African voice newspaper edition 545 by African Voice Newspapers UK

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014 ISSUE 545

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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

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Public Health England Raises Awareness of Dementia

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UK universities put on Ebola alert By Yemi Dipeolu

Universities in the UK have been alerted about potential Ebola outbreaks once school resumes this September, as several thousand students prepare to arrive in the UK from Ebola struck Nigeria.

Universities UK, an umbrella body that represents university vice-chancellors, sent guidance to all universities detailing how to deal with a potential outbreak of viral haemorrhagic fever. The guidelines stated that any student suspected of having Ebola should immediately be put in isolation away from staff and students, and that staff dealing with patients should take precautions by using gloves and disinfectant. The isolation room should have “dedicated en-suite facilities or at least a dedicated commode, the level of staff protection is dependent on the patient’s condition,” the guidelines stated. “Evidence from outbreaks strongly indicates that the main routes of transmission of infection are direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membrane) and indirect contact with environments contaminated with

splashes or droplets of blood or body fluids,” it added, highlighting the fact that while Ebola is highly contagious it cannot be transmitted by air. Last year over 9,000 students arrived from Nigeria, where Ebola is a growing concern, to study in the UK. So far, three people have died from the disease in Nigeria while several other cases have been reported. A spokesperson for Universities UK said: “Universities take the welfare of all their students and staff very seriously. From contact we have had over the past few weeks, we know many are closely monitoring the situation with regard to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and any impact this may have on their institution. “Universities UK has been, and will remain, in close contact with government officials and public health agencies on this issue to ensure we can advise and support our members. We are also working closely with other organisations to ensure the appropriate advice reaches relevant individuals within student services and university administration.”

WHO urges Ebola screening for travelers in affected countries

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Graduate lands job interviews after handing out CVs at Waterloo

A recent graduate who decided to step out from the crowd after applying for over 300 jobs online, may have landed his dream job according to the Daily Mail.

22 year-old Alfred Ajani took to Waterloo Station earlier this week to hand out his CV after traditional methods of job searching all but failed him: “I graduated in May and have been applying for jobs ever since, but it’s very difficult at the moment,” he said. “The only ones that have come up have not really been what I wanted, I’m interested in marketing and advertising.” His determination may have payed off, and after receiving an overwhelming response from potential employers, he recently interviewed for a sales position with sports company THG, in Barcelona: I’ve spoken to THG about a sales position in Barcelona, which would be a brilliant as it is in the area I want to go into and studied. ‘Living abroad would be a great experience too, so it’s something I’m really excited about.’ Statistics show that today’s graduate job market is highly competitive with nearly fifty per cent of recent graduates in nongraduate roles.

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

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

News Black British Business Awards to take place in October By Yemi Dipeolu An award ceremony celebrating the black businesses in the UK will have its inaugural event this October, the first of its kind in the UK.

The BBBAwards, which was founded in 2013 by Melanie Eusebe, a management consultant with over 17 years of experience and Sophie Chandauka, the Head Of Asset Financing at Virgin Money Group and aims to “reflect the outstanding achievements and contributions of black businesses in the UK.” Described on their website as a “vehicle for economic empowerment and partnership”, the awards will have nominations in several categories including Financial Services, Media and Arts and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Prime Minister David Cameron has backed the event and praised the “extraordinary talent” of black Brits: “I’m delighted to back the inaugural Black British Business Awards that will celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution of black business people in the UK. From financial services and technology to retail and manufacturing, the list of extraordinary talent in Britain’s African-Caribbean community goes on and on.

Chair and co-founder of the BBBAwards, Melanie Eusabe

“And while established businessmen and women will be rightly awarded for their outstanding achievements, it seems they’re also acting as great role models too with more and more new black entrepreneurs coming to the fore. “The business skills and entrepreneurial spirit of Britain’s African-Caribbean community gives me great confidence for the future as I know they will play a key role in securing Britain’s economic recovery.” The awards have the backing of several prominent sponsors, including EY, EDF

energy and Virgin Money. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also commended the awards highlighting their importance in a somewhat un-diverse industry: “The importance of these awards cannot be overstated given that two out of every three FTSE 100 companies have an all-white board and will be a welcome addition to getting more diversity in the city.” The ceremony will take place during Black History Month on October 2nd 2014 at Grange City Hotel in London.

Sky reveals new diversity targets By Yemi Dipeolu

Over the past few months, Britain’s leading broadcasters have come under fire for their lack of diversity both in front of and behind the camera. Comedian Lenny Henry criticised the media, suggesting that more needs to be done to increase Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) representation both on and off the screen.

This week, popular broadcaster Sky, who have several entertainment channels to their name, have unveiled plans to improve their levels of diversity in order to better represent ethnic minority groups. Sky’s director of entertainment, Stuart Murphy, revealed that the broadcaster will ensure that 20 per cent of their onscreen and off-screen employees will be ethnic minorities by 2015, including its writers. In addition, one fifth of actors on all of Sky’s new shows will also have BAME backgrounds. This new diversity target, which will exclude Sky news, will is likely to affect over 100 of Sky’s shows across a range of its channels, including Sky Living, Sky 1 and Sky Arts. Through the implementation of this scheme, Sky aims to “create a huge creative bounce”. The decision to increase the number of ethnic minorities to 20 per cent trumps the announcement the BBC made last month

Sky’s director of entertainment Stuart Murphy to ensure that 15 per cent of its employees will be BAMEs ( a reflection of the number of ethnic minorities in the UK), which seeks to make up for years of underrepresentation. “Targets feel necessary after years of training courses and initiatives,” Murphy stated, adding: “Ideally they will serve their purpose and be unnecessary in the long run, though we set them with one goal in mind; to focus all our collective energies on rebalancing the representation that has, despite best efforts, not achieved what we have all hoped to achieve.

Hopefully this is just the start of making that permanent change happen.” Sky will also be introducing a 12-month internship within the company to one ethnic minority as part of its Creative Diversity Programme. Culture Minister Ed Vaizey praised Sky’s proposed targets, saying: “It’s great to see Sky leading the way and ensuring that the diverse society we live in is reflected both in front of and behind the camera. This is a very positive move and I applaud its commitment to bring through new talent from all walks of life.”

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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News

Social media exposes students’ deep-rooted racism By Alan Oakley

Two white South African students have reportedly been evicted from their campus’ halls of residence but are unlikely to face expulsion from the University of Pretoria (UP) after photographs of them in blackface dressed as stereotypical domestics surfaced on Facebook.

The pair put pillows down their skirts and wore headscarves while posing for the photos at a friend’s party. Nicolize Mulder, spokesperson for UP, told reporters the students would be punished for bringing the institution’s name into disrepute but would not comment as to whether they would be forced to leave. The South African Students Congress (Sasco) has accused the university of teaching its youth to disrespect black people. “It is clear to us that the white community, assisted by institutions of white privilege like UP, is teaching white youth to disrespect and poke fun at black suffering,” Sasco president Ntuthuko Makhombothi said, adding: “We have absolutely no confidence in the supposed disciplinary action the university seeks to institute against their precious white students.” Calling the photograph “racist to the extreme”, Makhombothi said: “Black women in our country continue to suffer from triple oppression as black, female and working class. This incident ridicules the situation of black women in our country and reinforces racist stereotypes about our mothers.” Predictably, those who have come out in favour of the students are accusing Sasco of being oversensitive to what was meant as a harmless joke; though they are less than candid about why being a black domestic is funny. Meanwhile in America, a University of Alabama (UA) student was removed from

University of Pretoria students give their black maid fancy dress the thumbs up her sorority this week for sending a racist Snapchat photo bragging that no black women were accepted to her Greek sorority house. The executive headquarters for the Chi Omega Fraternity confirmed on Tuesday the woman who sent the image is no longer a member of the UA chapter. Rumours circulated online that the Snap was Photoshopped; Chi Omega spokeswoman Whitney Plumpton said the image being passed around is “not the original Snapchat image,” although the original did contain the slur used in the altered version. The Snap, captioned “Chi O got “NO niggas!!!!!” over a selfie, was allegedly sent on bid day, which was Saturday (August 16th). The women’s faces are blurred in the photo circulating online. The University of Alabama Greek sys-

tem is under increased scrutiny this year, following the national attention in 2013 when sorority members began going public about how black women were systematically blocked from joining traditionally white houses, largely due to alumnae influence. Eventually, black women did begin joining the sororities, including a handful at Chi Omega. The university hosted its largest sorority rush in history this year, and offered bids to 21 black women, according to the Associated Press. Plumpton reconfirmed on Tuesday that the original image did have the slur included, and refocused attention to the statement the national organisation sent out on Monday, which reads: “What was expressed is absolutely reprehensible and completely inconsistent with Chi Omega’s values and policies. Chi Omega took swift disciplinary action in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures. The woman who took the photo is no longer a member of the chapter.”

