African Voice Newspaper issue 607

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015 ISSUE 607

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 Nearly 3,000 black people in the UK await transplant

£1.00

Glamour & Styles at the African Film Awards

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 10

GAMBIA BANS FGM Like us on Facebook facebook.com/africanvoicenews Follow us on Twitter @africanvoice2

Jammeh to outlaw brutal and unsafe female circumcision

By Alan Oakley

The Gambia has announced an immediate ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following widespread condemnation of the traditional practice. President Yahya Jammeh made the unexpected announcement this week during a visit to his home village of Kanilai as part of a nationwide tour.

Reacting to the development, antiFGM campaigners said it was not clear when legislation would be drawn up to enable the ban to be enforced, but a law was needed to “save countless lives” in the West African nation where 76 percent of women have been cut.

Isatou Touray, Gambia’s highest-profile campaigner against FGM, whose more than 30 years of activism has seen her face countless death threats and a period in jail, said: “The whole country has been calling for change and for a law – we are moving towards zero tolerance of FGM.” In alliance with other activists, in 1984 Dr Touray established GAMCOTRAP, the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices, to protect the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and children in The Gambia against such practices as FGM, early and forced marriage, and violence against women.

Dr. Isatou Touray, co-founder and executive director of Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP), has remained committed to ‘knife-dropping’, or ending the brutal custom of FGM in her country, for more than three decades.

According to anti-FGM activist Jaha Dukureh, “President Jammeh’s declaration sends a clear message to the world,

but enacting a law urgently will send an even stronger signal. A law is going to save countless lives in the Gambia.”

Continued on page 2

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Have You News Got News Ghana urged to use Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

Help to Buy Shared Ownership: restrictions removed from April 2016

Shared ownership allows people to buy a share of a home rather than the whole house and then buy a greater share over time as they can afford to. They pay rent on the rest of the property.

Currently, these are allocated in several different ways including criteria set by local councils, for example whether potential buyers work in the local area or if they are already in council housing.

Help to Buy Shared Ownership will lift the limits so that anyone who has a household income of less than £80,000 outside London, and £90,000 inside London, can buy a home through shared ownership.

Only military personnel will be given be priority over other groups. The scheme will apply across England.

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

Tel: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

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In 2013 a partnership was struck between the G-8 group of countries and 15 resource-rich countries, which brought

Ghana and the UK has a partnership with a shared purpose of fighting poverty on the opportunities from natural resources according to Jon Benjamin British High Commissioner in Ghana.

Mr. Benjamin in his speech at the launch of Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth said, The UK has committed GBP27 million to two programmes in Ghana as part of our contribution to our partnership.

The programme we launch this evening, ‘Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth’ or GOGIG’ is one; the ‘Western Region Coastal Foundation’, which I had the pleasure to launch a few months ago, is the other. Even with low oil prices, there are opportunities for inclusive growth from natural resources, but even a casual look at oil-rich countries around the world, the members of OPEC for example will tell you that just having oil is no basis for sustained, inclusive growth. And, sadly, sometimes it can be the opposite.

Compare what Norway has done with its oil to Nigeria’s experience. The arrest in London a few weeks ago of the previous Nigerian oil minister speaks volumes. Nor-

way’s oil-based Sovereign Wealth Funds is now worth hundreds of billions of dollars, managed transparently and from which future generations of Norwegians will benefit. In Nigeria, a few individuals have been accused of stealing billions of dollars from which the only people who will benefit are future generations of their own families.

This risk of this so-called resource curse was recognised in the G8 partnership, which observed that a lack of transparency means countries often do not benefit as much as they should from their natural resources to fund development and fight poverty.

Transparency helps, but it is not much use without a well-informed civil society which is a key support to greater accountability for policy decisions, contract awards, and the use to which revenue from oil is put. Civil society is there to ask the difficult questions: who is making policy and who are they consulting in doing so?

Is the government of the day openly tendering oil exploration and development contracts – or are they using opaque single source justifications to award contracts to their friends or party funders? And are those managing a country’s natural resources living a life commensurate with their official salaries – or instead amassing property and flash cars while asking for

Jon Benjamin British High Commissioner in Ghana

visas to send their children to expensive foreign universities?

Of course, getting the policy framework in place – with all the laws, regulations, and the necessary standard operating procedures to make everything work – is a complex and tough set of tasks for any government. And laws on their own are not enough: if they are enacted but never implemented, or flouted and ignored with impunity, they might as well have never happened.

Just as accountability is critical for good governance, it is equally vital that government is supported in its efforts to complete the policy framework, with the contributions to capacity-building it needs to do a good job on behalf of the people of Ghana.

Jammeh to outlaw brutal and unsafe female circumcision

...Continued from front page One of the main challenges for activists in the Gambia has been tackling the misconception that FGM is a religious duty, but Dukureh said they had won the support of religious leaders, women’s representatives and community elders in recent years.

Seven out of nine ethnic groups in Gambia carry out FGM, an ancient ritual shrouded in secrecy and widely condemned elsewhere as a serious violation of women’s rights. The age at which FGM takes place in the Gambia is not recorded, but it is reported that the trend of cutting infant girls is increasing. By the age of 14, 56 percent of female children in the country have endured the procedure.

Support for the continuation of the practice is strong among the country’s richest women and varies dramatically in different ethnic communities, with 84% of Mandinka women supporting the continuation of FGM compared with 12% of Wolof women.

