AFRICAN LEADER January 2012 Digital Edition

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FOUR

MORE YEARS?

• Not So Fast! Where Are The Jobs?

• Amnesty For African Immigrants in 2012? Full Story • Hillary Clinton As First Female Vice President?

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January 2012

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Local News

African Leader Cover Story / Special Report

By African Leader Bronx, New York - It’s the billion dollar question in 2012. Four more years for President Barack Obama?

Four more years? Not so fast. In fact, think again. That’s the word on the street. At least according to some key African communities in the U.S. It appears some African siblings are not very happy with brother Obama. And there is a lot of grumbling out here in the African neighborhoods. Many believe 2012 is a make or break year for the African communities and the time has come for the President to deliver or he may well lose the electoral and moral backing of some key U.S African communities.

There are a number of reasons why African brothers are not happy bunnies when it comes to the President’s performance.

Higher Unemployment First, jobs have dried up for much of the African communities. The Great Recession has hit them harder than other communities. It appears African-born US citizens are the first in line to be laid off when companies downsize. For example, according to the latest available unemployment report released by the New York State Department of Labor, unemployment is highest in the Bronx - at 12.6 percent, more than any other county in New York State (please see news report on page 7). This is way above the national average of 8.5 percent. It must be noted that the Bronx has probably the highest concentration of African immigrants in the entire United States. Across much of the major African communities in the Washington DC-MarylandVirginia area, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Boston and Philadelphia, the picture remains just about the same. It appears significant numbers of African-born US citizens have given up on their American dreams and returned to the motherland. Entire families have packed bag and baggage and relocated back to Africa. In a sad turn of events, some of which even happened a few weeks ago in the Bronx, husbands unable to stand the heat have abandoned their

FOUR MORE YEARS?

Higher Stakes in 2012: President Obama

families and returned to Africa – a big cause of family break ups.

Many do appreciate the President’s persistent efforts at injecting higher growth into the U.S economy.

Many Africans also understand that much of today’s economic problems were carried over from the 8-year presidency of former President George Bush, who incidentally did his best and was also seen as a good friend of Africa. Still, many believe President Obama has not fought harder enough for average Americans, including Africanborn US citizens. In any case, they see no other leader when they turn on their TVs, and the President better take responsibility for that.

by the Washington Post, under the Obama presidency, deportations have increased dramatically.

About 400, 000 people may have been deported in 2010, nearly 10 percent above the Bush administration’s 2008 total and 25 percent more than were deported in 2007. The dramatic increase in ICE deportations have taken a toll on many African families.

Many remember that then candidate Obama promised to seriously consider amnesty or immigration reforms. Instead, what they are getting is more of ICE knocking on their doors. Serious immigration reform bills which were sent to the house, including the Dream Act supported by President Mass Deportations Bush and Senator John McCain On immigration, Africans were swiftly voted down by conare disappointed with President servative anti-immigration hardObama more than ever. It is a com- liners. Africans are mad as hell. mon knowledge that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, popuAfrica Issues larly known as ICE has turned up On the quiet side, many people in the heat on illegal immigrants and the African communities are simsome Africans have been caught ply unhappy with the President’s up in the ICE net. Many were ar- handling of the Libyan war. They rested on their way to work or at maintain that candidate Obama immigration interviews. Many left had promised to stop wars and home only to be snatched and de- turn away from what appeared to ported without saying good bye to be the hawkish posture of the Bush their wives and children, usually administration. Instead, it appears arriving back in Africa with noth- the President is picking new fights. ing. According to a recent report Many African-born US citizens

are simply not happy with the way Libyans in general and Khadafy in particular was treated. It’s like an African brother against another African brother. While many are not directly blaming the U.S or President Obama for the recent Libyan war, many feel the U.S, as the leader of the free world, could have leveraged its influence on her allies.

Many Africans are also concerned about the continued deteriorating human rights situation in some African countries ruled by dictators.

Some are also worried about the slow pace of debt cancellation and the injection of new loans unto the continent, something that President Bush was clearly passionate about. Again, others are even disappointed that there are not many prominent African-born US citizens in the Obama administration.

Whatever it may be, Africans are simply not satisfied with the President, and like the proverbial Oliver Twist, are asking for more. Africans in the U.S have great expectations of the president (see editorial on page 17 ) With Republican challengers Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich gunning for his job, the President must turbo charge ahead and deliver for the U.S African communities in 2012. Otherwise, during the November 2012 campaign, when “Four More Years!” slogans ring in the streets, many Africans in the U.S may simply not join the chorus.

Beyonce and Jay-Z celebrate first child after miscarriage

It’s a girl! Finally. The power couple this week celebrated the birth of their first child named Blue Ivy Carter. The couple reportedly spent $1.3 million to rent an entire hospital floor. Congratulations!

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Local News

The Bronx Has Highest Unemployment in New York State

By African Leader Albany, New York - Bronx County, the area with probably the highest population of African immigrants in the United States has the highest unemployment rate in New York State. This is according to the latest data released by the New York State Department of Labor.

According to the November 2011 report, Bronx has the highest unemployment rate of 12.6 percent, while Tompkins County in upstate New York has the lowest unemployment rate of just 5.4 percent. In another development, Kings County or Brooklyn, which together with Queens County, also boast a large African immigrant community came in second to the Bronx with unemployment rate of 9.8 percent.

This news may come as no surprise to many Africans in the U.S. Since the so-called Great Recession started in about 2008, there has been a great deal of belt tightening in the African communities. Many people lost jobs in hotels, hospitals and nursing homes which were closed down. Many businesses have closed down. African taxi drivers have been complaining of slow business because people are simply not going out to have fun

Relief Needed in African Communities: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

that much, it seems tourists are not coming to New York City like before. This has increased stress in the African communities.

Many Americans, including Africans have sought help from food stamps or welfare. Today, the number of food stamp recipients in the United States is nearly 45 million.

The result is that remittances have dried up. People send money to their relatives and friends back home only when absolutely necessary. Even when they do

send, they cut down to probably half the usual amount.

Also, some long time African residents of New York and the U.S who could not continue the fight have packed bag and baggage and returned to Africa, some for good. They seemed to have dumped their American dreams.

However, despite the somber report, there seems to be some hope in the horizon. According to the same report, total New York state unemployment rate significantly

reduced from 8.2 percent in November 2010 to 7.9 percent in November 2011. This closely mirrors the national monthly unemployment pattern. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S national monthly unemployment reduced from 9.3 percent in November 2010 to 8.2 percent.

Despite recent economic gains, it seems the U.S is still not out of the woods yet. It is no wonder that President Obama has made job creation his number one priority. It may be recalled that recently the President submitted a jobs bill to the U.S congress for approval. Experts believe that President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign may likely depend on jobs. (see cover story). If the current high unemployment persists or if the economy gets worse, the President may have a tougher fight convincing Americans to keep him in the White House. Many Africans living here in the U.S expect and support President Obama to fight for his bill and get it passed as soon as possible to bring much needed relief to hurting African communities in the U.S.

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African Taxi Drivers Give Mixed Response To New $1Billion License Deal

By African Leader

African Taxi Drivers in New York have given a mixed response to a new $1 billion license deal called The FiveBorough Taxi Plan. The new plan which has been hailed

by Mayor Michael Bloomberg as an “historic agreement” is viewed as the first of its kind, a game changer.

However, the new taxi deal has come under fire from some African tax drivers for not being far reaching enough. According to Mayor Bloomberg, under the new plan, the Taxi and Limousine Commission will issue up to 18,000 of these new licenses, 20 percent of which will be wheelchair accessible.

The agreement will also generate a billion dollars in revenue for the City through the sale of 2,000 new yellow medallions, all of which will be wheelchair accessible. Mayor Bloomberg made the announcement at Seamen Car Service in Wash-

ington Heights and was also joined by Assembly Member Carl Heastie, Assembly Member Karim Camara, Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, Council Member Robert Jackson, Council Member Fernando Cabrera, Livery Base Owners Coalition spokeswoman Cira Angeles and Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Acting Commissioner Jason Mischel.

“Now that we have achieved this historic agreement, millions of New Yorkers who have never been able to get a cab in their neighborhoods will have access to safer and less costly taxi service; thousands of hardworking livery drivers – many of them immigrants – will be able to come out of the shadows and into the legal economy; and the City will receive a muchneeded billion dollars in revenue”, said Mayor Bloomberg.

The TLC Commissioner also gave the thumbs up to the agreement.“Government can achieve great things when there’s a clear vision and the will to see it through,” said Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky. “This plan will provide quality taxi service to borough residents who never enjoyed it before, it represents new transportation options for persons with disabilities, and it will generate jobs. There’s something for everyone.”

The agreement was also welcomed by a section of the taxi community. “The passage of this historic bill will allow thousands of livery drivers and base owners, hardworking minority and immigrant workers who are part of the economic backbone of our communities, to support their families by legally doing what they have been doing for over 40 years: picking up hails and respond-

ing to pre-arranged calls,” said Cira Angeles, Spokesperson Livery Base Owners, Inc. “ A cross section of African tax drivers surveyed by African Leader expressed their dissatisfaction with the new agreement.

