President Goodluck Jonathan has removed the Group Managing Director of
NNPC, Mr Andrew Yakubu.The President has also appointed Joseph Dawha
GMD of NNPC while Anthony Muoneke has been appointed Managing Director
of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company.Aisha Abdulrahaman and
Attahir Yusuf have also been appointed as Executive Directors in NNPC.
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Ebola: FG stops corpses of Nigerians
The Federal Government will no longer allow the remains of dead
Nigerians, especially from countries battling Ebola virus, from being
brought into the country for burial.
The Federal Government is also probing the corpse of a Nigerian that
was brought into the country from Liberia last month to ascertain
whether the deceased died of Ebola or not.
The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Professor
Abdulsalami Nasidi, said this on Friday in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Nasidi said, "The Federal Government has issued a directive that no
dead body should be brought into the country, especially from
neighbouring infected countries in view of the rampaging Ebola
outbreak in West Africa.
"The order will be communicated to the affected countries through
diplomatic channels."
On the Nigerian that was brought into the country, Nasidi said the
remains was brought into the country on 21 July, 2014 from Liberia and
conveyed from Lagos to Anambra State and deposited in a private
mortuary.
He said, "A team of experts, including those from the World Health
Organisation, have been despatched to Anambra State to investigate
whether the deceased died of Ebola.
"All the handler of the corpse brought into the country from Liberia
will be registered and tracked.
"Those who accompanied the corpse to Anambra and the mortuary handlers
are in quarantine in Anambra State. Our team in Anambra State will
give us the statistics of those who came in contact with the corpse
tomorrow (Saturday).
"If the corpse in Anambra State tested positive, we have been given
two options by the World Health Organisation. We can either cremate or
bury it. For corpses that would be buried, they will be placed in a
bag, disinfected, while the grave must be two meters deep."
Nasidi added that so far, 70 contacts had been established to have
come in contact with Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who died of
Ebola in Lagos recently, saying that the contacts were being monitored
to see if they would develop Ebola-like symptom.
He disclosed that two of the contacts that were brought down with
fever had been tested and found negative to Ebola infection.
"But that does not mean that we will stop. We will continue to place
them under observation until we are satisfied that they are free. They
were part of the 70 established contacts. First, it was 59, it
increased to 69 and yesterday (Thursday), we had another. And this
increased the number to 70."
Nasidi said there was no specific cure for Ebola virus.
"We treat the symptoms. If we say that there is no cure, the patients
will not come to the hospital. There is no specific drug for Ebola
virus. But we can use other drugs to save an infected person. On early
intervention, three out four cases survive but if they come late, one
out of four survive," he said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the
government had stepped up measures to screen incoming passengers to
Nigeria to identify any traveller with symptoms in airports, seaports
and border crossing.
He added, "Nigerians must remain vigilant and strengthen surveillance
in order to identify potential cases of EVD so that care can be given
both patients and their communities and protect the population."
"An Ebola reporting system has been activated in order o facilitate
early identification of suspected Ebola cases."
Nigerians, especially from countries battling Ebola virus, from being
brought into the country for burial.
The Federal Government is also probing the corpse of a Nigerian that
was brought into the country from Liberia last month to ascertain
whether the deceased died of Ebola or not.
The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Professor
Abdulsalami Nasidi, said this on Friday in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Nasidi said, "The Federal Government has issued a directive that no
dead body should be brought into the country, especially from
neighbouring infected countries in view of the rampaging Ebola
outbreak in West Africa.
"The order will be communicated to the affected countries through
diplomatic channels."
On the Nigerian that was brought into the country, Nasidi said the
remains was brought into the country on 21 July, 2014 from Liberia and
conveyed from Lagos to Anambra State and deposited in a private
mortuary.
He said, "A team of experts, including those from the World Health
Organisation, have been despatched to Anambra State to investigate
whether the deceased died of Ebola.
"All the handler of the corpse brought into the country from Liberia
will be registered and tracked.
"Those who accompanied the corpse to Anambra and the mortuary handlers
are in quarantine in Anambra State. Our team in Anambra State will
give us the statistics of those who came in contact with the corpse
tomorrow (Saturday).
"If the corpse in Anambra State tested positive, we have been given
two options by the World Health Organisation. We can either cremate or
bury it. For corpses that would be buried, they will be placed in a
bag, disinfected, while the grave must be two meters deep."
