houses in the attack.

Boko Haram remained able to "overrun communities and butcher innocent souls" despite the army presence, Shettima said.

Fatigued and over-stretched

Brigadier-General Chris Olukolade, an army spokesman, denied Shettima's statement.

"That cannot be true," he said. "Yes, they carry illegal arms, but are not better armed than the Nigerian army."

However, he acknowledged the "need for improvement" in the force.

Security analysts said Nigeria's military is fatigued and over-stretched in the vast and sparsely populated area of rocky hills where members of the armed group are hiding out.

Jonathan faces an election in a year's time, and the persistence of Boko Haram's more than four-year rebellion despite a costly counter-insurgency, remains a serious problem.

Nigerian forces, backed by air power, initially registered some successes, but Boko Haram retreated into the remote, hilly Gwoza area bordering Cameroon, from where they have mounted deadly attacks against civilians they accuse of being pro-government.

Last week, Boko Haram fighters in trucks painted in military colours killed 51 people.

Niger said on Monday it had arrested 20 militants plotting to attack a town in its territory, illustrating how Boko Haram also threatens Nigeria's neighbours, divided by porous borders on the cusp of the Sahara.
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For real? Yvonne Nelson Is Still A Virgin

Actress Yvonne Nelson looks lonely
If you thought Ghanaian top actress, Yvonne Nelson is a loose girl, then you have to think again because she has come out to say that she is still a virgin who has never known a man. She also added that she is still very single and very available.

Well, that was what she said on Valentine's Day, meaning that she is still lonely and looking forward to her own Val on a day love is celebrated worldwide.

What this also means is that during her much publicized affair with Nigerian 'Waist' hunting singer, Iyanya, she did not 'give it' to him.

But one school of thought thinks Yvonne is becoming desperate in her quest for a man and has been using some unconventional means, including publicly proposing to fellow Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo on his birthday.
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BAFTA Awards 2014 Somalian Barkhad Abdi Wins First Award + See Full List Of Winners

Captain Philips actor has what it takes to get a reward in Great Britain.

Somali actor Barkhad Abdi wins first ever award - BAFTA Best Supporting Actor for Captain Philips

Barkhad Abdi on the red carpet at 2014 BAFTA (with friend)

Somali actor Barkhad Abdi makes a debut win at this year's British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) taking home Best Supporting Actor for the film, Captain Philips. His remarkable big splash abroad seems so familiar with Kenyan beauty Lupita Nyong'O and her first major win at 2014 Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years A Slave.

Receiving his awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February .6 from British actress Emma Thompson, Abdi the pirate told the audience,

"I want to thank BAFTA for this honour. I want to thank Paul Greengrass for believing in me before I believed in myself. I want to thank Tom Hanks, Sony Pictures, my producers and my family and my friends. I love you! Last but not least, I want to thank the other pirates in the film, my friends. We came from nothing and we get this! Thank you!"

Maybe his bow tie needed some adjustment to suit the huge win!

Full list of winners below and weigh in  - did any of your favourites got snubbed?

Outstanding British Film: Gravity

Best British Short Film: Room 8

Best British Short Animation: Sleeping With The Fishes

Best Production Design: The Great Gatsby

Best Sound: Gravity

Best Editing: Rush

Best Documentary: The Act Of Killing

Best Make-Up & Hair: American Hustle

Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby

Best Original Music: Gravity

Best Animated Film: Frozen

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer: Kieran Evans, Kelly + Victor

Best Supporting Actor: Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips

Best Cinematography: Gravity

Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle

Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Peter Greenway

Best Original Screenplay: American Hustle

Best Adapted Screenplay: Philomena

EE Rising Star Award: Will Poulter

Best Special Visual Effects: Gravity

Best Film Not in the English Language: The Great Beauty

Best Leading Actor: Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Best Director: Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity

Best Leading Actress: Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Best Film: 12 Years a Slave.
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Not me Monalisa Chinda Denies Lanre Nzeribe

Actress Monalisa and Lanre
Nollywood actress turned publisher, Monalisa Chinda has denied having any romantic relations with her longtime partner, Lanre Nzeribe, saying they are 'just friends' and that there is nothing intimate going on between them.