In the end, their response appeared mixed. While some taxi drivers totally welcomed the deal, others complained that the agreement was not far reaching enough since drivers can only pick up customers up to 96th street, and not downtown Manhattan. Some yellow cab drivers also expressed the fear that they may lose business under the new agreement which allows black cab drivers to operate in Manhattan. One Ghanaian yellow cab driver who asked not to be identified expressed total disapproval with the deal.

It may be recalled that, recently, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg introduced

Mayor Bloomberg new rules requiring stricter supervision of yellow cab drivers, including GPS tracking.

A new stricter dress code is also in the pipeline. The new rules were strongly opposed by some yellow cab drivers who saw this as an intrusion on their privacy. In the end, the new rules came into effect.

January 2012

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Local News African immigrants to benefit from improved quality of life in New York

By African Leader City Hall, New York - It appears African immigrants in New York have good reasons to be optimistic in 2012. According to latest information made available by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, African immigrants are set to benefit from significant improvements in the quality of life of New Yorkers.

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It is a fact that African immigrants have had their fair share of shootings, robbery and car break-ins with their attendant heavy toll on human lives and properties. According to announcements jointly made by Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, overall crime rate reduced significantly in 2011. Prior to 2002, the city had not recorded fewer than 600 murders in a year since the early 1960s. This will be the tenth consecutive year the city has seen less than 600 murders, with slightly more than 500 in 2011, a nearly five percent reduction from the previous year and the third lowest total since comparable records were kept starting in 1963. Overall crime, when compared using the same metrics, fell slightly again in 2011, marking the 21st straight year in which major felony crime has declined. Major felony crime is down by more than 34 percent over the last 10 years.

“Despite tough fiscal times, New York’s frontline public safety agencies – the Police Department and the Fire Department – continue to keep our city safer than in any time in recorded history,” said Mayor Bloomberg

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In another development, Mayor Bloomberg, Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today released preliminary statistics showing that New York City will record the fewest annual traffic fatalities since records were

first kept in 1910. As of December 27th, there were 237 traffic fatalities in 2011, 40 percent fewer than in 2001. Included in the 2011 numbers were 134 pedestrian fatalities in crashes with vehicles, an all-time record-low and a 31 percent reduction since 2001; 47 senior pedestrian fatalities, a 27 percent reduction since 2001; and a record low of only three child pedestrian fatalities.

Bicycle fatalities have held within the same range over the last decade, despite bike ridership quadrupling during that time period.

There is also good news in the area of life expectancy. Mayor Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas A. Farley also announced that, surpassing national figures, New Yorkers are living longer than ever before. Influenced by New York City’s aggressive public health initiatives and improvements in the quality of the health care delivery system, babies born in New York City in 2009 have the record high life expectancy of 80.6 years, an increase of nearly three years since 2000 and nearly two and a half years more than the most recently reported national rate of 78.2 years. Life expectancy for 40-yearolds in New York City increased by 2.5 years (79.5 to 82) from 2000 to 2009, a substantially greater gain than the 1.2 year increase for the same age group in the U.S. as a whole. At the same time, life expectancy for 70 year-olds in New York City increased 1.5 years, compared with .7 years for the nation.

In what may also come as a big surprise to the African community in New York, Mayor Bloomberg is also spending $30 million of his own money to help minority youth in New York City, according to The New York Times. The program is expected to help 315,000 young New Yorkers who are disproportionately un-

Great job: Bloomberg dereducated, incarcerated and unemployed. According to the report, Mayor Bloomberg was also expected to give a speech in Manhattan to say that “blacks and Latinos are not fully sharing in the promise of American freedom.”

Although the populations of young white, black and Latino men in New York are roughly the same size, 84 percent of those in the city’s detention facilities and nearly all of those admitted to children’s and family services facilities are black and Latino youth, according to data from the Bloomberg administration.

“The magnitude of the disparities is stunning,” said Linda I. Gibbs, the deputy mayor for health and human services. “It’s tragic.”

It is a well known fact that, significant numbers of African immigrants are becoming increasingly caught up in the criminal justice system, something which was unheard of until recently. According to one estimate, more than 15, 000 African immigrants or African-born U.S citizens, mostly young people, are currently either incarcerated or on probation.

It is expected that the $30 million contribution from Mr. Bloomberg’s foundation would be matched by that of a fellow billionaire, George Soros, a hedge fund manager, with the remainder being paid for by the city. (photo credit: Reuters)

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January 2012

Local News Ugandan Pastor gets brand new Escalade from church members

By African Leader

Above: Pastor Katende and his wife driving the brand new Escalade BURLINGTON, Massachusetts - Worshippers at the Ugandan Global Evangelical church in Burlington, MA surprised their pastor and his wife with keys to a brand new, sleek white sport utility, fully loaded top of the line Cadillac Escalade ESV over the thanksgiving weekend.

purchase a car for their pastor who many say he has reached out to every individual in their hour of need without discrimination.

The Pastor, Rev. John Baker Katende and his wife, Mrs. Robina Katende stared in disbelief as they were led to the church’s parking lot where the car had been parked.

The car and the gifts were presented on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at the new church dedicated recently.

In many African communities in the U.S, many pastors are torn between working full time and dedicating themselves full It was a culmination of a four month ef- time to the work of God. Unlike the situafort headed by a parishioner, Joseph tion in Africa where most pastors are well Bwogi who impressed upon church paid by their churches, some of the pasmembers to unite and purchase a bet- tors here are taxi drivers, security officers, ter car for their pastor. Members felt bank managers, among others. It is bethat the car the pastor was driving was lieved that gestures like this in the African too old and that it needed replacement. communities will help make pastors more comfortable and dedicate themselves The new gesture was the second time that as full time shepherds of the people. the church members have come together to (with additional reporting and photo by Ajabumedia)

Dr Mensah Otabil - General Overseer

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Las Vegas billionaire to pump $20 million into Gingrich campaign

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By African Leader

Big break: Newt Gingrich

Billionaire Sheldon Adelson

Las Vegas based billionaire casino mogul, Sheldon Adelson is reported to be prepared to open up his fat wallet and give up to $20 million to Newt Gingrich’s presidential campaign. According to news reports, Adelson has already given $5 million to Winning Our Future, a political action committee group allied to Gingrich.

a lifeline to Gingrich’s struggling campaign, as he placed 4th in the Iowa primary.

Sheldon Adelson, a billionaire who until recently was the third richest man in America after Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, has been a long time Gingrich supporter and Republican donor. Analysts believe that the multimillion donation will bring

Gingrich’s PAC is expected to spend much of the $5 million on video ads attacking rival and Iowa primary winner Mitt Romney, particularly his record at Bain Capital, the private equity firm. U.S law limits direct donation to presidential candidates so to get around this law, friends and supporters set up what is called political action committee or PAC which is legally allowed to raise multimillion funds. One famous PAC was the Swift Boat Veterans which helped to sink John Kerry’s 2004 White House dreams.

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Nigeria News

Nigeria’s State of Emergency: The Road to Peace or More Violence?

By Moses Asare, African Leader Nigeria, Africa’s most populous state is at the crossroads.

At the center of this crossroads is Boko Haram, the growing Islamist militant group thought to be allied to al-Qaeda and also known as the Taliban of Africa. It will not be an exaggeration to say that Nigeria is dealing with the biggest crisis in her modern history since the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, also called the Biafran War. In what appears to be a decisive response to the Boko Haram threat, President Goodluck Jonathan has just declared a wide reaching State of Emergency. It appears to have one objective: to “crush” Boko Haram. The state of emergency declaration, invoked in line with section 305(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, has in place the following key measures: - Institution of appropriate measures by the Chief of State and Inspector General of Police to protect lives and properties.

- The establishment of a Special Counter Terrorism Unit within the Armed Forces - Closure of land borders in affected region to stop cross border terrorist activities.

While President Goodluck Jonathan’s overall objective – to maintain peace and stability in affected areas- must be applauded, his overall execution strategy may not be sufficient to bring the much needed long lasting peace to Nigeria. Simply vowing to crush Boko Haram may prove to be as elusive as fighting the Taliban. This is an ultra-militant, Islamist and ideologically obsessed group bent on imposing Sharia Law in Nigeria. From its founding in 2002 by Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf , it is clear that the militant group has been progressively

gaining in clout, sophistication and reach and is now believed to be capable of launching cross border attacks from deep inside neighboring Cameroon, Chad and Niger – countries with significant Muslim populations.

We do generally know that Boko Haram may be affiliated to al-Qaeda. Who knows, probably there is much more about this group that we may simply not know. Who is funding this group? Who is training this group and providing it with intelligence and logistics? Is there a state actor providing the group with millions of dollars in funding? Is the entire intelligence apparatus of some state actor at the disposal of this militant group?

Is the group being funded by a well-heeled non-state actor?

Who are the state and non-state sympathizers of Boko Haram?

Since its founding in 2002, the group has staged numerous attacks and assassinations across Nigeria. The most notorious of such attacks were the August 26, 2011 suicide bombing of the UN office in Abuja in which at least 21 people reportedly died and more recently, the December 25 Christmas day church bombing which killed over 37 people.