Nasidi added that so far, 70 contacts had been established to have
come in contact with Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who died of
Ebola in Lagos recently, saying that the contacts were being monitored
to see if they would develop Ebola-like symptom.
He disclosed that two of the contacts that were brought down with
fever had been tested and found negative to Ebola infection.
"But that does not mean that we will stop. We will continue to place
them under observation until we are satisfied that they are free. They
were part of the 70 established contacts. First, it was 59, it
increased to 69 and yesterday (Thursday), we had another. And this
increased the number to 70."
Nasidi said there was no specific cure for Ebola virus.
"We treat the symptoms. If we say that there is no cure, the patients
will not come to the hospital. There is no specific drug for Ebola
virus. But we can use other drugs to save an infected person. On early
intervention, three out four cases survive but if they come late, one
out of four survive," he said.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the
government had stepped up measures to screen incoming passengers to
Nigeria to identify any traveller with symptoms in airports, seaports
and border crossing.
He added, "Nigerians must remain vigilant and strengthen surveillance
in order to identify potential cases of EVD so that care can be given
both patients and their communities and protect the population."
"An Ebola reporting system has been activated in order o facilitate
early identification of suspected Ebola cases."
Judicial workers suspend strike
Judicial workers suspend strike and courts to reopen on or before Aug.
4, after an MoU between JUSUN, Labour and Productivity Minister and
other stakeholders.
4, after an MoU between JUSUN, Labour and Productivity Minister and
other stakeholders.
Friday, 1 August 2014
Return boarding system: Osun parents give Aregbesola five days ultimatum
five-day ultimatum to the state government to return boarding
facilities to public schools where they existed before the
introduction of the new education system in the state.
The parents, under the aegis of the Parent/Teacher Association (PTA),
threatened to embark on protest if the government failed to return the
facilities before the end of the ultimatum.
The state Chairman of PTA, Dr. Ademola Ekundayo. who received the
protesting parents in his office in Osogbo, appealed for calm, saying
their request would be channelled to the appropriate quarters.
The parents, however, insisted that boarding schools should continue
as it was the situation before Governor Rauf Aregbesola closed all
boarding facilities in the state.
The state government had in its Schools Reclassification Programme
closed down the boarding system in public secondary schools.
Apparently uncomfortable with the new education system, parents had
called for a reverse of the system.
The PTA chairman, who also restated the need for the return of
boarding system to public schools, said the leadership of the
association had met with the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Tomori,
on the matter.
He noted that the intention of the state government to hand over
boarding facilities in public schools to private investors would not
favour parents, as the financial implication of such system would be
cumbersome. He appealed to the state government to act fast on the
matter before the parents would protest against the system.
Suarez Biting Ban Appeal Slated for August 8
hearing on Luis Suarez's four-month biting ban.
Cas have fixed Friday, August 8 for the hearing of an appeal against a
four-month ban handed the new Barcelona striker for biting at the
World Cup.
The Uruguay international forward was served the aforementioned
punishment by the world football governing body, Fifa, for biting
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during a group stage match at the
soccer showpiece.
Fifa Has Handed Luis Suarez a Four-Month Ban for Biting Italian
Defender Giorgio Chiellini. Image: Getty Image. Fifa had rejected an
initial appealby the Uruguayan FA against the 27-year-old's
suspension.
However, Suarez's lawyer insists the punishment is "draconian,
totalitarian and fascist"and- on-behalf of the striker- partnered
with Uruguay and Barcelona, the Spanish club that signed the
ex-Liverpool manlast month to file an appeal.
A verdict could be announced by the end of the week following the hearing.
Suarez is not expected to make an appearance in any "football-related
activities"- including training with his new club or enter the
confines of a stadium until the end of October, as clearly spelt out
in the terms of the suspension.
Suarez is also banned from nine international fixtures, and was fined
to the tune of 100,000 Swiss francs (£66,000).
Barcelona begins the new La Liga season on 24 August.
Over N60 Billion Were Raised To Help Boko Haram Victims
by government, individuals and groups for the rehabilitation of
victims of terror attacks across the country.
Over 13,000 people have been killed in attacks by the Boko Haram sect
while hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and
thousands of property destroyed.
