African Voice Issue 470 by African Voice Newspapers UK

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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ISSUE 470

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 Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) launched in London SEE PAGE 13

Man jailed for firearm offence after £2.40 dispute

£1.00

Nigeria’s opposition party merge to form All Progressives Congress (APC) SEE PAGE 10

It’s time only the smoke is white SEE PAGE 14

By Alan Oakley

There is one obvious question reverberating around the Catholic Church this week. In the wake of Benedict XVI’s shock resignation from the papacy, Catholics worldwide are wondering who will be next to take the helm.

Amongst Africans and many other non-white Catholics, the question is a different one. Are we about to see the first Black pope? Two African cardinals are amongst the top candidates for the challenging role. Cardinal Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian ordained to the priesthood in 1975 and a cardinal since 2003, is thought to be the more favoured of the pair. The other, Nigerian Francis Arinze, has a good claim. He has been a cardinal since 1985 and was one of the favourites for the papacy when Benedict XVI was chosen in 2005. But Arinze is now 80, older than Benedict XVI was in 2005, and it is unspecified age-related issues that have given rise to the situation the Church finds itself in; a situation unprecedented in almost six centuries.

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Cardinals Francis Arinze (left) and Peter Turkson are to be genuine contenders to be Pope

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Have You News Got News It’s time only the smoke is white For Us Continued from front page

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Horse meat in UK food chain

The UK is hurrying to address the current problem of horse meat in the food chain, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson issued a statement following the EU meeting: “We came to Brussels to get coordinated action across Europe for the consumer so that they can have confidence in what they’re buying. “We’ve now reached agreement on a number of key issues so that the current unacceptable situation with horsemeat cannot happen again. “Importantly, we will introduce a threemonth programme of random DNA testing of beef products, whether made in the EU or imported from elsewhere. It will begin 1 March and the first results will be published on 15 April. “Secondly, we agreed a new intelligencesharing system so that new information about the current investigations can be shared immediately. This will enable other member states to act straight away if they have any suspicions that food businesses are not playing by the rules. “It will also allow Europol to co-ordinate investigations into criminal activity. “Because of the urgency with which we have to deal what is clearly an international issue, everyone agreed that the European Commission’s recommendations on labelling the origin of all processed meat should be accelerated and published as soon as possible. This is so that we can have more certainty on where our meat is coming from.

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

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

Contrary to many reports, neither Cardinal Turkson nor Cardinal Arinze, even if elected, would become the first African pontiff. That honour went to Pope Victor I, a native of the region now covered by Libya. He was pope between AD 189 and AD 199. While experts believe the election of a non-European pope is a real possibility, most point to the fact that the majority of the world’s Catholics are in South America and see that continent as most deserving. Peter Turkson, born in Nsuta-Wassa in the west of Ghana, has been an ordained priest for more than thirty years and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in October 2003. He currently serves as president of the Vatican’s Council for Justice and Peace. Colleagues describe him as a “people person” with excellent communication skills. However, he is considered a conservative who is unlikely to steer the church in a new direction on issues such as contraception, abortion and gay rights, which may count against him in some quarters. His conservatism has its limits, however. He is regularly seen around Rome driving a Lexus SUV and is often to be

found accessing his iPhone or iPad. He also speaks seven languages. Speaking to ABC News on Monday (February 11) Turkson said: “The new pope has to be very sensitive to the present condition of humanity and yet recognise the task of having to still keep the Gospel in its pure form. That’s a big challenge that we all pray for.” On the immediate future of the Church, he said: “I think what we should be looking for, probably what we should be doing rather is recognising the nature of the Church… pray God will provide us with the leadership that can confidently lead the humanity in the Church in the year ahead. The challenges are not going to cease. They’re going to be increasing and we need somebody with God’s guidance to get us through all this.” Francis Arinze, an Igbo from Anambra State, served as a priest for 27 years and in 1965 became the world’s youngest bishop, aged 32, before Pope John Paul II elevated him to Cardinal in 1985. He succeeded the outgoing pope (then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) as Cardinal Bishop of Velletri-Segni in 2005. Arinze was one of the principal advisors to Pope John

Paul II, and was considered papabile (ie. Suited to become pope) before the 2005 papal conclave, which elected Ratzinger to become Benedict XVI when John Paul II died. Arinze is also considered a conservative. He provoked protests speaking at Georgetown University in 2003 when he appeared to associate homosexuality with pornography, fornication and adultery. Arinze was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and colleagues compliment his ability to cooperate with people of other faiths. On the occasion of a papal electoral gathering or ‘conclave’, after the votes are counted, the papers are traditionally burned. If there is a clear winner, white smoke from the resulting fire signals the fact to onlookers that a new pope has been chosen. If there is no clear winner, meaning that another vote will have to take place, something is added to the ballot papers so that black smoke is emitted. Benedict XVI’s resignation, to take effect on the last day of February, means a conclave of senior cardinals will meet in Rome to choose a successor by the end of March.

Health officials confirms new respiratory illness in UK

HPA’s Professor John Watson

Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said: “Confirmed novel coronavirus infection in a person without travel history to the Middle East suggests that person-to-person transmission has occurred, and that it occurred in the UK.

This case is a family member who was in close personal contact with the earlier case and who may have been at greater risk of acquiring an infection because of

their underlying health condition. “To date, evidence of person-to-person transmission has been limited. Although this case provides strong evidence for person to person transmission, the risk of infection in most circumstances is still considered to be very low. If novel coronavirus were more infectious, we would have expected to have seen a larger number of cases than we have seen since the first case was reported three months ago. However, this new development does justify, the measures that were immediately put into place to prevent any

further spread of infection and to identify and follow up contacts of known cases. “We will continue to provide advice and support to healthcare workers looking after the patients and to contacts of both cases. “In light of this latest case we would like to emphasise that the risk associated with novel coronavirus to the general UK population remains very low. The HPA will continue to work closely with national and international health authorities and will share any further advice with health professionals and the public if and when more information becomes available.” Prof John Oxford, a virology expert at Queen Mary, University of London, said: “This doesn’t raise too many alarm bells. “In a family things can spread far more easily than they would spread outside, people share towels and toothbrushes etc. “If it was somebody who was not related or a nurse or a doctor, that would be a lot more serious.”

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Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Opinion

Diaspora Media - Africa’s Missing Link With Its Diaspora By Dr Ola Ogunyemi

he brain drain Africa suffered since the double waves of decolonisation and structural adjustment did not only impact negatively on political and economic developments, but also decimated Africa as professional and business elite - students and refugees emigrated to escape crisis, famine and infrastructural decay. Although migration is a global phenomenon, statistics indicate that more than 215 million people (3 percent of the world’s population) live outside their countries of birth; Africa bears the heavy brunt of this because, according to a World Bank estimate, it has lost roughly 100,000 university graduates, fully or partly educated in Africa, to Western industrialized countries. This figure does not include the millions of Western educated Africans who stayed on because they could not see a future for themselves in returning home. Nonetheless, Africa has benefitted from its diaspora. According to a World Bank report, remittances to developing countries reached $406 billion in 2012 and are projected to reach $536 billion in 2015. Most significantly, the report reveals that Nigeria and Egypt are the two African countries in the top 10 recipients of remittances with a figure of $21 billion and $18 billion respectively. However, most of these remittances are not for investment but money sent to sustain families and loved ones. So, the impact of remittances is mostly felt at a micro-economic level. It is when remittances are used for investment that its impact can be felt at the macro level. But this cannot happen haphazardly,

Dr Ola Ogunyemi (fifth from left) at ‘Successful Media of Diaspora 2011 Conference’

it needs planned and sustained strategies by African governments to harness this resource. A few initiatives have been launched by African governments to engage with its diaspora. For example, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, claimed that “[the country] is leveraging on the large Diaspora population we have in the UK, who can actually be the catalyst - those agents for trade between the two countries”. And at the Nigeria Diaspora Youth Leadership Summit held at King’s College, London, in August, 2012, keynote speakers urged Nigerian students to rise up and drive the modernisation of Nigeria. However, such overtures have not translated into long lasting and sustained collective action. The problem is that African governments pay more attention to the process rather than to the product of engagement. The difference between the two approaches is that the former appeals to cultural sensi-

bilities of the Africans in the diaspora, while the later gives them a sense of ownership and direction. Two notable examples of the latter approach will illustrate its value. First, the ‘National Research Centre’ in Egypt was established in 1956 to give ‘young researchers who have left the country a chance to return to top-class facilities... and a free rein to discover and innovate’. Second, the Ghana Joseph Project was established in 2007 to ‘reconcile and unite the African peoples so that their positive spirit and strengths would be released in a focused manner to help rebuild Africa and the image of Africans worldwide’. But little effort has been made to promote and sustain the existing or initiate new projects to make them appeal to the next generation of African Diasporas. However, African diaspora media outlets can help bridge this gap. Most especially, they could complement and extend the role of the Global Knowledge Partnership on

In a 2009 study conducted by Professor Rachel Jewkes, head of the Women’s Research Unit of South Africa’s Medical Research Council, 62 percent of surveyed boys over age 11 said they believed that forcing someone to have sex was not an act of violence. These findings speak to a growing culture wherein violence and abuse are seen as the norm. For this reason, the Western Cape Government is working together with the NGO sector to promote the development of strong, resilient families, with a focus on the role of fathers, and to encourage men to take the lead in rejecting violence and abuse against women. We have made youth leadership development a priority in this regard, and our youth strategy speaks extensively to equipping young people with skills to reject violence and destructive behaviours. This government has initiated a series of programmes that will provide young people with the necessary services, opportunities and support they need to deal effectively with the challenges of everyday life in South Africa. We also take cognizance of the link between drug and alcohol abuse and violent crimes as was highlighted in the community meet-

ing in Bredasdorp this weekend, and in fact we have nearly doubled our budget for the reduction of drug and alcohol related harms over the past three years, from R42 million, to over R77 million this year. The need to speak out and break the silence has once again been highlighted. Rape and sexual crimes must be reported to the police. We encourage victims to report these crimes - and to tell police about suspected rapists. Every police precinct in the Western Cape has a Victim Support Room (totalling 149 province-wide) where victims of rape can report crimes and give their statements in a safe and victim-friendly environment. Victim-support volunteers, which have been trained in a joint partnership between Community Safety, Social Development and SAPS, will assist the victim through the police reporting process. Victims may, in most circumstances, take a family member or friend with them to give a statement, in their home language. Social workers are also available to provide counselling for rape victims and their families and can be contacted by visiting any local Social Development Office or by calling the Western Cape Government So-

Migration and Development (KNOMAD), by providing ‘an open, multidisciplinary platform to debate, discuss and exchange knowledge on migration issues’. Thanks to advances in communications technology, media for and by African Diasporas have proliferated since 2000 in the UK. They emerged out of the shadows of ethnic media to project black perspectives on civic issues and to redress the marginalisation, alienation and negative stereotypes of black people in the mainstream media. Significantly, they appeal to first and second generation African Diasporas by showcasing the best of African entertainment (music and Nollywood films). Some examples of well-known media of African Diasporas include Bright Entertainment Television, The Africa Channel, Klear TV, Voice of Africa Radio, African Voice and Somalia Voice. These media outlets have the potential to foster engagements and reinvigorate diasporic dialogue. But African governments need to recognise the media of African diaspora as an extension of Africa itself. This means incorporating them into their communication strategies and supporting them with advertising revenues to keep them afloat. It is ironic that most African governments will give exclusive interviews to western journalists and pay thousands in hard currency to advertise in western media to the neglect of that produced by the diaspora. African diasporas and their media are vital resources that Africa should no longer ignore in its efforts to rebuild the continent. Dr Ola Ogunyemi is the Convenor of Media of Diaspora Research Group at the University of Lincoln, UK.