THT launches Faith Project to raise awareness of HIV The UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will work closely with African faith groups in the UK to raise awareness of HIV and encourage regular testing to African communities. Through the Faith and Community Project, Terrence Higgins Trust aims to provide faith leaders with the skills and knowledge to support people living with HIV in their communities. The charity will also offer faith groups the opportunity to access rapid HIV testing services. Testing involves a finger prick blood test, providing results within 20 minutes.

According to Public Health England figures, just under 100,000 people were estimated to be living with HIV in the UK by the end of 2012. Around one in five were undiagnosed and unaware of their infection. African communities remain one of the groups most at risk of HIV in the UK, with 1,522 new diagnoses last year. As part of the project Terrence Higgins Trust is also calling for volunteers from African communities to help the team build relationships with African faith and community leaders, and raise awareness of the range of services on offer to African communities. 3

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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News

Anger over ‘racist’ Barbican exhibition Campaigners are urging people to boycott London’s famous Barbican centre ahead of what they have deemed a racist show.

The Exhibition Exhibit B created by white South African artist Brett Bailey “replicates the human zoos” that objectified Africans in the 19th and 20th centuries. It features a still live performance from a black man in a cage as well as a naked black woman with shackles around her neck, While the Barbican Centre’s website insists that the exhibition “sets out to subvert a disturbing phenomenon, turning the notion of exotic spectacle on its head” over 150 people have signed a petition calling for the exhibition to be shut down. Journalist Sara Myers, who started the petition, called condemned the show saying: “It’s outrageous and racist, a real throwback to the days of Sara Baartman when black people were seen as objects not human. Why not stick a white person in a cage and say ‘this is what it feels like to be oppressed and stripped of your dignity?’” “I’ve written to the Barbican and tweeted them but haven’t got a response. We want them to withdraw it and apologise to the black community for even considering this to be art.” Bailey defended his work arguing that it is “about humanity”. He said: “Exhibit B is not a piece about black histories made for white audiences. It is a piece about hu-

manity; about a system of dehumanization that affects everybody within society, regardless of skin colour, ethnic or cultural background, that scours the humanity from the ‘looker’ and the ‘looked at’. A system that emphasizes difference rather than similarity. A system that gave birth to the hegemonic regime of separation in which I grew up, and which continues to haunt the people of my country. The kind of systems we need to guard against.”

The show was also met with outrage in Edinburgh and Europe, however Barbican have refused to shut it down. Toni Racklin, Barbican centers head defended Bailey and stated: “Brett Bailey is a highly regarded, internationally acclaimed South African theatre-maker. We believe in artists’ right to free expression and are proud to be bringing this important work to London.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Domestic abuse is a brutal reality for thousands of victims up and down the UK whose lives are shattered by the people closest to them. In the most tragic cases, it can lead to murder. That is why tackling domestic abuse is one of this government’s top priorities. “The government is clear that abuse is not just physical. Victims who are subjected to a living hell by their partners must have the confidence to come forward. Meanwhile, I want perpetrators to be in no doubt that their cruel and controlling behaviour is criminal. “We will look at the results of this consultation carefully in order to continue providing the best possible protection and support for victims of domestic abuse.” Under existing law, non-violent coercive and controlling behaviour is captured by the legislation that covers stalking and harassment. However, this does not explicitly apply to intimate relationships, and the consultation asks whether the law needs to be strengthened to remove any possible

ambiguity. Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said: “We welcome the Home Office’s proposal to consult on the criminalisation of coercive control and psychological abuse. This is a vital step forward for victims of domestic violence. Two women a week are killed by domestic violence, and in our experience of working with survivors, coercive controlling behaviour is at the heart of the most dangerous abuse. “This move demonstrates a strong commitment from the Home Office to listening to victims of abuse in framing the law that serves them. We are very proud to have been part of that process already, through the Domestic Violence Law Reform Campaign. “We look forward to working closely with the Home Office, the police, and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure this change gives victims greater confidence to speak out sooner, and perpetrators of domestic violence are identified and dealt with more swiftly and effectively.”

“The piece questions how far society has moved on by holding up a mirror to the treatment of groups in contemporary society. The reaction from performers who have taken part has been very positive. We respect people’s right to express their viewpoint but would encourage them to see the work for themselves and come with an open mind.” Plans to demonstrate outside the exhibition are also being put into place.

Consultation launched into criminalisation of domestic abuse Home Secretary Theresa May has launched a consultation to look at strengthening the law by creating a new offence of domestic abuse. This would aim to make it clear that coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships is criminal. A new law could potentially help protect victims of abuse whose partners cause terrible psychological harm by threatening them with violence, cutting them off from friends and family or refusing them access to money in order to limit their freedom. The consultation asks whether the law needs to be strengthened in order to provide better protection to victims of domestic abuse by clarifying the fact that domestic abuse can be emotional and psychological as well as physical. The government already defines domestic abuse as including non-violent behaviour, such as humiliation, intimidation or acts that are used to harm, punish or frighten the victim. 4

The consultation is part of ongoing work by the government to support victims of domestic abuse. It complements major work being undertaken following the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) on the police response to domestic abuse commissioned by the Home Secretary last year. The Home Secretary chairs a national oversight group to lead implementation of HMIC’s recommendations and make significant and lasting improvements to how the police deal with domestic abuse. The government has also introduced the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme – popularly known as Clare’s Law – enabling the police to disclose information about previous violent offending by a partner and empowering people to make informed decisions about their relationships. The introduction earlier this year of Domestic Violence Protection Orders means that perpetrators of domestic abuse can be prevented from returning to the home for up to 28 days, giving the victim space to consider his or her options.

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Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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News

PHE hosts Church Leaders to Raise Awareness of Dementia Public Health England (PHE) last week launched a series of roundtable discussions on dementia with faith leaders, in support of the Dementia Friends campaign. The first event focused on how PHE and church leaders can work together to give people better understanding of dementia and address cultural barriers that can lead to African and Caribbean people presenting to their doctors for diagnosis later than their white counterparts, by which time the disease has become more severe. Launched in May, the Dementia Friends campaign tackles one of the largest health issues facing England and a growing issue for ethnic minority communities. Of the 665,000 people in England and Wales living with dementia, it is estimated that approximately 25,000 are from ethnic minority communities. This figure is expected to rise significantly as the ethnic minority population ages. By 2026 it is likely to have doubled to nearly 50,000 and by 2051 to over 172,000 – representing a seven-fold increase in 40 years. The Dementia Friends initiative, developed by Alzheimer’s Society, aims to give people an understanding of what it’s like to live with dementia, dispel common myths

A cross section of faith leaders in support of the Dementia Friends campaign

and stigma associated with the disease and show how we can all make a real difference to people living with the condition. Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, Triumphant Church International who attended the roundtable discussion said: “The roundtable discussion was very informative. It is our responsibility to make sure the right and positive messages filter down into the

community and to those most at risk from conditions such as dementia. We will carry the message forward to help our congregations know more about dementia.

munities. All faiths share a common goal of compassion and support for individuals in need and congregations of every faith can play an important role in supporting individuals,

Pastor Marjorie Esomowei, Triumphant Church International

The event has helped us to understand how we can offer support to those living with dementia and their families. I will further publicise what I have learnt today in my TV programme and church conferences. We need to ensure that people understand that dementia is a disease that can be managed with the right medical support and with help from family and community.” Dr Justin Varney, National Lead for Adults and Older People, PHE, spoke to church leaders about the importance of working with communities to encourage a whole society response to enable people living with dementia and those caring for them to live well. He said: “This event was a great start to an on-going conversation about how we, as Public Health England, and our partners can work with faith and community representatives to understand, and address, the cultural barriers and fears that conditions like dementia raise in com6

and carers, remaining connected with their community and their faith to live well with dementia. Working together, involving faith, community and business leaders, we can shift society to be better for people affected by dementia, and fundamentally this makes it better for everyone.” The roundtable discussions are part of the Dementia Friends initiative which forms part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia. The campaign builds on commitments declared at the 2013 G8 Dementia Summit, which included a call to improve the quality of life for people living with the condition. To become a Dementia Friend, visit http:// www.dementiafriends.org.uk/ and watch the short video, or find an information session run by a Dementia Friends champion (a trained volunteer) in your area.

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Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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The world food range just got bigger and better at Asda Asda is increasing its world food range this month by introducing 450 new products, tailoring to the diverse and multicultural groups living in Britain. The range expansion will be boosted across eight ethnicities groups: South Asian, Polish, Sri Lanka, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Romanian and Bulgarian with the launching of a African bay for the first time.