According to President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke at the fund
raising dinner on Thursday Night, his government would neither "give
in to nor give up on terrorism" but will rise up to the occasion and
"defeat the evil philosophy" which the terrorists represent.
President Jonathan announced the federal government donated N10
billion to the fund.
"The fight against terrorists, Nigeria and Nigerians have two choices:
to sit down and bemoan the action of terrorists or stand up and fight
it. By this fund raising initiative, we have chosen the later," the
President said.
He added: "Those who are trying to destroy the future of Nigeria on
the basis of ethnicity and religion are missing the point. Injury to
one Nigerian is injury to all of us. Discomfort to any part of Nigeria
is discomfort to the rest of the country.
"We want a peaceful country where everybody is happy. We must all must
work to bequeath a country of justice to our children," he added."
The president said although Nigeria was going through a very difficult
phase in its history, the country would triumph over the terrorists.
"We will defeat terror and I will lead Nigerians to do it," he said,
adding that no effort would be spared in ensuring that the abducted
Chibok school girls are brought back safe and alive.
According to the President, the terrorists that attack churches and
mosques have proven that they are enemies of all Nigerians and
Nigerians must unite to defeat them.
Some of the largest donors on Thursday night include Theophilus
Danjuma, $10 million; Aliko Dangote, N1 billion; Jim Ovia, N1 billion;
Tony Elumelu, N2.5 billion; Mike Adenuga, N1 billion; Wale Tinubu, N1
billion; Arthur Eze, $5 million; Mohammed Ndimi, $5 million; Kabiru
Rabiu, N500 million; Dahiru Mangal N500 million; and Folorunsho
Alakija, N500 million.
Others include a group of oil sector players, N17 billion; bankers N15
billion, telecom sector players N1 billion; state governors, N3.7
billion; and ministers, N50 million.
After 10 Years Together, Kanu Nwankwo And Wife Celebrates Birthday
today celebrates his birthday with his lovely wife Amarachi.
He and his wife are photographed enjoying the day together in their London home.
They have been married now for 10 years but the love between them is
still strong between the cute couple.
Kanu Nwankwo had played for Ajax, Inter, Arsenal and Portsmouth.
He was voted Nigeria's greatest player by fans in a recent poll.
Chibok Girls May Have Been Been Forced And Made Suicide Bombers - Group
terrorists where 14 people died and many injured.
A group, Centre For the Advocacy of Justice and Rights, has released a
press statement and said that these female suicide bombers might be
the Chibok girls who were forced to do the evil act.
The female suicide bombers have attacked Kano metropolis and are
suspected to be the Chibok girls who were forcefully taken over 100
days ago.
The statement signed by it's programme officer, Pwakim Choji read: our
greatest fear is that we hope it is not the Chibok girls that are
being brain washed by their captors to commit such acts and if our
fears are true, then it is already a national tragedy as many of these
girls are yet to be accounted for".
They also begged the public to cooperate with the necessary security
agencies and help the nation in the fight against terrorism.
President Jonathan has been told to try and end this recent phase of
suicide bombing as it is inhuman.
The Chibok girls were kidnapped over 100 days ago at their Chibok
secondary school in Borno state.
Despite multiple international efforts to get the girls their freedom,
the Nigerian defence authority have made not much advance in finding
the girls.
Muslim Mother-Of-Six To Face Long Prison Term For Terrorism Propaganda Via Facebook
face long term prison sentence.
Runa Khan is to face prison for terrorism propaganda on Facebook
34-year-old Runa Khan was detained in September this year after she
posted series of messages on her Facebook page encouraging terrorism
in Syria. One of the messages reads,"Sisters, if you love your sons,
husbands and brothers, prove it by sending them to fight for Allah."
Related: Girl Stoned To Death In Syria For Having A Facebook Account
Other messages were dedicated to description of a path into Syria and
the name of a group in the country to join. She also posted a picture
of a suicide vest with caption"sacrifice your life to be in Islam'in
July last year.
Related: Syria Wartime Poll: President Bashar al-Assad Re-Elected
Khan who standed trial at Kingston Crown Court, UK, was also accused
of having links to an Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group. The woman
pleaded guilty to four counts of disseminating terrorist publications
between July and September 2013.