It is clear that with each attack, the group is becoming more sophisticated and deadly, especially with the use of suicide bombing.

Even with the death of the group’s founder in 2009 – the cutting of the snake’s head, as they call it in intelligence circles – it became even more determined and deadly. With Boko Haram operating from Cameroon, Chad and Niger, the group has become more elusive than ever, with transnational operational strategies modeled along the lines of

al-Qaeda and the Taliban. With this in mind, it is possible to conclude that even the CIA and the FBI of the United States may not have all the capabilities and resources to successfully crush Boko Haram, let along Nigeria.

What was clearly absent in president Jonathan’s strategy was the waging of peace, as Jimmy Carter brilliantly put it. The employment of brute force in solving national problems belongs to the World War 2 era. The United States, the wealthiest nation on earth and with the most sophisticated intelligence and the biggest military Armada has not been able to totally defeat al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Not even AlShabab of Somalia. Today, the U.S is in prolonged peace negotiation with the Taliban. As part of the softening process, Taliban high value prisoners are being pulled from Guantanamo Bay and back to Afghanistan. There is even talk of the Taliban setting up a liaison office in Dubai. Both of these concessions to the Taliban are early signs of possible amnesty and power sharing for the Taliban, something which was unimaginable only a few years ago. As I said, using brute force in achieving peace is so passé. It belongs to the World War 2 era of conventional warfare and wars of attrition. The 21st century is a century of asymmetric warfare in which one may be fighting an enemy that’s formless, stateless and invisible, yet with enormous resources and geographically omnipresent. Brute force alone hardly wins here.

President Jonathan must therefore design a multi-dimensional approach to solve the Boko Haram challenge. His Excellency must spend more time waging

Time to Wage Peace: President Goodluck Jonathan peace as he does waging war.

The President must immediately launch peace negotiations with Boko Haram even if secretly. The point is, if you may negotiate ten years from today, why not negotiate now? Some form of limited autonomy may also be considered for some people in Nigeria.

The granting of limited autonomy for some distinct groups is common in many parts of the world including China, Russia and the U.S. Again, some form of amnesty may be granted to the members of Boko Haram if they renounce violence. Former militants may then be trained for apprenticeship and integrated back into society. This proposed amnesty may help isolate the hardcore leaders and set them against its mass membership. Development and reconstruction may also be used as an instrument of peace, as has been successfully employed in Chechnya by Putin’s Russia. Here, you inject lots of hard cash into the development and reconstruction of affected communities, rebuilding lives, raising hopes and bringing

the people on the side of peace.

Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa. It is a major oil producer for the United States and the world. There is even talk of Nigeria’s economy growing bigger than that of South Africa in the years ahead. Fact is, Nigeria is a strategic country and the world cannot afford further degeneration of Nigeria into chaos.

Already, high crime rate, fraud and power shortages are driving some multinationals to relocate to Ghana. If the Boko Haram violence escalates into a full scale crisis, Nigeria may be torn between a violence ridden state like Pakistan and a failed state like Afghanistan and Somalia. Tourists may stay away and Foreign Direct Investment inflows may dry up. In the end, Nigeria’s credit rating may be downgraded and the result will be the deepening of a cycle of instability and poverty.

As U.S President Jimmy Carter brilliantly put it, the time to wage peace is now. www.africanleader.net News That Matters . When You Need It. As It Breaks.

Bishop Oyedepo: “I will slap witches again”

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder and president of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, today in Ota reacted in his sermon to the spreading video that showed his scandalous slapping of a worshipper during a ‘deliverance’ drama at his church.

“People now complain on the Internet that I slapped a witch. If I see another one, I’ll slap,” said the Bishop, who has become the butt of many jokes since the video was published. Still, he bragged today, “It is my ministry to slap!”

Bishop Oyedepo, who is seen on the video slapping the young lady for describing herself as a “witch for Christ,” then said of himself, “I am a Baba witch myself.” He did not explain what he meant, nor did he slap himself. But challenging the various reactions to his inhumane act, he asked, “Are you going to court now or what? If you slap a witch and she apologizes, it shows you are the superior. Bishop Oyedepo also stepped from religion into politics, and advocated the balkanization

of the North and South of Nigeria in obvious reference to the Boko Haram menace. He stated that the North and the South do not have to be forced to be together.

Bishop Oyedepo, a man who reportedly survived tuberculosis, is regarded as one of the leading charismatic pastors in Nigeria and around the world. His Oyedepo ministries under the Winners Chapel brand boast of branches in many parts of the world, including New York. He owns large chunks of real estate called Canaanland, a multimillion dollar complex which include university, residential houses, recreational centers and more.

Bishop Oyedepo recently bought another Gulfstream private jet valued at over $30 million. Forbes recently named him among the richest 25 pastors in Nigeria.

(African

Leader

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Sahara

Reporters)

Pictured right: Bishop Oyedepo - slapping girls and witches for Jesus?

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Nigeria News

Nigerians in America to bear brunt of new massive fuel price increases

By African Leader Abuja, Nigeria - As if the Great Recession was not enough, another round of belt tightening is about to begin in the Nigerian community living in the United States. Thanks to the over 100% increase in fuel prices triggered by the removal of government subsidy, SOS calls are about to ring off the hook across the U.S. The announcement by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been met with bursts of anger in the already beleaguered West African nation. While some are still in disbelief, with others including the Nigerian Senate saying the subsidy removal was premature, others have hit the streets in demonstrations to voice their anger at the Nigerian authorities, chanting “Remove Corruption, Not Subsidy”.

In the midst of this confusion, what has become certain is that the massive fuel price increases have already trickled down to the day-to-day lives of ordinary Nigerians. In Lagos, the fares to most parts of the state were increased by over 100%. Transportation between Ikeja and Yaba now costs N400 instead of the previous N120; Obalende to Oshodi which used to be N70 is now N200. Ojodu to

CMS is now N500 from N150.

Commuters travelling to Abuja from now pay between N6,000 and N8,000. At the Ekesons Motors, in Jibowu, transport fare to Port Harcourt is now N6,000 from the previous price of N2,500. Many Lagosians are reportedly staying indoors due to the increasing transportation costs. Also, Jos to Abuja now costs N1,500 from N1,000 and Jos to Bauchi is now N1,000 from the previous price of N500.

For intra city transport, the widely used Okada now take a minimum of N50. The previous minimum was N30. Taxis plying the Jos to Bukuru axis now charge between N100 and N120 while the buses charge between N80 and N100.

It is a known fact that many Nigerians have little or no source of income and depend heavily on their friends and family living abroad to make ends meet. It is therefore clear that the Nigerian diaspora, particularly those living in the United States, may be called upon indirectly to cushion the effects of this massive fuel petrol price increase. Even though statistics vary depending on the source, it is widely believed that an estimated 300,000

One-two punch? President Jonathan (left) and Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Nigerian immigrants and Nigerian-born U.S citizens live in the United States, the largest Nigerian diaspora second only to Nigeria itself. According to the World Bank, in 2010, Nigerians living abroad sent home nearly $10 billion in remittances, with the bulk of that originating from the United States. No doubt, Nigerian-Americans sending money home to support their family and friends, pay children’s school fees and to undertake projects will feel the effects of inflationary pressures triggered by the doubling of fuel prices.

Analysts believe that the fuel price increase by the government was ill-timed especially as the announcement was made

around the Christmas and New Year’s Day, at the time when large parts of Nigeria are still recovering from the terror of Christmas Day bombing that killed over 37 people and its collateral state of emergency declaration. Many wonder: is this a one-two punch from the Goodluck Jonathan-led government?

Many also wonder if this petrol price increase was instigated by the IMF chief, Christine Lagarde who recently met with President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria. The IMF has long pressured Nigeria to remove the $8 billion fuel subsidy per year. For an OPEC member and one of the largest oil producers in the world, many Nigerians

are beginning to wonder if they are getting any oil benefits in the midst of corruption, fraud, mismanagement and pipeline sabotage by militants. As labour unions call for strikes and civil unrests loom, many wonder if this could turn into Nigeria’s own version of “Arab Spring”.

Uncertainties remain but one thing is for sure: Nigerians living in the United States may soon be called upon to pick up the tabs and cushion the situation with their hard earned dollars.

(African Leader with additional reporting by All Africa News)

Mass protests and Boko Haram attacks keep Jonathan under intense pressure

By African Leader

Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan is not a man to be envied. He is suffering from his own version of a one-two punch triggered by the massive nationwide fuel protests and Boko Haram’s increased terror attacks.

Reports from across the country indicate that the nationwide protests called by organized labor and civil society groups to kick against government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy was largely successful.

From the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos to Kaduna, from Abeokuta to Akure, Kaduna and Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, there was no commercial activity as shops, offices, schools and petrol stations around the country closed on the first day of an indefinite strike called by unions.

In the nation’s capital, Abuja, picketers closed the airport, preventing flights from arriving or leaving.

Further north in Kaduna, there is a heavy police presence and the streets are quiet, with all shops closed.

Nigeria has also been hit by a fresh wave of violence apparently targeting the country’s Christian communities.