African is the second biggest growth ethnicity in the UK and these customers said they currently shopped the Caribbean range but wanted specific African brands, which Asda is now introducing, such as Mother Africa, Africa’s Finest, and specific products such as seasonings and pounded yam. There will be 70 new products in total, which can be found in 35 stores. A regular shopper at the Asda store in Wallington, Patience Nnaji said: “I’m really excited to hear that Asda are introducing a bay to cater for the African customer, like myself. I have a big family and so am rushed with time from finishing work to picking up the kids from school. I can now do all my shopping under one roof, without having to shop around to pick different things at different stores.”

African food has a section at ASDA for the first time With the growing needs of the African community, Asda are adding an array of

products to the daily repertoire of dishes for the African customer. With varieties of 1.5kg beans available to buy at 2 for £9

and a selection of 100g seasonings at 2 for £2, there is something for everyone in the family.

The Department for Transport has agreed to fund a new bridge which will improve links to three of the West Midlands’ economic powerhouses, Baroness Kramer has announced.

This new bridge will reduce congestion and improve safety, and include new pedestrian and cyclist facilities. “The £8.3 million the Government is putting into this project is part of our wider economic plan of investment in our local and national infrastructure to help drive economic growth.” The new bridge will replace the existing 150 year old structure carrying the westbound carriageway of the A45 over the West Coast Main Line. It will create an extra westbound running lane and an improved access slip road to Birmingham International Airport. A temporary bridge will be created during the work, allowing the route to remain open throughout. The main works are due to start in January 2015 with completion in August 2016. The Department will provide up to £8.3 million towards the full project cost of £12 million.

£8.3 million to boost West Midlands transport links

Building work on the new A45 South Bridge in Solihull can start after the government agreed to provide over £8 million in funding. The new bridge will significantly improve a transport link that carries 50,000 vehicles a day. The structure will directly serve Birmingham International Airport, the National Exhibition Centre, Jaguar Land Rover and other businesses which generate over £2.5 billion per year and support over 80,000 jobs. Baroness Kramer said: “The A45 serves important sites including Birmingham International Airport, the NEC, and employers such as Jaguar Land Rover.

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Health News

Revealed: New strategy for live kidney donations A new strategy to achieve world class performance in living kidney donation - Living Donor Kidney Transplantation 2020- a UK Strategy has been launched. It sets the agenda for increasing living donor transplants, from 18 transplants per million population to 26 transplants per million population. The aims of the strategy are to: o Increase living donor kidney transplant activity for adult and paediatric patients, ensuring that donor safety and welfare is consistently sustained through best clinical practice o Maximise patient benefit by ensuring that all suitable recipients have equal access to living donor kidney transplants and embed the “transplant first” principle across the UK to prevent patients going onto dialysis or minimise the time patients spend on dialysis prior to transplant o Maximise the opportunities for suitable donors and recipients to contribute to and benefit from the shared living donor pool by ensuring that the National Living Donor Kidney Sharing Schemes (NLKDSS) are both clinically and cost effective. Living donation plays a vital role in saving and improving lives. The number of living donor kidney transplants increased by 4 per cent in 2013/14 against the previous year. 1,114 patients received a kidney from a living donor, representing a third of all kidney transplants carried out in the UK. There are currently 7,079 people in the UK waiting for an organ transplant. 5,666 (80 per cent) of those people are in need of a kidney transplant. Kidney transplants are needed to help save and improve the lives of people with

kidney failure. The two most common causes of kidney failure are diabetes and hypertension. Dialysis can be used to manage kidney failure, but a kidney transplant is often the only way to transform the life of someone with kidney failure. Living Donor Kidney Transplantation 2020 - a UK Strategy builds on the strength of the previous strategy (2010 - 2014) to continue the safe and sustainable expansion of the living donor pool. From 2000 to 2010, living donor transplant activity in the UK trebled - there were 4,199 living donor kidney transplants, 253 paired/pooled transplants and 256 non-directed altruistic donors. This was thanks to all four UK countries and the wider transplant community who helped us to achieve the main aim of the 2010-2014 strategy - to increase overall UK living donation rates to 18 transplants per million population. Kirstine Bradbury, donated her kidney to someone she had never met when she heard about his need to a life saving kidney

transplant. She said: “My reasoning behind deciding to donate my kidney was quite simple really. I donated because I can. I hadn’t thought about living kidney donation before but I was on the Organ Donor Register, I feel that as our organs are of no use to us when we are gone, why not potentially let many other people benefit from them. “We are born with two kidneys but can function perfectly well with one. So why not help someone have the quality of life that many on the waiting list dream of, but that us healthy people easily take for granted? “Almost three years on, most of my scars are unnoticeable. And yes, donating an organ isn’t pain free but I have made a full recovery and my recipient is living a full and healthy life.” Lisa Burnapp, Lead Nurse for Living Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “We have seen some great successes in the living donation field but there is still a lot

more to be done for us to reach a world class standard. We will need to work closely with the wider UK transplant community, UK health departments, the Human Tissue Authority and others to ensure that we can deliver our strategy successfully and improve the lives of even more patients. “Living donation offers more patients with end stage kidney disease the possibility of a successful transplant and also adds to the overall supply of available organs for those waiting for a life changing transplant.” Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Living donation is highly successful and friends, family and strangers can all make the decision to donate to save the life of someone in need. Living donation is very well regulated and potential donors are carefully screened before any donation to ensure it’s safe for them to undergo the operation. “However, living donation can not help everyone in need of a transplant. Patients on the transplant waiting list rely heavily on the generosity of people donating their organs after death in order to receive a life saving organ transplant so it is still vital that people join the NHS Organ Donor Register and let their loved ones know what their decision is.” In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the Human Tissue Act 2004, and in Scotland the Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006, provide the legal framework for organ and tissue donation in the UK. The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) regulates the donation by living people of solid organs and part organs. NHS Blood and Transplant has co-ordinated the development of Living Donor Kidney Transplantation 2020-a UK Strategy in its role as the UK Organ Donor Organisation.

Immigration detainee sparks Ebola alert in Scotland A woman from Sierra Leone who has been detained at a Scottish immigration detention centre has sparked an Ebola alert north of the border. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was transferred for tests by specialist ambulance on Thursday (August 14th) to Monklands General Hospital in Lanarkshire as a “precautionary measure” according to an NHS spokesperson who added that it is “highly unlikely” that she would ultimately test positive for the virus. The detainee is believed to have been at Dungavel Detention Centre, also in Lanarkshire, for a few days before the alert. It is not clear at this stage what prompted the alert other than the fact the woman came from Sierra Leone where hundreds have already died from the deadly viral haemorrhagic fever.

Michael Matheson, minister for public health, said: “There are no cases of Ebola in Scotland. We are aware that NHS Lanarkshire are currently investigating a possible case of Ebola as a precautionary measure. Health boards regularly test for a variety of diseases for diagnostic purposes. We’re advised that in this case it is highly unlikely the patient will test positive for Ebola. “Ebola currently poses a very low risk to Scotland, and we have been working closely with Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to monitor this situation since the outbreak in West Africa began. “The Scottish Government is working with other UK departments to ensure that appropriate border controls are in place and we have a co-ordinated response to this continually evolving situation. This is in line with advice and actions being introduced globally.

The woman was taken to North Lanarkshire’s Monklands Hospital for tests “Scotland has a robust health protection surveillance system which monitors global disease outbreaks and ensures that we

are fully prepared to respond to such situations.” 9

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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State celebrates Osun Osogbo Festival Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Tourism and Culture, Mr. Oladipo Soyode, says the introduction of marathon race to 2014 edition of Osun Osogbo festival is an innovation upon the last edition.

Soyode made the remark at Osun Osogbo Grove while addressing the participants at the marathon race and Osun worshippers at the end of the race which is one of the programmes for 2014 Osun Osogbo. The special adviser commended the participants at the race to keep up and assured the winners of compensation at a programme later. The race started at Ido-Osun palace down to Lameco junction to Osogbo Stadium, Mandela Park, Ataoja Palace and at Osun grove. At the end of the race, Jayeade Sodiq came ﬁrst, Taiwo Osuolale came second while Adeyemi Olaoluwa took the third position.

Present at the event were directors and staff of ministries of Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture and Youths, Sports and Special Needs and Zeigists Aesthetics. Meanwhile, some 150,000 seek enlistment into Osun Youth Programme. Mr Oyewole Enibukun, the Head of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES), says more than 150,000 youths have applied for enlistment into the programme. Enibukun made this known in Osogbo while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria. “The processes of recruiting another 20,000 youths into the O-YES programme is currently ongoing. “More than 150,000 applications had already been received as at the close of registration on Saturday,’’ he said. He said the application procedure was internet-based, adding that this was to create opportunity for a large population of youths to enlist into the programme. According to Enibukun, those recruited in the current exercise will take over from the present cadets exiting the scheme in February 2015.

