African voice newspaper 494

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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ISSUE 494

SINCE 2001

B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R

£1.00

Jamaica celebrates 51years since independence

Expelled ‘blood diamond’ suspect evades trial

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE 17

£500million to relieve pressures on A&E

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK

SEE PAGE 04

Home Office swoops suggest non-white immigrants are the real target

By Alan Oakley

Labour’s shadow immigration minister has accused the Home Office of racial profiling after immigration officers at several train and underground stations in London were seen ‘stopping and questioning every non-white person’ about their right to remain in the country.

Chris Bryant warned that, if the officers had been stopping people purely because of their skin colour, then this would be illegal. Mr Bryant said that the Home Secretary, Theresa May, must ‘establish straight away whether the rules preventing racial profiling are being enforced. Intelligenceled operations to tackle illegal immigration are right; racial profiling is not’.

The swoops took place last Thursday (August 1) at Kensal Green and Cricklewood underground stations in north-west

London and at Walthamstow and Stratford stations in east London.

According to witnesses, officers appeared to be stopping people of colour but ignoring white passengers. One white passenger at Kensal Green, Phil O’Shea, claims to have observed officers ‘stopping and questioning every non-white person’.

He claims that he asked the officers what they were doing and was threatened with arrest.

Asking: “What about white Australians and New Zealanders who may have overstayed their visas?” Muhammed Butt, the leader of the local council in Brent, described the raids as leaving ‘a nasty taste in the mouth’ and being ‘intimidating’ as well as ‘racist and divisive’.

Alex Wheatle, a black Briton, wrote in The Independent that the raids are politically motivated and designed to win

Continued on page 2

Shadow immigration minister Chris Bryant has warned the Home Secretary of the dangers of targeting skin colour

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Foreign Secretary’s Eid message

Foreign Secretary William Hague sends best wishes to Muslims in the UK and across the world who are celebrating Eid ul Fitr.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “It gives me great pleasure to send my best wishes to Muslims in the UK and across the world who are celebrating Eid ul Fitr.

“During the holy month of Ramadan, millions of people around the world have dedicated themselves to prayer, reflection, charity and spending time with loved ones.

“Whether sharing an iftar meal with neighbours or giving their zakat to those in need, Muslims have shown the true spirit of Islam in many different ways.

“At this time, we all continue to hope for an end to violence in Syria and for peace in the Middle East.

“Let me wish you all a very happy and peaceful Eid. “Eid Mubarak.”

News British researchers get £124 million to help tackle sickle cell Top health researchers from across the country have been given £124 million from the Government to help them tackle some of the nation’s most pressing health problems.

Health Minister, Lord Howe has announced how this significant investment in health research will help make sure patients benefit from innovative new treatments and techniques which could revolutionise future health care. It is hoped the financial boost will also help stimulate the research economy and attract more research funding in the future.

Researchers from 13 pioneering research teams across the country will start work now and spend the next five years working on their ground-breaking projects.

The money will be invested in schemes which include work to reduce the risk of dementia through exercise as well as strategies to improve the nutrition and health of those who have already been diagnosed.

Long terms conditions is another key area. Teams will be researching ways to improve the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; others will be looking at better aftercare for stroke patients and work will also be underway to prevent at risk groups from developing diabetes.

Some of the projects also aim to reduce pressures on A&E and include trying to cut down admissions in children under five and people with long term conditions.

Lord Howe, Health Minister said: “This is great news for patients – this

Lord Geoffry Howe

funding could potentially help the development of ground breaking treatments which could revolutionise care. With a growing elderly population, the need for innovative and effective solutions has never been more important.

“We want the UK to lead the world in terms of health research and this announcement underlines that commitment.

“It is vital that we invest in health research, not only to create the opportunities for health research to grow - but also to help our economy thrive so we can compete in the global race.”

Researchers from Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) groups were invited to bid for the funding through the Nation-

al Institute for Health Research (NIHR), which is funded by the Department of Health.

Their brief was that their project should make a real impact on the lives of NHS patients. This could be either through revolutionary new treatments to tackle the biggest killer diseases, or solutions to improve the lives of patients by transforming their care. Each team is working on a number of different projects with work due to start.

Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department of Health, said: “I’m delighted we have today announced the successful schemes and I’m very much looking forward to hearing updates on how patients will benefit from this research.

“The teams are following a strong tradition of success as the National Institute for Health Research has a proven record track record of world-class health research in the NHS. “Supporting our leading researchers is so important and these NIHR CLAHRCs will link the NHS, universities, and other relevant organisations providing care for patients in what will be ground-breaking work to improve the lives of thousands of patients across the country.”

The researchers within the new CLAHRCs will also work closely with industry, such as pharmaceutical companies, software companies and medical device manufacturers as they look for ground breaking ways to improve patient care.

Don’t Don’t be afraid of the dark Continued from front page

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Mike Abiola Editorial Board Adviser Dr Ola Ogunyemi News Editor Peter Olorunnisomo Managing Editor Alan Oakley Sports Editor Abiodun Teriba Assist. Sports Editor Olubunmi Omoogun Arts Editor Golda John Columnists Ryan Holmes Ben Savill Photo Journalist Isaac Adegbite Graphic Designer African Voice UK Legal Adviser Nosa Kings Erhunmwunsee London Office: Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP

Tel: 020 7274 3933

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

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According to witnesses, immigration officers appeared to be apprehending only dark-skinned commuters

support among right wing Conservatives who might otherwise desert the Party and vote for the more extreme UK Independence Party. He says that the raids are ‘a blatant infringement on the human rights [of those stopped]’ and calls on Theresa May to explain ‘why only black or Asian people were targeted’. He adds that he thinks it likely that Mrs May is seeking to appeal to certain

anti-immigration sections of the Conservative Party including some right wing Conservative MPs, before challenging David Cameron, for the leadership of the party.

The Home Office also faces criticism that its terminology prejudges the guilt of people arrested after immigration raids around the country and may be guilty of contempt of court. The Home

Office Twitter feed features pixelated photos of arrests in London, Wales, the north of England and Somerset, with accompanying text referring to ‘immigration offenders’.

Legal experts say those arrested are entitled to be considered innocent until proven guilty. Calling them offenders presupposes their guilt.

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News

More brickbats for Coalition immigration policy The chief executive of London business association London First, has criticised the government’s ‘ill-considered’ immigration policy.

Writing as plain Jo Valentine, Baroness Valentine of Putney wrote a piece for the free London newspaper City AM on 1st August 2013, in which she severely criticised the Coalition government after it announced a plan to introduce security bonds for some international visitors.

Starting in November, people applying for visitor visas from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana or Nigeria may be asked to pay a bond of up to £3,000 before they receive a UK visa (See African Voice, Issue 491). The bond will be paid back once the visitor leaves the UK. The Home Secretary, Theresa May, says that this will prevent people from overstaying their UK visas. Baroness Valentine says that this proposal is ‘perhaps the most illconsidered development in immigration policy yet’. She goes on to name other policies which she says are damaging London’s economy.

• The announcement that there will be a ‘healthcare levy’ of £200 per year charged to those who come to the UK as students and workers • A recent advertising campaign in six London boroughs urging illegal immigrants to ‘go home or face arrest’ (See African Voice, Issue 492).

The baroness says that these policies risk damaging London’s economy. She writes that the UK must have an immigration policy that strikes ‘a balance between being robust with those we don’t want in the UK and attracting those we do – talented workers, entrepreneurs, students or high spending tourists’. She adds that the healthcare levy, the security bond and the ‘go home’ adverts send out ‘mixed messages’ which are ‘bad for business’.

Baroness Valentine adds that the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the UK’s immigration figures are ‘little better than a best guess’. This criticism was made by the UK parliament’s Public Administration Committee on Sunday 28th July 2013 (See African Voice, Issue 493). The committee chairman, Bernard Jenkin, noted that the UK’s immigration figures were based on inadequate data and might be inaccurate by as much as 30,000 in either direction. He said that it was therefore impossible for the government to use the figures to formulate public policy.

In her article, Baroness Valentine wrote that London needs: • Entrepreneurs – who can come to the UK with Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visas • Skilled workers - who can come to the UK with Tier 2 (General) or Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) visas • International students– who can come to the UK with Tier 4 student visas.

Baroness Valentine has been an outspoken critic of the Coalition’s immigration policy she says that these students contributed £15bn to the UK economy in 2012 but notes that the number of international students fell from 246,000 in 2011 to 190,000 in 2012 after the government introduced ‘an increasingly rigorous application system and to cut the number of ‘post study working opportunities’ (The government has abolished the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) visa.

• Tourists to shop in London’s shops, particularly from emerging economies such as China and India – these will come with visitor visas. Baroness Valentine complains that the new security bond will deter Indian tourists. She also notes that Paris attracts five times more Chinese visitors than London. She says that this is because the UK’s visa requirements create ‘extra hassle’ for Chinese visitors at a potential cost to London of £1bn annually.

The baroness says that the UK must do more to attract visitors, must allow businesses to bring in the workers they need and must welcome entrepreneurs to the country. The government must do more to get its e-borders system up-and-running so that it can develop an ‘evidence-based [immigration] policy’.

However, the baroness says that this project, which is designed to allow the government to know how many people are in the country and why they are here by collating data on who enters and leaves the country, is not likely to be functional until 2016 at the earliest.

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News

£500 million to relieve pressures on A&E

A&E departments will benefit from an additional £500 million over the next two years to ensure they are fully prepared for winter, Prime Minister David Cameron announced today.

With over one million more people visiting A&E compared to three years ago, last year’s harsh winter put exceptional pressure on urgent and emergency wards.

The new funding will go to A&E departments identified as being under the most pressure and be targeted at ‘pinch points’ in local services.

Hospitals have put forward proposals aimed at improving how their services work. These include improvements to both A&E and improvements to other services away from A&E so there are less unnecessary visits or longer stays in urgent and emergency wards.

The aim will be for patients to be treated promptly, with fewer delays in A&E, and for other patients to get the care, prescriptions or advice they need without going to A&E. Some of the local initiatives could include: · Minimising A&E attendances and hospital admissions from care homes by appointing hospital specialists in charge of joining up services for the elderly. · Seven day social work; increased hours at walk-in centres; increased intermediate care beds and extension to Pharmacy services to ease pressures on A&Es. · Consultant reviews of all ambulance arrivals in A&E so that a senior level decision is taken on what care is needed at the earliest opportunity.

Currently, A&E departments are performing at their usual level for the summer period with over 95% of patients seen within four hours since the end of April. It is hoped that providing the additional funding at this stage will ensure the NHS is better prepared for the busier winter period.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “With over a million more people visiting A&E in the last three years, services and staff can find themselves under pressure during the busier winter period.

“While A&E departments are per4

David Cameron is one of those firmly behind the proposal

forming well this summer and at a level we would expect for this time of year, I want the NHS to take action now to prepare for the coming winter.

“The additional funding will go to hospitals where the pressure will be greatest, with a focus on practical measures that relieve pinch points in local services.

“By acting now, we can ensure doctors, nurse and NHS staff have the support they need and patients are not left facing excessive waits for treatment. “ Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary said: “This £500 million will help A&E departments to prepare for winter and give patients confidence that they can access safe and reliable emergency care quickly.

“We will do whatever it takes to make sure the best A&E care is there for every patient when they need it, and we’re backing our hard-working NHS staff with the resources they need to deliver this.”

The Department of Health and NHS England are working to relieve pressure on A&E in the longer term.

A £3.8 billion fund has been agreed which will focus on joining up services, so that health and care services work more closely together, keeping people healthier and treating them closer to home. Professor Sir Bruce

Keogh is leading a review into the demands on urgent and emergency care and how the NHS should respond. Sir Bruce is expected to report in the autumn.

NHS England, Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority (NTDA) are working closely with the local NHS to identify those A&E departments that will benefit most from this extra funding boost.

In addition, patients across the country will benefit from a £15 million cash injection to NHS 111 to increase capacity and prepare the service for potential winter pressures.

Dame Barbara Hakin, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Execu-

tive of NHS England said: “NHS England welcomes this announcement of £250m to help specific local health and care systems prepare for this winter. We will continue to work with our colleagues at Monitor, the NHS Trust Development Authority and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services to ensure money is targeted at areas where we believe it can best be used to improve services for patients and provide equity of access.

“This is also excellent news for the NHS 111 service. This service is now delivering good quality but this will allow us to put in place additional contingency for the winter period.”

The new funding will go to helping A&E departments throughout the winter period.

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News

Young UK volunteers attacked with acid Two 18-year-old British charity workers have been victims of a horrific acid attack on the East African island of Zanzibar.

The women were walking in the historical centre of Zanzibar City, capital of the Tanzanian archipelago, when a passenger on a moped threw the acid on Wednesday (August 7). The date marks Eid-al-Fitr - the end of Ramadan, according to the Islamic calendar. Most of the almost 100% Muslim population would have been feasting in anticipation of the month of Shawwāl.

Mkadam Khamis, the islands deputy police commissioner, said: “The motive for the attack on the volunteers aged 18 years, has not been established. Investigations are on until we apprehend the criminals.”

The women were flown to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital, for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

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Tourism is imperative for the livelihoods of the locals. Many are more than welcoming to tourists and there is little antagonism.

Tourists fall in love with its famed white-sand beaches and historical buildings in the capital’s centre, Stone Town, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The Foreign Office says that while the majority of 75,000 British nationals have “trouble free” visits to Tanzania every year, “violent and armed crime is increasing” and “there is an underlying threat from terrorism”.

It also says that “mugging, bag snatching (especially from passing cars) and robbery have increased throughout the country” and “in Zanzibar incidents have taken place in Stone Town and on popular tourist beaches”.

Recent attacks in Zanzibar include an acid attack on a Muslim cleric in November, and the shoot-

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous Indian Ocean archipelago off the coast of Tanzania

ing dead of a Catholic priest in February. Another priest was shot and wounded in December show-

ing signs of unrest within the area, which is a growing concern.

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L’Oréal expands into four African countries as demand grows THE opportunity presented by Africa’s booming middle class is proving irresistible for global cosmetics companies that are increasingly expanding their operations on the continent as they target brand-hungry consumers.