At least 17 people were killed in Mubi in Adamawa state as gunmen opened fire in a town hall where members of the Christian Igbo group were meeting. There were also reports of a deadly attack in Adamawa’s capital, Yola.

The Islamist Boko Haram group said it had carried out the attack in Mubi and another in Gombe in which at least six people died. One Boko Haram faction has warned all southerners - who are mostly Christian and

animist - to leave the mainly Muslim north of Nigeria.

A man claiming to be a spokesman for Boko Haram told local media the group had carried out both the Mubi and Gombe attacks. “We are extending our frontiers to other places to show that the declaration of a state of emergency by the Nigerian government will not deter us. We can really go to wherever we want to go,” said Abul Qaqa.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has declared the threat and menace of the Boko Haram sect as worse than the Biafran War to the corporate existence of the country and added that the Boko Haram’s memberships pervade the executive, legislative and judiciary as well as all arms of the security agencies.

Reports monitored by African Leader also indicate that Borno State Government has settled out of court with the family of late in-law of the deceased Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, with the payment of N100 million compensation for the extra-judicial killing.

The father-in-law of the late sect leader, Baba Fugu, was killed by policemen in 2009 after he made himself available at the Borno State Police Command.

The family subsequently went to court seeking compensation and the Maiduguri High Court has now ordered the state and the Federal Government including the IGP to pay a compensation of N100 million, with the state asked to cough out N40 million and the Federal Government, N20 million while the police was to pay the balance of N40 million.

In another development, at an emergency session, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a motion ask-

Under pressure: President Goodluck Jonathan ing President Goodluck Jonathan to stay action on the deregulation policy because of the mood of the nation.

The lower chamber also asked organised labour to suspend its strike to allow for more dialogue on the controversial fuel subsidy removal.

The Nigerian presidency has reacted to the House resolution, insisting that subsidy removal is final.

(African Leader with additional reporting by BBC and thisdaylive)

January 2012

16

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Nigeria News

Mercy Johnson: “I’m not dead, I’m not blind and I’m not pregnant!”

Nollywood superstar Mercy Johnson has denied intense rumors going around that she has gone blind and also died in a terrible accident. She has also denied media speculations that she is pregnant.

Okada riders to be banned in Lagos ?

Lagos State is seriously considering a ban on okada riders.

However, okada riders in Lagos State have appealed to the state government not to ban them, stressing that outlawing okada operators would create a serious unemployment problem in the state.

In a statement issued by her official public relations manager, Bigsam Media, Mercy Johnson flatly denied the rumors, saying, “This rumor has no resemblance or iota of truth. Mercy is on a movie location in Lagos and getting set for her trip to Australia in a matter of days”.

The state government had last week, received a report which indicted the operators, observing that most of the crimes perpetuated in Lagos were master-minded by okada operators, hence the plan to ban the commercial motorcyclists from the state.

According to the statement, it was discovered that the rumor started as a result of a publicity stunt initiated by the producer of an upcoming movie in which Mercy’s character lost an eye. Another part of the rumor was started by a detractor whose only goal is to pull Mercy Johnson down by all means.

But speaking with Community News, some of the okada riders, appealed to the state government not to ban the operators from Lagos roads.

It also maintained that it is despicable to note these rumors were strengthened by writers who did not crosscheck before posting on their blogs, platforms or newspapers.

The statement said Mercy decries this act of insensitivity and irresponsibility especially as it affects family, friends and fans.

“We appreciate family, friends and fans that have taken time to call out of concern and love and we wish to let them know that Mercy is hale and hearty”, the statement added.

Alive and well: Mercy Johnson

only readily available job for them is okada business. I can see more people joining us in this business, now that things are getting tougher.” said John Michael, an okada operator from Akwa Ibom State.

On the allegation that some okada riders were armed robbers who used motorcycles to ease their escape, another commercial motorcyclist, Bayo Abiodun, noted that in every business there were bad elements and that it was the duty of government to fish out the bad ones among okada riders.

(African Leader and Nigerian Tribune)

African Leader

Reaching out to the over “You see, this okada business $50 billion U.S African conis a very risky job, most of us are sumer market. To advertise, doing it because we don’t have call: 347 248 0022 any other job to do, and with the Email: theafricanleader@ removal of the fuel subsidy, more gmail.com people will lose their jobs and the

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EDITORIAL

Opportunities and Feedback

Mr. President, stand and fight harder for America.

Do you have any comments or questions about the African Leader media brand? Do you have any comments or questions about our news stoAs our cover story clearly indicates, many Americans are quietly dissatisfied with ries, features, ads or anything? Do you have news tips, business opporthe state of the American economy. Top of the worry list is the issue of jobs. Nearly 24 million Americans are out of jobs or have simply given up looking for some. Many tunities, events or anything you feel we may be interested in? Are you a people in the U.S African communities are hurting. good writer? If your response to any of the above is ‘Yes’, please send us Another unfulfilled promise is that of immigration reforms. After a long wait, noth- an email to: theafricanleader@gmail.com. Or write to us: African Leader, ing has changed and many African immigrants’ dream of becoming full U.S citizens still 1211 Brook Ave, Bronx, NY 10456. As our readers, customers, partners hangs in the balance. and advertising clients, we truly value your comments and questions.

The stakes in the 2012 election could not be higher. The time for cutting deals with the Republicans is over. President Barack Obama must fight for his core principles. This is not the time to cut and run. President Obama must stand and fight harder for America.

Disclaimer/Legal Public Notice Some advertisements which may appear here in the special edition of African Leader may constitute a solicitation and or complimentary community service with a view to possible future solicitation. All advertisements have been designed and published in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. The design and publishing of any ad does not constitute an endorsement of same. If you wish to discontinue or pay for it, please contact us via above.

Saving Candidate Herman......Continued from Page 27

Acts like this easily bring American exceptionalism to the fore. Just like they did when Barack Obama became the first African-American President of the United States. Imagine a minority ethnic Turkish man as the Chancellor of Germany. Or a Chechan-Arab as the President of Russia. How about an ethnic Tibetan as the President of the People’s Republic of China? America’s exceptional acts like this are built on the ideals that gave birth to the United States as a free republic. The ideals of liberty, equality and opportunity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic origin and the quest for a more perfect union. These

are among the original ideals envisioned by the founding fathers, for which many sacrificed their lives in Gettysburg during the U.S civil war and which many Americans like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for. Much has been said about the decline of America’s global power. These days it seems the word on the street is “That Used to be Us”. Many wonder, how can the United States return to its glory as the pre-dominant global economic, military, cultural, political and technological superpower? As many have come to realize, it’s not hypersonic missiles, nor nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, nor stealth bombers that will necessarily

guarantee America’s enduring global leadership. Rather, it’s a return to time tested ideals and values that made America great and exceptional in the first place.

For the secret service, too many political assassinations, intimidation and suppression by extremists have held back America’s quest for an enduring freedom and a perfect union. No wonder the secret service keeps perfecting its game.

For Cain, it’s one less bump on the road to the White House. And for American exceptionalism and global leadership, it’s another score.

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Ghana News

Multimillion dollar corruption increases under President Mills watch

By African Leader

He promised to be the Man of Peace, the people’s president. But has President Mills become the Man of Peace and the weak leader under whose watch multimillion dollar corruption cases are happening in broad day light? Are his ministers and officials betraying him and “chopping” behind his back as claimed by former President Rawlings?

These questions may be answered with the people’s thumb come election day in December 2012. For now though, a series of corruption allegations have rocked the government in recent days that may even shock the most hardened supporter of the Ghanaian President. The first is the so-called Woyomegate in which Gh¢52 million (about $35 million) was authorized by the Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu after a questionable court order and paid to ruling NDC party financier Alfred Woyome.

The money was reportedly paid as a judgment for losses Mr. Woyome suffered in connection with his failed bid to construct a stadium. While analysts respect court decisions, they question how the contract award was shrouded in secrecy and how the judgment order was swiftly paid.

Many analysts contend that the President should have fired or at least suspended Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu for her handling of the whole financial scandal. Instead, President Mills has just ordered investigations into the case which many see as a cosmetic lip service and a slow process at best.

In another unfolding corruption case, the Bank of Ghana has launched investigations into the payment of Gh¢10 million (nearly $7 million) severance package to management of The Trust Bank (TTB), which was

Asleep at the switch? President Mills (left) and Bank of Ghana Governor Mr. Amissah-Arthur recently acquired by Ecobank. The monies were paid to top management of TTB who opted out of the recent takeover by the pan-African banking group. Sums of money ranging between Gh¢ 300,000 and Gh¢ 2 million are reported to have been credited to top management members of the bank who benefited from the package approved by the previous board last year.

While some of the payments were swiftly wired into foreign accounts, others are being recovered.

Questions still remain unanswered. The Bank of Ghana has direct supervision of all banks and the Governor is directly appointed by the President. The question is: while Nigeria’s popular Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi has cleaned up the Nigerian banking system, why was the Bank of Ghana asleep at the switch? And why has the President not taken action?

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In another mind boggling case, cocaine with estimated street value running into millions of dollars has turned into baking soda right under the watch of national court officials, police and special investigators.

