African voice newspaper edition 520

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014 ISSUE 520

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

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 Ghana loses $.3 Billion due to decline Cocoa prices SEE PAGE 8

£1.00

Screen Nation Film & TV Awards Special SEE PAGE 18

Courtroom scuffles as Woolwich killers sentenced SEE PAGE 4

Government urged to auction visas

By Alan Oakley

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an independent, non-departmental Home Office-sponsored body that advises the government on migration issues, has recommended that the right to settle in Britain be sold to the highest bidder in a report made public this week.

Under the present system, migrants who invest £1m, £5m or £10m can apply for permanent residence in the UK through the Tier 1 (Investor) route after living here for five, three or two years respectively. They do not need to satisfy the requirement to speak English and are permitted to bring spouses and dependants.

According to Professor Sir David Metcalf CBE, chairman of the Committee, the current scheme brings few if any economic benefit to British citizens, since most

applicants buy gilts in order to qualify; effectively lending the money to the UK. Under the MAC’s proposal, the minimum investment would double to £2m and slots auctioned with a reserve price of £2.5m.

Winners of the 100 or so auctioned slots would be able to settle in Britain after two years instead of the existing five year wait (for investors below the £5m threshold).

Surplus funds received through the scheme could be used to support good causes in a similar way to National Lottery profits, says the report.

Although the Committee found that investor migrants bestow an indirect beneficial impact through their general expenditure in the UK, particularly on things such as private education, it believes the reforms recommended around the direct investment itself will make it much more likely that UK residents gain from this route.

Continued on page 2

AFRICAN PRESIDENTS AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AT THE NIGERIA CENTENARY CONFERENCE IN ABUJA SEE PAGE 12

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Have You GotNews For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

Two Southwark Councillors join All People’s Party

The All People’s Party APP is growing to be the alternative to Labour in the London borough of Southwark as two S o u t h w a r k Councillors, one from Labour joined the party recently.

APP leader Prem Goyal said: “We welcome Althea and Stephen because they are on the side of hardworking residents.

“They want at least 35% of new housing developments to be for social rent and for regeneration deals to be transparent.”

“APP is the alternative to Labour for talented minorities in Southwark and beyond.A new group has now been registered on the Council. Cllr Althea Smith will lead the All People’s Party group. Cllr Stephen Govier will be the Chief Whip” Labour Councillor Althea Smith was a former Mayor of Southwark and Independent Councillor Stephen Govier.

APP at its Big Immigration Con-

versation called for an amnesty for overstayers. Organised by APP Deputy Leader, Donald Cole JP, the event was well attended by those who called England their home and want to be an integral part of our country.

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Mike Abiola Editorial Board Adviser Dr Ola Ogunyemi Managing Editor Alan Oakley News Editor Peter Olorunnisomo Sports Editor Peter Olorunnisomo Assist. Sports Editor Abiodun Teriba Arts Editor Golda John Columnists Milton Tella Yemi Dipeolu Henry Brefo Photo Journalist Isaac Adegbite Graphic Designer African Voice UK Accountant Fanla Agboola Legal Adviser Nosa Kings Erhunmwunsee London Office: Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP

Tel: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

2

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

News

Do the right thing, urges George Clooney

By Henry Brefo

George Clooney’s recent statement about the British museum “doing the right thing” by returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece, has reignited the longstanding debate on reappropriation of cultural heritage. Clooney’s statement follows the release of his new film ‘The Monument Men’, which depicts allied efforts to rescue artworks from the Nazis during World War II.

Frank Stokes, lead character in The Monument Men, played by Clooney, summed up the rationale behind their mission in the words: “when you destroy a people’s heritage, it’s like they never existed. It’s like ash, floating.”

The Elgin marbles have been in the possession of the British for more than two centuries and were first displayed at the British Museum in 1816.

What about other cultural artifacts kept in the British museum?

The opening of Africa for the plunder of slaves and raw materials by Europe was also accompanied by the immoral appropriation of the continent’s heritage. All over Africa, cultural art, artifacts, and sacred ornaments were removed under the pretext of preservation.

Situated in the heart of old Geneva, along a quiet and quaint street at Les Musées Barbier-Mueller, stands one of the most

remarkable collections of African art. The gallery houses the collection of an eccentric fellow by the name of Josef Mueller. It is home to about 5,000 African artifacts in the form of art sculptures, masks, textiles and other adornments.

While it seems that it is as good a time as any to properly discuss the reappropriation of African art, surprisingly none of the British or American stars of African descent have added their voice to the cause.

Cameron to squeeze migrant benefits Continued from front page

Sir David explained the main benefit to UK residents from the current investor route was from the stamp duty they paid on property purchases but this had been greatly exaggerated because “someone else would buy the house if the investor did not”. He argued that the migrant investors and their families, on the other hand, benefited from Britain’s property rights, schools, capital markets and legal system.

Sir David said: “We have focussed our attention on how UK residents may gain from this migration route. We express some healthy scepticism regarding the value to UK residents of high net worth individuals coming to the UK. “The Committee has recommended some straightforward reforms that we believe make it much more likely that UK residents will benefit while continuing to show that Britain is open for business.”

The changes recommended in the Committee’s report would apply to settlement rights only and not citizenship. Auction winners would also benefit from relaxed residency requirements, effectively halving to 90 days the amount of time an individual has to remain resident in the UK per year.

Prime Minister, David Cameron

Immigration lawyers have attacked the idea as sending out the wrong message.

Nick Rollason, Head of Business Immigration at Kingsley Napley, told The Times it would create an “eBay culture” and leave a bad taste with the British public.

Sophie Barrett-Brown, a senior partner with Laura Devine solicitors, told The Times: “An auction system has, rightly, been rejected by the Home Office previously when the points-based system was

first introduced, and sent out the wrong message to the public.”

But Sir David Metcalf suggested the lawyers were only interested in the “fat fees” they received from their foreign clients, adding: “Why don’t they have the same concern for British citizens? Why are they hostile to a good causes fund?”

Sir David said causes such as the fight against prostate cancer or providing sports equipment for inner-city schools could be funded by auctioning off visas, adding that the fund could even be administered by the National Lottery.

The amount investor migrants have had to pay to settle in Britain has not changed in the 20 years, since 1994, that the scheme has operated. Last year, 560 investor visas were issued, with a further 1,030 issued to applicants’ dependants. The figure has gone up from 140 applicants in 2009, with 264 dependents.

Nearly half of the 1,647 investor visas issued since 2008 have gone to Russian or Chinese nationals - 433 and 419 respectively - followed by US citizens (93), Egyptians (46), Indian (44), Kazakhstanis (41), Iranians (38), Pakistanis (38), Australians (36) and Canadians (36).

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

3

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

Britain and European Commission clash over EU ‘workers’ A new government proposal to limit access to social welfare payments by EU citizens has been branded illegal by the European Commission. This pronouncement escalates a war of words between the EU and the UK over the free movement of European workers.

Work and Pensions Minister, Ian Duncan Smith, has decreed that, from March 1st onwards, EU migrants to the UK must normally be able to show that they have earned at least £150 per week for at least three months before they can claim UK benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance.

Mr Duncan Smith said that EU citizens who had been in work but had not earned £150 per week for the required period would be tested to see whether they had been in ‘genuine and effective’ employment or they would be denied benefits. The EU’s definition of a worker includes a requirement that the work engaged in must be genuine and effective.

Minimum earnings threshold But on 19th February 2014, a spokesman for the European Commission told journalists that using ‘a minimum earnings threshold’ to decide who would be eligible for benefits would be contrary to European law.

Work and Pensions Minister Ian Duncan Smith

The spokesman said that the EU’s definition of a worker was ‘any person who carries out genuine and effective work for which he or she is paid under the direction of someone else’. He continued ‘The Court of Justice’s case law makes it clear that…a definition of a worker according to the amount he or she earns is not compatible with EU law.

The UK government insists that its definition of work is in accord with EU law.

It says that the fact that those earning less than £150 per week will be able to prove that they qualify as ‘workers’ by showing that they engage in ‘genuine and effective’ work means that they are abiding by the EU’s definition of ‘a worker’.

EC will scrutinise measures ‘very closely’

The European Commission says that it has asked the Government to send the full

details of its proposals to the Commission.

The spokesman said: “The European Commission will scrutinise very closely the latest measures announced by the UK to ensure their full compliance with EU law”.

This is merely the latest episode in a running battle between the UK and the EU over immigration. The Coalition government has introduced numerous changes to prevent the scourge of ‘benefits tourism’; that is, EU citizens coming to the UK to claim benefits rather than to work.

The European Commission insists that the threat of ‘benefits tourism’ is ‘a myth’.

On 10th February, the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Laszlo Andor, gave a speech in Bristol in which he laid out data which show that EU migrants to the UK are actually far less likely to claim benefits than UK citizens and were more likely to be better educated and to be in work.

EC attacking UK for demonising EU migrants Mr Andor, along with other senior European Commission figures, has attacked the Government for demonising EU migrants and for ignoring the facts when formulating policy. If their intention was to make the Government change course, it seems to have had no effect.

In fact, it may be that Mr Cameron’s

government is actually seeking out arguments with the European Commission for electoral purposes.

The UK has struggled with membership of the European Union since it joined in 1975. Most of the press is virulently antiEU and there is a sizeable proportion of the electorate that would like to leave the Union or, at the very least, hold a referendum on the UK’s EU membership.

Cameron’s Conservatives under attack In recent years, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) has scored significant electoral gains. Polls show that UKIP currently scores a fairly steady 12% support in opinion polls.

UKIP is thought to gain most of its support at the expense David Cameron’s Conservatives Party. Mr Cameron is said to fear that UKIP can cost him the next general election in 2015 by splitting the right-wing vote and allowing the left-wing Labour Party to win more seats.