In just two years, French cosmetics and beauty giant L’Oréal has opened offices in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

The company, which sells products such as SoftSheen-Carson’s Dark&Lovely, Lancôme lipstick and Maybelline mascara, recently acquired Kenya’s Interconsumer Products (ICP), which caters for the domestic market and for neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.

Oru Mohiuddin, a senior analyst at Euromonitor, said that instead of having to build from scratch, L’Oréal now owned ICP’s manufacturing plant as well as its research and development (R&D) centre, supplementing its structure in South Africa to support its expansion drive in the region.

“L’Oréal is shifting its focus towards the Middle East and Africa as growth projections reveal improved prospects. Beauty and personal care in the Middle East and Africa has a predicted absolute growth of

L’oreal makes move into African market

nearly $7bn. Colour cosmetics and hair care, both key categories for L’Oréal, are expected to make a significant 35% contribution to the region’s overall beauty and personal care absolute growth over the next five years,” she said.

Urbanisation and rising affluence are fuelling the consumer boom on the continent.

The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts that by 2030‚ Africa’s top 18 cities could have a combined spending power of $1.3trillion.

L’Oréal South Africa MD Bertrand de Laleu lists Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Tanzania among the countries seen to have the most promising growth.

“Like consumers around the world, African consumers are aspiring to international brands. They want quality and they’re ready to pay but even though their purchasing power is on the rise, it’s fairly low so we have to adapt the packaging and size of our products,” Mr de Laleu said.

African markets have other complexities.

Trade is largely conducted through infor-

mal retail platforms such as spaza shops and open markets. The supply chain is complicated and customs barriers add significantly to the cost of importing goods.

A common mistake as companies look to Africa is to use a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Each country has a different history. They don’t use the same brands, the climates are different — this affects the curl of the hair and the moisture and elasticity in the skin.”

The group will open the L’Oréal Professional African Salon Institute in South Africa later this year.

The institute, which will contribute to a sustainable hairdressing sector in South Africa, will provide training to stylists on all hair types. Also in South Africa, L’Oréal will open up to five Kiehl’s stores a year.

The American skin, hair and body care brand, which is housed in L’Oréal’s Luxe division, arrived in South Africa last year.

There are three stores in the country.

US giant Estée Lauder is also making a play for Africa through its MAC brand, whose credo “all ages, all races, all sexes” has appealed to “brand aware” Nigerian consumers.

Somalia inks oil deal with British ex-Tory Somalia’s government signed an oil and gas exploration deal on Tuesday with a British company chaired by a former leader of Britain’s Conservative party, ministry and company officials said.

Soma Oil and Gas, chaired by Michael Howard, a former home secretary who preceded Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron as Tory party leader, signed the deal to carry out offshore and onshore surveys.

War-torn Somalia is fought over by multiple warlords, clan militia forces and Islamist insurgents while several autonomous regions do not obey the authority of central government.

The Horn of Africa nation is challenging territory for even the most adventurous of oil companies.

“It is expected that this will attract further investment and facilitate exploration in an area of immense economic potential for the nation,” Somalia’s Ministry of National Resources said in a statement.

“The company will conduct seismic surveying to assist the development of Somalia’s hydrocarbons sector,” the statement added.

It is the first oil deal signed by the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu, which took power last September, and is propped up by a 17,700-strong African Union force to fight off Al-Qaeda backed insurgents.

Several of Somalia’s potentially rich oil and gas blocs are claimed by rival com8

Michael Howard, who now heads Soma Oil and Gas

panies, because deals were signed by the different authorities which emerged in the long years of war that followed the collapse of central government in 1991.

Soma Oil and Gas, which was set up last year with a view to carrying out exploration in Somalia, will “conduct seismic surveying in Somalia’s territorial waters in areas agreed with the government and in certain limited onshore areas,” the company said in a statement.

It will also “collate and reprocess historic seismic data using modern techniques” to prepare “an evaluation of Somalia’s petroleum potential”, the company added.

Howard, now a life peer in the House of Lords, parliament’s upper house, said the deal reflected the “close collaboration” between Britain and Somalia.

“It is our intention to assist Somalia to develop an active hydrocarbons sector that will attract significant foreign investment to the country,” Howard said in a statement.

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Senator earns N12m yearly, says RMAFC

David Mark – Senate President

A Senator earns N12,766,320 yearly, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has said.

Legislators’ pay has been the subject of a big controversy, with some critics alleging that a senator earns as much as N29.8 million yearly.

This, said the RMAFC in a newspaper advertorial yesterday, is not correct.

In a statement signed by the Acting Secretary to the Commission, Usman I. Garndawa, the RMAFC said: “The attention of the RMAFC has been drawn to an avalanche of media reports concerning the current remuneration package for political, public and Judicial office holders in Nigeria. The said reports further quoted RMAFC as the source of their information.

Accordingly, the Commission, therefore, considers it most appropriate and necessary to provide the actual details of present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders to avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community.”

In a recent study, the United Kingdom (UK) based Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, IPSA and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as reported

by The Economist , a Nigerian legislator, it was alleged, earns a basic salary ( excluding allowances) of about N29.8 million per annum. The report also suggested that the salary is 116 times more than the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, per person, which has been pegged at about N251, 200.

Expectedly, the report generated local and international uproar with civil society organisations calling for an immediate review of the ‘jumbo package”.

The RMAFC said a senator earns N2,026,400.00 as annual basic salary, which translates to N168, 866.70 per month.

According to the RMAFC, this has been the official remuneration package since February 2007 till date.

However, there are other regular allowances which have been calculated as: Motor Vehicle Fuelling and Maintenance, N1,519,800.00; per-

sonal assistant N506,600.00, Domestic Staff N1,519,800.00; Entertainment N607,920.00;Utilities N607,920.00; Newspapers/Periodicals N303,960.00, Wardrobe N506,600.00; House Maintenance N101,320.00 and Constituency allowance N5,066,000.00 making a total of N12,766,320.00 as the salary per annum for a Senator.

The breakdown monthly– basic salary and allowances – a senator takes home N1.063.860.00 monthly.

Other allowances, which are paid annually or once in four years and when applicable, are: Accommodation N4, 052,800.00, which is paid annually; furniture allowance N6, 079,200.00 which is paid once in four years. Also, there is Duty Tour Allowance, DTA (per night), which is N37,000.

Estacode (per night) is $950. Recess allowance is N202,640.00 and severance gratuity, paid after a successful completion of tenure, is N6,079,200.00. A Senator could also apply for a car loan of N8, 105,600.00 which must be repaid before the expiration of his tenure.

A member of the House of Representatives earns slightly lower than a Senator, with a basic yearly salary of N1,985,212.50, divided into a monthly salary of N165,434.40.

However, the total salary, including the regular allowances, is N9, 529,038.06.

This is outside the other allowances, which include: Accommodation N3,970,425.00; Furniture N5,955,637.50; DTA N35,000; Estacode $900; Recess N198,521.25 and Severance Gratuity N5,955,637.50. A Representative can also apply for a car loan of N7,940,850.00.

A member of the House of Representatives takes home N794,088.83 only.

According to the RMAFC, the emoluments for ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Service and Chairmen of Constitutional Bodies are close to those of the Senators with a basic annual salary of N2, 026,400.00 and a total annual take-home pay of N7, 801,640.00 minus other allowances which include: Accommodation, furniture, DTA, estacode, severance gratuity, leave bonus and car loan – all amounting to about N24, 695, 40.00, per annum.

Minister of State and members of constitutional bodies earn an annual basic salary of N1957, 580.00 and a total annual salary of N7, 536,683.00. Like the Minister, the Minister of State also earns special allowance package, which includes: Accommodation N3,915,160.00, Furniture N5,872,740.00, DTA N30,000 (per night), Estacode $900 ( per night), Severance Gratuity N5,872,740.00, Leave Allowance N195,758.00 and a car loan of N7,830,320.00.

The RMAFC said the remuneration package, which is contained in the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders Salaries and Allowances etc, (Amendment) Act of 2008, states the actual amount being paid to legislators and other public officers, adding, however that “any other allowance (s) enjoyed by any political, public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration Act of 2008 is not known to the Commission and the Chief Accounting Officer should be held accountable”.

The Economist compared the salaries and allowances of Nigeria’s public office holders with those of the developed countries, concluding that Nigeria’s public office holders are the highest paid in the world, followed by Kenya, Ghana and Indonesia in that order. The public officers in Norway, Spain and Sri Lanka earn the lowest in the world.

However, some lawmakers have come out to counter the outrage sparked by the publication, describing it as misleading.

According to Zakari Muhammed, spokesman of the House of Representatives, the report is an exaggeration. “Whatever is being written is mere exaggeration and does not reflect what is accurate. They fail to realise that what we take as salaries is different from what we use in running our offices.”

The RMAFC, in faulting the figures published by The Economist, said: “It is, therefore, wrong and misleading to add up allowances irrespective of whether they are regular, refundable or non-regular, as the regular annual emoluments of political and public office holders.”

FG defrauded of N976m on oil subsidy - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has declared two persons accused of defrauding the Federal Government of Nigeria in bogus oil subsidy claims wanted. They are Seun Ogunbambo and Habila Theck, Managing Director and General Manager, Operations respectively of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited.

They are wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining the sum of Nine Hundred and Seventy Six Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ten Naira, Twenty Eight Kobo (N976, 653,110.28) from the Petroleum Support Fund by false pretence.

The duo have been standing trial before a Lagos state High court but disappeared after being released on bail, forcing the court to issue a warrant for their arrest.

Light complexioned Ogunbambo speaks English and Yoruba, while Theck is fluent

in English and Hausa languages.

Ogunbambo’s last known address is 2 Olamiyuyan Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos while Theck’s is 89 Buck Field, Yaba, Lagos.

Anybody having useful information as to their whereabouts should contact the Commission in its Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices or through these numbers 09-4604620, 07026350721, 070-26350722, 070-26350723, 070-6350724, 070-26350725; or by e-mail to: info@efccnigeria.org or the nearest PoSeun Ogunbambo lice station

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Aregbesola’s environmental initiative; a model – Oyawole Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in the State of Osun, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, has stated that the laudable programmes of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s government has placed the State in a prime position now being emulated by other states in the federation.

Professor Oyawoye made this disclosure while speaking to a group of journalists in the Ministry’s headquarters, Osogbo.

According to her, apart from massive dredging of streams and water channels, the state government’s school forest regeneration programme in the 150 secondary schools in the state, tree planting in the state along

Asejire/Gbongan road, the landscaping and beautification of Abere to Okefia through Olaiya road and the ongoing urban renewal projects have the state a major focal point.

She added that under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s government is partnering with private sectors in a waste to wealth venture in the interest of the state.

Prof. Oyawoye further enlightened that the state’s tree planting programme will soon begin to serve as watershed, erosion prevention and relaxation areas for the state indigenes. Source: Osun Defender

FROM RIGHT- Ataoja of Osogbo land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Asiwaju Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Babatunde Badmus and former Senator, Osun Central, Senator Bayo Salami during this year Eid-el-fitr Festival at Osogbo Central Eid-ground Oke-Baale

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in a dynamic style addressing the teeming Osogbo muslims shortly after Eid-el-fitr prayers session at Osogbo Central Eid-ground Oke-baale

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola receiving the enthusiastic mammoth crowd of Iwo residents during the official flagging-off of Igi-Iye plantation in Iwo Grammar School, Iwo, State of Osun

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Jamaica

Jamaica celebrates 51 years since independence

Germany

Whistleblower dubbed mad fantasist set free

Typically boisterous Independence Day celebrations in Jamaica

Less than a week after nations throughout the Caribbean and their Diasporas worldwide celebrated the anniversary of Emancipation Day, Jamaica enjoyed the bonus of celebrating its 51st Independence anniversary on August 6.

United States Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Jamaica, saying the US is proud to call Jamaica a partner and friend.

In a statement on behalf of President Barack Obama and the people of the United States, Kerry said ‘Out of Many, One People’ was a reminder of the strong unity Jamaica has maintained since its independence. He said the United States shared the belief in the strength of many people coming together for the betterment of society.

Kerry said Jamaica and the United States are working to “foster inclusive economic growth and expand social justice through initiatives, such as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, including the recently implemented “No Witness, No Justice” Civic Education and Social Media programme”.

In addition, the US secretary of state said the two countries are “deepening” their partnership for healthier communities, through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

In his Independence message to nationals in the Diaspora, Vasciannie said Jamaica

“needs to develop its capacity not only to resist external economic shocks but also to tackle fully the serious problem of public indebtedness.

“The State must also enhance its ability to generate self-sustaining growth, even as efforts are made to ensure greater fairness and equity in the economic sphere,” he said.

He said the Portia Simpson Miller Government this year completed arrangements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral financial institutions “that are intended to lend stability to the Jamaican economy.

“The arrangements with the Fund, when coupled with aspects of the Government’s growth agenda, should help Jamaica to reduce some of its economic challenges in the near and medium term,” the ambassador said.

For these challenges to be fully overcome, however, Vasciannie said the country will need to “redouble its commitment to greater productivity and increased efficiency.

“In the drive for economic and social development, Jamaica will continue to benefit from the substantial contribution of persons in the diaspora who look to the homeland for emotional and cultural sustenance,” he said.

Gustl Mollath was ‘sectioned’ after blowing the whistle on his wife’s financial shenanigans

Judges in Germany have ordered the immediate release of Gustl Mollath from an institution for the criminally insane, pending a retrial of his case. His incarceration for seven years has been dubbed a legal scandal.

an employee. The tax evasion scheme described by Mollath was used as evidence that he suffered from paranoid delusions.

In 2012, a review of the 2003 dealings of the Bavarian HypoVereinsbank was made public by an investigative German TV magazine. The report backed some of Mollath’s tax evasion claims against his wife, and found that bank employees had indeed violated both internal policies and German laws against money laundering. It warned that Mollath had “insider knowledge” and could go public with the information.

The decision to release Mollath was applauded by leading politicians of Bavarian ruling CSU. The high profile case had turned into an embarrassment in the run up to September’s election for the state parliament, as CSU Justice Minister Beate Merk stressed her belief that Mollath had received fair treatment all along.

Italy steps up as Malta abdicates moral responsibility

Italy

Italy has agreed to take in 102 migrants rescued from a leaking dinghy off Libya after Malta refused to bow to pressure from the EU to accept them “as soon as possible” to save lives.

