AfricaWorld Newspaper 1-15 February 2014

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FEB 01 - 15 2014

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Grace Amah’s

Marriage in Tatters • Husband accuse Gospel Singer of infidelity.

• Wife says: “It‘s not true, my hubby beats me !”

A once celebrated marriage between Pastor Dr. Alex Amah and his beautiful gospel singer wife Grace has hit the rocks, AfricaWorld can authoritatively reveal.

Although close family friends may have been aware of the crisis in this talk-of-the-town union, however, AfricaWorld can reliably inform you more on why Dr. Alex Amah, a Medical Practitioner and former Zonal Pastor of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church Ireland decided to separate from his wife Grace Amah.

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BIAFRA RADIO (in Ireland) mobilize globally for the realisation of the Republic of Biafra Photos on Page 13

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JAN 16 31 2014 1 -- 15 2014 AFRICAWORLD FEB

GRACE AMAH’S MARRIAGE IN TATTERS

EDITORIAL WHEN IMMUNITY BECOME A CLOG IN THE WHEEL OF SOCIAL JUSTICE The Reciprocal Diplomatic Immunity is an international legal framework which confers country representatives or diplomats safe passage and are not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country’s tenets. However, they can still be expelled. The reciprocal Diplomatic immunity was agreed as international law in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).

This as an institution was entrenched for the maintenance of government relations, including periods of difficulties and war. Usually on arrival at place of service, the head of government formally receives diplomats. They are granted privileges and immunities to ensure they effectively discharge their duties. However, the principle of diplomatic immunity is granted on the understanding that these are provided on a reciprocal basis.

Having highlighted the height of diplomats’ privileges, it is important to point out their excesses while in service. These include arbitrary charges on the people they are bound to represent, often building or barricading themselves to avoid ‘real’ contact with the people they are meant to represent. Due to their status, some are so arrogant and swim in opulence out of people’s misery.

Arbitrary charges and exorbitant fees are placed on acquiring of citizenship documents. Even Asylum seekers who have suffered so many deprivations are not spared. Domestic employees are turned to modern day slaves and there’s general neglect on their people.

So bad!

Come in.

Uka

So who are the other two in her life?

There’s a Spanish woman called Quakita who who came into the house in April and left August last year. That woman, we never knew her until April last year. I can’t pronounce her name correctly but I think they call her Quakita or Spanish woman. The third person is Abimbola.

How did you come to know pastor Austin?

Grace knew pastor Austin two weeks before me when he invited her to come and sing in his church in 2013. Actually pastor Austin did not know about my marital issue until the 13th of August 2013.

A couple of occasions he came in to our residence to mediate between us and in his presence my wife was insulting me.

And what did pastor Austin say when your wife was insulting you?

L - R : Grace Amah , Pastor Dr. Alex Amah

A once celebrated marriage between Pastor Dr. Alex Amah and his beautiful gospel singer wife Grace has hit the rocks, AfricaWorld can authoritatively reveal. Although close family friends may have been aware of the crisis in this talk-of-the-town union, however, AfricaWorld can reliably inform you more on why Dr. Alex Amah, a Medical Practitioner and former Zonal Pastor of Nigeria’s imported Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church decided to separate from his wife Grace Amah.

Grace Amah, a beautiful Gospel Singer with sonorous voice is accused by her husband of infidelity and more. AfricaWorld correspondent spoke with an embittered Dr. Alex Amah.

Below are excerpts: Are you officially divorced from your wife?

We are separated as far as Ireland is concerned but the divorce proceedings are yet to be finalized in Nigeria. I have a letter from my lawyer to submit wherever I am processing documents regarding my status. A lot has happened, when I came to this country I met my wife sleeping with another man.

Do you mean you caught her when you came to Ireland and in what year?

Hehehehe! What he was supposed to say as a man of God that… “Madam you are having difficulties with your husband who is equally a pastor, please go back and settle with him first”, and he never said that. Ask any pastor who is worth his salt and knows the Yes! “That episode scriptures, call people like pastor ‘Anthony about me when you came into Ireland… “me Eziashi’ and they will tell you the same thing. They sleeping with another man, yes I did it and what will always tell the woman, “Madam have you about it, What can you do?”, Grace retorted at me discussed with your husband or your family before in front of my son joseph. Joseph who is the eldest coming into my church?” this never happened. of my kids and can attest in front of everyone that his mother said this. I can’t fabricate this. I am a Is Pastor Austin an Igbo man?

Yes, he is an Igbo man. pastor.

On Abimbola How many kids do you have with Grace?

She did not know anything concerning our We have five children together and they all live in marriage difficulties until June last year (2013), Ireland. She had one before I came to Ireland and when she experienced it, despite the fact that she another when I arrived while the other three were visits every two weeks or so. It’s so unfortunate born in Nigeria. She doesn’t allow Joseph to call that these people surrounding her now do not the other of his siblings. I have to confess I have know the difficulties of our marriage. I can give endured a lot. There are three people in her life now you numbers for whom to call even the time I was Pastor of MFM in Portlaoise.

What do you mean by three people in her life Who initiated the divorce proceedings? now?

Let us mention their names so we know the truth: Pastor Austin, he never knew my family until August 2013 when my wife started attending his church.

Pastor Austin who?

I think Frances… he bears two English names.

That is to show you a woman who lacks respect for her husband. Can you imagine without consent, without discussion, without permission. Can’t you see the wife of a pastor involving herself?

Let me make it clear I would have started my own church a long time ago. Although a lot of people wanted to sponsor me but I declined. Many people left MFM (Mountain of Fire Miracle) because I was no longer a pastor there but my brother you don’t do things if you are not called by God, you will always regret it.

“If you do what God did not send you, you will leave it midway and you’ll find yourself at the end of way and you’ll regret it”, he said.

Yes I did. Unfortunately when I was in Nigeria, I sent her to Ireland earlier on to come ahead of me but when I came to join her she was already living with another man, you can imagine, she defiled our marriage but I forgave her. I have passed through a lot in the hands of my wife, should I say maltreatment?

I came into Ireland in 2004 and ever since my wife has dealt with me emotionally. Although challenges in our marriage started since 2005 but on the 8th of September 2013 to be precise, in the presence of the two of my two sons - 19 and 16 half-year-old sons, she told me she had slept with another man.

There are many things a man cannot endure and this is one. From that point, I decided not to touch Are you accusing your wife of being emotionally her and even my 9 year old boy Jonathan can attest attached to pastor Austin? that I have never been bad to Grace.

I don’t know. I don’t want God to punish me, So you are accusing your wife of sleeping with I do not know. another man?

AFRICAWORLD & MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

NEWS

News Director Abdul Yusuf

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin Leandro Tonetto Oliveira Jana Veverkova

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly

Photography Alex Cavalcante da Silva

The Editorial team at AfricaWorld would like to point out that it is aware of the Millennium Development Goals and seeks to Published by Uyokanjo Media Services Ltd. 46 Parnel Square West

3rd Floor +353 87 637 3210 Dublin 1, Dublin City +353 1 873 0123 Republic of Ireland E-mail: africaworldnews@gmail.com

I did. I was the one that went ahead because I had to. I had enough.

What are your reasons for initiating the proceedings?

Oh! If a woman tells you to your face after abusing your family that she slept with another man what would you do? It is important to say that Grace called and abused my mother verbally on a Sunday morning. On the 8th of September 2013, she called my 75-year-old mother, abusing her terribly before informing her that she will be calling the Garda. My mum asked why?, was she beaten?

My two sons were there and they can attest to that.

One is not up to 18 and so, lives with her while the other is 19, and studies in Continue Education Centre CEC, Ballyfermot and he plays keyboard for them. She has been saying that she is tired with the marriage and I should issue her divorce and I said to her if it is the divorce she needs, Ok, I promised that I will give it to her.

If a woman tells you and you want to rob it in. It is different back home (Nigeria), you know the steps to take but if she hurts you here (in Ireland), you have to obey the laws and you have to obey the law.

To be continued on next coming edition

synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve issues of Education,

Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equalit y, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnerships.

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FEB - 15 JAN116 - 31 2014 2014

AFRICAWORLD

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NEWS

By MORDI I. MICHAEL

ALGERIA

Algeria has launched its first onshore exploration round in three years hoping to lure international oil companies to a sector shunned by investors amid a hostile investment climate and security fears.