Half Of A Yellow Sun Finally Debuts In Nigeria Cinemas
films of this year 'Half of a Yellow Sun' a screen adaptation of
Chimamanda Adichie's bestselling novel of the same name, will be
available in cinemas across the country from today, 1st of August
2014.
According to an official of Bigsam Media "we are really happy that
'Half of a Yellow Sun' is finally in cinemas today and we wish every
Nigerian a happy viewing."
The film, Half Of A Yellow Sun, made its world premiere at the 38th
annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at the Winter Garden
Theatre, Toronto, Canada, on Sunday, September 8.
The movie which has been released in cinemas in the UK, USA, Australia
and New Zealand has performed tremendously well and it is expected to
do more in the Nigerian market, as the producer, director and writer
are all Nigerians.
The movie generated Two Hundred and Eighty Million Naira
(N280,000,000) abroad from cinema releases, in-flight viewing right
sales, and online viewing right sales.
The movie which is expected to become a record-breaking film features
stars like BAFTA award winner and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor,
BAFTA award winner Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, O.C. Ukeje, Zack
orji and Onyeka Onwenu.
Based on the novel by a prominent Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie, it was initially banned by Nigeria's film censorship board
because the movie partially takes place during the Biafran War.
It was later approved by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
Kola Nut Can Cure Ebola- Prof. Iwu
popularly known as kola nut can cure the deadly Ebola virus as shown
in its tracks during a laboratory tests.
The Professor, who made the revelation while speaking at the 16th
International Botanical Congress in St Louis in the United States of
America, also disclosed that a compound taken from kola nut plant have
also proved effective against some strains of flu.
He stated that if the anti-Ebola compound proves successful in animal
and human trials, it will be the first medicine to successfully treat
the virus that causes Ebola haemorrhagic fever which is usually a
fatal condition.
Iwu, who set up and heads the Bioresources Development and
Conservation Programme, led the research that reportedly started 10
years ago, after researchers were led to the plant by traditional
native healers who said they have used the plant for the treatment of
infectious diseases for centuries.
Prof. Iwu who also came from a family of traditional healers after the
tour said: "This is a very exciting discovery. The same forest that
yields the dreaded Ebola virus could be a source of the cure."
He, however, noted that tests are still in the early stages, adding
that researchers hope that if the compound continue to prove
successful the US Food and Drug Administration will put it on a fast
track and produce drugs for humans within a matter of years.
"The discovery of these important properties in a simple compound,
flavonoids was very surprising. The structure of this compound lends
itself to modification, so it provides a template for future work.
Even if this particular drug does not succeed through the whole drug
approval process, we can use it to construct a new drug for this
deadly disease" Dr. Iwu said.
He said the Garcinia kola compound has been shown to halt
multiplication of the virus in the laboratory, noting that If repeated
in humans, it would give the body a chance to fight off the virus.
Meanwhile, Ebola virus was first recorded in 1976 after an outbreak in
Zaire now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where 88 per cent of
the 318 people that were infected died. Another outbreak in 1995 also
claimed the lives of 81% of the 315 infected people. There are four
types of the virus; Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan and Ebola-Ivory Coast all
affect humans, while Ebola-Reston has so far only affected monkeys and
chimpanzees. The virus multiplies rapidly in the human body and
quickly overwhelms it, and in advanced cases the patient develops high
fever and severe bleeding. It is reported that doctors are unable to
curtail the virus once infection has taken over the victim, giving the
disease a terrifying reputation.
Maurice Iwu, who is a Professor of Pharmacognosy was appointed
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in
June 2005, and was later removed from office in April 2010. He wrote
this article when he was still a Doctor, and the article was first
published by the British Broadcasting Corporation on August 5, 1999.
He studied at the University of Bradford, England, where got a Master
of Pharmacy degree in 1976 and a Ph.D in 1978. The Professor is
believed to have since returned to researching after ceding office to
the current INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.
Victoria Beckham Has Owned A Total Of 13 Engagement Rings Worth £4million In 15 Years of Marriage!
they see it as a lasting and singular symbol of love. But that's a
language Victoria Beckham doesn't understand.
The fashion designer has owned a whopping 13 (yes you did read that
right!) engagement rings so far over her 15 year marriage. That's
basically one ring for each year she's been married to football legend
David Beckham.
