African Voice Newspaper issue 604 by African Voice Newspapers UK

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015 ISSUE 604

SINCE 2001

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

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19th African Film Awards 2015 Africa’s most prestigious awards rolls out The 2015 Honours List in London Friday 13 November SEE PAGE 4

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DITCH VISA CURBS, WARN EXPERTS May told restrictions are wrong way around By Alan Oakley The Home Secretary’s advisers have recommended an overhaul of the visa system for entrepreneurs.

The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has “found substantial evidence of low-quality businesses” established by entrants under the UK’s Tier 1 (entrepreneur) visa programme. They say industry experts rather than civil servants should help select the entrepreneurs admitted to Britain, adding that Mrs May should also consider a specific visa for those wanting to establish a start-up. There is already a 20,700-a-year limit on Tier 2 skilled workers from outside Europe. The government is keen to further restrict the number of Tier 2 visas issued and is focussed on using the Tier 1 system to make sure that Britain is a country where entrepreneurs and investors are able to establish and fund new businesses.

Continued on page 2 Martha Baroness Lane-Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com, is one of a group of tech entrepreneurs asking the government to ease restrictions on skilled overseas workers

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Have You News Got News Immigration Rules changes For Us on or after 19 November Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

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Newhan Mega Mosque Appeal Fails Ministers have dismissed appeals on the refusal of planning permission for a mosque in the London borough of Newham. The decision was based on concerns that include local housing provision and conflict with the council’s local plan for the borough.

It also took account of the evidence from all parties and is in line with the council’s original determination and advice from the independent planning inspector on the main appeal. Three appeals on the proposed mosque in West Ham, Newham, East London have been dismissed by Department for Communities and Local Government ministers. The main appeal was into refusal of planning permission for a large new mosque. A second and third appeal was against an enforcement notice requiring the appellants to cease using the site as a place of worship. The appellants now

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

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

UK Visas and Immigration is making changes to the Immigration Rules affecting various categories. The government announced, changes to the Immigration Rules. Most of these changes will affect all applications submitted on or after 19 November 2015 unless otherwise stated. The main changes are as follows: Asylum • making asylum claims from EU nationals invalid, unless exceptional circumstances apply • clarifying the circumstances in which refugee status will be withdrawn Settlement • ensuring indefinite leave and naturalisation applicants, who normally rely on an English language qualification, take a secure English language test • the introduction of the £35k minimum earnings threshold for Tier 2 settlement, which will come into force on 6 April 2016 Family/private life • providing that a child’s application for entry clearance will be refused where the Secretary of State considers that the sponsor or the sponsor ’s partner poses a risk to the child Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) of the pointsbased system • amending the endorsement criteria used by Tech City UK, to better reflect the skills and experience of target applicants who are most likely to add value to the UK digital technology sector Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system

Minister of Immigration James Brokenshire

• adding nurses and four digital technology jobs to the Tier 2 shortage occupation list • changes to clarify the charity worker rules for sponsors and applicants.

• Setting the annual allocation of places available under the youth mobility scheme for 2016 • minor amendments to the list of government authorised exchange schemes.

May told restrictions are wrong way around

...Continued from front page Sir David Metcalf, MAC chairman, said this month that the dedicated Tier 1 route for investors who bought at least £2m of British assets was “absolutely not fit for purpose”, and now he has turned his fire on the entry route for entrepreneurs. Tech leaders, however, say they are “very concerned” at plans to both restrict the Tier 2 system of skilled work visas and to reform the entrepreneur visa. Five different means have been explored by the MAC to achieve these ends, which reflect their remit from the Prime Minister to advise on “significantly reducing the level” of skilled migration to the UK.

One way could be to make the Tier 2 visa less accessible by raising the minimum salary threshold; another could be to restrict the visa to ‘genuine skills shortages.’ But the government’s proposals are the wrong way around, imply a group of more than 230 IT entrepreneurs, who have founded companies including Lastminute.com, Shazam, Adzuna, Unruly and TechHub. In a letter to David Cameron, the entrepreneurs call on the PM to rethink proposals being analysed by the Migration Advisory Committee to place new curbs on skilled migration. They believe that tightening restrictions will

make it increasingly difficult to attract and recruit the talent needed by growing companies to remain competitive in the global marketplace. “The UK is home to the largest and fastest growing digital economy in the G20, worth 10 per cent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product),” reads a section of the letter, which adds: “Future changes to the immigration system [should] make it easier, not harder, for qualified digital entrepreneurs to come to the UK. “Further restrictions on skilled migration could restrict the growth of our businesses and hurt the UK’s digital economy.”

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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News

19th African Film Awards 2015

Africa’s most prestigious awards rolls out The 2015 Honours List in London Friday 13 November

Rahamatu Ibrahim Sadau

Africa’s most prestigious film industry award ceremony celebrating excellence in Nigeria’s film industry known as Nollywood and Best of Black British Film Stars is holding in London. The 19th African Film Awards, also known as Afro Hollywood Awards, will have a special celebration of best film stars from the Hausa Language movies. The awards ceremony will take place on FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2015.

The annual awards ceremony is expected to attract high net worth individuals and the crème de crème of the

Comedian Julius Agwu

Jimmy Akingbola

Booth Maryam Adamu

Mohammed Ali Nuhu

Comedian Senator

Comedian Mimi Cko

Gift Boyo

Funke Adeleke

Niyi Towolawi

British diverse community. It is an event that provides a great platform for corporate organizations to promote their product and services. The awards ceremony has a captive audience of top influential, fashionable, stylish and glamourous people. The event is recorded for television broadcast in the UK, Nigeria, Ghana and South African. A host of celebrities including A - list Nollywood stars, and the Best of Black British actors and actresses will be attending the glamorous awards evening now in its 19th successive year. If you are a lover of the film industry, please join us as we celebrate an evening of networking, great comedy,

Chizzy Akudola

film show, awards ceremony, dinner and dance with opportunity for memorable photographs with stars from Nollywood and UK Film & Television at the historic Stratford Town Hall, 29 The Broadway, Stratford London E15 4BQ. Time: 6.00pm till Late. For further information, email event coordinator: marketing@africanvoiceonline.co.uk Over the years, African Film Awards also known as Afro Hollywood awards have served the purpose of promoting and advancing the dynamic growth of Africa’s Film and Arts in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom uniting the Africans and Caribbean communities.

Hafizu Bello

Since the awards inception in 1996, popularity of African films has grown in leaps and bounds. Today, there are at least 6 channels dedicated to African films on Sky digital network with several others broadcasting online. Exploring opportunities, seeking collaboration and funding for prospective filmmakers are the main trust of this year’s African Film Awards as over 250 industry practitioners has received the awards till date. The 19th African Film Awards has “Tourism in Africa & the film industry” as its theme. The event will showcase some of the great destinations in Africa.

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Health News

Africans and Caribbeans urged to call 999 if they spot signs of stroke to prevent death or permanent disability Public Health England and the Stroke Association are urging black people of African and Caribbean origin to Act FAST if they spot signs of stroke with the aim of saving lives and improving outcomes for survivors. A person loses 2 million nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke and if left untreated, a stroke could result in permanent disability or death:

• 110,000 strokes each year make it the fourth largest cause of death in England • Stroke is the largest cause of disability in the UK, with 85% of people requiring physiotherapy after a stroke3. The latest campaign is launched to urge the public to call 999 if they notice any of the stroke symptoms in others or experience them themselves:

Actor Joseph Marcell (currently starring in Omeros at The Globe Theatre)

Facial weakness - has their face fallen on one side?

Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and is their speech slurred? Time to call 999. Nerve cells are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system and the more that are lost, the greater the chance of slurred speech, paralysis and permanent disability. The Act FAST campaign urges people to dial 999 if they spot signs of a stroke so that the person having a stroke can get to hospital within the vital three-hour window. This results in a greater chance of recovery as well as reduced likelihood of permanent disability and lesser need for extensive rehabilitation. Research from the Stroke Association illustrates the devastating impact of stroke, which causes a greater range of disabilities than any other condition in the UK. Over half of all survivors have a disability and more than a third are left dependent on others for everyday activities. When it comes to rehabilitation, 85% of stroke survivors require physiotherapy, 80% need occupational therapy, and 47% need speech and language therapy. The faster patients receive immediate medical treatment, the better the recovery. Since the Act FAST campaign launched in 2009, an additional 41,382 have got to hospital within the vital three-hour window, meaning that those affected by stroke receive the immediate medical treatment required.