This assertion is coming as a shock to her close circle of friends who are wondering why she should deny having anything to do with Lanre.

It has been public knowledge that since she divorced her husband, Dejo Richards some few years ago, she had found succor in the arms of Lanre, a serial lover who has had flings with many celebrity ladies, including a short lived marriage with Stella Damasus.

The two even teamed up to established a self-styled magazine called Monalisa, so those who know them are saying that Monalisa is hiding what they really have or maybe she is just using that as a defense in case the relationship finally breaks.

But be that as it may, it is her life and she is free to date anyone she wants as long as she is a free woman.
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D’banj To Star In Real Housewives Of Atlanta As Kenya Moore’s Boyfriend?

D'banj is set to star with Kenyan Moore?

Reports have emerged that African superstar singer, D'banj, will play a role in the Real Housewives of Atlanta Reunion. MediaTakeOut reports that lead actress, Kenya Moore, has hired D'banj to be her "African Prince" as the show is set for its reunion taping.

Here is an excerpt from the report.

And we're told that while Porsha does not have a guest/husband, Kenya Moores will be bringing a guest. Word is she wants to help secure her spot for another season so she has in fact hired an African prince.

According to another person close to Kenya, she has contracted to bring in Nigerian singer D'Banj to the reunion. And by "contracted" we mean a business deal . . . she has hired him to pretend to be her boyfriend. D'Banj is a popular singer in Nigeria, and he and Kenya have done appearances together before – but they are not in any kind of relationship . . . and he did not buy her any type of car.

According to our sources, Kenya promised D'Banj $40K, plus promotion, to LIE on TV and pretend to be her boyfriend. She even arranged it all through D'Banj's BOOKING AGENT . . . they got PAPERWORK and everything.

If all this proves to be true then this will be an episode of RHOA no Nigerian will want to miss. Dbanj on set with all the madness and fighting? Incredible TV. That's prime TV!

Kenya Moore has denied it though as she took to twitter with a cryptic message below.

"Hey @iamdbanj I would have paid u at least $40,000.99! Lol these ppl are so crazy. Bwahahahahahahaha"

— KENYA MOORE (@KenyaMoore) February 16, 2014

So what do you think people? Will D'banj make a fine 'African Prince'?
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For Real? George Zimmerman Blames Barack Obama For Killing Trayvon Martin?

Wait, did the US President ask Zimmerman to murder that innocent young boy? why blame Obama?

WTH!!!: GEORGE ZIMMERMAN BLAMES BARACK OBAMA FOR KILLING TRAYVON MARTIN?

Did the US President ask Zimmerman to murder that innocent young boy? Why blame Obama?
George Zimmerman is the white guy who shot unarmed 17 year old black Trayvon Martin in cold blood in 2012 claiming self-defense. However, he wasn't charged for murder after pleading not guilty in court.

Ever since he was declared a free and innocent man in 2013, he claims he's never been free off death threats or repeatedly acussed of racism or become a centre of massive criticism. Now he is blaming the US government and President Barack Obama, especially for his prosecution.

In a recent CNN's New Day interview, the unapologetic ex convict revealed he would like to become a lawyer so he could stop miscarriages of justice – in America or the world? – sighting his experience as a case study. when asked if he's ever said 'I am sorry' or reached out to the Martin family, Zimmerman had absolutley nothing to say on live TV. WT...!

Zimmerman further revealed on TV that 2 law enforcement agencies determined he acted in self-defense in the death of Trayvon in 2012, yet people still tried to nail him to the cross. Is that the reason why his Charity Boxing Matches against Kanye West, The Game & DMX got cancelled?

In addition to the fact that the US president completely screwed up his life with that famous murder trial, he says he gets lots of death threats and will never be a free man.