The migrants, including a five-monthold baby and four pregnant women, were rescued from their badly damaged inflatable boat on Monday (August 5) by the Liberian-flagged Salamis oil tanker 80 km off the Libyan coast.

In a statement released today, Malta said the Salamis, which had been moored off the Mediterranean island nation in in-

ternational waters, was heading for Syracuse in Sicily.

“This development came as the Italian authorities accepted to welcome the migrants who are aboard the MV Salamis.

It followed diplomatic contacts between the Italian, Maltese and Greek governments,” the government said.

It said Prime Minister Joseph Muscat personally thanked Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta. “Malta’s position during this crisis was always strong, consistent and legitimate. Through this position, Malta sent a strong message,” Muscat was quoted as saying in the statement.

Muscat has sparked controversy with

Mollath, a 56-year-old former restorer of vintage cars, was committed against his will in 2006 after a court found him to be a danger to society. Prosecutors alleged he had attacked his wife and slashed the tyres of several cars belonging to her legal representatives - charges for which he was never convicted. Instead, the court found he was not responsible for his actions because he was mentally ill.

Mollath has long denied the allegations against him and said he was being unjustly persecuted for blowing the whistle on tax evasion at HypoVereinsbank, where his wife, from whom he is now divorced, was

his hardline approach to boat migrants.

In July he said the government was considering expelling them, insisting he had to “get the message across that Malta is not a pushover”.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said it was Malta’s “humanitarian duty” and sending the ship back “would be contrary to international law.”

Hundreds of thousands of migrants from Africa have braved the seas in dangerously ill-equipped vessels operated by traffickers to get to Italy and other parts of the European Union in recent years, many paying with their lives.

The Salamis (pictured) went to the aid of the stricken boat 11

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News Barclays New powers to protect vulnerable and elderly consumers against rogue traders ‘must keep Victims bullied or misled into lifeline for buying goods and services are set to be given new rights to get their poor’ money back from rogue traders whose unfair practices cost them billions.

Draft legislation announced by Consum er Minister Jo Swinson recently sets out how consumers will also have access to clearer information about any additional costs and more generous time limits for returning goods bought online.

The new proposals amending the Consumer Protection Regulations from Unfair Trading Regulations will: • give consumers 90 days to cancel a contract and receive a full refund if they have been misled or bullied into agreeing it. After the 90 days consumers can still receive a proportion of their money back. Currently, it is unclear what consumers are entitled to in this situation • give consumers new rights to recover payments made to traders who mislead or bully them into paying money which was not owed. Currently, the trader can be prosecuted but the consumer finds it much more difficult to get their money back • they will also have the right to claim compensation for any alarm or distress caused by these practices Jo Swinson also announced details of how the Consumer Rights Directive will be implemented, including measures which will: • increase the time limit for returning goods purchased online or by phone from seven days to 14 days after the goods have been received, should the consumer change their mind • ban pre-ticked tick boxes for extras that the consumer may not want or need and that could result in unexpected payment • set out key information consumers should be given by traders before agreeing to purchase, like additional costs or cancellation right In a 2009 report Consumer Focus calculated that the total detriment suffered by consumers as a result of misleading and aggressive practices was around £3.3 billion a year. Earlier Consumer Focus research found that over 60% of the population had been the target of an unfair commercial practice.

• In 7% of cases, the consumer suffered more than £500 worth of loss • In 3% the consumer suffered more than £1,000 worth of loss Despite the high standards exhibited by 12

Campaigners pressing Barclays to reconsider a decision to pull the plug on companies offering a “lifeline” to families in poorer countries have presented a petition backed by double Olympic champion Mo Farah to Downing Street.

Jo Swinson MP

the vast majority of businesses, there are traders who seek to exploit consumers.

Misleading and aggressive practices are a particular problem for vulnerable and elderly consumers, for example, when they fall victim to misleading or aggressive door step sales techniques.

Consumer Minister Jo Swinson said: “For too long the rules that apply when buying goods and services have been murky for both consumers and businesses. The situation is even worse for vulnerable consumers who are misled into buying something they neither need nor want.

“We want consumers to be confident to shop with a range of traders and to drive rogues out of business. The new rights announced today will mean consumers are entitled to the same level of protection whether they are purchasing goods or services online, at home or in a shop.”

Along with the draft Consumer Rights Bill announced in June, the reforms to consumer law will enhance consumer rights and make them easier to understand and help businesses interpret and apply the law. The changes will boost the UK economy by over £4 billion over the next decade.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy said: “Citizens Advice helps with over 77,000 problems with misleading claims and pressure selling a year. A beefed-up approach to tackling misleading and aggressive practices is desperately needed and will be a step towards protecting people from bullying businesses. People are losing out as they take out services such as insurance, timeshares and home improvements only to later discover it is not what they

were promised or wanted.”

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “This is an important shift of emphasis from the rather arduous and resource-heavy prosecuting of rogue behaviour, towards rights for the individual. Individuals will gain more rights of redress and it’ll be easier for them to change their minds if something fails to live up to the spiel.

“In itself, this strengthens the deterrent for companies which target the vulnerable. The important part will be ensuring the system makes it relatively easy for people to enforce the rules – or only the financially-literate and confident will gain.”

Tom Ironside, British Retail Consortium Director of Business & Regulation, said: “The BRC supports both the new consumer rights that derive from the European Union Consumer Rights Directive and the proposals from the UK Government, to clarify consumer and business rights and obligations on aspects of the UK Sale of Goods Law and misleading and aggressive practices.”

Business will also benefit from the new Consumer Rights Directive regulations which will make it clearer that goods bought at a distance (e.g. online) must be returned to the trader before the consumer can get a refund. Traders will also be able to deduct money from refunds where there is evidence that a returned product has been used.

The new regulations would also ban customer help lines from charging more than the basic rate of a phone call to call the trader about something they have bought.

Barclays has been urged not to close the accounts of 250 UK moneytransfer companies and a delegation led by shadow international development minister Rushanara Ali delivered the 25,500-strong petition.

Farah, who came to Britain from Mogadishu at the age of eight , has been urging his 800,000-plus Twitter followers to “support vital money flows to families in Somalia”.

Backing the campaign, the Olympic gold hero has said: “It is so important that the Government and the banks realise the incredibly serious threat this poses, and work with the remittance industry to find a solution.

“Millions of Somalis as well as people across the developing world depend on it.”

The petition calls on the UK Government, regulators and Barclays to take urgent action to make sure millions of people do not see their “vital lifeline” cut off.

Ms Ali, who is Labour MP for the east London constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow, has said many of her constituents are worried about Barclays’ decision.

“People across the UK and many of my constituents are desperate to get money to their loved ones,” she said.

“Shutting this vital lifeline runs the risk of money being sent through dangerous and alternative methods that are not properly regulated.”

Barclays has not pulled out of the market altogether and the majority of companies it gave notice to are understood to have been able to find another bank.

The industry generally has been looking at how money laundering controls can be tightened. Last year, HSBC agreed to pay US authorities a record 1.9 billion US dollars (£1.2 billion) settlement over accusations that it allowed rogue states and drug cartels to launder billions of pounds through its US arm.

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News

Nigeria finds cure for piles/haemorrhoids Researchers in Nigeria are reported to have identified about 143 local plants and vegetables useful for a curative treatment of haemorrhoids. These edible vegetation, some of which are readily identifiable for local soups, are recommended for consumption in a special diet slightly cooked for treatment.

Reports have it that the researchers are from the Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

The research results recently published in the Nigeria Scholars Research Library Annals of Biological Research show that the herbal recipes include green spinach, Amaranthus viridis (Amaranth, Tete in Yoruba, akwukwo nri in Ibo), Celosia spp (Lagos spinach, Soko in Yoruba), and waterleaf (Talinum triangulare). The use of Occimum gratissimum (scent leaf, Nchuanwu in Ibo, Effirin in Yoruba) as species in some soup is also very effective in the treatment of piles.

Others include Senna alata (Asunrun oyinbo in Yoruba, Ogalu in Ibo), Gongronena latifolium (Utazi in Ibo and Arokeke in Yoruba), Axonopus compressus (carpet grass), Anogeiessus leiocarpus (chewstick, atara in Ibo, ayin in Yoruba and farin gamji in Hausa), Pteleopsis suberosa (wuyan giíwaá in Hausa), Tetrapleura tetraptera (Osakirisa or Oshosho in Ibo, Aidan in Yoruba), Khaya senegalensis (mahogany) and Allium spp (garlic, onion, shallots).

The study titled, “Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants Used in the Treatment of Haemorrhoids in South-Western Nigeria” was published by Mike O. Soladoye, Michael O. Adetayo, Emmanuel C. Chukwuma and Amusa N Adetunji.

Haemorrhoids, also called pile, are vascular structures in the anal canal which help with stool control. They become pathological or piles when swollen or inflamed.

They are caused by increased pressure in the veins of the rectum or anus resulting from straining when trying to have a bowel movement or any activity causing straining, such as heavy lifting. As pressure increases, blood pools in the veins, increases and this causes them to swell thus stretching the surrounding tissue.

Haemorrhoids can be inside and/or outside the anus and they are not dangerous.

Internal haemorrhoids may be located near the beginning of the anal canal or close to the anal opening. When it protrudes outside the anal opening, they are referred to as prolapsed haemorrhoids.

It is estimated that about one quarter of all Africans have had haemorrhoids at age 50 and that 50 to 85 per cent of the world population, could be affected at some time in their life.

Pile affect both sexes but the impact on males appear to be more of concern because of its effect on their sexual performance. This disease appears to be genetically inherited as some children suffer this ailment. Humans are prone to haemorrhoids because the erect posture of man puts a lot of pressure on the veins in the anal region.

According to recent studies, overeating and presence of unassimilated bulk foods are also known to cause haemorrhoids as well as intoxicating liquors, artificial flavoring or spices, white bread, cakes, all other white flour products, fried foods, sugar and all mineral drinks.

Results from the study as released on the researchers from the Olabisi Onabanjo university state: “In all, the commonest species in the recipes are Senna alata, Gongronena latifolium, Axonopus compressus, Anogeiessus

Just one of the 143 local plants that help alliviate haemorrhoids leiocarpus, Pteleiopsis suberosa, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Khaya spp and Allium spp.

All the plants identified in this work have been used severally by the herbalists and adjudged to be efficacious.”

The researchers noted during the interviews that if internal haemorrhoids is not treated, it could lead to external haemorrhoids. This disease can be treated with both fresh and dry herbs.

They wrote: “Scientific studies on these plants too would yield interesting results and help us in understanding the pharmacological actions of the active compounds found in these plants as suggested by Ramana.

“As clearly stated by Pei traditional medical knowledge of medicinal plants and

their uses by indigenous cultures are not only useful for conservation of cultural traditions and biodiversity but also for community healthcare and drug development in the present and future.

“From the opinions of the 25 respondents that were interviewed, 52 per cent suggested that herbal tea is the most effective option in treating haemorrhoids, 16 per cent said herb powder (Yoruba -Agunmu), eight per cent confirmed rubbing concoction while 12 per cent confirmed that herbal paste/lotion are more effective. Only eight per cent suggested herbal juice and the remaining eight per cent herbal gins.

The Enugu State Diaspora UK (ESDUK) became investment ready and tells the world about it in two days launching events at the House of Commons in London recently.

Lewis MP and RT Hon Keith Vaz MP propounded the opportunities abound in the United Kingdom for Diasporas to engage with.

The Chairman of Enugu State Diaspora – Dr. Joe Ukemenam while delivering his welcome address warned that ‘any Diaspora’s failure to grapple with the opportunities of these three development strands of themes would amount to a self inflicted defeat’.

The ESDUK mission is to establish an Access to Finance Hub - a sustainable development channel for the eradication of extreme poverty and contribute to the development of humanity whilst promoting wealth creation.

The speakers at the launch all addressed these themes in a variety of creative ways leaving participants with clear pathways to up the challenges inherent in those themes.

Enugu State Diaspora UK launch

L-R: Engr. Okey Ekwe – Foundin Chairman; Max Asogwa – Financial Secretary; Dr. Joe Ukemenam – Chairman; Magnus Nwafor – Treasurer; Dr. Aloy Obi – Vice Chairman; Eloka Onodu – Executive Secretary.

The two days were attended by over 250 people and featured innovation and thought provoking themes largely from three major dynamic and divergent themes including; ‘Enu-Ugwu Development’ – provoking thoughts and ideas by Dr. Frank Chinegwunduh about investments and development paradigms using health enterprise and Enugu as the case study.

Njiko Ndi Igbo (world-wide) was espoused by Dr. Uzor Orji Kalu also dealing with the intellectual development of the Igbo people as a Race tracing the genealogy of this Nigerian tribe, its strengths and weaknesses. Thirdly the Rt. Hon Ivan

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CRIME Appeal to help find Teenage hotel robber sentenced killer of Clapton man

Ayuub Mohammed

A 15-year-old armed robber who targeted two London hotels and threatened staff with a hand gun has been sentenced to a total of five years imprisonment.

Ayuub Mohammed, aged 15 of Rosebury Avenue, appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court on 30 July.

He had previously appeared at the same court on the 10 July where he pleaded guilty two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm.

The court heard how Mohammed entered the Arriva Hotel on Swinton Street, WC1 on 27 February and approached the reception desk.

He immediately demanded money from the receptionist and pulled a gun from his pocket.

He struck a male member of staff with the weapon and ordered him to open the hotel safe. The receptionist handed Mohammed a small amount of cash and another hotel guest was forced to hand over £180 and a mobile phone.

Just hours later on 28 February at 03:00hrs Mohammed entered the Howard Winchester Hotel along Argyle Square.

He initially asked the receptionist to search for room availability before pulling out a hand gun and threatening the member of staff.

The receptionist attempted to grab the gun and Mohammed fled empty-handed.

Officers from the MPS’s Flying Squad launched an investigation and Mohammed was arrested and charged on 19 June.

Detectives believe that Mohammed was not working alone and would urge anyone with information to contact 101 and ask for the Flying Squad at Finchley.

Victim Bakre Yesufu

Four weeks on from the death of a man assaulted in Upper Clapton officers are returning to the scene to continue their appeals for witnesses and information.

On Wednesday, 10 July shortly before 16:10hrs police were called to reports of an injured man on the pavement in Upper Clapton Road, close to the junction with Rossington Street, E5.