Actress Diane Parish and campaign supporter, said: “Thanks to the Stroke Association, I have had an amazing insight into the impact that a stroke can have on the survivor and their family. Black people are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to white people therefore it’s vital that we all know the signs of stroke, so that we can think and Act FAST. “Let’s ensure that our friends and family know and understand the FAST message. You could save someone’s life.” Dr Ann Hoskins is Director of Children, Young People and Families with Public Health England, said: “Every minute really does count when it comes to stroke and delaying treatment can have serious consequences. We are urging everyone to stay alert to the signs of stroke and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the symptoms in others. The faster a stroke is treated, the better the chances of a good recovery.” Jon Barrick, Chief Executive at the Stroke Association said: “Acting FAST can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have. We know that sadly, far too many people dismiss the early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999. It’s easy to ignore these signs as a ‘funny turn’, but stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives and reduce the devastation that stroke can bring. “You are more likely to survive a stroke, and make a better recovery, if your symptoms are spotted and you get treated in a stroke unit as quickly as possible. We need to Act FAST because time lost is brain lost.” Actor Joseph Marcell (currently starring in Omeros at The Globe Theatre) and campaign supporter, said: “At 67 I feel blessed to have good health and still be doing what I love. The statistics are startling and make you realise that when you notice stroke symptoms every minute really does count. As a community we need to make sure we understand the FAST message. “Let’s not hesitate to call 999 if you suspect you or someone close to you is having a stroke. It’s good to know that acting FAST can lead to a much better chance of recovery.”

Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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News

CANUK prepares to host Presidency in London at its December Inaugural Dinner Dance and awards night CANUK prepares to host Presidency in London at its December Inaugural Dinner Dance and awards night. DIASPORA umbrella body the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) is expecting Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo to attend its inaugural dinner dance and awards night on Sunday December 6th 2015. Created as an association to which all Nigerian organisations in the UK can affiliate to, CANUK is planning to hold its inaugural Dinner Dance and awards night at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in central London to celebrate Nigerians during the course of 2015. Planned to be a posh black tie event, the dinner will be hosted by the acting high commissioner Ambassador Olukunle Bamgbose. Starting at 4pm on Sunday December 6, the event will feature live entertainment too with prominent Nigerian artists, Weird MC, Deoba Authentic, UK Jazz band, electrifying youthful dance group, West end theatre musicals “the god are not to blame”, cultural display, MC Mark, Akpos, DJ Mike Appoh, all performing. High profiled speakers will be making keynote presentations on developmental

initiatives for Nigeria. Raffle Ticket star prize is a return ticket to London. Tickets for the event are being sold for £50 per head and CANUK hopes that on the back of its success, the dinner will become an annual event. Ronke Adeagbo, CANUK’s treasurer and the chairman of the organising committee, said “This event is being organised to celebrate CANUK delegates, their organisations and all Nigerians in the UK. We have a thriving community in which a lot of us have excelled and we believe that the hardworking diasporan should be recognised and celebrated as a role model. There are about 2million Nigerians in the UK with many of them having reached the very pinnacle of their professional careers. We need to shout more about these achievements and this event will provide us with an ideal platform to showcase ourselves and our achievements.” Last week, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo was in the UK for an energy summit and met with CANUK Chairman, Mr Babatunde Loye, promising that either the President or himself would be at the dinner if they could. President Buhari is yet to visit the UK since being sworn-in as

Nigeria’s president although he did pass through briefly before being sworn-in. Traditionally, Britain has always been a regular stumping ground for Nigerian presidents and plays hosts to an annual Honorary International Investments Council (HICC) summit. Founded by President Obasanjo in 2004, the HIIC is aimed at

both from Nigeria and the UK to the dinner and expects the event to be packed with lots of networking opportunities. She asked anyone wanting tickets to ring either 07341 573626, 07943 823292, 07793 200196 or 07866 164300. Also for corporate sponsorship and adverts to call 07967928366, 07950 255 230 or 07932 679 446.

David Cameron and President Muhammadu Buhari

attracting more foreign direct investment into Nigeria and is attended by either the president or vice president. Mrs Adeagbo added that CANUK is hopeful of attracting a lot of other dignitaries

Nigeria’s Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibajo and Babatunde Loye, Chairman of CANUK

President Muhammadu Buhari at Chatham House

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UK among top places in the world to do business The World Bank Ease of Doing need to succeed. Government action to improve the Business report released on 27 October 2015 places the UK as the ease of doing business includes: • commitment to cut £10 billion of sixth out of 189 countries, ahead red tape in order to back British business of the US, Germany and Japan.

The UK government’s continued commitment to de-regulate, make it easier to start and grow a business and establish a competitive tax environment has pushed the UK up 2 places, from eighth last year. Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: The UK has once again climbed up the rankings and is one of the top places in the world to do business, getting closer to the government’s target of reaching the top 5. This is international recognition of the UK’s strong and stable business environment, competitiveness and entrepreneurial spirit. Our economy is now growing faster than any other G7 nation. The government is taking steps to ensure that every part of Britain benefits from the growing economy and that everyone who works hard gets the opportunities they

and put resources to more productive use • cutting tax - at 20%, the UK already has the joint lowest corporate tax rate in the G20, but it will be cut further to 18% in 2020, making it the lowest in the G20 • boosting skills and productivity by raising the quantity and quality of apprenticeships in England to 3 million starts by 2020 • investing £6.9 billion in UK research infrastructure up to 2021 – improving knowledge, expertise and productivity • building stronger trading links with emerging markets, especially China, India and Brazil; and delivering a Europe that is more dynamic and outward focussed as part of our renegotiation.

Sajid Javid - Business Secretary

Government sells a further 1% shareholding in Lloyds

Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osbourne

The government has sold a further 1% shareholding in Lloyds Banking Group through the trading plan launched in December, taking the total raised for the taxpayer to £16 billion and reducing the government’s shareholding to below 10%. All sales are used to reduce the national debt.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne said: It’s fantastic news that we’ve sold more shares in Lloyds Bank, taking the total recovered to £16 billion. Today’s announcement means that we now own less than 10% of Lloyds Bank - a significant milestone in our plan to return the bank to the private sector, and get taxpayers money back. I am determined to build on this success 8

by making Lloyds shares available to the public next Spring, so that we can build a share-owning democracy and continue to reduce our national debt. A trading plan involves gradually selling shares in the market over time, in an orderly and measured way. The trading plan was launched on 17 December 2014 and will end no later than 31 December 2015. HM Treasury recently provided an update on the Lloyds retail share offer. As required by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, Lloyds Banking Group announced today that the government’s shareholding in the bank has crossed through a one percentage point threshold. This announcement therefore notifies the market that the government has reduced its shareholding in Lloyds to below 10%.

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

Theatre, Shows and Musicals

Arts Culture

By Edward Mirza

WEST AFRICA: WORD, SYMBOL, SONG AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY Now – February 16th, 2016

An exhibition of literature and music – from the great African empires of the Middle Ages to the cultural dynamism of West Africa today. Fascinating stories from the region’s 17 nations show how West Africans have harnessed the power of words to build societies, drive political movements, sustain religious belief and fight injustice. Beautiful manuscripts, historic film and sound recordings, books, photographs, and woven and printed textiles offer a unique insight into a profound and engaging literary culture with centuries-old written heritage existing alongside ancient oral traditions. Hear the myth of the founding of ancient Mali in recorded performance. See the influence of religion through colourful fabric and a saddlebag Qur’an. Celebrate writers and artists including Africa’s first Nobel prize winner, Wole Soyinka, and internationally acclaimed musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti. British Library, 96, Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB

THE BLACK PLAYS SERIES Now – Dec 5th

In the Clore Learning Centre, our dedicated space for people of all ages to get hands-on with theatre making, we offer regular opportunities to discover the skills and secrets behind the National Theatre’s productions. This six-week series explores a diverse collection of plays from dramatists of African and Caribbean heritage. Combining performances, clips of past productions and lively discussion, each session examines a topic – from teenagers and revolutions to sport and traditional rituals. The discussion is led by Natasha Bonnelame (previously the Black Plays Archive Project Manager) who will be joined by guest speakers. WEEK 2 - The Empire Writes Back Saturday 7 November, 10.30am – 12.45pm In this session Natasha Bonnelame discusses the way playwrights of the African Diaspora have re-read and rewritten European plays. This literary rebellion changes the focus and meaning of the plays, challenging Western assumptions. Acts of re-writing are not just dismissing what has come before. They reveal a relationship between old and new and ask us to reconsider cultural ownership in a globalised world. Plays covered: Days of Significance by Roy Williams, Women of Troy 2099

by Courttia Newland, Trinidad Sisters by Mustapha Matura and The Lower Depths by Tunde Ikoli. Cottesloe Room, Clore Learning Centre, National Theatre.