On top of this, Mr Cameron’s own party has become much more negative about Europe since 2010 when most of the newly elected Conservative MPs were ardently ‘Eurosceptic’. Therefore, it may well be in Mr Cameron’s interests to create an argument with ‘Europe’ to boost his Eurosceptic credentials ahead of the European elections in May 2014.

Courtroom scuffles as Woolwich killers sentenced

Fighting broke out in court on Wednesday (February 26) as the killers of Fusilier Lee Rigby in May last year were read their sentences.

Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale tussled with guards as the judge described their act as a “betrayal of Islam” in sentencing both men to life imprisonment. Abebolajo was eventually told he would serve a whole life term and would never be released from prison, while coaccused Adebowale was handed life, with a minimum sentence of 45 years. The pair were sentenced in absentia after they were dragged from the dock to the court holding cells.

Following the expectedly severe sentences handed down to Adebolajo and Adebowale, Fusilier Rigby’s family said in a statement read outside the Old Bailey: “We feel satisfied that justice has been served for Lee”.

Sentencing had been delayed for a decision by a panel of judges on whether whole-life sentences were legal. They found that whole-life tariffs were justified “in the most heinous cases”.

4

Adebolajo, of Romford, Essex and Adebowale, from Greenwich, southeast London used a car to run Fusilier Rigby over before using knives and a meat cleaver to hack at his lifeless body. At trial, the jury heard father of one Rigby had been selected because he was “the first soldier they spotted”.

The pair then waited for several minutes at the scene remonstrating with onlookers, apparently ambivalent to the imminent arrival of the police. When armed officers arrived, the men displayed aggression in order that they would be killed by police marksmen and become Islamic martyrs.

Adebolajo’s barrister argued against a whole-life sentence, which was likely to make his client a martyr after all. He added that he believed his client was not so “depraved or wicked” that he was incapable of redemption.

Adebowale’s defence team said it was “inhumane” to sentence a 22-year-old to spend the rest of his life in prison.

Sue Hemming, head of special crime and counter terrorism at the Crown Prosecution Service, described the action of Adebolajo and Adebowale as “one of the most appall-

Michael Adebolajo (left), who will spend the rest of his life in prison, and Michael Adebowale, who will

ing terrorist murders” she has ever seen.

She added: “As a solider, Fusilier Lee Rigby was targeted in a clear act of revenge, deliberately carried out in full view of members of the public for maximum impact.

“Under the law, terrorism is committed by a defined act designed to influence a Government, the public or an NGO for the purpose of advancing a religious, political, ideological or racial cause.

“This attack was always going to fail in that purpose as it served only to bring people together in shock, sympathy and solidarity.”

Metropolitan Police asst comms Cressida Dick said: “Today’s sentence reflects the true horror of their actions in taking this young man’s life in such a barbaric way.

“Our thoughts remain with Lee’s loved ones, who have shown dignity and strength throughout the judicial process.”

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Now with even better exchange rates!

More Naira for your loved ones in Nigeria

Freephone: 0800 026 0535 moneygram.co.uk

Send at:

Receive at:

CS7259

And anywhere you see the MoneyGram sign Post Offi ce,Thomas Cook and Lebara are agents of MoneyGram International Limited in the provision of money transfer services. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Ltd. MoneyGram and the Globe are trademarks of MoneyGram. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.MoneyGram International Limited is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. © 2013 MoneyGram. All rights reserved.

CS7259_press_ad_340x263_P_en_v1_aw.indd 1

5

07/08/2013 12:12

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Opinion

Sexual warfare - African sovereignty vs Western threats

By Henry Brefo The politics of homosexuality in Africa is largely couched in the language of North vs. South hegemony. Consequently, African leaders have been increasingly adopting resilient attitudes towards the criminalising of gays as part of an exercise in national sovereignty.

The signing of the anti-gay bill by the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, casts fresh light on the politics of homosexuality in Africa and the danger of the West’s ‘pro-gay for aid’ style of intervention.

Since the announcement of the Bill, Western governments have threatened to cut aid to Uganda if it becomes law. According to the World Bank, Uganda receives up to $2billion in foreign aid from Western countries every year. Museveni’s decision to sign the bill contrasts his previous reasons for putting the bill on hold a week ago, stating in a letter to parliament that “there are better ways to ‘rescue’ gays from their ‘abnormality’ than jailing them for life.”

“The new law punishes first time offenders with 14 years in jail,” according to the BBC, and allows life imprisonment as the penalty for acts of “aggravated homosexuality”. It also makes it a crime not to report to the authorities any knowledge of gay partnerships or incidents of same sex unions. According to a government spokesman, President Yoweri Museveni wanted to affirm Uganda’s “independence in the face of Western pressure”.

Last month, Nigerian president Good luck Jonathan also caused a storm when he signed a ‘Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act’. This new law criminalizes proprietors of homosexual clubs, associations and organizations with penalties of up to 14 years in jail. The international community has repudiated the law as unacceptable. US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the law as “a dangerous restriction on freedom”. Britain also affirmed that, “the UK opposes any form of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation,” according to Reuters”.

Nigerians in the Diaspora have also expressed their discontent towards new law.

The renowned Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, commenting on her government’s actions, warned that ‘”he law is ‘unafrican’. It goes against the values of tolerance and ‘live and let live’ that are part of many African cultures”. That said, lawmakers supporting the Bill deem it to be “in line with the people’s cultural and religious inclination,” according to Reuben Abati, the president’s spokesman.

However, the president, alongside other high officials in government, has remained silent. Since the passage of the law, there hasn’t been a whiff of protest or demonstration in Nigeria.

6

Even Ghana, widely considered a bastion of cultural tolerance and peace, found itself in the fray of the controversy regarding homosexuality. Two years ago, pressure from David Cameron to have the late President Atta Mills’ administration decriminalise homosexuality by threatening to cut aid to Ghana resulted in a national rebuff. His successor John Dramani Mahama, when asked whether he supported gay rights in Ghana - specifically gay marriage, on a visit to Georgia at the invitation of Kennesaw State University, simply averred, “It’s a difficult situation, but I guess it’s something that –– it’s very difficult to comment on because often it creates more problems.”

Under section 104 of the Ghanaian constitution, ‘unnatural carnal sex’ is deemed criminal, and legally warrants a conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty-five years.

Consequently, homosexuality is commonly interpreted as unnatural carnal sex an error of judgement which, according to lawyer John Ndebugri, does not satisfactorily warrant the criminalisation of homosexuals. In a press address to the president, he challenged his position on homosexuality, and contends that “it does not constitute law”. The Ghanaian journalist Justice Sarpong also questioned the meaning of ‘unnatural carnal sex’ and concluded that “there is no law in Ghana that makes homosexuality” a crime. Unnatural sex, according to the constitution, is defined as sex in an unnatural way. President Atta Mills based his decision on homosexuality, which is currently supported by his successor, as the reason that the “UK did not have the right to direct to other sovereign nations as to what they should do” since Ghanaian society’s ‘norms’ were different from those in the UK. The government position on homosexuality has enjoyed popular support in Ghana.

Senegalese President Mackie Sall has echoed similar sentiments in a statement warning other countries to refrain from imposing their views and values. “We don’t ask the Europeans to be polygamists,” Sall

said. “We like polygamy in our country, but we can’t impose it in yours because the people won’t understand it. They won’t accept it.”

Notably, Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh outdid them all in his snub at the Western pro-gay for aid agenda. Last Tuesday (February 18), Jammeh gave a speech on national TV to mark the nation’s 49th anniversary of independence from Britain , which summed up his position as follows: “ We will fight these vermins (sic) called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively.” He added: “we will therefore not accept any friendship, aid or any other gesture that is conditional on accepting homosexuals or LGBT as they are

now baptised by the powers that promote them (…) As far as I am concerned, LGBT can only stand for leprosy, gonorrhoea, bacteria and tuberculosis; all of which are detrimental to human existence.”

Western threats to cut aid for gay rights in Africa have rendered the debate volatile. Instead of the emphasis being placed on human justice and equality, sovereign pride has taken precedent. This show of African sovereign pride has also enlisted in its arsenal of legitimacy cultural values and religion. The often-cited religions from which moral support against homosexuality is commonly sought are not even traditionally African. Western involvement in such domestic issues is bound to be unhealthy and dangerous for the group whose rights they claim to be fighting for.

Clearly, if any traction is to be gained at all regarding the issue of legislation over homosexuality in Africa, it would have to stem from the grassroots. Discourses on homosexuality in Africa would have to form part of a wider process of cultural rethinking and negotiation of sexual identity.

Support rather than bilateral threats should be allied to on-going grassroots campaigns

which seek to mobilise public sentiment through social and educational movements that aim to generate healthy and positive attitudes and understanding towards the subject. Just as it has been done in the past, through the work between indigenous populations in Africa and international organisations on subjects such as gender

equality and HIV, the same can be done for homosexuality.

In the meanwhile Western governments must refrain from pseudo-moral expressions of hegemony that transform the Afro-homosexual debate into a bilateral sovereign warfare. Africans must decide for themselves when, where and how they would like to approach this issue.

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Health News

Health News News

Black Women must ‘Be Clear on Cancer’

By Iyamide Thomas, Regional Care Advisor, Sickle Cell Society Email: iyamide.thomas@sicklecellsociety.org

The NHS is launching a new ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ public awareness campaign highlighting the fact that the older you get, your chances of getting breast cancer increase, with one third of women diagnosed with the disease each year being aged 70 or over.

Surprisingly, two thirds of women aged 70 and over (67 per cent) wrongly think women of all ages are equally likely to get breast cancer, when in fact a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases with age.

The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign also encourages women from black African and Caribbean communities to know the signs and symptoms, talk to their daughters or daughters-in-laws and visit their doctor if they spot any changes in their breasts.