Officers tended to the 47-year-old man, who had suffered a serious head wound following a suspected assault.

The London Ambulance Service also attended and the man was taken to the Royal London Hospital in a critical condition.

His condition deteriorated and he died on Sunday, 28 July at 20:00hrs.

He was Bakre Yesufu, 47, of Rossington Street, E5.

A post-mortem examination took place at Popular mortuary on 30 July. Cause of death was given as pulmonary embolism.

An incident room is open at Hendon under the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Officers will be returning to the scene on Wednesday, 7 August between 15:00hrs and 17:00hrs handing out appeal leaflets, speaking to people and appealing for witnesses and information.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Men convicted for their parts in murder

Victim Andrzej Kulesza Three men have been convicted at the Old Bailey today for their parts in the murder and kidnap and of a Polish man whose body was found dumped in a field in Northamptonshire.

The body of Andrzej Kulesza, 27 was found near Rothersthorpe, near Northampton, on 25 April 2011. A ligature was discovered around the neck area of the remains.

The three were convicted at the Old Bailey today as follows: Kamil Dreszer, was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment and preventing the lawful burial and disposal 14

of a corpse.

Artur Janik, was found guilty of manslaughter, kidnapping, false imprisonment and preventing the lawful burial and disposal of a corpse.

Daniel Kosowski was found guilty of preventing the lawful burial and disposal of a corpse.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “The three defendants, seeking revenge for a debt, kidnapped and tortured the victim before dumping his body in a remote location, presumably imagining it would never be found.

Andrzej had been reported missing to Tottenham police by his girlfriend after leaving home in Stamford Hill N16 at about 08.00hrs on 19 September 2010.

He said he was going out to buy milk and bread at the local shop but never returned home.

The court heard that the victim was involved in dealing drugs - cannabis and amphetamines - and was in debt.

A group of men, including Dreszer, forced their way into the home of a friend of Andrzej’s at around 04.00hrs on 19 September 2010. They beat him with a bicycle lock, knocking out two teeth, and threatened him with a knife to reveal where Andrzej was.

The friend’s mobile phone was stolen and used to call two more associates of the victim in the hunt for him.

The stolen phone was then used to text the victim.

Evidence suggests that the kidnappers then took the victim to an address in Greenhill Park, NW10.

The victim’s girlfriend grew increasingly worried she was finally told he had been kidnapped and she would need to pay a ransom.

She was then contacted by Andrzej who pleaded with her to help him and provide cash. He was crying and screaming and said his kidnappers were threatening to kill him.

The victim’s girlfriend borrowed £300 from a friend and handed over the cash to another man at a rendezvous point off the North Circular at Edmonton.

Promises were made that Andrzej would be released but more demands for cash were then made. Another £500 was demanded but then the calls abruptly ended.

Evidence indicated that Andrzej was beaten with a metal bar, spat on and forcefed amphetamines and alcohol while inside the address. He was ordered to do press-ups and when he couldn’t was beaten again.

In the early hours of 21 September 2010, it is believed that Janik, Kosowski, Dreszer and another man collected the victim’s

body and travelled to Northants before returning to London.

A member of the public walking her dog found his remains in a field. The field had contained very tall elephant grass which had recently been harvested and may have disturbed the bones. An entire skeleton was pieced together and DNA tests proved it was Andrzej’s.

Appeal for missing SW9 man Police are appealing for assistance in tracing a vulnerable man who has gone missing from SW9.

John Robinson, 65, was last seen at around midday on Tuesday, 30 July, at his home address in Hillyard Street.

Officers are concerned as he has only recently been released from hospital and requires daily insulin injections to treat his diabetes. He has previously fallen ill after going missing.

John is described as a white man, 5ft 6ins, of medium build and was last seen wearing a brown trench coat and tweed flat cap.

Information suggests he regularly travels on his freedom pass on London buses in central London, Brixton and Clapham Junction.

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Furious Fiddy can’t stop making enemies

The assault charges contribute towards a bad year for ‘Fiddy’, whose text tirade against his teenage son was also revealed

50 Cent has been ordered by a judge to hand in or sell his guns after pleading not guilty on Monday (August 5) to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The Grammy-winning rapper, who appeared under his real name, Curtis Jackson, stood silently as he heard the charges against him resulting from a confrontation with the mother of his child, Daphne Narvaez, at her home in June this year.

The 38-year-old, famous for his G-Unit crew and tracks such as ‘In Da Club’ and

’21 Questions’ and his ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ movie/soundtrack, was charged last month with one count of misdemeanour domestic violence and four counts of vandalism after he allegedly kicked open a door at Narvaez’s condominium in the Toluca Lake community of Los Angeles, kicked her and destroyed a piece of furniture, a chandelier and a television. The property damage was valued at $7,100.

50 faces a maximum penalty of five years in jail and $46,000 in fines if convicted on all counts.

Celeb BB to scoop Bobbi Kristina?

DMX seeks bankruptcy to wipe $1.2m child support

After years of struggling to make his debt payments, rapper DMX, who owes more than $1.2 million in unpaid child support, is looking for bankruptcy help, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.

Sources say the controversial rapper is trying to launch a tour in Europe and Africa for the autumn to earn some desperately needed cash, but is unable to obtain a passport thanks to his unpaid debt.

In the United States, citizens who owe more than $2,500 in child support are prohibited from getting a new passport. The law is one of several regulations that punish parents who fail to make their child support payments.

Since DMX owes such a staggering sum in child support, he hasn’t been unable to obtain a passport, which threatens his ability to make his tour later this year.

As a result, DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, filed for bankruptcy last week, in the hope that the bankruptcy judge will recognise the sorry state of his finances (he reportedly has less than $50,000 in assets, compared with millions of dollars in debt).

Of course, the rapper’s refusal to accept responsibility could make his pending bankruptcy process a bit more complicated.

According to a statement released by DMX, his financial managers are responsible for failing to send his child support payments.

DMX is blaming those who manage his finances for not paying his child support

Like several musicians who have filed for bankruptcy in the past, DMX believes his money managers are at fault for his financial troubles, and he hasn’t been shy about pointing the blame in the direction of his past representatives.

To be fair, though, DMX has also caused some of his own trouble. Last year, for example, a dog clothing line won a court order against DMX for more than $280,000 after he reportedly failed to perform his contractual duties to promote the company.

Also, he was reportedly arrested in South Carolina last week for drunk driving, which could prove costly as he is likely to accrue significant legal costs defending himself against the charges.

DMX remains optimistic about his future,

Bobbi Kristina pictured with grandmother Cissy Houston

If rumours circulating showbiz circles are to be believed, Bobbi Kristina Brown, troubled daughter of Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston, will appear as a housemate in the upcoming exploitation-fest that is Celebrity Big Brother- a car-crash in the making if ever there as one.

The 20-year-old will reportedly be brought in for the show’s 12th season, where she’ll no doubt compete with stars, for want of a better word, that we’ve all heard of but forgotten; stars we’ve never heard of and stars we’ll quickly tire of hearing of.

Bobbi Kristina is expected to add quite a bit of controversy to the mix. One of the show’s insiders said: “We have had some madcap contestants over the years, but

Bobbi Kristina could be the most controversial yet. She’s sure to bring in viewers with her bizarre antics and, of course, her memories of Whitney. Her parents were some of the most notorious hell-raisers in music, and Bobbi Kristina has had plenty of attention for her own behaviour.” Other US celebs to compete on Celebrity Big Brother have included tonsorially challenged rapper, Coolio and Heidi Montag with Spencer Pratt – collectively referred to as Speidi, who ended up being the runners up last season. In season 10, Jersey Shore’s Mike Sorrentino placed fourth.

Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother have received a refresh since controversy and falling ratings led to the format being dropped by Channel 4 in 2010. Channel 5 took up the reigns a year later and is currently broadcasting the closing weeks of ‘standard’ Big Brother.

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Gospel

WHAT IS INSIDE WILL COME OUT!

“My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.”

Jon 27:6.

By Michael Adekoya Dear Reader, I heard the story of a Pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes later, he realized that the driver had given him too much change.

Some people might have put it in their pocket and said, “Lord, thank you for your provision.”

But this Pastor knew that would be wrong. At the next stop, he walked to the front of the bus with the extra change and said to the driver, “Excuse me Sir, you gave me too much change, and I wanted to return it to you, because obviously you made a mistake.” The driver said, “Pastor, I didn’t make a mistake. I was at your church last night and heard you preach on honesty. I wanted to see if you practiced what you preached. And fortunately, you did.”

My friend, what a demonstration of true Christianity! This is a challenge to you and me. People are watching us as Christians. They are scrutinizing our every move, every word, every action and reaction.

We should know that they are not hoping we will be godly witnesses.

They are hoping we will slip up so they will have something on which to conveniently hang their doubts and unbelief. They are everywhere – in your family, work-place, club, street, community, even in your church and among your so-called friends. They are looking so closely to find any act of unfaithfulness, dishonesty, deceit, arrogance, corruption, immorality, bitterness, anger, idolatry, pride, hatred, discrimination, injustice, envy or any form of unrighteousness so that they can nail you as they did to Jesus.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians Church and said, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ…” 2 Cor. 3:2-3.

My friend, listen! Some people may never open the Bible and read John 3:16 in their lifetime. They may never come to church or look to see what the Scriptures say to them.

But they are watching you and me.

They will take note of the way we live, the way we treat your family, the way we address people, how we behave and react, the way we forgive and the way we function as a follower of Jesus Christ. And they will make their evaluation about God accordingly.

My friend, we should live in a way that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip. We should not have anything in our lives to be ashamed of. That is the idea of integrity: Nothing absolutely nothing - is more than important to your future than your personal integrity. You may ask, “What is integrity? Webster dictionary defines integrity in two words, “Honesty and Truth!” Integrity is the quality of being honest and morally upright. Integrity is simply doing the right, true and honest thing irrespective of the cost, the price and circumstances, even if no one is watching.

My friend, hear me! A person can hide his or her lack of integrity, hypocrisy or unrighteous living only for so long but eventually, like a faulty foundation in a storm or crisis, the cracks will one day be widened, the roof will fall down and everything he or she have worked to build out of falsehood, lies, deceit and dishonesty will be lost. Listen!

This personal integrity is something we should be developing on a daily basis With every thought we think and every action we take, we are either building up character or tearing it down.

Today, we live in a materialistic culture where position, possession, prestige, prosperity, and popularity are valued more than genuine integrity. In fact personal character

Are you looking for a church? ­­

Not settled in any particular congregation?

Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue, school, park hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus fellowship

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worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663.

Praise Tabernacle- 10:30am holds meetings at 620 Western Avenue (A40), park royal Business centre, opposite Warner Bros. Cinema Complex, W3. part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. For information you may call 020 8993 3010 New Life Christian Centre 10.30am & 6.00pm. meetings at Cairo New Road, Croydon. The church has

Practise what you preach

hardly seems to matter very much these days at least in the realms of mass media, entertainment, politics, and pop culture. Lots of people, our leaders inclusive, are surrounded by lot of people to whom they are not accountable. But, my friend, you may win the battle of accountability to mankind but if you lose the battle of accountability to God in your heart, you will never win it on the outside. The real battle is fought in the conscience and in the heart.

Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. My friend, words are powerful. Words can easily determine the destiny of your life, relationship, home, business or any enterprise you are involved in. Through you word you can become a pillar or a caterpillar.

Words are like eggs. Once broken, it cannot be gathered together. Words are like seeds! Once it is sown, it will germinate and bring forth fruits

of progress, stagnation or destruction. Words spoken out of hatred, fear, mistrust, jealousy or envy will produce what you may not like in the future.

My friend, as you celebrate Jesus in your home, church or work-place today – Sunday, what kind of word have you sown? What kind of character do you have? Who are you in private? For all practical purposes, that is the real you. It is time to balance your passion with integrity.

As a leader in your home, in the church, in your ministry, workplace or school, you need to yearn that Christ would be fully formed in your life, in your family and in the lives of the people. There needs to be a love, faith, honesty, truth, patience, tenderness, trust, compassion, endurance, courage and deep affection in you. Whatever is inside of you will come out! Job said, “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.” Job 27:6. Is this your New Year Resolution in 2010? Ask God to help you in keeping to it!

a bible school, primary, is involved in extensive mission work in Eastern Europe, Italy and India. For information you may call 020 8680 7671 Ruach Ministries - holds meeting at 9am, 11am and 6pm. For information you may call 020 8678 6888 International Central Gospel church - Battersea chapel, holds meetings on Sundays from 2.00pm. . For information you may call 020 8684 4934 Jesus Arena International- Sunday service at 11.00am at Broadwater farm centre, Adams road N17 The Bible Life Church UK- They meet on Sunday mornings at 2.30pm at St Giles Centre, Camberwell

Church Street, London SE5 Christ Apostolic church (Full Gospel & Pentecostal) Surrey Docks District 163 Ilderton Rd South Bermondsey London SE16 2UT. Tel. 020 7252 2086.

Time of worship: Sunday English service 9- 11.30am. Yoruba service 11.30 -2.30pm. Prophetic counselling: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12noon- 5pm, Saturday only 5- 7pm.

Holy Cross Church InternationalSunday 10.am- 1 pm at Crown House 71-73 Nathan way London SE28 0BQ Tel: 07904 234 126, 07809 381 886 Times of service:Bible study: Thursdays 8pm. Night Vigil: Friday Forthnightly 12am

Thus saith the Lord, “For Zion ’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem ’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem In the hand of your God.” Isa 62:1-3. As a couple and a parent, what should come out from the mother’s side is submission, care, help, tenderness, and compassion; and from the father’s side is love, courage, moral character, example, exhortation, discipline and instruction. Mothers have the intimate influence; father set the course for direction, spiritual strength, and motivation. That’s a magnificent balance in every family of God. My friend, righteous living is like a shining light in darkness.

Let your righteousness shines in this dark world. Righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach! Remain blessed!

Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at Unit B1 Galleywall Trading Estate, South Bermondsey, London SE16 3PB meets Sunday 7am & 9am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. For details call 020 7237 7894 CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH GRAVESEND, ST. AIDAIN’S CHURCH, ST. AIDAN’S WAY, GRAVESEND, KENT, DA12 4AG TEL. 01474 355 841, 07956 38 38 70 TIME OF WORSHIP: Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30pm to 9:00pm Friday, Night Vigil: 9pm to 11pm Sunday Worship: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Africa Newsround

Sierra Leone

Expelled ‘blood diamond’ suspect evades trial Authorities in Sierra Leone have outraged rights campaigners by deporting a close ally of convicted Liberian war criminal, ousted president Charles Taylor days before he was due to stand trial on charges including false imprisonment, kidnapping, assault, and making death threats.

Ibrahim Bah has been named by United Nations’ experts as an intermediary for Taylor’s arms deliveries to Sierra Leone’s Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, notorious for using child soldiers and hacking off the limbs of civilians. He has been targeted by a UN travel ban and had his assets frozen since 2004 for his alleged links to arms and diamond trafficking but has so far avoided prosecution despite pressure from rights groups. The charges against him had been brought by a private citizen.

Côte d’Ivoire

Liberian warlord Charles Taylor was convicted by the International Criminal Court

The plaintiff says Bah threatened to kill him and held him against his will for several days. The private case was filed

14 more Gbagbo former aides released on bail

Laurent Gbagbo and wife, Simone, pictured in the custody of government forces

Judicial authorities in Côte d’Ivoire have provisionally released 14 former aides to deposed president Laurent Gbagbo. The officials have been awaiting trial over war crimes and human rights abuses.

The UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has welcomed the decision. SecretaryGeneral’s Special Representative and head of UNOCI, Aïchatou Mindaoudou said: “This development will bring about peace between all Ivorian political actors. It contributes to the pursuit for equal justice and is a good sign for a national dialogue that is truly republican, as part of the search for lasting reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire.”

A statement from the justice ministry read out on state television reads: “They are only being freed on bail, the proceedings leading up to the verdicts are in progress and will most likely be concluded by year’s end.”

Laurent Gbagbo was ousted in April 2011 after a deadly four-month crisis sparked by his refusal to concede electoral defeat

to Alassane Ouattara, who was eventually sworn in a month later. The former president was arrested and later transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he faces four counts of crimes against humanity over the violence.

Among those granted bail on Monday (August 5) are Gbagbo’s son Michel, a French-born 43-year-old dual national.

Gbagbo’s wife Simone is still being detained in Côte d’Ivoire and faces trial over her involvement in the violence, which left an estimated 3,000 people dead. The ICC also has a warrant against her, but the Ivorian authorities have not yet given a formal reply. Eight other close aides of the ousted president were already released on bail late last year UNOCI was established in 2004 by the Security Council to facilitate the peace process between the rebel-held north and Government-controlled south following the 2002 civil war.

after it became clear that Sierra Leone authorities had no interest in trying Bah, who United Nations experts discovered living in Sierra Leone earlier this year.

His whereabouts were unknown until the experts released their report in May. Responding to questions regarding President Ernest Bai Koroma’s order to deport Bah to his native Senegal on July 27, Sierra Leone’s Controller of Immigration Operations Abdulai Timbo said: “We do not need a reason. The president does not want him here. He is persona non-grata.”

Justice Minister and Attorney General Frank Kargbo said he was not aware that Bah was due to appear in court on Monday (August 12) and the complainant’s accusations had no bearing on the decision to deport him.

In an interview with Reuters news agency at the weekend, Bah admitted supporting Taylor’s rebel National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) but denied dealing in weapons. He described himself as a “revolutionary brother” of RUF leader

Foday Sankoh, who died in 2003 while awaiting trial for war crimes.

“I never bought or sold arms in my life. I fought alongside the NPFL but I never fought inside Sierra Leone a single minute,” Bah said.

“Bah’s deportation represents a real step backward for Sierra Leone,” Elise Keppler, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.

“The government has in effect blocked the private prosecution against Bah and ignored the interests of victims who suffered heinous crimes in which (he) is implicated during the country’s civil conflict,” she said.

Charles Taylor was sentenced to 50 years in prison last year by the UN -mandated Special Court for Sierra Leone for providing weapons, food, medical supplies, fuel and equipment to forces that committed atrocities during the country’s 1991-2002 conflict in which more than 50,000 people died.

Kenya

Chaotic scenes as inferno engulfs Nairobi airport

A huge fire closed down Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday (August 7) causing inbound flights to be diverted to other airports.

The blaze appears to have broken out in the early hours of the morning in the international arrivals hall at east Africa’s largest airport and its closure is likely to have a knock-on effect in other countries in the region.

Transport secretary Michael Kamau said: “The fire started at a very central part of the airport and this made access difficult. But we have closed the airport indefinitely as we try to contain the fire.”

Kenya Airways Ltd., sub-Saharan Africa’s third-largest airline by passenger numbers, has cancelled all flights, according to an emailed statement today (Wednesday).

The fire broke out on the 15th anniversary of an attack on the US Embassy in Nairobi in which 224 people died. There were no immediate signs of terrorism and authorities are keeping an open mind as

to the cause of the inferno. Kenya’s antiterror police boss, Boniface Mwaniki, told The Associated Press that he was waiting for the fire to be put out so that he could inspect the scene before making a judgment.

In addition to the re-routing of inbound traffic, outbound flights were grounded while firefighters struggled to get the blaze under control.

“We reassure international and local travellers that arrangements are being put in place to restore normal operations. The airlines are working to assist stranded passengers and advise them on the measures being put in place to resume services at JKIA,” said Stephen Gichuki, the director of the Kenyan Airports Authority.

The fire comes less than 48 hours after a fuel jet pump failure caused huge delays at the airport, forcing some flights to be re-routed to the airport in the coastal town of Mombasa and to Uganda and Rwanda.

Horrified travellers look on as fire and smoke engulfs Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport

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African Entertainment Travelmusic artist

Labo premieres at London Odeon Cinema

In association with

By Milton Tella

Film enthusiasts from the BritishAfrican community in the UK and fans of Africa’s fast growing film industry Nollywood turned out in large numbers to watch the movie titled Labo meaning life is a journey at Odeon Cinema Greenwich London on Friday 2nd of August.

Labo: life is a journey is a movie produced

by Roseline Sanni-Ajose and directed by Femi Fadeyi. The movie portrays the life of a Diaspora returnee husband who decides to relocate to his home country and convinces his adult children and Caribbean wife to relocate with him. They heeded his call but would things work out as anticipated by the husband?

“Labo” is based on a family’s battle for cultural supremacy and emphasises on family issues, cross culture marriage and relationships with young offenders.

Roseline Sanni, the producer and lead actress said, “Labo speaks to immigrants especially Africans in the Diaspora about never forgetting their roots and culture as they are absorbed by foreign culture and other influences. “Even if they don’t like conditions in their homeland, they should not condemn it, because there is no place like home, where your relatives are still battling with life’s survival.”

The movie parades popular Nigerian actors and actresses such as Dejumo Lewis of the old Village Headmaster TV series, Jide Kosoko, Iya Awero, Femi Fadeyi, Doris Simeon, Tayo Adeleye, Ayo Adesanya, Remi Surutu, Roseline Sanni-Ajose, Theodora Ibekwe, Olivia Eze, Yvonne Hays, Patricia Sanderson, Christiana Awotayo and many more.

At the screening were some Nollywood actresses; the roll call include Doris Simeon, Ruke Amata, Victoria Inyama, and UK based Fatima Jabbe, Theodora Ibekwe, Tolu Yesufu and others.

The movie Labo joins a collection of UK Nollywood styled production with completion work done in Nigeria. What the movie lacks in good scripting was made up for in sketches of comedy from Remi Surutu and others. Viewers who are quite critical will find Labo an interesting comic relief.

Roseline, the professional theatre nurse-turned-actress /movie producer has joined the growing list of UK Nollywood practitioners helping to extend the frontiers of Nollywood in the UK. Photos: Daniel Sync 18

Lead actress Roseline Sanni-Ajose

Doris Simeon a character in the movie

Olivia Eze, plays Lydia in the movie.

(Supporting role).

Victoria, Roseline, Fatima & Theodora

From left: Femi Fadeyi, The director of the movie

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Entertainment News

The Actor’s Guild of Nigeria celebrates Omotola The Actor’s Guild of Nigeria headed by actress Ibinabo Fiberesima celebrates African movie icon, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, for being enlisted as one of the most Influential people in the world by Times magazine.

Omotola wearing an Aqua green and black dress accompanied by her husband Capt. Matthew Ekeinde and their kids.

The evening of Glamour and laughter had many entertainers and friends of Nollywood coming out to appreciate and celebrate Omotola.

Among the many guests were Fred Amata, Chief Wande Akinboboye, Olisa Adibua, Rita Domnic, Ini Edo Ehigwina and Husband, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and wife, Zeb Ejiro and wife, Emeka Ossai and wife, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Dimeji Alara and many others.

Actor Chidi Mokeme read her citation which was greeted with a standing ovation and Elvina Ibru and Alula Ibru performed. As well as Timi Dakolo and Funny bone, Charles Novia, Fred Amata and the Sheik Zeb Ejiro gave testimonials on Omotola.

The celebration, which was hosted by veteran Actor Segun Arinze at the Oriental hotel Victoria Island, was a night of fun, food and dance.

Photos by - Kola/ Sync PHOTOS

Ibinabo presents Omotola with an award

Omotola and her husband Matthew

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Events calendar What’s On & When Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Arts

Theatre, Shows and Musicals

By Ryan Holmes

man standing in their path, the virtuous King Duncan. But to maintain his position, Macbeth must keep on killing – first Banquo, his old comrade-in-arms; then, as the atmosphere of guilt and paranoia thickens, anyone who seems to threaten his tyrant’s crown.

21 New Globe Walk, London, Greater London SE1 9DT

The American Plan Now-August 10th

Lenny Henry as Troy and Tanya Moodie as Rose

Fences Now- Sept 14th

Troy Maxson was once an extremely gifted athlete who was deprived of his shot at the big time and now struggles within regular society in Pittsburgh. Indignant of a world he believes has denied him chances at every turn, he vents his anger on his loyal wife and sports-obsessed son.

Fences, is one of the eminent American dramas of the 20th century, and winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Award, two Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Set between the Korean and Vietnam wars, it is essentially the story of a family trying to claw themselves from despair and what happens when a strong man is robbed of his dreams - a universal story which will strike a chord in everyone of us.

The Duchess Theatre, 3-5 Catherine St, London WC2B 5LA

Sound of Music July 25th -Sep 1st

Rachel Kavanaugh gave up her tenure at the helm of the Birmingham Rep last year; now, she’s flipping her attention to directing a new stage version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Nazis-and-yodelling classic.

It’s the Open Air Theatre’s traditional end of season musical blow out, but, surprisingly, this is the first time a Rodgers and Hammerstein-penned show has graced the Regent’s Park stage. Alongside Kavanaugh will be choreographer Alistair David and Olivier award-winning set and costume designer Peter McKintosh. While the acting talent comes from the Olivier nominees Charlotte Wakefield and Michael Xavier who will play Maria Rainer and Captain Von Trapp.

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR

The Amen Corner Now- August 14th 20

As the gospel singing soars, Sister Margaret, uncompromising pastor of her Harlem church, has a congregation already in mutiny against hardnosed leadership. Their resentment soon escalates with the return of her absentee husband, a jazz tromboneplaying sinner, and the wayward conduct of her formerly paragon, musical son.

Charges of hypocrisy hang in the air and Margaret’s devout world looks perilously close to falling apart.

Beautifully expressed through the rousing beat of the gospel choir, the community’s sense of love, grief and spiritual survival will be given full voice in the National’s production of James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner.

Olivier Theatre. South Bank, London SE1 9PX

Sweet Bird of Youth Now-31 Aug 2013

Kim Cattrall stars alongside acclaimed Broadway actor Seth Numrich in Tennessee Williams’ powerful and poetic play, Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Olivier Award-winner Marianne Elliott.

A fading Hollywood legend ravaged by the bitterness of failure and despair.

Fleeing the disastrous premiere of her comeback film, Alexandra Del Lago travels incognito as The Princess Kosmonopolis seeking refuge in drink, drugs and the arms of Chance Wayne, an idealistic young dreamer turned gigiolo and hellbent on achieving his own movie stardom. A trip to Chance’s hometown in a bid to win back his childhood sweetheart sees their relationship of convenience unravel The Old Vic. The Cut London SE1 8NB

Macbeth Now- 13th October

When three witches tell Macbeth that he is destined to occupy the throne of Scotland, he and his wife choose to become the instruments of their fate and to kill the first

A tangle of ravaged dreams, broken souls, twisted motives and deceit, The American Plan takes place against a backdrop of the Catskill Mountains during a 1960s summer. Lili Adler, the beautiful, fragile daughter of a wealthy German-Jewish refugee, meets Nick Lockridge, a handsome young stranger, and finds herself falling in love. But when her overbearing mother learns of their relationship, she proceeds to poison the young man’s affection and Lili’s one chance to escape her mother’s control looks like being lost forever.

St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street London SW1E 5JA

The Color Purple Now-September 14th

An unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity, The Color Purple is a landmark musical from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker.

This stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this European premiere is directed by John Doyle (Road Show at the Menier Chocolate Factory), adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

The Menier Chocolate Factory, 53

Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU .A Season

in the CongoNow-August 24th

BAFTA Award winning director Joe Wright (Anna Karenina, Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) directs Olivier Award winner Chiwetel Ejiofor (BBC2’s Dancing on the Edge, Othello at the Donmar Warehouse, Children of Men, Dirty Pretty Things) in the UK premiere of an epic retelling of a vibrant nation’s turbulent first year of freedom.

Even by the prodigiously visual values of the Young Vic, Wright’s production of French polymath Aimé Césaire’s 1966 sort-of-tragedy ‘A Season in the Congo’ is aesthetically pleasing stuff, a rainbow of song and dance, puppets and people, polyrhythms and sub bass, comedy and tragedy that spins and swirls like a tropical storm as it portrays the last years in the life of Congolese politician Patrice Lumumba (Chiwetel Ejiofor) in vividly impressionistic brushstrokes.

The Young Vic, 66 The Cut SE1 8LZ

Meschac Gaba: Museum of Contemporary African Art Now- September 22nd

Meschac Gaba’s Museum of Contemporary African Art is an immersive twelve-room installation, a ‘museum within a museum’, which is currently sprawling through Tate Modern Gaba has claimed that the Museum of Contemporary African Art is ‘not a model… it’s only a question.’ It is temporary and mutable, a conceptual space more than a physical one, a provocation to the Western art establishment not only to attend to contemporary African art, but to question why the boundaries existed in the first place.

Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Arts

Event to Mark 100 Years of Bollywood at The O2 Arena

DVK are proud to present superstar and icon, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali as he commences his 2013 UK tour with a sensational live concert on Bank Holiday Sunday, 25th August at the O2 Arena in London.

‘The Voice from Heaven’ concert promises to descend on stage with an electrifying performance by the musical genius and will celebrate the anniversary of 100 years of Bollywood. Rahat, nephew of the legendary late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, is one of the very few artists from the East with the star power to sell out the entire O2 arena. With a sell-out show of 20,000 tickets, the concert at the O2 arena will set a new record and re-create history with a truly unforgettable show Rahat was mentored under his uncle since birth and is now the King of Qawwali and Sufi music and the most sought after playback singer in Bollywood. His glorious voice lends itself to hit songs which rise to number one on each occasion and his hit ‘Teri Meri’ to date has had the highest number of hits on YouTube and outstripped any other Bollywood song on this search portal.

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and continues to mesmerise audiences with his melodious voice and Sufi music. The maestro has been honoured with the Award for Best Music Talent in a Film at the 14th London

Deepak Kuntawala, Founder of DVK, Al Pacino & Abhishek Bachchan, Bollywood Actor

Music Festival in 2012, the Award for Best Male Playback Singer at the 2011 Filmfare Awards and the Award for Best Singer Male at the Pakistan Media Awards in 2011.

This celebration is presented by the DVK Global Entertainment Investments Fund, which is financing projects which include the likes of Al Pacino and Jessica Biel to name a few. The DVK Co-Chairman, Deepak Kuntawala said, ‘It gives us great pleasure to bring one of India’s most angelic and captivating voices to the UK. ‘To celebrate one of the largest industries in the world (Bollywood) in such a way is something that DVK are very proud of. He is adored by his fans here and I’m happy to see DVK deliver the very best in entertain-

ment and bring a gem of India to the UK.’ This is the third major project within four months that DVK have invested in. Highlights include ‘An Evening with Al Pacino’ and the global partnership with the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. DVK have also won an impressive eight Business Awards in 2013. There are also several other world class initiatives that DVK are involved in, which include Bollywood, Hollywood and filming in China with A-list stars from Hollywood.

The sell-out show will also feature a special VVIP reception and red carpet event with a distinguished guest list from around the world.

DVK has developed a strong, stable

footprint in strategic geographic locations such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, China, Russia and CIS Region, India, Kenya, Somalia, and has been first to market in several key emerging countries.

DVK clients are individuals, corporates, governments and heads of states, institutions and industry leaders. DVK’s service focus includes Private Equity, Wealth Management, Asset/Investment Management, Structured Trade & Commodity Finance and Global Commodity Trading. The company’s sector focus expands to Aviation, Global Commodities, Media & Entertainment, Finance & Banking, PPP Infrastructure, and Real Estate.

Poet of the Week: Taban Lo Liyong Taban Lo Liyong is a Ugandan poet, critic, novelist, and shortstory writer, was born of Ugandan parents in southern Sudan. He received his early education at Gulu High School and the Sir Samuel Baker School, and subsequently studied at a teachers’ college in Uganda, at Howard University, USA (BA), and at the University of Iowa, USA, where he was the first African to receive the MFA degree in creative writing and where he cultivated his unconventional writing style.

He has taught at several universities, including the University of Papua New Guinea, the University of Nairobi in Kenya, where he co-founded the department of literature with Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Juba University in Khartoum, Sudan. A former cultural affairs director in southern Sudan, he teaches at the University of Venda in South Africa.

His great interest and research studies in oral literature have resulted in Eating

Taban Lo Liyong Chiefs: Lwo Culture from Lolwe to Malkal (1960) and, as editor, Popular Culture of East Africa (1972). His satires, parables, and moral tales in Fixions and other Stories (1969), and his poetry, are very much inspired by the oral tradition, but also by Nietzsche and modernist poets such as Eliot and Pound, while the more overtly modernistic stories in The Unfinished Man (1971) reflect the breakdown of that tradition in

‘fragmented images’. Liyong’s poems defy stylistic convention, and reinforce his roles as both social critic and literary experimenter. Poetry collections include Frantz Fanon’s Uneven Ribs (1971), Another Nigger Dead (1972), and Ballads of Underdevelopment (1976). Essay collections include The Last Word (1969) and Thirteen Offensives Against Our Enemies (1973), which also contains poems. Meditations in Limbo (1970) and Meditations of Taban Lo Liyong (1978) are autobiographical works in similar essayistic vein.

His published works include Showhat and Sowhat, Corpse Lovers and Corpse haters, Another Nigger Dead, and Carrying knowledge up a palm tree.

Ministers to the Toothless When I am old and my teeth are gone or rotted Let me age away near KFC or MacDonald’s hotel: Potatoes have no fibres and just disintegrate in the mouth When they are squared and fried hot you don’t need teeth;

Finger-licking good spring chicken eaten hot is swallowed whole The coleslaw in hamburgers is for additional salivation It softens the bread and your gums can pound the meat And you turn everything over in the mouth and swallow: Nobody knows if you chewed or just washed it down Especially as the salt on the potatoes, and drugs in the Coke Contribute a lot to the salivation and gunning down.

The workers of the East with their poor dental care The poor of the world who buy silence with sweets and ice-cream Will keep MacDonalds and the General in business Regardless of ideology, change of regime, whims of the boss: When I have no teeth apples are out, as are steak and ribs.

Fried chickens, eggs, minced meat, coleslaw and bread These I can eat with my gums, with my baby.

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Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Health

Over-65 drinkers in health alert The current drinking guidelines that are deemed safe for the over 65’s should be halved, doctors and public health campaigners claim, as the older generation are unaware of the health risks and the fact that their bodies are less able to cope.

The elderly have slower metabolisms, this has a hampering affect as toxic chemicals linger in the body for longer, whilst drunkenness can increase the risk of falls and depression, and hide the development of dementia.

Although a lage portion of doctors and focus groups are worried about excessive alcohol use and the potential to interfere with prescription medication.

Andrew Langford, of the British Liver Trust, explained that drinking patterns have changed, adding: “The idea of an older woman with a glass of sherry is way out of date. It is more likely to be a bottle of wine a day.”

Because pensioners tend to drink at home the problem is hidden, he added.

Researchers say roughly one-third of older drinkers are thought to first develop their drink problem in later life.

Danger of pensioner drinking is being brought to light in hope of better awareness.

Dr Richard Aspinall, a consultant hepatologist at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, said the amount people drank on their own at home could slowly creep up.

“We think of a very visible social disorder, consequences of young people binge drinking on a Saturday night in our town centres, but what is much more hidden is quiet, below-the-radar drinking at home.”

The Department of Health is cur-

rently reviewing alcohol guidelines for all age groups, which is why those with major concerns are coming forward.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has formerly called for men over 65 to be restricted to 1.5 units a day, down from the existing guideline of three to four, and for women of the same age to be limited one unit, down from the current guidance of two to three.

NHS statistics illustrate that over-65s are more likely to drink every day of

the week.

What is also largely distressing is the fact that alcohol-related admissions to hospital have risen by 150 per cent in those aged between 60 and 74 in the past decade. In 2012 there were more admissions to hospital of over-65s for alcohol-related injuries and illnesses than in the 16-24-year-old category.

In a study published in journal PLoS ONE, a team from Newcastle University questioned older people about their approach to alcohol and found a lot them were “blasé” about the dangers.

Dr Graeme Wilson, who led the research, said that while many believed that they had built up a tolerance, they did not appreciate the fact alcohol can cause more damage to an ageing body.

In the research, commissioned by Age UK, one woman who drank a bottle of wine a day said she didn’t have a problem because she had never “‘been found drunk in a corner”.

Others claimed being given a free bus pass gave them free reign to drink more, while some consumed alcohol to relieve the pain of osteoporosis.

Take steps to slash diabetes The findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, revealed that 19 per cent of adults who use cars, motorbikes or taxis to get to work were obese.

This is compared with 15 per cent who walked and 13 per cent of cyclists. Public transport was used most in London, at 52 per cent, compared with five per cent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Laverty added: “The variations between regions suggest that investment in public transport, walking and cycling can play a large role in encouraging healthy lives, and that encouraging people out of the car can be good for them as well as the environment.”

Dr Chris Miller said it was the first time research had broken down the benefits in such detail.

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Walking can make a serious difference to your risk of diabetes

He said: “Walking or cycling to work is obviously better for you than sitting in a car, but the scale of effect it has on conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure is perhaps surprising. It shows how even walk

ing to the bus stop or train station each day can dramatically improve health.

“We are recommended to have at least 30 minutes’ moderate exercise a day so only a 15-minute walk at

either end and you have done your quota – although the longer the better. It’s also more convenient than going to the gym because it can be factored in as part of your day without having to set aside any other time.

“In London there’s always a station or bus stop within walkable distance, but that’s not always the case in other parts of the country, which is something local authorities could be looking at.”

Doireann Maddock, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “This is a reminder that getting active doesn’t necessarily have to mean hitting the gym.

“Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to walk to work, but try to get off the bus a couple of stops earlier and walk the rest of the way, or take stairs rather than the lift.”

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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The Nok Culture of Nigeria The little settlement called Nok village is located in Jaba Local government down in the southern part of Kaduna State, up in northern Nigeria, which frequently attracts visitors. There is no doubt as to Nok’s universal fame, across the academia and all over the world.

Antiquities from Nok adorn great museums and galleries across the globe in different parts of the world. But despite the coveted place of Nok history in world culture of first African civilization, the little village in whose honour the famed artefacts are named remain a rustic hamlet to this day.

Nok can be reached by road from the southern parts through the Nasarawa State town of Keffi or via Kafanchan, which lies roughly 40km away in Kaduna State.

The Kwoi-Nok-Chori Road, leads through all of Ham land and links these communities to Kachia, Kafanchan, Zonkwa and other towns. Apart from the major road linking Nok to Kwoi and Kafanchan, the inner parts of this archaeologists’ haven has nothing of a modern road network .in the real sense of the word.

The first academic institution in Nok is the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School. This elementary School was founded in 1954. The government later took over the school, which was founded by the community. To date, that school stands on its original site within Ngar-Chichar in eastern Nok. Nok also has a Customary Court of Appeal, where judgment is delivered every Thursday, and newer schools, Universal Basic Education Primary School, LEA Sabon Gari and Government Day Secondary School have also been established.

Fada near Tunga-Nok and Tunga-Zyeh, are all surroundings of the Nok village.

Locals express the fear and lament ‘Our culture is facing serious threats and our language is dying’.

Nok has a ‘fountain of wealth and unique artefacts’. The Nok Culture civilization was discovered in 1928. The first discoveries was accidentally unearthed at a level of 24 feet in an alluvial tin mine in the vicinity of the village of Nok in Jaba Local Government in the southern part of Kaduna state, near the Jos Plateau region which lies in the central part of Nigeria in west Africa . As a result of natural erosion and deposition, Nok terracottas were scattered at various depths throughout the Sahel grasslands, causing difficulty in the dating and classification of the mysterious artefacts.

Luckily, two archaeological sites, Samun Dukiya and Taruga, were found containing Nok art that had remained unmoved. Radiocarbon and thermo-luminescence tests narrowed the sculptures’ age down to between 2000 and 2500 years ago, making 22

them some of the oldest in West Africa.

Because of the similarities between the two sites, archaeologist Graham Connah believes that “Nok artwork represents a style

that was adopted by a range of iron-using farming societies of varying cultures, disputing the claim of solely being the diagnostic feature of Nok people. It is however a statement of fact that, the Nok Terracotta fugurines earned it’s name due to the Nok civilization that inhabited the area from around 500 BC in the village of Nok in

Jaba Local Government in the southern part of Kaduna state, which lies in the central part of Nigeria in west Africa.

The Nok culture was considered to be the earliest sub-Saharan producer of life-sized Terracotta. The refinement of this culture is attested to by the image of a Nok dignitary figurine. Most parts of the terracotta is preserved in the form of scattered fragments.

That is why Nok art is well known today only for the heads, both male and female, whose hairstyles are particularly detailed and refined. The statues are in fragments because the discoveries are usually made from alluvial mud, in terrain made by the erosion of water. The terracotta statues found there are hidden, rolled, polished, and broken. Rarely are works of great size conserved intact making them highly valued on the international art market. The terracotta figures are hollow, coil built, nearly life sized human heads and bodies that are depicted with highly stylized features, abundant jewellery, and varied postures.

In 1932, a group of 11 statues in perfect condition were discovered near the city of Sokoto. Since that time, statues coming from the city of Kastina were brought to light. Although there are similarities to the classical Nok style, the connection between them is not clear yet. Later still, in 1943, near the village of Nok, in the central part of Nigeria, a new series of clay figurines were discovered by accident during the tin mining activities. A worker had found a head and had taken it back to his home for use as a scarecrow a role that it filled (successfully) for a year in a yam field. It then drew the attention of the director of the mine who bought it. He brought it to the city of Jos and showed it to the trainee civil administrator, Bernard Fagg, an Archaeologist who immediately understood its importance. He asked all of the miners to inform him of all of their discoveries and was able to amass more than 150 pieces.

Afterwards, Bernard and Angela Fagg ordered systematic excavations that revealed

Culture

many more profitable lucky findings dispersed over a vast area, much larger than the original site. In 1977, the number of terra cotta objects discovered in the course of the mining excavation amounted to 153 units, mostly from secondary deposits (the statuettes had been carted by floods near the valleys) situated in dried-up riverbeds in savanahs in Northern and Central Nigeria (the Southwestern portion of the Jos Plateau). Later, new discoveries had been found in an increasingly larger area, including the Middle Niger Valley and the Lower Benue Valley. Some Publications may try to lay false claim to the creation of the Nok civilization such as one by one Physiologist A. O Olubunmi in his controversial book “. The Rise and Fall of The Yoruba Race. 10,000BC-1960AD”, in which he accounts that the Yoruba’s were the creators of Nok civilization, and the mystery of the disappearance of the Nok civilization is attributed to the disappearance of Yoruba’s from northern Nigeria due to racial assimilation. This is not a vendetta against to discredit the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria but it is a fact that, even the regional location of the Yoruba tribe in the far Southwestern part of Nigeria debunks this correlation and there is no history that related the Ham people of Nok and the Yoruba tribe. While some school of thought may continue to argue that the cradle of the Nok Terracotta was not standing at one particular site but in a large region. Since most of the major series of excavations that revealed major density of the figurines that was discovered near the village of Nok, in the central part of Nigeria were not properly documented and has since disappeared to museums around the world hence the argument. According to the view held by one of the prominent Archeologists, who has worked in the archeological sites in Nok, Professor Peter Breunig holds the position that the village of Nok appears not to be the centre. He submitted that there have been discoveries of a much higher density of archaeological sites and significance of remains in other regions like Kafanchan or Kagarko.