SARAI BY PAUL ANTHONY MORRIS ARCOLA THEATRE Now- Nov 7th

Sarai has been promised that she will be the founder of a new nation, its sovereignty established upon an old land. But first she must contend with the most formidable of forces – famine, disease, persecution and civil war. Her courage and wisdom will be tested to their limits... Sarai is a breathtaking new work from Fringe First and Adopt a Playwright awardwinner Paul Anthony Morris. Deconstructing an epic narrative for the modern age, this compelling psychological drama lifts the lid on the power of our secret desires, with dynamic movement and an original score. ‘Our Nation shall be a place of safety for no blood will be shed on our account.’ Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL .

Sarai - by Paul Anthony Morris

A WOLF IN SNAKESKIN NINE LIVES BY ZODWA HOLY AND HORNY BY SHOES NYONI TONYA JOY BOLTON Oct 8 - Nov 14 NATIONAL TOUR FAREWELL TOUR, UK Lucian Msamati stars alongside Sharon Now - Jan 2016 Oct 2 - Nov 14 D. Clarke in the Tricycle Theatre’s latest Presented by Leeds Studio in association I was raped. I was abused. I survived. Today I celebrate life. Holy & Horny is an 80-minute-onewoman-show written and acted by incredibly talented Tonya Joy Bolton. The play blends successfully different art forms such as comedy, poetry, drama, and song. Gifted with exuberant energy, Bolton plays 20 characters gliding effortlessly from one to another (one forgets it’s just her on stage!) She’s in turn disarmingly naïve Sheila, a good Christian striving for holiness; her alter-ego, sensual exhibitionist Eve; an old motherly woman who looks like a tramp and turns out to be Wisdom; Sheila’s hilarious cousin Marcia; her good-for-nothing boyfriend Gary; the Church’s gossipy community; and fiery Preacher Prophet (Profit) Webster (‘for a mere 400 Dollars I’ll pray for your soul’)... The action’s background is a bigoted, fanatically puritanical Black Church humorously called ‘Cavalry Way’. Many themes emerge – travelling far beyond the play’s initial setting – such as ‘if God has given us a body able to experience deep pleasure, why should it be repressed?’ The Holy & Horny Farewell tour is on October 2 to November 14, 2015

world premiere. Award-winning playwright Marcus Gardley returns to the Tricycle Theatre following 2014’s critically-acclaimed The House That Will Not Stand. This fresh take on Molière’s Tartuffe, set in a world of fast-food tycoons and megachurches is a wicked new comedy that rocks the foundations of trust, faith and redemption. Given just days to live, multi-millionaire Archibald Organdy puts his faith in the flamboyant Archbishop Tardimus Toof, a prophet, preacher and part-time masseur who arrives in Atlanta from the deep, deep south. Toof promises to absolve Archibald’s sins and heal his disease, but his family suspect there’s more to this healer than faith, virtue and snakeskin shoes. The Tricycle Theatre’s Olivier-Award winning Artistic Director Indhu Rubasingham (Multitudes, Red Velvet, Handbagged, The House That Will Not Stand) directs. Completing the cast: Adjoa Andoh, Ayesha Antoine, Michelle Bonnard, Wil Johnson, Karl Queensborough and Angela Wynter. The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR

with West Yorkshire Playhouse Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK. Dispersed to Leeds, Ishmael waits to hear his fate, he waits for a new life to begin amongst strangers. Strangers who don’t trust him and don’t want him there. But not everyone is bad… can he find a place to call home again? Some of us wanted to stop being afraid. Some of us wanted to find ourselves. Some of us wanted to belong. Zodwa Nyoni (West Yorkshire Playhouse/ Channel 4 Writer in Residence 2014) threads together humour and humanity to tell the real personal story behind asylum headlines. 23 October 2015 The Cube, Malvern 06 November 2015 Upstairs at Western, Leicester 12 November 2015 Cast, Doncaster 16 November 2015 Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford 19 November 2015 Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees 10 December 2015 Brighton, Brighton January 2016 Arcola, London 9

Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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News

Ebola-free status to receive cautious welcome in Sierra Leone

The World Health Organization is expected to declare Sierra Leone officially Ebola free this weekend, but Chief Executive Officer of the National Ebola Response Centre, Rtd. Maj. Palo Conteh, in his last press conference before the declaration on Saturday, has told journalists yesterday that Ebola does not go away with a declaration.

An emotional charged CEO with tears of joy said he can’t believe that Saturday is almost here after one year of hard fought battle to rid the country of Ebola. “When I took over the first week it was 577 cases, today we are starting to celebrate the end of Ebola, how memorable it is that day; Saturday is just round the corner.” “When President Koroma appointed me for this job his statement was that he has searched in and out of Sierra Leone and he has decided to choose me. I was shocked and it took me a whole day for it to sink in my head, because it was a job that will make my president and party fail and it would dent my reputation for life.” Palo Conteh said he took the job and he knew he must deliver, now he is proud that after one year, he has done what has been asked of him and he is proud to move on to the next position the president will want him to go or to be sacked

if that is what the president wants. He said they don’t want a repeat of what happened in Liberia as they will continue to operate till 31st December before NERC will be disbanded and all of them return to their previous jobs. “But as we prepare to celebrate on Saturday, let us don’t forget that Ebola always re-occur and we must not forget to follow the health protocols that will continue to keep us safe. About the current situation in Guinea,

the CEO said some steps have been taken to keep the country safe from possible cross infection or transmission from that country. “Not only have we intensified our interventions along our borders with Guinea, we have also increased screening measures and established standby isolation centres on both sides of the border.” He said experience has taught them not to take chances and their policy is that of no regrets, so they will make contingencies to be ready for any even-

tuality. “This is not a border closure; we are simply taking all necessary steps to keep the citizens of our two respective sister nations safe from this menace so that lives can return to normal for all our peoples.” CEO Palo Conteh said while the countdown of the last few days continue, the threat of Ebola outbreak is present. He said we must remain vigilant and continue to work collaboratively with the Guineans to end the outbreak in Guinea as well. Talking to journalists the CEO said spreading rumours that will create panic among people is unacceptable. “Spreading rumours of positive case in a certain district when you have no proof is not only in factual, it is mischief. We have gone through this together until this moment, let us remain responsible and report the facts, more now than ever.” “You are part of the history; the relationship between us will last forever as you supported us from the beginning. I am proud of you all. To my entire staff you all have been exemplary by supporting me to get where we are today and I hope all of us will be rewarded for our great job. Let us continue to be safe until Saturday when that wonderful announcement will be made by WHO.”

to withstand the floods only to succumb to intense dry spells in the following months, making survival even more difficult for the most vulnerable.” “Since the end of last year, WFP has provided relief assistance to avert hunger in households hit by poor rainfall during the 2013/14 growing season and the floods in early 2015. This operation has reached more than one million vulnerable people. “WFP, which is financed entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, companies and private individuals, is less than 25 per cent funded for the $81 million relief operation that lies ahead. “Additional contributions are urgently needed,” says WFP Representative for Malawi Coco Ushiyama. WFP also said a swift response is imperative to save children’s lives and prevent worsening undernutrition, particularly stunting among children, which limits cognitive development, and has far-reach-

ing effects on health and productivity over a lifetime. “A recent Cost of Hunger in Africa report for Malawi estimated that stunting, which at 42 percent is among the highest in the region, costs the nation nearly $600 million annually,” the agency said.

“The WFP announcement comes a day after an appeal to the international humanitarian community made by the President of Malawi Peter Mutharika at the launch of the National Food Insecurity Response Plan on Monday.