ANGOLA

Ten people were crushed to death and 120 people injured in the Angolan capital Luanda as they tried to enter an overcrowded stadium for a vigil organised by a pentecostal church.

Grace Amah: “My husband beats me”, refutes ‘Adultery’ allegation Embattled wife of former MFM Zonal Pastor, Grace Amah stormed AfricaWorld office and had a brief interview with our editor Ukachukwu Okorie

On what grounds should your husband be welcomed back home?

BENIN

He should realize he has made a mistake, admits all he has accused me and sincerely apologize to me, then he can come home.

Angelique Kidjo,the song writer and singer from benin,was in Kenya being a do-gooder when the concept of her new album “Eve” came to her she said “like a light bulb blowing up in your heas”. Ms. Kidjo who is a Unicef good will ambassador was visiting small Kenyan villages for Seven hours by car from Nairobi,along with the executive director of Unicef,Kenya’s minuster of health and a CNN crew to draw attention to the widespread malnutrition that can leave children stunted for life.

BOTSWANA

A court in Botswana has ordered a woman to pay 60000 pula (£4,400) as compensation for wrecking another woman’s marriage. Naledi Mogae is reported to have sued her rival Kemiso Dijokota through the country’s customary court system for “actively pursuing” her husband Kenneth at a time when they were trying to pick up their rocky rela tionship.

BURKINA FASO

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abu-Bak r Al-Siddiq, has described opening a Sudanese Embassy in Burkina Faso as step complying with the policy of openness to the African states.

BURUNDI

There have been over 450 grenade attacks in the past month in Burundi,some targeted at the Expat community. These have become the preferred method of settling political scores. Eight people are said to have been killed and fifty wounded in the past month by the devices which cost as little as 3 dollars each.

CAMEROON

Officials say cameroonian forces got involved in fighting between Nigeria’s army and the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram in a border town in Cameroon that killed at least one woman on Cameroonian soil and wounded five other people.

CAPE VERDE

A cape Verdian who was one of the suspects in a child kidnapping case has been identified by the police. The suspect said to have been identified by portugese police investigating the kidnapping of a child Madeliene McCann was a convicted criminal who had avoided deportation back to his native Cape Verde.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Violence in the central African republic continues as Ouandja Magloire says he ate dead Muslim’s flesh after his wife and sister-in-law were killed. A cannibal who ate another man’s flesh in the Central African republic has said he did it becausr he was looking to revenge the death of his family.

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I have never stabbed my husband, if he wants to come home, the door will always be open for him.

Who is Pastor Austin to you?

(Stating comfortably) Austin is a pastor that God brought my way when everything was going wrong. He was there for me, stood for me, helping me with my eldest son’s traveling situations. He has always been there for me. He is just a man of God that God brought my way.

I spoke to Pastor Anthony (Eziashi) about both of you (Membership) at the MFM church and mentioned Grace Amah with AfricaWorld Editor , Ukachukwu Okorie. your husband being a Zonal Pastor at the Ministry and he denied it. Why did Pastor Anthony deny your membership at MFM? From my discussion with your husband he That is not true. It is all lies, which he is trying confirmed that in Ireland both of you are to cook. You see, there is one thing about me, Yes, my husband was once a Zonal Pastor I like helping people, even people who may at MFM. So, I have no idea why he did separated? need accommodation therefore. I never met that but we will leave that in the Hands the Spanish woman before but the previous of God. Yes, We are separated. week. The woman had a problem with her But the divorce procedures are yet to be accommodation and that was how I helped So where are you going with your out because she became homeless and so, I singing career? finalized in Nigeria, is that correct? welcomed her into my home - I suppose She Ha-ha! (Laughing with relief) Yes, at Ehmm, that’s what he said but I haven’t seen is Parquita. the moment I am in the studio and I am anything since he is the one dealing with our Why did he suspect the whole scenario? coming out with a new album called divorce procedures.

‘Odogwu n’agha’ meaning ‘Mighty In Your husband has accused you of living I feel that he might have felt that we were Battle’ and my career… (paused) “You see, ehmm, the reason why all of these with another man before he came to ganging up on him. trials are happening at the moment is Ireland, is that true?

Are you an adulterer? because the devil has seen where God has taken this career to and that’s why the “Ha-ha” she laughed hysterically. I wasn’t living with a man,’ I was accommodating No, I am not an adulterer by the Grace of God. devil has to hit first before the doors can open. So, I am taking this career to the him and a woman called Stella because they both had a problem with their previous Why do you think your husband accused next level. accommodation, he was not the only one you of committing adultery whilst being married at the time, what do you think led In a nutshell can you tell us about some staying in my home at that time. him to speak in such a manner about you? of the albums you have released and what fans should be expecting in the Your husband also accused you of insulting his 75-year-old mother and claims you Well, this is a free world where people can future? threatened him to leave the house by calling now say anything they want to say about Yeah, the first album was ‘Another Level’ the Gardaí in the presence of your children, anybody but I am not an adulterer. which did ok for a first album and my how true is this?

Can you enlighten us more on why your second album was a charity album but I husband was aggrieved to the extent of did it and gave out it to Redeem Church That was a complete lie. calling you an adulterer? to help kids in need or children who are having certain problems.

What is your current relationship with He is just a hot-tempered person. your husband?

Are your children aware about what is At the moment we are separated. We have What do you mean by hot tempered, has he going on? court proceedings in early February and that ever laid his hands on you in Ireland?

Sure they are but I am handling it in a is all I can say for now.

Yes way that it won’t affect them that much.

I try as much as I can to bridge that gap How many children do you have with Dr. Amah and how old is your first and last- Do you have proof of these accusations, has again. So, it won’t affect them as much as he touched you perhaps in front of your it is affecting me. born? children?

Do you see yourself as Pastor Alex We have five children together. Our first joseph is 18-years-old and our last born is (Pause for a moment before she replied) Amah’s wife again?

“Ehmm….yes, he has laid hands on me but 9-years-old. never in front of the children.”.

Sure.

Are you still worshiping at MFM (Mountain Do you think your broken marriage can be What about the court case which is of Fire Miracle)? mended and do you see yourself forgiving now proceeding?

No. We left MFM around 2011 or so, we then him for all these accusations?

We are still going through the procedure. joined an Irish church which I later left. I am Yes, as a Child of God I do see myself and my We just went through with the family now in New Heaven Citizens Church. husband back together again and I am ready mediation court case and coming to terms with the whole issue. She quotes.

Your husband mentioned a Spanish woman to forgive him.

‘The bible says… “Follow peace with at your home which he did not know and that she spoke on your behalf during Do you think your husband may want you all men” but we are going through with the divorce court because that is what he argument with him at some point. Is this back after attempting to stab him? wants us to’. true?

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JAN 16 31 2014 1 -- 15 2014 AFRICAWORLD FEB

R

RWANDA ATTRACTIONS AND TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

wanda is a mountainous area which lies in the central part of Africa and is divided by the Rift Valley. There is an extensive mountain range extending from the north to south.

There are many attractions in Rwanda which are spread throughout the country. Rwanda attractions mainly include national parks, museums, falls and lakes.

Kigali, the capital does not have many tourist attraction spots.

The most interesting Rwandan attraction is the A’Kagera National Park which is located on the eastern part of the country. The national park comprises of a variety of wildlife animals and is the home of more than 500 kinds of birds. It comprises of Lake Mungesera and the Rusumo Falls.

The Parc des Volcans is one of the last sanctuaries where one can find the mountain gorilla. This region also has two active volcanoes. Lake Kivu is another popular Rwandan attraction which provides the opportunity for a variety of water sports and excursions on the lake. The Rugege Forest has some rare species of wildlife animals.

The surrounding city of Butare also a host of Rwandan attractions and one can find some interrsting craft shops, a botanical garden and museums. Beaches also form an essential part of Rwandan attraction. Tourists can visit an extensive range of beaches in Rwanda and have lots of fun.

Rwanda Lakes

Rwanda is situated in the region of Great Lakes and has many beautiful and serene lakes bordering it. Tourists from all over the world come to have a view of these serene Rwanda lakes. There are five volcanic lakes which lie on the border of Congo and Rwanda and have their own attractions. The major Rwandan lakes include Lake Kivu, Lake Ruhondo, Lake Mugesera, Lake

Burera, Lake Muhazi and Lake Ihema.