Any ban would also prove divisive along religious lines. Senior Muslim clerics argue that “female circumcision” is permitted in Islam, Gambia’s major religion. State house imam, Alhaji Abdoulie Fatty told Kibaaro News, “I have never heard of anyone who died

as a result of female genital mutilation (FGM)... If you know what FGM means, you know that we do not practice that here. We do not mutilate our children.”

Anti-FGM activists contend that the imam is playing semantics. The practice involves the removal of the external genitalia, often causing numerous health problems which can be fatal. Some girls bleed to death or die from infections contracted from used blades and nonsterile conditions, while others die later in life from childbirth complications.

Dukureh, who will return to the Gambia on Tuesday to thank Jammeh for the ban and to help with drafting the legislation that will enforce it, added: “The amazing thing is it’s election season.

This could cost the president the election. He put women and girls first, this could negatively affect him, but this shows he cares more about women than losing people’s votes.”

Despite being banned by the United Nations, FGM affects an estimated 140 million girls and women across Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia, and is seen by many parents as a gateway to marriage. The practice was outlawed this year in Nigeria, which joined 18 other African countries that have banned the practice, including Central

African Republic, Egypt and South Africa.

Ninety-eight percent of girls aged between four and 11 are subjected to the practice in Somalia, which has the highest prevalence of FGM in the world.

Despite strong opposition from traditionalists, Somalia’s spokeswoman for women’s affairs has indicated she is “committed to make [an FGM ban] happen.”

The problem is by no means confined to Africa and Asia. A study for the NSPCC estimates that 23,000 girls under 15 could be at risk in England and Wales and nearly 60,000 women could be living with the consequences of FGM. In the two years to June 2013 over 1,700 victims of FGM were referred to six specialist clinics in England specialising in helping victims.

In 2014, British daily The Guardian launched a major campaign to end FGM around the world with the support of the campaign petition website, Change.org.

The End FGM Guardian Global Media campaign works closely with local activists in The Gambia, Kenya and Nigeria to help them provide education and awareness on the issue and hope to expand the campaign to Sierra Leone, Senegal and Uganda next year.

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

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Comment

A People’s Aversion to the Truth is their Undoing

by Akintokunbo Adejumo “There is not a truth existing which I fear or wish unknown to the whole world.” - Thomas Jefferson “When it comes to the truth, the real bias is thinking any one side has a monopoly on it.” – A Barton Hinkle.

Three events or incidences prompted me to write this article.

First one was the wide dissemination of an article purportedly written by our esteemed professor and Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka in tribute to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, heaping praises on him and giving reasons why he, Tinubu, is such a great political strategist, even though not a saint, and great Yorubaman who rescued Nigeria from the clutches of the evil PDP. When I read the article, I immediately suspected it could not have been the handiwork of Kongi; I responded to my friends, most of who are in the same political persuasion as I am. I was immediately chastised by most of them, their rationalization being that it does not matter who the author is; it was the content that we should accept. I was aghast! So if Prof Wole Soyinka decided to sue the people wrongly ascribing the article to him, what would they then say? Or if the real author decided to sue Prof Soyinka for plagiarism, what would my friends say or do in his defence? We have since learnt that the said article was indeed written by someone else.

Second was the case of Col (rtd.) Sambo Dasuki, the besieged erstwhile National Security Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan who is now embroiled in a fight for his freedom after being accused of mismanaging billions of Naira and Dollars meant to purchase arms for the Nigerian military to fight Boko Haram. I remember when this man was appointed, there was so much encomium heaped on him. He was this, he was that; the next best thing to sliced bread; expert in internal and external security, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, best soldier in the Ni4

geria Army, highly regarded world-wide, blah, blah blah!! His CV was as long as my two arms extended; attended hundreds of courses, degrees, certificates, trips abroad, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.

I said to myself then, “This is the end of Boko Haram in Nigeria”. Alas, it turned out he was just there for his pocket and/ or to enrich some interested individuals or groups.

It goes the same way with 99.9% of our government officials - elected or appointed. They all have the best education and achievements comparable to any and even superior to many in the whole world, but unfortunately with no sense of responsibility and commitment to service to their country and people; ONLY to their own pockets and family. Their education, achievements, accolades and success are then exposed as only a means to get to power and loot the treasury or defraud and oppress their own people; a dearth of leadership, responsibility and sincerity of purpose in this potentially great country that is only too obvious anywhere and everywhere you look.

And third, the case of the “29,000 Nigerians awaiting deportation from the United Kingdom, and 500 of them deported in one day, in one chartered plane to Nigeria just a day ago”. Again, I wrote that this is not possible! 500 Nigerians who are unwilling to go home packed in one plane, with how many guards? At what cost to the British Government? I was again buttonholed by some people who think they are more patriotic than I am (the same trait that our rulers have always had, yet loot the country and deprive their people the dividends of democracy and a developed nation). As it turned out, only 48 Nigerians were deported that day, with probably more to come in batches. Where did our journalists and reporters get the 500 figure from? Nowhere, but they just have to enhance or embellish the news so that they can sell papers, and the gullible people swallowed the lies, as they know they would.