Palo Conteh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Ebola Response Centre

Malawi food crisis worse in a decade More than 2.8 million people will face hunger in the coming months in the worst food crisis in a decade in Malawi, where a staggering four out of every 10 children suffer from stunting, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.

“People in some affected districts have already started selling their livestock to make ends meet,” WFP said in a press release. “Women are also engaging in more firewood and charcoal selling, which degrades the environment and further aggravates the fragile climate.” “The agency said more than 2.8 million people will face hunger in the coming months following severe floods and drought that ruined this year’s harvest. “The floods early this year were the worst in living memory in Malawi, washing away homes and food stocks, and ruining fertile land,” it said. “Some crops managed 10

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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News

Advice to travellers to and from Sharm el-Sheikh

At the time of writing, hundreds of UK travellers remain stranded in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt following the crash of the Russia-bound Metrojet passenger jet on Saturday. Here we have reproduced the latest advice for British holidaymakers at - or about to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh resort after the UK suspended air links over security concerns courtesy of the BBC.

Is it safe to fly to Sharm el-Sheikh? The UK government has halted all UK flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh after intelligence suggested a plane crash in Sinai on Saturday could have been caused by a bomb on board the aircraft. The UK is working with the Egyptian authorities and air carriers to boost security at the airport so holidaymakers can get home on rescheduled flights, or on an earlier flight if they want.

Plane crash kills dozens near Juba More than 40 people were feared dead on Wednesday (November 4) after a plane crash-landed shortly after taking off from South Sudan’s capital Juba.

The plane, which was heading to Paloch in Upper Nile State, came down on the banks of the White Nile, leaving a tail fin and lumps of fuselage strewn across a small farming community close to the water. Police managed to pull three survivors from the wreckage but are unable to say which of the dead and injured were on the ground when the plane hit. Media reports suggest an Antonov cargo plane came down, but there was no immediate official confirmation. Cargo planes to remote parts of South Sudan often also carry passengers. Radmir Gainanov, spokesman for Russia’s diplomatic mission in Uganda, which also oversees South Sudan, said the embassy was in touch with local authorities, including the defence ministry. Juba’s airport is the busiest in the war-torn country, which is the size of Spain and Portugal combined but with few tarred roads. The airport hosts regular commercial flights, as well as a constant string of military aircraft and cargo planes delivering aid to remote regions cut off by road. 12

How long will flights be grounded? Airlines have said they expect to start flying people back to the UK on Friday, with British Airways the first to say services will resume then. But, PM David Cameron has warned it will take some time to get everyone home. What is the latest news on flight cancellations? Thomas Cook cancelled its flight and holiday programme to Sharm el-Sheikh until 12 November Thomson Airways along with First Choice, cancelled all outbound flights to Sharm elSheikh up to and including 12 November British Airways postponed its Thursday flights to and from Sharm el-Sheikh but says services in both directions will resume on Friday morning. The company is providing hotel accommodation to stranded passengers EasyJet cancelled all flights to and from the resort on Thursday and is keeping future flights “under review” Monarch cancelled all flights in and out of Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday What should I do if I’m in Sharm elSheik? The advice is to try to remain calm as the threat level has not been raised in the resort only air travel is affected. You should get in touch with your tour operator, travel agent or airline about travel arrangements. British Consulate staff are also being sent to the airport and resort to help if you are flying back to the UK very soon. You may want to call your travel insurer to check they will still provide you with cover while you are there. But the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) advises that most insurers will continue to provide cover for holidaymakers who are waiting to get home.

Crashed airplane

The Foreign Office says security is being increased in the Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada resort areas, at the international airports and at check points near towns and many other areas. Who will cover the cost of extra nights in hotels at the Red Sea resort? Tour operators should meet extra accommodation costs for people on a package holiday. Should I try to book a flight out of Sharm el-Sheikh on another route? The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm elSheikh airport. Anyone who ignores this advice will invalidate their travel insurance. What if I’m an independent traveller? If you’re not on a package holiday you should contact your travel insurance provider to check you are covered. What do I do if I have a flight booked to Sharm el-Sheikh? Those with holidays booked within the next 48 hours are advised to contact their travel company to discuss their options, says Abta. “If you have booked a package you will be entitled to a refund or alternative holiday,” it said. But, a word of warning, travellers may have to pay the difference in price if going on an al-

ternative trip. What if I have a future booking? If you’re due to fly to or from Sharm el-Sheik beyond the next 48 hours, you should check with your travel company nearer to the time of your departure to find out what your options are, as there will probably be a review of the current advice. Different firms are likely to have different policies. What about holidaymakers from elsewhere? The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also advised its citizens against all non-essential travel to Egypt. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising its citizens against travel to or from Sharm el-Sheikh airport, but says flight suspensions are down to individual airlines UK officials said they expected other countries to follow suit. What about the rest of Egypt? ABTA says the latest change in advice applies only to air travel to and from Sharm elSheikh. Previous travel restrictions for other areas may still apply, and you should check before travelling.

Drake ducking signals end of Serena love game Having been seen here and there with Serena Williams, sparking strong rumours of a serious relationship, Drake has been spotted in Los Angeles with a woman rejoicing in the name Ravie Loso.

The Canadian rapper appears to have taken the Instagram model to Kendall Jenner’s 20th birthday bash, which some might say is a pretty major step. The pair entered Nice Guy restaurant in West Hollywood separately. While Drake arrived with his bodyguards trying appear unaccompanied, Loso turned up soon after and was photographed busy looking at her cellphone, according to Ace Showbiz. Later they seemed inseparable, leading inevitably to photographs being leaked to gossip columnists. Loso first appeared on Drake’s Instagram photos late October, when the 29year-old rapper posted a picture of her

Serena Williams and Drake have been seen together several times over a long period, leading to speculation they are an ‘item’

relaxing with her friends. According to Bustle, Loso is a native of Texas and also appeared in the rapper’s newly released “Hotline Bling” video. It was recently reported that things have not been going too well with Drake and

Serena Williams, who were spotted kissing at an Ohio restaurant. There have even been rumours that the tennis star was pregnant with Drake’s child – a claim since denied by sources close to Williams.

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

South Korea

Korea reverts to state-published school texts South Korea’s Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has announced that the government will publish history textbooks for use in schools from 2017; a step seen as necessary to strip current teaching of its “ideological bias”.

The move, which will end a four year implementation of textbooks written by private-sector scholars and issued by private publishers, has capped weeks of debate about whether it was democratic for the government to dictate how the country’s turbulent modern history is taught. “It is realistically impossible to author a correct history textbook under the current system. It is the government’s conclusion that the privately-authored system has failed,” Hwang said during a joint press conference with Education Minister Hwang Woo-yea at the Seoul Government Complex. “We need to make a textbook based on objective facts, and true to constitutional values.” He said that current history circles were dominated by left-leaning scholars, and private publication could only create textbooks that were favourable to the leftists and North Korea.

According to Hwang Kyo-ahn, textbooks should be true to South Korea’s constitutional values

Spain

The decision added fuel to the widespread protests nationwide led by the progressives, students, teachers and scholars, who have denounced the government decision as being unilateral with some suggesting it was politically motivated to glorify the past dictatorships. The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy boycotted the plenary session of the National Assembly to protest the government’s decision. NPAD chief Rep. Moon Jae-in said the government “trampled the dominant public sentiment” against the state textbooks. “Ignoring the majority and pushing ahead with an illegal system, isn’t that dictatorship?” he said. But Rep. Kim Moo-sung, chief of the ruling Saenuri Party, bashed the NPAD for boycotting the session and said, “Dragging the textbook issue into a political standoff while people’s livelihoods are at stake is just not right.” Korea currently allows eight private publishers to author textbooks, and authorizes them for use. The system was implemented for Korea’s modern history lessons in 2002, and expanded to encompass the entire secondary history education system in 2011. The speciﬁcs of the state textbooks will be unveiled at Wednesday’s brieﬁng by the National Institution of Korean History, which will oversee its publication process.

India

Police foil suspected terror plot Rapist Uber cabby handed life term

Shiv Kumar Yadav has been handed the maximum possible penalty after being found guilty of rape, criminal intimidation and kidnapping. Spanish police broke up a prominent jihadist recruitment cell last year

Police in Spain have arrested three Moroccans believed to have been plotting to carry out acts of terror.