Lake Kivu is the biggest of the numerous freshwater bodies that are there in Rwanda. It is an outstanding beautiful inland body of water which is enclosed by vertical, green terraced hills along the border of Congo. There are three resort towns namely, Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye which are located close to Lake Kivu.

Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are the two most neglected lakes of Rwanda. These lakes are surrounded by steep hills and large waterfalls with a backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains. These twin lakes are great spots to be visited after watching the gorillas in the Rwandan mountains.

The lakes in Rwanda offer ample scope for water gliding, swimming, canoeing and water-skiing.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located in the scenic country of Rwanda and was officially recognized as a national park in the year 2004. Nyungwe Forest National Park is situated at a distance of 225 km from the capital city of Kigali, 50 km from the southwestern coastal town of Cyangugu and 90 km from Butare.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is located at an altitude of 1600 to 2950 meters and the area experiences an average rainfall of 1800 to 2500 mm every year.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is the biggest mountain rain forest which is still present in the continent of Africa. Some important things to visit in the Nyungwe Forest National Park include: • Mount Bigugu : The mount Bigugu is situated at a height of 2952 meters.

• Kamiranzou : The Kamiranzou marsh extends over an area of 13 square

kilometers.

Lobelias and orchids : More than 1100 species of giant lobelias and orchids are found here.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a home to a wide variety of wildlife and some of them are striped jackals, marsh mongoose, African civet, serval cat, golden cat, red tailed monkey and Olive Baboons. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also a favorable place for over 275 kinds of bird species and some of them are Blue headed and regal sunbirds, the red throated alethe and the Ruwenzori Turaco.

Some of the activities where the tourists can participate in the Nyungwe Forest National Park are photography, mount climbing at Mount Bigugu, primate watching and bird viewing.

•

Rwanda National Parks

Rwanda National Parks are the popular tourist attractions for all those who travel to the exotic country of Rwanda. Rwanda National Parks hold a variety of wildlife which ranges from impalas, deer, zebras, gorillas, elephants, buffaloes and giraffes.

Rwanda National Parks are also famous for its birds and some of them are the bizarre shoebill stork, the papyrus ganolek and the fish eagles.

Some of the famous Rwanda National Parks are the Akagera National Park, the Nyungwe National Park and the Volcanoes National Park.

Rwanda National Parks enhance the beauty of its wildlife and also attract the tourists in general.

Rwanda National Parks help to protect the wildlife and all the species of birds and animals that sometimes become extinct or are hard to trace.

The government of Rwanda takes all the initiatives to prevent the heritage of the national parks.

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is one of the famous national parks in the country of Rwanda. Akagera National Park is situated close to the border of Tanzania and is surrounded by the wondrous waters of the Akagera River. Akagera National Park houses the typical grasslands of the African Savannah.

Akagera National Park is set among the pictorial beauty of the lakes and the riverside which is a delight for the eyes of any tourist.

Akagera National Park has a wide collection of wildlife and some of them are elephant, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, chimpanzees, gorillas and chimpanzees.

Some rare species of birds are also found in the Akagera National Park and some of them are fish eagles, papyrus ganolek, and bizarre shoebill stork. One of the special features about the wild life of Akagera National Park is that one of the largest antelopes of the world the statuesque Cape eland is found here.

The Akagera National Park covers an enormous area of 2, 500 square kilometers and was founded back in the year 1934. Akagera National Park has only one place where accommodation can be provided to the tourists and it is the Akagera Game Lodge.

Akagera National Park also involves the other ecosystems of Uganda’s Kikati game reserve, rangeland ares to the north of the Katungo River and the lake Mburo National park. It also extends to the eastern side towards the Ibanda and Rumanyika game reserves of Tanzania and also to the Biharamulo and Burigi game reserves in the south.

Lake Kivu Rwanda is a place which boasts

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TRAVEL

of a varied natural beauty and wildlife. Rwanda is located in the region of the Great Lakes and has five lakes surrounding the entire region. Lake Kivu is the largest freshwater lake of the Rwandan region. Lake Kivu is also one of the Great Lakes in the entire African continent.

Lake Kivu is an extremely beautiful lake which is enclosed on all sides by huge vertically steep, green terraced hills and the lake lies along the Congolese

border. Lake Kivu flows into the Ruzizi River, which further flows southwards into the Lake Tanganyika. The lake covers a total area of 2700 square kilometers and falls from a height of 1460 meters above sea level.

Idjwi, the world’s eight-largest inland island is located on Lake Kivu. Bukavu, Kalehe, Sake, Goma and Kabare in Congo and Kibuye, Cyangugu and Gisenyi cities of Rwanda are established on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Lake Kivu is one of those exploding lakes which are affected by fierce lake overturns. Periodic volcanic activity is quite common in the Lake Kivu. As a result, harmful chemicals from these volcanoes constantly get mixed with the lake water and there is a constant threat to aquatic life. Lake Kivu has been reported to contain a huge amount of methane gas which is being extracted gradually.

The three resort towns, Gisenyi, Cyangugu and Kibuye are located close to Lake Kivu. These resorts are connected to the lake with the help of a roller-coaster road which runs through luxuriant plantain field and small patches of the rainforest. The journey from Lake Kivu to any of the three resorts is one of the most astonishing journeys in the entire African continent.

FEB 2014 JAN 116- -15 31 2014

AFRICAWORLD

NEWS

HOW IOM STOLE FORMER ASYLUM SEEKER, MR ALPHA GASSAMA’S iVOSTA PROJECT

By Abdul Yusuf

UPDATE ON IOM PROJECT : Media organizations are always very busy and have lots of job to do. For most journalists with a workload like us, the assertions made by iVosta was impossible to ignore or report such a story, or at least avoid its more ‘controversial’ elements The allegations highlighted all the malpractices that still exists within most organizations.

The current Project Manager working for IOM has all the time in the world to advance the company’s aims, mission, vision or perspective rather than to allow it to slide into any news agenda.

The first meeting held at the Gresham Hotel between the current IOM Project Manager on O’Connell’s Street on 10th December, 2013 was not successful enough for the party to reach a common ground.

The basic reason for all the malpractices and squandering of public funds is pretty simple: they’ve got more and more resources (money, time, people) to do whatever projects they want to do, and journalists have got fewer and fewer time with which to filter out the truth from the propaganda.

Though the recent allegations made by Gassama was unequivocally refuted by IOM’s Project Manager but it also gave Gassama plenty of time to gather more facts and he also offered AfricaWorld Newspaper testimony about the ignorance, avoidance and distortion he has experienced at the hands of IOM during their first meeting at Gresham Hotel.

Alpha Gassama has been involved in volunteering and witnessed how the system can be unfair and exploitative.

Most NGOs in Ireland often mislead the public on funding and expenditure. We call on Funders and the Government to put in place proper official examination and verification of financial accounts and records to put an end to mismanagement of funds.

Before the arranged meeting, AfricaWorld Newspaper correspondent initially requested IOM Project Manager to answer to the ten questions relating to Alpha Gassama’s allegations but unfortunately, he was only able to answer one out of the ten questions put across to It is very important to note him. He is yet to come up with answers to the remaining nine that Gassama has, by and large, allowed his message to be questions. conveyed through the current By honored tradition, IOM’s Project Manager who is journalists still half-jokingly still carrying out the GIVE see most CEO’s, Managers, project operation on behalf of Public-Relations (PR) etc of one of the most powerful and Charities or NGOs as international companies in the professionals “the enemy” in world. And while we can squandering funds meant for understand how that has organizations. But journalists happened, keeping mute, know they have a job to do sweeping the news under the and also believe that the public carpet and not reporting is not needs to be aware of this what journalism is supposed to be all about. menace.

Being transparent is a key component of developing trust, sincerity, honesty, real v u l n e r a b i l i t y, fierce conversation, grace, humility and composure. Transparent leaders are authentic and deliver their brand of honesty with respect and concern for others.

revealing personal information within the context of their work, responsibly sharing true opinions and emotions, asking for feedbacks about their own performance, and owing up to their mistakes. Transparency tends to point an organization to the right direction.

There are no hidden agendas and information is shared openly, yet appropriately.

Leaders normally demonstrate this by being sincere in words and deeds, being communicating both good and bad news,

As Richard W. Oliver quoted that “a transparent organization will attract the best and retain the best but an opaque organization will continually deal with high turnover or a disgruntled workforce.

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Note: Coming Next: Details of Mr. Alpha Gassama’s meeting with Volunteer Ireland will be published in the next edition.