The more I read our newspapers and the social media, listen to our politicians and civil servants, and notice often knee-jerk, misinformed reactions of my people, I have come to believe that my people just do not want to hear the truth. They really just want to be lied to, beautiful lies that make them feel good, make then forget their sorrows and the sins committed by them and against them, that make them seem to be part of their often corrupt and totally immoral governments and fit with what they really want to believe.

Trying to tell the truth to our people is absolutely futile. Trying to tell people the truth after they have been lied to their entire lives, as Nigerians have been lied to almost since their Independence, isn’t really worthwhile at all, it just gets you called a reactionary. In fact, they turn you into the Liar, and make you start questioning your own insanity and integrity. Many people only hear what they want to hear. Anybody that provides them lies is telling the “truth”. It is a psychological trait.

I will admit that in philosophy, Truth is very relative. There is no absolute Truth, but in saner societies, some kind of Truthbased ideology and tenet has been the defining and engaging foundation to their development as better societies for their (and other) people to live in. I have never before encountered a people and country where Truth is so much in short supply as to be completely non-existent as Nigeria.

There is a deliberate dearth of Truth and fact, not the least aided by devilish politicians, unconcerned civil servants, selfish businessmen/women, and, wait for it, the society (people) itself.

I have always written that there is no Truth in Nigeria; nobody tells the Truth; nobody wants to hear and accept the Truth; the Truth is often hard to find or discern from the loads of information, or misinformation that is often spewed out on a daily basis by all sectors of the Nigerian society.

We all want to hear what we want to hear, and this is what our rulers use to keep us ignorant and in bondage. Most of our leaders are intelligent (intelligent only enough to know how to pull the wool over the eyes of the rest of us and how to loot the treasury and still appear like heroes); but why are they like that? We were clamouring for a graduate President a while ago; then we had one with late Yar ‘Adua (B Sc Chemistry) and then, presto! Another one with a PhD in Zoology, Dr Jonathan; and Nigeria suddenly became an educated elite country; then what happened? Education is not a prerequisite to good governance, I have come to appreciate. It helps, but ONLY if the person has a good heart towards his people. That’s leadership.

Nigerians like sensational news and the ruling class knows this, so they spin us load of lies and we buy it hook line and sinker. They ALL TELL LIES. The newspapers that are supposed to feed us with correct information are even worse, bunch of lazy journalists who are easily compromised to write stories that suit the ruling elite, but manipulative of the gullible

masses. All they know how to do is cut and paste. Imagine publishing that 500 illegal immigrants deported when in actual fact it was only 48. They cannot even verify the news before going to print.

We as a people don’t like taking responsibility for our own actions; someone else has to be blamed for their inadequacies.

Hence Dasuki now was trying to implicate his boss and others. Examples abound in Nigeria. Have we ever heard of any ruler, ex-ruler (president, governor, LG chairman, minister, etc.) come out and admit culpability for their actions or inactions?

No, they are all hiding under some cover or the other, shifting blames to one another and obfuscating and perverting the course of justice. Some even go as far as seeking court injunctions from corrupt judges to prevent investigation and arrest. Some cases against these so-called leaders have been in courts for over 10 years with no end in sight as to logical judgement or even a decision. Is that the Truth? But our leaders and even followers will cling on to the “Rule of Law”. Why does the rule of law apply when it comes to prosecution but does not apply when the crimes are being perpetrated?

The truth forces one to question the foundational beliefs one holds. If enough erroneous foundational beliefs can be manufactured in one’s belief system, the harder it will be for them to accept the truth when it stands right in front of them. People adhere to religion because they don’t want to have to change their foundational beliefs.

I think everyone is guilty of feeling susceptible by some facet of the world around us, something out there could indeed force us to look at the world differently and we are all uncomfortable with that idea. Fear of the unknown is a powerful stimulus to continue in the same direction even if doing so is a bad idea. In present times, continuing down our shared road to ruin just to feel contented with ourselves is a really bad idea.

The truth should set you free; that is the familiar tenet. So why do our people actually choose to keep themselves imprisoned? Why do we consider the truth to be a menace? Most importantly, who made us think this way and why? What are being kept secret from us and why?

Why do we desire CHANGE, but are not ready to CHANGE? Your guess is as good as mine. I shouldn’t care anymore, but I cannot help myself. It is my country and my people, anyway I look.

Tell the Truth always!!!!

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Health News

Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Nearly 3,000 black people in the UK await transplant 2,896 people from Black communities in the UK have endured the wait for an organ transplant in the last 10 years and 266 of them have died before receiving the transplant they desperately needed, new statistics reveal.

The figures released by NHS Blood and Transplant (20/11/15) coincide with the launch of a new organ donation campaign ‘The Wait’ to highlight the true scale of the organ shortage.

Patients from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are over-represented on the transplant waiting list with 28% of patients coming from these communities.

The shortage of donated organs means that patients can wait a long time for an organ or even die without getting the transplant they need. For example, Black people who get the kidney transplant they need wait longer than white people - on average 1,226 days compared to 955 days*.

‘The Wait’ campaign launches with the release of a 14 hour film capturing a day in the life of patient Simon Howell, 41, his wife

Anita, also 41, and their children Sarah, 8, and James, 3. Born with a serious kidney condition, renal dysplasia, Simon had his first kidney transplant in 2005 thanks to his mum offering to be a living donor. Unfortunately, in 2009, the kidney failed. Simon was added to the transplant waiting list for a new kidney and has been waiting longer than six years already.