With many only on the lookout for a lump in the breast, other signs of the disease are often overlooked.

The ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign pushes women to identify several lesser-known but equally important signs of the disease, including:

Actress Dona Croll ambassador for NHS ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign

past it or dismiss any symptoms as a sign of ageing and most importantly don’t be afraid to talk to your GP.” The campaign is urging daughters to engage older female members of their families in conversations about cancer to help detect the disease. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. Therefore black Caribbean and African women are encouraged to talk about the issue.

The campaign has received celebrity support, with actress Dona Croll featuring in an infomercial designed for black African and Caribbean communities. Speaking on her role in the project, Dona commented: “If losing precious lives to breast cancer can be avoided, then we must take every step necessary to prevent this. Educating women – specifically older woman from our communities – on the importance of discussion and subsequently, early diagnosis is vitally important. I am keen to help spread awareness and encourage women to monitor their health more vigilantly.”

• pain in the breast or armpit; • changes to the nipples, size or shape of the breasts Dr Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director at Public Health England, said: “Research shows that women aged over 70 have low symptom awareness and are more likely to delay presenting to their GP with breast cancer , which could ultimately affect their

chance of survival.

“Added to this are the cultural taboos and embarrassment that are specifically associated with the discussion and education about breast cancer amongst older black Caribbean and African women.

“Women cannot afford to ignore the statistics - one in three women who get breast cancer are over 70 , so don’t assume you’re

More than 15 years after modern antiretroviral medication transformed HIV into a manageable condition, lack of government support is leaving too many people with HIV facing a cycle of poverty, according to a new report published by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust.

The charity has revealed that, in the last year alone, it has seen a 15% rise in the number of people applying to the charity for small grants to cover basic living expenses including food and clothing.

£50 a week and 35% had no disposable

Fund. We know that factors such as illness,

find sustainable employment suitable for

used to cover basic costs, including food

tus, mental health issues and family break-

* The Government should aim to complete

report (www.tht.org.uk/poverty) is based

without adequate support from the welfare

made in 2012 to its Hardship Fund2, which

factors associated with poverty can lead to

with HIV in financial crisis. The report, to-

with HIV, in turn making it harder for them

that, rather than lifting people with HIV out

control.

the gap where statutory support in the form

Rise in people with HIV seeking basic living costs

Terrence Higgins Trust’s HIV & Poverty1

income at all. The majority of grants were

(47%) and clothing (10%). The charity is also reporting that between 2012 and 2013 it

has seen an increase in the number of applications from those whose benefits are under review (86% - 43 to 70 applications) or have

stopped altogether (63% - 69 to 128 applica-

discrimination, uncertain immigration sta-

their long-term health and wellbeing

down, can leave people with HIV needing

the asylum process within six months and

But all too often our grants are only able to

* Local Authorities must assess needs of

extra support at certain points in their lives.

must allow people to work after 30 days

tide people over from day to day, rather than

people living with HIV in their areas and

“The numbers in this report should act as

The Poverty & HIV report is based on

supporting them out of poverty.”

provide adequate services

tions). The number of people who received

a warning sign at all levels of government

1,918 applications to the Hardship Fund,

(from 305 to 433).

level of support needed to meet the most ba-

charity which provides nutritional support

more than one grant per year rose by 42%

Terrence Higgins Trust is warning that,

that people with HIV are not receiving the

sic of costs. It is vital that people with HIV are fairly assessed and that financial sup-

on an analysis of nearly 2,000 applications

system, financial stress, poor diet, and other

provides grants of up to £250 for people

mental and physical ill health for people

gether with new figures for 2013, suggests

to re-enter employment or regain financial

key recommendations for local and national

of poverty, the fund is increasingly plugging

Paul Ward, Acting Chief Executive of Ter-

* The Government must ensure those who

port is sufficient to allow them to eat, clothe

themselves and stay warm, and ultimately regain long-term financial security.”

Terrence Higgins Trust has set out five

as well as referrals to The Food Chain3, a to people living with HIV. The Food Chain

reports that 70% of people who use the service are living on less than £49 per week, with clients increasingly accessing the serv-

ice as a result of poor diet associated with rising food prices.

Siobhán Lanigan, Chief Executive of The

government:

Food Chain said “The poverty statistics in

rence Higgins Trust, said: “In an age when

need support are fairly assessed and that

just one part of the story. Every day The

munity services is failing to meet people’s

with HIV can live long and healthy lives,

* The Work and Pensions Select Commit-

According to the report, 46% of applicants

and poverty should still so often go hand in

2012 had a disposable income of less than

agnosed with HIV applied to our Hardship

of benefits, Asylum Support, and local com-

highly effective treatments mean people

needs.

it is nothing short of a disgrace that HIV

tee should hold an inquiry into the impact of

living with HIV to the Hardship Fund in

hand. Last year, one in every 40 people di-

* The Department for Work and Pensions

benefits are sufficient to cover basic costs

welfare reforms

must ensure that people are supported to

this report are truly shocking and they tell Food Chain hears from people living with HIV of their real experiences of having no

money for food that week, of going hungry

in order that their children may eat and of literally not knowing where their next meal will come from.”

7

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Ghana Loses $1.3 Billion Due to Decline in Cocoa Prices Ghana, the world’s second largest producer of cocoa and gold, lost a massive $1.3 billion in export revenues last year as a result of the decline in prices of the two commodities on the international market. During the same period, the West African country spent a total of $1.5 billion on the importation of consumables.

As of 2013, Ghana’s import bill continued to rise to $17 billion, while the country’s debt to GDP ratio currently stands at 52 per cent, President John Dramani Mahama disclosed in his State of the Nation address in Accra.

A breakdown of products imported included rice, sugar, wheat, tomato products, frozen fish, poultry and vegetable cooking oil. He explained that institutions such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Gas Company, Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Airport Company and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) will be able to finance their investments through the fund without burdening the public debt stock.

Revamping local industries

President Mahama reiterated the need to add value to raw materials to increase exports and reduce the importation of cocoa products and gold, amongst others.

“We must add value to our cocoa by increasing domestic processing. We must refine our gold before export. We must pursue Nkrumah’s dream of an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry and halt the export of raw bauxite. We must revamp Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST), Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Tema Shipyard and Dry Dock and the many other strategic industries that serve as extra pillars for our economy,” he said.

To this end, he has tasked the Minister of Trade and Industry to request that the Export Development and Agriculture Development Fund be extended to assist local investors who will in turn increase their production of consumables such as poultry, rice, tomatoes, vegetable oil and fish. He noted that the financing for the construction of a new sugar processing plant in Komenda had been finalized and discussions are in place with a private investor for the construction of another sugar processing plant in Savelugu in the Northern Region to reduce the importation of sugar.

Ghana’s President John Mahama is urging Ghanaians to buy home-produced commodities

“I have tasked the minister to speak with operators of flour mills and introduce incentives for the production of composite flour that incorporate more of local flour from products such as cassava, maize and sorghum as was done in the brewery industry,” he added.

President Mahama said a joint venture agreement between TOR and Petrol Saudi was being finalized to revamp the operation of the oil refinery to reduce the huge amount of foreign exchange spent on the importation of finished petroleum products.

Made in Ghana campaign

President Mahama stressed the need to encourage the production and patronage of made in Ghana goods to reduce expenditure on the importation of goods and services. According to him, he has tasked the COCOBOD to enter into a strategic partnership to produce jute sacks in Ghana by importing the jute fibre and sewing of the

jute sacks locally.

“When this is achieved, COCOBOD will be required to halt the importation of jute sacks for cocoa and buy all its sacks locally,” he said.

He further noted that he has requested the board and management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to encourage the local manufacture of electrical products such as cable, transformers and meters by purchasing from local producers who meet their quality standard “Mr. Speaker, we will this year launch a broad campaign to encourage Ghanaians to buy made in Ghana goods. Any import items we buy as Ghanaians constitute an export of jobs in this country, especially in respect of the items for which we have comparative advantage to produce,” he noted.

Indian business angels to make first UK investment The Indian Angel Network (IAN) is Asia’s largest angel network of over 250 investors comprising a who’s who of successful entrepreneurs and CEOs, spread across 10 countries.

The successful London-based company, SwiftShift, has invented a software solution that allows companies to quickly fill short notice shifts using their own staff through SMS, email, and mobile technology.

In November the Prime Minister met the IAN Network in India where they agreed to set up a UK base to invest in British startups.

Minister for Government Policy Oliver Letwin said: “The UK consistently ranks in the top three places for global investors due, in part, to the dynamism and innovation of our start-up companies.

“There is a wealth of British talent and 8

potential that needs the right investment and bringing the Indian Angel Network to this country forms part of our efforts to ease access to finance for start ups and attract foreign capital.

“I am thrilled that they are set to make their first investment and hope that this will be the first of many.”

Indian firms are now the 5th largest investors in the UK and more than 50% of Indian investment into Europe goes to the UK. Today’s announcement was facilitated by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) as part of its strategy to target investment from highgrowth markets such as India and China.

Saurabh Srivastava, co-founder of IAN, who is leading the initiative said: “We are thankful to the UK government for their support and are excited about supporting innovative UK startups, going global, fostering UK India collaboration in the early stage arena and driving economic growth in the region.

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Jonathan condemns slaying of sleeping students

A Boko Haram raid on a boarding school in north-east Nigeria has left 59 students dead, according to security forces.

The Buni Yadi government college in Yobe state was set alight on Tuesday evening while students slept in dormitories. Students who managed to escape the inferno were shot in the back as they fled. The initial death toll of 29 rose when bodies burnt to ashes were found amongst the charred and crumbling ruins of the 24 destroyed buildings. Others were found in nearby bushes, having succumbed to gunshot wounds.