WISDOM BITS A man who uses force is afraid of reasoning. ~Kenyan proverb

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JAN 16 31 2014 1 --15 2014 AFRICAWORLD FEB

NEWS/COLUMN

By MORDI I. MICHAEL

KENYA

chaos and protests rocked several parts of the country today as businessmen and civilians alike protested against new levies charged by respective country governments. In Mombasa police lobbed tear gas and weilded batons.

D. When did you start acting?

LIBERIA

USAID Global Water Coordinator in Liberia to Assess Water Strategy

LIBYA Nokia solutions and Networks has opened a new office in Tripoli Libya in a bid to improve elivery of it’s mobile broadband infrastructure to support operation in the North African country.

MADAGASCAR

A top southern African development community envoy will attend the inauguration of Madagascar’s new president.

Namibia’s foreign minister said on Teusday.

Tall and handsome Nollywood actor, Benson Okonkwo a.k.a Mr Packaging is as controversial as they come. He has been hailed as a ladies man despite rumours about his sexuality. He was recently listed as one of Nollywood sexiest actors. He is very hardworking and not afraid to play daring roles. I reckon we will be seeing more of him on our screens.

B. I started acting in 2008. Before that I was modeling which I started at the age of 16. As a model I worked for Zian, Wema bank, hairthamocool, Nestly Table, Gold cycle condom, Rainbow Net, First Bank, Orange Drugs and more. As a child I would act in churches, stations of the cross, where I played the part of Jesus Christ every good Friday. I was also active in secondary school dramas. My mum gave me money to register with the actors guild at 12 and I did. So far so good, we give GOD all the glory. I have done 50 movies and still counting.

Some of them are: Veronica, A better tomorrow, World of a prince, Bloody night, Akara oku, Innocent woman, James town, 9 disciples, Pinging ladies, White angles and The strippers.

Please check them out. Some of them are on YouTube.

D. As an actor who is not afraid to I felt good to be listed as one of take risks, how do you handle Nollywood sexiest actors, all thanks to criticism?

Vanguard Newspaper. As an upcoming actor it was an honour and it brought B. I just ignore them because its part me more fame. I would like to thank all of the game. When you are public my fans who voted for me and glory be figure, what ever you do people must to God for his grace to my career. talk about it. It isn’t a new thing in the industry. I am naturally a daring D. What projects are you currently person. People’s opinion does not working on? affect me in any way. Talk is cheap, anybody can talk. I see it as them B. Working with stars like Patience helping me hit stardom faster.

Ozokwor (Mama G) , Yvonne Jegede, Veecko Kyngz and Gbenga Richards.

D. When you are not acting, what Its a big project marketed by Danga else do you do? movies and it will hit the market in February. Watch out for it.

B. I own a unisex Saloon.

N”Collectabus unisex saloon. No.27 Owerri Road, Asata, Enugu State. So WISDOM BITS if I am not on set I am in my Saloon.

I also sell clothes and supply office goods. “ One falsehood spoils

MALAWI

The “cashgate”scandal is threatening President Joyce Banda’s chances of winning elections in May as the state battles to pay it’s bills following aid cuts and public anger over official corruption mounts.

MALI

Authorities have questioned Mali’s coup leader Sanogo over army violence linked to a counter-coup shortly after he siezed power in March 2012.

MAURITANIA

The country is set to set up a special tribunal to prosecute suspects a cc u s e d of involvement in slavery,state media said this is in a bid to eradicate the trade in the West African state.

D. You have just been listed as one of the sexist Nollywood actors, how does it feel?

a thousand truths”

MFM GENERAL OVERSEER ANTHONY EZIASHI DENIED KNOWING TROUBLED COUPLE

Africaworldnews recently contacted the Regional Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministeries Dr. Anthony Eziashi during its investigation regarding the true identity of Dr. and Mrs Alex Amah and if the couple were members of his church Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministeries (MFM)?

Though Dr. Alex claimed to be a former Zonal Pastor of MFM and that the Regional Overseer is aware of their marriage difficulties but Eziashi denied knowing both members and confirmed that they are neither members nor ministers in his church. He was also asked again by our correspondent if he was aware about the couple’s marriage difficulties being active members of his church?

Grace Amah - 4th from left at a Birthday Celebration of MFM. See Dr. Anthony Eziashi and other MFM faithful

Finally, he was asked by our correspondent if he was trying to say that Dr. Alex Amah lied by saying he was a former Zonal Pastor of MFM? The Regional Overseer responded immediately by saying “Sir, please do not misinterpret me, former, is not present issues. And marital issues are private matters.

Bro n Sis. did not ask to discuss their issues with anyone Sir. So, please I Africaworldnews correspondent will not want to interfere into what rephrased the last question and I don’t really know much about Sir. asked the General Overseer how God bless you!”, he concluded. important are the separated couple to his congregation after threats Judging in between the entire were issues to the editor? lines, Africaworldnews do not really He further confirmed once again know who is fooling who? that “Sorry Sir, again they are neither members of MFM and the church can’t be of any help!” he said.

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7

COLUMN/NEWS

By MORDI I. MICHAEL

MOROCCO Morocco’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously amended an article in the penal code that had been outraged people by allowing a rapist to escape prosecution if he married his underage victim. Article 475 of the penal code generated unprecedented public criticism about the case of Amina al-filali, a 16-year old girl who was forced to marry a man who allegedly had raped her.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. PETER’S CENTRE PHIBSBOROUGH, SEAT OF THE AFRICAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY

SOUTH SUDAN

South Sudan ‘Attempted Coup’ Fails, Says President

MOZAMBIQUE

The Mozambian police in Maputo have categorically denied a story published last week which claimed they had arrested four men suspected of being involved in the murder of a Rwandan.

NAMIBIA

Namibia is planning to build a series of mini state houses for it’s president Hifikepunye Pohamba in each of the country’s 13 regions to eliminate the risk of him staying in hotels.

NIGERIA

Alleged cross- border robbery kingpin Hamani Tijani has died.

He died of partial stroke at the kirikiri maximum prisons in Lagos. He was aged 42.

Chaplain - Fr Cornelius Nwaogwugwu CM

The Vincentian Centre for asylum seekers in

Phibsborough under the management of very Rev. Brian Moore, CM and very Rev. Sr. Breege Keenan, DC aided the establishment and growth of St. Peter’s mass Centre. In 2003, very Rev Brian Moore, CM the parish priest of St. Peter’s Phibsborough opened St. Peter’s Mass Centre for the immigrants.

Originally, mass was celebrated at 2pm by Revs: Vincent Ikhalia, CM and Daniel Okechukwe, CM, and later was changed to 2.15pm mass.

The Vincentian Centre for asylum seekers and the mass centre in Phibsborough helped to meet both the spiritual needs of the African immigrants and the needs to those who are homeless. These

RWANDA

Patrick Edokobi - Chairman Pastoral Council

The mourners who rallied against Patrick Karegeya’s killers spoke of them as if they knew exactly who they were. Officials in Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s government carried out the killing,some whispered in private

SENEGAL

The Minister of Lands,country planning and the environment,Hon.Musa Tarawally, has made history by successfully generating the highest recorded amount of money that Ministry has ever made as fees levied on people for various activities and services provided by his ministry in less than one year.

SIERRA LEONE The country is set to set up a special tribunal to prosecute suspects a cc u s e d of involvement in slavery,state media said this is in a bid to eradicate the trade in the West African state.

SOMALIA

Somali pirates have been driven off in their first attack of 2014.

A bulletin from Dryad Maritime intelligence confirms the first piracy attack which it described as “audacious and determined”,although it was ultimately unsuccessful.

SUDAN

The sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir will attend the extraordinary meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on development (IGAD) countries in Juba on Thursday to discuss ongoing conflict.

By Francis Okosun, St. Peter’s Centre Coordinator.

attracted all practicing Catholics to worship in the African mass and it equally attracted nonCatholics.

Later, his grace, most Rev. Dr. Diarmuid Martin,

St. Peter’ s choir performing during African mass at 2.15 pm every Sunday

the Archbishop of the Dublin, appointed Fr. Sylvester the Chaplain of the African Chaplaincy.

During his time, other centre’s were opened in Clondalkin, Lucan, Blanchardtown and Balbriggan. In 2009, the Archbishop Diarmuid Martin asked the Vincentians to be in charge of the five centres in the chaplaincy with Fr. Lazarus Iwueke, CM as the Chaplain. In 2012, Rev Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM, was appointed to be the chaplain of the African community.