The prime suspect in the cocaine case is one Nana Ama Martins. The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Ghana’s equivalent of the American FBI, have been holding the deputy head of the Criminal Investigations Department since December 29, 2011 over her alleged role in the cocaine-turned-baking-soda scandal. Another lady recently arrested by the BNI, one Ms. Osei is alleged to have told BNI officials that some court officials were bribed to replace the cocaine with baking soda.

(African Leader with additional reporting by Citifmonline and Myjoyonline)

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January 2012

Ghana News

Millionaire Sam Jonah to jump into Ghana’s ugly politics?

Human parts dealers sent to prison

By Moses Asare, African Leader

Half Assini, Ghana - The Half Assini District Magistrate Court has remanded four persons including a woman in prison custody when they made their second appearance at the court for possessing human skeletons.

Watch out Ghanaians, you may soon have another Bloomberg on your hands! Dr. Sam Jonah, one of Ghana’s most successful and internationally known businessmen may soon be knocking on your door asking for votes.

Reports indicate that Dr Sam Jonah, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, is to contest the flag-bearership slot of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), sources close to the Party told the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

The source described Dr Jonah as bold and fearlessly ambitious, who had built Pan African companies with regional and even global presence with the ability to influence and effect change in the political landscape of the party and country.

It said Dr Jonah, a loyal CPP member, had supported the party over the years from the background, and is now ready to come to front line politicking to transform the electoral fortunes of the party.

Many analysts are beginning to wonder: why will a millionaire based in South Africa dive into the ugly, dog-eats-dog politics of Ghana? And why will he join the Convention People’s Party, a party breaking apart and only won less than 3 percent of Ghana’s electoral votes?

Dr. Sam Jonah, who was honored with a knighthood by the Queen of England, is the former CEO of Anglo-Ashanti, a multibillion dollar global mining giant whose

Patriot or bored to death? Dr. Sam Jonah shares are traded on both the London and New York stock exchanges. He is now the Executive Chairman of Johannesburgbased Jonah Capital, a mining holding company with investments in South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia, Liberia, Botswana, Uganda, Kenya and other countries.

Dr. Jonah has denied harboring any political ambitions in an interview with Ghana’s Peace FM, but many wonder: is he nursing serious political ambitions but looking for the right time? Has he made enough money and now wants to serve his nation? Will he be Ghana’s answer to New York’s billionaire mayor Mike Bloomberg? Many analysts believe Sam Jonah’s entry into Ghanaian politics may be a big mistake but only time will tell.

(African Leader, additional reporting by GNA) African Leader, your trusted media brand for the $50 billion U.S African Market. Advertise with us!

They are Charles Asante, 30, Ebenezer Osei Yaw, 26, Kwesi Dickson, 23, all from Asankrangwa and Juliet Nyameke from Adusuazo near Half Assini in the Western region of Ghana.Their pleas were not taken and the court ordered them to re-appear on January 13 2012.

The court presided over by Mr. Hans Kofi Kpogo remanded them in one month prison custody when they made their first appearance in December 2011. Prosecuting Police Chief Inspector Paul Anaman told the court that the three of the suspects, Asante, Yaw and Dickson were suspected to CPP’s Broken Dreams. Phil Collins said: “I wonder, why doesn’t anybody stay together anymore?”These questions may be directed straight to the camp of the Convention People’s party (CPP). The CPP, until recently, Ghana’s third biggest party has broken up with a lot of confusion and mass defections. This is the result of intense power struggle between Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, former presidential candidate of the CPP and newly elected chairman Samia Nkrumah, daughter of Ghana’s first

the brain behind the mysterious death of a refuse collector at Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region early last year but were not arrested.

He said in October 2011, Asante, Yaw and a colleague now at large went to Nkawkaw, exhumed the body, secretly and brought the skeleton to Asankrangwa. The prosecution said Madam Nyameke who hails from Nzema assured them of a ready market of the skeleton in her area.

He said the woman started bargaining for the price of the skeleton through telephone numbers of people and the final one she had, happened to be a top police officer at half Assini that was not known to her. He said the seller and the buyer agreed upon a price of GH60, 000 or about $45,000.00.

(African Leader and GNA) president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.Today, Dr. Nduom, a former Deloitte and Touche executive regarded as wealthy, has broken away and formed a new party called Progressive People’s Party. Even though the National Electoral Commission has not even registered Dr. Nduom’s new party, he is already out and about inaugurating the party’s new executives.While this break up is full of false hopes, come election day in December 2012, many people will be singing the blues.

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January 2012

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Major Events in 2011

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UK royal wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Goodluck Jonathan elected President of Nigeria

Andrew Cuomo inaugurated as Governor of New York State

Death of Osama bin Laden

Death of Muammar Gaddafi

Egyptian revolution ousts Hosni Mubarak

Mrs. Rawlings loses to President Mills

Death of Steve Jobs

Mayor Bloomberg donates own $30 million to minority youth

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Community Events

January 2012

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Christmas Events at Inspirational Gospel Assembly, Bronx, New York

January 2012

22

Wedding of the year: Emmanuel and Mirreille

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Wedding of the year: Emmanuel and Mirreille

January 2012

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January 2012

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Africa and World News

Youssou NDour’s presidential bid highlights growing pattern of African celebrity ambitions

By Moses Asare, African Leader

Ronald Reagan was a Hollywood actor until he found his calling in politics and eventually became President of the United States. Then came the “Governator”, Austrian-born superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger who later became governor of California. And then again another name comes to mind: Jesse Ventura, a professional wrestler and actor who became the Governor of Minnesota.

These days it appears African celebrities are also going the way of Reagan and Schwarzenegger. The announcement by Senegalese Grammy Award winning singer Youssou NDour that he will be running in the Senegalese presidential election in February highlights a growing pattern of African celebrity ambitions. For some celebrities, it appears being famous is not good enough as many now want to contribute to real nation building. For Youssou, it’s about time.

“I’ve listened, I’ve heard and I am responding favorably to their request. I am a candidate. It’s a supreme patriotic duty, the best I can give of myself. I am the alternative to the current leadership in place in the country”, Youssou was reported to have said.

Many celebrities across Africa are now thought to be nursing serious political ambitions. They range from movie stars to footballers, musicians and also boxers. According to research made by African Leader, this trend is set to continue and in the coming years, more and more African celebrities will venture out unto the national and international political stages.

Perhaps the most popular of such celebrity-turned

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inspiration, the sky is the limit. He is famous for inspirational lyrics such as “drop your gun and go to school”, “someday, you’ll see all the possibilities” “touch the sky” “my hope is in you”, “I know you’ll make it through”, and “so much more we can do”.

Even with his growing media empire which includes a TV station, Radio and newspaper, few believe he will win against President Abdoulaye Wade, a man entrenched with over a decade in power. Perhaps after the star of the aging president fades, Youssou may get his best chance to take the presidential stage.

For now, for the millions of Senegalese that adore him and fans worldwide that love his music, it seems the hope is that Youssou NDour can do so much more.

Touch the sky: Youssou NDour live on stage politician is football star George Oppong Weah. In 2005, George Weah contested Liberia’s presidential election against “Old Maa” Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Weah came in a close second with 40.6% of the votes. In Nigeria, Nollywood actor Kanayo O Kanayo contested for a House of Representative seat in his native Imo State.

Even though he lost, he has become a prominent campaigner for President Goodluck Jonathan. In Ghana, veteran actress Grace Omaboe, popularly known as Maame Dokono, also contested for a parliamentary seat, even though she has been unsuccessful so far.

For Youssou NDour, perhaps Africa’s best known musician who sings with almost divine passion and

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Russian warships and Iran war games signal war preparations in the Middle East Intense public and secret preparations for a possible war in the Middle East became more clear this week with the arrival of Russian and NATO warships in the Middle East. For two reasons: the Syrian uprising and the Iranian nuclear issue. Analysts believe any possible war in the Middle East will dramatically increase gas prices and worsen the lives of African immigrants in the U.S.

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January 2012

Business News

U.S Unemployment falls to 3-year low.

Is the worst over for African immigrants?

By African Leader

Washington DC – The latest report released by the U.S Department of Labor for the month of December indicates that employers created more than 200,000 new non-farm jobs, sending the U.S unemployment rate to a 3-year low of 8.5 percent.

“Our nation’s strengthening labor market posted broad-based growth in the month of December. Nonfarm payroll employment added 200,000 jobs, exceeding expectations, and the unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent, its lowest level in nearly three years”, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis said in a statement.

“Month by month, industry by industry, and state by state, America’s labor market grew stronger in 2011.

We’re now seeing sustained job growth across almost every industry. We created nearly 2 million private sector jobs in 2011, and the unemployment rate fell in 45 states and the District of Columbia last year. Additionally, the number of mass layoffs continued to decline, with 14 of 19 industries reporting a decrease in layoffs over the year”, she added.