South Africa: Sexual Violence Concerns Us All

he recent spate of rapes and murders across the province has jolted our nation and we are all called upon to join hands in addressing the problem. Western Cape Department of Social Development in this financial year transferred just over R15 million to Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the Victim Empowerment sector to work with victims of violent crimes, an increase from R7 million in 2008/09 which has particularly benefited NGOs that render support services to rape victims in vulnerable communities. This is helping victims to recover from violence inflicted upon them, physically and psychologically. Of course, the bigger challenge for government and for civil society is to begin to address the underlying causes of violent crime in our country. The 2008 National Youth Lifestyle Study by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention found that many young people are growing up witnessing violence and criminal activities in their communities, yet 74% of young people questioned in the study believed adults in their communities were setting a good example. 4

cial Development’s toll free line on 0800 220 250. The Women Abuse Helpline is also available on 0800 150 150. Rape, domestic violence and violence against women are not women’s issues, they are everyone’s issues. Women’s safety ultimately affects everyone in society and communities must stand together to prevent sexual crimes and support victims. We also echo the sentiments of several industry leaders for the reinstatement of the specialised sexual offences courts. This on its own will not solve the rape situation, but it is vital to provide a deterrent to would-be rapists and sends a clear message that rapists will be arrested and convicted if they commit this offence. While some individuals have most distastefully capitalised on the death of Anene Booysen for political gain, the Western Cape Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to tackle the scourge of violent crimes against women and children. We acknowledge that there is much work to be done and that it will take the active and committed participation of everybody if we are to make serious inroads into this problem.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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This Valentine’s did you find Your Type? By Iyamide Thomas, Regional Care Advisor, Sickle Cell Society Email: iyamide.thomas@sicklecellsociety.org

e’ve just celebrated Valentine’s Day, reportedly the most celebrated day around the world besides New Year! A time when many current or would-be lovers express their love by presenting each other with flowers, chocolates, romantic gestures and cards known as ‘valentines’. Did you know that Saint Valentine’s Day is named after a saint called Valentinus who it is said was imprisoned for performing weddings on soldiers forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians who were persecuted under the Roman Empire? Legend has it that he healed the daughter of his jailer and before his execution he wrote “from your Valentine” as a farewell to her! Why Care about ‘Type’? From the type of people you might have been attracted to on Valentine’s Day to the way you look and behave there’s a lot you inherit from your parents through genes, including your haemoglobin genotype. This tells you the 2 genes (one from each parent) that determine your type of blood haemoglobin. The type of haemoglobin genes you inherit or pass on can play an

important role in determining whether you or your children are affected by two serious inherited blood conditions – sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. As Africans many of us would have heard of sickle cell disease since it affects us more than any other ethnic group in the world. Out of the 15million people estimated to have sickle cell worldwide, around 10 million live in Africa of which 4 million are in Nigeria. It also affects people who originate from the Caribbean, Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. However it is not a ‘Black’ disease and can affect ‘White’ people too, though less frequently. Sickle cell disease is a serious inherited blood condition that can cause severe pain, anaemia and organ damage. Thalassaemia is a condition most common among people originating from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cyprus and China. People can inherit Beta Thalassaemia major which affects their ability to produce enough red blood cells. This causes severe anaemia and organ damage and they need to be on regular blood transfusions throughout life. The usual and most common type of haemoglobin gene people inherit is hae-

moglobin A. Unusual haemoglobin genes include haemoglobin S (known as ‘sickle haemoglobin’), haemoglobin C, and beta thalassaemia. People can only get sickle cell or thalassaemia if they inherit two unusual genes for haemoglobin. People who inherit only one unusual gene are known as ‘carriers’ or ‘trait’. In the UK 1 in 4 West Africans are carriers of the sickle cell gene. Be the perfect partner! This Valentine’s Day many people would have established new relationships and cemented old ones so it seems a good time to raise awareness of these two inherited blood conditions and for individuals to consider finding out about their haemoglobin genotype since each time two people who are carriers have a baby there is a 25% chance the baby could be born with sickle cell disease or thalassaemia. A simple blood test will determine if you carry a gene for sickle cell or thalassaemia. In the UK the NHS Sickle Cell and Thalassaema Screening Programme offers all pregnant women this blood test which is then offered to the father-to-be if the woman is found to be a carrier. Guess what? Only 50% of these men are current-

ly accepting their invitation for testing! You can ask your GP for this blood test at anytime in your life especially before you and your partner decide to start a family. You and your partner can then discuss any risks and the choices that are right for you. Now the valentine cards, chocolates and flowers are over why not think about becoming educated on these genetic blood conditions so you can make informed choices (about testing) if and when the need arises? By so doing, you just might be considered that perfect partner after all! Useful websites:

www.sct.screening.nhs.uk www.sicklecellsociety.org www.ukts.org www.familylegacy.org.uk This February make a difference to others and donate to the Sickle Cell Society by sending a text to 70070. In the body of the text type our code SICD13, leave a space and then type the amount you want to donate (e.g. SICD13 £5.) 5

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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News

Five thousand carers will lose out after April reforms - DWP By Alan Oakley

Thousands of carers for the infirm and disabled are set to lose benefits after April under government allowance reforms.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expects at least 5,000 carer’s allowance recipients to lose their benefits over the next five years. As part of the government’s controversial welfare reforms, every disabled person receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be reassessed and transferred to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. The introduction of PIP will mean some disabled people will lose out if they are deemed ineligible for any benefits. Private companies Atos and Capita have won a multimillion-pound contract to carry out the reassessments. More than one million people receive carer’s allowance. And for about 270,000 of them, this entitlement is dependent on the eligibility for DLA of someone of working age for whom they care. The introduction of PIP will also mean that their carers, often loved ones who have sacrificed their jobs and wages to look after them, will no longer be eligible for their £58.45 weekly carer’s

allowance. The DWP believes 25,000 of the 76,000 disabled people with carers it says will be reassessed for PIP, will no longer be entitled to DLA as a result, and their carer will also lose their allowance. But, it says, another 20,000 carers will be newly awarded an allowance as a result of the PIP reassessment - meaning a net total of 5,000 carers who will miss out. Carers UK, the charity set up to advocate for the millions of people who care for family or friends, says this estimate is too low. It says about 10,000 carers - 5,000 carers currently eligible under DLA and 5,000 “future” carers who would also have qualified under the DLA system - stand to lose. The charity’s chief executive, Helena Herklots, said those families affected by these changes faced a double loss. “The government is now cutting financial support for carers by £31m - meaning that thousands of families now face the devastating double blow of disability and carers’ benefits. “This comes on top of cuts to social care services, cuts to housing benefit support for carers who need a separate room to sleep

Many carers will lose al benefits after April

in, forthcoming reductions in support with council tax and thousands of carers who will have their benefits capped - a perfect storm of cuts to families already struggling to care for loved ones. Charity Mencap warned today that the majority of people who care for disabled family members have reached “breaking point” with eight out of 10 saying they do not receive enough support. Assistant di-

rector Emma Harrison said the government must commit to ring-fencing funding for short breaks for carers and their families. A spokesperson for the DWP said: “The universal credit will ensure that those carers on low incomes receive the support they need by allowing them to keep more of their own money as they move into work. “It will also give carers more flexibility if they need carer’s breaks.”

UK immigration reversal is simple wallet welcoming The UK’s Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP, has said that the UK needs to attract wealthy Chinese immigrants, investors and tourists. To facilitate this Mr Cable said that the UK must simplify its visitor and business visa programmes.

Mr Cable wrote an article for UK newspaper The Daily Telegraph on 11th February 2013 in which he said ‘China is the new economic superpower and we must treat its re-emergence with respect: as an opportunity rather than a threat.’ He continued ‘If we are serious about trading more with countries such as China, then we must make sure our borders are as open as possible to genuine tourism, business visitors, investment and trade’. Mr Cable says that Chinese travellers, whether investors or tourists, have increasing economic clout. He says that, despite the attraction of such British brands as Aston Martin, Mulberry and Clarks Shoes and the fact that Chinese people say they would like to see the British countryside and are interested in British culture and history, the UK’s share of Chinese visitors has fallen. There were 180,000 Chinese visitors to the UK in 2011, including both tourists and business visitors. This was a small fraction of the numbers of Chinese people visiting continental Europe. Mr Cable says that Chinese businessmen who want to invest in the UK, like the owners of Chinese retailer Bosideng which opened a store in London last year, ‘need to be fingerprinted and they have to complete a six-page form’. ‘By contrast’, Mr Cable says ‘our European competitors have a faster, simpler 6

system which then enables visitors to travel freely within Europe.’ Mr Cable says that there were 92 separate Chinese investments in British business last year but he says that he wants to see more. Mr Cable says that there are already plans in place to cut the amount of ‘red tape’ that Chinese travellers will experience when applying for UK travel documents from April 2013 onwards but he says more must be done to make it easier for Chinese people to visit the UK. Mr Cable says that British business and British universities require border controls to be administered with ‘the minimum of fuss and bureaucracy’. It is thought that the UK’s Chancellor (as the Finance minister is known), George Osborne and other cabinet ministers agree with Mr Cable. These ministers, insiders say, are becoming increasingly keen to kickstart the UK’s economic recovery by bringing in international capital and skilled workers. Mr Cable’s article will inevitably be seen as a rebuke to his cabinet colleague Home Secretary Theresa May who is in charge of Britain’s immigration and visa system. Mrs May made a speech in December in which she said ‘our reforms to economic migration have struck a balance’ and criticised people who called for greater immigration for ‘spreading a harmful message’. By contrast, David Cameron has now pledged there will be ‘no limit’ to the number of students from India who can study in the UK and then stay on to find work. The Prime Minister wants to develop a new ‘special relationship’ with the emerging superpower and said potential students simply needed ‘a basic English qualification and a place at a British university’.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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India

Tough new laws in wake of Delhi rape India has responded to calls from women’s groups and other concerned citizens by dramatically tightening its laws on sexual assault.

The move has come at a time when the world is monitoring the trial of ﬁve men accused of the December gang rape and murder of a young student on a bus in Delhi. A committee headed by retired justice JS Verma was set up in the wake of angry protests that followed the Delhi case to look at ways to protect women. It went further than many people expected in recommending sweeping changes to Indian law and governance. In particular, the country’s rape law has been changed to allow courts to hand down stiff penalties for all types of sexual assault. In the past, a sexual assault had to include penetration to be deﬁned as rape under Indian law; anything less than rape was, effectively, not a serious offence. The lesser charge of criminal assault on a woman with “intent to outrage her modesty” carried a light penalty and was seldom enforced. Any sexual assault which stopped short of penetration fell into the latter category and was almost never prosecuted as a result. Separate offences with strict punishments have been introduced for stalking, voyeurism, stripping a woman or carrying out an acid attack.