Today, there are seven Mass Centres in the

African Chaplaincy Archdiocese of Dublin. The African Chaplaincy serves people from many countries and Non-African countries and mass s open to all. Our African mass is very lively, expressive and unique for its songs and dances.

Everybody is welcome to worship with us.

St. Peters Catholic Church is located at the junction of the new Cabra Avenue and the North Circular Road in Phibsborough, Dublin 7. Public transport options available: Buses. 10, 38, 38a, 46a, 120, and 122.

Priests and alter Servers at he anniversary mass

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8

JAN 16 31 2014 1 -- 15 2014 AFRICAWORLD FEB

PEOPLE

Pride of

Africa

School : The King Hospital Sport : Rugby Club: The Kings Hospital School Position: Forward Tours: Biarritz, France

Oj

en m e m Onole

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JAN116 - 31 2014 2014 FEB - 15

FAMILY & LOVE a lot of money and time on their wedding at the expense of the life after wedding. It doesn’t make sense to go and borrow just because you want to have an elaborate wedding.

Such action stands a potential threat to one’s marriage in future.”, he expressed.

In the same vein, one Mrs. Latifat Adeleye, a fashion designer, whose marriage clocks three years in 2013, is of the same mind with Alhaji Agbede’s stance. While chatting with her on the issue, she is of the view that a lot of people failed to plan for the life after wedding, which has often led to most breaking marriages.

AFRICAWORLD

9

attributes that are needed for an enduring marriage. Both couples should prioritise on how to make their home peaceful and live in love, endurance and patience instead of exhausting all their resources on oneday celebration.” He advised.

Still on the same line of thought, one Mrs. Hawau Badru, a stylist, also shared her philosophy on the subject matter.

She said: “My stance on wedding is that one should endeavour not to spend beyond one’s financial capability. It is unfortunate that most people have invited problems into their lives through elaborate

WEDDING & MARRIAGE FAMILY AFFAIR: As far as many people are concerned, wedding and marriage is a matter of the use of words; they are synonymous. On the other hand, there are those who are of the view that wedding and marriage are two different events in one’s life.

They are of the view that a large percentage of people who are prone to elaborate wedding do not actually have the wherewithal, in practical

term, to sustain and maintain such lifestyle after wedding. Consequently, all kinds of matrimonial acrimonies arise, especially financial matters which eventually often lead to Ideologically, wedding is a one-day divorce. ceremony of the beginning a nuptial So, these categories of people journey whereby a “life contract” is signed by the couples involved and wonder why someone would go extra other witnesses in the public glaring. mile badly in debt because of oneTherefore, their ideology posits that day merriment at the expense of their while wedding is a one-day festivity, future’s financial well-being. They marriage is a life time celebration. argue that inasmuch as a celebrated In other words, marriage is termed wedding is important, wisdom demands that one exhibit moderation life after wedding. in such a transient event.

One of the supporters of this school of thought is one Alhaji Mutiu Agbede, a Nigerian politician and businessman. In a chat with him, having been married for 16 years, he is of the opinion that considerable planning for marriage should be prioritised, not excessive spending on a one-day festivity.

According to him:“One can have a low-key wedding or an elaborate wedding; it depends of the financial capability of the persons involved.

Wedding is just a day ceremony while marriage is for a lasting period of time. What matter most in marriage Having said that, another side of is the caring that must be invested the story has it that people invest a in the marriage by both couples. lot of time, energy and money while perfecting preparation for a This is important because you have spectacular wedding at the expense to invest your time on your marriage of other relevant matters, especially in order to make it work and last. issues that are germane to a successful The problem most people are having and lasting marriage. in marriage today is that they spend

She emphasises “deep love” as the key to weather any unexpected matrimonial storm. She said: “Deep love is the key to a successful and lasting marriage. This will help both husband and the wife to exercise longsuffering and patience for each other during matrimonial problems.

wedding. The reason is that it is often difficult to know who truly loves you in this part of the world. Therefore, elaborate wedding is often termed an open invitation to unnecessary enmity in the life after wedding.

Although a lot of people came to celebrate with me during my own wedding, we didn’t spend beyond our financial strength. Now I give thanks to Almighty Allah for His goodness towards my family after seven years in marriage. (Alhamdulilahi).”, she expressed.

So, in my own view, I don’t support elaborate wedding at the expense of the resources and time needed for a lasting marriage. So, as far as I’m concerned, spending a lot of money on wedding is a wastage. I would rather invest that money to plan Also, another young lady who has ahead for the life after wedding.” married for five years, one Mrs. She stated.

Rukayat Adebayo, a businesswoman, said: “I would encourage a low-key Also, one Mr. Akeem Omotosho wedding, so that one can spend shared his considered opinion. He substantial time to plan for the future also threw some light on the of one’s family, which is most difference between wedding and important.”, she stated. marriage. According to him, he said: “Some people don’t know the Based on the above concept, it is, difference between wedding and therefore, suffice to deduce that marriage. Wedding is just a call for inasmuch as a celebrated wedding is people to come and celebrate with important, wisdom demands that one you for the new life you are about to should be more concerned about how enter. But the most important thing to live the life that comes after is the marital life itself which is the wedding successfully, despite several marriage and it is for a life time if unforeseen matrimonial challenges. all things work well for the couples Based on the people’s concept, the involved. difference between wedding and marriage is one’s emotional stability Therefore, instead of extravagance and intellectual prowess to handle spending on wedding, one should be daunting issues that could militate concerned on how to show necessary against the life after wedding.

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1 -- 15 2014 JAN 16 31 2014 10 AFRICAWORLD FEB

PHOTO NEWS

LAC CELEBRATE LOVE IN MULHUDDART

The Loving Affectionate Couple (LAC), a marriage oriented group held an interactive session with speakers thrashing questions and issues involved in sex and matrimony.

Founder : Yetunde Joyce and her family

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FEB - 15 JAN116 - 31 2014 2014

PHOTO NEWS

AFRICAWORLD 11

NEWS

EMER COSTELLO LAUNCH SICKLE CELL SOCIETY IRELAND STRATEGIC PLAN European parliamentarian representing Dublin, Emer Costello MEP, launched the Sickle Cell Society Ireland Strategic Plan and Outcome Report today.

Emer Costello, MEP

Seated left - Esther Onelememen, President of Sickle Cell Society Ireland flanked by participants .

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JAN 16 31 2014 12 AFRICAWORLD FEB 1 -- 15 2014

PHOTO NEWS

AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL JOURNEY The Vincentian centre for immigrants in Phibsborough which operate under St. Peter’s celebrated a decade of its existence on Sunday 19.

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FEB - 15 JAN116 - 31 2014 2014

PHOTO NEWS

AfricaWorld in Dublin Business School Volunteer Event

ENTERTAINMENT QUARTET LAUNCH AMBITIOUS PARTNERSHIP AfricaWorld Newspaper, Shoemuzik, Moto Sana and Flourish entertainment launch partnership to host AFRO BEATS FRIDAY in Dublin.

RADIO BIAFRA BROADCAST FROM IRELAND

Nnamdi Kanu, Director of Radio Biafra broadcast to the world from the City of Dublin. In his message of liberation from Nigeria, he outlines the group’s message and mobilizes people of eastern Nigeria in an ‘evangelism style’ towards the realization of the Republic of Biafra.

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AFRICAWORLD 13

1 - 15 2014 JAN 16 31 2014 14 AFRICAWORLD FEB

PHOTO NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT QUARTET RECORD MASSIVE FIRST GIG

First ‘Afrobeat Friday’ Gig in Dublin on 31st January organized by the Entertainment Quartet (AfricaWorld Newspaper, Flourish, Moto Sana & Shoemuzik) recorded a full house on its maiden bash.

The show will be coming to Dublin on once a month timetable.

Party goers were treated to a night of ecstatic entertainment: Singers like Justine Nantale thrilled as birthday celebrants (Bella Hush & co) blew off their candle light before cutting cakes.

Follow AfricaWorld Fan Page to know the dates of every gig.

Follow AfricaWorld Fan Page to know the dates of every gig.

