African Voice Newspaper by African Voice Newspapers UK

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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ISSUE 482

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

Strengthening UK relationships in Africa to support UK prosperity and security

President declares state of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno

SEE PAGE 9

£1.00

SEE PAGE 4

Group behind a phishing attack are jailed SEE PAGE 14

Coalition visa proposals slammed University bodies call for student migrant exemption

By Alan Oakley The government has been criticised for making international students ‘feel unwelcome with ever more onerous restrictions’.

The accusation was made by National Union of Students (NUS) International Students’ Ofﬁcer, Daniel Stevens in an online journal following the Queen’s speech at last week’s State Opening of Parliament. Stevens added that he fears that the government’s tough talk and policies on immigration are creating an atmosphere that will deter foreign students from coming to the UK. Each year at the State Opening of Parliament, the queen is required to read out a speech written by her government outlining the legislation it intends to introduce in the next year. During her speech last week, the Queen announced the government’s intention to legislate on immigration in the coming months. The immigration bill the government proposes does not distinguish between international students and other migrants. Indeed, no provisions relating to any type of visa issued under the UK’s ﬁve tier

Continued on page 2

points-based visa system are mentioned. There are, therefore, no changes to visas for high value migrants (Tier 1 visas), highly skilled migrants (Tier 2 visas) the aforementioned students (Tier 4 visas) or temporary workers (Tier 5 visas). Daniel Stevens is concerned that students may perceive that the UK is displaying a generally unwelcoming attitude towards immigrants. The government’s response is that its proposed bill will make the UK welcoming to immigrants who wish to ‘contribute’ and unwelcoming to those who do not. The proposed immigration bill is set to include: • A limit on foreign nationals’ access to the NHS • Increased ﬁnes for employers who employ workers who have no right to work in the UK • Responsibility in law for private landlords to obtain proof of tenants’ right to be in the UK

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Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive at Universities UK wants student visas separated from immigration ﬁgures

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Innovative ways to teach and learn English

New and fresh techniques to encourage those people who may feel isolated in their neighbourhoods or lack confidence to learn English, so they can get on in society and participate more fully in their communities will compete for a share of £6million funding. It is also envisaged that there will be a positive effect on the wider community too, as increased integration could benefit local businesses and public services. To further encourage people to learn English the Department has also published guidance to councils to stop translating documents into foreign languages, as this encourages segregation and undermines community cohesion. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring that people can learn to speak English and this competition is one way of helping communities to achieve this. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “Learning English is crucial to enable people to get on in society. Without a fundamental grasp of our language every day tasks such as popping to the shops for a pint of milk, talking to parents at the school gates or helping children with homework can be very difficult.

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Mike Abiola Editorial Board Adviser Dr Ola Ogunyemi News Editor Emmanuel Urhiofe Sub Editor Alan Oakley Sports Editor Abiodun Teriba Assist. Sports Editor Olubunmi Omoogun Arts Editor Golda John Columnists Michael Adekoya Rasheed Ogunlaru Photo Journalist Isaac Adegbite Graphic Designer Alvin Brown Legal Adviser Godwin Okri London Office: Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

News Government targets small businesses to transform Britain’s economy By Milton Tella

Helping thousands more new businesses get off the ground by expanding the Government’s Start-Up loan scheme and opening up further the £230 billion worth of public sector contracts to the smallest businesses will help boost growth and transform the economy according to the Prime Minister’s enterprise advisor, Lord Young. The Government is taking a series of measures to help small businesses grow. These include: A new Employment Allowance which means that every business and charity in the country is now automatically entitled to a £2,000 cut in national insurance. Steps are ongoing towards the creation of a Government-backed business bank. The bank has been given £1bn of new Government funding, with £300m of this being invested by the Government along side private investors over the next two years to provide diverse sources of funding for SMEs. A package of credit easing measures, to improve the supply of affordable credit to SMEs across the country, such as the Funding for Lending Scheme to support supply of credit to the whole economy, and the £1.2bn Business Finance Partnership to stimulate the development of alternatives to bank finance. Supporting SMEs who lack sufficient track record or collateral to access bank finance by providing a Government guarantee on their loan. Removing the age cap currently set at

Prime Minister’s enterprise advisor, Lord Young 30 years old for the Government’s Start-Up billion per year that is spent on goods and loan scheme, so that all entrepreneurs that services across the whole public sector; would otherwise struggle to secure the necA £30m Growth Voucher programme essary finance and support can benefit. to encourage more small firms to get speLegislating to abolish pre qualification cialist help on: expanding their workforce; questionnaires (PQQ) on contracts under marketing a business; financial manage€200k across the public sector, and setting ment and growing online. “single market” principles which suppliers Lord Young said: “Growing our smallcan expect when doing business with the est businesses would transform our econpublic sector. These principles would simomy – they are the vital 95%. If just half plify and standardise the bidding, payment of the UK’s micro businesses took on an and advertising of contracts, and would additional member of staff, unemployment remove the complexity, cost and inconsistwould be reduced to almost zero. We need ency when trying to sell to more than one to raise the aspirations and confidence of local authority or public sector body. This these businesses and give them the tools to would help SMEs further access the £230 grow.”

Coalition visa proposals slammed Continued from front page

• Measures to prevent foreign nationals who have been convicted of a criminal offence turning to human rights legislation to resist deportation. Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights says that all people have a right to a family life. The government says that this has been interpreted too liberally by UK and European courts, which allow dangerous criminals to stay in the UK purely because they have fathered children, for example. Mr Stevens told The Huffington Post, “The Home Office have set arbitrary targets for reducing immigration and international students are a soft target despite the huge academic, cultural and financial contributions they make to their universities and the communities in which they live. Ministers must stop treating international students like a political football by recognising their value and removing them from the immigration statistics”. The UK currently issues between 200,000 and 300,000 visas per year. The Coalition is committed to reduce this figure from the 250,000 issued when it came into power in 2010, down to “tens of thousands”. Critics

argue that in order to achieve a reduction to what they interpret to mean below 100,000, international student visas ill inevitably be curtailed. The government has said that its intention is to prevent bogus students from coming to the UK while encouraging ‘the brightest and the best’ to study at UK universities. The current immigration minister, Mark Harper MP, told online education journal The Pie last month that the government had acted to close down colleges that sold ‘immigration not education’. He said that 500 bogus colleges had lost their licences to sponsor international students for Tier 4 visas but insisted that there had been a 1% rise in the number of university students studying at UK universities. Daniel Stevens joins a long list of voices calling on the government to exclude students from the immigration statistics. In January, the chairman of five UK parliamentary committees (Three House of Commons committees; the Home Affairs Committee, the Public Accounts Committee and the Science Committee and two from the House of Lords; the Science

and European Union Committees) wrote to David Cameron, urging him to remove students from the immigration statistics in order to ‘reconcile the tensions between visa policy and aspirations for growth’. Some ministers in the UK government cabinet favour this approach including, it is believed, Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne and Business Secretary, Vince Cable. However, responsibility for policing immigration lies with Home Secretary Theresa May, who is opposed to any such change, citing international statistical standards which, she says, require that anyone who moves to a country for a year or more be classed as an immigrant. Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive at Universities UK, says the number of enrolments of international students at UK universities ‘remained broadly flat this year’. She argues that this showed that ‘there is now a need for more joined up thinking and better messaging in terms of international students. If the government’s aim is to make the UK a country that attracts people who will contribute, they need look no further than international students’.

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Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Comment

Strengthening UK relationships in Africa to support UK prosperity and security By Deputy PM Nick Clegg

oday is a chance for all of us to recognise the businesses and jobs being created by African and British entrepreneurs together. And to focus on securing the wealth of investment opportunities available to us in the future. So I’m also pleased to see so many business leaders here with us as well. It’s a fitting tribute, I think, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. I want to welcome my old friend Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus – Chairman of the Executive Council of the African Union – as we recognise and celebrate some of the achievements of that partnership. Five decades ago, the Organisation of African Unity was there to help countries across the region transition from colonial rule. And as the African Union, it is there again now to support the continent as it takes on an increasingly global role. On a recent visit to Mozambique and Ethiopia, I saw for myself how successful businesses, both large and small, are transforming millions of people’s day-to-day lives. In Ethiopia, for example, I met female entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu. What others saw as scrap, Bethlehem saw as a business opportunity. Her company Sole Rebels, which turns old car tyres into shoes, now employs around 80 people. It’s an enterprise that’s transforming the lives not just of Bethlehem and her workers, but also their families and the people they do business with elsewhere. As a quick aside, Bethlehem would never forgive me if I didn’t tell you that you can buy her shoes online, here in the UK. I still wear the fabulously comfortable and very brightly coloured shoes that I got from her myself earlier this year. Also Vodafone’s innovative M-Pesa system. Recently launched in Mozambique, it’s a money transfer service enabling people to carry out financial transactions on 4

their mobile phones. Started first in Kenya, with investment from Vodafone and support from the UK Government, this extends access to vital banking services for millions of people, who would otherwise only be able to trade in cash. In Kenya alone, there are now 17 million users, with around 10% of Kenya’s GDP being processed through the system per year. What these stories show us is the positive change that success, however big or small, can bring. Seven of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa. Recent research shows that almost a quarter of African countries’ GDP grew at 7% or higher in 2012. It’s estimated that that growth across the continent could rival China in years to come. Now that’s a story worth telling, but one often lost in the customary narrative of conflict and instability in Africa. So it’s time to rewrite the script. Africa is being transformed: once perceived by the outside world as merely a continent in distress; now looked to as a great continent of opportunity. And as Africa’s presence on the global stage increases, we need to secure economic success for every country in the region. For the good of Africa, for the good of the UK and for the good of the world. Everybody, of course, wants growth – the key decision is how you achieve it. More and more African countries face a choice between the economic models of authoritarian capitalism, on the one hand, and liberal democracy, on the other. In countries like China, authoritarian capitalism argues the case for economic growth ahead of political freedoms. And it’s a seductive argument in view of surging growth rates, which have occurred in the absence of political freedom. But ultimately it is a false promise. My view, the liberal view, is that economic progress and political rights are inseparable. They are parallel tracks, each reinforcing the other. Fairness, freedom, empowerment, education, the rule of law – these are not socalled Western values. They are the values that will underpin healthy economies across the globe, long into the future. And in a world of younger populations, growing middle classes and technological innovations that allow relationships and communities to form across traditional state borders, the demand for both economic success and political freedom – will only increase. Lasting stability depends not just on opening up our economies, but creating open societies too. As nations across Africa continue to grow and prosper, the UK will seek to be an effective partner. First, in terms of the UK’s own changing relationship with Africa. And second, how the UK through Eu-