The three suspects, who are suspected of links to the Islamic State jihadist group, are legal residents of Spain and were arrested in two neighbourhoods of the capital Madrid in the early hours of Tuesday morning (November 3), authorities said in a statement. Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz said that, unlike in other cases of suspected jihadists arrested in recent months in the country, the suspects were “not devoted to attracting, indoctrinating, radicalising, re-

cruiting” people to travel to Syria or Iraq to join the IS. “Their goal was to act in Spain,” he said on Cadena Ser radio. Europe has been grappling with a growing number of jihadist cells on its territory and radicalised Muslims leaving to ﬁght for the IS group or joining the rebels in Iraq and Syria. More than 100 people from Spain are suspected of having joined jihadist ﬁghters in Iraq and Syria and authorities fear they may return to launch attacks. Spain has arrested several dozen suspected IS recruiters in recent months. Some 171 suspected jihadists have been detained in security operations since December 2011, according to the interior minister.

A court in India has handed a life sentence to a taxi driver found guilty of raping a female passenger in Delhi eleven months ago.

Shiv Kumar Yadav took the 26-yearold woman to a secluded area and raped after she took what she thought was the precaution of booking a journey home with Uber in December. The incident led to a temporary ban on Uber and other online taxi operations in the Indian capital. Uber apologised and promised to “do better” when conducting driver checks. The victim also ﬁled a lawsuit against Uber in a US court, which was later settled out of court.

Speaking after sentencing Yadav, Judge Kaveri Baweja told the court in Delhi: “He will serve regressive imprisonment, which shall mean imprisonment till natural death.” His defence counsel is expected to launch an appeal, which would be heard in a higher court. The issue of sexual assault has been high on the agenda in India since a 23-year-old student was gang-raped and murdered on a bus in Delhi in December 2012. The case prompted global outrage and a tightening of laws on sexual violence. However, these tougher laws have failed to bring down the number of rape cases. Last month there was outrage in the capital after two children were raped on the same day. Earlier in the month, a child was raped, slashed with a sharp object and left unconscious near a railway track. 13

Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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CRIME

Appeal following sexual assault on Southwark bus Ofﬁcers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are appealing for help in identifying a man after a girl was sexually assaulted on a bus in Southwark.

On Tuesday, 30 June, at about 08:30hrs, an 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man as she travelled on a route 343 bus travelling along Thurlow Street, Southwark. The suspect is described as a black man, aged mid to late 20s, with short dark hair, wearing a striped collared top. Ofﬁcers are releasing a CCTV image and are asking anyone with any information to contact Acting Police Sergeant Jeremy Collins on 07824 545723 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 185411.

to the police. If you have any information please dial 101, but in an emergency always call 999 immediately. The

Met

Police

recently

jointly

launched the “Report it to Stop It” campaign with Transport for London, the British Transport Police and City of London Police, which aims to further increase the reporting of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport in the capital. Find out more and watch a video which asks you to decide when you would “reUnwanted sexual behaviour on the

transport network is not tolerated and all

sexual offences are taken very seriously. Always report incidents of this nature

port it to stop it” - http://report-it.tumblr. com

Man jailed for armed robbery

Appeal after luxury watches stolen

Sledge hammer

A man who was part of a moped gang that robbed a Brent jewellers armed with hammers and axes has been jailed for ﬁve-anda-half years.

Detectives from Westminster Serious Crime Unit are appealing for the public’s help to trace two men captured on CCTV at the scene of a burglary.

On Friday, 23 October, between 21:00 and 21:30 two men forced entry to a house in York Terrace East, Regents Park, NW1. Forty-seven watches, with an estimated collective value of around £500,000 were stolen. The watches included a number of antique and collector’s items, makes include: Patek Philippe; Vacheron Constantin; Rolex; Audemars Piguet and JaegerLeCoultre. Detective Constable Alex Caulkett, from Westminster Serious Crime Unit, said: “I’d like to hear from anyone who recognizes either of these men, or who may 14

have seen them hanging around in York Terrace East on that Friday night. It is possible that they may have visited the road in the days before they broke in. “One possible line of enquiry is that this address was targeted speciﬁcally to steal this watch collection. However, I would like to hear from anyone in the antiques trade or specialist watch traders who have recently been offered a watch or watches for sale, whose provenance couldn’t be properly explained.” Detectives have released images of the two men, captured on CCTV from inside the house. At this stage this burglary is not being linked to any others. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Team on 07500 766 462 quoting 6546597/15. Images of the two men caught on CCTV and some of the watches stolen are available.

Lookman Shekoni, 24 of Josephine Avenue, Lambeth, had previously pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court on Monday, 28 September to robbery having being caught by passers-by at the scene. Police continue to appeal for information about seven other suspects involved in the smash-and-grab robbery in Kingsbury Road, which saw up to £400,000 of jewellery stolen. Detective Inspector Scott Hartley of the Flying Squad, said: “Shekoni was pulled off his moped while trying to flee the scene by members of the public appalled at what was taking place in their community. “While we would never encourage

people to get involved directly in this way, I would like to commend the brave actions of passers-by that led to Shekoni being promptly arrested. They acted with little regard for their own safety, intent on catching those who had carried out such a brazen robbery in broad daylight. “Enquiries continue to trace the other suspects and we are keen to hear from anyone with information.” On Monday, 7 September at 14:10hrs four mopeds, with two riders wearing crash helmets on each, pulled up on the pavement outside the Jewellery Gallery shop in Kingsbury Road NW9. Three of the suspects stayed with the vehicles while one stood outside the shop armed with an axe to scare off anyone who might try to intervene. The rest of the suspects forced their way inside the shop with a large metal ram and used hammers and axes to threaten staff members. They then smashed all the displays and

Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Best ever Biles has Rio spring in her step

American Simone Biles became, at eighteen, the most decorated woman gymnast of all time on the final day of the World Championships in Glasgow on Sunday.

The diminutive Texan - at 4’9” she is small even by gymnastics standards - won gold on the balance beam and the floor to add to the record third allaround and team titles she had already claimed at the Hydro Arena. Her tenth world title means she has won more titles than any female gymnast in history, surpassing Russia’s Svetlana Khorkina, Romania’s Gina Gogean and former Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, who all won nine world gold medals. “It’s a really amazing feeling and I don’t think it has hit me yet. I can’t even wrap my head around it,” Biles said of her record. “I still don’t believe my ability to achieve such things. It’s crazy.” It was the second straight World Championships in which the teenager has won gold in the four events just

over two years since making her senior debut in March 2013. Biles is the first woman since Khorkina to win three allaround titles and first to win three in a row after triumphs in Antwerp in 2013 and Nanning in 2014. But Khorkina was already 18 when she won her first all-round in 1997 and had to compete for six further years to take her third. Biles also got a bronze in the vault to bring her career tally to 14 medals – level with Latynina and behind only Khorkina (20) and Gogean (15). However Biles has not yet competed in an Olympics. In Rio she will undoubtedly be hotly tipped to topple fellow African-American Gabby Douglas, the reigning allaround Olympic champion, who took two years off after the Games but has returned to sufficient form to take silver behind Biles in Glasgow. Biles calls her grandparents Mum and Dad after they adopted her from her substance-addicted mother. Both grandparents were cheering in the stands in Glasgow last week.

New World Champion Simone Biles, 18, (left) and 19-year-old Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas are likely to be the main rivals for the latter’s individual all-round title at Rio 2016

She now sets her sights on competing in the Rio Olympics where legend status surely awaits if she can continue her meteoric progress.

“Three years ago I would have thought they were absolutely crazy and wouldn’t have believed it,” said Biles when asked if she was now the bookies’ favourite for Olympic gold.

Court orders Cosby deposition

Janice Dickinson has laid claim to being the inspiration for the description ‘supermodel’

Bill Cosby and his former lawyer have been ordered to give a sworn out-of-court testimony in a defamation case brought by Janice Dickinson.

The ex-supermodel, who will be familiar to fans of Celebrity Big Brother, alleged that they falsely called her a liar after she claimed the comedian sexually assaulted her three decades ago. Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled Cosby and his former lawyer Martin Singer must give sworn depositions before 25 November. Cosby’s lawyers said they would appeal. Neither Cosby, 78, nor Dickinson, 60, attended the hearing on Monday.