Simon allowed cameras to record the

reality of just one of the many days he has spent waiting for a suitable organ to highlight just how difficult life is on the transplant waiting list.

Simon’s day is dominated by his illness.

His day is punctuated with four lifesaving sessions of dialysis, indescribable fatigue and constant uncertainty for the future as he and his family live in hope that a suitable donor organ will become available.

Talking about the impact of being on dialysis and waiting for a transplant, Simon said: “My family and I are on a roller coaster and like a roller coaster, I can’t see the twists and turns or how it will end. But a transplant would completely transform my health and all our lives.”

Sally Johnson, NHS Blood and Transplant Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation said: “We have launched this campaign to draw attention to what waiting for a transplant is really like. We really hope that more Black people will sign up as organ donors so they can potentially save lives in future.

“I’d ask you to imagine how you’d feel if someone close to you was waiting for a transplant; their whole life on hold, hoping someone will donate to save them. I’m sure we’d all hope an organ would be available to help someone we love - so shouldn’t we all pledge to be organ donors so more lives can be saved?

“If you haven’t told those closest to you that you want to be an organ donor, then please do it today. Tell them you want to be an organ donor and record your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register.”

Orin Lewis OBE, Co-founder & CEO of the ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) and Co-Chair of the NBTA (National BAME Transplant Alliance) said: “There are far too many people waiting for a transplant from the Black communities, and their dreams and aspirations are on hold, whilst waiting and wondering if a suitable organ will ever become available. Therefore it is imperative that we need many more people from black communities to commit to donate, by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and ensuring that they tell their families that they consent to wanting to be a donor.”

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register please go to organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 – Now is the #TimeToSign.

HIV testing needs to increase in black African communities As England’s fourth annual National HIV Testing Week, is launched new statistics released

by Public Health England (PHE) reveal there are 3,900 people from black African communities in the UK who do not know they have HIV.

The latest statistics also show that in the UK, black African people continue to be the second most affected community

by HIV after gay men. Around 29,900 Africans are living with HIV in the UK with the latest statistics showing that 1 in 8 are unaware of their infection.

Responding to the released figures, leading HIV organisations under the umbrella of HIV Prevention England are calling on people from the groups most affected by HIV such as black African communities to get tested during National HIV Testing Week.

Takudzwa Mukiwa, Health Improvement Specialist, Terrence Higgins Trust said: “National HIV Testing Week is 6

a great opportunity for people to get tested and stay in control of their health. If you find out you have HIV you can then access lifesaving treatment which is free, and if you don’t have HIV you can find out ways to stay negative” National HIV Testing Week Ambassador Dr Christian Jessen said: “I am proud to be the National HIV Testing Week Ambassador. Testing for HIV is crucial for prevention.

“The fact that diagnoses have increased is encouraging in one sense. If you get tested and receive a positive diagnosis, you are now immediately put on treatment, and if you are on medication and taking it correctly you are classed as ‘undetectable’ meaning the virus cannot be passed on.”

National HIV Testing Week is an initiative of HIV Prevention England, funded by Public Health England, and co-ordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust.

This joint prevention effort speaks directly to most affected communities about the importance of HIV testing, taking treatment (if you have HIV), and using condoms.

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

UK Government continues to lead the fight against illegal fishing A joint Government and insurance industry workshop was held to ensure UK compliance with illegal fishing regulations.

On Friday 20 November, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Marine Management Organisation (MMO) co-hosted a workshop on ensuring global compliance with illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations, demonstrating the UK’s continued lead in the fight against illegal fishing.

The workshop was attended by key UK insurance industry bodies. As a global financial hub, London based insurers play a crucial role in cracking down on IUU fishing: uninsured vessels engaged in the trade are severely curtailed in their ability to trade in illegally caught fish.

Working together with private sector partners, the MMO and FCO are targeting not just those directly involved in illegal fishing, but all individuals and companies

who derive economic benefit from the practice. Today’s workshop ensures UK companies are aware of, and adhere to, the requirements of IUU legislation and understand the risks associated with insuring vessels which participant in unlawful fishing.

Speaking in support of the UK’s work to tackle IUU fishing, FCO Minister James Duddridge said: The UK Government continues to strive to protect oceans, both at home and our Overseas Territories, developing well-managed and protected waters which coastal communities are so reliant on. Many UK businesses – such as the insurance industry – have a global reach, and as such we must ensure that they understand and are compliant with international obligations to which the UK is a signatory. We welcome to work undertaken by the MMO, which further restricts the ability of unlawful vessels to operate around the globe.

Ethiopia to Become Middle Income Country By 2025 – World Bank

Ethiopia has witnessed rapid economic growth, with real gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaging 10.9 per cent between 2004 and 2014, which is lifting the country from being the second poorest in the world in 2000 to becoming a middle income country by 2025, if it continues its current growth trajectory, World Bank Report said.

The report launched November 23, 2015, noted that fueled by substantial public infrastructure investment and a conducive external environment, the country’s growth has been stable, rapid and it has managed to decrease poverty substantially from 44 per cent in 2000 to 30 per cent in 2011.

In the report launched at Hilton Addis under the title “Ethiopia’s Great Run: The Growth Acceleration and How to Pace It”, the bank pointed out the reasons behind the impressive growth and also puts forth policy suggestions on sustaining it.