For the first time, human trafficking has been outlawed in India, with stiff penalties both for the trafficker and for aiding and abetting trafficking by engaging a trafficked employee. This means anyone employing child maids in India could be jailed for five years or more, while the vast network of “placement agents”, who bring children from poor villages to work in India’s towns and cities, could be put away for at least 14 years. A police officer or other public servant found to have been involved in trafficking would be jailed for life. The dramatic changes come into effect immediately but will be subject to ratification by parliament in six months. If they go through, they could prove significant deterrent to participants in India’s huge child labour industry. “This shows the intention of the government to take the issue very seriously,” said Bhuwan Ribhu, an activist who has spent the past decade fighting trafficking and child labour. “We now have to ensure this gets translated into law [by parliament] and the law gets enforced.” The committee had recommended that members of the armed forces accused of rape be tried under civilian law, instead of being protected by a special law that gives them virtual immunity from prosecution. It had also recommended that parliamentarians charged with rape and other serious

India has moved quickly under the world’s spotlight to respond to demands from women’s groups crimes be forced to resign their posts, and problem,” said Meenakshi Ganguly of Huthat marital rape be outlawed. These recom- man Rights Watch. “Any state that wants to mendations were all ignored, although the address this [violence against women] will government insisted that it is open to fur- have to deal with accountability.” ther discussions and possible amendments But Ribhu said there was still time to when the law reaches parliament, which is discuss those more politically sensitive isexpected to approve the changes. The next sues in parliament. For the time being, he step is a parliamentary committee, which said the new law represented perhaps the will examine Verma’s recommendations in most signiﬁcant set of changes to India’s more detail. penal code to protect women since it was “The reluctance to address the account- ﬁrst implemented by British colonial rulers ability for the police or for the army is a in 1862.

Canada

Canadians latest to turn backs on bad ‘penny’ Canada’s treasury has announced the phasing out of the one-cent coin, calling the smallest denomination a “nuisance”.

The Royal Canadian Mint officially ended its distribution of one-cent coins, colloquially ‘pennies’, to financial institutions on Monday (February 4). Finance minister Jim Flaherty announced last year that they had outlived their purpose. The treasury has issued guidelines suggesting vendors get used to rounding cash prices to the nearest five cents. Electronic purchases may still be charged as before. The government has said the cost of the penny exceeds its monetary value. Production is $11 million a year. The coins, which feature two maple leaves and Queen Elizabeth II in profile, will remain legal tender until they eventually disappear from circulation. Opposition New Democrat Member of Parliament Pat Martin gave a poetic goodbye to the penny in Parliament on Monday. ”There’s nothing a penny will buy any more, not a gum ball or small piece of candy,” Martin said. ”Note the penny is a nuisance. It costs

too much to make. They clutter our change purse and they don’t circulate. They build up in piles in old cookie jars under our beds and in our desk drawers. You can’t give them away. They cost more than what they’re worth. It’s time to put them all out to pasture, put them out to the curb. No, the penny is useless, but there is one thing I’d say, I hope they don’t start treating old MPs this way.” Google is marking the passing of the penny with a dedicated doodle on its Canadian home page. The currency museum at Canada’s central bank has already taken steps to preserve the penny’s place in Canadian culture. A mural consisting of nearly 16,000 one-cent pieces has been assembled at the museum to commemorate the coin’s history, said assistant curator Raewyn Passmore. Canada’s move surely foreshadows what will soon become of the smallest currency denomination in many countries around the world. New Zealand, Australia, The Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden and others have already dropped theirs. The US Treasury Department has said the Obama administration has looked at possibly using cheaper materials to make their penny, which is now made of zinc. Two bills

A sad day for Canada’s ‘nuisance’ penny

calling for the end of the US penny, introduced in 2002 and 2006 by Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe, failed to advance in the House

of Representatives. The US zinc lobby has been a major opponent to suggestions that the penny be eliminated. 7

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Developing Countries Face Higher Trade Costs Although the international economy has integrated considerably in recent decades, a new database developed jointly by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the World Bank reveals that trade costs fall disproportionately on developing countries. Although developing countries are becoming more integrated into the world trading system in an absolute sense, they are starting from a higher baseline and their relative position is deteriorating because the rest of the world is moving more quickly. The new Trade Costs database uses an innovative method to estimate trade costs in agriculture and manufactured goods, opening new analytical possibilities for policymakers and researchers interested in trade integration. According to the research, trade costs are influenced to varying degrees by distance and transport costs, tariff and nontariff measures, and logistics. The new data, which cover the time period 1995-2010, stress the importance of supply chains and connectivity constraints in explaining the higher costs and lower levels of trade integration observed in developing countries. One of the key findings triggered by the da-

tabase is that two areas amenable to policy interventions—maritime transport connectivity and logistics performance—are very important determinants of bilateral trade costs, with an effect comparable to that of geographical distance. “Technological factors are responsible for a significant share of the differences in trade costs around the world,” says Ravi Ratnayake, Director of ESCAP’s Trade and Investment Division, which partnered with the World Bank on the project. “From a policy perspective, reforms in areas such as infrastructure, core trade-related services sectors, and private sector development can thus have significant benefits for countries in terms of lowering trade costs.” The global database shows the pattern of trade costs across countries and through time by offering a comparison of pairs of countries, and an identification of those trade costs that are high. As such, the dataset can be used to examine the policy factors and “natural” factors that contribute to the levels of trade costs observed around the world. One telling trend: for upper middle income countries, it is easier to trade with high income countries than among themselves. “Neighboring countries in regions like the Middle East and North Africa often have higher trade costs with each other than with

Dr. Olusegun Aganga Nigeria’s minister of Trade & Investment

the more distant Southern European markets,” says Jean François Arvis, a senior economist at the World Bank’s International Trade Department and one of the database’s principal architects. “This disparity serves to hold back ongoing efforts at regional integration in such areas.” In an increasingly globalized and networked world, trade costs matter not only as a

determinant of the pattern of bilateral trade and investment, but also of the geographical distribution of production. Although tariffs in many countries are now at historical lows, the evidence suggests that trade costs remain high for developing countries struggling to gain a lasting foothold in international supply chains. Trade costs are therefore of great importance from a policy perspective, since they are an important determinant of a country’s ability to take part in regional and global production networks. The Trade Costs database allows policymakers to highlight high trade costs at a bilateral level, identify the key determinants of those high costs, and focus their efforts on the reduction of those costs. Of course, experiences vary greatly from one developing region to another. East Asia, for example, has experienced much lower levels of trade costs than others, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. A clear implication of the research is there is much for developing countries to learn from each other in terms of the set of policies that work effectively to reduce trade costs. This new dataset can be a powerful tool for practitioners and policymakers to do so, especially in combination with other methodologies, data sources, and expertise on the ground.

Arik Air Announces Connections Between New York, West/Central Africa Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest airline, now offers excellent connections and through-fares directly from New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport to West and Central Africa satisfying the growing demand from its passengers and travel agents. Arik Air is the only African airline to fly directly to West Africa from JFK. These new travel options now firmly position the airline as one of the fastest and most effective ways for US passengers to connect to West and Central Africa, via Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria. “In addition to placing safety and security as our top priorities, Arik Air is also passionately dedicated to enhancing its customer service. This latest addition provides passengers with an efficient and smooth transit experience. We are very excited about these new connections and our highly competitive fares, especially as American travelers are increasingly flying to Africa for both business and pleasure. As these markets continue to open up, Arik Air is perfectly positioned to provide passengers with an enjoyable and seamless travel experience” said Robert Brunner, VP America’s Arik Air. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) seven African countries are 8

in the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world. This robust economic growth fuels the development of tourism and opens up a vast array of business opportunities for corporate America across diverse industries. To cater to this growing demand, Arik Air provides greater accessibility and ease of travel to the following West and Central African destinations. As part of the seasonal discount, Arik Airline says it is giving 30 per cent discount on air fares for its domestic services as part of its ``Valentine gift`` to its customers. This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer in Lagos. ``This year, we want to give something back to our customers and reward them for helping make us to be Nigeria’s leading airline. ``We believe this offer will give our customers greater flexibility of flights and enliven aviation business in the country,`` the statement said. It urged every government agency involved in managing affairs in the aviation sector not to compromise safety and quality standard as many people would be moving around during this Valentine period.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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President Jonathan, Cameron Discuss Trade, Security President Goodluck Jonathan met with British Prime Minister, David Cameron, at Number 10 Downing Street in London where both leaders discussed issues bothering on trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Besides, both Jonathan and Cameron discussed how to seek better cooperation in combating terrorism with deeper allusion on Mali and Boko Haram. The president spoke strongly on the need for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to maintain a long term peace keeping mission in Mali to avoid a resurgence of the terrorism. “After the intervention in Mali, we have to sustain it because the militants might mix with the local people to cause more havoc, and therefore there is need for us to have superior intelligence network to combat the dissidents,” Jonathan told Cameron. While welcoming Jonathan for an interim talk that lasted for less than 10 minutes with journalists before engaging themselves in an expansive discussion with other government ofﬁcials of both countries, the Prime Minister ﬁrst expressed his sympathy and condolences with Nigeria on the appalling murder of some medical personnel in Kano and promised that Britain was committed to assisting the country in the eradication of the menace of terrorism. “We want to make the relationship closer, which will be based on successful trade and investment set to double in the future. We

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes President Jonathan at 10 Downing St have a good diplomatic and political relationship as well as important aid and development which we want to build on and support each other where necessary,” he said. The prime minister spoke on the situation in West Africa, particularly Mali and how Britain and Nigeria could work together for a meaningful development. He reiterated Britain’s commitment and promised that both countries would have a close relationship for economic reasons.

President Jonathan had earlier called at the ofﬁce of the deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Nick Clegg, at 9.45a.m. where he spent 30 minutes with him. The president urged the prime minister to use the United Kingdom’s presidency of the G8 and the summit which will be held in the UK in June to push for a better trade, tax treaty and transparency for the continent. Jonathan said he appreciated UK ’s support to Nigeria and Africa especially on devel-

opment efforts and support against terror groups. He congratulated the prime minister for taking the chairmanship of G8. Jonathan said the G8 should focus on trade because the continent is quite interested in issues of trade, treaties and tax transparency, saying that if Africa has robust relationship in-terms of trade between African nations and other continents, it will facilitate the production of goods, growth and development. He maintained that the country had saved a lot of revenue as a result of security intervention on oil thefts that were stealing ‘blood crude’ and refined them outside the country but later imported same for supply, just like the G8 countries have strong feelings about money laundering from political office holders. The president said some of the problems facing Africa are the free movement of small arms and light weapons and implored the G8 countries to support the continent in that regard. He however thanked the prime minister for co-chairing the sustainable development growth with the president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and promised that he would support and work with the team to ensure that Africa nations explore the opportunity. On his part, Cameron promised that he would always advance any course of action that will benefit both countries. “You are very welcome today to discuss all of these issues including terrorism and trade,” Cameron said.

Attacks On Health Workers ‘Unacceptable,’- UN Chief Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the killing in north-eastern Nigeria of three doctors from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, calling the attack and other recent incidents of violence against health workers “unacceptable.”

The three doctors were reportedly working at a government-run hospital in the town of Potiskum in Yobe state. They were killed over the weekend. On Friday, nine polio vaccination workers - all said to have been women - were shot dead in northern Nigeria. Similar attacks on health workers have taken place in Pakistan in recent months. “Those killed were working selﬂessly to provide basic life-saving interventions to the most vulnerable people,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson. “Such attacks severely limit health workers’ access to the populations who need them most and could have devastating effects in the ﬁght to improve the health of people everywhere. “These acts of outrageous violence towards health workers around the world are unacceptable,” the statement added.

Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General

The Secretary-General encouraged all countries to protect health workers so that they can continue to better the health of populations and save lives. President Goodluck Jonathan has also condemned the dastardly terrorist attacks in Kano State which claimed the lives of health workers who were dutifully engaged in vaccinations to protect and save the lives of Nigerian children. On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends commiserations to the families of the victims and the government and people of the state. He assured the bereaved families that the loss of their loved ones will not be in vain as the Federal Government will ensure that the mission to totally eradicate polio from Nigeria in which they were patriotically

engaged is carried out to a very successful conclusion. President Jonathan further assured all Nigerians and the international community, especially international health organisations and Nigeria’s development partners that the Federal Government will not be distracted from its objective of accelerating the reduction of maternal and child mortality in all parts of Nigeria by mindless acts of terrorism.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Friday, February 8, said while the Government will continue to do everything possible to track down and apprehend agents of terrorism in the country, the President has directed that enhanced security measures be put in place immediately for health workers in high-risk areas.The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the victims of today’s attack.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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ACN, ANPP, APGA, CPC governors meet, endorse merger

our people across party, religious and geo political zones, we are extremely concerned about the state of the nation and we put our heads together in the interest of our people to deliberate on what can be done to rescue our country”, the Communique stated. The Communique further adds that: “As Governors, we fully endorse the merger initiatives already commenced by our various political parties and we will put our full weight behind these efforts”. The Governors at the meeting added that Nigeria is greater than everyone and that everybody has a duty to make it work for the people and the future of the children yet unborn. Also speaking on the meeting, the host, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said the meeting was about making the country a better place because what the country is having now cannot be described as her best and that those at the meeting intend to deliver Nigeria’s best. On skepticism that some people may express that the merger may not work, Governor Fashola said the commitment that the

From Right: Governor State of Osun ,Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor Imo State,Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Ogun Sate Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Nassarawa Governor, Alhaji Janko Almakura , Bonu State Governor Kashim Shehim , Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Zanfara State Governor , Alhaji Abdul Azees , Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, Yobe Governor, Representing by Senator. Dejere Alkali and Ekiti State Governor,Dr. Kayode Fayemi during the Meeting of Opposition Political Partys of ACN, CPC,ANPP and APGA at lagos State House Marina

Governors bring to the table will certainly override any skepticism. “I am convinced here that the full weight of ten of us Governors and many more who unfortunately could not make it today is a much more stronger force and the underlying reason is clearly how to make this place a better place” , Governor Fashola stated. Also speaking, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun said a lot of the other Governors who were not present at the meeting will come on board when they see the sincerity of the participants. He noted the sincerity explains the seriousness attached to the meeting, adding that the Governors are determined and believes that with the support of all Nigerians the arrangement would work. Responding to a question on what informed his attendance of the meeting, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said the merger has become necessary to save the country and its democracy and the likelihood of its being turned into a one party state.

“I personally fully endorse this movement and merger. We are on a rescue mission here and the essence is about making Nigeria a better nation”, the Imo State Governor added. Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulazziz Abubakar Yari while responding to a question on whether the merger talk is about unseating the Peoples Democratic Party, said it is about how to ﬁx Nigeria in the right perspectives. He added that it is a question of asking if the people have been happy since 1999 till date when the Peoples Democratic Party has been in power adding that if the contrary has been the case then the leaders are duty bound to drive the people aright. “We believe that the PDP has not done enough. We have the idea, the knowledge and the progressive intention to move the country forward. So, if you say that we are going to move PDP out of power, yes we are ready to do that, God willing”, Governor Yari emphasized.

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

en State Governors drawn from the different political parties and geo political zones in the country on Tuesday met at the Lagos house, marina residence of the state governor for over four hours and resolved to endorse ongoing merger initiatives by their various political parties to rescue Nigeria. In a communiqué issued at the end of the closed door meeting and read to newsmen at the Marina venue by the Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, it was agreed by the Governors that having reviewed the situation in the country, to rescue Nigeria is a task that must be done. The States present at the meeting and their representatives are Borno- Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Imo- Chief Rochas Okorocha, Lagos-Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Nassarawa, Alhaji Tanko Almakura, OgunSenator Ibikunle Amosun, Oyo- Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Osun-Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Abdulazziz Abubakar Yari and Yobe which was represented by Senator Jejere Alkali. “As progressive and patriotic leaders of

From Right: Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Edo State Governor, Adam Oshiomole, Oyo State Governor, senator Abiola Ajimobi, Zanfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul Azeez, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola,Ekiti State Governor,Dr. Kayode Fayemi,Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha during the second meeting of the progressive Governor’s Alliance [PGA] at Lagos House Abuja

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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State of Osun Kicks Off 18,000 OYES Cadet Training The training for the 2013 – 2015 Batch of the Osun State Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) cadets involving about 18, 000 cadets has commenced.

From Left - Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, First lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and Deputy Governor State of Osun Otunba Titi Laoye – Tomori during the South West Expo Grassoots Business & Investment Forum at Center for Black Cuiture & International Understanding State of Osun Osogbo

Photos: Taofeek Adejare

The preparatory training for the Physical Instructors, Support Trainers and OYES Mentors commenced in Osogbo the state capital, at Fun Field Park and Events Centre. Institute for Development and Democratic Studies (IDDS), an outﬁt engaged for the training in a statement by its Project Administrator, Olawale Salami, said the registration of the OYES cadets will commence on Monday at the various designated centers across the 30 Local government in the state. The training was designed in a various categories with physical ﬁtness and civic education on moral value, change of attitude, public communication and human relationship including other skill acquisitions

that will enable the cadets to understand the vision, and the social importance of the scheme in the course of doing their job. It will also involve impacting ideas on sustainable development and involving the cadets on life transforming development initiatives. Training for the cadets will also be focus on the history of the society, politics, economy and the psychology of the workplace to work in tandem with the state government Six Point Integral Action plans. IDDS will complete the preparatory training for the instructors on Wednesday while the two weeks lectures for the cadets will commence on Monday, February 18 and end on February 26 2013 at the designated centres. The 2011 – 2013 batch of the OYES cadets employed by the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Argesola completed their two years scheme last month with the engagement of over 18,000 in various sectors in the state out of 20,000 absolved for the scheme.

From Right – Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,Handshaking with Chief Missioner Ansar-Ud- Deen Society of Nigeria & Overseas, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Olanrewaju Ahmad and Alhaji [ Comrade] Amitolu Bolarinwa Shittu during the Nation Prays Organised by Joint Muslims’ Action Forum [JOMAF] State of Osun at Government Technical College , Osogbo State of Osun

Viewers of the AFCON 2013 Open Air broadcast initiative by State of Osun

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola [Middle], Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Bashiru Ajibola and Commissioner for Agriculture and food Security, Hon. Wale Adedoyin during the Second day of Inspection, South –West Expo Grassroots Business & Investment Forum at the Center for Black Culture & International Understanding, State of Osun, Osogbo

Hon. Sunday Akere Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sikiru Ayedun Commissioner for Home Affairs, culture & Tourism and Semiu Okanlawon Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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News

Jonathan hails champion Super Eagles

resident Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles and all Nigerians on the country’s inspiring victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday night in Johannesburg. In a statement issued at the end of the match, the president thanked Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the squad, who have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of underachievement in the competition. President Jonathan said that “the team’s amazing transformation from rank outsiders to champions was a clear manifestation of the even greater successes the country can achieve in all other fields of human endeavour, if all Nigerians came together and devote their immense collective energies and resources to supporting the implementation of his Administration’s Agenda for National Transformation.”

As the entire nation celebrated Nigeria’s remarkable triumph in South Africa, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians to imbibe the positive lessons of the Super Eagles’ success because the fulfilment of the country’s immense potentials for greatness would be more speedily attained if more Nigerians resolve to emulate the team’s exemplary unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and devotion to service of the nation. The President also believed that having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles could go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year. He assured the team that it would receive all necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment. Meanwhile, president of the senate, Senator David Mark, who led the Federal Government delegation to watch the tournament final, said he was pleased that the victory of the Super Eagles had offered a much-needed tonic to boost peace and unity in Nigeria. He praised the Stephen Keshi-tutored boys for their success, saying the nation owed them a great measure of gratitude. “You deserve

Jonathan celebrates Eagles victory

our honour and praise. The Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians are indebted to you. You have restored our dignity and pride. You deserve our honour and reward”, Mark said. Senator Mark particularly praised the head coach of the Super Eagles and his coaching crew for a job well done; point-

Bayelsa Approves Death Penalty For Kidnappers Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson affirmed his position on the prescription of death sentence for kidnappers by signing into law the Bayelsa State kidnapping and Allied offences bill 2013.

Assenting to the bill passed by the legislative arm of government, the governor said that he would not hesitate to sign the death warrant of any person or group of persons caught in the act of kidnapping and other related offences. According to him, I like to say this, if you are involved in any act of kidnapping, let me warn you today, don’t come near Bayelsa. We have put measures in place. I have just a short while ago commissioned 15 fast moving patrol boats for use by our security forces to ensure maritime security and safety. If you try that, whether it is in seapiracy or kidnapping, we are going to get you. We will make it difficult for you to succeed and whoever you are and wherever you are operating from, we are going to get you. I am aware that the security forces have made several arrests and most of the young men and women who were involved in the recent kidnappings that took place are presently under custody. Any of them found guilty of the offence will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Today with this bill having been signed into law, we have entered a new phase 12

ing out that Keshi was a child of history and destiny. He said: “As a player and captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, Nigeria won the Nations Cup. As a coach of the Super Eagles in 2013, he brought honour to our dear country. Keshi has proved to be a great asset to the nation. The nation is proud of you.”

Archbishop of Canterbury condoles Emir of Kano in London The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby has condemned the attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, describing it as “disgraceful” and “atrocious” when he paid a sympathy visit.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson

in terms of the provision of the legal infrastructure that will support our fight against kidnapping and related offences. It is morally indefensible for young people for whatever reason to go under the cover of darkness, armed with illegal weapons, terrorize villages and old people in their homes and then forcefully abduct and rough handle old people and take them as an article of trade. That is morally indefensible. It cannot be justified under any circumstance at all. As a government, we are by this law sending out a strong message of

condemnation and that we are prepared and determined to work with our able security agencies as a team together to flush out such criminals from within Bayelsa or wherever they are operating from. As I said earlier, and most people know that when I say something, I do it. I will not hesitate to sign a certificate,(warrant) of execution. Anybody who doesn’t listen and commits any of the offences prohibited by this law, and who is tried and convicted will face the penalty.

Speaking in London, Welby said: “I am here to bring my condolences on the disgraceful and atrocious attack on His Royal Highness. And on the loss of some of his staff, which is something that is a great shame and I rejoice that His Royal Highness himself was unharmed in the attack. “I pray for you and all those in Nigeria who carry out the work of peace (and) reconciliation and seek to bring Nigeria to the place where it is supposed to be in strength and prosperity against the terrorists,” Welby said. In response, Bayero expressed has appreciation for the visit and congratulated Welby on his appointment. The emir, who spoke in Hausa through the Chiroman Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Bayero, commended the role of the Anglican Communion in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria. The Archbishop was received by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, and the Turakin Kano, Alhaji Nasir Bayero. (NAN)

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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News

Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) launched in London The official launch of the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation took place at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Friday 8 February with President Goodluck Jonathan and three other African leaders, President John Mahama of Ghana, Boni Yayi of Benin Republic and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia present.