“Presently, the scheme is not limited to indigenes of the state alone as the current batch of cadets comprises of youths from 12 other states in the country. “The criteria, however, used to select and absorb those from outside the state into

the scheme is based on their residency in the state, ” he added. He advised other states to replicate the programme, saying it could help tackle unemployment.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); his Deputy, Mrs. Titi-Laoye Tomori (middle); Sheriki Ifon-Orolu, Alhaji Sule Sambo (2nd left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Arewa Matters, Mr. Muhammed Bashir (left) and Sheriki Sabo Osogbo, Alhaji Lawal Gomina (right) and others, during a congratulatory visit to the Governor on his victory in the 2014 governorship election at government house, Osogbo

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; members of Nigerian National Shurah Hotably, Ustaz Haﬁz Muhammad Abdullah; Dr. Monsoor Rahman and Ustaz Abdullah Jamiu during a courtesy visit to the delegates of the group from Pakistan in Ilorin, Kwara State

Photo: Taofeeq Adejare

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his Deputy, MrsTiti-Laoye Tomori (2nd left); Chairman, 1999 Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON),Osun Chapter, Alhaji Kareem Afolabi (2nd right); Public Relations Ofﬁcers of the association, Alhaji Rasheed Oyedele (right) and others, during a congratulatory visit to the Governor on his victory in the 2014 governorship election at government house, Osogbo

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Africa Newsround

Zimbabwe

Police beat female journalist during jobs protest While regional leaders convened at a summit in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe police beat and arrested opposition activists and a journalist during a rally in Harare on Monday.

According to witnesses, Harare riot police used batons to break up a demonstration by youth from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) demanding that veteran President Robert Mugabe deliver on his pre-election promise to create two million jobs. The protest came as leaders from the Southern African Development Community - a 15-member bloc - met for their annual summit chaired by Mugabe. “The newly appointed SADC chairperson Robert Mugabe crushed jobless youth in Harare today,” Clifford Hlatshwayo, spokesperson for the MDC youth wing who was present, told reporters. Police were not immediately available to comment. A reporter from the privately-owned Zimbabwe Mail said her colleague, photo journalist Angela Jimu, was also beaten by

Riot police outside Harare Magistrates’ Court could see she was in pain.” Constantine Chimakure, editor of the Zimbabwe Mail, police at the Harare rally and had two of her later conﬁrmed that journalist Angela Jimu cameras and a mobile phone conﬁscated. was arrested. “We were covering the demonstration by Rights groups last week urged the southern MDC youths when police started beating African countries at the SADC meeting the protesters,” the reporter said, adding: to address abuses and uphold individual “When the police realised that Angela freedoms in their countries. Amnesty was taking pictures, they beat her with International, Human Rights Watch and batons... They took her to central police Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights station together with several others. I Anti-Somal

deplored “serious human rights concerns” in Angola, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They accused Harare of dragging its feet in prosecuting perpetrators of political violence, and denounced secrecy around mining rights and the country’s lucrative diamond ﬁelds. Mugabe, in his maiden speech as chair of the meeting, said the SADC prided itself on having an impressive track record on

Kenya

Morocco

Kenya anti-terror police accused of abuses

Concern as Morocco prepares for 9/11 style attacks

Kenya’s anti-terrorism police receive signiﬁcant support from the West

International human rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims to have strong evidence that the Kenya Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) has carried out a series of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Based on interview research conducted between November 2013 and June 2014, the group has documented more than thirty cases of terrorism suspects being badly mistreated, killed, beaten and abducted. Suspects were allegedly shot dead in public places, abducted from vehicles and courtrooms, beaten badly during arrest, detained in isolated blocks and denied contact with their families and access to lawyers, the group says. HRW called on Kenya to thoroughly investigate the allegations of human rights abuses and urged the US to suspend donor support to the ATPU. The ATPU has previously come under criticism by other human rights groups.

Last year the Kenyan human rights group Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) and the Open Society Justice Initiative issued a report calling on the US and the UK to suspend ﬁnancial support to the ATPU. The report’s release followed the completion in May of a new ATPU headquarters in Nairobi, which was partially funded by international anti-terror agencies. The facility increased technological capabilities and physical space for the ATPU, whose mission is to coordinate and carry out anti-terrorism operations within Kenya in support of the international War on Terror. The unit’s primary focus of late is Kenya’s second-largest city, Mombasa, because the port city has become a major recruitment target for the al-Qaeda linked Islamist group al-Shabaab based in Somalia. The counterterrorism police unit receives signiﬁcant support and training from the United States and the UK.

Morocco’s interior minister, Mohamed Hassad

According to political analyst Dr. Mohamed Chtatou, a Professor at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat, in the face of the volatile situation between Hamas and Israel, western intelligence has informed Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia of possible 9/11 style Kamikaze attacks using Airbus passenger aircraft that have fallen into the hands of Libyan Islamists during recent ﬁghting.

The Libyan Islamist militias might not use them themselves, but they might be tempted to sell them to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQMI) who have many issues to square with North African governments, which they consider kaﬁr - staunch allies of the Christian West and arch enemies of Islam. Acting on this information, the governments of North Africa are readying themselves militarily for the worst.

To the alarm of many Moroccans, minister of the interior Mohamed Hassad made mention of these terrorist threats in parliament last month. In the last few days, the Moroccan army have deployed radar, air missiles and other military hardware in many parts of the country and put the air force and the navy on maximum alert alongside other security forces to foil any possible terrorist air attack. In the event of any security threat detected by military or civilian radar, the air force will immediately scramble its military jets, initially to persuade the incoming aircraft to turn back, according to the international protocol in use in such situations. If the aircraft ignores the orders, the fighter jets will fire warning shots and, if there is no compliance, fire their missiles and down the airliner. If for some reason this fails, navy missiles will be fired in the direction of the encroaching aircraft. If all else fails, a ground air defence system is activated as a last resort. 11

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Ben TV launches DATA Institute for Diplomacy and Politics UK By Emmanuel Urhiofe Ben TV’s Democratic Summit was concluded last weekend with the launch of the ﬁrst ever political mentoring initiative known as the DATA Institute for Diplomacy and Politics. Speakers at the Summit challenged Nigerians abroad to promote what is good about Nigeria and the positive impact of the current government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Dignitaries in attendance included Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Minister for Education; Mr. Mike Omeri, Director General of the National Orientation Agency; and Dr. Dalhatu Taﬁda, Nigeria’s High Commis-

sioner to the UK and Nigerians joined by representatives of various professions in the UK as well as ofﬁcials of the Nigeria High Commission UK. Explaining the concept of DATA, Ben TV founder and convener of the Summit, Dr Alistair Soyode said the mission of the DATA institute is to create best practise and build and create good leaders diplomatically. He explained that the concept is also aimed at creating passion for the people and those serving the electorate. The launch comes three weeks after the governorship election in Osun State and two months after the election in Ekiti state, which led to the defeat of the incumbent. In his opening address, Dr. Taﬁda said he was initially sceptical about the programme but changed his mind when he was appraised of the details and concept of the

From left: Mr. Mike Omeri, Dr. Dalhatu Taﬁda and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Minister for Education at the launch of DATA Institute for Diplomacy and Politics in London

launch by BEN TV chairman, Dr Soyode. Describing himself as a “politician by accident”, the High Commissioner advised people wishing to contest elections to be “careful,” stressing that although there are people who think and dream politics, they are not the most successful politicians. He said there are, however, people who make a success of the game because of their right sense of approach. Appraising the administration of President Jonathan, the High Commissioner said: “President Jonathan is doing the best he can. We should show the support we can for the government. Do not adopt a settler syndrome. You will eventually go to your country one day” He said he is surprised that some people are wishing to contest the governorship election of states they have never visited. Mature mind In his keynote address, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau decried the views by some people who described Nigeria as a “mere geographical expression,” adding that it is unfair to argue that we should not celebrate the centenary – the hundred years of political progression of Nigeria as a nation. The Minister, who said he was a principal of a school for 20 years, said people can never have information above what they already know. Making a case for a general optimism about Nigeria’s future, the Minister who was former governor of Kano State, said people should not complain about Nigeria when they are not doing anything about it. Describing education as the process of “impacting and acquiring knowledge and preparing yourself or others for a matured mind” the Minister said the matured mind should have the components of honesty, sincerity and integrity.

He said: “Any education that is not producing a mature mind is not education. We now have more PhDs, more schools, more professionals, more institutions and better instructional materials, yet there is more corruption and indiscipline in the country than in the First Republic. Are we really getting the right education?” The Minister disagreed with the highly publicised view that Nigeria witnessed 70% mass failure in the recently held WAEC examinations, stressing that the truth of the matter is that the statistical analysis shows that 76.5% of the students who sat for the exams were above average. The Minister said the immediate problem of education in Nigeria, which his ministry is presently contending with, is that of access and quality. While the issue of access is being dealt with by the establishment of more schools, the government is addressing the issue of quality through the improvement of education and better instructional materials. DG National Orientation Agency Mike Omeri, in his presentation, delved into the history and achievement of the National Orientation Agency. He said the National Orientation Agency was established 20 years ago to sensitise Nigerians to national integration and peace, adding that one of the greatest achievement of the agency was the decision to engage the government during the oil subsidy saga. Commenting on the present socio-political dispensation, Mr Omeri said: “This is the time to mobilise Nigerians. This is the time to stand up for your country. There is a window of hope. We should discuss openly and even have opposing views. It is good for our democracy.