ropean and international channels, not least our current G8 presidency, is determined to address the fundamental barriers to further growth and investment in Africa and the rest of the world. Our focus is more trade; fairer tax; and greater business transparency. The UK remains a strong partner with Africa. I’m proud that we will honour our commitment to spend 0.7% of this nation’s wealth helping the world’s poorest countries. As you may know, legislation to enshrine this commitment in law was not included in last week’s Queen’s Speech – it’s an issue that has proved highly controversial amongst some Conservative MPs – but I’m pleased that the Coalition Government in its deeds and actions will continue to meet our commitments abroad: and our actions show that we will not balance the books on the backs of the world’s poorest. But we also understand that aid must be properly targeted and that longer-term success depends on supporting businesses and trade in new and emerging markets. UK companies already export more to Africa than they do to Brazil, India and Russia combined. That’s good, but we can always do more. Especially, if we’re to compete effectively with companies and governments in Europe and elsewhere, who are making a determined push to seek out their own opportunities in Africa. In line with Africa’s vision for a Continental Free Trade Area and the African Mining Initiative, we also want to explore how the G8 can help to unblock trade corridors across Africa, building on the successful trade facilitation programmes run by the DFID-supported Trademark East Africa. As well as what Britain can do bilaterally, there is also the question of what Europe can do collectively. We are two great neighbouring continents joined by the Mediterranean. Yet somehow, I don’t feel the EU acts with the coherence and leadership, which Africa deserves. Other world powers, notably China, have a clear and consistent strategy: China invests big. It invests fast in pursuit of clear economic objectives. I believe the EU could and should offer an alternative approach – one that can contribute to lasting success in Africa built on economic, political and social reform. Prosperity and stability in Africa and Europe are mutually reinforcing: when Europe fails, Africa is affected; when Africa fails, Europe is affected. So we must work together, continent to continent, so we both succeed. Through the UK’s presidency of the G8, we are also keen to focus the agenda on issues that are fundamental not only to your success, but also, in the long-term, our own

and the rest of the world. Eight years ago at Gleneagles, we secured an agreement to cancel debt for the world’s poorest countries and to double aid. That action contributed to strong economic performances across Africa over the last decade. Working together again now, focused on the 3Ts of Trade, Transparency and Tax, we can achieve even more. Over the next decade revenues from newly discovered extractive resources in Africa will increase massively, dwarfing aid volumes. In 2010 exports of oil and minerals from Africa were worth £216 billion – nearly seven times the value of international aid in the same year - £31 billion. Too often in the past such revenues have bypassed Africans - due to unfair tax systems and opaque business deals. Lining the pockets of the few. Denying investment and jobs for the many. That has to stop. We want to make sure Africans receive their fair share from the resources they have and the business they do. That demands fairer tax rules and greater transparency around what is being paid for oil, gas and mining resources and where the profits then flow. We are pushing for more companies to report on the revenues they pay to governments, and for more governments to report on the revenues they receive. The EU has just agreed legislation that will require all oil, gas and mining companies listed in Europe to publish what they pay to governments, in line with the US. Through the G8, we are pushing for equivalent standards to be applied globally. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative sets a global standard for this. The UK helped establish EITI in 2003 and has been one of its staunchest backers. We’re now actively considering whether and how the UK should implement this initiative. We also want to support greater transparency around land transactions; and to publish more G8 government data, including about aid budgets, in an open and accessible format – so it’s of real use to citizens across the world. Information empowers citizens and allows them to take control of their own development. Governments across the world must be accountable to their citizens. Equally important is ensuring that tax regimes are transparent and efficient. Already, the UK’s flagship governance programme in Ethiopia has helped their authorities increase tax revenue from £8.2bn per year in 2002 to £55bn in 2011. Only in partnership together – developed and developing countries- can we ensure our systems work as they should. These tax revenues are integral to deliver the infrastructure and skills that will drive growth in the future. Extract of keynote address at the Africa Jubilee Business Forum.

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Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Youssou N’Dour wins Polar Music Prize Senegal’s minister for Tourism and Entertainment Youssou N’Dour is the winner of this year’s Polar Music Prize. The prize is awarded yearly by the Swedish group ABBA to world music icons.

The prize was jointly awarded to the King of Mbalax turned minister and a Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. “Youssou N’Dour, the praising of West Africa is not only an ordinary singer, but also a story teller, poet, an entertainment artiste and a directory of oral tradition,” said the jury. The jury further wrote that Youssou N’Dour was perpetuating the praising singer heritage and demonstrates that it can be used to recount not only Africa, but the whole world. ‘’But among all, the voice of the artiste (Youssou N’Dour) contains history, passion, hope and the energy of the entire continent,’’ the jury continued. Youssou N’Dour, 53, has earned significant success in his career, including several Grammies. He joined politics in 2012 when

he attempted to run for the presidency of Senegal, but rescinded the decision and teamed up with the civil society backed opposition. Polar Music Prize has been awarded since 1992 with funds raised by Stig Anderson, the former manager of ABBA. The award recognises laureates for their contribution to world music in all its forms. Other winners of the prize include Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin, the soprano Renée Fleming and violinist Isaac Stern. This year’s other laureate, Saariaho, “occupies a singular position among composers and questions even the notion of music,” according to the jury. Saariaho, 60, was trained in a music school in Paris and has produced various styles, including orchestra and opera tunes.

Youssou N’Dour in concert 2010

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Competition Kenya playground for the world’s richest to open in August

Win A Return Flight Ticket Courtesy Arik Air HOW TO ENTER To be in with your chance to win a return ticket to Lagos, simply answer this question: Which is correct on Arik Air International Flights All passengers must have completed check-in for their Arik Air flight prior to checkin closure a) 30 minutes b) 60 minutes c) 90 minutes

Sun Palm resort Watamu - Kenya

A $6 million exclusive resort for the world’s richest owned by Italian billionaire Flavio Briatore will open its doors in August in the Kenyan coastal city of Malindi according to Africareviw. Mr Briatore was at the weekend in Kenya to inspect the project, arriving at the Malindi Airport on a private luxury jet. A jovial Mr Briatore later told journalists that a casino, which is one of the prominent features of the facility, and the reception, were complete. “We expect everything would be ready by August and operations would begin officially,” he said. According to the billionaire, 78 per cent of the units have been sold out to “very wealthy people who love Malindi”. Mr Briatore said some of the units were bought by people who have never been to Kenya, but did so “because they trust me”. “From August this year, we shall be open and we expect high class tourists to begin flocking to Malindi. The hotel is now in its final phase and it is going on well,” he said. He added said the project would be the first of its kind in Africa and was aimed at giving high-class services “to those who deserve and want them”. Landscaping is expected to be completed by next month. Designers are currently planting more than 400 palm trees at the compound.

“This is a unique project which does not exist in Africa. Everything is set to the highest standard possible to suit the kind of guests who will be flocking for holiday.” The billionaire said 10 of his Kenyan employees were being trained in Italy to provide the best customer experience in line with the positioning of the facility. He said guests visiting his premises in Malindi prefer coming back because of the services. In Africa, most of the high-end resorts are found in South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco. They are rated according to designs, furnishings, locations, and prices while the owners are known to spend a fortune to fit the bill. In three months, the Malindi facility will be open to reviews and ranking. This is the seventh time Mr Briatore is visiting Malindi this year since he began his investment. He also owns the exclusive Lion in the Sun Resort, which is his residence. He visited twice with former Italian prime minister and billionaire Silvio Berlusconi this year. Some guests who have stayed at the Lion in the Sun include Formula One driver Fernando Alonso and British supermodel Naomi Campbell, at one time the billionaire’s girlfriend. Chauffeurs will take clients to shop and will use exclusive boats to go fishing and tour the magnificent Sardenia wonder Island off Mayungu in Malindi.

Indaba to become pan-African platform South African trade show Indaba is to become a showcase for the African continent as a whole, in a move toward “mutually beneficial” cooperation and competition. South African tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk told the show’s opening ceremony that it was time to modernise and expand Indaba beyond its South African focus.

“Let’s not resent each other’s success; instead, let’s grow off the success of each other,” he said. African nations are represented by tourism bodies at the trade show, but from 2014 this participation will gradually increase. “We are willing to invest even more to transform Indaba into a pan-African trade platform,” van Schalkwyk said.

Last month’s competition winner: Mrs Kudiratu Ajakaiye from London Answer to the question:

Which is the newest additional regional network for Arik Air? – Kinshasa.

Send your answer with full name, telephone number and postal address on an email to africanvoicenews@gmail.com or postcard to the Promoter: African Voice Newspapers Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Winner will be picked at random.