The recent growth acceleration was part of a broader and very successful development experience, it indicated, adding that poverty declined substantially from 55.3 per cent in 2000 to 33.5 per cent in 2011, according to the international poverty line of 1.90 USD. According to the report, Ethiopia’s growth was concentrated in services and agriculture on the supply side, and, private consumption and investment on the demand side.

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While agriculture was the main economic sector at the beginning of the take-off, the services sector gradually took over and was complemented, in recent years, by a construction boom, it was stated.

Out of an average annual growth rate of 10.9 per cent in 2004-14, services contributed by 5.4 percentage points followed by agriculture 3.6 percentage points and industry with 1.7 percentage points.

Moreover, the private consumption contributed to most growth on the demand side with public investment becoming increasingly important.

The likelihood of continued high growth in Ethiopia is buoyed by five factors, including productivity-enhancing structural change, within-sector productivity gains including agriculture, technological catchup, urbanization, and FDI. “Ethiopia began to see accelerated economic progress in 1992 and it shifted to an even higher gear in 2004, pulling millions of people out of poverty and leading to improvements in other areas like improved life expectancy and reduced child and infant mortality,” said Lars Christian Moller, the World Bank Group’s lead economist for Ethiopia and the lead author of the report.

He added : “To continue the impressive run, Ethiopia needs to continue its reform efforts to further strengthen its growth foundations.”

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 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.

ROBIN HOOD Dec 5 - Jan 23, 2016

Join Theatre Royal Stratford East this Christmas for lots of laughter, brand new songs and a sack full of festive fun in this dazzling new version of the classic tale brought to you by our Olivier Awardnominated team.

Robin Hood, the prince of thieves is on a mission! Join him and his swashbuckling merry band of men as they get robbin’ the rich to feed the poor. Along the way they must undertake a quest to save good King Richard and the poor people of StratEastHam from the evil Prince John who is plotting to steal the crown.

Will Robin and his motley crew save the day? Or will the feisty and fearless Maid Marion (and her devoted Nurse) get there first? And just what is the secret Marion is hiding?

The perfect Christmas treat for children of all ages, this action-packed panto features a whole host of magical surprises and plenty of joining in… oh yes it does!

Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, London, E15 1BN .

DARK AND LOVELY Now- Nov 28

An interactive performance using memories, music, rum and a ‘tumbleweave’ installation to explore the connotations, history and politics of afro hair and what it means to be black, British and female in the UK today “…unashamedly honest and provoking, and Thompson is so personable that you could eat her up” Lyn Gardner on Chewing the Fat Presented from within ‘the tumbleweave’, a home for hair built from abandoned weaves and hair extensions, this part autobiographical, conversational new show is for an audience of up to 40 people. Audiences are invited to peer through the Tumbleweave, and feel its various hidden textures. Inside the tumbleweave, audiences will find Selina’s Nan’s living room – drinks trolley, pineapple ice bucket and all, where they will be offered a rum punch.

Using recorded conversations with barbers, hair vendors and customers, feel good music and written text, Selina explores the complexities of the social debate surrounding Black hair. She transforms the tumbleweave, which is admittedly ‘a little bit gross’, into something beautiful, which can transcend the weight of all the connotations placed upon it. Dark & Lovely celebrates what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be Black through the way we wear our hair.

Dark & Lovely was developed as part of a

Robin Hood, will be showing at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East

project where she undertook six residencies in six different cities. She spoke to people about their relationship to where they live to build a national picture of what it means to be Black, British and Female in the UK today.

Dark & Lovely was first performed in Chapeltown, Leeds in a disused barber’s shop for a weeklong sell-out run as artist Selina Thompson says: “Dark and Lovely was developed in the barber shops and hairdressers - and making the work was a real coming of age moment for me: one in which I got to reconnect my heritage and cultural upbringing with my developing political consciousness and my practice as an artist. I like to think I’ve made something that reflects the love and care that those that opened up their community spaces extended to me - but also something with bite!

18 – 20 November The Crucible Studio Theatre, Sheffield 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA 5pm (19th & 20th only) & 8pm | £10 Box office: 0114 249 6000 25 – 28 November Theatre in the Mill, Bradford Off Shearbridge Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP 7.30pm | ££8 (£6 conc) | Limited student offer: £3 Box office: 01274 233200 or email theatre@bradford.ac.uk

NINE LIVES BY ZODWA NYONI NATIONAL TOUR Now - Jan 2016 Presented by Leeds Studio in association 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.

16 November 2015 Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford 19 November 2015 Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees 10 December 2015 Brighton, Brighton January 2016 Arcola, London

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

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News

Glamour & Styles at the African Film Awards

By Milton Tella

The 19th African Film Awards 2015 which held at the historic Stratford Town Hall London was a spectacle.

Celebrities, entrepreneurs and diplomats from the diverse communities in the UK turned out en-masse to celebrate with stars from Nollywood and Black British Film industry.

This year’s event serves as a testament to the fact that the awards conceived by

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the publisher of African Voice newspaper, Prince Mike Abiola is arguably the most glamourous and prestigious event on the entertainment calendar in the African community in the UK. The annual awards is attracting global attention to Nollywood and uniting diverse communities in the United Kingdom. It provides a great platform to project the rising profile of Africa to its Diaspora.