The singer-turned-designer seems to regard her wedding ring as a
fashion accessory - getting through an astonishing 13 engagement rings
in 15 years of marriage to husband David.
According to Daily Mail, Experts have valued her 15 year collection of
diamonds, emeralds and sapphires at nearly £4million ((about
N1.26billion)!
When David proposed in 1998, Victoria's first ring was a diamond cut
into an elongated 'marquise' shape, set on a yellow gold band, worth
around £65,000 (N17.5million).
However as the couple's star profile grew, so did the value of her
rings! At Wimbledon this year she showed off her £100,000 (N27million)
engagement ring with a yellow diamond set in yellow gold. And one of
her favourites is a square cut emerald with surrounding diamonds,
valued at £500,000.
The most expensive of her thirteen engagement rings is said to be a
huge heart-shaped diamond thought to be worth in excess of £1million.
Ebola Scare: Jim Iyke Thanks God For Sparing His Life
After fleeing Liberia over Ebola scare, Nollywood actor Jim Iyke
shared another photo of himself, sitting at a table with a variety of
food in front of him.
The actor, who is presently in an undisclosed area, seems to be doing fine.
He posted the photo above with the caption, "Breakfast; somewhere
serene. Glad to be away from all the madness. Thank u lord 4 everytime
u hide me in ur pavilion #Ikechukwu."
Yesterday, Jim Iyke had posted a photo of himself wearing an expensive
mask with a message on his Instagram page saying, he was leaving
Liberia earlier than scheduled because of the rising case of Ebola in
the country.
Jim's photo had sparked a lot of outrage on social media, as some
Nigerians suggested the actor should be isolated and monitored for a
while, soon as he arrives Nigeria, in order for him not to spread the
virus, in case he has already been infected.
Meanwhile, Nigerians also got alerted to Ebola last week after a man
from Liberia who had symptoms of Ebola died in a Lagos hospital.
Ebola is transmitted through close contact with the blood, secretions,
organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals, and in many parts
of West Africa people are being told to cover as much of their body as
possible to ensure the infection doesn't enter their bloodstream
through a small cut.
shared another photo of himself, sitting at a table with a variety of
food in front of him.
The actor, who is presently in an undisclosed area, seems to be doing fine.
He posted the photo above with the caption, "Breakfast; somewhere
serene. Glad to be away from all the madness. Thank u lord 4 everytime
u hide me in ur pavilion #Ikechukwu."
Yesterday, Jim Iyke had posted a photo of himself wearing an expensive
mask with a message on his Instagram page saying, he was leaving
Liberia earlier than scheduled because of the rising case of Ebola in
the country.
Jim's photo had sparked a lot of outrage on social media, as some
Nigerians suggested the actor should be isolated and monitored for a
while, soon as he arrives Nigeria, in order for him not to spread the
virus, in case he has already been infected.
Meanwhile, Nigerians also got alerted to Ebola last week after a man
from Liberia who had symptoms of Ebola died in a Lagos hospital.
Ebola is transmitted through close contact with the blood, secretions,
organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals, and in many parts
of West Africa people are being told to cover as much of their body as
possible to ensure the infection doesn't enter their bloodstream
through a small cut.
Women Key To Africa's Future - US First Lady
Women have made remarkable progress in Africa, but there is still
"some serious work to do in Africa and across the globe", US First
Lady Michelle Obama told young African leaders in Washington on
Wednesday, stressing further that Africa's future lay with women-run
businesses as well as girls attaining tertiary education.
"In many countries in Africa, women have made tremendous strides. More
girls are attending school," said Mrs Obama, who told a group of 500
young African leaders - participants at the inaugural Washington
Fellowship for Young African Leaders. That "with leaders like you who
are making those dreams possible" Africa's future is bright.
She noted that women now start and run businesses on the continent.
Maternal mortality has also reduced greatly. "More women are serving
in parliaments than ever before," she adds.
Obama however warned that the progress enjoyed in Africa could be
derailed if the continent fails to stamp out practices like
segregation in the workplace.
"A century ago, women in America weren't allowed to vote, and decades
ago, it was perfectly legal for employers to refuse to hire women,"
the First Lady gave as an example.