Terms and Conditions. 1.Competition is open to UK residents only aged 21 years or over. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive marketing communications from Arik Air. 2. The ticket prize is for a return economy flight from London Heathrow to Lagos for one passenger. (Taxes to be paid by winners). 3. Winning tickets must be redeemed during off peak period. Black-out dates apply (including Easter, Summer, Christmas – please check with Arik Air reservations). 4. Competition closing date: Midnight 10th June 2013. 5. Entry is restricted to one entry per person. No purchase is necessary. An independent person will randomly pick one winning entrant from the pool of all eligible entries within 48hrs of the closing date. The winner will be notified within 7 days of the draw date by telephone or email. 6. Travel insurance and travel documents such as valid passports and visas are the responsibility of the winner. 7. Prize is non transferable, non exchangeable and non changeable. There is no cash alternative offered. 8. All expenses, including but not limited to, hotel accommodation costs, transfers from airport, fuel costs, parking, meals, beverages and items of a personal nature are not included in the ticket prize and will be the responsibility of the ticket winner. Ticket prize excludes travel to and from departure airport in the UK. 9. Once travel dates have been confirmed changes cannot be made. 10. The prize is subject to availability and restricted travel dates to be advised to the winner at the time of booking. 11. The promoter is not responsible for any delays or cancellation of the ticket or for any inability of the ticket winner to take up the prize. The promoter reserves the right to suspend, change or terminate the competition at any time, and for any reason, without notice. 12. Entry to the competition implies acceptance of all relevant terms and conditions by the entrants. 13. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the partners in this promotion accept no liability for any loss, damage or injury caused by, or to, the prize winner or their guest whilst taking the ticket prize. 14. If the winner cannot be located within 21 days of the drawing of the prize, then the runner-up from the draw will be selected as the new winner. 15. Events may occur that render the ticket prize draw itself, or the awarding of the ticket prize impossible, due to reasons beyond the control of the promoter and accordingly, the promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary, or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the promoter as a result thereof. 16. The draw is not open to employees, agents, contractors of The African Voice or their families or anyone professionally connected with the prize draw. 17. The Promoter is not responsible for the entrant’s submission of incorrect telephone numbers, e-mail or postal addresses or for problems with entries caused by any factors outside their control. 18. Ticket prizes are subject to availability and the Promoter reserves the right to substitute alternative prizes of similar value. Promoter: African Voice Newspaper UK. 19. Any other conditions will be advised at the time of booking. 20. Promoter: African Voice UK, Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road, London SW9 7AP, England.

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Africa’s natural resources could dramatically improve the lives of millions International tax avoidance and evasion, corruption, and weak governance represent major challenges

Africa is standing on the edge of enormous opportunity, this year’s Africa Progress Report finds, and African policy makers have critical choices to make.

They can either invest their natural resource revenue in people to generate jobs and opportunities for millions in present and future generations. Or they can squander this opportunity, allowing jobless growth and inequality to take root. In many African countries, natural resource revenues are widening the gap between rich and poor. Although much has been achieved, a decade of highly impressive growth has not brought comparable improvements in health, education and nutrition. The Africa Progress Panel is convinced that Africa can better manage its vast natural resource wealth to improve the lives of the region’s people by setting out bold national agendas for strengthening transparency and accountability. However, international tax avoidance and evasion, corruption, and weak governance represent major challenges. The

report therefore welcomes the commitment from the current G8 presidency, the United Kingdom, and other governments to put tax and transparency at the heart of this year’s dialogue. It urges all OECD countries to recognize the cost of inaction in this vital area. Africa loses twice as much in illicit financial outflows as it receives in international aid. The Africa Progress Panel finds it unconscionable that some companies, often supported by dishonest officials, are using unethical tax avoidance, transfer pricing and anonymous company ownership to maximize their profits, while millions of Africans go without adequate nutrition, health and education. The report details five deals between 2010 and 2012, which cost the Democratic Republic of the Congo over US$1.3 billion in revenues through the undervaluation of assets and sale to foreign investors. This sum represents twice the annual health and education budgets of a country with one of the worst child mortality rates in the world and seven million pupils out of school. Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General

Members of the Africa Progress Panel, Kofi Annan, ex- secretary-general of the United Nations, Linah Mohohlo, Governor of Botswana’s Central Bank and Mr Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Chief Executive of Econet Wireless

of the United Nations and Chair of the Africa Progress Panel, says: “Tax avoidance and evasion are global issues that affect us all. The impact for G8 governments is a loss of revenue. But in Africa, it has direct impact on the lives of mothers and children. Throughout the world, millions of citizens now need their leaders to step up to the mark and lead. Fortunately, momentum for change appears to be accelerating.” Different partners have similar goals and their interests overlap, the report finds. Building trust is harder than changing policies, yet it is the ultimate condition for successful policy reform. This year’s report identifies a shared agenda for change: • African governments must improve their governance and strengthen national capacity to manage extractive industries as part of a broader economic and developmental strategy • African governments should put transparency and accountability at the heart of natural resource policies, secure a fair share of natural resource revenue for their citizens, and spread the benefits of this revenue via equitable public spending; • The international community should build on the US Dodd-Frank Act and comparable EU legislation to develop a global standard for transparency and disclosure, develop a credible and effective multilateral response to tax evasion and avoidance, and tackle money laundering and anonymous shell companies; • International business should follow best practices on transparency, help build national capacity, procure more products

and services locally, and raise standards in all areas of corporate accountability and responsibility; • Civil society should build capacity and continue to hold governments and companies to account. Graça Machel, President of the Foundation for Community Development and Founder of the Graça Machel Trust and member of the Africa Progress Panel, says: “This report makes a critical contribution to debates on Africa’s natural resource wealth. If its recommendations are taken, Africa will accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. More kids will go to school, fewer women will die in child birth, more children will survive their childhood.” Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman and Founder of Econet Wireless and member of the Africa Progress Panel says: “While some major companies show outstanding leadership on transparency, others show a disregard for ethics and human lives. By cheating the system, they make work harder for honest business.” Linah Mohohlo, Governor of Botswana’s Central Bank and a member of the Africa Progress Panel, says: “Botswana’s key lesson has been that Africa’s natural resources belong to the people. In this way, diamonds became the country’s relative economic success.” Chaired by Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the ten-member Africa Progress Panel advocates at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. The Panel releases its flagship publication, the Africa Progress Report, every year in May.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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President declares state of emergency in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno

resident Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria wielded extra-Ordinary powers by invoking Section 305, Sub section 1 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in three Nigerian states of Adamawa, Yobe and Borno on Tuesday 14 May 2013. The president made the declaration during a nationwide State of the nation broadcast carried live on national television. President Jonathan said, “It has become necessary for him to address the nation on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces. The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives. The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve. Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies. These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty. They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a de-

From Left: Chairman, Presidential Committee on Peaceful Resolution Of Conﬂict in the north and Minister Of Special Duties, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki; Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and Dr Joseph Golwa, brieﬁng State House correspondents after their meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja

From Left: Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Tahir Butt; Chief of Defence Staff, Adm. Ola Ibrahim and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh during the visit of Pakistani Chief of Air Staff to Chief of Defence in Abuja

liberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this. Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states. We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and wellmeaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence. Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulﬁlling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism. While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate

that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside. We have a duty to stand ﬁrm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria. Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists. This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons. The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political ofﬁce holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities. I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time. I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border. Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people. I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will ﬁsh them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror. I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Aregbesola: Osun will never experience ﬂooding Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has assured residents that the state will never experience ﬂooding.

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola spoke at the Leisure Spring Hotel in Osogbo, the state capital, during a sensitisation workshop on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) for the wives of governors in the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Lagos Field States. He said ﬂooding had been banished forever in Osun and urged the people to support his administration’s policies and programmes to have a friendly environment. Aregbesola urged mothers to inculcate values in their children to ensure a peaceful society. The workshop was attended by Aregbesola’s wife, Alhaja Sherifat and her counterparts – Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos) and Mrs. Funsho Amosun (Ogun). Mrs. Aregbesola said: “Our converging here today is an indication of our collective resolve to improve the standard and quality of hygiene and sanitation among our people. “CLTS is a participatory approach, which

facilitates positive behavioural change on sanitation among the people. The change is aimed at stopping open defecation, building and promoting the use latrines. “Reports from our development partners, especially UNICEF, puts the prevalence of open defecation across Nigeria at about 33 million people. Open defecation is a major threat to safe drinking water and public health. “The report of the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF on Nigeria, which was released last year March, should further give us concern. While the trend in open defecation in rural areas has been decreasing, it has been rising in urban areas. “This is a danger signal, in view of the imminent ﬁnancial burdens that will heap on our states, if the rate of diarrhoea swings up. Diarrhea is a major child-killer disease in developing countries. Consequently, intervention in sanitation remains a major way to curb it and the only process for now that triggers community stimulation towards achieving sustainable environment and behaviour change is CLTS.” Culled from: The Nation Newspapers

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Ambassador of Japan, Ryuichi shoji [front] from right, Backrow: Hon. Sikiru Aiyedun, Commissioner for Homes Affairs, Culture, Chief Representative Japan International Co operation Agency, [JICA], Tetsuo Seki, Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources , Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Basiru Ajibola, S A Media to the Governor, Mr. Yomi Obaditan and Special Adviser on Federal Matter, Hon. Yidiat Babalolo

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

From Left -Atorney General State of Osun, Hon. Wale Afolabi, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senior AN,Barrister, Funke Adekoga and Former Atorney General Federation, Chief Richard Akinjide during the Rule of Law Action Group, 2nd –Day Workshop at City Hall, Lagos State.

From Right –Lions Club Treasurer, Temitope Orotunde, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chairman Lions Club International, Ojo Franus and Vice Chancellor, State of Osun University, Professor Adekunle Bashir Okesina during a Courtesy Visit to the Governor at Government House, Osogbo 10

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Jail for crooked judge who destroyed kids’ lives USA A Pennsylvania judge has sentenced a former colleague to 28 years in prison following revelations of serious corruption spanning six years. Investigations have been ongoing since the racket came to light in 2009.

Former county judge, Mark Ciavarella Jr. was jailed for his part in a ‘kids for cash’ scheme in which he and fellow judge Michael Conahan accepted $2.8 million in kickbacks from the owner and builder of two privately-run juvenile detention facilities. In exchange, the judges agreed to close down the Luzerne County’s own juvenile detention centre, which would otherwise have competed with the new, privately-run facilities. In addition they guaranteed that juvenile offenders from their court would be directed to the privately-run facilities. Conahan, pleaded guilty last year to a single count of racketeering and is awaiting sentencing. In his comments to the court, Ciavarella apologised to the community and to the children whose cases he had adjudicated. “I blame no one but myself for what happened,” he told reporters. But the former judge rejected claims that he engaged in a “kids for cash” racketeering scheme. He said prosecutors used the claim to sabotage his reputation prior to his trial. “Those three words made me the personiﬁcation of evil,” he told the court, according to the Associated Press. “They made me toxic and caused a public uproar the likes of which this community has never seen.”

