Bird Flu infects Togo

An outbreak of Bird flu has been confirmed in the town of Agbata few miles away from the capital Lome, Togolese health authorities say. The virus was detected in a poultry farm that houses some more than 4,500 birds but could not confirm how many of these birds have already been affected by the virus.Over 235 people have lost their lives world wide since 2003 for bird flu infections according to World Health Organisations figures. The virus was also detected in Two States in the Northern towns of Katsina and Kano Nigeria the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) announced recently. Health Authorities in West Africa are worried about this new development. ‘’It could well be that there are other channels for virus introduction like: international trade for example or illegal and unreported movement of poultry. This increase the risk of avian influenza spread to other countries in Western Africa’’ says Scot Newman Of the International Wild Life, FAO Animal Health Service.The detection of the new avian influenza raises some serious concern to the continent.

Zimbabwe resorts to foreign currency

Goods would soon be sold in foreign currencies as part the Zimbabwean government’s plan to curb inflation which is now 20 million percent. Traders have been frequently visiting neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Botswana to buy groceries due to the rising cost of living in the country.“We have watched and observed with heavy hearts the suffering of fellow Zimbabweans as they wait at the borders as they bring in basic commodities since they are scarcely available on the local market” the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor, Dr Gideon Gono said.He said local producers would now export their products to licensed retailers and wholesalers who will be selling the goods in foreign currency. The Reserve Bank Governor said the programme would have a life span of 18 months to March 31, 2010, a time when the nation will be preparing for the world football showcase in South Africa.The move comes at a time when the country is facing chronic shortages of basic foodstuff and fuel. The government has also implemented quite a number of programmes to curb the rampant increase of prices.Last year the government invoked price cuts but the result was dangerous as it wiped out goods and services from the shelves prompting thousands to look beyond the borders for groceries.

SABC poised for World Cup 2010

Africans are assured of better picture signals on their Television sets during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the official broadcaster of the world’s biggest football fiesta said it is well prepared to beam the matches live.SABC made the remarks on Tuesday in Grahamstown at the ongoing 12th Highway Africa conference, which is under the theme “Citizen Journalism, Journalism for Citizens.”Speaking to the delegates from over 40 countries during a live broadcast on SA FM on their readiness, SABC’s General Manager of Marketing and Communications Peter Kwele said the institution has lined up several programmes to be beamed to the entire African continent.Kwele stressed that SABC is working on providing rural areas with World Cup coverage adding that they have already commenced with the setting up of the Digital Terrestrial Television to ensure that those who have no access should have it by 2010.He said the World Cup, the first to be held in Africa, was is opportunity of beginning the whole process of integrating the African continent hence all hands must be on deck for a successful tournament. Also, SABC’s Head of International Affairs Phil Molefe, said the entire Africa is part of the whole process of the 2010 World Cup and that South Africa was just providing facilities. He said SABC along with South African Broadcasting Association (SABA) has introduced five African Legacy Projects that aim to develop strategic partnerships and mobilize support from other African countries.When asked about the issue of xenophobic attacks and frequent blackouts in South Africa, he said that they have put in place various strategies to address it. He reiterated the need for all Africa media to brace themselves up for the task ahead. “South Africa is the stage, but the entire continent is the theatre,” he said.

Movie stars wanted in Freetown

The search for new movie stars has kicked off in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown last weekend. The programme dubbed “The Next Movie Star” aims at discovering future actors and actresses in the West Africa region. Two people would be selected to represent Sierra Leone.The CEO of Digital Interactive Media, Sola Fajobi said the reality television show will be a 30-day of auditioning, fun and excitement which would run in Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The series would be broadcast on MNET (DSTV) and ABCTV of Sierra Leone.According to report NMS is estimated at $4 million dollars. The talent star search will be organizing a three-week long show for 16 young talented actors between the ages of 16 to 30 who wish to explore their acting skills. The main objective is to scout and promote new talents in the sub-region. The final winner would be named in Lagos, Nigeria. He is expected to take home a brand new car, three-year movie contracts, and a cash price of $5,000. All 16 contestants who will meet in Lagos will win different prices according to the organizers and the first three will bag a fully paid up trip to the U.K.