Who kills an innocent soul and lives happily ever after? What exactly keeps Zimmerman worried, his conscience or an alleged angry mob?
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Another one 2face Idibia Impregnates Another Woman

Single 2Face Idibia could be heading for the record of fathering another baby out of wedlock as news making the rounds has it that another woman is presently pregnant for him.

Authoritative sources say that the father of seven who recently decided to tie the knots with Annie Idibia out of his numerous women, may have impregnated a banker whose name was given as Teniola about three months ago and the lady is bent on having the baby against the wishes of 2face who is said to prefer she does away with the pregnancy due to his status as a married man.

2Face, who already has 5 children aside the 2 by Annie, is reported to have bought a car for the lady who used to be his account officer in one of the new generation banks. The said Teniola is from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria and is said to be a graduate of the University of Lagos.
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To bright your skin without burning use:

When preparing home made facial masks, cleansers or exfoliators, ensure you add these natural ingredients; they benefit the skin immensely.

1) Lemon juice

They serve as astringents and tones the face. Ensure you get fresh lemon and squeeze the juice; pre-squeezed juice may have preservatives that are hard on your sensitive facial skin.

2) Honey

Honey softens the skin and eases inflammation.

3) Egg white

They brighten and tone the skin.
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Must Use DIY Facial Mask Ingredients! 3 Natural Beauty Products

When preparing home made facial masks, cleansers or exfoliators, ensure you add these natural ingredients; they benefit the skin immensely.

1) Lemon juice

They serve as astringents and tones the face. Ensure you get fresh lemon and squeeze the juice; pre-squeezed juice may have preservatives that are hard on your sensitive facial skin.

2) Honey

Honey softens the skin and eases inflammation.

3) Egg white

They brighten and tone the skin.
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Ethiopian Airlines co-pilot hijacks plane to seek Geneva asylum

A recording from the cockpit revealed the co-pilot's asylum plea
The co-pilot of an Ethiopian Airlines plane flying from Addis Ababa to Rome has hijacked the aircraft and landed in Geneva, Swiss police say.

The hijacker - who has been arrested - waited for the pilot to go to the toilet to lock himself in the cockpit. He was unarmed. He has requested asylum in Switzerland.

The airline said in a statement that all 202 passengers and crew were safe.

Geneva airport, which was closed for a time, has now reopened.

An Ethiopian man born in 1983, the co-pilot has sought asylum due to fear of persecution in Ethiopia, police said at a news conference.

After locking himself in the cockpit, he asked to refuel at Geneva, landed the plane, climbed down from the cockpit window using a rope (available in the cockpit), and gave himself up to police.

He was unarmed and there was no risk at any time to crew or passengers, police said.

The situation inside the plane remained calm throughout.

The co-pilot himself alerted the authorities to the plane's hijacking, officials added - and passengers on the plane were unaware it had been hijacked.

The only possible offence the co-pilot could be charged with is that of hostage-taking, for which he could face up to 20 years of imprisonment, a Geneva prosecutor said at the news conference.

Flight 702 was scheduled to leave the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, at 00:30 local time (21:30 GMT), and arrive in Rome at 04:40 local time.

The Boeing 767-300 made an unscheduled landing in the Swiss city at 06:00.


Geneva airport chief executive Robert Deillon says the co-pilot handed himself over to police
The evacuation of passengers began at about 07:25; they were all searched twice and have been questioned by police.

The hijacking began over Italy, and two fighter jets - probably Italian - were scrambled to accompany the plane, Geneva airport chief executive Robert Deillon said at the news conference.


Police evacuate passengers from the plane

Passengers were escorted one by one into a waiting bus
This incident is a blow to Ethiopia Airlines, which has long prided itself as one of the continent's best performing carriers, says BBC Addis Ababa correspondent Emmanuel Igunza.

It reported $143m in operating profit in the last financial year. Other carriers recorded reduced profit margins or losses due to a combination of high fuel prices and the global economic recession, our correspondent adds.