Former president Obasanjo stated that challenges that are impeding economic growth of the continent will be addressed through the feed Africa initiative, education of female children, youth empowerment, and employment and health improvement initiatives under the foundation. “The Foundation is aimed at advancing human security in Africa within the context of tackling critical problems in the areas of food, economy, health and security, as well as gender equality. “The initiatives of the foundation are those that I feel passionately about and have dedicated my life to work for their advancement. These initiatives are criti-

From left: President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic; former president Olusegun Obasanjo; his wife Bola; first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia and President Goodluck Jonathan, cutting the cake at the Inauguration of Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation in London.

cal to the advancement of human security for my people. People can only progress in life when they are not hungry, when

From left: Hon. Jerry Manwe Chairman House Committee on Electoral Matters, Femi Otedola, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Aliko Dangote and Mike Abiola Publisher, African Voice Newspapers

Ambassador Oluwatoyin Lawal Deputy High Commissioner, Nigeria High Commission London and his wife

From right: Prince Tajudeen Adeniyi Minister/Special Adviser to Nigeria’s High Commissioner in the UK with a guest

they are educated and when jobs can be obtained by the youth of a nation. “I make this heartfelt commitment that

the Foundation will make tremendous progress for those it intends to serve and will leave a positive legacy throughout Africa,” Obasanjo said. The former president added that “the desire to do good led me into this. Can anyone be tired of doing good? You need the will to do good and a bit of cash.” Obasanjo, who also stressed the need for Africa to key into the global trend, said change from the old order to the present time was vital for development. He concluded, “You can not do the same thing year after year and expect progress. Other dignitaries at the launch were ambassadors, MP’s, senators, traditional rulers and captains of industry. Notable were Aliko Dangote; Femi Otedola; Governor Adams Oshiomole of Delta State; former governor of Oyo State, Alao Akala; former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chukwuma Soludo; former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwezile; Senator Grace Bent and Timi Alaibe.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo receiving a portrait from an Artist

President Jonathan of Nigeria and his wife Dame Patience Jonathan

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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CRIME Man jailed for firearm offence after £2.40 dispute with shopkeeper A man was jailed after threatening a shopkeeper with a ﬁrearm following a dispute over just £2.40p.

Vincent Barnes, 38, unemployed of Morrant Place, Wood Green, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday 4 February where he was sentenced to two years imprisonment for threatening a shopkeeper with a firearm. Barnes had appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday 22 January where he entered a plea of guilty to possession of an airgun with intent to cause fear of violence, contrary to Section 16A of the Firearms Act 1968. Police were called at about 1200 hrs on Sunday 2 September last year to an off-licence in High Road N22 to reports that a fight had taken place between a shopkeeper and a man with a gun (later identified to be Vincent Barnes) who had since left the scene. Police attended and it was reported that a customer (Barnes) for whom the shopkeeper had no name or address had handed over money to pay for items and the shopkeeper had also taken £2.40 owed for items he had previously allowed the customer to take and owe money on. A verbal altercation followed during which

Barnes became increasingly angry. He left the shop and returned some five to ten minutes later with a firearm. This resulted in a struggle in the street between Barnes and the shopkeeper, who managed to wrestle the firearm from Barnes. Officers attended and carried out initial enquiries. Just an hour or so after the offence had been called into police, officers were at Barnes’ address, after a detective was able to identify and name him from CCTV viewed at the scene. Barnes was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and subsequently charged and remanded in custody for his first appearance at Haringey Magistrates’ Court on 3 September. He has been in custody since arrest. The gun was found to be an air gun and Barnes’ DNA was found on it. DC Brittany Clarke of Haringey CID said: “I would like to thank the members of the public that called police to report the incident. This enabled officers to attend, identify Barnes from CCTV at the shop, visit his home address and arrest him not much more than an hour after the incident. “This together with the fact that his DNA was found on the weapon left Barnes with no option but to plead guilty. I must also mention the shopkeeper’s bravery, as he

Vincent Barnes had no way of knowing that the gun was not loaded and was an air gun. “As far as he knew, Barnes had a gun and he was in danger, yet he managed to disarm him of the weapon and return to serving customers. I hope that our response to the incident reassures law abiding members of the public that the police are here to protect those going about their lawful business and to bring to justice to those intent on criminality.”

Man jailed for life for Bellingham murder

Dwayne Fulgence

A 28-year old male has was jailed for life imprisonment on 4 February 2013 for the murder of Marlon Campbell in Bellingham.

Police were called shortly before 21:15 on Saturday 16 June 2012 to reports of gunshots heard and a person injured in Lushington Road, SE6. Marlon Campbell, aged 23, from Lewisham was taken by ambulance to Kings

Murder in Catford A woman in her 70s has been stabbed to

death in Catford, southeast London. The victim was found injured at an address in Glenfarg Road at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 6 February. 14

College Hospital suffering gunshot wounds. He died at 14:15 on Sunday 17 June. The court heard that on the night of his murder, the victim was in the company of two other men and was having an argument with a third man who was later identified as Dwayne Fulgence. Fulgence produced a firearm and shot the victim once in the head before fleeing the area to his ex-girlfriend’s address in Lewisham. Prior to the murder, Fulgence was involved in another incident in Oslac Road, Lewisham, where he was refused entry to an address. He stood at the door arguing with the occupant, who was known to him but would not let him in. He fired 3-4 shots at the door and through the letter box. There were no injuries. On 31 January 2013, Dwayne Fulgence was found guilty of the murder and the following offences at the Central Criminal Court: 1. Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life for which he was sentenced to 15 years; 2. Possession of a firearm for which he was sentenced to six years; 3. Possession of ammunition for which he

Simon Forgie, 40 of Glenfarg Road SE6 appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 February charged with the murder of his mother Pernella Forgie 79 at their home on 6 February. The woman was taken to Lewisham hospital but died later the same day.

was sentenced to six years. 4. Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life for which he was sentenced to 15 years. 5. Murder of Marlon Campbell for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation to serve a minimum term of 35 years. All sentences are to run concurrently. Detective Inspector James Gerty, Trident Gang Crime Command, said: “Dwayne Fulgence is well known in the community for his criminal activities. The MPS takes offences of this nature seriously and will take robust action to send a clear message to those concerned in gun crime that if they are involved, in any way, they can expect to be identified and convicted for the offence.” His Honour Judge Pontious praised Marlon Campbell’s family, who had been present throughout the trial, for the dignity they showed in particular when at times distressing evidence was heard. Two key witnesses were also commended as well as the officers involved in the day-to-day running of the investigation and trial.

A post mortem will be arranged in due course. The incident took place inside the address, enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are on going. Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating.

Armed robbery in Peckham

Flying Squad ofﬁcers are appealing for help to trace a man they wish to speak to in connection with an armed robbery at a commercial property providing internet and money transfer services on Peckham High Street.

The robbery took place at approximately 21.00hrs on Friday 4 January when two men entered the premises. They breached the counter and assaulted the female member of staff. During the incident she was also threatened with a pair of scissors held to her abdomen, and one of the men intimated he had a gun. She was then locked in the ofﬁce as they made off with the cash. Detective Inspector Paul Foreman from the Flying Squad said: “The man we are looking to identify is described as black, possibly mixed race, about 5 ft 10 and of an average build. He had a thin beard and wore black clothing and a black woollen hat. He spoke with a London accent. “This was a disturbingly violent attack and we urge anyone who may have information that can help us trace this man, or anyone who may have witnessed anything on that night, to please contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Woman assaulted in West End club

A 28 year old woman was arrested on Monday (4 February) at an address in Essex on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in relation to an incident on Sunday, and she remains in custody. At around 02:30hrs on Sunday 3 February a 22 year old student was attacked inside Café de Paris night-club in Coventry Street W1. She was walking alone through the lower level of the night-club when she was attacked by at least one female suspect. It is believed the suspect used a piece of broken glass to slash the victim across the throat causing a significant injury. The victim was given immediate first aid by night-club staff and was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. She is still being treated for the injury to her neck, as well as a serious hand injury. Officers from the Westminster Serious Violence Team are urgently trying to trace anyone who witnessed the incident. Anyone witnesses can contact Charing Cross police station on 020 7321 8224 or 020 7321 822.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

“Obscene” Grammy party thrown 1 year A.W. (after Whitney)

Whitney Houston was found dead a year ago in the Beverly Hilton Hotel

The 55th Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday marked 365 days (given 2012 was a leap year) since the tragic and mysterious death of Whitney Houston on February 11, 2012. Whitney’s mother, Cissy Houston, declined an offer to attend her daughter’s early career mentor Clive Davis’s pre-Grammys party in Los Angeles on Saturday night, describing it as “obscene”. She opted instead to attend New Hope Baptist Church, venue of Whitney’s funeral, on Sunday morning. Reportedly, Whitney’s brother, Gary and his wife attended the party, which was held in the very hotel his sister died. She died hours before last year’s party, which she was due to attend. Indeed the party went ahead, de-

spite criticism from some quarters, even though her body was still in the building. At the party, described as a pre-Grammy gala, musicians including Dave Grohl, Janelle Monae, LA Reid and Miguel paid tribute to the late legend. Grohl said Houston would be remembered “as one of the most iconic vocalists of all time,” adding: “Not only did she sell 800 bazillion records but she’s an amazing singer”. R&B singer and actress Brandy said: “She was the greatest voice of all time and nobody will ever come close to touching her. I will never forget her.” Miguel, who received a Grammy for best R&B song on Sunday night, added: “Whitney’s voice was powerful. She was dynamic. I would like her to be remembered for her voice and smile. I think she’d want to be celebrated.” Contemporary soul singer Janelle Monae said she wanted to keep Houston’s “vision” alive. “The ‘regalness’ that she had, the class that she had; that’s something that I value.” Record executive and US X Factor judge Antonio “LA” Reid, who was being honoured at the event, worked with Houston on the soundtrack to her hit movie The Bodyguard. He said he liked to remember the more personal moments he had with the star. “I can’t sing, but I used to sing with Whitney, just for fun,” he said. “Just that beautiful spirit and warm personality and that amazing voice.”

Marley tribute capped successful Mars mission The Bob Marley tribute medley at this year’s Grammys had many wondering what motivated it. The Jamaican legend was born in 1945 (albeit, like the Grammys, in early February) and died in 1981, so 2013 does not mark a significant anniversary of either event. It turns out Sting, Rihanna, Ziggy and Damian Marley and, indeed, the good name of the latter pair’s father, the Tuff Gong himself, were only served up as a garnish to a main course that was Bruno Mars. Executive producer of the show, Ken Ehrlich, was keen to entice a reluctant Mars to appear again this year and needed

to come up with an angle to lure the Hawaiian hot property to perform. Aware that they enjoyed and performed reggae music and were admirers of Marley in particular, Ehrlich contacted representatives for Sting and Rihanna about having them be part of a possible Marley tribute on the Grammy show. He then contacted the Marley family for their blessing, leading to Marley’s sons Ziggy and Damian notionally agreeing to appear. Only then did Ehrlich return to Mars, the main prize, who, as a Marley fan, liked the concept enough to agree to be part of a tribute medley. Simples.

Bruno Mars flanked by Ziggy Marley and Rihanna at the 55th Grammys

Black TV network honours icons in their field

Erykah Badu performing Chaka’s “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me?”

The celebrity grapevine has Ne-Yo lined up as a possible replacement for LA Reid on American X-Factor or, as the Americans call it, The X-Factor. Acknowledging the rumours, the threetime Grammy winner said, “I think it would be a great, great thing, I don’t want to talk to much about it, because I don’t want to get in no trouble… conversations have been had, but that’s about it.” He added, “If it happens, I’d be more then willing to do so. I feel like I’ve been around long enough to

have some vital information for someone on the way up, definitely.” Ne-Yo, now 30, served as a guest mentor alongside Nicole Scherzinger, during the past season of UK X-Factor’s judges’ houses round. He also has his own record label, Compound Entertainment, where he’s starting to sign on new talent like R&B/pop newcomer, RaVaughn. Both writer/producer LA Reid and Britney Spears have left the American version of the show. 15

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Gospel

WHERE IS YOUR HEART?