Ciavarella had a reputation as a nononsense judge who would not hesitate to sentence young, first-time offenders to juvenile detention. He also gained a reputation as a judge prone to cut constitutional corners. An investigation revealed that half of the children who appeared in his courtroom were not represented by a lawyer and were never advised of their right to counsel. Of those unrepresented children, up to 60 percent were ordered by Ciavarella to serve time at a detention facility. What was not known, prior to the federal investigation, was that Ciavarella and Conahan were receiving secret payments from the private detention centres, the owners of which stood to profit from the higher number of juveniles they were housing. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has overturned some 4,000 convictions issued by the former Luzerne County judge between 2003 and 2008, claiming he violated the constitutional rights of the juveniles – including the right to legal counsel and the right to intelligently enter a plea. One such case involved AA (name withheld), a 16-year-old who was arrested for gesturing with her middle finger at a police officer who had been called during a custody dispute involving her parents and her sister. According to a 2010 report of the Interbranch Pennsylvania Commission on Juvenile Justice, AA was an honour roll student, a Girl Scout, and YMCA member, who attended bible school. She had no prior arrest record and had never even been in

High Court slams Punjab govt over ‘vulgar’ rapper

India

Yo Yo Honey Singh studied music in the UK

Controversial Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh has landed his government in hot water with the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has criticised the government for not banning Singh’s recordings. The division bench comprising acting chief justice Jasbir Singh and justice RK Jain ordered the state government to take immediate action against Honey Singh for bringing disrepute to Indian culture. In a statement, the court noted that Honey Singh should be boycotted. for ‘vulgar’ lyrics. Singh was roundly criticised for courting publicity on the back of a tragedy following the rape and murder of a student on a Delhi bus in December, when he released a recording entitled Main Hoon Balatkari (I Am a Rapist). The rapper has said he did not write the lyrics and has accused his critics of using him as “a scapegoat”. What is undeniable is that many of his releases are

Mark Ciavarella has been ordered to pay $1 million in restitution

detention in school. AA was sent to Ciavarella’s court, and was told she wouldn’t need a lawyer since it was a minor issue. After examining the paperwork, Ciavarella accused AA of having no respect for authority. She later told the investigating commission that Ciavarella never gave her an opportunity to speak at the hearing. She was led out of the courtroom in shackles and held in juvenile detention for six months. A jury found Ciavarella guilty of engaging in a pattern of racketeering and participating in a racketeering conspiracy through his receipt and transfer of $997,600 from

individuals associated with the juvenile detention centres. He was also convicted of failing to record the secret payments on judicial ﬁnancial disclosure forms from 2004 to 2007, and for ﬁling false tax returns for those same years. In addition, the jury found him guilty of engaging in a money-laundering conspiracy to conceal the payments. . Following his conviction earlier this year, lawyers for Ciavarella Jnr, 61, had asked for a “reasonable” sentence, claiming that he had already been punished enough. Prosecutors had requested a life sentence.

misogynistic and depict acts of violence against women. His songs were widely criticised on social networking sites after the December 2012 gang rape and his New Year concert at a hotel in Gurgaon, a suburb of Delhi, was cancelled following online protests. Singh’s manager told Indian media that the show was cancelled out of soli-

darity with the rape victim, but the hotel disputes this version of events. Yo Yo Honey Singh raps mostly in a mix of English and Punjabi and has lent his voice to recent ﬁlms like Khiladi 786, Cocktail and Luv Shuv Te Chicken Khurana. His song ‘Luk 28 Kudi Da’, reportedly reached No 1 in BBC Asian Download Charts in May 2011.

Malcolm X’s grandson killed in bar brawl Mexico The grandson of Malcolm X has been killed in a ﬁght in Mexico City, apparently over a bar bill.

Two bartenders have been arrested in connection with the killing of the civil rights activist’s grandson, Malcolm Shabazz, according to the ofﬁce of the Mexico City attorney general. Prosecutor Rodolfo Fernando Rios Garza said the men work at a bar called The Palace Club where Shabazz and three others were having drinks. An argument

broke out when the staff said the bill was $1,200. Shabazz was beaten while another man was threatened and stripped of his belongings, Rios said. Shabazz, 29, was transported to Balbuena General Hospital, where he died of his injuries. The attorney general’s ofﬁce said his injuries were caused by a blunt object and included brain trauma and several broken bones. A US State Department spokeswoman was aware that a US citizen had died in Mexico but declined to comment further. 11

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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News

Remembrance gathering for Mayor Tayo Situ By Milton Tella

Close friends and family members gathered in remembrance of the late Mayor Tayo Adelani Situ, on Thursday 9th May 2013 at the Camberwell Old Cemetery, Forest Hill Road, London. A short sermon and prayer session for the family, friends, the Tayo Situ Foundation, trustees, supporters and well – wishers were delivered by Pastor A. A Ibrahim and Pastor Jide Siwoku respectively. Councillor Michael Situ, the eldest son of the late Mayor said, “My father was a good and selfless man who touched many lives positively. He left a good legacy. Just like the inscription on the tomb, ‘Let your light so shine that all may see your good deeds and glorify your father who is in heaven’ l would enjoin everyone to live by that”. “Though it is almost 2 years ago we lost our dear father, husband, grandfather, friend and colleague Tayo Situ, for some like me it still feels like yesterday”. Following the remembrance service, the family organised a lunch reception to celebrate his life. While the Tayo Situ Foundation (TSF) will on Friday 17th May at the Southwark Council be celebrating exceptional young people in Southwark at the 2nd annual recognition award night.

Set-up by friends and family of the late Mayor Tayo Situ, TSF aims to foster youth engagement leadership and achievement. Mayor Tayo Situ had always wanted to organise some sort of event to educate our young people about the opportunities open to them in place of a life of crime. Indeed Mayor Tayo Situ had already held several meetings leading up to May 2011 before his death with Southwark Council’s leadership team about how this can materialise. So it was very important that the work of a foundation established in his memory should focus on young people, particularly in the area of Southwark. Tayo Adelani Situ was born on 11 April 1952 and completed his early education in Nigeria. Prior to emigrating to the UK, he worked briefly as an apprentice in a pharmacy. Upon arrival in 1985, he went to continue his studies by completing an accountancy degree at South Bank University. He was married with 5 children who still reside here in the UK. In 2002 he was elected as Councillor and later appointed as Mayor of Southwark in May 2010. He carried out his mayoral duties with the greatest honour and with a deep sense of pride in the role.

Councillor Althea Smith, Mayor of Southwark laying Wreath at the Tomb of Late Mayo Situ.

Close friends and family members at the gave side

Councillor Althea Smith, Mayor of Southwark with the Situ Family.

From left: Sunny Lambe, Golda Abiola, Mrs Ibrahim, Cllr. Michael Situ, Ms Shade Situ, Councillor Althea Smith, Mayor of Southwark, Mrs Afusat Situ, Pastor Jide Siwoku and Mike Abiola. 12

From left: Councillor Michael Situ, Councillor Althea Smith, Mayor of Southwark, Mrs Afusat Situ, Pastor A A Ibrahim and Pastor Jide Siwoku.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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News

Tafida parleys BCA on Nigeria’s business climate

Peter Olorunnisomo

he gathering of people of the business hub in the Banking Hall of the Nigeria High Commission (NHC) on the April, 16 did not betray any inkling of what was in the offing. A good assumption was to think that there was to be some sort of business fair going on that would facilitate some buying and selling. This becomes a half-truth a few hours later. The attendance was quite selected and it was soon quick to discern that these were men and women of purpose who had some pith to their capitalist and commercial outlook. The buffet item was just another incidence that this group was complemented with. The Business Council for Africa (BCA) had, over time, given grounds for the engagement of the business climate of Nigeria to be put to review. Concerns had been put forward and it is to the credit of both the BCA and the Nigeria High Commission, (High Commissioner and diplomatic lieutenants), that they seized the opportunity to pursue every good intention to establish the climate suitability of the country which has embarked on a high and aggressive commercial drive internationally as a stimulus to the economic revamping of the state. The hall was parked with a representation across spectre of economic offices and entrepreneurs, investors, interest groups, stake-holders, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria. The stake-hunters were also there. All protocols observed, the business of the day did not just start with explaining the purpose of the event by the BCA but the focus of a listening, as it were, to the Nigerian representative of government, HE Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR react publicly to issues put to the Commission in confidentiality. A significant note is the partnership that was forged between the BCA and the NHC which was proactive for the mission goal of the BCA and expedient for NHC. It is remarkable that there is a concern to giving the true face of business opportunities in a context of assurance that was facilitated that evening. The usual wave of ‘rumoured’ derogatory news for which the west is usually accused was set aside to getting endorsed opinions and facts. The High Commissioner as well rose up to his simple, matter-of-fact attitude in stating the position of things as they were. This proved most healthy that mutual trust is established and seen as a gateway to successful business relationships. One of the principal staff of the BCA had the opportunity to explain that the stigma of 419 business persons in Nigeria could only be bantered because people don’t take their time to consult appropriately (which BCA does giving referrals) but jump to hear-shot conclusions.