My Vision for Benue Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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“If something good can come out of Nollywood, then something good can come out of politics,” he told the attending audience who gave him a big ovation.”

Factions

Earlier in the programme, Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), Mr Bimbo Folayan, decried the lack of co-ordination of people in the Diaspora. Making comparisons between British politics and Nigeria politics, Mr Afolayan said there are no factions among the Cconservatives and Labour parties, whereas Nigeria boasts of various factions within the political system, adding that political parties in Nigeria should get their acts together. Calling on Nigerians in the Diaspora to team up, he said: “we should be setting examples for Nigerians back home.” He asked: “Why is it that when honest Nigerians get into government they join the bandwagon?” Moderator of the programme Mr Tunde Alabi said: “Politicians determine our lives through their policies and politics. We should stop the stomach infrastructure campaign.” Women’s activist, Kate Anolue of the Forum for African Women in Africa, said

there should be a concerted effort to involve more women in politics. She said: “If I was given the opportunity to be a Mayor in Britain, why not in Nigeria.” Richard Taylor, father of Damilola Taylor, who was killed by youngsters in Brixton in 2001 said he is hoping that the coming election in Nigeria in 2015 should be peaceful and fair “We should be able to exist as a country after the 2015 elections.” Dr Garba Sunny in his own presentation said Nigeria is polarised along religious and political lines such that even the issue of resource control almost derailed the recently concluded National Conference. “I was in Maiduguri a few weeks ago and I noticed that since the abduction of the Chibok girls, and the visit of Malala to the President, nothing has changed. We can still see the remains of mass destruction of villages and desolation following the attack by Boko Haram”. The highlight of the occasion was the launch of the DATA logo. Members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask pertinent questions at the event which took place at the Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 on 16th August 2014.

Mr Mike Omeri, DG National Information Agency at the background from left: Dr Alistair Soyode and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Minister for Education

Photos: Courtesy: Emmanuel Urhiofe

Barrister Sympathy Nwosu PDP UK

Dr Garba Sunny APC UK

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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CRIME

Gang crime and drugs supply targeted in dawn raids

Officers executing warrants as part of an operation targeting gang crime, drug supply and other offences that could impact on the safety of this weekend’s Notting Hill Carnival, have arrested 126 people. They have also seized approximately £78k under the Proceeds of Crime Act and four firearms - believed to be a mach 10 machine gun, a sten gun machine gun, a handgun and a BB gun. In Southwark, police officers recovered ingredients for making Crystal Meth from an address. At another address, they seized what is suspected to be half a kilo of crack cocaine. A further kilo of suspected cocaine was recovered from an address in Bexley, and 40 suspected rocks of crack cocaine seized from an address in Westminster.

Warrants are ongoing.

Ofﬁcers from MPS police teams including Territorial Support Group, Trident Gang Crime Command, Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, the Dog Unit, Safer Transport and

Operation Ringtone, as well as colleagues from City of London Police took part in the operation. Many of those arrested and bailed pending further enquiries will have bail conditions imposed on them, prohibiting them

from attending Carnival. Highly-skilled ofﬁcers known as ‘super recognisers’ will be at Carnival and in the CCTV control room over the weekend, looking for anyone banned from the event. Chief Superintendent Robyn Williams, MPS spokesperson for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “We are committed to ensuring that Notting Hill Carnival remains a safe, vibrant and enjoyable event. Today’s oper-

ation was aimed at ensuring that those who set out with the intention of causing trouble at Carnival will not succeed. By once again using our team of super recognisers, we will quickly be able to identify and remove anyone prohibited from the event. “If you know anyone who is planning to use Notting Hill Carnival to commit crime, please call Crimestoppers anonymously to help us keep the event a safe celebration.”

Sabrina Moss murderers found guilty

Three men responsible for mercilessly gunning down a young mother who was out celebrating her birthday have been found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey.

Martell Ricco Warren, Hassan Hussain and Yassin James were all found guilty of the murder of Sabrina Moss, 24, the attempted murder of Sabrina Gachette, 24, the attempted murder of two men and two counts of possession of ﬁrearm. All three will be sentenced on (12 September) at the Old Bailey. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) said: “I am pleased that those involved have been found guilty by the court today. Sabrina Moss had her whole life ahead of her; she was a nursery teacher and had just moved into a ﬂat with her partner and their young child. She was looking forward to the future with her family, however this all changed in an instant due to the actions of those convicted today. “Sabrina Moss was out celebrating her birthday with Sabrina Gachette

when she was fatally shot. Sabrina Gachette was only saved from death by the skill of the surgeons treating her at the scene and subsequently at hospital. “This was a callous act, committed by three individuals who were willing to fire a MAC 10 and a double barrelled shotgun indiscriminately at a group of people outside a busy restaurant. They waited until a large group of people were together and then fired at their victims. It is clear they wanted to injure, maim or even murder as many of those people as possible, without any consideration as to who was within that group. Both Sabrina Moss and Sabrina Gachette were the innocents caught up in something they had no knowledge of and no involvement in. “The events of that night have left a profound effect on Sabrina Moss’s family but also Sabrina Gachette who had to witness the death of her close friend. I want to praise both families for their courage over the past year and for the dignified way in which they have conducted themselves throughout this lengthy trial.

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Hardworking Halle het up over homesick hubby

Martinez with Berry and her daughter, Nahla, whose father blocked the family’s planned move to France

All may not be so rosy in the Martinez-Berry household, according to the rumour mill. It is suggested that the 13-month marriage between Halle Berry and her French actor husband Olivier Martinez may be on the rocks.

The 48-year-old Academy Award-winning actress married the French actor in July 2013 and they welcomed their first child together, son Maceo, in October. Now new reports suggest they are heading for divorce. “The whole family was supposed to go on a make-or-break holiday [to celebrate the couple’s first anniversary in July], but that fell apart because neither Olivier nor Halle wanted to make it happen,” a source told America’s OK! magazine. “They have drifted apart and only get together for the sake of Maceo. They’re just delaying the inevitable - announcing their split.” Apparently Halle is concerned about Olivier’s alleged career slump.

It is claimed he has gained weight and a beard while she’s been working hard on her new TV show, Extant, in addition to other film projects. “His career has dried up. He’s been taking small TV roles, but nothing that has tied him down for more than a handful of episodes,” the insider said. “Halle has lost a bit of respect for him. The spark they once had has burned out.” Halle, who is also mother to six-yearold daughter Nahla from her relationship with model Gabriel Aubry, unsuccessfully petitioned family court to move with Olivier and family to his native France. It was previously claimed their Los Angeles lifestyle has impacted their marriage negatively for quite some time. “Olivier’s told Halle he’s tired of LA and wants to move back to France. He wants her to follow him and for them to start a new life in Paris,” a source told Closer magazine. “They’ve already been having problems because of their hectic work schedules and it’s causing a huge amount of tension.”

Teen sensation pitches for more history A 13-year-old has made history by becoming the first little-league baseball player to make the iconic cover of Sports Illustrated magazine, an honour many feted sportsmen and women never achieved in their entire careers. Oh, and did I mention she is a girl! Mo’ne Davis hit the national headlines across America after she used her signature 70 mph fastball to throw a shutout in the Mid-Atlantic Final that sent her Philadelphia Taney Dragons to the World Series. She followed that up by becoming the first girl to throw a shutout in World Series history, throwing a two-hitter and striking out eight in a 4-0 win over Nashville last Friday. Whilst this is pure gibberish to most of us here in Limeyland, it nevertheless sounds like it is probably quite a good thing for her to have done. Any lingering doubts should be laid to rest by reports of her RBI single in Philadelphia’s victory over Pearland, Texas, which made the youngster only the sixth girl to collect a hit in Little League World Series history. I think that means she can bat as well. Mo’ne’s youth puts her in good company. Former tennis prodigies Tracy Austin and Jennifer Capriati also made the cover of Sports Illustrated as 13-year-olds, in 1976 and 1990, respectively. Venus Williams (1997), Maria Sharapova (2004) and Serena Williams (1999), figure skater Michelle Kwan (1998) and basketball’s LeBron James (2002) all made it as 17year-olds.