By Michael Adekoya

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be” Matt. 6:21.

ear Reader, it is obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. This is true of relationship. It is true in the area of finance also. A rich young man once came to Jesus asking, “Good teacher…what must I do to inherit eternal life? Mark 10:21. He was seeking treasure in heaven. Jesus told him, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven” Mark 10:21. I can imagine a Pastor, in a counselling session,

telling a modern day Christian to do that. But the young man did not take Jesus’ advice. Why? It is simply because he loved his money more than God and had stored up his treasures on earth instead of heaven. He didn’t want to give it up, even to obtain eternal life. My friend, does this describe you? Listen! Your view of money and material possessions is an effective barometer of your spirituality. Wealth is not bad in itself. Everyone, Christians and non-Christians, need it. While many unbelievers and corrupt

Juanita Bynum

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

people put it to evil use, Christians ought to use it for righteous and kingdom ends. But my friend, what you do with the money which God gives you is a reflection of your spirituality just as Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” Matt. 6:21. Let me say this, the Bible does not forbid the possession of money; neither do I condemn it. In fact, many in the Bible - Job (Job 1:3), Abraham (Gen. 13:2), Isaac (Gen. 26:12-13), Jacob (Gen. 30:43), Boaz (Ruth 2:1), and Solomon (1 Kings 10:23), to mention few, were extremely wealthy as a result of God’s blessing. But the Bible totally forbid affection for money with this warning - “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves” (1 Tim 6:10). It is the blessing of the Lord God that makes rich and He adds no sorrow with it.” (Pro. 10:22) My friend, the love of money, not money itself, is the roots of all evil and when that root grows, it produces all kinds of evil fruits. Please listen, those who love money and things will forget God (Pro. 30:9); will always wander from faith (Mark 10:23-25); will trust their riches rather than God (Job 31:24-28); will buy in to deception (Mark 4:19); will involve in corruption and compromise (2 Tim 4:10); will be proud and arrogance (Deut 8:14), will steal from God (Mal 3:8), will lie and be manipulative (Acts 5:1-11) and will ignore the needs of others (1 John 3:17). They are greedy and will betray anyone anytime (Matt 26:14-16). They deal in drug, crimes and fraudulent things.

It is a proven fact and true that if you love money, wealth and possessions, it will cause you to pursue them illegitimately by stealing (Eph. 4:28) - whether through force (1 Kings 21:1-16), through fraud (Amos 8:5), or through usury (Psa. 15:5; Pro. 28:8)--or by gambling, which is an irrational trust in chance rather than the kind providence of God. Not only that, no matter how rich a person who loves money gets, he or she will never be satisfied and as a result will never find true peace, contentment or joy. Instead he or she will be pierced with many grieves – anxiety, worries, sleeplessness and of course prayerlessness. My friend, if you want to avoid the sins that accompany the love of money, Jesus prescribes a singleminded attitude toward wealth, materialism and possessions in Matthew Chapter 6 where He commands us to: (a) Store up a single treasure, (b) Maintain a single vision, (c) Serve a single Master, and (d) Seek a single goal. Single Treasure You may ask, “How do I store up a single treasure?” Jesus says, “Do

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

Church Street, London SE5 Christ Apostolic church (Full Gospel & Pentecostal) Surrey Docks District 163 Ilderton Rd South Bermondsey London SE16 2UT. Tel. 020 7252 2086. Time of worship: Sunday English service 9- 11.30am. Yoruba service 11.30 -2.30pm. Prophetic counselling: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12noon- 5pm, Saturday only 5- 7pm. Holy Cross Church InternationalSunday 10.am- 1 pm at Crown House 71-73 Nathan way London SE28 0BQ Tel: 07904 234 126, 07809 381 886 Times of service:Bible study: Thursdays 8pm. Night Vigil: Friday Forthnightly 12am

Ebby Drenthe

not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth ... but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20). It is biblical to provide for your family, make reasonable plans for the future, make wise investments, have money to do business, give to the poor, and support the Lord’s work. But it is wrong in being dishonest, greedy, covetous, stingy, and miserly about what God gives you. To honestly earn, save, and give is wise and good; to hoard and spend only on yourself is not only unwise, but sinful as well. The key to Jesus’ warning here is “yourself.” Contnues next week

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

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Africa

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

Newsround

Kenya

Salaries Commission to set Government wage cap

Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission has published recommended upper salary limits for government ofﬁcials.

Chair of the Commission, Sarah Serem, says the changes will introduce “relativity” in the government’s pay structure, improving salaries at the lower end while maintaining or even reducing those at the top. Under the proposal, the president will earn a maximum of Sh1.7 million, while the deputy president and the speaker of the National Assembly will earn a maximum of Sh1.4 million. The Chief Justice will take home Sh1.38 million. Moving down the scale, governors will earn up to Sh1.1 million; MPs and senators will take home not more than Sh740, 927 and members of the County Assembly will

earn a maximum of Sh118, 000. Ms Serem expects the changes to save Sh500 million from a Government wage bill of SH14 billion. “I think what we need to appreciate as Kenyans is the fact that If you are in the Intensive Care Unit, we have moved to the High Dependency Unit (..) It’s a gradual improvement so as also to contain the shock and at the same time manage the relativity and, for your information, that is gross salary.” she said. Ms Serem said allowances will also be reviewed, since they are more the reason behind the upsurge in the wage bill than salaries. She said her commission had made signiﬁcant progress in addressing the issues of disparity, productivity and harmonisation of public servants’ salary structure. Sarah Serem, Chair of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission

Uganda

Suspects in MP death mystery granted bail

Five suspects accused of causing the death of 24 year-old female MP, Cerinah Nebanda, have registered a minivictory after a court granted each of them a cash bail of Sh10 million (£2,400). Makindye Court Chief Magistrate Ester Nambayo granted bail to Noor Abubakar, Khan Babu, Abdul Abid Rashid Butt, Ali Omar Almuzahim, and Fatuma Babu.Nambayo and asked the suspects to deposit their passports and land titles. A sixth co-accused, Ms Nebanda’s boyfriend Adam Sulaiman Kalungi, who is believed to be a key suspect in the case, remains on remand, having not applied for bail. The suspects face manslaughter charges and two counts of being in possession of narcotic drugs contrary to the National Drug

Policy and Authority Act. Cerinah Nebanda, a vocal critic of the government she represented, died in December 2012 after reportedly ingesting a cocktail of cocaine, heroin, alcohol and several other chemicals. However, she had had a well publicised spat with President Yoweri Museveni shortly before her death and critics suspect foul play. A family-appointed pathologist and a medically trained fellow MP claim to have been intimidated and obstructed and tissue samples taken to establish the cause of death have been conﬁscated by police and government agents. According to the charge sheet, Kalungi and his ﬁve co-accused unlawfully caused the death of Cerinah Nebanda on December 14, 2012 at his apartment in Buziga Makindye Division, Kampala.

Zimbabwe

New Constitution leaves traditional leaders cold

Traditional leaders, who feel elements of Zimbabwe’s new draft constitution will weaken their inﬂuence, have asked to meet with President Robert Mugabe.

The traditional leaders told the state media over the weekend that the constitution excludes them from the administration of most land, except communal land, a move they argued had left them with no powers. Douglas Mwonzora, the Constitution Parliamentary Committee (COPAC) cochairman representing the MDC-T, said there was no chance the draft will be changed. “We have taken note of (the traditional leaders’) concerns but unfortunately, as responsible citizens, we couldn’t take farming land, commercial farms for that instance

Cerinah Nebanda became a member of parliament whilst still at university

and put them under chiefs. The chiefs want to move away from capitalism to feudalism and that’s not right at all,” Mwonzora said.

Douglas Mwonzora: “No chance the draft will be changed.” 17

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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African Travelmusic artist

In association with

Adewale Ayuba

dewale Ayuba, with stage name Ayuba was born on May 6, 1966 in lkenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

He grew up as a child singer. By the age of eight, he had started singing at local Musical competitions and fiestas in lkenne Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. He is a distinct Fuji music artiste with a brand of Fuji that appeals to both the elite and lowly far beyond Nigerian shore. Unlike other Fuji artiste, he has many enviable academic degrees. A Diploma from Ogun State Polytechnic, an Advance Diploma from The University of Lagos and Associate degree from the Queensborough Community College in New York, aside other Degrees with a Ph. D in waiting. He is the first and only Fuji artiste so far to have had a taste of Kora Awards in 2005 with his collaboration with Germanybased Nigerian artiste, Ade Bantu. He likes reading and studying and has numerous artistes like Fela, KSA, I. K. Dairo, Ebenezer Obey, Ayinde Barrister, Kollington Ayinla, Haruna Ishola, Orlando Owoh, e.t.c . and on the foreign scene, Bob Marley and Celine Dion as role models. His distinguished voice and immeasurable talent as a child star of note could not be suppressed. This consequently led to his option for music as a career after his secondary school education at Remo, Secondary School,

Adé Bantu & Adewale Ayuba

Adewale Ayuba Sagamu, Ogun State. Although he gained admission to read Architecture at the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, his music career took center - stage and in a bid to carve a niche for himself, he made his first album, “Ibeere” (Beginning) at the age of 17. His rise on the Fuji Music scene was rapid. He managed to attract a lot of attention to himself. His image soared with each release and he soon became a house-hold name in Nigeria. Adewalw ayuba remain number one fuji

musician in Nigeria. In early 1990, Ayuba was signed on by Sony Music (Nigeria) to record an album. “Bubble” released in 1991, brought Ayuba into national prominence. For the first time in history, a Fuji Music album dominated the scene, topping musical charts for six consecutive months, winning multiple awards at the Nigerian Music Awards, (NMA). It bagged Ayuba the coveted Artiste of the Year Award, including the Album of the Year Award, Song of the Year Award and Best Fuji Album of the Year Award. It sold beyond expectations and made Ayuba a mega- star artiste. Ayuba’s hi-tech instrumentation and distinct voice changed the face of Fuji Music. For the first time in History, Fuji Music, which was hitherto ignored by the Nigerian Elite, but was embraced by all and sundry.

Wasis Diop, Senegal

asis Diop (born 1950, Dakar, Senegal) is an Senegalese internationally renowned musician, known for blending traditional Senegalese folk music with modern pop and jazz. The son of a Senegalese high official and member of the Lebou tribe, Diop left Senegal in the 1970s to study engineering in Paris, but once there turned to music, joining a fellow Senegalese musician, Umban Ukset, in forming the band West African Cosmos. Diop left the band in 1979 to start a solo career, and over the next decade achieved some small success, particularly in partnerships with singer Marie-France Anglade of Black Heritage, and jazz saxophonist Yasuaki Shimizu. It was not until the early 1990s that his career began to take off, with the success of his first album, the soundtrack to the film, Hyenes (which had been directed by his brother, Djibril Diop Mambety). Variety described his soundtrack to 2006’s Daratt from Chad as “outstanding”. 18

Wasis Diop More albums followed: No Sant in 1995, Toxu in 1998, and the compilation album, Everything Is Never Quite Enough in 2004. He lives in Paris and writes much of his lyrics in French. Among English speaking audiences, he is probably best known for “African Dream”, a single from No Sant which narrowly missed the Top 40 in the

UK Singles Chart, and “Everything is Never Quite Enough”, which featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film, The Thomas Crown Affair. “Yambo,” his Wolof language cover of the Talking Heads song “Once in a Lifetime”, was included in a “special markets” CD, World is Africa, produced by Universal Music for Starbucks.