More than 50 women have now accused the comedian of sexual assault. He has never been charged for any of the alleged crimes. In most cases, the alleged incidents date back decades, meaning they fall outside the time limit for legal action. According to Reuters, it is the second time in two months that Cosby will be required to testify under oath in response to a complaint of sexual misconduct against him. Last year, Dickinson had claimed Cosby drugged and raped her in a hotel in Lake Tahoe in 1982. Speaking at the time, Mr Singer, an LA lawyer who represented Cosby until he was replaced last month with a new legal team, labelled Dickinson’s allegations as “false and outlandish”. 15

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

Gospel

NO CHANGE WITHOUT ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT! (PART 2)

By Michael Adekoya

Jabez prayed to God and said, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” And the Bible says,”So God granted him what he requested.”’ (1 Chro. 4:10)

(Continued From Last Week) ...The Bible says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal, perfect and fully committed to Him.” (2 Chro 16:9) These are the people He blesses… people who prayed earnestly in faith with purpose …people who will extend their blessings to others…people who will use what God has blessed them with to save souls for the expansion of God’s Kingdom. My friend, can I tell you one truth? The heart of a true Christian is always concerned for others. However, it is easier to be a blessing when you’re blessed than when your own needs are weighing you down. It is only when you spend time with the Healer that you’ll be anointed to pray for people who are sick. You can only be a doctor to treat others and be a blessing to them. This is why you must pray always. Maybe you were blessed but you are now asking “Why does God not bless me more?” Is that your question today? You will find the answer in these questions: (1) Have you acknowledged the Source of your blessing? A river that forgets its source will dry. (2) Have you used what He has blessed you with and entrusted to you – talent, gifts, wealth, and riches – for the expansion of His Kingdom and for His glory? (3) Have you sought Him in prayer will all your heart with passion for Him and compassion for others? Listen to what God is saying in this hour, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer 33:3) My friend, did you hear that? Until you call upon the One who Jabez prayed to -the One who holds your future you will never able to move with confidence towards your destiny. Call to Him today, not

just for your own need but for the needs of others as well! Paul says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness, humility, integrity, dignity and honesty (1Tim 2:1-2 emph). Did you hear that?

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

Before Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross, He prayed for those who crucified Him. “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). God began to answer His prayer on the Day of Pentecost as 3000 people repented and were saved that day; and there have been countless multitudes that have been saved through the centuries ever since then. Do you have a heart of Jesus?

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

Like Jesus, Jabez prayed to God to bless Him and make Him a blessing. So ‘that I may not cause pain to others’, he prayed. In response to Jesus’ forgiveness and intercession for the transgression of mankind, God has snatched many souls from eternal death and hell; and He is still doing it today through people and that includes you. Do you have a heart to forgive others and pray for the lost souls like Jesus did? Do you have the same passion that inspired John Knox to plead to God and said, “Give me Scotland or I die?” Is your attitude like that of George Whitefield, who prayed, “O Lord, give me souls or take my soul?” Do you, like Henry Martyn, mourn when you see people trapped in false religion, unbelief, occultism, idolatry, rebellion, pride, prostitution, prejudice, greed, corruption, abortion, lies, falsehood, fraudulent practices, injustice, selfishness, homosexuality, pornography, alcohol or drug addiction and cry out, “I cannot endure existence if Jesus is to be so dishonoured?” God used those faithful men as powerful tools to bring salvation to lost, dying and backslidden souls. Each of them had a clear and vivid understanding of what is at stake in the Gospel--it’s an issue of life or death, an eternity in heaven or in hell. My friend, do you realize that your unsaved husband, wife, child, parent, family member, boss, co-worker, friend, neighbour, political leader will spend eternity in hell forever away from the presence of God if they are not saved? This realization should drive you to your knees today to plead, not only with them to believe the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with their heart that God has raised Him from the dead to be saved (Rom 10:9); but also plead with God to save their souls. If there’s a time to develop the spirit of forgives, intercession for others and witness to lost souls it is now. Remain blessed!

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

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church, Surrey Docks District, Solution Centre, 47-47 High Street, Swancombe, Kent, DA10 0DA Tel: 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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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

Africa Newsround

Burundi

‘Unconstitutional’ president sets gun deadline Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has set a November 7 deadline for citizens to hand over illegal ﬁrearms in a bid to put an end to months of unrest following his controversial re-election in July.

Nkurunziza, whose disputed victory resulted in a failed coup attempt, told dissenters on Monday (November 7) that they risk being “dealt with as enemies of the nation”, unless they voluntarily hand in illegal weapons within ﬁve days. Burundi, which emerged from civil war a decade ago, was thrown into turmoil over Nkurunziza’s plan to seek a third term in ofﬁce, which many of his critics said was unconstitutional. The announcement of his victory plunged the country into crisis, including violent clashes between protesters

Pierre Nkurunziza was sworn in for a third term as president in August, which opponents say is unconstitutional

South Sudan

and security forces in the capital Bujumbura and a series of targeted killings. According to experts, reprisal assassinations of government ofﬁcials and members of the opposition risk driving the nation back into another conﬂict and could reopen old ethnic wounds. Nkurunziza said that individuals who comply with his edict would be “trained on patriotic education” and returned to their families. “Those who will not do so... will be taken as criminals and be prosecuted according to the anti-terrorism law and be dealt with as enemies of the nation,” he said, adding: “This is the last call we make.” Nkurunziza also called on police to restore peace and security across the capital Bujumbura within a month, telling them: “In addition, you are allowed to use all the necessary means and authorized rules and regulations in security matters.”

South Africa

Kidnapped UN workers set free Executioner cops face up to justice

United Nations Mission to South Sudan (UNMISS) Special Representative, Ellen Margrethe Løj

Rebels in South Sudan have reportedly released 13 UN contractors taken hostage last week while escorting a barge carrying fuel on the Nile.

A Special Representative in the globe’s youngest nation has issued a statement saying the UN launched a successful mission to retrieve the contractors and the barge on Sunday and has called on the rebels from the SPLA-In Opposition to immediately release 55,000 litres in fuel, communications equipment and seven weapons that were also on board when they seized the barge on October 26. At the time, rebels also held 18 peacekeepers captive for three days before releasing them unharmed.

“While we, today, are relieved by the safe release of all UN personnel, the need for all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to fully respect unfettered free access and movement of UN personnel and assets cannot be underlined strongly enough,” said UN Special Representative to South Sudan Ellen Margrethe Løj. “A similar incident should not and hopefully will not happen again,” she added. The UN has 13,000 personnel working to protect civilians and help foster a regional effort to end the conflict that erupted in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to former vice president Riek Machar. The conflict has displaced more than 2.2 million South Sudanese, including 700,000 who fled to neighbouring countries.

The four ofﬁcers handed themselves in together

Four police ofﬁcers linked to the cold-blooded killing of a suspected criminal are set to spend the night behind bars at the same police station where they served.

The three male and one female officer voluntarily handed themselves in after a warrant was issued for their arrest following the making public of CCTV footage that appears to show robbery suspect Khulekani Mpanza being shot in the arm while running away after he allegedly fired shots at a police van. The video appears to show Mpanza drop his firearm and fall to the ground where a policeman shoots him. Another policeman appears to approach Mpanza and kick him. There then follows another shot, apparently to the head, which is believed to be the fatal injury.