His Excellency, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, OFR, CFR Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK and deputy Oluwatoyin Kayode Lawal

Some of the guests arriving for the British Council for Africa 2013 briefing from the Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK

Prince Tajudeen Adeniyi, Minister/Special Assistant to the High Commissioner

Essentially, Dr. Tafida was to answer the fundamental question: Is it safe and economically feasible to do business in Nigeria? The answers to this stretched into various facets of happenings in Nigeria which the High Commissioner updated one after the other. The concerns

were Boko Haram and kidnapping. Flood disasters management, 2013 Budget/ Foreign Exchange/Excess Crude Oil (Excro) account, the Central Bank Governor, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Petroleum Industry Bill/NNPC/OPEC, Oil theft and pipeline

vandalism, Bill for the State of the Nation address, Power sector, Politics, Task Force on Petroleum Subsidy, State Pardon, and removal of Fuel Subsidy. It is quite apparent that all these point to the re-assurance of investors and business persons that economic ventures are still viable and the role of government in ensuring infra-structural support and policy stability. The security challenge posed by Boko Haram was proven to be as domestic as international and the fact that international co-operation was already afoot to militate against it. The role of government in neighbouring Mali, and strategic considerations to find solutions without disrupting normal daily activities was receiving attention. The flood disaster in 2012 found governmental responses in donations anchored by the Flood Recovery Food Production Plan and the release of grains from the Strategic Grains Reserve. The private sector participation and international donors also played a role. While the budget implementation enjoyed a presidential review, a supplementary appropriation bill had been submitted to the National Assembly and slight increases in the nation’s debt portfolio were considered no threat to the economy. These are just a few of the quality and quantum of the issues discussed. But it is also significant that the BCA was also called to explain their role in Nigeria. The response given by a Director in charge of Nigerian affairs showed that the BCA was genuinely interested in supporting business investments in Nigeria from the diaspora and were quite willing to give logistic and referral support to whosoever asked for it. Among the cream of over 26 business representations that were in sitting, nothing less than 16 of these were already in high profile business interventions in Nigeria and yet were on hand to seek new business interests and collaborations to ensure and assure that business opportunities in Nigeria were still there waiting to be tapped. More pertinent, from a few remarks from the floor, was the need to have a tighter and possibly more co-ordinated support and avenue for such briefings and expositions of the business climate in Nigeria – perhaps a business weather report if you like. While everyone went away with more than four business cards exchange, it was very apparent that the platform had succeeded and needs to be more frequent with a greater depth of information to service the yearnings of those with the Midas touch and others including Nigerians in diaspora whose upbeat business knowledge is required to lubricate the engines of the economic windmill of the Nigerian state. 13

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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CRIME

Group behind phishing attack are jailed Defendants behind a phishing attack that netted them a woman’s £1 million lifesavings, which they spent on items ranging from cheeseburgers to highend computers and gold, have been jailed at Southwark Crown Court.

This follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU). In December 2011, Tamer Hassanin Zaky Abdelhamid, 24 an Egyptian national of Cairo, sent the British woman who is currently living in South Africa an email purporting to be from her bank. It directed her to a web page mimicking her bank’s genuine website where she ﬁlled in her account details in order to log in. Parading under the online moniker ‘Aimless88’, Abdelhamid then sold the victim’s details for £3,200 to Rilwan Adesegun Oshodi, 29 , a Nigerian national of Greenhaven Drive, Thamesmead SE28. Oshodi used Annette Jabeth, 26 a Sierra Leone national of Grasshaven Way, Thamesmead SE28, to ring the bank posing as the victim and have contact details associated with the account changed, so the victim wouldn’t receive conﬁrmation of transactions. The victim’s savings were then siphoned off via Internet transfers to numerous accounts including several controlled by other individuals. Much of the money was spent when the group embarked on a threeday spending spree during the New Year sales in January 2012. Detectives from the MPS’s PCeU worked closely with the banking industry to identify many of those involved and subsequently arrested them in March, April and September 2012, following a series of co-ordinated raids, assisted by colleagues from the East Midlands, York and Humberside, and North West regional hubs; the MPS’s Fraud Squad and City of London Police’s Specialist Crime Department. The raids took place at various locations across London and the West Midlands.

Tamer Hassanin Zaky Abdelhamid

Rilwan Adesegun Oshodi

Chika Okala

Sharna Leigh Eve

Annette Jabeth conspiracy to defraud on 1 August 2012, he has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. Abdelhamid pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to defraud on 8 August 2012, and he has been sentenced to six years imprisonment and ordered to pay £104,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Shumail Butt

At Oshodi’s address in Thamesmead they seized computers featuring the details of over 11,000 credit cards of which 8,471 were for UK customers worth an estimated £2.5m loss to the banking industry. They arrested Abdelhamid in September

2012 after he coincidentally ﬂew from Egypt to visit the UK. Oshodi was the only member of the gang to deny the charges against him but was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of crime on 4 April 2013. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and ordered to pay £1 million under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The other members pleaded guilty at earlier court hearings at Southwark Crown Court. ‘Mules’an 18-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, and Sharna Leigh Eve, 20 of Leighton Gardens, Tilbury, Essex - pleaded guilty to entering into/being concerned in the acquisition/retention/use or control of criminal property on 8 February 2013. ‘Mules’ was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and Eve was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment. Chika Okala, 28 of Edred House, Homerton Road E9 pleaded guilty to

Police investigating the rape of a woman in Manchester are urging the suspect to hand himself in after issuing a crystal clear image of him taken inside the nightclub. The 19-year-old victim had been on a night out with friends on Thursday 9 May 2013, when she met a man in a Manchester nightclub, Factory 251, on Princess Street. They left together and when the victim arrived near to her Whitworth Park address,

the offender got out, telling her he wanted to make sure she got home safe. Planning to offer the man a drink before he left, the pair went into her address. Once inside the man refused to leave and raped her. Police have now released a new image of the suspect, taken on the night of the attack by a photographer working in the nightclub. The offender is described as white, of

Jabeth was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud. One of the ‘mules’ - Shumail Butt, now 21 of Staines Road, Hounslow, Middlesex - and his brother Shaharyar Butt, now 25 of Byron Avenue, Hounslow, Middlesex, pleaded guilty to entering into/being concerned in the acquisition/retention/use or control of criminal property and were each sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and ordered to pay £600, on 1 August 2012. They were deported to Pakistan on 31 October 2012, having already served time remand in custody. A 16-year-old girl previously received a

juvenile warning. Eleven others were arrested and later released with no further action. The PCeU would like to remind members of the public never to click on links in unsolicited emails purporting to be from banks or building societies. Further advice can be found at www.getsafeonline.org. Detective Inspector Stewart Garrick of the PCeU, said: “This is an extraordinary case which demonstrates what can be achieved when the Met and its partners work together to tackle trans-national cyber crime. “I am supremely proud of all the ofﬁcers who conducted this investigation. I hope that these sentences act as a deterrent not just to those who commit cyber crime but also those who seek to beneﬁt from the proceeds of cyber crime. “We are continuously working hard to bring to justice those who choose to commit crime online.”

Police release crystal clear image of Manchester rape suspect

skinny build, 5ft 9in tall, 20 years old, with dark, curly hair and facial stubble. He had an earring in his left ear, spoke with a London accent and was wearing blue skinny jeans, white trainers and a black or grey top with brown rosary beads. He has a tattoo on his right buttock that is approximately 2in long that is possibly Arabic writing. Detective Inspector Simon Davies said: “I am now urging the suspect to hand himself in.

Rape Suspect

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

fresh really is Ailing Aretha cancels May shows Jaden shows dad what Will Smith told The Sun: “I know if Aretha Franklin has pulled out of a fundraising concert due to ill health.

The Queen of Soul was due to appear with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in a show entitled ‘Corporate Night’ on May 20. No details have been given on the nature of her illness but a CSO spokesperson indicated that the 71 year-old legend will be undergoing medical treatment at the time of the concert. R&B star Janelle Monáe will step in for the ailing star. A performance scheduled for the following week in Connecticut has also been cancelled. The cancellation is not without precedent. In 2010, she backed out of an entire tour to get surgery for an undisclosed health problem. For her Chicago performance, Monáe, perhaps best known for her duet with the pop band Fun, will reprise a program of orchestra adaptations of the songs she’ll debut this week with the San Francisco Symphony. Now in its 24thyear, the Corporate Night fundraiser pairs CSO musicians with pop, jazz and R&B greats to benefit the orchestra

Aretha has suffered frequent bouts of poor health in recent years and its community engagement programs. As far as is known, Aretha will still perform in Canada and Michigan for two shows in June.

Bumpgate: Is Bey with child again?

Aretha has suffered frequent bouts of poor health in recent years

Rumours abound that Beyoncé is expecting baby, or should that be ‘Bey-by’ no. 2.

Tabloids and gossip websites have been agog with speculation that Mrs Carter is in the family way again and columnists have gone into overdrive since Beyoncé’s midriff was completely camouflaged by swathes of fabric and a

large belt at last Monday’s Met Gala. Speculation grew after the event when those who had studied photos of the star on the red carpet claimed a small bump was visible under her floor-length Givenchy gown. The New York Post claims it spoke to “multiple sources” that say she is, in fact, expecting. But others say that the rumours of a pregnancy are “silly.” Earlier this month, Beyoncé told “Good Morning America” that she would like her daughter, Blue Ivy, to have a sibling. “I would like more children,” she said. “I think my daughter needs some company … at some point, when it’s supposed to happen.” Beyoncé also gushed to The Mirror about Blue Ivy, admitting that motherhood has changed her life. “Definitely I would like to have more children. Motherhood has changed everything. You see things a bit differently after you give birth and my biggest job now is to protect my child,” she said, adding: “After giving birth there’s a moment of rediscovery when you are making sure you still have goals and take care of yourself as a woman.” Beyoncé and Jay-Z, 44, welcomed daughter Blue Ivy in January 2012. Last week, a London concertgoer posted a YouTube video featuring the singer with a slightly less-than-taut midsection, which could either be the after effects of eating a delicious meatball sub, or the result of a little baby Beyoncé growing inside.