According to initial news reports, the dead were all male students, while girls at the school were sent away with messages to their families advising them to give up on educating their girl children and prepare them for marriage instead.

President Goodluck Jonathan called the attack “callous and senseless murder (…) by deranged terrorists and fanatics who have clearly lost all human morality and descended to bestiality”.

Militants from Boko Haram, an Islamist group whose name means “western education is sinful” in the northern Hausa language, have frequently attacked schools in the past. A similar attack in June in the nearby village of Mamudo left 22 students dead. More than 300 people, mostly civilians, have perished at the ruthless group’s hands in February alone.

The military’s failure to protect civilians is causing unrest in Nigeria’s north-east, the region worst affected by the four-and-ahalf-year insurgency. An offensive ordered

by President Jonathan in May has not succeeded in crushing the rebels and has provoked reprisals against civilians.

Centenary: African leaders commend Nigeria’s leadership role African leaders on Thursday in Abuja, commended Nigeria’s role in providing leadership for the African continent as the country marked its 100 years of existence.

The leaders, who spoke at the Nigeria’s centenary lecture titled ``Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for 21st Century in Africa’’, were unanimous in their commendation for Nigeria.

President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, said: ``We salute the tenacity, the solidarity and commitment to peace that Nigeria has demonstrated in the peacekeeping operations. ``We will continue to partner with Nigeria because we believe that Nigeria will overcome any challenge that she faces currently. ``We support the effort of the government in striving to put to an end to the insurgency in some parts of this country,” he said.

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, said that Nigeria had invested human, financial and material resources to bind the continent together.

Jammeh, who earned a standing ovation for his eulogy of Nigeria’s qualities, opportunities and continued leadership role, said Nigeria held the key to the continued relevance of the continent on the global map.

He noted the challenges that the country had survived in the last 100 years and said Nigeria had better opportunities as one united entity.

In her goodwill message, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, particularly commended Nigeria’s role in restoring peace, security and enthroning democracy in her country.

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia in Abuja

President Joyce Banda of Malawi was also full of praises for Nigeria for its commitment to peace, security and the development of the continent.

Banda, who joined her Liberian counterpart to condemn the recent Boko Haram attack on students, expressed confidence in the ability of Nigeria to realise its greatness in spite of the security challenges.

In his goodwill message, the President of Arab Sahawari Democratic Republc, Mohammed Abdelaziz, congratulated Nigeria for surviving 100 years of nationhood.

Abdelaziz, whose country’s independence day celebration was today, had marked the day on Wednesday to enable him to attend Nigeria’s centenary celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the African leaders and their Western counterparts were unanimous in their condemnation of the recent killing of students in Yobe and pledged their continued friendship and solidarity with Nigeria.

Authorities say it may prove impossible to positively identify bodies

Nigeria: Centenary - FG Honours Queen, Lord Lugard, Macaulay, MKO, 95 Others AS part of activities for Nigeria’s centenary celebrations, the Presidential Committee on the centenary, released the names of 100 recipients for the Centenary Honours Award in 14 categories.

The categories are listed as: Contributors to the making of Nigeria; Heroes of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence/ pioneer political leaders; pioneers in professional callings/careers; pioneers in commerce and industry; promoters of democratic transition in nigeria; heroes in global sports competitions; heroes in global sports competitions; Accomplished contemporary entrepreneurs; distinguished academics; internationally acclaimed artists, literary icons and journalists; outstanding contemporary public servants; outstanding bravery and public spiritedness, outstanding promoters of unity, patriotism and national development; exemplary service in the promotion of peace and moral excellence.

In the first category, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Frederick John Dealtry Lugard and Dame Flora Louise Shaw, Lady Lugard were honoured as contributors to the making of Nigeria while Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay, Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Ahmadu Bello, were named as heroes of the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and pioneer political leaders.

Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, and General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, are being honoured as promoters of democratic transition in Nigeria.

Late Chief Gani Fahehinmi was honoured for his outstanding bravery and

Queen Elizabeth congratulates Nigeria

public spiritedness while General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, General Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo, General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Sani Abacha, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, will be honoured as outstanding promoters of unity, patriotism and national development.

In the category of Internationally acclaimed artists, literary icons and journalists Michael Taiwo Akinkumi, the recipients are Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Chinua Achebe, Prof John Pepper Clark, Cyprian Ekwensi, Alhaji Abubakar Imam, Daniel O. Fagunwa, Ernest Sesei Ikoli, Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose, Kenneth Nnebue, Patience Ozokwor, Alhaji (Dr) Mamman Shata Katsina, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Stephen Osita Osadebe, Ben Enwonwu, and Oludotun Jacobs.

In the category of accomplished pioneer public servants, the recipients are; Chief Stanley Olabode Wey, Justice Egbert Udo Udoma, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola.

9

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Revamping Of Education Sector Has No Religious Motive, Aregbesola Insists AFTER enduring decades of poor and decrepit classrooms and the general lack of sundry appurtenances in their school, pupils of Baptist Elementary School, Ile-Ife and members of Ilare Community recently thronged the premises of the school to witness the commissioning of the once decrepit structure, now an ultra-modern facility courtesy of the Osun state government.

Governor Aregbesola Commissions Baptist Central Elementary School,Ile Ife.

now because they are provided with almost everything that they need to enjoy learning and securing their future. The quality and quantity of teachers have been assured; parents have also been relieved of the burden of paying for a thousand and one things for their children’s education and children have not had it so good in Nigeria since independence. They should therefore guard what they have been given on a platter of gold jealously,” he stated.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in his remarks stated that by design and purpose, the new school buildings are not for Muslims or Christians neither are they for adherents of any other religion. His word: “They (school buildings) are for all children of Osun, regardless of their circumstances of birth. This I expect should be the basis upon which government should be engaged and encouraged. The education of our children should not be a subject for petty squabbles or unhealthy politics about our narrow interests. Indeed, if we are genuinely interested in the future of our children, we should bury our narrow concerns of today in order to assure for them a glorious tomorrow.”

According to the governor, preparing children for the future is a responsibility that must be fulfilled by all. “It is one for which we will never be forgiven if we fail in its fulfillment. The world around us

is moving on and at a pace that leaves no room for lack of seriousness or half-measures, especially with regard to education.”

Aregbesola, who asserted that the world has been changed radically by technology in the last 20 years hence, “woe betide a nation or a people that is not prepared for this change.

“This is why we remain unflinchingly focused on giving the best education to our children in a most conducive learning environment. Since we began the journey a little over three years ago, we have recorded significant achievements that give us the courage to press on,” he added.

On the progress made so far in the education sector, he said that the state has added 10,407 new teachers to the list of public school teaching staff, thereby taking the total 12,715 teachers in primary schools and 7,848 teachers in secondary schools in the state.

According to him, this amounts to a 54.8 per cent increase in the number of public school teachers inherited, in addition to the same non-teaching staff, whose number has also increased by 564. Also, he noted that the salaries and pensions of primary and secondary school teachers now costs the government N16.8b and N10.3b respectively on an annual basis. Source: The Guardian Nigeria.

Photo: Taofeeq Adejare

The newly transformed school, now also plays host to Anglican Central School A&B; St John’s School A&B; Local Authority Elementary School as well as the host school.

Part of the structures that make up the new school include 25 classrooms, offices for two head teachers, two staff rooms, one facility manager’s office, a multipurpose hall, food court, library, sickbay, 12 toilets for pupils, four toilets for teachers,

recreational zone and a security house. And from an initial total enrollment of 162, the school now accommodates about 1000 pupils.

Established in 1925 by the Ilare First Baptist Church, the school was taken over by the government in 1975 and has since suffered series of setbacks. Its infrastructure had decayed while quality of teachers remained poor. Eighty-year-old, Pa Amiel Fagbulu, who was part of the arrangement when the government took over schools in 1975 through a decree said: “Anyone who knows what it means for a child to be seated and learning in a pleasant environment cannot but rejoice with those state governments that are bending backwards to provide first-class physical facilities for the children to learn in.”

He further described as heroic and great commitment, any government’s decision to take up the challenge of putting up many purpose-built learning institutions across a state as large as Osun, and at the same time provide food, uniform and instructional materials.

“These children have no reason to yell

10

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Africa Newsround

Sierra Leone

Largest diamond in a decade unearthed Largest diamond in a decade unearthed A diamond worth $6.2 million has been uncovered in Sierra Leone’s eastern Kono district.

The 153 carat stone is appreciably larger than the 125 carat diamond unearthed in the same region last year and the most valuable find in Sierra Leone for more than a decade, according to the staterun National Minerals Agency (NMA).

The latest find was graded as D+ on the D-to-Z diamond colour scale, meaning that it has almost no yellow tint caused by nitrogen impurities,. The NMA says it “could only be matched or surpassed by fancy diamonds such as blue or pink in terms of price”.

“The diamond is a cleavage in terms of shape and the clarity is of very high quality,” a statement added.

“In other words, this is a premium stone as a result of its colour and clarity, and

had it been an octahedron-shaped stone, it could have almost doubled the price of $6 million.”

Sierra Leone remains one of the world’s poorest countries after a brutal 11-year civil war which ended in 2002 - a conflict that left the world with images of feared rebel leaders armed from the sale of “blood diamonds” recruiting drugged-up child soldiers and hacking the limbs off thousands of civilians. But the country’s mineral riches - which include gold, bauxite, titanium ore and magnetite ironore, as well as diamonds - have attracted massive investments.

Small-scale artisanal mining has sustained the country’s eastern region since diamonds were discovered in 1930, and it was here in Koidu that the 968.9-carat Star of Sierra Leone - the largest alluvial diamond ever found - was mined on Valentine’s Day in 1972.