According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), before Mpanza was shot dead he had attempted to rob a paint and hardware store. A female officer responding to the robbery was allegedly shot as she tried to apprehend the suspect. IPID spokesman Grace Langa said Mpanza allegedly fled the scene, opening fire on officers in a patrol van. Another police vehicle joined the chase, with the officers in this vehicle eventually shooting Mpanza dead. The four officers are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Tuesday, November 3) charged with murder. A charge of “defeating the ends of justice” could also be added. 17

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Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015

Nigerian News

Buhari, Govs, Hail New Ooni, Congratulate Aregbesola

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President rejoiced with Ogunwusi on his appointment as the Ooni by the kingmakers of Ife after a keenly contested but peaceful selection process as well as his confirmation by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State. The President said as he prepared to begin the rites of ascension to the throne of his ancestors, the Ooni-designate should commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. The statement read in part, “The President calls on Prince Adeyeye to be prepared to put his new position as the Ooni and the principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba to good use in the service of his people and the country. “President Buhari also urges the Ooni-designate to dedicate himself to building on, and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, and working with the government and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of his people and all Nigerians. “As Prince Adeyeye ascends the grand throne of the Ooni of Ife, the President prays that God Almighty will grant him the immense wisdom and courage he will require to oversee further progress and greater prosperity for his people. “He wishes the new Ooni a long and highly successful reign in the service of his people and country.” Also, governors under the aegies of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have expressed happiness over the choice of Prince Ogunwusi as the next Ooni of Ile-Ife. 18

They also congratulated Aregbesola and the people of Osun State on the emergence of the 51st Ooni. The governors spoke through a statement signed by Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari of Zamfara State, who is also the chairman of the NGF. They urged the incoming monarch to use his position to further solidify the role of the Yoruba people in ensuring peace and development in the country as he mounted the exalted throne. Yari charged the new Ooni to use his position to enhance the bond of unity existing among the Yoruba and other traditional rulers in the South-West geo-political zone and the country in general. The governors commended the Osun State Government for playing the role of a good umpire during the selection process and appealed to the ruling houses in Ife and citizens of the kingdom to support the new Ooni as they did to the late Ooni. Yari said traditional institutions were vital to the development of the society and could not be waved aside by any government. He, therefore, called for a stronger synergy between governments and traditional institutions in order to advance the course of the common man and the development of the country. Yari urged the new Ooni to emulate the works of his predecessor, the late Oba Sijuwade who passed on July 28, in a London hospital. He described the late Sijuwade as a peaceful man and a bridge builder who left an indelible mark in the sand of time. Yari assured the new monarch that the forum would continue to tap from the wise counsel and invaluable support of the Ife kingdom in its pursuit to effect change and deliver true democracy dividends to the people. He prayed Almighty Allah to guide, guard and grant the new Ooni the wisdom to be a good leader and to rule with the fear of Allah as he ascends the revered throne of his fore-fathers. Source: Punch Newspaper.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in a warmth handshake with Former Deputy Governor, Osun, Mrs. Erelu Obada during the Funeral Service Of Chief Albert Olokunle Apara, at Cathedral Church of St. John Iloro, Ilesa, State of Osun

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola ( middle), Rev. Elijah Olaigbe Adeloye, his Wife Mrs. Esther Adegboye, Hon. Abiodun Awolola (right) and Elerinpa of Erinpa, Oba Samuel Oyediran during the 70th Birthday Anniversary and Book Launch at Baptist Dominion Centre, Gbodofon, Osogbo, State of Osun

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (2nd left), Akeran 4, Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Adeniyi Olufemi Fashade (right), and Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Tunde Ponnle (left), during the 2nd Education Summit at Igbajo Polytechnic,Igbajo, State of Osun

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Nigerian News

ABS for Senate President Bukola Saraki By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is an automobile safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain tractive contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (ceasing rotation) and avoid-

ing uncontrolled skidding. It is an automated system that uses the principles of threshold braking and cadence braking which were practiced by skillful drivers with previous generation braking systems. It does this at a much faster rate and with better control than a driver could manage. ABS generally offers improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces; however, on loose gravel or snow-covered surfaces, ABS can significantly increase braking distance, although still improving vehicle control. Since initial widespread use in production cars, anti-lock braking systems

have been improved considerably. Recent versions not only prevent wheel lock under braking, but also electronically control the front-to-rear brake bias. ABS shares the same acronym with Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Senate President. His Kwara state where he emerged from has been under his late father’s grip for decades, with his father even becoming the Senate Leader during his days under NPN. Things have indeed evolved since then but the Olusola Saraki dynasty still persist till date as offspring of the late Oloye Saraki have remained true to their father’s name Saraki a name synonymous with high royalty, very revered in the polity of Kwara and extending beyond the shores of

North Central region of Nigeria. The story of the making of Abubakar Bukola Saraki as the Senate President is best be described as one hell of a chance that worked after a well orchestrated and calculating move against all odds. Saraki’s anti-locked braking system has so far worked going by the matured way he handled the aftermath and the post National Assembly elections. PDP Senators are very at home with ABS (Abubakar Bukola Saraki), they believe once a PDP man always a PDP man. But the thought of having a PDP Deputy Senate President in a Senate that has APC majority is relatively unthinkable and a bitter pill for the APC led government to swallow.

Investing in Property with Strategy: Ground-Breaking Book out on Amazon

When it comes to the nuts and bolts of turning property into a positive investment, most people rely on guesswork, fad strategies and their own groundless intuition. However, a new book by Property Investment Strategist, Godwin Okri, proves that there is an actual proven science to making money in real estate markets.

Godwin Okri, a Barrister and CEO at Menvo Ltd, a property consultancy and certified real estate practitioner in the State of Florida recently released a book, ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’. Godwin is the junior brother of Ben Okri, the Booker prize winner in 1991. Ben has been awarded the OBE for literature and is a Fellow at Mansfield College, Oxford. ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’ is the first book on the market to connect buying and selling property with timetested quantum theory. The result is a powerful guide that will help any buyer get their hands on their next property at well below the market value, and turn existing property portfolios into cashgenerating powerhouses. This book introduces the reader to a proven technique which can be utilised by anyone who is looking to invest in property. The ‘quantum’ strategy advocated in this book is a proven method suited for those trying to buy below-marketvalue property or for those trying to

increase their property portfolio in a cost-effective way. This book is wholly practical: it takes the reader through various stages of property transactions. It also includes a vast range of examples that can be adapted to meet the reader’s needs. Some of the unique topics covered in this book include: • How to increasing your wealth through “leveraging” • How to increasing your property portfolio through “velocity” • How to increasing the value of your property through “value engineering” • How to access the property market without investing any money • How to increasing your confidence through tried and tested formula essential for a successful property investment. ‘Investing in Property with Strategy is written for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors, Godwin Okri’s ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’ applies proven scientific and mathematical principles to help readers acquire property well below market value. Proving that there is a science to making money in property, Okri’s volume is truly unique in the marketplace. Buy it quickly and learn how to reduce exposure in the event of a rate hike by the Bank of England. Barrister Godwin Okri said, “As my career in property consulting grew, I witnessed many buyers having huge difficulty accessing the markets at good

Godwin Okri

prices, and I saw too many investors losing their assets to repossession. I knew I had to expose the scientific theory I’d learned many years previously, as it is fool proof,” explains the author. “The book applies the Quantum Theory and advocate that the “quantum strategy” is a scientific investment tool which any investor can utilise to create wealth and achieve financial freedom. The book introduces the reader to 3 scientific investment tools: velocity, value engineering and leverage.”

Continuing, “Due to its scientific nature, I secretly hope that legends such as Einstein and Stephen Hawking would approve of what I’ve done. There’s really nothing else like this out there, and I hope it pays dividends to readers by removing the trial, error and guesswork so they can make huge returns on any property they transact.” ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’, from New Generation Publishing, is available now: http://amzn. to/1W2VCQh. 19

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Samuel Eto’o takes health promotion messages to West Africa A FIFA delegation led by FIFA Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jiri Dvorak and supported by Cameroonian superstar Samuel Eto’o has just completed a visit to Sierra Leone and Ghana to experience first-hand the progress of FIFA’s health campaigns. One year after the emergency campaign “11 against Ebola” was launched in West Africa at the peak of the Ebola epidemic, FIFA is now introducing its longer-term health promotion campaign, “FIFA 11 for Health”, in Sierra Leone. The timing of the visit could not have been more symbolic with only three days to go until the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declares Sierra Leone Ebola free on 6 November 2015. Known for his social engagement and strong commitment to the African continent, Samuel Eto’o took the opportunity during his visit to Sierra Leone and Ghana to interact with vulnerable communities, especially children affected by the Ebola epidemic. As well as visiting the Grafton orphanage in Freetown, which takes care of very young children who have lost their entire families to the Ebola virus, Eto’o also went in to local schools in Sierra Leone and Ghana to communicate and promote the “FIFA 11 for Health” messages. The four-time African footballer of the year was one of the first players to support the “FIFA 11 for Health” programme , which harnesses the power of football and scientific research to inspire girls and boys to lead healthy lifestyles. The programme seeks to improve children’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour around vital health issues such as HIV, TB, malaria, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. It has been a success in more than 20 countries around the world since its introduction ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. After visiting several health projects in Freetown and Accra, Samuel Eto’o said: “I’m excited to be home in Africa and proud to see what my brothers in Sierra Leone have achieved in successfully fighting against the Ebola virus. Health is the most important thing in life, with health and a strong dream you can achieve anything in life. Football has an impor22