Jaden with little sister Willow at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival

Will Smith’s son Jaden has told his father what he wants for his upcoming 15th birthday. The teenager wants to be emancipated from the Fresh Prince and mother Jada Pinkett Smith.

we do this, he can be an emancipated minor (..) he really wants to have his own place.” The father-son duo have been in Seoul, South Korea, for the premiere of their new sci-fi movie After Earth and Will says he understands that his son wants his own independence. Jaden, who will be 15 in July, has built a solid career in Hollywood despite his young age and has collaborated with Justin Bieber, starred in movies, started his own fashion label and won a Teen Choice Award. Will, now 44 but a fully-fledged star since his teens, says: “If kids just want to have command of their lives, I understand. “We generally don’t believe in punishment. From the time Jaden was five or six we would sit him down, and all he has to do is be able to explain why what he did was the right thing for his life.” Under US law, in order for Jaden to truly separate himself from parents, he would need to file official documents, get married or join the military.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Gospel

YOU ARE ORIGINAL, UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT

By Michael Adekoya

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.” Rom. 12:2 NLT.

ear Reader, in this end-time, God is always sending out Messages, Words, Voices, Warnings and Signals to His people but unfortunately the antenna of most people are not receiving the messages or signals. My friend, it is now time to tune in to the divine frequency to receive from God for yourself, for your household, for your ministry, church, city and nation. Listen! The root cause of many social, marital, emotional, spiritual, financial and societal problems today is simply the fact that people don’t like themselves. They are not comfortable and contented with how they are created, with how they look, with how they talk, with what they have. They compare themselves with other people wishing they were like them. Are you one of them? Today, many people are running around looking for the approval of other people instead of the approval of God. Many go into relationship looking for who will love and care for them. People are so busy conforming to the pattern of this world, conforming to the pattern of this jet age and doing wrong things just to be known, popular, recognized, famous and approved. People are so insecure about who they are, so they end up living to please other people instead of God, trying to fit into their moulds and personality, lifestyle or physic; even some go for plastic surgery and expensive fashion of halfnakedness just to be accepted in the society. My friend, is this message speaking to you? Maybe, it is

TruPraise Gospel Ensemble not to you but to someone so close to you. Whichever the case may be, I have Good News for you! You’re original, unique and different. You’re too precious to be ignored! You’re not created to mimic somebody else. You are created to be you. Don’t be like the people of this world because it would not give pleasure to God if you live your life as a copycat or die in attempt to recreate yourself. God made you the way you are on purpose, so you don’t have to fit into somebody else’s mould, opinion or lifestyle. No matter what people are saying about you, let them say! What matters is what God is saying about you. That’s why you should connect with Him intimately to hear Him. My friend, if a million people do the wrong thing that still doesn’t make it right. The Bible says, “Then a herald cried aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all

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

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

kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace” Dan. 3:4-6. Everybody in Babylon was doing it because it meant death if you don’t. But neither peer pressure nor the threat of death could move the three young Hebrew guys to compromise or conform to the pattern of worshipping another god. Because they knew who they were, whom they believed and their relationship with God, they said, “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Dan. 3:17-18. To too many people today, especially the church people, that might look like stubbornness or rebellion but it is 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

neither. Instead, it is a total display of character and integrity. They just refused to conform or compromise. They just didn’t like to follow the multitude to do evil. They were not looking for the approval of men but that of God. They knew their identity in God and they just knew they are unique and different. Do you know who you are in Christ? My friend, if there is nothing different in you or about you, it is time to re-evaluate yourself. Peter says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Pet 2:9. Listen! You are “one of a kind” created and called to bring glory to God in every circumstances. Forget about having consensus before you do things. Forget about conducting an opinion poll of people before you obey God. You are not a spare tyre or second best, so don’t allow anyone to treat you like one. 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

Check your Bible, in most battles, God is always on the side of the underdog who stand up for His course. So don’t let people influence you, send you out of your matrimonial home, mould you into who you are not, send you into grave early, destroy your vision or reduce your value. When Martin Luther was told, “The whole world doesn’t like you and they are against you.” He replied, “Then, I’m against the whole world too”. That is what makes you original and different. My friend, one with God is a majority. Do not die trying to be like somebody else or trying to compromise or conform to the pattern and lifestyle of this world. Today, a lot of nakedness is going on in the world, as well as in the church. And the reason for it is that lots of people really don’t know who they are. My friend, we are called by God to be different and to make a difference in our family, work-place, community, city and nation. In every aspect of our life we are a peculiar people who uniquely belong to God. My friend, God loves you unconditionally. He created you as a unique individual and there has never been, nor will there ever be, another person exactly like you, even if you are a twin. You are original and different so don’t give up on yourself. Are you saved? If yes, then you have what it takes. But if not, simply “confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:9 Your new identity begins with new birth! 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

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Africa

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

Newsround

Niger

Cholera threat may spread throughout western Sahel Children’s charity, Plan International, is warning of a deadly cholera outbreak spreading rapidly in parts of Northern Niger.

In the past four days, three people have died and reported cases in Tillaberi and Ayorou districts have shot up from eight to 149. Dr Unni Krishnan, Head of Disaster Response and Preparedness at Plan International said: “Cholera can kill children within hours and time is of the essence when we battle against this outbreak. “Quick action is vital – concentrating on oral rehydration solution, clean water and promoting hygiene. Children under ﬁve are some of the most at-risk, so they are at the centre of our response.” Some reported cholera cases come from the TabareyBarey camp, which is home to thousands of Malian refugees. “Plan is providing vital supplies and is working to spread public health messages in the refugee camp, where the outbreak has the potential to spread very rapidly,” says Dr Krishnan. “We are asking refugees to report all suspected cases of cholera and to follow strict

hygiene practices, such as washing hands and avoiding drinking, or washing with, river water.” Local authorities have already temporarily closed Ayorou market and isolated the sick. They are also providing emergency shelter, water puriﬁcation tablets and rehydration medication. Parts of the Niger River are made of tiny islands where people live without clean drinking water and proper latrines. About half of the region’s rural population live on the islands and use the surrounding water for various purposes— drinking, bathing and laundry. Only one in 10 people in the area have access to clean drinking water. With the ongoing rainy season, aid organisations are concerned that there might be more cholera cases and that the disease could continue spreading down the river to communities near the capital, Niamey. As the third-longest river in Africa, the Niger runs through neighbouring countries such as Mali, Benin and Nigeria. In West Africa’s Sahel region, where millions of people face a major food and nutrition crisis, a large-scale cholera outbreak would severely worsen the humanitarian situation.

River water is used for drinking, bathing and washing clothes

Kenya

Psychiatric patients manage mass break-out to be,” he said. Dr Kisivuli Azenga, medical superintendent at the facility, said one of the patients incited the others after the attendants delayed giving the medicine to the patients. Azenga said the patients who escaped are not a “danger to the society” but added that it is important for them to be returned to the facility so that they can ﬁnish their treatment. He said the escape

was unusual because such a large number of patients were involved. Local police chief, Samuel Anampiu, earlier announced that the police had all the details of the escapees which “will make it easy for us to identify them”. Mental health care in Kenya suffers from a lack of funding. Poverty, a lack of access and the stigma associated with mental disorders prevent many patients from getting good assistance.

A roadside sign hospital authorities hope the escaped patients will follow

Police are looking for 31 patients who are still on the loose after overpowering guards at a psychiatric hospital in Kenya. Forty patients escaped from Mathari Mental Hospital on the morning of Sunday, May 12. Nine patients were returned by their families or returned of their own volition, but the remainder were still at large on Tuesday morning. More than thirty other patients were prevented from

leaving by hospital authorities. Kevin Kemboi, a patient who was returned to the facility by family members, said he escaped after another patient told him that the hospital nurses were on strike. “I just followed one of the patients ... then made my way home. At home I realised the environment was different. I felt like I was being disturbed by snakes and decided to go back. It is the place I need 17

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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artist African Fashion Travelmusic

iki Kamanu of the self named label says she began her journey into fashion at the age of eleven when she started revitalizing her twin sister’s clothes, and now, decades after, she has become one of the largely talked about designers from African and Nigeria. Born to a Bostonian mother and Igbo father, Kiki Kamanu started her emergence in the fashion world with a modeling agency in Boston where she walked for several internationally acclaimed designers such as Chanel and Gucci. The designer’s lively fashion fusions are available in limited editions for discerning men and women seeking superior personal style in casuals and formal wear. Her eclectic pieces include her revolutionary multifunctional ‘Comme Tu Veux’ wrap that wowed everyone at London’s Fashion week. The Kiki Kamanu’s brand distinctive chic has been featured on several runways including Sleek, London Fashion Week and the ARISE Magazine Fashion Week. In addition, her designs have appeared in major American, European, Nigerian and Turkish media including CNN International and Russian Tatler. Kiki has dressed leading personalities such as Susan Taylor, Editor-Emeritus of Essence Magazine and French singing duo Les Nubians, and has developed a faithful following in the United States, Nigeria, the Persian Gulf and now the United Kingdom. In Kiki’s role as a costumier she continues to collaborate with several leading production companies to interpret their visions onto the stage.