Sierra Leone’s Koidu diamond mine, where the largest alluvial diamond yet was discovered in 1972

Tunisia

Egypt

New PM swiftly installed in Cairo

Libyan hero feared dead in plane crash

Egypt’s interim president, Adly Mansour, has named Ibrahim Mahlab as the country’s next prime minister. The former construction magnate takes over for Hazem el-Bablaw, who resigned earlier this week.

Mahlab, who led the country’s largest construction company for more than a decade, told reporters that the cabinet members he promised would be named within three to four days will be “holy warriors” in the service of the Egyptian people.

“We will work on restoring security and defeating terrorism,” Mahlab said at a press conference in Cairo. “Continuing [Egypt’s transitional] roadmap is the top priority of this government.”

Prior to the 2011 revolution that toppled dictator Hosni Mubarak, Mahlab, the outgoing housing minister, was a senior member of the then-ruling National Democratic Party.

The resignation of el-Bablaw and the rest of Egypt’s military-backed government on Monday was seen as paving the way for the country’s former Defence Minister Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah elSissi to run for president. In order to be eligible for the presidency, Sissi had to step down from his ministry post.

Sissi orchestrated the military coup that toppled former President Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, last July. Since then, he has

Investigators pore over the wreckage of the stricken Libyan Antonov 26

A flight carrying patients for medical treatment has crashed in Tunisia killing 11 Libyans, thought to include Miftah Daoudi, a founder of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group that helped to overthrow the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi, according to Libyan security officials.

Ibrahim Mahlab at this week’s press conference in Cairo gained widespread support in the country, been lavished with media praise and is widely expected to become president in elections slated for April under a new constitution

Daoudi, who held a position in the Ministry of Martyrs and the Wounded in one of Libya’s transitional governments, had been travelling from Tripoli to Tunis for medical treatment when the plane crashed.

Daoudi had spent more than a decade behind bars in the notorious Abu Selim prison before winning freedom on the eve of Libya’s civil war.

Defence spokesman Tawfik Rahmouni told Tunisia’s state news agency that the crew contacted Tunis-Carthage airport to report that one of the plane’s engines had caught fire, then communication was lost.

The plane crashed in flames at 1:45 a.m. in Grombalia, a sparsely inhabited farming region 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Tunis, the capital. Army units and civil protection services extinguished the fire and extracted bodies.

Monji el-Kadhi, the Tunisian civil defence spokesman, confirmed 11 people were aboard the Russian-built Antonov 26, a twin-engined turboprop aircraft, which started its journey at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport. Officials could not confirm the age of the aircraft, but records indicate the last aircraft of that model was built in 1985.

Libyan Transportation Minister Abdelkader Mohammed Ahmed told journalists in Tripoli the plane had four crew members and seven passengers, among them a doctor, a nurse and two people seeking medical treatment in Tunis.

Amateur video showed images of the charred ruins of the aircraft with its tail bearing Libyan colours.

11

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

African choices in a

Mr. President. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests: I am honoured to represent the British Government today and to bring with me warm congratulations and best wishes from Her Majesty the Queen, on Nigeria’s 100th birthday.

It is a particular privilege to join you all as my Prime Minister’s representative, to celebrate this important day and to strengthen and renew the unique ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

I am honoured, Mr President, to speak today of Nigeria and Africa. I am always struck by Nigeria’s youth and vitality. I believe strongly that your country, and the countries represented here today, should be viewed through the lens of promise and ambition. I want to take this opportunity to focus on the great future ahead of Nigeria A cross-section of Presidents and Heads of government at the Centenary conference in Abuja and its African counterparts face.

It is a future that is closely linked to the three is African. flourish. While some African governments made over the last 100 years, then ultimateachievement of prosperity, stability and deThey could witness extraordinary social, are helping their countries to take off, othly, African leaders – you here today – must mocracy. And I believe that, as is the case political, and economic shifts, boosting this ers are yet to make a clear choice between make the right choices. in Europe, it is the choices African leaders continent’s global role as never before. building open governments, institutions It is no exaggeration that the leaders here make in these three areas that will deterBut, they could also suffer from the imand economies, or putting up barriers, optoday hold in their hands the fate of possimine Africa’s future. pacts of climate change and witness unpressing minorities and ruling through fear bly 1 billion people and their prosperity.

Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Sir Abubaprecedented competition, at every level, and violence. I have no doubt about which I have been privileged to see the ancient kar Tafawa Balewa, said on Independence and perhaps unsustainable demands on choice Africans expect of their governmosques of Timbuktu and to sit on the Day in 1960 that Nigeria’s relations with Africa’s resources and environment. They ments. shores of Lake Kivu. I have been from Adthe UK were “always as friends.” That is will need productive jobs and will want a In 1914, as Nigeria was being born, Eudis to Abidjan; from Cape Town to Kharas true now as 54 years ago. political, economic and social voice. Manrope stood on the verge of tearing itself toum. I’ve seen the mosaic of nations, culOur relationship is rooted in our joint hisaging these challenges will test the leaderapart. Europe’s future was uncertain. Its tures and histories that make up Africa’s tory; in the large and important Nigerian ship and vision of all those here today. path towards democracy, prosperity and richness. community in the UK; the deep and exI believe we share a vision that we want stability unclear. It was the choices EuroAfrica’s variety defies easy categorisapanding trade relationship; and our countto see realised in our lifetime. It is the vipean leaders made that have brought Eution. But I believe there may be a guiding less educational, sporting and cultural consion of independent, thriving and dynamic ropean countries to where they are today. narrative that will critical to Africa’s emernections.

African countries, overcoming poverty, Many of those choices brought success. gence: three areas in which the success of So it is exciting to recognize, as we stand famine and conflict.

But, as we sadly know, some of the choices African governments will not be judged at the dawn of a new century for Nigeria, It is the vision of African families raised brought terror and devastation to millions. by rhetoric, but by outcomes. They are dethat the future brings with it extraordinary without disease; economies managed efIf African nations are to avoid in the next mocracy, prosperity and security. possibilities for your country, and for many fectively, linked to open markets and century the mistakes European nations African nations. providing jobs. It is the vision of African In 1914, the amalgamation of the Northstates governed with the consent and parern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos, ticipation of their peoples and fundamental brought together peoples, territory and rerights protected for everyone, regardless of sources that had never before considered your gender, ethnicity, belief, disability or themselves as having mutual interests. That sexuality. brought challenges- and perhaps still does.

Whether it is in the tech hubs of Lagos But Nigeria’s diversity has brought the and Nairobi or the scientific innovation in Country strength, resilience and a multiSouth Africa, energy and ambition can be tude of talent. It has growing international found everywhere in Africa. This is why influence as a peacekeeper, as a leader in the United Kingdom is positive about the the African Union and on the UN Security bright future for many African nations.

Council. The Country has become the drivThis is thanks in large part to the achieveing economic and political force of its rements that many African governments Damilola Adegbite gion. have made, over the last decade, in lifting A child born in 1914 in Nigeria, joined millions of people out of poverty and cona population of just 17 and a half million flict. I would like to put on the record my people. Now, the population is 10 times admiration for this achievement. that figure.

These achievements have brought AfriIn Nigeria today, more than 18,000 chilcan countries a long way. But if the vision dren will be born. In their lives, they could that I have set out and which I believe we see Africa’s population quadruple; its GDP share is to be truly realised, African govtriple; a world where one child in every President Goodluck Jonathan (r), welcoming President Joyce Banda of Malawi to the ernments must now allow their countries to 12

centenary conference

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 6 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

new Nigerian century

The first choice is on democracy: African nations will need to direct themselves with determination towards democracy. This is a call from Africans themselves, who – with a smart-phone in their hand and twitter at their fingertips – want to shape and define their future; choose committed leaders and hold them accountable.

By virtue of her scale and energy, Nigeria could lead the way. Next February’s elections will be a vital milestone - Nigeria’s fifth consecutive Presidential election under civilian rule. Mr President, you have committed yourself to ensuring that the elections are free and fair. I am confident Nigerians will accept nothing less. And in doing so, you and your government could be a role model for many other African governments.

Secondly, thanks to the rising African middle class, strong growth rates, and increasing stability, African economies are on the verge of take off. But, to get the wheels off the ground, African economies will need to choose to couple transparent, capable and visionary economic management with investments in infrastructure, education and energy.

At the same time, the journey towards sustainable prosperity can only be fuelled through African governments taking strides to unlock barriers to markets; reducing the cost of doing business; and stamping out corruption.

Here, once again Nigeria is critical to success in the region and beyond. Non-oil growth is still 6%. But there’s potential for much more: genuinely transformational growth, especially if privatisation underway in the power sector delivers what it promises.

But democracies do not flourish nor do economies grow in the midst of instability.

So the final area I want to highlight – for Nigeria and elsewhere - is the imperative of providing security for all citizens. Any government has the right, and indeed the obligation to defend its territory and people from terrorism. As it does so, it also has a duty to be the protector of its citizens and their universal and inalienable human rights.

The defence of Africa’s people, and the proportionate use of legal force, are mutually reinforcing. The UK will partner African governments in seeking the eradication of violent extremism. But if we ignore the values that we want our own children to benefit from, we will act as a recruiter for the likes of Boko Haram and Al Shabaab. We must not forget what it is that we defend.

The UK will continue to work with you all on African issues in the UN Security Council. We are partners in the Commonwealth, which African countries continue to join.

We want to see a strong, ambitious African Union. We are opening Embassies and

Centenary conference

High Commissions across Africa, building linkages and strengthening our understanding. And we are expanding our network of trade and investment experts throughout African countries.

UK Aid has been transformative for many African countries, tackling the roots of poverty and conflict and building the foundations for countries that can flourish.