“Last week, this week, maybe next week, she’s owned the sports conversation,” Sports Illustrated manager editor Chris Stone said. “How often do you get to say this about a 13-year-old girl? It’s the easiest type of story to identify as a cover story. “The writer, Albert Chen, said it perfectly in the story, ‘She’s a lot of things to a lot of different people, all of them good things: a totem for inner-city baseball, a role model for your 10year-old niece, a role model for your 10-yearold nephew,’ ” Stone said, adding: “Most of all, she’s a laid-back kid just having a really good time.” Mo’ne herself is less effusive about baseball than the nation is about her; she would prefer to play basketball and harbours a dream to play for the University of Connecticut. “To be honest, I never thought I’d be famous for baseball,” she says. “I want to play basketball, and I could also do both basketball and baseball — but I really want to play basketball.” She also says that she is learning to deal with the media spotlight. “People were like, ‘Oh, there are going to be people running up to you taking pictures’ and I thought it was going to be a bunch of little kids. But it’s grown-ups! And that’s, like, creepy,” she said. Creepy is the least Mo’ne will need to worry about if she achieves anywhere near her potential. We all hope she will take it in her stride.

Kanye has audience with rock royalty

McCartney and West have been seen buddying-up recently

No less a luminary than Sir Paul McCartney is rumoured to have recorded several tracks with Kanye West for possible inclusion on a new album. The former Beatle has spoken publicly of his admiration for West, while West has, presumably with tongue firmly planted in cheek, referred to himself as “the black Beatle” in the past. West has form for this

sort of thing, having recruited Sir Elton John for ‘All of the Lights’ on his 2010 album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Little is known about the collaboration up to now, though the title of one track, allegedly ‘Piss on Your Grave’, is doing the rounds. If true, the leaked title suggests that the pair are working on tracks for a Kanye album rather than one for McCartney. 15

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Gospel By Michael Adekoya

IT WILL SURELY HAPPEN

“…Every purpose of the Lord shall be performed…” Jer. 51:29.

Dear reader, every purpose of the Lord shall be performed in your life in Jesus name. This is my prayer for you today. It was a declaration that I gave to a Christian Sister recently. She was wondering and asked, “But Pastor, how can it be? I had been written off, declared rubbish and dumped. I’m going through serious hurt and pain at the moment.” My friend, is this where you are today? The Good News is that the same God who answered that sister will answer you too! Even in the midst of abandonment, hardship, disappointment pain or hurt, you’re still in God’s protective custody. He is still in control of your life. With Him nothing just happened. Whatever has happened, whatever is happening or will ever happen to you, He knows about it and He will make a way for His glory. Coincidence is what takes place when God decides to remain anonymous. That is why you can’t afford to ignore Him because nobody ignores God without consequences. I’m sure you know the story of Jonah. God sent him to Nineveh, but instead he boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction. Typical of us, isn’t it? We choose to do our own thing in our own way! Now it just happened that the storm blew up. Jonah was dumped overboard, a great fish swallowed him, threw him up three days later, and the first words he heard when he hit the beach were, “Go to Nineveh!” My friend, every Christian is called to a relationship and to a purpose. It is wise to discover who God has connected you with and the assignment He has for you. When God connects you with a person or gives you an assignment, you can go the easy way or the hard way but one thing is certain; every purpose of God shall be performed! A little girl was running to get to Sunday school on time, praying, “Lord

don’t let me be late.” Suddenly she tripped, fell and got her dress dirty. Getting back up she brushed herself off and said, “Lord, You know I don’t want to be late – but You don’t have to shove.” My friend, sometimes God gives us a shove – a push - to (a) get us out of our rut (b) get us over our fear (c) to get us back on track or (d) reposition us for a new thing. That is because He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He is in charge of our lives. Whatever He ordains, He sustains! God will take you, break you and make you in order to carry out His will. God wants fruits from you and He’ll shake your tree to get just that. Listen! Satan and all his agents have never once been able to abort God’s plan. The only person who can is you, not even your spouse or friend can. In sickness, abandonment, poverty, hardship, betrayal, mistreatment, criticism, disappointment, nothing ever just happens. Behind the scene, God is orchestrating everything. The Bible says in Rom. 8:28 that, “All things work together for good for those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose” My friend, that includes you. You are created to love Him and worship Him. Once you do these, you’re a candidate! Jesus says, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you and be with you.” John 14:18. My friend, do you know what happens when the fire of intimacy in rela-

Are you looking for a church? Not settled in any particular congregation? Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue School, Park Hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches Worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants Club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus Fellowship

Worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663. Praise Tabernacle- 10:30am holds meetings at 620 Western Avenue (A40), Park Royal Business Centre, opposite Warner Bros. Cinema Complex, W3. part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. For information you may call 020 8993 3010 New Life Christian Centre 10.30am & 6.00pm. meetings at Cairo New Road, Croydon. The church has

tionship dims or goes out altogether? It’s loneliness, even in the midst of the crowd. Today, many people are experiencing loneliness in their lives. Millions are involved with relationships that create deep ache, pain and hurt in their souls. Many have experienced such great rejection or disappointment that they have vowed never to enter into any friendship or any relationship again. Instead, they prefer to live lonely life. Many have been deceived, misled, betrayed or rejected in the past and they decided to stay lonely and live a withdrawn life. Many people are so battered, wounded and full of bitterness. My friend, is this where you are today? Listen to the word of Jesus for you today, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you and be with you.” John 14:18. “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans ... to give you a future and a hope ... You will find Me when you seek Me, if you look for Me in earnest.” Jer 29:13. My friend, are you faced with uncertain future? You are not alone. We all do! But the Good News is that we have a Father who knows the end from the beginning. All we need to do is to set our goals according to His direction. It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only One who knows the future and He’s eager to guide you through it. The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but

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

God has the last word.” Pro. 16:1. In other words, planning without praying to know the mind of God concerning the person or matter is presumption. God wants to save you, heal you, restore you, fight for you, prosper you, bless you and lead you but you should ask Him how? The purpose of God for your life will be fulfilled; therefore, you should live one day at a time and seek God’s face before you do anything. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Today, most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! Does this describe you? John Lennon, the pop icon, once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Hear me! Decide to make the most of each moment today, this week, this month and this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow - God will take care of your tomorrows. Live one day at a time.” Matt 6:34. However, don’t procrastinate. Whatever God tells you to do, do it now! Don’t boast about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth (read Pro. 27:1) My friend, your life has not expired. The call of God and His purpose for your life has not been aborted, no matter what you are going through today. Don’t push away what He’s pushing toward you and don’t embrace what He’s pushing away from you. God has not created you to live alone, fail, and be depressed, frustrated, confused or live without fulfilling your divine purpose. He has a purpose for your life and He has a plan in place for you to achieve that purpose. Don’t delay what He tells you to do today. Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. If you promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days”, you should always remember that “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.” Whatever God asks you to do it today, do it! 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 Forth-

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church Gravesend, St Aidan’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, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Brazil

Bad weather downs presidential candidate’s plane Brazilians are mourning the sudden death of presidential candidate Eduardo Campos, who was killed in a plane crash last week. President Dilma Rousseff and former president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, joined several other government ofﬁcials at an open-air mass to pay their respects to the former governor of Pernambuco, who had been running third in opinion polls. “We lost a leader, one of the best governors that Pernambuco ever had,” said Luiza Silva, 58, who criticised the presence of Campos’ political opponents at his funeral. His running mate, renowned environmentalist Marina Silva, is set to be catapulted to the head of the presidential ticket of the PSB (Brazilian Socialist Party). “I have the sense of responsibility and commitment imposed by the loss of Cam-

pos,” Silva told journalists as she landed in Recife on Saturday. A devout Christian, she said an act of “divine providence” spared her from being with Campos in the private jet that crashed last Wednesday. The PSB is scheduled to officially launch Silva’s candidacy on Wednesday, a first opinion poll showing the new political scenario is expected to be released on Monday. The outpouring of public sympathy for Campos may initially translate into a popularity boost for Silva, who won nearly 20 percent of the votes when she first ran for president in 2010. Pollsters and political commentators forecast that Silva is likely to come ahead of or statistically tie in second place with Senator Aecio Neves, an opposition presidential candidate who is running on a market-friendly platform. Brazil’s first-round vote is scheduled for October 5th. Incumbent Rousseff leads cur-

Eduardo Campos was one of seven passengers and crew who died aboard a Cessna that crashed in bad weather in São Paulo rent opinion polls. Many analysts predict that if Silva makes it to a second-round runoff on October 26th, she will probably be a tougher contender than Neves, since she is more likely to appeal to disil-

lusioned younger voters. Silva also has a loyal following among evangelical voters, an increasingly inﬂuential demographic in Brazil.