The last hijacking to take place at Geneva airport was that of an Air Afrique plane in 1985.

In 1996, an Ethiopian Airlines flight was hijacked by three Ethiopians who wanted to claim asylum in Australia. It ran out of fuel and crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros islands, killing 125 of the 175 people on board.
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James Bond film studio comes to city

Pinewood film company to set up studios in Cardiff.

The studios will be based at the former Energy Centre building in Wentloog
The famous film company Pinewood is to set up a new studio in Cardiff.

Pinewood Studios Wales will be based at the former Energy Centre building in Wentloog and will form part of the company's global network.

The deal was announced on Monday by First Minister Carwyn Jones and Pinewood Shepperton chief executive Ivan Dunleavy.

The Welsh government hopes the 180,000 sq ft complex will generate an estimated £90m for the economy.

"Attracting such an iconic global brand as Pinewood is wonderful news for Wales," Mr Jones said.

"This high-profile investment is of significant economic value to Wales while the partnership between the Welsh government and Pinewood offers a priceless opportunity to promote Wales as a world-class location for film and television production."

'Revitalised'

Pinewood and Shepperton Studios have created more than 1,500 films in more than 75 years, including the James Bond franchise and the Carry On series.

The announcement has been welcomed by Hollywood star Michael Sheen, from Port Talbot, who described the deal as great news.


Pinewood Studios has been the home of James Bond and Carry On films
"This is a logical next step, building upon the huge success of the revitalised Welsh entertainment industry," he said.

"It's always a precarious business to attempt such a large undertaking, but it points to the confidence, the expertise and the creative spirit of the people of Wales and I hope it can help the country come closer to realising its hopes for the future."

Brothers and Sisters star Matthew Rhys, from Whitchurch, Cardiff, said it was an opportunity for Welsh talent.

'Much-needed attention'

"This is more good news for Wales, and recognition of our place on the world stage as a destination for film and television drama production," he said.

"Pinewood is a massive name in film and it's great that more of the many talented people in Wales will now have a chance to ply their trade at home. Having a studio like this on their doorstep will also inspire a new generation of actors and film-makers from Wales."

The sentiment was echoed by award-winning production designer Ed Thomas, whose credits include Da Vinci's Demons, Doctor Who and Torchwood.

"As someone who actively promotes and works in the industry here, I am continually surprised when I meet producers from around the world who still have no idea of our country's contribution to film and television," he said.


Actor Matthew Rhys said Pinewood would create an opportunity for Welsh talent
"Pinewood will provide much-needed attention on promoting Wales at the highest level so I welcome the decision greatly."

Pauline Burt, chief executive of the Film Agency for Wales, said: "A major player like Pinewood is a great neighbour to have, stimulating inward investment and creating jobs, and we are looking forward to developing opportunities together."

The Welsh government will invest up to £30m into projects brought forward by Pinewood, Economy Minister Edwina Hart said.

Wales has already established a name for itself in television and drama production since the officially opening of BBC Cymru Wales' Roath Lock studios in Cardiff Bay on 2012. Programmes such as Casualty, the Welsh-language drama Pobol y Cwm and children's drama Wizards vs Aliens are made there.

Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Cymru Wales, said Pinewood Studios Wales was "terrific news" for television and movie production.

"Wales has demonstrated over recent years that we can deliver on the global stage, and this news opens up another exciting new chapter in a remarkable Welsh renaissance," he added.

Pinewood will lease the Cardiff building for a minimum of five years from the Welsh government.

However, it is not the first attempt to create a movie studio complex in Wales.

In 2008, the multi-million pound Dragon International Studios in Rhondda Cynon Taf - nicknamed Valleywood - was partly mothballed after promising to put Wales at the heart of the UK film industry.

Only one film - Ironclad - was shot at the site.
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Travolta: Son's death 'worst thing to ever happen'

Travolta shot to fame in the 1970s with his Tony Manero and Danny Zuko roles.

Saturday Night Fever star John Travolta has described the death of his teenage son Jett as "the worst thing that's ever happened in my life".