After the success of Bubble, Ayuba released a follow-up album; Mr. Johnson Play for Me (also on Sony Music Nigeria label) and this also became an instant success in 1992. he released another chart topping album,“Buggie D” which was a run-way success. It instantly became a hit, winning multiple awards at the Fame Music Awards (FMA) and topping the music chart for several months. He was signed on by Q-badisc Record Company of U.S.A for a year contract and he released Fuji Time on the company’s label in 1996. In 1997, he released Fuji Dub on Agogo Music label in London, England. In 1998, he came back to Nigeria and released yet another successful album, Acceleration, on the Corporate Music label. In 2000, he released a mega-hit Album, Turn Me On. Turn Me On broke music records in Nigeria.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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In associationAfrican with music artist

Manu Dibango

mmanuel Dibango ‘Manu’ Dibango (born 12 December 1933) is a Cameroonian saxophonist and vibraphone player.

He developed a musical style fusing jazz, funk and traditional Cameroonian music. He is a member of the Yabassi ethnic group, though his mother was a Duala. He is best known for his 1972 afrobeat single “Soul Makossa”. Dibango was born in Douala, Cameroon. His father, Michel Manfred N’Djoké Dibango was a civil servant. The son of a farmer, he met his wife travelling by pirogue to her residence, Douala. A literate woman, she was a fashion designer, running her own small business. Both her ethnicity, the Duala, and his, the Yabassi, viewed this union of different ethnic groups with some disdain. Emmanuel had no siblings, although he had a stepbrother from his father’s previous marriage who was four years older than he was. In Cameroon, one’s ethnicity is dictated by their fathers, though he wrote in his autobiography, Three Kilos of Coffee, that he has “never been able to identify completely with either of his parents. Dibango’s uncle was the leader of his extended family. Upon his death, Dibango’s father refused to take over, as he never fully initiated his son into the Yabassi’s customs.

Manu Dibango Throughout his childhood, Dibango slowly forgot the Yabassi language in favor of the Duala. However, his family did live in the Yabassi encampment on the Bassa plateau, close to the Wouri River in central Douala While a child, Dibango attended a Protestant church every night for religious education, or nkouaida. He enjoyed studying music there, and reportedly was a fast learner. In 1941, after being educated at his village school, Dibango was accepted into a colonial school, near his home, where he learned French. He admired the teacher, whom he described as “an extraordinary draftsman

Diblo Dibala

Manu Dibango live on stage and painter.” In 1944, French president Charles de Gaulle chose this school to perform the welcoming ceremonies upon his arrival in Cameroon. He was a member of the seminal Congolese rumba group African Jazz, and has collaborated with many other musicians, including Fania All Stars, Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrell, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Don Cherry, and Sly and Robbie. In 1998 he recorded the album CubAfrica with Cuban artist Eliades Ochoa. The song of the same name on that record contains the lyrics “makossa”, which means “(I) dance” in his native tongue, the Cameroonian language, Duala). It has influenced several popular music hits, including Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, as well as his re-

recording of that song with Akon, the Fugees’ “Cowboys”, and Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music”. The 1982 parody song “Boogie In Your Butt” by comedian Eddie Murphy interpolates Soul Makossa’s bassline and horn charts while “Butt Naked Booty Bless” by 1990s hip hop group Poor Righteous Teachers heavily samples its musical bridge and drum patterns. He served as the first chairman of the Cameroon Music Corporation, with a high profile in disputes about artists’ royalties. Dibango was appointed a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2004. His song “Reggae Makossa” is featured on the soundtrack to the 2006 video game Scarface: The World Is Yours. In August 2009 he played the closing concert at the revived Brecon Jazz Festival.

iblo Dibala, born in 1954 in Kisangani in the Congo (now Zaire), of the Baluba people, is the one of the hottest African Soukous lead guitarists around.

At the age of 6 Diblo moved to Kinshasa and by the age of 15 he was playing guitar in the great Franco’s TPOK band. In Kinshasa, Diblo continued to master his lava-hot guitar chops with such top Zairean bands as Vox Africa, Orchestre Bella Mambo, and Bella Bella. In 1979 Diblo left Zaire and landed in Brussels where he played a rented guitar and washed dishes to make money. In 1981 he moved to Paris, where the Soukous scene was a happening thing. He rejoined Kanda Bongo Man, who he had played with in Bella Bella. Their first album, Iyole (1981), was a big hit: Kanda became a big star, and Diblo became the most sought-after session man in Paris. Diblo’s huge European success with Kanda Bongo Man led to the formation of his own band, Loketo (which means ‘hips’, as in ‘shake your...’), featuring the work of the gifted vocalist Aurlus Mabele. By this time Diblo was the dominant Soukous session man in Paris and he was in great

Diblo Dibala & Matchacha

Diblo Dibala demand. On recordings by such Soukous giants as Kanda Bongo Man and Pepe Kalle you can hear them calling out “Diblo” when guitar solo time comes around. Diblo’s naturally gentle demeanor might have served him well in a recording studio, but he had problems keeping Loketo together with the flamboyant Mabele. In 1990 Diblo left Loketo to form Matchatcha (means “a type of flower that produces an itch”) with

a few other Loketo members, Freddy de Majunga on rhythm guitar, Miguel Yamba on bass, and dancers Antoinette Yelessa and Joelle Esso. Diblo also added session drummer Komba Bello Mafwala, and vocalists Fede Lawu and Otis Mbute. Continuing to have problems with keeping his bands together, Matchatcha went through another change of personnel in 1992 when de Majunga and Lawu left to be replaced by Frenchman J.P. Kinzaki on rhythm guitar, and two vocalists, Dely Mpeletu and David Mondo. Later on in ‘92 Yamba left the band to be replaced by his

protege Fellyko, and in ‘94 he was replaced by Djo Mali. Congo player Serge Bimangou was also added around this time. Though Diblo has certainly gottten better at keeping his band together, Matchatcha is still undergoing personnel changes. To see Diblo and Matchatcha in concert is to experience a hot hot time. His scoarching guitar leads will leave you breathless and when you’re hand is grabbed and you’re swept up onstage to dance with the band you’ll close your eyes and suddenly be transported to Kinshasa.

Friday, 15 February 2013 – Thursday, 21 February 2013

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Encounter

Inspiration Time With Dayo Olomu Dayo Olomu, BSc (Hons), PGCE, MSc HR, Human Resources Development & Business Transformation Consultant, Executive/Business Coach, Success & Winning Strategist.

“Professional Speaking: What Traits and Skills Do I Need? Successful professional speaking involves mastering a specific skill set. There are certain underlying traits and behaviors that can help you in your quest to master this new skill. You?ll find a list of desirable traits for the professional speaker following this paragraph. Be honest now?do you have all or many of these traits? If not, are you willing to work hard to get them? If you are truly motivated to become a top-notch public speaker, you should be willing to develop all of these traits. Here’s the list: • Self-motivation • Determination • Persistence • Helpfulness • Selflessness • Independence • Self esteem without ego • The tolerance to be flexible • Willingness to master any of these traits you might lack!

If you have decided to commit to a career in public speaking and you lack any of these traits, don’t despair. There is such a thing as momentum, which can be your best friend when it comes to accomplishment. Say you are determined and persistent and have a great desire to be helpful, but fear you lack self esteem. Once you get a few speaking engagements under your belt. Due to your persistence and determination. You’re going to start feeling pretty good about yourself. And suddenly you will realize you are growing some self esteem around your public speaking. That is going to make you even more determined and persistent. Such is the power of momentum! Once you start accomplishing one aspect of your dream, you will find yourself willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish more. Besides, when you get a taste of the adrenalin rush that comes from standing in front of an audience, you may never want to do anything else.

It will also help if you understand the stages of development in public speaking. Just as a child grows and develops through various stages of maturity, so, too do public speakers. The faster you can progress through these stages to the final one, the quicker you will develop that lucrative income you’re looking for. The first stage, the beginning stage, is when the speaker is almost completely focused on himself. He is worried about his how he looks and whether or not he’ll remember his speech. The beginning speaker thinks about how he looks and what he is saying. The next stage is the average speaker stage. This speaker has advanced beyond the beginner’s extreme focus on herself, but is now mostly concerned about how the audience perceives her. Do they like the way she looks? How are they receiving the information she is presenting? What does the audience think of her? The final stage is the stage of the professional speaker. This speaker is so confident in his speech and his ability to present it in a rousing manner that he is able to not focus on himself at all. Instead, the professional speaker is completely concerned with the audience. This speaker cares about fulfilling the needs of others, his audience. He brings

a caring attitude to all of his speeches. He knows he has material of value that only he can present and he knows for certain that his material will be useful to his audience. This is what he cares about most. Taking care of his audience. You can easily progress through these stages if you understand that you need first to have something of value to say to your audiences and second that you must learn to convey it effectively. Remember, you chose a topic about which you have a great deal of passion for this very reason. Your goal is to have such a burning desire to share your knowledge with your audience that imparting information becomes the paramount goal.

Nigerian doctor honoured with prestigious award in Thailand A pioneering doctor in the fight against the river blindness disease in sub-Saharan Africa has received a prestigious award in Thailand - the Prince Mahidol Award for outstanding contributions in public health.

Doctor Uche Amazigo says she is upbeat about efforts to combat the disease, despite political instability that has set back outreach efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) says as many 18 million people, largely in Africa and Yemen, are infected by river blindness, a parasitic disease that has left 500,000 people visually impaired and a further 270,000 blinded. The WHO says long-term treatment for as long as 20 years is crucial to ensure victims are free from the parasite. The long duration of treatment means that disruptions in care, especially from conflict or political instability that displaces populations, set back efforts to contain the disease. Amazigo, former director of WHO’s African Program on Onchocerciasis, points to past conflicts in Southern Sudan as a challenge for medical workers to deliver treatment and necessary drugs. “It disrupts the ability of people to even distribute health commodities among themselves like ivermeticin, treated bed nets and vitamin ‘A’. We had huge challenges in Southern Sudan. We started the program in

1999 - it collapsed because of conflict. We went back in 2001, it collapsed because of conflict and we’re back again in 2010 - Now we cross our fingers that it’s going to continue,” she said. The Nigerian-born Amazigo successfully introduced locally-directed treatment to communities. The networks now cover 117,000 communities within 19 African governments, backed by civil societies and donors. In 1987, U.S. pharmaceutical giant Merck and Co. launched a program donating the drug ‘ivermectin’ to all those affected by the disease as long as necessary, based on the community directed program. Amazigo says the disease is especially harsh on women who are often stigmatized when they begin showing the disease’s first signs as skin rashes. “More, more towards women because we found that it increased the age of marriage. Girls would not marry at the right age and would also reduce the period of breast feeding [due to rashes] and there was divorce also. But men too were affected by that,” she explained. But Amazigo says she is “satisfied” with progress being made with the acceptance of partners, health providers and governments recognizing community participation as critical to reaching more than 120 million people at risk.

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Super Eagles leave AFCON as giants we are a giant of African football, and we wanted to bring back the glory of the past to the present. What will it mean for the Super Eagles to play at the Confederations Cup? It is a big thing, and we are all looking forward to going to Brazil. And we will not only be going there to play for Nigeria, but we will go there to make Africa proud.