While the latest unemployment trend appears very encouraging, many analysts wonder if the worst is over for the millions of unemployed and struggling people across the United States, particularly in the African immigrant communities. Is the Great Recession dead and gone? Some analysts are of the view that such rosy statements and over-confidence masks the real problems in the economy. Still, nearly 24 million people in the United States are estimated to be unemployed, underemployed or simply not looking for work, or some combination thereof. So such

25

China’s IPO market is world’s biggest

For the doom and gloom analysts predicting a China hard landing or a China bubble burst, you better think again.

China has bagged another ‘biggest’ medal to her impresstatements must be met with cautious optimism. sive list of everything that is regarded as the world’s biggest.

Perhaps nowhere in America are the effects of unemployment more evident than in the African immigrant communities where many have given up on their American dreams and returned to Africa (see pages 6 and 7). For example, unemployment in the Bronx, probably home to the largest African immigrant community, is as high as 12.6 percent.

According to the latest data released by the internationally respected consulting firm, Ernst & Young, China’s IPO or Initial Public Offering market saw the biggest activity in the world. “Greater China has been a key driver of the IPO resurgence in the days following the global recession. In 2010, Greater China exchanges led the world in bringing new companies to market, this trend continued in 2011 with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and the SSE among the top five exchanges by capital raised”, the report said. China exchanges completed 410 deals in 2011 raising US$79.3b, a 42% drop in funds raised compared to 2010 (US$136.8b). This impressive achievement for China comes at a time of global IPO activity.Capital raised for the first 11 months globally totalled US$155.8b. The value of IPOs by yearend 2011 will be approximately US$170b, down by 40% compared to 2010, according to Ernst & Young’s year-end Global IPO update. However, 2011 IPO funds raised still exceed 2009 by 50%.

The unemployment situation is still tough but one thing is for sure: the latest jobs numbers give good hope that the worst may soon be over and the economy may be back on track. This may well be a good sign that President Obama’s relentless fight to create jobs is beginning to pay off at last. Many believe that if the Payroll tax cut and the President’s $50 billion jobs plan kick in, the economy will IPO or Initial Public Offering in practical terms is where comdo much better and the belt tightening in the African immigrant communities may soon be over. panies float their shares on the stock market for the first time, allow-

ing the general public and investors to buy shares and become part owners of the company. Companies can literally raise billions of dollars in capital which they are not necessarily required to pay back because shares are bought at buyer’s own risk. This gives company executives the confidence and resources to build new factories, invest in research and development, hire new workers and generally expand into overseas markets. Because IPO activity is at the heart of global finance and also measures the health of a particular economy, it is of strategic importance. And China clearly understands.

This is yet another ‘biggest’ for China in quite a long list.

For example, China recently surpassed Germany to become the world’s largest exporter. Again recently, China beat the U.S and is In control: President Obama is winning the jobs war now the largest car market in the world. - By Moses Asare

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Election 2012: America Votes

The Second Coming of Newt Gingrich

By MOSES ASARE Convergence International You can call him Newt Gingrich 2.0. Or simply The Come Back Kid. Whatever you call him, Newt Gingrich is back on the block. He is making real waves, with the White House clearly in his sight.

Newt is no stranger to Washington corridors of power. He was once the third most powerful man in America, as the Speaker of the U.S House of Representatives.

He is also no stranger to controversy. Once a staunch opponent of President Clinton, Gingrich proclaimed the so-called Contract with America document and even nursed presidential ambitions until he was forced to bow out ungracefully from the Washington political theater. He was regarded by some as the most hated man in America.

Now Gingrich is back on the block, this time with a re-engineered version of his document which he now calls the 21st Century Contract with America. He claims “developing the

..........Can He Be Trusted On Immigration Reforms?

21st Century Contract with America will help restore the bonds of trust between the American people and their elected representatives. This is a larger and more complex developmental challenge than any Presidential campaign has undertaken in modern times. The scale will seem impossible to some and grandiose to others. However, I believe it is the minimum necessary to mobilize the American people, change the entrenched elites and their system, and get America back on the right track�.

Really? In debates, he comes across as very knowledgeable. He appears to have strong convictions. Second Chance? Newt Gingrich He knows how to use the right political sound bites. Gingrich is not its donors, Gingrich appears to been waiting for? Your friends at the one to run away from contro- be in the center, much to the displea- Convergence International will be versy. As a former Washington in- sure of his conservative followers. watching closely. Will Gingrich sider, he understands better than But is Gingrich 2.0 back with a 2.0 fizzle out? Only time will tell. most how to play the Washing- bang? Will the Second Coming African Leader. ton political game. On immigra- of Newt Gingrich last? Is he the true believer, the Reaganite or the Reaching out to the $50 billion U.S tion, an issue dear to the heart of Messiah the Conservatives have African Market. Advertise Today!

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Opinion

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Saving Candidate Herman. American Exceptionalism Shines Again.

By MOSES ASARE, Convergence International Imagine you are a minority candidate running for President in the land of Mobunda. Clearly, you’re fully qualified to take your shot at the presidency.

You have passed a rigorous background check. Your paperwork is top notch, filed by probably the best lawyers Harvard can buy. The public is dying for you to run. You go to the Election Commission with the intention of formally filing to run for president. Then you receive a shocker: the government appointed Election Commission rules by a vote of 5-1 that you’re constitutionally disqualified to run for president. Oops!

But you aint seen nothing yet. After the disqualification shocker, your large army of disgruntled supporters clamor for some kind of civil disobedience, urging you to run by any means necessary.

Mass protests are brutally suppressed.

Then in the still of the night, hired thugs from the governing party invade your house, beating your wife and children and then doing the unthinkable… kidnapping. Then the next morning, the lifeless body of the aspiring minority president is found in a nearby lake.

Countless real life stories like this are common to find all over the world.

In a world like this, American exceptionalism shines again and again. Your friends at Convergence International are

Deserves A Second Shot? Herman Cain glad to learn that African American Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain has been given full secret service protection after receiving unspecified death threats. According to the story which was first reported by the Associated Press and appeared in The Washington Post, elite agents of the U.S secret service have already began protecting the African-American Republican contender, a rapid reaction counter-measure to increasing death threats on the candidate believed to have risen as a result of Cain’s recent bounce in the presidential polls.According to U.S Federal law, candidates may seek secret service protection if they meet certain standards, such as public prominence as measured by the candidate’s strength in the presidential

polls and also fundraising performance. However, such earlier requests like Cain’s, may be subject to the approval of the Homeland Security Secretary. In this case, Homeland Security boss Janet Napolitano was reported to have readily given her approval after a number of consultations.Candidate Herman Cain has been in the news lately.

From a virtual unknown, Cain has now risen to become a top contender in the Republican primary, even leading the pack, according to some reliable polls.

The married father of two, 65 year-old navy veteran cut his teeth and made a fortune by becoming the CEO of Godfather Pizza, a company he successfully turned around. Between 1995 and 1996, Cain was the Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Bank of Kansas City. Among his most prominent roles, from 2005 to 2011, Cain worked for Americans for Prosperity, a non-profit conservative think tank similar to Convergence International in terms of its free enterprise advocacy and funded by the billionaire Koch brothers, America’s third richest family according to Forbes. His gutsy, folksy style has earned him a large army of supporters in a short span of time. The self-made millionaire was recently reported to have told the Occupy Wall Street protesters to stop being “jealous” and to “blame” themselves for not being rich, instead of blaming Wall Street for their problems.

Cain may appear controversial sometimes, but even his worst enemies may admit that the man is a rising star, going beyond future book deals and the status of a Fox News contributor and gunning straight for the White House. And American exceptionalism seems to be on his side, at least for now. The fact that the Secret Service is currently giving him full protection alone speaks volumes.

Here is a black Republican who, a few decades ago, would hardly be admitted to a Republican conference.

Now America, the leader of the free world is offering him full protection, allowing him to be all he can be.

Continue on Page 17

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By Moses Asare, African Leader Bronx, New York City. On a beautiful summer day in June 2009, an African pastor delivered a prophetic sermon that will define the destiny of US-based African immigrants forever. “African immigrants in the U.S should not see themselves as immigrants.

Instead, you should see yourselves as pioneers (first settlers) paving the way for the next generations.

Whether you like it or not, your children will never go back to Africa. This is the great migration. You have come here not out of your own desire. You have come here because of difficult circumstances in your home countries. What you see today as a painful legacy will turn out to be a blessing in the future. 100 years from

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Special Feature now, your children will be Presidents, Lawyers, Chief Justices, Ambassadors, Teachers, Doctors, Nurses, Judges, Soldiers, CIA Directors and Senators of the United States. Already, one product of this African migration is President Barack Obama”. Coming from a well respected, international pastor and a great motivational speaker who started his church in a small classroom and built it into a “conglomerate” of churches in over 20 countries around the world, University, Philanthropic projects, businesses and real estate assets, Dr. Otabil’s prophecy must be taken more seriously like a divine instruction.

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The $50 Billion U.S African Market

in the U.S for a short time, make some good money, turn around quickly and go back to Africa and establish something big.

Done. No way. In reality, it’s a different game. Many of us have been here for a long, long time but have gone back to Africa only once or twice. Even when we do go, we are in a hurry to come back to the United States. Most of us have become U.S citizens, whether by birth or naturalization.