Hugely historical, archeologists have found human skeletons, stone tools and rock paintings around this area, not to mention the main act. The inhabitants of what is now called Nok Village, were known to make some of the oldest and culturally intriguing sculptures found in Africa.

This led to discoveries that the ancient culture of Nok has been around for some 2500 years. An excursion and tourism to the Nok village will intrigue your senses and you will be delighted to rediscover an amazing group of people culturally and socially.

Nok artifacts include ancient sculptures made from wood, metal and finely fired clay or terra cotta. Art historians say Nok terra cotta is the earliest known sizable sculpture ever produced in Africa.

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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News Talawa announces cast for all black production for ALL MY SONS This autumn Talawa Theatre Company and the Royal Exchange Theatre will present a major revival of ALL MY SONS

by Arthur Miller. The production will star two of the country’s most distinguished actors – Don Warrington MBE (RISING DAMP, DEATH IN PARADISE) as Joe and Doña Croll (CASUALTY, DOCTORS) as Kate, and will run from Wednesday 25 September to Saturday 26 October 2013.

Joe and Kate Keller, an all-American couple who have the ghosts of World War II living in their own backyard. Joe is a successful, self-made businessman, a loving family man and a pillar of the community. He is a partner in a machine shop building fighter plane parts. One thing overshadows Joe and Kate’s hap-

All My Sons DON WARRINGTON and DONA CROLL

piness - their son is missing in action, presumed dead by all but his mother.

Hit romantic comedy ‘ Flower Girl’ to debut in UK

ALL MY SONS directed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong, whose

previous credits include MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL at the National Theatre (to be revived for a UK tour in 2014) and the multi award-winning A RAISIN IN THE SUN and PRIVATE LIVES at the Royal Exchange Theatre.

The full cast also includes Delroy Atkinson, Simon Coombs, Andrea Davy, Roger Griffiths, Kemi-Bo Jacobs, Bethan Mary-James and Chiké Okonkwo.

Talawa Theatre Company is the UK’s primary black-led theatre company. Led

by Artistic Director Michael Buffong, Talawa aims to create work informed by the wealth and diversity of the Black British experience, invest in talent, build audiences and inspire dialogue with and within communities across Britain. In 2014 Talawa will revive Michael’s acclaimed production of MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL for a UK tour in collaboration with the National Theatre.

Trayvon Martin hoody to go on show in African American Museum

Chris Attoh, Bikiya Graham Douglas and Damilola Adegbite in restaurant scene

Talking Drum Entertainment the UK company dedicated to the development and distribution of black film and TV content will release the award winning romantic comedy ‘FLOWER GIRL’ directed by Michelle Bello, starring Dami Adegbite, Chris Attoh and Chucks Chukwujekwu across UK cinemas in October, 2013.

The film revolves around Kemi (DAMILOLA ADEGBITE) a young impressionable lady who is dying to get married and Umar (CHRIS ATTOH) a corporate goal

getter who is striving to get ahead in his career. When their relationship hits troubled waters, Kemi seeks the help of movie superstar Tunde (CHUKS CHUKWUJEKWU) and they hatch a plan to get Kemi what she wants – but the plan doesn’t quite work out as they anticipate and soon they realise why people say love is a funny thing.

The film which has already been a success in Nigeria and Ghana as gone through a complete re-edit with the help of top African filmmaker Mahmood Ali-Balogun (Tango with Me) and according to Michelle international audiences will be in for an even better film experience with this new version of the film.

Michelle Bello directing Chuks Chukwujekwu

24

Assistant prosecutor John Guy holds up as evidence the hoodie worn by 17-yearold Trayvon Martin

Lonnie Bunch, the director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has expressing interest in procuring the hoodie worn by 17-year-old Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012, when he was profiled, followed and ultimately shot through the heart by killer George Zimmerman.

“It became the symbolic way to talk the Trayvon Martin case. It’s rare that you get one artifact that really becomes the symbol,” Bunch said. “Because it’s such a symbol, it would allow you to talk about race in the age of Obama.”

MSNBC’s PoliticsNation host Rev. Al Sharpton, who is largely responsible for catapulting the case to national prominence, said that he “would like to see it preserved” because it is the “first civil rights flash point” of the 21st century.

“The hoodie now represents an image of an urban street kid that either embraces or engages in street thug life,” he said.

“I think it’s unfair.”

Trayvon Martin has become this generation’s Till, and though his life was snatched away from him, his legacy has also been immortalized.

According to the Post, Sharpton imagined how powerful it would have been to save a garment worn by 14-year-old Emmett Till the night that he was murdered for allegedly whistling at a White woman in 1950s Mississippi.

In addition to expressing interest in Trayvon’s hoodie, Bunch has acquired a guard tower from Louisiana’s infamous Angola State Penitentiary, and handcuffs used to restrain Harvard professor Louis Gates Jr, who, as previously reported

by NewsOne, was profiled and arrested after White neighbors assumed that he was breaking into his own home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is currently under construction on the National Mall in Washington D.C. and is scheduled to open in 2015.

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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News ALL IS SET FOR THE LAUNCHING OF AFRICA SPORT IN DIASPORA Africa Sport in Diaspora (ASID) is planning to launch its activities in London this August. This is trailing the organisational success of the Olympic Games in London last summer.

The organisation had post-mortems of all sorts into the performances of African nations in the Olympiad. Nations like Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria were clearly not happy with the returns our athletes brought from these Games, and a lot of talking had been done so far.

ASID said, “One thing has come to our notice, though – and that is the fact that the nations that DID do well – talking about European nations and the USA – many had participants who actually have their roots and origins in Africa. While we can not fault the decision of these athletes to turn out for the countries of their interest, we also recognise the fact that there are many more from where the Mo Farahs, Christine Ohuorogus and the Phillip Idowus came from”.

“Our schools in England are full of budding talent of African origin, some of whom we might be able to tap and give encouragement to, to participate in sports for their fatherland. This has informed the formation of this group – African Sport-In-Diaspora”.

ASID has been set up with a view to assisting in the scouting and unearthing of young talent – to produce not only young sports stars, but youth-in-education sports stars who would potentially excel for their respective nations in future Olympics, but who would also have the academic background to aid them in comporting themselves and becoming real role models in the future.

Victor Moses with Chelsea

The Launch event to mark the birth of the scheme will formally take place on 17 August 2013 at the Greenwich Community College, Plumstead, London SE18.

The Launch event is expected to bring together representatives of youth of all cadre in the UK, of African origin, the community of Africans in the UK, as well as representatives of the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa to mention but a few.

Subsequently, we plan to set up a scouting process that would discover, mentor and monitor talents so discovered and work with them in liaison with the Ministry and the sports associations.

Our aim and objective would be to see that we get a good few athletes competing out of the Diaspora scheme in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and subsequent big competitions in future.

Some of the Ambassadors of the project are Victor Moses (of Chelsea Football Club and Nigeria – football), Johny Akinyemi (canoeist for Nigeria in London 2012), Abi Oyepitan (Team GB athlete with Nigerian roots), Victoria Okafor (current Miss Nigeria UK and a keen sports and youth leader in the community), Stephen Kiprotich (of Uganda, London 2012 marathon gold medal winner), and Gael Bigirimana (of Burundi, player of Newcastle United Football Club who also grew up in the UK).

Shedding more light on the event, Chief Executive of the ASID movement, Tunde Adelakun said, “It is highly important for us to make that connection between sports and positive impact on our youngsters who are based out here. It goes without saying that there is a huge population of Africans in the country and their children need to be made to see that sport can do them a world of good, if they connect with their countries of origin”.

Some of the speakers at the event, which will run from 12 noon on the day, include top Team GB athlete Abi Oyepitan, who herself is of Nigerian origin, and Johny Akinyemi, a canoeist who opted to compete for Nigeria in the London Olympics last year.

“We have also made sure that we get representatives of governments of some African nations to attend”, Adelakun continued “This is to allow parents, children and community leaders in attendance to ask useful questions and seek assurances from these governments on their plans towards some of the youngsters who decide to pitch their tent with their respective nations.

Sen

Karam

Victor Moses representing Nigeria

To this end, Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye who is the Director General of the Nigerian Sports Ministry will be delivering a keynote address at the event. And Mr Charles Bakkabulindi, Minister of Sport in Uganda will also be addressing the gathering”.

The aim of ASID is to use various scouting methods to unearth talent of African origin, and to provide encouragement, mentoring and monitoring to them to points where they can make a choice of how they want to handle international competitions.

25

22 yea youth Diaby after in Ha man t neo-N about to bec Germ gener Dia was bo three East G Wall t before been n centre fact th in the has a in the Berlin “It c lems w SPIEG becaus Diaby is mar dren.

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Zimbabwe election

Mugabe wins, Tsvangirai cries foul, it’s groundhog day Perhaps predictably, President Robert Mugabe has been declared the winner of Zimbabwe’s general election but equally predictably, Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai has rejected the outcome out of hand.

Cryptically, Mr Tsvangirai told anyone that would listen that there is evidence available that shows his party actually won the election. Petulantly, Mr Tsvangirai has declared his MDC will not legitimise government institutions resulting from the election and will take no part in them. Inevitably, he said the MDC will exhaust all legal remedies to challenge the election result.

Earlier, a Zimbabwean election commissioner resigned, citing doubts about the integrity of results showing a big win for President Mugabe’s ZANU-PF party but dismissed as a fraud-riddled farce by Mr Tsvangirai. Mkhululi Nyathi said he quit the nine-member Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) over the way it managed the presidential and parliamentary vote held last Wednesday. His resignation is likely to add to the dispute over the election both inside and outside Zimbabwe.

“While throughout the whole process I retained some measure of hope that the integrity of the whole process could be salvaged along the way, this was not to be,” Mr Nyathi said in a resignation letter.

Mr Tsvangirai’s MDC has said it could take to the streets to challenge ZANU-PF’s claim of a landslide victory, made less than 24 hours after the polls had closed on Wednesday. ZANU-PF’s two-thirds majority will allow it to make constitutional changes. Mr Tsvangirai has called on the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to

A lone voter casts her ballot

investigate the vote, calling it “null and void” and “not credible”. But he faces an uphill struggle to convince the regional bodies, as their observers have already endorsed the election as free and peaceful, while acknowledging minor problems.

The vote, which looks certain to extend Mr Mugabe’s 33-year rule, passed off peacefully and received broad approval from African observers. Africa’s oldest leader at 89, Mr Mugabe has governed the former British colony, known as Rhodesia under British rule, since independence in 1980.

Western observers were kept out by Harare, and independent domestic monitors have described the vote as deeply flawed owing to registration problems that may have disenfranchised up to a million people. This includes the lack of availability of an updated voters’ roll, as required by law.

SADC observers have urged Mr Tsvan-

Zimbabwe’s election was largely peaceful and orderly

26

girai to accept the result. They expressed relief that the elections have so far avoided the kind of violence that marred a disputed vote in 2008. Then, 200 MDC supporters were killed by ZANU-PF supporters.

Western rejection of the regional African verdict on the election could stir tensions with the continent. But acceptance of Mr Mugabe’s victory will be criticised in countries that say he is a despot guilty of rights abuses and ruining the economy.

Britain, a sharp critic of Mr Mugabe in the past, said it was concerned that Zimbabwe had not enacted important electoral reforms before the vote.

The US government, which has imposed sanctions against Mr Mugabe, said “a peaceful and orderly election day does not by itself guarantee a free and fair outcome”.

The European Union, which relaxed some sanctions earlier this year after a new Zimbabwe constitution was approved

in a referendum, has said it is too early to assess the election’s fairness.

Given the sanctions, the view from the West is key to the future of Zimbabwe’s economy, which is still struggling with the aftermath of a decade-long slump and hyperinflation that ended in 2009 when the worthless Zimbabwe dollar was scrapped.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “People around the world are watching events in Zimbabwe, following the announcement by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission that President Mugabe has won the presidential elections, as well as the indications of possible legal challenges. I commend the people of Zimbabwe on holding peaceful elections. However we have grave concerns over the conduct of the election. The preliminary statements of the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) observation missions, and those of the domestic observer groups, have outlined many of these significant concerns, and I hope that their final assessments of the elections will take into account the full impact of these irregularities on the outcome.

“We are deeply concerned that a number of important reforms contained in the Global Political Agreement and endorsed by SADC were not completed before the poll, despite being clearly highlighted by SADC at their Maputo summit on 15 June as being necessary for peaceful, credible, free and fair elections. We are also concerned with irregularities reported on the day.

“The AU preliminary report underlined in particular the strategic importance of the voters roll, and that by law it should have been made available to all political parties, yet observers saw no evidence that this was the case. This was a critical flaw.

We also have concerns over reports of large numbers of voters who were turned away, particularly in urban areas, the very high numbers of extra ballot papers that were printed and additional polling stations apparently added on Election Day itself.

“The irregularities in the lead up to the elections and on Election Day itself, reported by the observer missions and in contravention of SADC’s guidelines, call into serious question the credibility of the election. We note that some political parties have rejected the result on the basis of these irregularities.

“We will need to examine what has happened and consider further reports from regional and local observer missions. In the meantime, it is important that all allegations of electoral violations are thoroughly investigated. We will continue to support Zimbabwe and its people in their aspirations for a democratic, peaceful and prosperous future.”

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Zimbabwe election

Opposition compiling election fraud dossier

Simba Makoni and Morgan Tsvangirai hold a sombre post election press conference

MDC-T coalition partner and Mavambo leader Simba Makoni has said measures are being taken to expose the unprecedented ballot theft which saw ZANU PF winning last week’s election.