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JAN1 16 - 312014 2014 FEB - 15

COLUMN/NEWS

AFRICAWORLD 15

NEWS/IT

By Abdul Yusuf

A

nybody could actually be born with a significant amount of any prowess but you could also be born to be unfaithful in any relationship you engage in. The inclination towards infidelity could be in your genes. Also genes associated with sensation-seeking behaviours, such as drinking alcohol, gambling, may also be associated with sexual promiscuity and infidelity, a study suggests.

There are lots of possible biological mechanisms behind the compulsion to be unfaithful to one’s partner or to be sexually promiscuous. Genetic variations may indeed influence sexual behaviour. Individuals with certain variant of gene were more likely to have history of uncommitted sex, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity. The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in. In cases of uncommitted sex, the risk are high, the reward substantial, and the motivation variable - all elements that ensure a dopamine ‘rush.’

The study and findings that brain chemistry plays a role in peoples ability to commit do not indicate a cause and effect associated between genetics and sexual behaviour, but the study does provide evidence that biology affects human behaviour and the decisions people make in their personal lives. Relationships are associative, which means that not everyone with DRD4 genotype will have one-night stands or

“MY DAD IS NOT A VIOLENT MAN.”

commit infidelity. Indeed, many people without DRD4 gene still have one-night stands and commit infidelity. This also suggests that a much higher proportion of those

promiscuous daughters - and this explanation for ‘playing away’ may also apply to humans as well, believe scientists. Anthropologists identified a gene mutation linked

to court unfamiliar females. These consistent individual differences in courtship rate are partly genetic and affect male success in obtaining extra-pair copulations,

Using video monitoring of colour-banded birds, researchers first observed staged encounters between single males and females and then examined the behaviour of pair-bonded birds in communal breeding aviaries. The result in the observation suggest genetic variants found to enhance promiscuous behaviour in males - which results in more and varied offspring - may similarly promote promiscuity in females.

Researchers said: “Here it shows in the socially monogamous zebra finch, individual differences in extra-pair mating behaviour have hereditary component.

Intriguingly, this genetic basis is shared between the sexes, as shown by a strong correlation between male and female measurements of extra-pair mating behaviour.

with this genetic type are likely to engage in these behaviours.

Researchers examining female zebra finches believe they cheat on their mates due to variations in DNA handed down by male ancestors. Researchers in Germany also observed mating and display behaviour in more than 1,500 captive zebra finches from live consecutive generations.

Genetic analysis revealed promiscuous males tend to sire

to the feel-good brain chemical dopamine that is liable to make people more likely to sleep around.

Birds practice monogamy and stay together for life but although some will mate with others on occasion. For many species that live this way, a large portion of offspring are sired by promiscuous males.

Researchers said: “Individual male zebra finches are known to differ markedly in their readiness

not because these males differ int heir attractiveness to females, but because of individual differences in the number of extra-pair copulation attempts.”

It has surprised researchers why female birds with partners mate with other males when it offers no clear benefits and is associated with costs such as withdrawal of paternal and sexually transmitted disease.

Hence, positive selection on males to sire extra-pair young will lead to increased extra-pair mating by females as a correlated evolutionary response. There is a principle that indirect selection on extra-pair mating behaviour can operate. Such indirect selection can work in several ways, of which two are particularly intriguing.

Positive selection on male promiscuity might lead to a correlated evolution of female promiscuity, despite possible net fitness costs to females.

Conversely, strong selection against female promiscuity may lead to correlated effects on males, in the sense that males would forego opportunities for extra-pair mating.”

PASTOR AMAH’ S SON JOSEPH COMES TO FATHER’ S RESCUE Joseph Amah released a statement backing his father in the current crisis between his parents. Under the name Joseph Chima, which he uses to operate his Facebook account, the talented instrumentalist said “I speak on behalf of the children of the Amah’s family, our dad Mr Alexander Amah is not a violent man and we the children have not witness our dad hit our mum before,

so this story of Mr. Alexander Amah being a violent man is not true, it is a lie from the pit of hell. It’s sad enough that they are parting ways, please you guys should stop making things worst. Mum doing an interview with africaworld newspaper is not a wise decision at all because now you just gave them permission to publish this issue which permission wasn’t

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granted at first. Please once again our dad Mr Alexander Amah is not a violent man. he is a loving, caring and understandable man and I can testify to that. please lets just pray for my family”, he wrote on AfricaWorld wall page where comments flowed from AfricaWorld readers.

JAN 16 31 2014 16 AFRICAWORLD FEB 1 --15 2014

EDITOR`S COLUMN

WESTERN SAHARA “European Union (EU) must be part of the solution, rather than be a part of the conflict of Western Sahara,” said Mr. Mohamed Ali Zerouali, Polisario Front’s Representative in Brussels.

YEMEN Ultraconservative Sunni Muslim militants and rebels belonging to a branch of Shiite Islam battled each other in northern Yemen with artillery and machine guns Thursday in clashes that killed more than 40 people, security officials said.

ZAMBIA Patriotic front (PF) members in Chirundu district have appealed to President Michael Sata to remove district Commissioner Maxwell Shamalimba who they have accused of engaging in activities which are making the ruling party unpopular in the area.

ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe appeared in public for the first time in several weeks on Monday to mourn the death of his sister ending speculation that he may be bed-ridden in declining health or even dead.

By Ukachukwu Okorie

STEVE BIKO

“It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die.”

On 12 September 1977, the world stood still for the cries against brutality of activists and campaigners. In far away Pretoria central prison, Steve Biko died in a cell after beatings by South African security agents. From his death, the world came to know that the apartheid government in South Africa was brutal.

In the wake of today’s actions and attempt to re-write history, it is important that the efforts of people like Biko is not trivialized.

As South Africa grapple with its image of a rainbow nation, the contributions of Steve Biko must not be forgotten in haste as he foresaw the future which he thought would be bright.

According to Biko, “In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift—a more human face”.

Apart from his fiery writings and speeches, Biko exhibited attitude that presented him as an agent of integration and multicultural South Africa.

Steve Biko was born in Tylden in the Eastern Cape on the 18th December 1946, third child of Mathew Mzingaye and Alice Nokuzola Biko of blessed memory. He attended elementary education school in King William’s Town and secondary school at Marianhill, a missionary school in KwaZulu-Natal. Biko later entered the Medical School of the University of Natal in Durban in 1966 where he could only be

accepted in the Non-European section as a black student in a white university. In 1972, his course was closed down by the authorities due to his involvement in antiapartheid activities. Steve Biko became active in the National Union of South African Students, broke with them in 1968 because of their lack of interest in Black suffering. He later formed the South African Students’ Organization with some cadres, of which he was elected its first president in July 1969 at Turfloop.

This organization (SASO) was formed due to the frustrations Black students met within the liberal and multi-racial NUSAS. To Biko and his comrades, NUSAS was an organization not willing to take to radical policy changes, instead playing safe politics to avoid clashing with apartheid laws.

SASO was thus founded as a clarion call to Black students to come out of the spectators’ stand and get to grips in issues which they should be active participants.

While connecting with other pressure groups, SASO’s primary aim and principle was to address the inferiority complex which the colour bar policymakers aggressively instill in the ranks of Black students. Shortly it was found, it became the most entrenched political platform spreading to tertiary institutions across the country and beyond. After serving as the organization’s President, Biko continued to write insightfully as Publications Director for SASO. In 1973, together with seven other student

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leaders, Steve Biko was banned by authorities and had to return to his home town in Cape Province.

Back home, Biko became instrumental in the foundation and development of the Black Worker’s Project (BWP) which was a SASO initiative and co-sponsored by the Black Community Programs (BCP) where he channeled his energy during probation. The BCP project addressed the problems of Black workers whose unions were not recognized by the apartheid laws.

The BCP did excellently well in a number of community projects and published a yearly journal - the Black Review, which gave insights and opinion on issues affecting South Africans.

There too, his movements were restricted and he was not allowed to travel, speak in public or write for publication. Notwitstanding, Biko continued in community efforts and mobilization until the end of 1975 when his prohibition order had a clause added so that his charity works was also outlawed.

Part of his legacies includes the strength of pressure groups like Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). As we see the progress South Africa makes to recreate a society for its entire people, the name Steve Biko reverberates constantly because of his illustrious contributions.

The rainbow nation that all live in today was the struggle that took the life of a young leader in his prime.

May the soul of Steve Biko rest in perfect peace.