Efe Ambrose

What does winning the title mean for you personally? This is my biggest achievement that I have had to date. Before this, it was the Olympic silver medal from Beijing. But this is the biggest, so this is one of the greatest moments of my life. It was always my dream to play in the Nations Cup, but I would have never thought of winning it.

to be paraded in Nigeria. What are your immediate plans? I can only decide after I speak to my coach at Celtic because we have the Champions League game with Juventus coming up in a few days. So I have to speak to my coach first to be sure if he will allow me to go to Nigeria. But if he does not, I will accept it because it is my club, so they come first. When my club needs me, I just have to go there and help and see what we can do in the Champions League. What do you think was the key to Nigeria’s success? We worked very hard and trained hard. It is not easy to achieve this, and it is due to the hard work and dedication which we put in place every day. We sacrificed so many things to be where we are now.

Efe Ambrose in action

On Sunday, Nigeria won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in their history after Sunday Mba’s goal five minutes before the break gave the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso. In an exclusive interview, Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, who was named in CAF’s team of the tournament, tells FIFA.com that the side came to the finals as underdogs, but are leaving as giants. Before the tournament, everybody was talking about Côte d’Ivoire, did that help take some of the pressure off your side? Efe Ambrose: Yes, we came here as an underdog. Nobody gave us a chance because of the calibre of players we have. People were saying we have inexperienced players, but they don’t know football. Football these days is not about experience, it is all about determination, hard work and preparation. So, we proved them wrong, that is the most important thing. How important was your coach Stephen Keshi to this success? The coach had trust and confidence in the players. That matters the most, for without that, you cannot succeed. But he believed in us and that we could do it. From the start he told us that when we were here, there was nothing that could stop us from winning this cup. He said, even before we came here, that his aim was not only to win the cup, but to go to the Confederations Cup. The Confederations Cup is bigger than what we were playing for in South Africa. With his dream, it helped us a lot to know that we had a bigger thing ahead of us. Nobody gave Nigeria the chance because last year we did not even qualify for the finals, so everybody wrote us off. But this made us more determined to work hard, train more and prove people wrong. We wanted to make sure that 22

Efe Ambrose in action

So now I just have to thank God and all Nigerians, fromthe President to the last person in Nigeria for their belief. It is no longer about us on the pitch, it is all about team effort and we are one, because football unites us and I know people at Celtic and back home in Nigeria will be celebrating for us and waiting for the cup

But to win was always going to be a great sacriﬁce. In 1996, Nigeria did not come to South Africa to defend their trophy. Was this like a belated vindication? Yes, it was as if we came to defend our cup, which we were supposed to do then,

but due to politics and other things, we could not defend it. It was also good to see that football brought us and South Africa together again. You could see the locals were cheering for us. When South Africa could no longer win, they were not happy, but we have made them happy by winning this cup.

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Super Eagles soar all the way to Brazil

As usual, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations was an entertaining event that delivered more than its fair share of shocks, but in the end it was a familiar face that came out on top as Nigeria won their third continental crown – and with it the right to play in this June’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. It was just 12 months since the last ﬁnals, with the short turnaround caused by the switch over to odd years, but it was all change in South Africa. The Super Eagles did not even qualify a year ago, and the team they beat in the ﬁnal, Burkina Faso, failed to earn a point.

The champions Nigeria came into the Cup of Nations with the spotlight’s glare mostly away from them, but once the Super Eagles hit top form, they never looked like buckling under the pressure. Led by wily ‘Big Boss’ Stephen Keshi, the Nigerians were organised, balanced and motivated, and in the end they were worthy winners. They began slowly in Group C with draws against Burkina Faso and Zambia, but the most populous nation in Africa won their final four matches, impressively brushing aside both the first and third-ranked teams on the continent - Côte d’Ivoire and Mali – in the knockout rounds. Losing finalists on four occasions, the last time in 2000 against Cameroon, an excellent goal in the final against the Stallions was enough to send the green and white on many victory laps around Soccer City. The favourites Defending champions Zambia were eliminated in the group stage, albeit from a section that included both finalists, but it was the first time qualifying holders had gone out that early since Algeria in 1992. The team the Chipolopolo beat in last year’s finals, Côte d’Ivoire, were again pre-event picks for the fifth successive tournament, but the Elephants couldn’t get into a higher gear when faced with a dogged Nigerian side. It was a sluggish event for the Ivorians in what is expected to be Didier Drobga’s continental swansong. The captain and icon was seldom at his best, but the same could be said for the majority of the side’s stars. Similarly, Ghana did not live up to expectations once out of the group stage, although they managed to reach the semi-finals for a fourth consecutive time. The Black Stars were very flattered by a 2-0 victory over impressive minnows Cape Verde Islands in the last eight, and they were outplayed by Burkina Faso in the last four even before going out on penalties. For the second consecutive event, they then lost to Mali in the third-place match. The surprises Certainly the Burkinabe were the big shocks, but they are no strangers to the finals having qualified for eight of the last 10 events. However, they had only ever once before

Super Eagles celebrating after their victory escaped the group stage – when they hosted and reached the last four in 1998 – and inspirational coach Paul Put had them playing with bravery and flair. Otherwise, there was shock for an entire region as no north African team reached the knockout rounds for the first time since 1992 with Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco faltering at the first hurdle. In contrast, it was a fabulous event for west Africa. Not only were all of the semi-finalists from the region for the first time ever, but debutants Cape Verde and Togo reached the last eight for the first time. The stars Nigeria’s Emmanuel Emenike scored four goals from open play to win the Golden Boot award, while Sunday Mba was an unlikely hero, scoring the winner against Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the final, both of which showed marvellous skill, body control and vision. In the Nigerian defence, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was again a stalwart in front of a promising young defensive group good enough to keep team captain Joseph Yobo out of the team. However, the real stars for Nigeria were the Chelsea pair of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, who provided leadership, solidity and athletic prowess in spades. For the losing finalists, Jonathan Pitroipa was an inspiration on the wings, deservedly winning the player of the tournament award. Forward Alain Traore scored three goals in the first two matches before suffering a leg injury that sent him home, but his replacement, Aristide Bance of the spiky blonde haircut, proved to be a powerful and bold replacement. Ghana’s 22-year-old Mubarak Wakaso scored four goals, three from the penalty spot, while Tunisian youngster Youssef Msakni claimed the goal of the tournament for a fantastic winner from the edge of the area against Algeria. Mali’s Seydou Keita was playing in his sixth Cup of Nations, and the former Barcelona man had perhaps his best, marshalling a talented midfield with aplomb.

Did you know? Burkina Faso, who only won four points in their previous five AFCONs combined, are the lowest-ranked team to ever make the final of the tournament (92nd), and they only qualified because of a goal six minutes into second-half injury-time against Central African Republic. The stat 2 – The number of men to have won the Cup of Nations as both a player and coach. Stephen Keshi, who was captain of Nigeria in 1994, joins Egypt’s Mahmoud El Gohary. Cup of Nations ‘All Stars’ Team Vincent Enyeama (NGR); Efe Ambrose (NGR), Bakary Kone (BUR), Nando (CPV); Jonathan Pitroipa (BUR), Siaka Tiene (CIV), John Obi Mikel (NGR), Seydou Keita (MLI), Victor Moses (NGR); Asamoah Gyan (GHA), Emmanuel Emenike (NGR) What they said “The sky is the limit for this team,” said Keshi about his young champions.

Mali beat Ghana to claim bronze Mali secured bronze at the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ghana 3-1 on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Mahamadou Samassa, Seydou Keita and substitute Sigamary Diarra scored for the Malians whilst Kwadwo Asamoah grabbed a consolation for Ghana. The Malians had the better of the game, a repeat of last year’s third place match to confirm their superiority over the West African counterparts. Just like last year, Ghana won the earlier meeting at the group phase whilst Mali emerged superior in the penultimate match of the tournament. Both teams made changes to their starting line-up with Ghana handing starting roles to Richard Kissi Boateng and Awal Mohamed for the first time whilst Mali saw experienced defender Adama Coulibaly making a return to the team. The game commenced on a low tempo with both teams in search of their feet in the opening minutes. Mali got off well, dominating the early stages despite Ghana also having a fair share of opportunities at goal. The Black Stars threatened first on 14 minutes but Christian Atsu’s goal-bound shot from close range was no problem for Mali goalie Soumaila Diakite who parried it out. Les Aigles organised themselves making runs at their opponents defence and their efforts will yield dividends on 21 minutes initiated by left-back Adama Tamboura, who raced upfront before crossing to Samassa, who headed home for the opener. The Malians remained in control upfront and three minutes before half time, Samassa was unlucky to have doubled the lead with an effort during a one-on-one situation with Ghana goalie Fatau Dauda his shot hit the upright to the relief of the Black Stars. Just before half time, Keita almost doubled the lead for his side, profiting from a head flick from lanky striker Cheick Diabate. Keita’s toe poke shot missed narrowly after beating onrushing Dauda. Two minutes from recess, Mali deservingly increased the tally with the second goal through Keita. Midfielder Traore Mahamane got the best of Ghana left back Kissi Boateng before squaring into the heart of the Ghana defence before Keita blasted home. Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah introduced Jonathan Mensah for John Boye as varied options at the rear. As they probed forward, the Black Stars earned a penalty on 56 minutes after Coulibaly handled in the vital area. However, Wakaso, who had scored from the spot thrice earlier in the tournament blasted wide to the dismay of all, leaving the two-goal lead of Mali intact. Ghana managed to reduce the deficit through Asamoah eight minutes from time and piled pressure for the equalizer. As the clock ticked on, Sigamary sealed victory with the third goal in added-on time in their last attack of the game.

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ISSUE 470

Super Eagles leave AFCON as giants SEE PAGE 22

Africa’s new champions honoured with national awards

At the colourful reception: Members of the Super Eagles with President Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

By Agency Reporter The victorious Nigeria ‘Super Eagles’ contingent arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday aboard a chartered Arik Air flight to the thunderous applause of a welcoming party.

At a reception organised by the Nigerian government, President Goodluck Jonathan announced cash prizes as reward for winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, with N10 million for Stephen Keshi, the coach of the team and N5 million each for his five assistants. The players will also receive N5 million each for bringing the trans-continental cup home. The president also announced the conferment of national honours on the players and their coaches. Coach Stephen

Keshi was made Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, while his assistants became Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON). The 23-strong squad were each conferred with Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). Cash and national honours handed out; the Federal Government was not done as it also allocated a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory to all the players and their coaches. The president, who announced cash donations from other Nigerians, including $1million from Mike Adenuga (Jnr) to be shared amongst the players and $200,000 to Stephen Keshi, while Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, donated N5 million to each of the players. Other cash donations included $500,000 each from Emeka

Ofor, Jim Ovia and Tony Elumelu. President Jonathan told members of the team that their victory in South Africa has, “put a spring in our steps, golden smiles on our lips and has indicated that Nigeria is a land of opportunities.” He added: “Not many people believed you could win. In spite of the scepticism, there was no despair.” Speaking just before announcing the various gifts, President Jonathan described the team’s victory as an “awesome” one for which the team deserves praise. “In this pre-centenary year, victory in South Africa is the most precious gift the Super Eagles have presented to the nation”, the president said, adding: “Your victory is a good indication that there is victory for us as we work hard to transform Nigeria. We will continue to give

sport its pride of place. The major lesson of your victory is that no matter the number of people who doubt you, never doubt yourself”. The president told Stephen Keshi: “You have my full support” adding that “qualification of the team for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is your next agenda and you must not fail”.

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