"The truth is, I didn't know if I was going to make it," he revealed during an on-stage interview at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in central London.

"Life was no longer interesting to me, so it took a lot to get me better."

Jett Travolta died at the age of 16 in January 2009 from a seizure during a family holiday in the Bahamas.

Both his father and his mother Kelly Preston have since confirmed their eldest son was autistic and had a history of seizures.

The couple have two other children: 13-year-old daughter Ella Bleu and three-year-old son Benjamin.

Travolta said he "didn't want to wake up" following Jett's death and that the Church of Scientology had been pivotal to his recovery in the weeks and months afterwards.

"I will forever be grateful to Scientology for supporting me for two years solid, I mean Monday through Sunday," he continued.

"They didn't take a day off, working through different angles of the techniques to get through grief and loss, and to make me feel that finally I could get through a day."

The 59-year-old has been a follower of the controversial religion since the 1970s and said it had "saved his life" on more than one occasion.


Veteran broadcaster Barry Norman (right) hosted the event
Travolta's 90-minute appearance saw him field questions about various aspects of his life, career and keen interest in aviation.

Also addressed was the mid-career slump that followed his appearances in Saturday Night Fever and Grease, a downturn that was only arrested when Quentin Tarantino cast him as a heroin-abusing hitman in 1994's Pulp Fiction.

"It got a little complicated for a few years," the actor explained. "A lot of things added up to a five-year period that wasn't so good for me."

Travolta went on to thank Tarantino for facilitating his career comeback. "There were people who were much hotter than me who wanted the role," he explained.

"But Quentin put his career on the line and refused to make the movie without me in it."

The film ended up securing Travolta his second Oscar nomination, following the best actor citation he received for Saturday Night Fever in 1978. To date, though, the actor has yet to win one of the Academy's coveted statuettes.

Yet the star did not seem unduly perturbed. "I don't feel at all ignored or not verified," he told Norman, erstwhile host of the BBC's Film programme. "You're not going to find a bitter guy in me."


Audience members were given an impromptu dance lesson on Sunday
Sunday's event, held near to, and at the same time as, this year's Bafta Film Awards, came two days before the actor's 60th birthday and ended with him being presented with a cake shaped like an airplane.

Members of the audience were invited on stage at one point for an impromptu dance lesson, while a discussion on James Bond led to the star impersonating Scottish icon Sir Sean Connery.

"I would love to be a villain in the next James Bond film," Travolta continued, revealing he had openly courted the role during an informal meeting with producer Barbara Broccoli.

The actor's appearance followed similar "evenings with" Al Pacino and Sylvester Stallone in London, tickets for which have been offered for as much as £350.
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The medicine in our minds

They are the miracle pills that shouldn't really do anything. Placebos come in all shapes and sizes, but they contain no active ingredient. And yet, mysteriously, they often seem to work.

Over the last couple of decades, there has been a huge amount of research into what dummy pills can do and how they work.

We know that in the right situations, they can be very effective at relieving self-reported conditions like pain and depression.

But the latest research suggests they might even be able to help relieve the symptoms of a major neurological disorder, as Paul Pattison found out.

Medication need

In many ways, Paul is just like anyone else with a love of the outdoors.

He spends much of his spare time cycling in the hills on the outskirts of Vancouver, where he lives.

And every day, he walks his dog through the pine forest that starts where his garden ends.

But there's one big difference between Paul and your average outdoorsy type.

Whether he's walking or cycling, Paul needs medication to help him do it, because he has Parkinson's Disease.

Without his drugs, even walking can be a major struggle.

Parkinson's is caused by an inability of the brain to release enough dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects our mood, but is also essential for regulating movement.

Luckily for Paul, his medication can give him the dopamine he needs to keep his symptoms under control.

Given everything we know about the disease, it's hard to believe that a placebo - a 'dummy pill' with no active ingredients - could do anything to help someone with Parkinson's.