She noted that this has changed as people of conscience stood up and
rejected "these unjust practices". The results of those hard-fought
battles are evident today - 60 percent of college students today are
women. Women also make up more than half the workforce, and women's
employment has added nearly $2-trillion to the U.S. economy in recent
decades, Mrs Obama said.
The US First Lady expects African women to continue working hard to
sustain the growth of the continent by getting more involved in key
sectors of its economy.
"some serious work to do in Africa and across the globe", US First
Lady Michelle Obama told young African leaders in Washington on
Wednesday, stressing further that Africa's future lay with women-run
businesses as well as girls attaining tertiary education.
"In many countries in Africa, women have made tremendous strides. More
girls are attending school," said Mrs Obama, who told a group of 500
young African leaders - participants at the inaugural Washington
Fellowship for Young African Leaders. That "with leaders like you who
are making those dreams possible" Africa's future is bright.
She noted that women now start and run businesses on the continent.
Maternal mortality has also reduced greatly. "More women are serving
in parliaments than ever before," she adds.
Obama however warned that the progress enjoyed in Africa could be
derailed if the continent fails to stamp out practices like
segregation in the workplace.
"A century ago, women in America weren't allowed to vote, and decades
ago, it was perfectly legal for employers to refuse to hire women,"
the First Lady gave as an example.
She noted that this has changed as people of conscience stood up and
rejected "these unjust practices". The results of those hard-fought
battles are evident today - 60 percent of college students today are
women. Women also make up more than half the workforce, and women's
employment has added nearly $2-trillion to the U.S. economy in recent
decades, Mrs Obama said.
The US First Lady expects African women to continue working hard to
sustain the growth of the continent by getting more involved in key
sectors of its economy.
Blackberry Launches BBM For Windows Phone
BlackBerry has announced a collaboration with Microsoft to bring BBM(tm)
to Windows Phone 8 and higher as it continues its resurgence strategy.
"We are intent on bringing the most popular application experiences to
Windows Phone, and with BBM, we are pleased to bring many of its top
features to the Windows Phone platform," said Bryan Biniak, Vice
President and General Manager, Developer Experience, Microsoft.
Biniak noted that the new offering will bring users of the Windows
Phone the secure, easy-to-use messaging experience they demand. New
features are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
John Sims, President Global Enterprise Services at BlackBerry also
said the company was thrilled to be able to expand the availability of
BBM to the Windows Phone community.
"The BBM app for Windows Phone shows our commitment to supporting
cross-platform capabilities, and we are excited to be working with
Microsoft to deliver a new level of collaboration to the Windows Phone
platform," Sims added.
The decision to have BBM on the Windows Phone is seen as a strategic
move by both Microsoft after acquiring Nokia at $7.5 billion and
putting a stop to Android-powered smartphones, to ensure Nokia users
continue enjoy the services they were enjoying before the acquisition
and more.
Building on the collaboration, privacy and security features that are
at the core of the BBM experience, Windows Phone users can now join
more than 85 million monthly active users of the messaging service
around the world, while still enjoying the Windows Phone experience.
to Windows Phone 8 and higher as it continues its resurgence strategy.
"We are intent on bringing the most popular application experiences to
Windows Phone, and with BBM, we are pleased to bring many of its top
features to the Windows Phone platform," said Bryan Biniak, Vice
President and General Manager, Developer Experience, Microsoft.
Biniak noted that the new offering will bring users of the Windows
Phone the secure, easy-to-use messaging experience they demand. New
features are expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
John Sims, President Global Enterprise Services at BlackBerry also
said the company was thrilled to be able to expand the availability of
BBM to the Windows Phone community.
"The BBM app for Windows Phone shows our commitment to supporting
cross-platform capabilities, and we are excited to be working with
Microsoft to deliver a new level of collaboration to the Windows Phone
platform," Sims added.
The decision to have BBM on the Windows Phone is seen as a strategic
move by both Microsoft after acquiring Nokia at $7.5 billion and
putting a stop to Android-powered smartphones, to ensure Nokia users
continue enjoy the services they were enjoying before the acquisition
and more.
Building on the collaboration, privacy and security features that are
at the core of the BBM experience, Windows Phone users can now join
more than 85 million monthly active users of the messaging service
around the world, while still enjoying the Windows Phone experience.
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