Attendees used the opportunity to showcase their latest fashion collections and new hairstyles.

Mr. Simon Ogah Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK

Alhaji Ahmed Inusa Head of Chancery Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

News

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

News

Germans pull ‘homophobic’ Eurovision act

Germany withdrew its contender for next year’s Eurovision song contest on Saturday following a backlash from critics who accuse the R&B artist of using anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs in his songs.

Xavier Naidoo, a singer of Indian and African heritage whose albums have sold millions, was selected as Germany’s candidate by public broadcaster ARD on Thursday, but the uproar in newspapers and social media prompted a swift change of heart.

“Xavier Naidoo is a wonderful singer who isn’t racist or homophobic in my view,” ARD executive Thomas Schreiber said in a statement. “It was clear that he is someone who polarizes but the ferocity of the reactions surprised us. We misjudged.”

Top-selling newspaper Bild questioned the choice of Naidoo on its front page on Friday. Anetta Kahane, founder of well-known anti-racism group the Amadeu Antonio

Controversial R&B act, Xavier Naidoo

Foundation, described his selection as “problematic”.

Reacting to the decision to withdraw his nomination, the 44-year-old musician said on Facebook it was “okay for me” and stressed

that ARD had urged him to compete in the first place. Earlier in the week he rejected criticism of his nomination, saying he represented a Germany that was “open to the world” and tolerant of different religions and lifestyles.

Naidoo’s 2012 song “Wo sind” (Where Are) was widely criticized in Germany for lyrics that linked homosexuals and paedophiles.

When Germany marked the 25th anniversary of reunification last year, he appeared at a rally of the Reichsbuerger group, which wants a German Reich based on pre-World War Two borders.

In another song released after the 2008 financial crisis, Naidoo refers to the German-Jewish Rothschild banking family as “Baron Deadschild” and uses the word “schmock”, a derogatory term in Yiddish.

Scandal and political controversy are common at the Eurovision song contest, a kitsch mix of pop and geopolitics that is watched by millions in Europe and beyond.

Germany, which came last in this year’s competition with zero points, will name a new contender as soon as possible, Schreiber from the ARD broadcaster said.

Shapps: South Sudan facing worsening crisis and famine UK to help South Sudan avoid a famine as conflict, droughts and poor harvests which have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

International Development Minister Grant Shapps visits Malakal, South Sudan.

The UK will provide new support to help South Sudan avoid a famine as conflict, droughts and poor harvests have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, International Development Minister Grant Shapps has announced.

Following a visit to communities in the north of the country, Minister Shapps reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing humanitarian commitment to South Sudan and pledged a further £20 million to help 400,000 people become more resilient to extreme weather events like drought.

Announced in the same week the Prime Minister committed to target at least half of DFID’s budget on stabilising and supporting broken and fragile states and regions, the UK’s new support will help bring stability to the region and prevent challenges from spreading further afield.

Almost 4 million people are facing severe food shortages - an 80 per cent 12

Minister of State Grant Shapps

increase on this time last year. 30,000 people are already believed to be experiencing starvation in Unity State.

Grant Shapps said:It is clear there is an urgent and deepening crisis in South Sudan.

More people than ever before are facing severe and catastrophic food shortages and without additional relief the world’s newest country faces a very real risk of famine.

Britain’s aid will save many lives and help stabilise one of the world’s most fragile countries, helping them cope better with future shocks like droughts and food shortages.

South Sudan can only build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous future when its peace agreement is implemented in full and aid agencies are given the unrestricted access they need to do their jobs.

The UK’s new £20 million funding will help villages and communities in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes and Equatoria regions to buy or receive food while boosting local agriculture and farming to ensure people can better cope with future disasters and reduce their dependency on emergency over time.

Working through UN’s World Food Programme, Food and Agricultural Organisation and other partners, the new support from Britain will provide food or small amounts of cash in return for work which helps communities become more resilient.

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Russia

Tensions high as Turkey downs Russian jet Tensions in the Middle East ratcheted up dangerously Wednesday, a day after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane, with the Turkish President accusing Russia of deceit and Russia announcing it would deploy anti-aircraft missiles to Syria.

Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu said on his ministry’s Twitter feed that the country would deploy S-400 defence missile systems to its Hmeymim airbase near Latakia, on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.

The missiles have a range of 250 kilometres, according to the missilethreat. com website -- or 155 miles. The Turkish border is less than 30 miles away.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Russian TV on Wednesday that Russia has “serious doubts” that Turkey’s downing of its warplane Tuesday was “an unpremeditated act.”

“It looks very much like a planned provocation,” Lavrov said.

For his part, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned what he said was the violation of Turkish airspace by Russian warplanes, calling the incident an infringement of his country’s sovereignty.

He charged Russia with propping up the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad -a regime he said was inflicting terrorism on its own people. His remarks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Turkey of being “the terrorists’ accomplices” for shooting down a plane he claimed was on an anti-terrorism mission. Erdogan disputed that claim in a speech Wednesday.

“There is no Daesh” in the area where the Russian planes were flying, Erdogan said, using another name for ISIS. “Do not deceive us! We know the locations of Daesh.”

The Russian Su-24 downed by Turkish forces

Pakistan

PAF loses first female pilot

Pakistan’s air force has suffered its first-ever female pilot fatality after a fighter jet crashed during a training mission on Tuesday, officials said.