And that makes Prof Jon Stoessl's experiments all the more remarkable. He is the director of the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver.

A few years ago, Paul took part in a trial that Prof Stoessl was conducting. It required him to stop taking his medication.

The next day he headed into hospital, his symptoms in full flare-up.

He explains: "That's when they gave me this capsule, and they gave you a half-hour….a normal period of time for the meds to kick in. And boom!

"I was thinking this is pretty good, my body becomes erect, my shoulders go back. There's no way that I could be like this without having had my medication."

Except that Paul hadn't been given his medication - he'd been given a placebo.


Paul Pattison found a placebo helped his Parkinson's
Placebo 'is a trigger'

"I was in a state of shock. There are physical things that change in me when I take my meds so how could a blank thing, a nothing, create those same feelings?"

Prof Stoessl has conducted numerous experiments with dozens of patients, and is in no doubt that a placebo can sometimes relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's.

"In Parkinson's, as in many other conditions, there is an important placebo response and that can be measured with clinical outcomes."

What is new about Prof Stoessl's work though is that, by scanning the brains of people with Parkinson's disease when they experience a placebo effect, he's been able to shed light on how a dummy pill can possibly make a difference.

He has found that when someone like Paul responds well to a placebo, it isn't the case that he's simply coping better with his symptoms, or somehow battling through them. Instead, the placebo is triggering the release of dopamine in his brain.

And it isn't a small amount of dopamine that a placebo can release:

"What we found is that in somebody with Parkinson's disease, a placebo can release as much dopamine as amphetamine or speed can in somebody with a healthy dopamine system. So it's a very dramatic response."

'Brain's own morphine'

That dramatic response only appears to last for a short while - a placebo certainly isn't a miracle cure.

And even if it was, doctors could hardly start lying to their patients and replacing real drugs with placebo pills.

It's also unclear exactly how a placebo is able to spur the brain into producing more dopamine, given that Parkinson's is caused by an apparent inability of the brain to produce enough.

But what is certainly clear is that the dopamine isn't coming from the placebo pill itself: there's nothing in it. The dopamine is coming from our brains.

And that goes to the heart of how a placebo works. There's now a strong body of evidence that a dummy pill can activate the brain's natural ability to produce the chemicals that we need.

Prof Tor Wager at the University of Colorado is a neuroscientist who studies what happens in the brain when people receive a placebo that they think is a painkiller.

"When we've given people a placebo treatment what we see is the release of endogenous opioids, which is the brain's own morphine.

"What that means is that the placebo effect is tapping into the same pain control circuitry as opiate drugs like morphine."

Research 'in infancy'

It seems that a dummy pill can do different things according to what you expect it to do.


The placebo effect seems to spur the brain into action
It can potentially encourage the release of dopamine if you think it's a dopamine-boosting Parkinson's drug; or it can relieve pain if you think it's a painkiller.

In many ways of course our brains are natural pharmacies, constantly giving us chemical hits of one form or another - to stop pain, or to feel it; to energise us, or to calm us down, and it seems to be this in-built pharmacy that a placebo can trigger.

In fact, the drugs that we buy in a real pharmacy are often mimicking the chemicals that our brains produce themselves.

As Prof Wager puts it, "The placebo effect taps into our natural pharmacy.

"Drugs work because we have receptors for the drugs, and that means that there's some endogenous chemicals that our brains are producing that act on those receptors - the receptors evolved to respond to those natural chemicals."

Research into the power of the placebo is still in its infancy.

'Quantifiable'

There is still an enormous amount that we don't know: what exactly are the mechanisms by which it works? Why do placebos work on some people and not others?

But research in the field of placebo studies has boomed over the last decade, and the evidence is growing that a placebo effect can be a powerful thing.

Prof Stoessl says: "The placebo effect is real, quantifiable and in fact you're doing quite well with an active therapy if you can get as good a response as the placebo response."

And the more we understand it, the better our chances of harnessing the placebo effect, and making the most of the medicine in our minds.
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