Kiki Kamanu

In association with Kiki Kamanu

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Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

African Fashion

Serge Mouangue

Japanese Kimono with an African Twist - by Serge Mouangue / Cameroon By Danielle Demetriou

Serge Mouangue ander past a certain kimono store in Aoyama and center stage in the window is a riotous splash of canaryyellow cotton, with bright cubes of grass green and swirls of earthy brown. A tribal red-and-black obi tied high around the waist completes a perfectly styled kimono that on close inspection evokes not the misty mountains of Japan but the searing heat of another world: Africa. The contrasting landscapes of Japan and Africa may seem, literally, worlds apart. But they have been artfully united in a collaboration between an African designer and a traditional Japanese kimono-maker. Launched last month, Wafrica — Africa plus wa for Japan — has unveiled a range of kimono handcrafted in an array of African cotton fabrics that would seem to be a million miles from the subtle silks more commonly associated with traditional

Japanese dress. Yet despite the orange comets and flashes of lightning tearing across a moss-green background, and the tribal swirls in colors that recall the sun-drenched African soil, the prints blend seamlessly into the kimono form before they surprise Japanese shoppers with their foreign origin. The cultural cocktail is the brainchild of Serge Mouangue, a Tokyo-based concept- car designer for Nissan, who joined forces with Kururi, a Tokyo-based kimonomaker, to produce the traditional Japanese attire in 18 African prints sourced in markets from Nigeria to Senegal. In the sedate confines of the Kururi store on Aoyama Dori, visitors are drawn to the bright outfits placed prominently in the window display. “These kimono have vivid colors, and the impact is powerful,” says Izumi Ichikawa, one of the store assistants, who is immaculately clad in a more conventional pastel-hued piece. “People expect more neutral tones in kimono, but these attract younger, modern people who are looking for something different.” “These color combinations are not found in traditional fabrics and are new to kimono,” adds Yoko Nagai, the merchandiser at Kururi, which has been selling kimono for 15 years. “And the printed wax cotton used in Wafrica kimono does not exist in traditional kimono materials.” Such a lack of familiarity between materials and form strengthens the effect that Mouangue is seeking to create. “I do not want the end result to belong to Africa, nor should it belong to Japan. It is not a ‘fusion,’ ” says Mouangue, who was born in Cameroon and grew up in Paris. “I want it to be something else. It should transcend the boundaries of both cultures. It is a third aesthetic.” Mouangue moved to Tokyo with his Australian wife and their children two years ago and was instantly drawn to exploring the similarities and differences between Africa and Japan. “They may appear different on the surface but they do share some cultural similarities,” the 35-year-old says. “Both societies are very tribal and have a respect for hierarchy and an appreciation of the power of silence. Extrcts from ‘The Japan Times’

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Arts

Okediran stews art and politics, comments on Achebe

By Peter Olorunnisomo

e walked into the African Voice offices looking ever so unassuming about anything in sight. Everything was meant to be new and, indeed, new to him – that was his first visit to the tabloid’s office and I was to receive him. He was early, I was late. We soon got over the apologies and pleasantries and settled into the office. It was not too long ago that I saw him and we talked about a lot of things on the arts frontier. I was now the one who looked at him trying to match his simple mien. I had read his latest and award winning book, Tenants of the House, and I thought I could see through his eyes and his hidden thoughts as well. But I was disarmed. He sank into a chair and took a nice cuppa for a warmer. I was going to start our interview discussion with his book but then changed my mind as Nigeria had recently lost a colossus in Achebe whose latest work, There was a Country, also crossed the threshold of the Nigerian political terrain. My decision found a bit of justice in the fact that Dr. Wale Okediran is both a politician and a novelist on note. So I went down the Achebe review lane. Asked about the writer Achebe, he pointed out that Achebe should be seen as a pioneer of African literature in English but would not know why Achebe would not accept himself as a father of African literature; perhaps out of modesty. This he said could be because Achebe had had a scholarship to study the medical sciences but changed to humanities in line with a focus and vision. If setting the records straight was a motive, Achebe did not anticipate that Things Fall Apart, written at the age of 28 years, was going to be a global success. Okediran thus saw Achebe as a dedicated writer against the controversies which his latest work There was a Country was generating. He saw this as proof of Achebe being one of the best minds of African literature. If that is so, then why did Achebe not achieve being a Nobel laureate? Okediran advised writers not to base proficiency in writing on prizes won. It is important in itself to write and communicate and have followership. Prizes are icing on the cake and may not necessarily be an ambition. He pointed out that judges of (the) awards may be subjective in an exercise as Achebe’s experiences in being shortlisted several times show innocuous considerations in the selection processes. He added that this should not be a distraction as it is enough to be a successful writer; prize being secondary. He opined that prizes is usually based on an overall consideration of factors and not on one sole factor or what semblances are achieved in social life, like it was said that Soyinka was recognized because of his political activism. He objected to such a statement attributed to Sam Omatseye that ‘Achebe was a good story-teller, so was my grandmother’. Okediran then advised upcoming writers to script good stories, po20

etry, etc and if prizes come on account of them they should be celebrated. However, the major duty of a writer is to write good books and not chase prizes. At this point, and speaking for writers in Africa and African writers in diaspora, I asked him if it was viable to write for the sake of it or look to writing as a means of sustenance. His response noted that this was an age-old battle and whether a work is of a serious/unserious nature, a good work of art should be able to achieve both contexts. This, he stated, Things Fall Apart did. He noted that Achebe tried to answer the question of the Nigerian state from a cultural point of view but where western influences are factored into the focal realization of the context, the western point of view is upheld at the expense of the cultural one. Again, he mentioned the strong ideological direction that Achebe’s work had - the need to match Africanism with western ideology; and the presence of the quintessential fabric of humour, drama, morale, etc that made the work readily adaptable for stage. This was a successful marriage of the creative and commercial qualities. He looked at what the comparison for success from both cultures would be and asked if the world was ready for African literary works. Using Achebe’s renowned work to illustrate his point, he noted that Conrad’s reference to ‘the dark continent’ was a chief motivation for the late writer to write his story. If the world is not ready for the African writer, then the African writer is obliged to make the world listen. Finding voice for the African writer was achieved by the Heinemann educational Books (HEB) and thus the purpose of the African Writers Series (AWS) where Achebe also held office. Okediran , who is also a medical doctor, in accounting for his tenure as a national president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) explained that the need to pursue this goal made him liaise with other international writers group like the Pan African Writers association (Ghana), the African Movement for Artistes, Belgium and also the Norwegian Writers Association in Hounslow. He travelled to Zimbabwe and members also were in Frankfurt and attended the London Book Fair to promote authors.

In pre-empting my next line of question, the discussion drifted to his contributions and he was enthused to state as his drive. Personally, starting out with a few friends, Dr. Okediran instituted the Ebedi Writers Residency to provide for writers seeking such abroad and stop the drift. The residency now enjoys patronage from all over Africa. Noting that it was necessary that corporate support could help African writers even further, he added that he got support of Arik Air in February, 2013 to sponsor the promotion of his latest book to Cincinnati, Ohio, New York, Florida, Philadelphia and Atlanta, Georgia. He stated these were efforts to let the world realize that African literature is alive. Writers should not believe that the world owes them anything. He gave examples of writers like J.P. Clark, Cyprian Ekwensi, etc who were contemporaries, if not older than Achebe but may be said not to have been adequately recognized as he. Fame is said to be fickle but the main issue is to write and communicate. On a related note, I then asked if the technology advantaged social media to hype a work was not likely to sacrifice the merit of it. He said the advent of the social media was good and that it afforded budding writers an avenue to showcase their works in view of the constraints faced ordinarily to have their works in print. The social media is thus a viable alternative to these limitations. He stated that there are many writers seeking publishing outlets that would take care of their costs but when that is not there resort to self-publishing with the challenge of distribution. The social media helps them out. But he noted other challenges e.g. power failure, improper editing, and young writers seeking short cuts and thus circumventing appropriate processes. Copyright also becomes a bane for on-line publications leading to stolen works and plagiarism. Nonetheless, these should be used by writers where necessary steps are taken to ensure protection of their works. In debunking the notion that only young writers suffer discouragement of rejection notes, he pointed out quite a number of established writers also got the same. The Godfather manuscript by Mario Puzo was rejected over 15 times. He said rejection notes should be seen as a process. I like to make references to young ones who should keep on writing. They should do their best to get published properly whether in or out of the country (Nigeria). He further observed that writers can be arrogant and want to reject all criticisms of their works. Some of these, consequently, do vanity publishing perhaps to the detriment of good editorial procedure to their works. Should arrogance be a trait of a writer? Every writer needs a bit of arrogance. It is a lonely job. These were his immediate response. He further noted that, in Nigeria, the reading culture is still poor, and the love of literature is not strong enough.

A writer needs drive to preach against the odds, social disturbance and therefore the possibility or need to defy some norms. Notwithstanding these, the writer is to note his limitations; like a doctor who has to defer to another when he is ill and not take things into his own hand. While the 1990s had the active presence of the Evans Publishers, Spectrum Publishers, etc who had established editors to support new works which is not so anymore. The role of the editor is so quintessential to a work that he made reference to an editor who edited the works of five nobel laureates. This feat he attributed to that editor’s responsibility to ‘panel beat’ the works for success. Also mentioned was Biyi Bandele who acknowledged his editor’s input to the success of his work. He however, pointed out that the differences between ours (Nigerian) and other international writers is the editorial intervention. Writing is the skill; re-writing is the real work. Upcoming writers should not take criticism personally e.g. Tenants of the House was edited by six people making it about five times better than the original script. It is important that authors take into consideration criticisms by editors. But because of the dearth of publishing houses, authors are at the mercy of roadside publishers. Asked about the major thematic treatise between Things Fall Apart and There was a Country, Dr. Okediran remarked that every writer reflects his/her contemporary concerns in themes. This has affected what Achebe has written and that includes influences of his own background and medical up-bringing. It is therefore not far-fetched that Achebe reflected his Igbo land and culture in TFA. He had witnessed the civil war, deaths and genocide, and so carried the story in his head for a while till he was able tpo bring it out which people take for a collection of essays. He asked that Achebe should not be begrudges as he would have written in similar lines if he had an armed robbery. This would affect how he relates the story which would differ from others. In my account of Tenants of the House I wrote from the point of view of a politician who was in opposition in the Nigerian national assembly and my colleagues didn’t like the way it was written but that is to be expected. He reflected that many were against the third term agenda of the then Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and sympathized with the writing. Some may say what I have written is wrong. However, he added the former President used to say that ‘if anyone thinks so, write your own’. If therefore Achebe’s latest work ruffled a few feathers that is to be expected. It is impossible to write such a work without attracting such flaks. He opined that if his book, Tenants of the House was in non-fiction, he would have been in a lot of trouble. Achebe wrote his as a catharsis to purge his emotion.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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FUFA ordered to pay outstanding 2012 Cecafa Cup hosting debts Uganda’s sports ministry has directed the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to pay all their outstanding debts for hosting the 2012 Cecafa Cup by June 30.