Practically, we are Americans! As Dr. Otabil said, “we must see ourselves as pioneers and American citizens, not immigrants”.

I remember watching a U.S TV series in which the lead star suddenly discovTHE REALITY ers that he is Jewish, after Fact is, every African all. He burst into tears of wants to go back home, joy and declared, “Oh God, at least in theory. We all I’m Jewish” and he cried thought we would be here like a baby. The first time

52 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 Toll Free 1-877-942-3288

this realization hit me, I felt very emotional. “Oh God, we are Americans!” Guess what, our destiny is now inextricably intertwined with that of the United States. If the U.S economy goes down or God forbid something terrible happens to America, we all go down. On the other hand, if America becomes paradise, all Africans living here will benefit…..our lives depend on America. Period.

The argument is even more compelling when it comes to children of African immigrants. These Africanborn U.S citizens, who may be referred to as the third generation, hardly know Africa . Many have never set foot there, many speak little or no African language. I have been blessed with three of such kids. The sad truth is that the next generation of African-born

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U.S citizens may never go back to Africa. The Irish, the Italian, German, Jewish, Russian, Scandinavian and more recently Korean immigrants never packed bag and baggage and left the U.S for good. So why would Africans, especially when economic and political conditions at home are not relatively good? That does not mean we would abandon Africa. No way.

Of course we are Americans but we will always be African in spirit. As the Irish-Americans still love Ireland and the Jews also love Israel, so would we love Africa.

Make no mistake about that.

THE GREAT MIGRATION Today, an estimated 3.5 million strong African and African-born population live in the US. Other-

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Special Feature

And The Great Wind of Change

estimates put that number at well over 5 million, including undocumented Africa immigrants.

Several geopolitical and demographic factors are creating an entirely different landscape. In the next few decades, baby boomers will retire. The graying of US population and the hollowing out of the workforce will quicken. There will be a huge aging population expected to live on the average up to nearly 100 years. They must be fed and cared for. Pressure on the work force will mount. To be able to balance its labor force and maintain its strategic competitiveness, the U.S policy makers would need to act, as they have always done. They may well turn to African immigrants, among others, to fill the gap in the labor force.

And for good reason. African population is the most youthful according to the United Nations. Twothirds of the population are youthful and are under age 35. About 600 million youth are projected to be in the labor force by 2035. No other continent or region even comes close, not even India or China. To smoothly absorb these army of youth, African economies must at least triple the 5 or 6 percent current growth rates, qualitatively and quantitatively. In the absence of such growth, even regardless of growth, African youth may be compelled to migrate and flood the U.S and EU labor markets to seek greener pastures whether they exist or not.

Also, African immigration quota is still paltry, possibly under 3 percent compared to India or other countries. There will be the need to increase this quota.

The outlook is favorable to Africans. In the U.S, Africans and African-born U.S citizens are largely per ceived to be peaceful and

Above: Current Or Prospective Marketers On The U.S African Market

hardworking and relatively trustworthy. Such Africans are preferred Managers in stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and even some banks, not to mention hospitals and nursing homes. Even though some explicit and implicit forms of glass ceiling and cultural uneasiness still persist, they will disappear with time, naturally.

It may be hard to tell, but in the coming years, U.S immigration policy may generally favor diversification away from Latin countries and increasing of quotas for non-Latin countries including Africa through such vehicles as the Visa Lottery and other policy instruments.

The result of the above is that the African and African-born population in the U.S will continue to swell exponentially, and along with it the U.S African consumer market.

Another angle is that, USbased African immigrants will significantly benefit from the current significant economic growth in Africa. While some may set up joint venture operations with foreign investors from the U.S, EU, China and also Brazil, many of them will directly benefit from increased Foreign Direct Investment inflows to Africa. As investors flood Africa, more and more African immigrants and African-born U.S citizens may be hired back to work in Africa as “expats” . This is because they may provide better guidance on a familiar territory; they may be perceived as possess ing the experience, edu-

January 2012

cation and training Westerners especially prefer; also they may culturally connect better with Westerners in particular. This will further increase the clout of U.S based Africans.

OUT OF THE PERIPHERY AND INTO THE MAINSTREAM CONSUMER MARKET. According to the recent New American Dimension study, the U.S African consumer market is worth over $50 billion and booming. This is bigger than the GDP of dozens African countries. Some experts believe that within 5-10 years, the U.S African market may move from the periphery and well into the heart of the $10 trillion U.S consumer market.

If current estimates hold, the U.S African market may well double in scale to over $100 billion by the year 2020. Already, some Fortune 500 companies including Procter and Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, BMW, and others are showing increasing significant interest in the U.S African Market and are stepping up direct consumer advertising in what they call multicultural marketing. Already, it is believed that about 50% of some remittance companies’ revenue comes from US-based Africans.

Remittances from the U.S to Africa are going through the roof. According to the World Bank, in 2010, remittances from the U.S to Nigeria alone was $10 billion.

The result is that the U.S African market will transition into the main-

stream consumer market similar to the nearly $1 trillion African-African market and the nearly $800 billion Asian market, all of which were largely smaller only a few decades ago.

THE GREAT WIND OF CHANGE I have been told by my Indian friends that about 60% of 7 Elevens, Dunkin Donuts, Motels, Pharmacies and so forth are owned

by Indians. Impressive. For Africans in the U.S, a great wind of change is blowing. Never before have Africans been so optimistic and ambitious. Across major U.S cities, Africans are getting more “established”.

From convenience stores to restaurants, financial services to beauty supply, car workshops to clinics, legal offices to mega churches, real estate to transport services, Africans are opening new businesses in significant numbers. In New York City, African owned businesses are popping up in many locations. Young men from Senegal who hardly speak English are setting up shops. Today, Africans can be proud that they are contributing to the strength and prosperity of the United States, the most exceptional country in the world (please see article on page 27) THE NEXT LEVEL The truth is, the U.S has always been a land of opportunity and a nation of immigrants. Today, with the election of President Obama, all barriers have come down and everyone can achieve their dreams.

For African immigrants, a great door of opportunity has opened. It’s time for mainstream African immigrants to move from the periphery and into mainstream American social, economic and political lives just as the In-

31

dian, Chinese and Korean immigrants have done.

To do this, we will all need some tough love. I believe African immigrants must de-emphasize cultural activities. There is too much drumming and dancing.

Instead, we must focus on how to get in the big game.

Firstly, we must figure out how the U.S capitalist system works. Secondly, at least for the purpose of marketing or administration, there is the need for U.S based Africans to define and differentiate themselves from other groups.

This need has become more urgent than ever, now that marketers are beginning to significantly chase the African immigrant’s hard-earned dollar. What do we call ourselves? African Americans? American-Africans? US-African citizens? African immigrants? African-born US citizens? I personally do not like the term “African immigrants” because we are not. We are U.S citizens like everyone else. Thirdly, African community leaders must come together and set achievable, ambitious goals. Lastly, African-born U.S citizens (I like this one better) must begin to make waves. Instead of African leaders coming all the way from Africa to meet the President and Congressional leaders, why shouldn’t African community leaders in the U.S do the same and lobby Washington and Wall Street? Better yet, we must begin to gather courage and set our sights on building great businesses, running for Presidents, Governors, Senators, Mayors, District Councils, Borough Presidents and more. Our market is booming. Our clout is growing. And after all, “we are Americans!”

An

African Leader special report

January 2012

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Paparazzi

Nollywood superstar Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde narrowly escaped death during the Christmas holidays in what appeared to be a very close call. A high sea disaster was avoided during the week when Nollywood star actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and legendary producer, Eddie Ugboma were left stranded on the Atlantic ocean for hours.

Teco Benson’s latest movie were left stranded and floating for more than three hours in the speed boat conveying the cast and crew from the Atlas Cove where they’d gone for shooting.

“It was indeed a twist of fate because, we’d actually gone to shoot some scenes for the movie ‘Blood On The River’ and there we were stranded on the Atlantic ocean”, disclosed Eddied Ugboma.

Narrating the genesis of the problem, the Delta State producer who stars as Omotola’s father in the new movie flick, said “the boat man didn’t realise he hadn’t enough diesel in the boat until we were mid-way on the Atlantic. Suddenly the engine

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How Omotola escaped death

stopped right in the middle of the sea and we were left stranded.

“As the boat man made frantic effort to reach his colleagues, our boat stayed adrift for three hours”.

Continuing, Eddie said “as we prayed for God’s intervention, the boat drifted towards the water front of the America Embassy. And that was when we sensed trouble. The security men threatened us with guns because they thought we were pirates. My brother, it was God’s intervention that saved us from being shot at.”

Finally, he added, “the boatman’s colleague then brought in diesel and we were able to conclude our journey.”

In another development, Omotola, who is easily regarded as the most beautiful actress in Nollywood has been appointed spokesperson for Amnesty International. Amnesty International cited Omotola’s extensive support fo maternal mortality issues and freedom of expression.

(African Leader with reporting by theinfostrides.com)

The one: Africa’s Diva - After a close call, Omotola is back in the game

‘X factor’ winner Melanie Amaro signs $5 million deal with Epic Records

In what appears to be the best New Year’s gift, Melanie Amaro, the winner of the first season of The X Factor, has been signed by Epic Records.

million recording contract with Epic’s parent company Sony Music, and secured her a role in a Pepsi commercial set to air during the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.