Our commitment to working in partnership on development – as here in Nigeria – remains. It is right that my government made a brave decision in 2010, in spite of the UK’s serious economic challenges, not to balance our books on the backs of Africa’s poor.

We are one of Africa’s largest traders.

Indeed, in Nigeria we remain the largest investor, and are making strides to meet our ambition to double bilateral trade here, from £4 billion in 2011 to £8 billion this year.

As one of the world’s largest exporters and with our global leadership in educa-

tion; logistics; retailing; creative industries; hydrocarbons; agriculture; banking; renewable energy; pharmaceuticals; financial services; extractives; research and development; and with businesses that pride themselves on sound ethical governance, the UK has much to offer Africa’s emerging economies.

Some will say we are doing these things out of self-interest. Let’s be clear. It is in the UK interest to promote democracy, stability and prosperity. But it is also in Africa’s interest too. And it’s an indicator of Africa’s importance in the 21st Century that the UK, and many other nations, seeks to build and sustain the partnerships that will take African countries well into the next century.

I want to see Africa, Africans and African nations succeed. There is a bright future for this continent; fuelled by its energy, entrepreneurship and ambition. As Nigeria has shown, much has already been achieved.

Yet, the future journey will not be easy, the challenges will be great. But that opportunity that is at the fingertips of so many African people – with their governments’ help – must be seized. It is about making the right choices. It is about bringing true democracy, prosperity and stability to every one of your citizens.

Last year, we saw the parting of one of the World’s greatest leaders: Nelson Mandela. His death has left a challenge to all political leaders – Africa’s included – to meet the aspirations of our people, to demonstrate the same “servant leadership” that Mandela showed us. To choose transparency, to choose reconciliation, to choose partnership and opportunity for all.

So again I wish Nigeria a happy hundredth birthday. And I look forward to the next century of our partnership, and of Nigerian – and African – success.

Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds gave this keynote speech at the Nigerian centenary celebrations.

From left: Governors. Idris Wada of Kogi; Jonah Jang of Plateau; Martin Elechi of Ebonyi and acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar

13

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

CRIME

Bus strangler given eight years Sibusio Majola, 33, the man who strangled a women with a scarf on a bus was found guilty of attempted murder last Friday (19 February) Majola was arrested after CCTV footage of the incident, which took place on a crowded bus, was released.

Police warn of lottery scam Police warn against scams after an elderly man was tricked into believing that he was going to receive half the money on a winning lottery ticket.

The victim was Jaguar to a number of banks in the area where he withdrew a large amount of money. the female suspect then pretended to be ill, and the pair drove off with the money after the victim went to

The incident took place on December 1, 2012, while the victim - a 37-year-old security guard - was travelling to his first day on a new job. When the bus arrived a Cresswell Gardens, SW5, Majola boarded the bus and sat behind the victim.

During the journey Majola said to the victim: “Are you mad?” The victim replied “No.” Whilst doing so he said: “I will kill you.”

A while later Majola removed his black scarf and proceeded to tie it round his victims neck, strangling him.

The victim passed out and then regained

consciousness but the suspect once again leaned over the seat and continued to tighten the scarf around his neck.

The victim eventually managed to release himself and fled from the bus in West Cromwell Road, W14 at 13.51 hrs.

Majola remained on the bus and continued with the rest of his journey. The victim approached two uniformed officers in the street and reported the offence.

After an appeal releasing CCTV footage of the incident, Majola handed himself into a police station on Sunday 23 December.

He was charged with attempted muder later that day.

Investigating officer Thomas Norman of Notting Hill police said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack on a man who was travelling to work some distance away from where he lives in order to financially support his family.”

Majola will be imprisioned for eight years

Waterloo bridge drive-by

On February 21st at around 8:00 PM police were called to Waterloo Bridge after reports of shooting.

A black for Focus, which was traelling southbound, is believed to have been targeted by someone on a motorcycle.

A 22 yo male was taken to hospital with

head injuries and was released soon after.

Three men aged between 22 and 24 have been arrested on the suspicion of firearms offences and have since been bailed pending further enquiries It is thought that the shots were fired at the Kingsway/Aldwych Junction and detectives are appealing for any witnesses that were in the are at the time.

Intoxicated driver jailed over death of mother A man who was drunk and on cocaine when he crashed and killed a mother-of-two in Purley has been jailed for five years and seven months.

The Hounslow resident was approached by the female suspect who spoke in broken English and then produced a piece of paper with an address on it. She quickly became distressed before the male suspect approached them.

The woman - who claimed to be an illegal immigrant - stated that she needed to speak with a solicitor in order to collect a jackpot prize.

The male suspect claimed he was a bank manager and offered to buy the winning ticket. He coerced the 70-year-old male victim to assist with payment while offering to split the prize.

14

seek help at a local pharmacy the pair.

DCI Sarah Pearce from Hounslow CID, said: “This is a tried and tested scam which has been used many times before across London and further afield.

“I would like to remind the public to be vigilant to this type of hoax and especially of strangers purporting to have won the lottery. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

“If you are approached by these people do not engage with them, walk away and contact the police immediately.”

Thomas Joseph Lee, 26, of Money Road, Caterham, was driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone on 16 February 2013 when he lost control of his Citroen Saxo in Godstone Road, near the junction with Little Roke Road.

The car spun, mounted the pavement and struck pedestrian Kremena Mersinkova, 40, who died at the scene. The car finally came to a stop in the rear garden of a house.

A post-mortem examination held on Tuesday, 19 February at Croydon Mortuary gave cause of death as multiple injuries.

Her husband, Plamen Mersinkov was also injured, suffering a dislocated shoulder and cuts and bruises. He was taken to St George’s Hospital and was later discharged.

In court he said: “None of these injuries caused me as much pain as I felt when I was searching for my wife who had been thrown into the next garden.

At the time I prayed to God to save my wife but I knew she was dead. Kremena was the flame of the family. Nothing is the same as before.”

The three occupants of the car - two men and a woman - were all taken to St George’s Hospital for treatment. All were later discharged and the driver, Lee, was arrested.

He was subsequently charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

A urine test showed that he was over the drink drive limit and had been taking cocaine and mephedrone.

Lee pleaded guilty and during his sentencing yesterday, 27 February, at Croydon Crown Court he was also disqualified from driving for five years with an extended retest at the end of this period.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mick Woollard of the Metropolitan Police’s Road Death Investigation Unit, said: “This is a tragic loss of a wife and mother of two daughters.

“Lee took drink and drugs before driving a motor vehicle. I’m sure he regrets his actions and is remorseful but there is a clear message here that driving under the influence can kill people.”

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Sounds of Diaspora People of America Luda blames co-stars death for money woes

Ludacris alongside Paul Walker in 2 Fast 2 Furious Rapper Ludacris is citing delays in the to embark upon a custody battle for his 12release of new action movie sequel Fast year-old daughter with her mother Tamika and the Furious 7 as a reason to reduce Fuller. Luda, who claims he is a “fit and his child support payments. capable parent”, wants full custody. His leLuda was to appear in the film alongside gal documents say he has been “an active Paul Walker, whose untimely death in a father” in the child’s life. high speed car accident caused filming to Paul Walker passed away in a tragic accibe postponed for scenes to be rewritten. dent on Nov 30 in 2013 when his car burst He told a judge that he would be unable to into flames after hitting a pole while bepay the amount for his 2-month-old baby ing driven by his friend Rogar Rodas, who daughter Cai since he was counting on also died. Ludacris plays Tej Parker origithe film to start so that he could pay. Luda nally in the movie “2 Fast 2 Furious” and explained that Walker’s death caused prohas reprised the role in each movie since duction delays and subsequently, an “un‘Fast Five’. It is still unclear whether the foreseen, unavoidable and untimely dip” movie, which will reportedly be released in the state of his liquid assets. in cinemas in 2015, will see Walker’s charIt is also reported that the rapper is about acter live or die.

No lack of support for Growin’ Kim

A very pregnant Lil Kim at New York Fashion Week Brooklyn rapper/producer Lil’ Kim has friends by her side to help support her during her pregnancy, which she announced on February 12 at an New York City event.

“I’ve been helping her with everything -anything that she needs I’m there. I go with her to the doctor’s appointments, the ultrasounds,” the entertainer’s best friend of 20 years Jennifer Dalton told Us Weekly. “If she has cravings, we go get it for her -- certain things that she just wants and needs, I’ll help her go get it.” Among those cravings, Dalton says, are veggie pizza, steak, fruits, and veggies.

Dalton, who appeared on last season of Real Housewives of New Jersey, is also helping her bestie collect ideas for “a sick

She froze me out, claims Minaj wig man

Nicki Minaj is readily identifiable by her trademark hair designs

A man who claims he is at least partially responsible for Nicki Minaj’s fame is suing her for $30m after she allegedly shut him out of lucrative commercial deals.

Hair stylist Terence Davidson, who created Nicki Minaj’s wigs until the pair fell out in 2013, says the flamboyant star is cashing in on his designs by selling them online as her own line of hairpieces and

novelty items. Davidson says he and Minaj had discussed selling his designs as a joint business venture. He also claims he turned down a reality TV deal based on a promise from Minaj’s representative that another show about his professional relationship with the Trinidad-born rapper.

Davidson says that instead of collaborating with him on the promised business deals, Minaj and her team “took active steps to avoid [him] and preclude [him] from the notoriety [he] deserved for [his] wig designs.”

Among the most remembered looks Davidson says he created for the diminutive star were the Pink Upper Bun Wig, the Fox Fur Wig, the Pink High Top Wig and the Super Bass Wig. Davidson’s lawyer, Christopher Chestnut, said his client’s wigs “significantly contributed” to Minaj’s unsurpassed notoriety and helped her rise to fame. He said the star “took a number of [Davidson’s] popular wig designs, without his consent, and used them to start her own wig line”, resulting in at least $30m in losses.