JAN116 - 31 2014 2014 FEB - 15

TECHNOLOGY

AFRICAWORLD 17

By Uchenna Onyenagubo

KEEP TRACK ON YOUR WRIST

Concepts are fast changing, the original status of many devices has transformed completely to adapt to the FAST continuous development of the Technology age. The wristwatch is the focus in this edition of Tech_Pilot. The idea of the wristwatch is time keeping, designed to remind us of the time trend during the course of a day. As the name connotes, it’s typically worn either around the wrist or attached on a chain and carried in a pocket as known with some professionals. Its existence is dated as far as 15th to 17th Century and has witnessed progressive changes.

History records that it evolved from spring-driven clocks to pockets wearing, before the wrist stages, hence the name “wrist” watch.

U n d o u b t e d l y, its function has transformed from time keeping to personal digital assistance, taking up tasks that i n c l u d e calculations, translations, game-playing and navigation. It also carried a new name called the smartwatch, combining the functions of the original wristwatch and more standard computerized activity. Apps are well known applications that perform certain functions on today’s computers, tablets, smartphones etc. The smartwatch has imbibed same technology using special apps to complete several activities.

Like the computer and other smart devices, a smartwatch may collect information or interact with internal or external sensors. Connecting and retrieving data from other devices via wireless means like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. Major players in the Industry have designed smartwatches that could relatively adapt to

I was at a phone retail shop in one of the counties in Ireland r e c e n t l y, a n d n o t i c e d a smartwatch on one of the staff, who later showed me how it functions. The demonstration was overwhelming, I rang his phone and instantly the watch

the new technology. The smartwatch, rather than play the original role of time keeping and monitoring the shift of the day, can now keep track of your smart devices. It will give notifications from your various network applications rather than having to look on the screen of your tablets, phones or even log into your web browser to check for mails.

RESEARCHER CREATES MALWARE TO CAPTURE EVERY TAP ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR Hacked touchscreen keyboards While there have already been a TABLET number of researchers who have

By Abdul Yusuf

While some believe that voice is the future for computer interfaces, for the moment and the foreseeable future touch will be the way most people interact with their computing devices, be it smartphones, tablets and increasing – touchscreen laptops and PCs. This trend led one researcher to wonder whether or not cyber-criminals will be able to adapt one

of the main tools they have used when creating traditional malware - keyloggers.

Keyloggers are vital components of malware which, when installed on your computer, can log everything you type on the keyboard, meaning cyber-criminals controlling them will be able to record your passwords, usernames and bank account details.

The malware typically also takes screenshots in conjunction with logging keystrokes to tell the criminal what bank or online service the victim is using.

shown that been able to hack touchscreen keyboards to record everything typed on them, more and more apps are moving away from using typical keyboards to input data - especially financial apps - making it more difficult for hackers to record what it being inputted.

This led Neal Hindocha, senior security consultant at Trustwave to see if he could replicate what was p o s s i b l e o n Wi n d o w s - b a s e d machines for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets: “What I realised was that the touchscreen on mobiles replaces the keyboard and mouse on a computer - that’s your input area. I realised that if you know every single key press that the user is doing on the touchscreen and you combine that with screen-shotting, you are actually seeing what the user is seeing and you get all the information that they’re entering so this was the basis [for my research].”

Proof-of-concept What Hindocha has produced is a proof-of-concept piece of malware which can be used to infect Android smartphones and tablets as well as jailbroken iOS devices, though he doesn’t believe that any cybercriminal is currently using this technique - yet.

The malware monitors the smartphone or tablet it has infected and sends two streams of data back

displayed the ringing alert while his phone was about 10m away. The phone was answered

to the criminal controlling it. One stream features images of what is happening onscreen while the other contains the X-Y coordinates of exactly where on the screen the user touched.

In its current form the malware would not be of much use Hindocha says, as it would require too much manual labour to sift through the huge amount of images produced by the screen-shotting. However, with a few tweaks the technique could be used in more targeted attacks Hindocha says: “I think you have to target it more - be it against a specific system or a specific user or corporation.” The security expert says he can envisage this type of malware being used against point of sale (PoS) devices or enterprises in combination with spear-phishing attacks.

Jailbroken We have recently PoS systems come under attack using RAM scraper malware, but as more and more retailers move away from using traditional cash registers and use online mobile payment systems like Square and mPowa – which are used with smartphones and tablets – Hindocha’s malware could become much more effective.

While Hindocha has demos of the malware working on jailbroken iPhones and iPads, he hasn’t been able to show it working on nonjailbroken devices - but believes it would work: “I have working demos on

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from the watch and that was amazing, even when text messages arrive on the phone, the smartwatch was able to notify him.

The smartwatch is a mind blowing technology that will keep track of all your calls, messages, and Internet related activities including social networks. There are various developments around this technology as many companies have indicated more interest and searches are yielding results.

In the next edition of Tech_Pilot, more of the smartwatch technology will be unveil…keep a date with us.

jailbroken devices; I do believe it’s been possible on non-jailbroken devices as well but, at least as far as I’ve discovered, it can only be done by relying heavily on private APIs which means that there is virtually no chance that that’s going to pass [the App Store security] process.”

Not just mobile The potential implications of malware like this being spread is obvious - there were one billion smartphones sold globally in 2013 - Hindocha believes it could get a lot worse as the world moves more towards touch and away from keyboard and mouse: “It is not just mobile devices, if you look what’s happening with Windows 8 and the traditional computing side, that’s moving into touchscreen as well. Laptops with touchscreens are common today and they are just increasing in numbers.

Give it a few years and we will have kids growing up that don’t know how to use anything but touchscreens.”

Hesitant Asked if he expects to see this type of malware in the wild at some point in 2014, Hindocha is hesitant to commit one way or another: “I don’t know. I think it’s difficult to predict, I think it has to do with two things. The first one is how the mobile malware goes and I think the other thing is also how the apps are evolving as well.”

The reason for Hindocha’s doubt is that app developers have been quick to change the way users’ input security credentials, with recent developments seeing users asked to use picture passwords rather than text-based ones.

As for securing yourself against his own piece of malware, Hindocha’s advice is simple: “I think that, as with any security, the first step is you know that these problems are there, they are out there and they are actually workable today already.”

JAN 16 31 2014 18 AFRICAWORLD FEB 1 -- 15 2014

COLUMN/NEWS

not ruled by it,’ Pope Francis said in the message read at the opening ceremony by Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Peace and Justice. The Argentinian pope, who has

‘’Poverty in the world is a scandal. In a world where there is so much wealth, so many resources to feed everyone, it is unfathomable that there are so many hungry children, that there are so many

can’t make anything anymore.

Whether it’s the shift from manufacturing to services, or the transfer from manual jobs to machines, the end point is the same dystopian vision; the East wins while the West loses; and the workers lose while the machines win. I don’t believe it has to be this way. Of course, we cannot be starry eyed about globalisation – it presents huge challenges as our economies and societies try to adapt. But neither should we take this pessimistic view. If we engage in the right way, if we get the fundamentals of our economies right, sort out our debts, maximise our competitiveness and build on our strengths, then globalisation offers our businesses the chance to win new contracts to export into markets that were previously closed and create jobs fulfilling

identified strongly with the poor since his election last year and severely criticized capitalism, acknowledged that business had helped lift millions out of poverty, even if it had led to widespread social exclusion. ‘The growth of equality demands something more than economic growth, even though it presupposes it.

‘It demands first of all ‘a transcendent vision of the person’,’ he said in the message.

‘It also calls for decisions, mechanisms and processes directed to a better distribution of wealth, the creation of sources of employment and an integral promotion of the poor which goes beyond a simple welfare mentality.’

As globally reported rising income disparity and attendant social unrest were flagged as the biggest threat to the world in the WEF’s annual ‘Global Risks 2014’ reported last week.

Inequality has been widening since the 1980s but the issue has risen up the agenda since the financial crisis that erupted in 2008.

The report is as bad as poverty defined in itself and the pope states:

children without an education, so many poor persons. Poverty today is a cry. We all have to think if we can become a little poorer, all of us have to do this. How can I become a little poorer in order to be more like Jesus, who was the poor Teacher? Look, you can’t speak of poverty without having experience with the poor. You can’t speak of poverty in the abstract: that doesn’t exist. Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus, in that child who is hungry, in the one who is sick, in those unjust social structures. Go forward; look there upon the flesh of Jesus. But don’t let well being rob you of hope, that spirit of well being that, in the end, leads you to becoming a nothing in life. Young persons should bet on their high ideals, that’s my advice. But where do I find hope?