X Factor judge Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who is chairman and CEO of the label, said in a statement Tuesday: “I joined The X Factor to be able to discover undeniable talent such as Melanie.

The 19-year-old British Virgin Islands native beat Chris Rene and Josh Krajcik for the inaugural title along with some 100,000 hopefuls who auditioned in the spring, and after three months of heated, competition, it was her rousing performances that clinched the crown

“I am pleased that she is now signed to Epic Records because I believe we have only scratched the surface on uncovering her talent and her inevitable journey to superstardom.”

The deal is part of the her X Factor prize, which included a $5

Melanie is expected to release her debut album in 2012 under the Epic Recorrding label.

(African Leader with additional reporting by Hollywood Reporter)

.

Happy New Year: Melanie will be counting her money.

John Dumelo: “I wanted to be a doctor, not an actor”

Ghanaian actor John Dumelo has disclosed that growing up, acting was not on his card. He said growing up, he wanted to be in a field to “deal with the health of the female reproductive system; uterus, vagina and ovaries” termed as a gynecologist.

He told Glitz Africa Magazine, “I wanted to be a gynecologist”, continuing that “to take care of women of course”.

John has been linked with many ladies after his ‘surprise’ entry into the Ghana Movie Industry. So it is no surprise that he wanted to be a gynecologist.

Though he studied Engineering at the university yet wanted to be a gynecologist, John narrated how he ‘mis-

takenly’ re-entered the movie industry after he featured in ‘Baby Thief’ as Saka, a boy who found her kidnapped sister in a village through a birth mark.

“I think it all started one Sunday after church. I called a friend of mine to ask what she’s been up to and she said she was going for an audition for a TV show so my adventurous self said why not, let’s go! When I finally got there, the director dared me to take off my trousers and walk around the room in my boxers if I’m not shy and there were about 100 ladies in the room” He narrated.

In another development, John Dumelo has lauched his J-Melo brand of designer

clothing and accessories at the plush Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra, Ghana. J.Melo is an overreaching fashion brand of Casual African Apparels, Boxers Shorts, precious Jewellery, Hand Bags and more.

Several Ghanaian Celebrities notably Shirley Frimpong Manso, Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, Majid Michel, Yvonne Nelson, Prince David Osei, Joselyn Dumas, Ama K. Abebrese, Martha Ankomah and Juliet Ibrahim attended the launch to show their support for John Dumelo’s new enterprise. John mentioned that, 20% of all sales from this new venture will go towards his foundation-John Dumelo Foundation.

(African Leader and ghanacelebrities)

Ladies’ man?: John Dumelo, Yvonne Nelson, Jackie Appiah

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Paparazzi

January 2012

37

Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous - 2011

Lady Gaga kisses Mayor Bloomberg in Times Square

Ini Edo makes nearly $1 million...Number 1 in Nollywood

Bishop David Oyedepo buys another $30 million private jet

Van Vicker to release own music album

Nadia Buari: “I’m not pregnant!”

“Aki” Chinedu weds a lady twice his height

Mercy Johnson in fairy tale wedding

Yvonne Nelson denies love affair with Jon Germain

Forbes: Jay-Z to become hip-hop’s first billionaire?

Beyonce becomes pregnant. Finally.

Taylor Swift makes $45 million in 2011

January 2012

38

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SPORTS Who will win the 2012 African Cup?

By African Leader

The million dollar question is: who will win the 2012 African Cup? Now that Nigeria is not in the game, which nation will emerge champions? Will it be Ghana?

How about Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco?

While many football fans and analysts are busy placing their bets, some of the players themselves who will be in the center of action are making their own predictions. Chelsea ace Michael Essien has tipped the Black Stars as huge favorites to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations which begins on 21 January.

The 29-year-old believes the Black Stars’ mix of veterans and new blood – a combination which saw them almost bag a place in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals – could well give them the edge.

“The Ghanaian team is full of experienced tournament players mixed with hungry young players and that is a very good combination for this year’s African Cup,” he said in an interview. “There is captain John Mensah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Sulley Muntari among many other players “This team knows how to play at tournaments and nearly made the semi-final at the last World Cup. “They are a proper unit and play for the nation and that’s why I fancy them to make the final and probably win it”, he added.

“They have the chance to win, the future is very promising,” the Zamalek target said, according to Citi FM. “At Angola 2010, they went to the final and I strongly believe they have the credentials of winning that particular tournament to put smiles on the faces of millions of the people in the country.”

While Ghana may be regarded as a favorite, many believe Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco which also boast of experienced and foreign-based stars could pull a big surprise and any of them could emerge a winner. Africa Leade with additional reporting by ghanatoghana, Ghana Soccernet and goal)

Andre Ayew, BBC African Footballer of the Year

African Cup of Nations

FIXTURES OF THE FINAL TOURNAMENT

Group Matches Match GUINEA EQ. vs. LIBYA SENEGAL vs. ZAMBIA COTE D’IVOIRE vs. SUDAN BURKINA FASO vs. ANGOLA GABON vs. NIGER MOROCCO vs. TUNISIA GHANA vs. BOTSWANA MALI vs. GUINEA LIBYA vs. ZAMBIA GUINEA EQ. vs. SENEGAL SUDAN vs. ANGOLA COTE D’IVOIRE vs. BURKINA FASO NIGER vs. TUNISIA GABON vs. MOROCCO BOTSWANA vs. GUINEA GHANA vs. MALI GUINEA EQ. vs. ZAMBIA LIBYA vs. SENEGAL SUDAN vs. BURKINA FASO COTE D’IVOIRE vs. ANGOLA GABON vs. TUNISIA NIGER vs. MOROCCO BOTSWANA vs. MALI GHANA vs. GUINEA

Group A A B B C C D D A A B B C C D D A A B B C C D D

Date 21/01/2012 21/01/2012 22/01/2012 22/01/2012 23/01/2012 23/01/2012 24/01/2012 24/01/2012 25/01/2012 25/01/2012 26/01/2012 26/01/2012 27/01/2012 27/01/2012 28/01/2012 28/01/2012 29/01/2012 29/01/2012 30/01/2012 30/01/2012 31/01/2012 31/01/2012 01/02/2012 01/02/2012

Time 19H:30 22H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00 19H:00

Venue Bata Bata Malabo Malabo Libreville Libreville Franceville Franceville Bata Bata Malabo Malabo Libreville Libreville Franceville Franceville Malabo Bata Bata Malabo Franceville Libreville Libreville Franceville

04/02/2012 04/02/2012 05/02/2012 05/02/2012

17H:00 20H:00 17H:00 20H:00

Bata Malabo Libreville Franceville

Quarter Finals

25.

26.

27.

28.

1stst A vs. 2nd B 1st B vs. 2nd A 1st C vs. 2nd D nd 1 D vs. 2 C

Semi-Finals

29.

30.

Win. 25 vs. Win. 28 Win. 27 vs. Win. 26

08/02/2012 17H:00 Bata 08/02/2012 20H:00 Libreville

3rd Place match 31.

Loser 29 vs. loser 30

11/02/2012 20H:00 Malabo

Final 32.

Win. 29 v Win. 30

39

phen Appiah has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will win the 2012 African Cup of Nations.The four-time African champions have not added to their continental trophy cabinet since 1982, and Appiah is optimistic that their drought will end in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year. They came close to winning the ultimate prize in Angola 2010, but lost 1-0 to a solid Egyptian side in the final.

In another development, former Ghana captain Ste-

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January 2012

12/02/2012 20H:00 Libreville

CAF boosts sponsorship deals but TV licensing remains a headache in U.S.A

By African Leader Exclusive information reaching the Africa Leade indicates that African Cup TV licensing in the U.S continues to be problematic despite intense lobbying and bidding currently going on and also in spite of CAF’s excellent performance in striking multimillion dollar deals with global companies.

At the time of going to press, no company had been approved as the exclusive TV rights holder for the African Cup of Nations. Licensing of football TV rights for the U.S market remains a headache even though it is believed that credible companies including The Africa Channel, Dish Africa TV, Afrotainment TV and others are keenly interested in buying the rights and may have approached CAF. There is a strong suspicion among the football and media communities that some Middle Eastern media organizations with deep pockets are lobbying hard to snatch the

TV rights from African-owned companies with an initial higher bid as a bait. Others also believe that African-owned media organizations in the U.S are not big enough and must form some kind of a consortium to strongly pitch and secure the TV rights.

It may be recalled that in 2009, CAF replaced MTN, the title sponsor, with Orange, a leading telecom services provider with operations in 15 African countries. The CAF-Orange sponsorship deal is for a period of 8 years. Other sponsors include Pepsi, Samsung, The Standard Bankand Nasuba Express.

The delay in finding the right TV rights holder has become a worry to both marketers and consumers on the over $50 billion US African market. While advertisers are lining up to sponsor the matches in the U.S but are on hold, most people still do not know which TV station they can count on to show the matches.

January 2012

40

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