“Her lawyers may complicate it, but we don’t need to get into intellectual property law. This is basic American morality.

Nicki Minaj lied to this man and cheated him,” he said.

Neither Minaj nor her representatives would comment on the action.

nursery” and has the job of making sure the pregnant entertainer can sleep comfortably.

“I have to give her all these pillows. She tucks herself in between them... She has two behind her head, one by her chest, one between her legs, two on her back –- she’s just cuddled in between pillows. All you see is little Lil’ Kim in the foetal position with pillows everywhere. It’s very cute!”

And for those doubting the “Lighters Up” performer’s mommy abilities, Dalton shuts them down. “She is very, very good with kids. She loves kids! And she’s such a great godmother. She’s my daughter’s godmother; she has three godkids. That’s how great of a godmother she is -- everybody wants her!”

“She’s always wanted to have a child,” Dalton explained of the rapper, who will not be finding out the baby’s gender ahead of time.

“But because she’s been so busy working and with her career, it’s never been the right time and now -- she’s like, I want a child, this is my time, I’m going to have this child, I’m going to be a great mother, and I’m going to have a great career after my child.”

Lil’ Kim will have her friend through the end of her pregnancy. “[Kim] says we’ll probably do Lamaze class around 8 months.

She says she has like five midwives, and I’m one of the midwives,” Dalton laughs. “I’m going to be in there with her when she gives birth! She has a lot of good people around her, but there is only one person allowed in the room with her and that’s me! I’ll fight tooth and nail for that!”

15

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Gospel

YOU ARE ORIGINAL, UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT

“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.

By Michael Adekoya Dear 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 half-nakedness just to be accepted in the society.

My friend, is this message speaking to you? Maybe, it is 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 re-create 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 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.

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

16

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

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 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 na-

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

tion, 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.

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!

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

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

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister seals China exchange deal China and Trinidad and Tobago have pledged to enhance cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction, security, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The pledge came out of talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who is the first female prime minister of the country.

Speaking highly of the cooperation the two countries carried out during the 40 years since the establishment of ties, Li said China will work with Trinidad and Tobago to beef up exchanges, consolidate mutual trust, and deepen cooperation to lift the bilateral relations to a new high. He called on the two sides to expand their infrastructure construction cooperation to include large operational projects such as ports and industrial park, as well as projects related to people’s livelihood, such as hospitals.

He urged the two countries to increase direct trade in natural gas, build up a longterm and stable cooperative partnership, and jointly produce high value-added new energy products.

With regard to security work, Li said the Chinese government supports Chinese companies to join the construction of a national emergency command centre for Trinidad and Tobago. China also wants to cooperate with the Caribbean country in shipbuilding, for equipment made by China has a good international reputation, according to the premier. He also called for more exchanges between the two countries in culture, health, sports and tourism.

Persad-Bissessar echoed Li, saying Trinidad and Tobago is grateful for China’s assistance in its social and economic development. The country wants to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, energy and tourism, and enhance coordination in international and regional affairs. Li also hailed the role of Trinidad and Tobago

China

as the biggest economy among Englishspeaking Caribbean countries, and eyed further progress in overall cooperation between China and the region.

He said China is ready to make joint efforts with Caribbean countries, using the China-Latin America cooperation mechanism to develop their political and economic engagement.

Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago will play a positive role to deepen the relationship between China, Caribbean and Latin American countries, and promote their common development.

After the talks, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation deals that cover areas ranging from energy, health, and sports to aviation. Persad-Bissessar was invited by Li to pay this official visit from Feb. 24 to 28. This is also her first China visit. China’s top political advisor, Yu Zhengsheng, also met with the Trinidad and Tobago prime minister.

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

USA

China blanks US ‘Tibet envoy’ YouTube petitioned to axe ‘blasphemous’ music vid In what is probably a carefully crafted ploy to grab attention to her latest single, singer Katy Perry has raised the hackles of Muslims by appearing to destroy a symbol of Allah in the promotional video for ‘Dark Horse’.

Beijing has vowed never to recognise the appointment of a special US coordinator for Tibetan issues.

US President Barack Obama held lowkey talks with the Dalai Lama last week, prompting warnings from China that the meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader would damage ties.

Washington urged the Chinese government to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without pre-conditions as a means of reducing tensions. US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had named one of his officials, Sarah Sewall, as a special coordinator for Tibetan issues.

“The Chinese government resolutely opposes any foreign country using the so-

called Tibet problem to interfere in China’s internal affairs,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing.

“China has never and will never recognise the US’ so-called special envoy for the Tibet problem.”

China calls the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after a failed uprising in 1959, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” who seeks to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet.

The Dalai Lama denies advocating violence, saying he wants only genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Chinese troops took control of Tibet in 1950, with Beijing saying it peacefully liberated the remote region.

Three months ago, the former wife of controversial comedian and activist Russell Brand was in hot water for her Geisha-themed performance at the American Music Awards, with critics blasting its cultural appropriation and propagation of Asian stereotypes.

In her Dark Horse video, one of her fictional victims is wearing a pendant that forms the word “Allah,” the Arabic word for God, when he is killed. The necklace is also destroyed, and now more than 44,000 people have signed an online petition, asking YouTube to pull the video on grounds of blasphemy. Shazad Iqbal, the UK Muslim who launched the petition, explains: “Such goes to show, that blasphemy is clearly conveyed in the video, since Katy Perry (who appears to be representing an opposition of God) engulfs the believer and the word God in flames.

“This is the reason for lodging the petition so that people from different walks of life, different religions and from different parts of the world, agree that the video promotes blasphemy, using the name of

God in an irrelevant and distasteful manner would be considered inappropriate by any religion.

“We hope that the video itself depicting such images is removed. Such acts are not condoned nor tolerated, we hope YouTube will remove the video.”

According to YouTube’s terms of service, content considered to be a personal viewpoint, including blasphemy and hate speech, is permissible on the site. Even if Perry intended for “Dark Horse” to offend, it’s unlikely to be removed, as YouTube’s grounds for removal include copyright infringement and pornography, and this constitutes neither.

17

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

African Entertainment News Travelmusic artist

Screen Nation Film and TV Awards 2014

In association with

By Milton Tella

The 9th edition of the Screen Nation Film and Television Awards was held on Sunday 23 February 2014 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London.

The event which was hosted by veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba and actress Caroline Chikezie had in attendance were the creme-de-la-creme of the black UK movie and TV industry practitioners mostly based in the UK. WINNERS The Rising Talent Winner: Javone Prince (Phone shop) Young shooting star Winner: Adelayo Adedayo (Some Girl) Diversity in drama production Winner: Run Diversity in factual production Winner: First Among Equals (The laurie cunningham story) Voted for by the public : Independent Spirit film production Winner: Gone Too Far (Destiny Ekaragha) Voted for by the public: Favourite British International Film.

Winner: 12 years A Slave Favourite Nollywood Film Winner: Flower Girl Favourite Female African International Emerging Screen Talent Winner: Lupita Nyongo Voted by the public: Favourite Male Emerging Screen talent Winner: Alex Ekubo Best African Film Winner: Half of A Yellow Sun Outstanding Contribution Bill Duke (recipient) Classic Movie Do The Right Thing Classic International TV Series The Cosby Show Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Governor Godswill Akpabio of Cross River State of Nigeria Edric Connor Inspiration Award Felix Dexter ( Ex comedian) RIP TV Male performance Winner: Idris Elba (Mandela) TV Female Perfomance Winner: Sharon Duncan Brewster (TopBoy) Female Perfomance in Films Winner: Naomie Harris (Mandella) Male Performance in Films Winner: Chiwetel Ejiofor ( 12 years A Slave) Favourite Female TV star Winner: Chizzy Akudolu (Holby city) Favourite Male TV star (Voted for by Public) Winner: Jimmy Akingbola (Holby City) Favourite Black Channel (Voted for by public) Winner: ABN TV Photos: Daniel Sync/ A Otufale/ Joseph

18

Screen Nation Awards founder Charles Thompson, Host: Caroline Chikezie and Ali Baba

Jimmy Akingbola

Obi Emelonye and wife

Alex Ekubo

Collins Archie-Pearce (Middle) with guests

Alex Amosu and a guest

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Entertainment News

Actress Yvonne Hays

Juliet Osodi

Christine Ohuruogu

Actress Yetunde Oduwole

Charles Novia and DJ Abass

Pauline Long

Actress Shavani and a guest

Chizzy Akindolu, Holby City Actress

19

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

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

Reaching UK’s fastest growing Entertainment ethnic markets

Tel: 020 3737 3077 20

www.africanvoiconline.co.uk

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

To advertise call 020 3737 3077 or email info@africanvoice.co.uk

AfricanVoice

SUBSCRIBE

TODAY

£100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR lncluding Paper & Postage

A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OUT EVERY FRIDAY! Name: Full Address: Post Code:

Tel No: I wish to subscribe to AfricanVoice

1 Year:

£100

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £

made payable to: AfricanVoice.

Please invoice me/my company Pls make a cheque of £100 payable to African Voice.

Mail to Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7JN 21

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Eto’o: Chelsea have long-term

Samuel Eto’o

Chelsea are determined to make themselves serial contenders for the Premier League title again under Jose Mourinho, according to striker Samuel Eto’o.

The Blues head out to Turkey for last Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League showdown against Galatasaray still a point clear at the top of the table after a dramatic late win over Everton at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho has continued to stress the need for long-term consistency to regain the Premier League supremacy which his side enjoyed under his last tenure.

Eto’o insists everyone’s focus is the same.

Speaking on the club’s official website, chelseafc.com, he said: “We have never thought that we can’t win the title, but Jose Mourinho came to Chelsea to do big things for the long run which he is trying to do.