Flying Officer Mariam Mukhtar was killed after the Chinese-built F7-PG aircraft she was flying suffered a “serious in-flight emergency,” according to a statement from the Pakistan Air Force.

Both 23-year-old Mukhtar and Squadron Leader Saqib Abbasi — who was also aboard the aircraft but survived — were praised by the air force for their “professionalism and courage” after they “tried to save the ill-fated aircraft until the very last minute.” According to the statement, the pair remained in the stricken plane and did not eject until it was clear the civilian population on the ground was not in danger.

The aircraft crashed near the town of Kundian, in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Abbasi suffered minor injuries.

F7-PG aircraft have been involved in several deadly crashes to affect Pakistan’s military in recent years. The aircraft was manufactured by China’s state-run Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and first came into service in the 1960s.

Production of the F7-PG ceased in 2013,

Indonesia

Indonesia ramps up terror readiness at airports

Soekarno-Hatta airport, which serves Jakarta, is Indonesia’s busiest

Flight officer Mariam Mukhtar, Pakistan’s first air force pilot who died after her jet crashed during a training mission

however they are still used by Pakistan as interceptors in the event of an aerial conflict with India.

The late Mukhtar spoke with NBC News’ Wajahat S. Khan in 2013, saying that flying in the Pakistani air force was “really tough, especially being a woman.”

“But if you are willing enough and want to do something extraordinary, then this is very adventurous for me, very thrilling for me, and I am very motivated that I do something that hasn’t been done before,” she said, adding: “I am very motivated that I do something that hasn’t been done before.”

Indonesia has tightened security at airports across the country because of an increased terrorist threat, the Transport Ministry said on Wednesday.

“The alert level has been upgraded from green to yellow because of the heightened threat to civil aviation,” ministry spokesman Julius Barata said.

He said there was no specific intelligence information about an impending attack. The policy was taken after recent terrorist attacks overseas, including the alleged bombing that destroyed a Russian Metrojet airliner over Egypt, he said.

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

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CRIME Two men sentenced after street robbery Two men have been sentenced after a violent street robbery in Haringey earlier thhis year.

Lucas Danko, 22 of Birstall Road, N15 was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for one count of robbery and four years imprisonment for a second count of robbery, sentences to run concurrently.

Courtney White, 21 of Higham Road, N17 was sentenced to 14 months each for two counts of handling stolen goods, to run concurrently, suspended for 24 months.

The court heard how on Thursday 18 June, a 55-year-old-man was robbed on Cleveland Gardens, N4. The victim had jewellery ripped from his wrist and was punched in the face, sustaining a broken nose. One man carried out the attack while another suspect was present at the scene.

Detectives from the London Crime Squad were in the area and discovered the injured victim in the street. The detectives traced the suspects to a nearby house and stopped them as they tried to get into a mini-cab. As officers approached them, one suspect, Danko, was seen to throw

was recovered in their possession; Danko was identified as the main assailant.

On Friday, 19 June, White and Danko were charged with two counts of robbery and remanded in custody to Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

On Friday, 11 September, Danko pleaded guilty to both robberies at Wood Green Crown Court.

On Monday, 26 October, White pleaded guilty to two offences of handling goods stolen from the two robberies.

Detective Sergeant Damian Hill, the investigating officer, said: “The manner

Sentenced: Lucas Danko and Courtney White

jewellery stolen in the robbery into the front of the cab.

Both were arrested on suspicion of robbery and jewellery belonging to the victim was recovered from the mini-cab.

Further enquiries by detectives identified a similar robbery that occurred on

Wednesday, 17 June in Warwick Gardens, N4. On this occasion a 61-year-old woman was dragged to the ground and had jewellery ripped from her arm and from around her neck The two men were further arrested for this crime and property from this robbery

in which these violent robberies were carried out was particularly distressing to the victims. The lady who was robbed told me that she was scared to go out since the offence and I hope that the sentence today will help her overcome her anxiety as a result of the incident.”

Man jailed for manslaughter A man involved in a disturbance on a bus which ended in a fatal stabbing has been jailed after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Evan Edwards, 20 of Paton House, Stockwell Road, SW9 was jailed for 13 years at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 24 November after admitting the manslaughter of 22-year-old Babafemi Junaid, following a retrial.

He had pleaded guilty in October at the same court.

Police were called at around 17:40hrs on 7 February 2014 to reports of a man stabbed. Upon arrival they found Babafemi suffering from a stab wound to the chest. He was taken

by London Ambulance Service to hospital but he later died that evening.

A post-mortem examination at Greenwich Mortuary on 9 February 2014 gave the cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

Babafemi became the inadvertent focus of an attack by a group after a disturbance on a Route 155 bus spilled out onto the street.

He was not on the bus but was waiting at the bus stop when the disturbance spilled out onto the pavement at Stockwell Station. As he attempted to get away from the fracas he was targeted, chased and attacked by the 14

group.

During the attack one of the attackers was witnessed waving a knife,

on 13 February 2014 at his place of work.

Detective Inspector David Reid,

Jailed: Evan Edwards

Babafemi fell to the ground. He managed to run to his car which was a short distance away but, as a result of his injuries, crashed his car into the back of a bus soon after.

The same group that initially attacked him then set upon him again opening three of its doors to kick and punch him until bystanders came over to intervene.

Babafemi’s attackers then fled the scene.