Samuel Eto

tant role to play in educating young girls and boys to live a healthy lifestyle.” The delegation’s trip to Sierra Leone ended with a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Ms Sia Koroma, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone. “I would like to thank FIFA and football for their valuable contribution to the fight against Ebola. Football has the power to make people listen and be aware of important health messages. I’m also proud of Samuel Eto’o, not only for what he has achieved as an African footballer, but also of what he is willing to give back to society and the people of Sierra Leone with his visit,” said the First Lady. Isha Johansen, President of the Si-

erra Leone Football Association and a key figure in the implementation of the project, said: “As the WHO prepares to declare Sierra Leone Ebola-free, I am proud to look back upon all that football and the ’11 against Ebola’ campaign has achieved in the fight against this deadly virus”. FIFA Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jiri Dvorak added: “It has been an emotional experience witnessing the positive impact that FIFA’s ‘11 against Ebola’ campaign has had on the local communities here in Sierra Leone. When football talks, people tend to listen. It is only thanks to the close partnership between the world’s best footballers, the WHO, the World

Bank, the Sierra Leone Football Association and the Sierra Leone government that FIFA has been able to contribute to the fight against the virus. A healthy society is fundamental for the wellbeing of a country and we will continue with our objectives by bringing ‘FIFA 11 for Health’ to Sierra Leone and implementing the fourth stage of the programme in Ghana.” The “11 against Ebola” campaign was put together last year by FIFA with the support of the World Bank and WHO, using the voices of world-famous players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Neymar to inform the local population about important measures that could be taken in order to avoid spreading the Ebola virus. Anders Nordström, head of the WHO delegation in Sierra Leone, also praised the initiative: “It was an extreme situation trying to find ways to fight against the Ebola epidemic. FIFA’s ‘11 against Ebola’ campaign provided a very useful tool to support the challenge of battling the virus, as the messages were simple, strong, and easy to apply and distribute in the country.” After the visit to Sierra Leone focusing on the Ebola response, the delegation then travelled to Ghana where the longer-term “FIFA 11 for Health” campaign has been running successfully for three years. Prince Pambo, FIFA’s national project leader in Ghana who is ready to launch the fourth stage of the programme, explained: “I’m excited to welcome FIFA and Samuel to Ghana to witness the implementation of the programme. 300 schools across Ghana with 600 teachers and about 20,000 students have gone through the training programme.” The FIFA delegation will now continue their journey to East Africa to visit the “FIFA 11 for Health” programmes in Kenya, where they will meet various key stakeholders from the government, local football associations and the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) with the aim of securing widespread support for FIFA’s vital health promotion programme.

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Ba wary of Madagascar’s potential

Demba Ba

Demba Ba is wary of the threat posed by Madagascar, with Senegal set to lock horns with the Island nation over two 2018 World Cup Russia qualifying legs this month.

The clash will be but the start of the road for the Teranga Lions, who will be aiming to confirm their place at what would be only their second World Cup finals. Senegal reached the last eight in their only appearance at the world showpiece - Korea/

Japan 2002 - and for the former Chelsea forward believes it is the right time for the West Africans to return to the global stage. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the 30-year-old revealed that he is always available to play for his country and that it is up to head coach Aliou Cissé to pick him. “This Senegal team are very hopeful. The team consists of players of good quality and the chemistry is good. I wish they achieve the best result [in the qualifying campaign],” Ba told FIFA.com. “For me, I am always hoping to play for the national team. But at the moment, it is a question hard to answer,” Madagascar beat Central Africa Republic 5-2 over two-legs to progress to the second stage and Ba has warned his fellow countrymen that Madagascar is not a team that should be underestimated. “They [Madagascar] may not be a wellknown team on the international stage. But in Africa we should be careful with every team we play against. The fact is that even a small team can spring a surprise. Madagascar may not have famous star-players but we should be wary of their potential.”Ba has scored four times in 19 international appearances for his country.

Yaya lays into lazy Africans Continued from back page

But the 32-year-old admitted that the achievements of the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba have made it difficult for the current generation to make an impact. “For some time now, I have also seen that Africans are struggling to impose themselves or to exist in larger teams,” he said. “But all this is just the fault of Didier [Drogba], Eto’o, [Michael] Essien or [Jay Jay] Okocha. And perhaps, too, a little bit of my own, without wanting to look pretentious. These players then have set the bar so high that it is very hard to come back. “Though he sometimes seemed a little arrogant or pretentious, Samuel Eto’o, he had this hunger to show up and climb to the top. “I’m convinced from the off that nothing is done to facilitate our path. If I was Brazilian, I think everything would have been easier for me. It’s just an observation, I really do not look for excuses. But I al-

SA women put off cricket tour to Bangladesh

Members of the Womens South African Cricket Team

Having already deferred a tour of Bangladesh, South Africa’s women’s cricket team has now postponed the tour indefinitely.

The team was scheduled to arrive in

Dhaka on Tuesday to play three OneDay Internationals (ODIs) and four T20 matches.

On Monday, Cricket South Africa

(CSA) informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) that they have postponed the tour, Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury told bdnews24. com.

In a statement on Tuesday, CSA said

a postponement was “necessary” as their full squad was not available now.

“This is most unfortunate as a num-

ber of our players are not available for the tour because they have personal se-

curity concerns, work or the end of year

study and exams at this time of year,” it quoted CSA’s CEO Haroon Lorgat as saying.

It said they are currently working with

the BCB to reschedule the tour.

Cricket Australia (CA) had earlier put

on hold a tour of Bangladesh by its men’s cricket team, citing security concerns.

In fact, on the day the CA’s security

chief was in Dhaka for assessing the situation, unidentified assailants killed ItalYaya Toure

ways had this feeling of being a bother, and it is a little disturbing.” Who or what is holding African players back in his opinion? “Who?” muses Touré, “Everyone, a little: the established order, observers, trainers, poli-

ian aid worker Cesare Tavella on Sepcy-makers. In fact, when an African has arrived at the top, he is not always received well. As if it was not necessary. As if it was not for him.” Touré also joked in the interview about persistent rumours that he may be interested in a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

tember 28.

Bangladesh has, however, been cleared

to hold the Asia Cup in February 2016.

India and Pakistan play in the Asia

Cup, though they have not played each other in a bilateral series in a while.

Friday, 6 November - Thursday, 12 November 2015 ISSUE 604

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Samuel Eto’o takes health promotion messages to West Africa SEE PAGE 22

YAYA LAYS INTO LAZY AFRICANS By Alan Oakley

Four-time African Player of the Year Yaya Touré has slammed fellow African players for what he describes as their absence of focus and lack of ambition.

Speaking to France Football, the Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder said: “Africans have a tendency to slack off. They are living in a world of their own. They believe they made it; they are the greatest, the strongest. But they don’t understand that there are many more hills to climb to reach the top. “Unfortunately, many only see the bright side of this job: the easy money, the girls, the parties, the big cars and the beautiful clothes. And they give up too quickly on the idea of matching the best players. They don’t always know how to suffer. “Many are content with little. They send money back home and are safe for the next few years. What is the point of suffering? “I have the feeling they prohibit themselves from dreaming big with a kind of fatalistic resignation. They believe that the highest level is not for them.” On Monday, Touré was named on a 10man shortlist to be crowned CAF’s player of the year for a record fifth consecutive time next January. He is also Africa’s only representative on the 23-man shortlist for the 2015 Ballon d’Or. After seeming to be on the verge of leaving City in the summer after the

Yaya Touré is in line to collect a fifth African Player of the Year award in January

Manchester club’s tame capitulation to Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League, the Ivorian has once again been instrumental in their positive start to the season. He also guided the Ivory Coast – the competition’s perennial ‘nearly men’ – to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in

a year many critics had given up on the Elephants. He complained last year that he felt undervalued as a player because he is African, an opinion that was echoed by his City team-mate Samir Nasri.

Continued on page 23

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