Australia

Turkey

Australia’s rejection may condemn refugees “to their death”

Germany must explain spying activities, says Turkey

Syrian refugees such as these children in Lebanon fear certain death if they are forced to return to Syria

Australia has been making efforts to repatriate traumatised refugees from Syria who have fled foreign-backed militancy in their country despite the threats they may face after potential return, reports say. According to The Guardian, emails obtained under freedom of information laws show that the Australian immigration department has made the moves even though the refugees have told officials they would be killed if they returned to Syria. The emails support earlier reports back in March suggesting that Australian immigration officials had made efforts to issue an “ultimatum” to force even mentally ill refugees, who have arrived on Manus Island and Nauru, into a decision on repatriation. In one of the emails dated January 20, Katrina Neuss, the immigration department’s operations lead on Manus Island, said “I was clear that they [refugees] would not be settled in Australia or a third country. I did say that if they chose to re-

turn home the department would work to get them home safely, with no guarantee of any time frames. The transferees were visibly upset and quite anxious, they were quite adamant that I would be sending them home to their death.” Meanwhile, human rights experts have voiced concern over the future of the refugees. “There is an absolute certainty that these people will be harmed or killed upon their return, and the [Australian] government’s reaction is to push them to go home without even listening to their claims for asylum,” Ben Pynt, the director of advocacy at Australia’s Humanitarian Research Partners, said. Daniel Webb, the director of legal advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, has also warned that any coerced return of the refugees to Syria would breach international law. Syria has been gripped by foreign-spon sored deadly violence since March 2011. According to some sources, more than 170,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in the militancy in Syria.

Eberhard Pohl, Germany’s ambassador to Turkey

Turkey’s foreign ministry has summoned Germany’s ambassador and demanded a “formal and satisfactory explanation” over a report that Germany’s foreign intelligence agency targeted NATO ally Turkey in addition to eavesdropping on U.S. ofﬁcials’ conversations.

German Ambassador Eberhard Pohl was also told that, if the reports were true, Turkey expected Germany to immediately stop any spying activity targeting Turkey, according to the Foreign Ministry. German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Saturday (August 16th) that the agency, known by its German acronym BND, had inadvertently listened to calls made by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and predecessor Hillary Clinton. It also cited a conﬁdential 2009 BND document listing Turkey as a target for intelligence gathering, but didn’t say what that spying involved. If true, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said, “such practices would in no way be acceptable in an environment that requires

mutual trust and respect between friends and allies.” German ofﬁcials would not conﬁrm Der Spiegel’s report on Monday. Government spokeswoman Christiane Wirtz would say only that the government in July informed a parliamentary intelligence committee about some of the matters in the report and would inform it about the rest soon. The panel is sworn to secrecy. Germany has complained for months about alleged American spy activity there, with reported eavesdropping on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cellphone prompting a rebuke and an ongoing German investigation. The U.S. has not commented about the latest Der Spiegel report. Turkey added that the report threatened to harm security cooperation with Germany. German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said Monday’s meeting took place in a “friendly atmosphere.” Some German lawmakers defended the idea of spying on Turkey. Christian Flisek, of the governing Social Democrats, noted that it is “a geopolitically important country.”

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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African artist Nollywood News Travelmusic

In association with

Actress Omoni Oboli invited by Mr. President for a private screening Nollywood star Omoni Oboli was invited by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for a private screening of her movie Being Mrs Elliot at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.

She delivered an inspiring speech. Read; My name is Omoni Oboli, and I represent Naija! Please forgive me if my protocol etiquette falls short in any way. I’m just an ordinary Waffi girl, who isn’t accustomed to being in the presence of such eminence. I earnestly appreciate you all for being here this evening to preview this movie that was written, produced and directed by me. Growing up in Nigeria as a child, I couldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine that I would be standing here today before you all, because leadership was always perceived as distant from the common man, but by God’s grace do I see today a President that is so in touch with his people in his simplicity that even the seemingly trivial things that touch us as a people do not escape his notice and due attention. I am happy that I am a living witness to the enormous love of Nigeria and Nigerians as demonstrated by you, our President. Thank you Sir. We, the Nollywood industry can attest to the magnanimity of your love and support. We never had it so good! You have given us a voice and

the means to express our enormous talent, such that it has helped to reflect the position we now have in Africa, and indeed the rest of the world in terms of our economic standpoint as a nation. We only ask that God would continue to bless and keep you and your family, your Executive Cabinet and the entire leadership of the nation at this time in government, and to grant you the wisdom and grace to excel in all your efforts to grow this great nation and your homes. It might seem, to some, insensitive to be previewing this movie at such a time as this, but I beg to differ. When our very way of life is threatened, this is the sort of thing we should do to remind ourselves that we will not give into anything that would threaten its continuance. So we brought this movie for simple reasons; to make you all laugh and relax those minds and bodies that are ever working. Remember, “All work and no play…” We want to see the ever smiling face of our president that we had become accustomed to seeing. So that, as much as we may apprehensive about all the issues that we are going through now, the worst thing would be to see our leader and President look worried too. We want to look to you for strength. That smile that assures us that soon, sooner than you think, the agony of insurgency and all other issues will be over, in Jesus name.

Our dear President, because you have been so good and loving to us, we, the Nollywood family, assure you of our steadfastness in loving you back. You can always count on our support as long as the constitution permits. Oh one more thing sir, every year film makers and actors from around the world, gather here in Nigeria for the biggest film festival in the whole of Africa. The Africa International film festival parades the biggest and the brightest stars from around the globe. I would like to on behalf of my friend and sister Chioma Ude, ask that you join us this November in Tinapa Calabar to celebrate our culture and heritage. This happens to be the first movie I directed, so be gentle with me, and put down your weapons of critism tonight to just simply enjoy the movie. Finally brethren, as a true Waffi girl, me I wan appeal to you Sir. When you don watch the film finish, enjoy am, laugh well well, mey you try help my ministry, as we dey move go the permanent site. Please nor forget to pay your tithes. Thank you once again, your Excellency. Thank you all again for being here this evening By Omoni Oboli, Writer/ Producer/Director Photo Credit: Reuben Abati. Courtesy of Bellanaija.com

Omoni Oboli at Aso Rock

Friday, 22 August – Thursday, 28 August 2014

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Fashion

South Africa Fashion & Culture Week to hold in London The first ever South Africa Fashion & Culture Week (SAFACW) will be held in London on Saturday 6th September 2014 at the Banking Hall, Cornhill, London EC3V 3DN. The Show will bring together exciting and emerging talents of fashion designers from South Africa with the long term objective of establishing a Fashion & Culture Week to showcase South African fashion and accessories. The SAFACW Show will provide a platform to promote South Africa’s trade and tourism, and will also act as a cultural exchange programme between the UK and South Africa. The main ethos of SAFACW is youth development and the event is aimed at creating a highly successful and entertaining show of one day, with workshops for young designers to train them to build a successful fashion business and brand reputation. The inaugural show will feature eight young designers from South African who have been selected for their outstanding achievement in the fashion industry in South Africa to give them exposure to global markets. Produced by Pilyvan Consulting, SAFACW is working closely with the South African High Commission, with support from the UK Trade & Industry and the Office of the London Mayor.

On the youth development aspect of the event, the SAFACW is working in collaboration with Central St Martins, the University of the Arts London, and London College of Beauty Therapy. St Martins have offered to provide two workshops for the young designers from South Africa who will meet with students from St Martins to network and share experiences. The South African young designers will also be given an opportunity to understand the London fashion industry and important aspects of fashion business development. As part of the training, South African young designers will be taken on “Bootcamp” to visit some of the key retail outlets at the heart of the London Fashion scene to learn the tricks of the trade and to equip them with the necessary skills required to run a successful fashion business. The London College of Beauty Therapy has offered to supply all the make-up. In addition, as part of their final year experience students from the London College of Beauty Therapy will work with the models to prepare them for the Show. The students will also offer beauty therapy consultancy to attendees of the Show. The inaugural Show on the 6th September 2014 will only be for one day. However, it is hoped that the SAFACW can become an annual event, which would be held over a period of one week in future shows.

Justina Mutale CEO of POSITIVE RUNWAY

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Mario Balotelli agreed move to Liverpool

Mario Balotelli

By Agency Reporter Mario Balotelli’s rollercoaster career took another twist on Friday when he said goodbye to his AC Milan team-mates after training before an expected transfer to Liverpool.

In a brief statement on its website (www. acmilan.com), the Italian club said: “Mario Balotelli drove out of Milanello at 1330 after saying goodbye to his team-mates and the club’s press staff.”