Makoni, who contested the just-ended poll on a MDC-T ticket, said they were rejecting ZANU PF’s victory as an outcome of a rigged process, and calling for fresh elections.

Last Thursday MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai declared the election ‘null and void, and described it as a ‘farce’ which did not reflect the will of the people.

Makoni told SW Radio Africa Monday that a dossier was being compiled by the MDC-T in a bid to reveal how ZANU PF and its leader Robert Mugabe rigged the election. He said Zimbabweans should expect other measures aimed at challenging the electoral fraud to be put in motion before “the inauguration of the so-called winner”.

The MDC-T has until Saturday - as required by the law - to take their case to the Constitutional Court, in what is set to be an uphill task. The country’s courts are largely staffed by Mugabe apologists who have consistently ruled in his favour on electoral matters brought before the courts since 2000.

ZANU PF’s Patrick Chinamasa has already challenged the MDC-T to seek recourse through the courts.

Makoni said: “We already have a strong body of evidence to support our case. Most of it is elaborating on the irregularities, which have also been variously expressed by the African Union, SADC, and also by local observers.

“There were irregularities around the voters’ roll, the voting slips, the assisted voters, as well as the turned away voters. All these build up a strong body of evidence that renders the outcome not credible,” he said.

Makoni would not go into great detail about the measures being taken to expose ZANU PF’s rigging mechanisms,

but he indicated that the MDC-T will soon be seeking an independent audit of all the election material as part of that process.

Last week Tsvangirai said the dossier of “all irregularities and all the illegalities” will also be submitted to SADC, in the hope that the regional body will intervene. But observers say this may be another tough call as SADC, together with the AU and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa have endorsed the result and urged the MDC-T to accept it, despite noting the irregularities.

Makoni denied accusations that the MDC-T may have got complacent ‘and slept on the job’.

“It is not true that we took our eyes off the ball, we continued to raise these irregularities even to SADC. In his final rally, Tsvangirai raised concern about the integrity and credibility of this process, and even called on the Electoral Commission to resign.

“The scale of these irregularities keeps unravelling, and we now know more than we did before polling day,” Makoni added. One electoral commissioner, Mkhululi Nyathi, has already resigned in protest at the unprofessional manner in which the electoral process was conducted. Makoni said the commissioner’s resignation is an important part of the evidence that the MDC-T is compiling as they prepare to challenge the electoral fraud.

“We are going to give him (Jacob Zuma) and other leaders the detailed evidence of how the election was stolen and we hope they will use that to ensure Zimbabweans get the electoral justice they deserve.”

Once complete, the MDC-T dossier is expected to include irregularities such as double voting, use of fake registration slips, the busing in of voters from outside constituencies, the inclusion of ghost voters on the roll, the failure by ZEC to provide political parties with an auditable electronic voters’ roll, as well as the involvement of shadowy Israeli entity Nikuv, among many other issues.

A jubilant Robert Mugabe will lead Zimbabwe into his 90s 27

Events calendar What’s On & When WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

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Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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Akide: If you love the game, you can play it

Mercy Akide-Udoh (Middle)

One of the first stars of women’s football in Africa, Mercy Akide-Udoh was a trailblazer in more ways than one. An exciting attacking player, she starred for Nigeria in three FIFA Women’s World Cups™, two Olympic Football Tournaments and won three African titles with the Super Falcons.

She was named by CAF as the first African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2002 and was appointed an Ambassador for women’s football by FIFA in 2005. She came to the United States to play in the now-defunct WUSA for its inaugural season, was named MVP of the W-League in leading Hampton Roads to the title in 2003, and she remained in the USA to coach young girls since retiring She talked with FIFA.com recently about her passion for football and for giving back using the sport.

Did you suffer from discrimination as a young woman playing football?

Mercy Akide-Udoh: Not me, but the players in 1991 [at the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup] broke the barrier, and then me and others came in ‘95. And people in my life really supported me. I had two brothers that always encouraged me to play with them and their friends on the street. I did have a couple of friends whose parents did not want them to keep playing or have anything to do with soccer because they felt like it was a men’s game. And they were very good players, better than me, but because they didn’t get that support, they had to quit. The only problem I had was people would say about me ‘oh look at her, she looks like a boy, she’s not a girl’. I was fit and muscular and like a tomboy, so people would talk about me, but I didn’t care.

30

Do you think the emergence of women’s football was part of a larger social change, and why do you think Nigeria was at the forefront of that in Africa?

Number one: Nigeria is a football country.

We love football, and we believe anyone who loves the game can play the game.

People saw we could play, so there was encouragement. Then it became women helping women to feel good about themselves, learning that they can do anything they put their minds to. And so now you have more women in government. Before you didn’t have that. Women now are trying to not just be housewives. They might still care for their home and their children, but they realise they can do more if they want.And women’s football is catching up across the continent.

All of the teams are trying to beat Nigeria, and they are all growing and focusing on the girls. That can only help the World Cup. In Africa, there are many different cultures. We have Muslims and Christians, and they all love the game. There are Muslims who cover their face and still kick the ball. That’s the love of the game. More women are putting in energy and time to make football a point for young girls to play.

What did it mean to you to be one of the first recognised African women playing football at a high level?

I love the game, and so whenever any games were on I always watched them.

They were men’s games, but then when the girls started to play I always dreamed and thought I could become a professional player. I’m grateful I achieved that, and then I said to myself ‘I can do more’. I am so passionate about the game and wanted

to give back with the talent that I had, so that’s how I got to coaching.

And you have been coaching in the USA since you stopped playing.

Little kids have looked up to me as a role model, and I can teach them – not just about soccer but about all aspects of life. I’m a mom too, so I understand what a kid needs.

I always knew someday I would go back home, but I felt like I had a lot to share here and there was more opportunity for me to get experience. In Nigeria, we have talent but sometimes we don’t work to develop it. I would like to help the Federation with ideas on improving the standard of the women’s league because right now it’s in a bad state.

Mercy Akide-Udoh

How else are you thinking about helping Nigerian women’s football?

I’ll be trying to help young girls earn scholarships to US colleges. That’s how I got my big break, and the time is right for me to look to help others to achieve their dreams.

Starting this summer when I go back home, I’m starting a program called Play2Learn where I will run camps for girls in high schools in Nigeriaand pick those who can really play, and also have the right educational qualifications for recommendation to coaches. It will help fill a need for both sides as the schools need talented players, and the players get a chance to get an education while playing the game. Hopefully, with time, I can spread it to the rest of Africa.

You have been mentioned as a possible future coach of the Nigerian national team as well. Is that on your radar?

I hope some day I can coach the national team. That’s my passion. There are things we are lacking, and I want to go back and help my country with my experience playing and coaching. I still have that fire in me.

There was controversy a few years ago when disparaging remarks were made about homosexuality. What did you make of that?

For me, I don’t know what that was all about. After coaching and as an ex-player, with friends on my teams, I didn’t see that stuff or know anything about it. I don’t go into people’s business. It’s their life. I cannot tell you not to go and get married, or tell you to go with this person or not. I’m not in a place to judge or control anybody.

You are there to play soccer, and that’s all.

Did you ever suffer any other kind of discrimination?

Not really. The only thing I had a problem with was that back home we’re not outspoken, and if you don’t relate to your coach sometimes they feel like you’re ignorant or not paying attention.

Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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CAF Champions League: Surprises continue in Africa

Celebrations for Sewe Sports North African clubs have long dominated the CAF Champions League, but this time around they are finding the going rather tough. After 2011 champions Esperance lost on the first match-day of the group stage, Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Ahly were defeated in their second matches over the weekend, with the defending champions Al Ahly tasting an historic defeat at home.

The top two clubs in each group qualify for the semi-finals, and the winner of the event will represent the continent at the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the year in Morocco.

Esperance de Tunis 2-0 Coton Sport Having surprisingly lost their opening group game in Angola against Recreativo Libolo, the pressure was on the Tunisian juggernauts to get full points at home. The Blood and Gold, who have played in the last three finals and won Africa’s biggest club prize twice, opted to play the game at 10pm local time to allow their players to

break their Ramadan fast at sundown. Tunisian officials ordered the game to be played behind closed doors and the hosts did not settle well in the first half as they failed to find a way through the compact Coton Sport defence. It took a fine solo effort on the hour from Youcef Belaili to open the scoring and the Algerian youth international also had a hand in the second as he set up substitute Iheb Msakni deep in injury time.

The visitors, who were playing their first group match after their opener was postponed, ended the game with 10 men as captain Jean Bapidi Fils was sent off in the final minute.

Al Ahly 0-3 Orlando Pirates Having last lost at home in the group phase of the Champions League in 2002 – a run of 23 matches unbeaten – the title holders were overwhelming favourites against the 1995 champions. However, forced to play in the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna behind closed doors during a time when their players were involved in Ramadan fasting, the Red Devils never found their rhythm and slumped to a worst-ever

home loss in the Champions League. Thandani Ntshumayelo opened the scoring after just 11 minutes following some fine inter-play. The home side had an opportunity to equalise from the spot, but Walid Soliman’s shot was saved

by Senzo Meyiwa, and then to make matters worse, Ahmed Abdel-Zaher was sent off shortly before the break. The Buccaneers made their numerical advantage count in the second half asAndile Jali scored with a penalty in the 73rd minute and then set up Sifiso Myeni just three minutes later.

After Recreativo do Libolo stunned Esperance in their first game in Group B, the Angolan champions were confident of doing well in Côte d’Ivoire against Sewe Sports. But the team from southern Africa were brought crashing back to earth as Kevin Zougoula scored three times in the first half to give the home side a comfortable 3-1 lead at the break, with Cape Verdean Sidnei having scored the lone goal for the visitors. Sewe were down to 10 men in the second half when Pacome Agboke was sent off, but Libolo could not find a way back into the game.

Zamalek, who drew with rivals Ahly in their opener, travelled to Congo for their second contest against CAF Confederations Cup holders AC Leopards, who drew their group opener at Orlando Pirates. Zamalek were missing several regulars and found themselves down at the break after Ntela Kalema scored from the spot to put the home side ahead. To make matters worse the incident that led to the penalty also saw defender Mahmoud Fathallah pick up a second yellow card and the visitors thus had to play the entire second half a man down. The five-time winners tried to come back in the second half, but Leopards proved too strong and could have gone further ahead in the second half.

Ameobi brightens Newcastle future

Shola Ameobi proved again he still has a future at Newcastle with a late equaliser to deny Rangers victory in a pre-season clash at Ibrox.

Ameobi, who came on as a 73rd minute substitute for Papis Cisse, was once more the hero for his English Premier League outfit on Tuesday night to cool speculations that the future of the Nigeria international lies outside Saint James’ Park.

This is Ameobi’s fourth goal in his team’s last four pre-season games.

Veteran Lee McCulloch put the home team ahead when he converted a spot kick after Nicky Clark was felled by Fabricio Coloccini’s challenge in the fifth minute.

Substitute Sammy Ameobi will then intercept a pass and feed his older brother Shola, who produced a cheeky dinked finish over Cammy Bell in goal for Glasgow Rangers.

Nigeria hosts CAF awards January The annual Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards night will be staged in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 9.

CAF announced on their website that Lagos will host the event for the second time after it first did so in 2009.

Manchester City star and Cote d’Ivoire international Yaya Toure is the reigning African Footballer of the Year, while Egypt’s Mohammed Aboutreika was adjudged the best player on the continent who is based at home.

A total 13 award categories winners will be announced at the event.

The categories include the prestigious African Footballer of the Year, National team of the Year and Coach of the Year.

Dumped Drogba back in the fold again Continued from page 32

Defenders: Jean-Daniel AkpaAkpro(Toulouse, France), Benjamin Angoua (Valenciennes, France),Serge Aurier (Toulouse, France), Souleman Bamba (Trazbonspor, Turkey), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart, Germany), Viera Darrassouba (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey), Brice Dja Djedje (Evian, France), 10 ZOKORA Didier (Trazbonspor, Turkey), Midfielders: Bobley Anderson (Malaga, Spain), Jean-jacques Gosso-Gosso (Glençlerbirligi SK, Turkey), Abdul Razak (Manchester City, England), Geoffrey Serey Die (Bale, Switzerland), Giovanni Sio (Wolsburg, Germany), Cheikh Tiote (Newcastle, England), 17 Yaya Toure (Manchester City, England), Forwards: Mathis Bolly (Dusseldorf, Germany), Wilfried Bony (Swansea, England), Gervinho (Arsenal, England), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray, Turkey), Salomon Kalou (Lille, France), Cyriac Gohi bi Zoro (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Shola Ameobi celebrates scoring last season

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Friday, 09 August 2013 – Thursday, 15 August 2013

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ISSUE 494

Akide: If you love the game, you can play it SEE PAGE 30

Dumped Drogba back in the fold again

Didier Drogba looked out of sorts at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations

By Alan Oakley

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has returned to the Ivory Coast squad for the first time since the country’s disastrous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the start of the year.

The 35-year-old former Chelsea Champions League hero is part of a 23-man squad for a friendly against Mexico in New York on 14 August.

Drogba was dropped for the first time during AFCON and coach Sabri Lamouchi subsequently left him out of World Cup qualifiers in March and

June, suggesting Drogba needed to improve his fitness.

Drogba struggled during the Nations Cup in South Africa where the Ivorians were huge favourites to win the title but were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Nigeria.

So long a talismanic figure for the Elephants, Drogba found himself out in the cold after the tournament and Lamouchi was forced to deflect speculation of a rift with his captain, insisting the striker would return when he was back in top condition.

Drogba, who is hoping to make a third successive World Cup finals appearance in Brazil next year, looked sharp at the weekend in helping Galatasaray win a pre-season mini-tournament at Arsenal. And Lamouchi has proved true to his word by bringing Drogba back into the fold.

Lamouchi has also handed a first inclusion to Anderlecht striker Zoro Cyriac Gohi Bi and new Malaga midfielder Bobley Anderson.

Full Ivory Coast squad to face Mexico (Clubs in parentheses):

Goalkeepers: 1 Boubacar Barry (Lokeren, Belgium), Badra Ali Sangare (Ivoire Academie, Ivory Coast)

Continued on page 31

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