In the flesh of Jesus who suffers and in true poverty. There is a connection between the two.”

As the world economic forum progressed the Prime Minister of Great Britain David Cameron made a speech on the opportunities of reshoring:’’ For years the West has been written off. People say that we are facing some sort of inevitable decline. They say we

the demands of new consumers thousands of miles away. Indeed if we make the right decisions, we may also see more of what has been a small but discernible trend where some jobs that were once offshored are coming back from East to West...Just this week, the IMF upgraded its growth forecasts for Britain by more than any other G7 country and we have also seen the largest quarterly increase in employment since records began.

There are now more than 1.6 million new private sector jobs since early 2010 – and around 400,000 more small businesses.

We’ve cut taxes for over 25 million people, reformed welfare so that it pays to work and created more apprenticeships than at any time in our history. And we’ve taken unprecedented steps to back enterprise; scrapping £1.2 billion of red tape – including pushing for the removal of the most problematic EU regulations and investing billions in our infrastructure - in roads, rail and what is set to become the best superfast broadband network in Europe. Ernst and Young now say Britain is the best place in Europe for new entrepreneurs...’’

By Dunstan Ukaga

THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS: ANY HOPE FOR THE POOR? “The free-will actions of human beings, in addition to our own individual responsibility, have farreaching consequences: they generate structures that endure over time and create a climate in which certain values can either occupy a central place in public life or be marginalized from the reigning culture. And this too falls under the moral sphere... hat happens is that the unemployed, in their hours of solitude, feel miserable because they are not ‘earning their living.’

That is why it is very important that governments of all countries, through the relevant ministries and departments, cultivate a culture of work, not of charity…. They have to cultivate sources of work because, and I never tire of repeating, this, work confers dignity.” — Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, The World Economic Forum in Davos has just ended with great hopes of a better world.

One of the main aims of the economic forum in Davos is to create a world order for the good of the whole.

But how could the world move orderly when a few people become richer and more become poor?

Poverty has created a rift in the world. If global bodies like the UN, IMF, World bank do not proffer lasting solutions to nip poverty in the bud, the world would become more hellish.

With the election of his holiness, pope Francis has become a positive advocate of wealth distribution and taking a hard stance on poverty.

As published by a Daily Mail writer on the 21st of January, Pope Francis challenged business leaders assembled in Davos to do more for the poor and ensure ‘humanity is served by wealth and not ruled by it.’ In a message to more than 2,500 participants at the annual World Economic Forum, the pontiff urged industrialists and bankers to promote inclusive prosperity. ‘I ask you to ensure that humanity is served by wealth and

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But according to the Wall Street Journal, this may not yet happen in the emerging economies, assuming they continue to grow.

As they play catch-up to the developing world, there’s a good chance that growth will exceed returns on capital. But eventually, as they mature and growth slips, the same dynamic will apply.

Capital will be king.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report, published ahead of last week’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, and built on a survey of worldwide experts, identifies severe income disparity as the world-wide risk most likely to manifest itself over the next decade. Members of the “squeezed middle” in developed countries are already making their voices heard, some throwing their weight behind anti-establishment and nationalist political movements that oppose globalization. Most of this group are still privileged compared with the majority of humanity. But compared with the richest people in their own societies—the 1% so well represented at this week’s meeting in Davos—they are falling further behind.

Branko Milanovic, a former World Bank economist now with the City University of New York, says data from household surveys show that, from 1988 to 2008, real incomes of the poorest 50% in the U.S. grew just 23%. Their counterparts in the bottom 50% in Germany and Japan fared worse, the poorest Japanese seeing their real incomes fall by 2% in real terms. Meanwhile, incomes of the top 1% of Americans grew 113%, a figure that other studies suggest may be an underestimate.

“National inequalities, almost everywhere except Latin America have gone up,” Mr. Milanovic says.

Globally though, the new working and middle classes of emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil have emerged as big beneficiaries of the last 20 years. The biggest losers are the world’s poorest 5%, many in Africa.

Since many in Africa are still poor, may I urge the African heads of states that attended the World Economic Forum to muster courage to create jobs, security, equal opportunities and economic indices that push growth.

Africa and Africans should not be left to die of poverty.

The 2014 World Economic Forum was held from 22 January to 25 January, with the theme “The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business

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AFRICAWORLD 19

HEALTH AND FITNESS

THE ERA OF NU

Potential clients can choose from different weight loss plans ranging from four weeks to as long as six months depending on personal goals.

Such plans will include targeted exercises and personalised meal plans following a detailed consultation session which involves health and lifestyle questions.

The organisation currently has a walking club, an online blog, a Facebook group for women, supporting them along their weight loss and fitness journey. It also has a Facebook business page and a website with details of other services.

It is hoped that in the future, a charity for women which stands for Women Empowerment and Knowledge will be launched to work with other charities in Ireland to foster change and empowerment of women.

By Uchenna Achebe

T

he rate of obesity is on the increase and it is becoming more imperative that women become more empowered with knowledge in the areas of physical fitness and exercise. The reason I emphasise women is because they are the homemakers and a healthy mother is more likely to raise healthy children and also influence the fitness and health of her partner, since the cooking most likely will be handled by her.

weight in ten months allowing her find success in other areas of her life and also giving birth to the burning desire to help other women achieve like goals.

the gym, in the comfort of their homes, using just This is the era of positive change, time for our portable exercise equipment and their body as tools for effective targeted exercises to shed the weight. voices to be heard in a positive light, time to get Nutrition plans are also used as part of the weight up and be counted, health is wealth and we must

A total woman is one who is confident enough to accept her weaknesses because she is strong enough to convert them to strengths. Women empowerment in Ireland is underemphasised especially among African women and it is becoming increasingly vital for our growth and survival as a community in Ireland. Most women struggle with self esteem and body image issues and this dilemma is made easier if relevant fitness and nutrition related information can be provided by a woman who has also struggled with similar issues and has overcome using similar tried and tested methods.

The founder of NuConsulting is Uchenna Achebe, a Chartered Accountant with a MBA and also a Certification in Personal training and Physical Education. She was about four stone overweight and successfully lost the

The aim of the organisation is to get women to embrace outdoor and other non conventional forms of exercise away from

loss process incorporating modified versions of our native African cuisine.

make a conscious effort to turn our lives around and become the best versions of ourselves.

DOCTORS DISCOVER STD THAT IS DEADLIER THAN AIDS

By Abdul Yusuf

- IT’S ABOUT TIME TO ZIP UP FOLKS!

There is a new sexually transmitted superbug that experts say may be more deadly that AIDS. According to a CNBC report, an antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea is more aggressive than the HIV virus, which means the potential to infect the public will be greater.

Like most STDs, gonorrhea is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and if left untreated, can cause severe medical complications, such as infertility in women, debilitating pain, sterility in men and life threatening heart infections.

Alan Christianson, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, thinks this new strain has the power to rack up more fatalities than AIDS. To date, more than the 30 million people have already died worldwide from AIDSrelated complications.

“Getting gonorrhea from this strain might put someone into septic shock and death in a matter of days,” said

Christianson. “This is very dangerous.”

William Smith, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, echoed that sentiment. “It’s an emergency situation.

As time moves on, it’s getting more hazardous,” said Smith.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, though no cases of the superbug officially called H041 were found in the US, steps must be taken to deal with the potential risks.

Gonorrhea can go undetected in some affected by the disease, showing no outward symptoms in about half of women and in 5 percent of men, which adds another level of difficulty in getting ahead of it.

This strain of STD which is resistant to antibiotic, reportedly kills half of those exposed and infects one in 20 hospital patients—which raises the threat of an outbreak to emergency levels.

Then there is the high cost of combating sexually transmitted diseases in general. The CDC’s tally to treat 20 million cases annually is approximately $16 billion. Of that 20 million STD cases, a reported 800,000 between the ages of 15 to 24, are infected with gonorrhea.

Even more alarming, some doctors believe the STD war is too costly to win.

“Jose, you are a poor manager of talent. Your selling Mata to Man U is the beginning of your downfall. I pity Chelsea” C.Y Okoye (Liverpool supporter) “Why sell Juan Mata, Chelsea player of the year for 2 seasons, to Man U that refused to sell Rooney?”

(E. Moran)

WISDOM BITS “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; v vno one individual can embrace it. “ ~ Akan proverb “When you point one finger at someone, the rest point back at you...” ~ Meaning: without spot of bother

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