“We players believe that it is possible, but at the same time it is not our mission. Right now we are not thinking about other teams or the end of the season, we are just focused on our next game and that is Galatasaray.”

Eto’o joined Chelsea from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala to join up with his old Inter Milan coach once again, and the 32-year-old used social media site Instagram to deny he was set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer. Whatever happens over the final weeks of the campaign, Mourinho will again look to strengthen the Chelsea squad over the summer.

However, speaking to French TV channel Canal Plus, the Blues boss ruled out any pos-

22

Samuel Eto’o has had more shots than the other Chelsea strickers sibility of a swap deal with Paris St Germain involving Edison Cavani and Belgian starlet Eden Hazard. “Eden is our boy. He is the player we want to have for 10 years, and we want to build the team around Eden,” Mourinho said.

“His style of football is what we want.”

Mourinho also played down suggestions Chelsea may look to bring Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, describing it as “Mission Impossible”. The Portuguese coach had been

linked with taking charge at PSG after he left Real Madrid. Mourinho, though, is settled into London life again.

“I am very, very, very happy, I am at a club that represents for me more than a club,” said the 51-year-old. “I have a special relationship with Chelsea and it is a project that I love. I could work in France in the future, why not?

“I did not say no, or yes (to PSG), there was not a true, direct offer. We met, I had the honour of visiting the Emir at his house in Qatar three or four years ago, before he bought the club. We have a respectful relationship, but after Real Madrid, I said to everyone what I wanted to do which was to return to England. I want to stay, I have four years on my contract and after that we will see.”

Chelsea will come face to face with former striker Didier Drogba at the Turk Telekom Arena in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie. Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder was part of Mourinho’s Inter Milan side which won the 2010 European Cup, and revealed he had taken a “crafty” phone call from his former manager ahead of the last 16 showdown.

Speaking in the Turkish media, Sneijder said: “Just two minutes after the draw, the phone rang and it was none other than Jose Mourinho. He asked some crafty questions about team tactics, players, trying to obtain information, but he could not fool me - I have played football for many years and know what is being asked and what to say. We will see how the team plays and if we can beat them.”

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Nigeria unveiled World Cup jersey The Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday 27 February unveiled the new jersey of Nigeria’s National Football Teams, which will also serve as the official Jersey of the Super Eagles at the 20th Fifa World Cup finals taking place in Brazil this summer.

NFF’s Director of Marketing, Mr. Adama Idris, explained the concept of the new design, which will be worn for the first time by the Super Eagles at next week’s international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. General Secretary of NFF, Barrister Musa Amadu said, “There is a uniqueness about the new jersey that Nigerians will love. The design is a top-ofthe-range thing especially for the Fifa World Cup in Brazil,” Super Eagles’ players, goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, midfielder Abdullahi Shehu and striker Ejike Uzoenyi showcased the new wears at the occasion which had the Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi as special guest of honour.

Also in attendance were the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, Chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee

Confederation of African Football (Caf) has designated Kenya as hosts of the 2018 African Nations Championships (Chan).

on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, Chairman of the League Management Company, Hon. Nduka Irabor, PresidentGeneral of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo and a number of prominent football figures.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari had the compliment of Members of his Executive Committee, as well as NFF Management led by General Secretary,

Barrister Musa Amadu. The assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Daniel Amokachi, represented coach Stephen Keshi, who is already in the United States preparatory to next Wednesday’s friendly against Mexico in Atlanta.

The new and refreshing designed jersey is produced by Adidas, the official kit supplier of Nigeria National Teams and the leading kit manufacturers in the world.

Matuidi signs new deal with PSG Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Blaise Matuidi has signed a fresh deal that will keep him at the Parc des Princes until 2018.

The midfielder’s contract was due to expire in the summer, leading to speculation that he could leave for the Premier League, though PSG were always hopeful that the 26-year-old would renew his contract in the French capital and finally persuaded him to sign his contract last week.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Matuidi said: “I was determined to continue the adventure with Paris SaintGermain.

“The club’s limitless ambition is unequalled in Europe. Together, we will continue to dream bigger.”

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi believes a “strong message” has been delivered to European footballs big guns with Matuidi’s new deal.

Kenya to host 2018 Chan competition

“Blaise Matuidi wants to leave his mark on the history of Paris Saint-Germain,” he commented.

“We are sending out a very strong message to France and the rest of Europe by resigning one of France’s very best players. Together, we want to build one of the best clubs in the world.”

Matuidi arrived from Saint-Etienne in July 2011 for a fee of €7.5 million with a wage rise, and it is anticipated that leftback Maxwell will shortly follow suit and extend his deal with the reigning champions.

Despite the January arrival of Yohan Cabaye from Newcastle, the Toulouseborn midfielder has maintained his starting berth in Laurent Blanc’s starting XI, and already has made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Parisian outfit.

PSG recently extended Thiago Motta’s deal, while the futures of Jeremy Menez and Alex, whose contracts expire in June, are in doubt.

Blaise Matuidi

A statement in Caf official website, revealed that Caf executive committee had settled for Kenya after receiving government gurantee from Football Kenya Federation.

The statement read in part, “The Caf Executive Committee has designated Kenya as host of the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan), following receipt of necessary government guarantees and complete dossier including the required infrastructure and security.”

A Caf Special General meeting held on February 21, 2014, in Cairo, made the decision to award Kenya hosting rights for the tournament. President Sam Nyamweya termed the move as a milestone in Kenyan football.

“FKF wishes to tremendously thank the President of Caf, Issa Hayatou, and the entire Caf Executive Committee for bestowing us this honour, only a few days after our successful meeting in Capetown, South Africa, where we presented our bid.

“This is a big milestone in the growth journey of Kenyan football and we are extremely gratified and indeed honoured to have successfully bid for this great showpiece that gives the Kenyan people an opportunity to host the continent of Africa using the great game of football,” Nyamweya told Goal.

Nyamweya continued, “The real work begins now and we call upon all stakeholders and corporate partners to join hands with Kenyans and make the 2018 Chan tournament the best ever in the history of the event.

“A delegation from Caf will be visiting us to begin the process of setting up the administrative and logistical structures to implement the project and we look forward to Kenyans’ unwavering support to this process.”

23

Friday, 28 February – Thursday, 06 March 2014 ISSUE 520

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Eto’o: Chelsea have long-term focus SEE PAGE 22

Nigeria optimistic of Costa Rica success

Nigeria Flamingoes will represent Africa at the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica

By Agency Reporter

Chinwendu Ihezuo already has her name in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup record books, but in an interview with FIFA.com the Nigerian striker admits that she is looking for more.

At the finals in 2012 in Azerbaijan, African footballing superpower Nigeria were paired with Colombia, Canada and the hosts. With just nine minutes to go in their opening game, the west Africans were trailing Canada 1-0 and were staring defeat in the face when the then-15-year-old Chinwendu Ihezuo found the equalising goal.

In the next match, the Flamingoes faced Azerbaijan and Ihezuo ran riot, leading Nigeria to an 11-0 success and scoring a record-breaking five goals in the process. A 3-0 victory against Colombia in their final game saw the west Africans top their group and face France in the quarter-final, which the Europeans won on a penalty shoot-out.

Although Ihezuo played in only four matches, her six goals were enough to see her finish second-top scorer of the tournament behind Korea DPR’s Ri Un-Sim, who scored eight times in six contests. Ihezuo gained some personal glory by picking up the adidas Silver Boot award, which was

handed over to her in a ceremony in Nigeria later in the year, but the 17-year-old forward still feels unfinished business. “I still felt bad that we were knocked out. There was some personal satisfaction though as I was the second highest scorer at the tournament, but as a team we did not achieve what we wanted.”

Nigeria’s run of having competed at the finals of every under-17 (as well as ever under-20) event on the global stage, is set to continue in Costa Rica, and the visit to Central America should afford Ihezuo the opportunity to add to her goal tally, as barring injury or any other unforeseeable incidents, Ihezuo should be in Nigeria’s squad this time around again.

A second bite

As one of the more experienced players in coach Bala Nkiyu’s side, Ihezuo knows that much is expected from her. “I try to help my team-mates with the experience that I have. Having already played at the finals of a World Cup, I know what to expect and it can help the other players in our squad if they know that.”

The Flamingoes, who advanced to the quarter-finals in the last two tournaments after failing to do so the first time they par-

ticipated in 2008, have been drawn against Colombia, Mexico and China PR. Ihezuo admits that she knows very little about Mexico and China PR. “But we played against Colombia the last time. They play very fast football.”

Nigeria qualified for the finals in Costa Rica without playing a single game as their opponents pulled out of the qualifying campaign. The lack of competition is not something that worries the goal-getter.

“It was only one team that we were supposed to play, and they opted out. We have played some friendless and that has helped us a lot.

“Our preparations are going very well.

We are travelling to Portugal for our final preparations, I can say so far so good. People in Nigeria expect us to win the cup, and I think that we are one of the teams that stand a chance.”

for it.”

She later joined Pelican Stars. After her record-breaking exploits in Azerbaijan, Ihezuo continued playing for the Calabarbased club, which has won more championships than any other team in Nigeria, but her life did alter a little bit. “The one thing that changed for me when I come back from Azerbaijan, was that I was much more exposed, people started noticing me.”

Ihezuo, who lives at home with her parents, can count on a huge amount of family support in Costa Rica as she is the youngest of eight children. And if Chinwendu can come back from Costa Rica with a winners’ medal to add to the silver boot award, they will be even prouder of their baby sister than they already are.

Family support

Ihezuo started playing football on the streets of Ajegunle, a district in Lagos, where many top-class footballers like former Super Eagles players Samson Siasia, Taribo West and Emmanuel Amuneke come from.

“I started playing football when I was still a little girl, and I realised that I had a talent

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