Last year, FUFA failed to pay several service providers including hotels after hosting the Cecafa Tusker Senior Challenge Cup. The tournament sponsors East African Breweries Limited through their Tusker brand remitted some money to FUFA, although the hosts failed to attract local sponsorship. Minister of Education and Sports Jessica Alupo told MTNFootball.com that FUFA will be required to pay all outstanding bills for commitments that were covered under the sponsorship

packages including the 2012 Cecafa hotel accommodation and stadia dues. “FUFA must also make sure they pay outstanding payments to URA FC players and other Bell Kakungulu Cup obligations,” added the Minister. The Minister also said Government will not permit kick-off of the 2013/2014 League until the clubs have, through their general assemblies, sorted themselves out to remain and register with FUFA as single football playing entity notwithstanding their corporate status. When contacted, the FA spokesman Rogers Mulindwa confirmed that they have debts for towards hotels and some service providers totaling to about US$100,000. “We shall look around for this money and make sure we pay up,” added Mulindwa.

FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa

Ayew fails to win African award in France Flying Eagles open Germany training camp Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew missed out on this year’s best African Player in the French Ligue 1 award. Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on Monday awarded the Marc-Vivien Foe Prize. Ayew was shortlisted among the Saint Etienne striker and nine other candidates but could not finish among the top three. The 68 sport journalists decided the winner of the coveted prize with Aubameyang getting 209 points to beat Cameroonian defender Nicolas Nkoulou who raked 81 points.

Andre Ayew in action 22

Burkina Faso’s and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Most Valuable Player Jonathan Pitroipa received 35 points. Aubameyang has scored 19 goals in 34 matches coming up tops. The Marc-Vivien Foe Prize was initiated in 2009 to honour the best African footballer in the French Ligue 1 during a season. It was instituted to pay respect to the late Cameroon international who collapsed and died in 2003 during the FIFA Confederation Cup semi-final between the Indomitable Lions and Colombia in Lyon, France.

Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles, have finally arrived Germany for a training camp ahead of next month’s World Cup in Turkey. The team arrived Frankfurt International Airport on Tuesday at 5am local time, which is 4am Nigerian time, after a flight of over five hours from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja. A second batch of players is expected later this week to join the squad after they would have received their entry visas. The team then took a two-hour bus ride from Frankfurt to the little village of Elfershausen, where they have booked into

The Flying Eagles

the four-star Ullrich Hotel. The team trained for an hour and a half later in the evening at the home ground of local side 1.FC 1928 Elfershausen, which is a walking distance from their hotel. They are billed to play their first test game on Wednesday evening. The Flying Eagles are set to feature in the Toulon International Football Tournament in France at the end of this month as part of their build-up to the U20 World Cup in Turkey. They are drawn alongside Portugal, South Korea and debutants Cuba in the first round of the World Cup.

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

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Kenya FA needs US$120,000 for Nigeria game The Kenya Football Federation (KFF) says it needs US$120,000 to prepare the Harambee Stars for the 2014 World Cup qualifier on June 5 against African champions Nigeria.

KFF president Sam Nyamweya told MTNFootball.com that they are struggling financially and are calling upon all stakeholders for help. Nyamweya said according to their breakdown, they need US$2,400,000 for their World Cup dream to become a reality. “Most of this money will go in preparing the team and also having top friendly

games,” Nyamweya explained. The KFF President said they are optimistic many private companies will come in to help because this campaign means a lot to Kenya. “We are sending the team to the 2013 COSAFA tournament in Zambia, hosting Ghana in a friendly game on June 1 and also hosting the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup later this year and all this needs money,” Nyamweya said. The money is also expected to cover travel and camping logistics, including players and officials allowances plus accommodation for visiting teams.

Kenya are currently bottom of Group F in the World Cup qualifier on two points behind third placed Namibia on three points while Malawi and Nigeria are tied on five points in second and first respectively. But victory against Nigeria next month could place them back in contention for a place in the next round of the qualifiers. Kenya’s new Coach Adel Amrouche, who guided the team to a 1-all draw away to Nigeria on March 23 in Calabar, has already said he will not put his players pressure in the return leg but will give them the opportunity to express themselves.

Ghana-Kenya friendly next month cancelled The Ghana Football Association has cancelled next month’s international friendly against Kenya.

According to a letter sent to the Kenya Football Federation, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah cannot raise a strong squad for the assignment. Appiah’s plans were affected by the change in date of Ghana’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Khartoum. The qualifier has been brought forward by one day to 7 June. The Black Stars were scheduled to play the Harambee Stars on 1 June in Nairobi. Ghana lined-up the test match before engaging Sudan in a Group D 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier. “We have received a letter from Ghana FA informing us they cannot be able to honor the match due to the difficulties they are experiencing in raising a team,” A Kenya

FA official Hussein Terry told Goal.com “They remain doubtful especially on the availability of some of their professional players.”

Ghana will now begin camping on May 30 before flying over to Nairobi for acclimatization.

Olympiakos to report Fulham to FIFA over Boateng move Greek giants Olympiakos are ready to report Derek Boateng and Fulham to FIFA if the English side sign the Ghanaian midfielder, according to report on MTNFootball.com. Olympiakos officials are furious over reports in England that Boateng is on the verge of signing for Fulham and will report the Ghanaian to FIFA. Insiders of the Greek side have told MTNFootball.com that they already have a one-year deal with Boateng as they await the verdict from FIFA over his legal battle with Dnipro. The midfield anchorman has been training with Olympiakos in recent months while taking his legal battle with his former Ukrainian club to Fifa. But news that the Ghana midfielder was the west London club’s guest for their recent home match against Reading having completed the formalities of a move to Craven Cottage has infuriated Olympiakos.

The Greek side are monitoring moves at Fulham before taking their complaint to the world governing body. Fulham had been on the brink of signing the 29-year-old both in January and last summer but the deal fell through on both occasions. Boateng is believed to have even had a medical at the club’s Motspur Park headquarters in January before the Cottagers enlisted lawyers to investigate the legitimacy of his contract with Ukrainian club Dnipro. Boateng’s camp claimed that his deal with Dnipro, who he joined in the summer of 2011, had been annulled but Fulham were unwilling to award him a contract until they received proof that his claim was watertight. Fulham are satisfied that the Ghana international is a free agent and that he is now available for a move to Craven Cottage. Boateng is set to be confirmed as a Fulham player soon after the Premier League transfer window opens next Monday.

Derek Boateng in action

Shinde: Nkana can win 2013 title

Nkana legend and ex-Zambia midfielder Jericho Shinde believes his former-club are early favourites to win the 2013 league title.

The record 11-time Zambia league champions are early leaders in the 2013 MTN/ FAZ Super Division as they chase their first title since 2001. Shinde, who won three league titles with Nkana in the 1980’s, told MTNFootball. com that he was happy with what he had so far seen this season from the Kitwe-based side. “Why should we doubt Nkana? But we cannot preempt anything although for now all looks well,” Shinde said. “So far so good. They have been above average and with every game they play, they go a step further which is good for the team.” Shinde said Nkana’s 2-1 home win over defending champions Zanaco on May 11 showed the Kitwe giants had the mantle. “The performance against Zanaco is a plus but it should not go to their heads but the sky is the limit,” Shinde said. Nkana, who have lost just one league match this season, currently enjoy a fourpoint lead at the top of the table on 19 points after eight games played. Their next match will be away to third placed Nchanga Rangers at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on May 18.

Eneramo still undecided on future

Michael Eneramo has revealed he is yet to decide on where he will play next season as his contract with Sivasspor will expire this summer.

“My contract with Sivasspor expires this summer. I have not decided where I am going to play next season yet,” the Nigeria striker informed MTNFootball. com The former Esperance of Tunisia skipper said he is not lacking suitors from across Europe. Eneramo, who helped his team Sivasspor escape the drop from the Turkish top flight after a 2-1 win over Karabukspor on Monday, said he is happy to have contributed to the team’s survival. “I feel good and happy to help my team stay in the Super Lig. It has not been so rosy for the team, it was a difficult season for us, but we managed to remain in the top flight,” Eneramo told MTNFootball.com Sivasspor now have 43 points from 33 games. Eneramo has scored 12 goals in the league and five in the Cup this season. 23

Friday, 17 May 2013 – Thursday, 23 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

ISSUE 482

Ayew fails to win African award in France

SEE PAGE 22

Ghana, Nigeria need a reality check says Jay Jay Okocha By Peter Olorunnisomo Ghana and Nigeria have been asked to conduct a reality check on themselves if they must lay claims to being the African giants of football. This position was stated by legendary African and Nigerian footballer, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha who last played for the clubside, Bolton, in the United Kingdom.

Against the background of either country dominating the footballing scene in Africa a few decades ago at all levels of competition from the academicals, U 17 to the national teams proper and even female football, not to talk of the clubsides, it would appear the glory of the giants has long since waned. The ‘giant’ status of both nations was so

Austin Jay Jay Okocha (right) awesome that the keenest rivalry came from one to the other. The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s ace footballer noted that the other African countries were closing in on the two mainstays in terms of quality and expressed concern about their improvement. Speaking in Accra, Ghana on Citi FM, he said “I think that both countries are going through a difﬁcult time at the moment and in football, these things do happen.” He noted as well that it took a 19 - year wait for Nigeria to lift the continental nations’ trophy while Ghana was still in the throes a 32 - year drought for any trophy. He noted trophies are the hallmark of footballing success and the lack of them speaks for the measure of achievement that may be said to be recognised. Whereas

the countries may have good showings in terms of skill and footballers and in international competitions, this will not suffice. “However, I believe that we (Nigeria) are gradually getting out of the slump, especially having won the last African Nations Cup in South Africa.” “It is all about being patient and trying to find where the problem is and finding a solution.” Okocha thus asked both nations to look into themselves with a view to accepting their current status and examining how to regain a formula for consistency to the status they had laid claims to in the past. “For me, I think that both countries must humble themselves and accept that they are not what they used to be. Both Ghana

and Nigeria call themselves the giants of African football but look at how long it took Nigeria to win a Nations Cup trophy (after winning it in 1994).” “How can you be a giant of the sport when you are not consistent?”

African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 7274 3933 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com