Balotelli’s likely move signals a return to the Premier League where he shone, glowered, delighted and dismayed in equal measure during his time with Manchester City from 2011 to 2013. The 24-year-old Italian is seen as a natural successor to another colourful and controversial player, disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who was sold to Barcelona in July for a reported fee of 81 million euros ($108 million). Suarez, 27, was the Premier League’s top scorer last season with 31 goals for Liverpool before being expelled from the World

Cup finals and suspended after biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. Balotelli signalled the move when he told reporters that Thursday would be his last day in Italy. “Today is my last day in Milan and I am going to Liverpool,” Sky Italia reported him as saying. His agent Mino Raiola was reported to be in England to complete a reported 20 million euros ($27 million) deal. Balotelli joined Manchester City from Inter Milan in August 2010 and, after starring in their 2011 FA Cup final win against Stoke City, played a prominent role in the

Morocco reconfirmed as FIFA Club World Cup venue The FIFA Club World Cup will be held as planned in Morocco between 10 and 20 December this year, despite recent rumours that a change in venue might be sought due to the Ebola epidemic currently affecting Africa. To clarify the situation, FIFA explained during a press conference: “The health of players, officials and supporters is an absolute priority during any FIFA competition. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there have not been any recorded cases of Ebola in Morocco, so consequently there is no reason to discuss a possible change of venue. Should the situation change, we will make contact with the participating clubs.” 22

In addition, it was emphasised that “two months before the start of the competition, FIFA will send a memorandum to each of the participating clubs containing medical information pertaining to the tournament. This is standard procedure for every FIFA competition.” Five clubs have so far qualified for this year’s edition of the Club World Cup: Moroccan champions Moghreb Tetouan, Real Madrid (UEFA), Auckland City (OFC), San Lorenzo (CONMEBOL) and Cruz Azul (CONCACAF). Two more teams are still to be determined: the champions of Africa, who will be crowned on 2 November, and the champions of Asia, who will seal their place on 1 November. FIFA Club World Cup Trouphy

triumphant Premier League campaign of 2011-12 as they won their first top tier title since 1968. After a series of disciplinary problems including a training ground altercation with then-manager Roberto Mancini, he signed for AC Milan in January 2013. Balotelli impressed for Italy at Euro 2012 where he scored twice in their semifinal win against Germany and headed Italy’s winner against England in their group stage meeting at this year’s World Cup.

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Appiah names 24-man squad for Nations Cup qualifiers Carlo Tavecchio Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has named his squad for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Uganda and Togo. The Black Stars coach has selected 24 players for the two Group E matches in the qualifying campaign. Jeffery Schlupp and David Accam, who both missed out of the 2014 World Cup have made Appiah’s squad. Ghana will play Uganda on September 5 in Kumasi and take on the Hawks the following weekend in Lome. The 30th edition of AFCON will be played from 17 January through to 8 February 2015 in Morocco. Winners and runner-up of each group plus the third-best team will join hosts Morocco for the final tournament.

Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Chippa United, South Africa), Adams Stephen (Aduana Stars) and Razak Braimah (Mirandes FC, Spain) Defenders: Daniel Opare (FC Porto, Portugal), Harrison Afful (Esperance FC,

facing UEFA racism probe

Black Stars players return to training

Tunisia), Awal Mohammed (Maritzburg, South Africa), Baba Rahman (FC Augsburg, Germany), Jeffery Schlupp (Leicester City, England), John Boye (Erciyesspor FC, Turkey) and Jonathan Mensah (Evian FC, France) Midfielders: Emmanuel Agyeman Badu (Udinese, Italy), Rabiu Mohammed (Krasnodar, Russia), Yusif Chibsah (Sassuolo, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Karzan, Russia),

Atsu Christian (Everton, England), Asante Solomon (T.P. Mazembe FC, Congo DR.), Gyimah Edwin (Black Aces, South Africa), Afriyie Acquah (Parma FC, Italy) and Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France) Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Jordan Ayew (Lorient, France), Abdul Majeed Waris (Spartak Moscow, Russia), David Accam (Helsenborg, Sweden),

Nigeria, Germany reach final

Continued from page 24

Uchechi Sunday: The ideal strike partner Supersub Sunday struck again on Wednesday, getting on the end of an Oshoala cross from the right to score her side’s third goal just a minute after coming on. “It’s a move we practice a lot in training,” said the freescoring sub. “We also play together for Rivers Angels back home and we have a perfect understanding.” An out-and-out No9, the smiling Sunday likes to have Oshoala close by, as she explained: “When we’re together on the pitch I prefer to have her just behind me, in the hole, so she can give me assists like the one today.”

Sarah Nnodim: She plays better than she sings Oshoala’s virtuoso performance also included a stint in central defence covering for her team-mate Nnodim, who went off briefly to have treatment for an injury. On the centre-half’s return to the pitch, ‘Superzee’ promptly went up the other end and scored her fourth goal of the afternoon. “She filled in for me and that’s good, because it shows we are a real team and we all help each other out,” said Nnodim, who is the team’s unofficial choir leader. Giving a frank assessment of her team-mate’s singing skills, she said: “She’s a better footballer than she is a singer.”

Ebere Okoye: A born leader

Though the whole Nigeria team celebrated Oshoala’s outstanding display, stand-in captain Okoye was especially proud at her

Yetunde Aluko, Loveth Ayila, Gladys Abasi and Yetunde Adeboyejo

performance. “I was excited to see her play so well – excited and very happy,” said the skipper for the day, who pulls on the armband whenever Patience Okaeme is out of the side. Modest to a fault, Okeye is more than happy to recognise Oshoala’s leadership qualities: “She’s the player we love the most and she’s the leader. And she always does her very best too.”

Loveth Ayila: The joker in the pack

Though a fellow forward, Ayila’s job

against the North Koreans was to watch Oshoala’s back. “She’s a lot of fun and she spends the whole day joking around,” said Ayila before making a special promise ahead of this weekend’s final against Germany: “Asisat carried the coach around on her shoulders because she’s the strongest and the only one able to do it, but if we win on Sunday, I promise that we’ll all do it. And we are going to win!”

Italian soccer federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio

Italian soccer federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio is to face a disciplinary investigation by European soccer’s governing body over allegedly racist remarks made during his election campaign, UEFA said on Wednesday.

Tavecchio, who was elected FIGC president last week, made a speech in the run-up to the election in which he referred to a fictitious player he called Opti Poba who, he said, “previously ate bananas and then suddenly becomes a first-team player with Lazio”. “Carlo Tavecchio ... has today been personally informed by UEFA about the decision of its Chief Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to open a disciplinary investigation on alleged racist comments made by him during his FIGC presidential election campaign,” UEFA said in a statement. UEFA said a report would be handed to its ethics and disciplinary panel “to render a decision about this matter” and “further details concerning these proceedings will be announced in due course.” Although Tavecchio’s comments caused anger in Italy, he was still swept home with 63 per cent of the vote in last week’s election after receiving the backing of Lega Pro, which represents thirdand fourth-division clubs, and the LND, representing the amateur leagues. Some Serie A and Serie B clubs also voted for him. Italy has struggled to control racism in the last few seasons and AC Milan’s players walked off the pitch during a friendly match in 2013 after abuse from fans on the terraces. 23

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Carlo Tavecchio facing UEFA racism probe

SEE PAGE 23

Nigeria, Germany reach final FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Uchechi Sunday (C) of Nigeria and team mates celebrate

By Agency Reporter

Nigeria will play Germany in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014 final after beating Korea DPR and France respectively. However, those bare outcomes represent just the final page of an enthralling semi-final story that showcased two different and equally thrilling kinds of football match.

The day’s early game was all about one in-form team, with Nigeria carrying out a ruthless demolition job on a Korea DPR side fresh from unseating the defending champions. The Super Falconets’ Asisat Oshoala undoubtedly emerged as the star of the day, illuminating this one-sided Moncton encounter with four goals that set all kind of records tumbling. Montreal, meanwhile, witnessed a very

different kind showdown of as two European heavyweights contested arguably the most engaging and unpredictable contest of the tournament thus far. And while France dominated and created by far the better of chances, Germany’s clinical finishing and legendary will to win saw them through to what promises to be a classic final. Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, better known to her team-mates as ‘Superzee’, was in truly superlative form on Wednesday evening, conjuring up four goals and two assists as the Africans overpowered Korea DPR 6-2 in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. A few days before the game FIFA.com had interviewed the bubbly striker in Moncton. Curious to find out more about following her stunning display, we asked six of her team-mates – one for every

one of her collection of goals and assists against the North Koreans – to give us the lowdown on the amazing Superzee. Courtney Dike: A good room-mate Nigeria’s first goal came after Oshoala threaded an inch-perfect through-ball to Dike, an indication of their understanding on the pitch. “She makes my job a whole lot easier,” said the forward, who shares a room with ‘Superzee’, a factor perhaps in their on-field telepathy. “She’s given me a lot of help in settling into the team and she’s a great person. She doesn’t snore either, although she sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and starts playing music.”

her team-mate back home with Rivers Angels, to celebrate the goal with a little dance. Today was no exception, as Njoku explained: “We love dancing and celebrating, and so does the rest of the team.” While many have dubbed ‘Superzee’ one of the revelations of the tournament, her performances have come as no surprise to Njoku: “I was thinking before the World Cup that she could end up doing something like this. I believe in her and her tremendous strength.”

Continued on page 23

Ugo Njoku: Dance partner extraordinaire Whenever Oshoala finds the back of the net, she always seeks out Njoku,

African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 3737 3077 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com