Detectives launched a murder investigation and which resulted in a number of people getting arrested including Edwards who was arrested

from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “This was a horrific incident which culminated in a violent disturbance on a bus and sadly led to a young man losing his life. I hope today’s sentencing goes some way to helping Babafemi’s family move on from what has been an extremely distressing experience.” + A 19-year-old man; two 18-yearold men; a 22-year-old man and a 23year-old man were all arrested as part of the investigation. No further action will be taken against them.

On Friday, 24 April at the Old Bailey four men, who were charged

alongside Edwards, with murder were found not guilty: Robert Anderson of Anfield Close, Weir Road, SW12 was found not guilty of the murder of Babafemi Junaid and violent disorder; Kirk Reid of Gypsy Road, SE27, was found not guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and conspiracy to cause violent disorder; Yannick Nzerasse of Erica Court, Binfield Road, SW4, was found not guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent to cause violent disorder. He was found guilty of violent disorder and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Michael Edgal (06.09.96) of Squires Court, Binfield Road, SW4, was found not guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, conspiracy to cause violent disorder and violent disorder.

Christopher Munsaka of Errol Street, EC1, was found not guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, conspiracy to cause violent disorder. He was found guilty of violent disorder and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America Fresh Prince on why he rejected Django

Will Smith has opened up about why he really rejected the lead role in 2013’s Django Unchained.

When casting was underway for Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning movie, Smith quickly emerged as a frontrunner for the starring role. But the actor would not end up accepting the offer.

In The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Actor Roundtable, Smith explained why he turned down the opportunity.

“It was about the creative direction of the story,” Smith said. “To me, it’s as perfect a story as you could ever want: a guy that learns how to kill to retrieve his wife that has been taken as a slave.

That idea is perfect. And it was just that Quentin and I couldn’t see [eye to eye].”

The decision wasn’t made quickly.

Smith met with the director and the two talked about the film for hours. However, Smith said he could not move past his view of the movie’s overarching theme.

The actor was cautious of the film’s violence. Smith said the only way he would have agreed to make the movie was if Django Unchained centred on a love story, “not a vengeance story.”

“We can’t look at what happens in Paris [the terrorist attacks] and want to f— somebody up for that. Violence begets violence. I just couldn’t connect to violence being the answer.

Love had to be the answer,” Smith explained.

Jamie Foxx ultimately took the lead role and Django Unchained went on to win two Oscars in 2013, with Tarantino winning Best Original Screenplay and Christoph Waltz taking home Best Supporting Actor.

Rihanna UK dates announced Django Unchained eventually starred Jamie Foxx in the title role

Megastar Rihanna has announced an extensive ‘Anti’ World Tour, kicking off in February and arriving in the UK in June of 2016.

‘Anti’, Rihanna’s 8th album, is expected via Tidal this Friday (November 27), with a wider release across other formats reportedly due on December 4.

The singer posted a new video on Instagram alongside a link to antidiary.com last week. The website features the phrase “Patience. You’ll hear her voice when it’s time” on the homepage and links to an Instagram account called “iamthekeyholder” featuring drawings of young Rihanna in cities around the world. Keys are believed to be hidden at each location, which unlock more images.

The Samsung logo is displayed on the website. It was recently reported that Rihanna had secured a $25m (£16m) deal with Samsung that will see the consumer tech giant sponsoring ‘Anti’, as well as this accompanying tour.

Speaking to NME earlier this year,

Rihanna revealed that she had not finished work on her new album but promised she will deliver “something great” for fans eager to hear new music.

Speculation has been rife about the singer’s forthcoming album, with singles ‘Bitch Better Have My Money’ and ‘American Oxygen’ both released earlier this year, as was her collaboration with Kanye West and Paul McCartney, ‘FourFiveSeconds’.

Tidal members will have access to an exclusive pre-sale for tour, which will take place from 10am on November 30 until 10pm on December 2, before going on general sale on December 3.

The UK and Ireland tour dates for 2016 are as follows: Ricoh Arena, Coventry (June 14) Cardiff Stadium, Cardiff (June 16) Stadium of Light, Sunderland (June 18) Aviva Stadium, Dublin (June 21) Wembley Stadium, London (June 24) Hampden Park, Glasgow (June 27) Emirates Old Park, Manchester (June 29) 15

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Gospel

LET IT BE KNOWN THIS DAY!

By Michael Adekoya

Elijah said, “Let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.” (1 Kings 18: 36)

My friend, we are in the last days.

We are living in the time of rampant apostasy, gross immorality and deceit; a time when religious offices are failing to function according to divine commands, a time when the populace are drifting away from propriety of worshipping the living God and from holiness of conduct, a time when compromise, corruption and lies are acceptable practices in our society and in the Body of Christ; a time when our pulpits are filled with release of mere information than divine revelation; a time when we are more concerned with our own desires than God’s will, a time when building our empire is more important to us than building God’s kingdom; a time when there is no fear of God, no faith in God and no fire of God; a time of global shaking when relational, economic and social crises are making people to be afraid. We are living in a time of exposure and eviction!

My friend, if ever your soul needed a ‘word in season’, it is today. My soul has been in my boot for the last couple of days as I took stock of my life, my ministry to God, my ministry to people and what is happening in our nation and around the world today. I do not know why! Soul searching is not what we like to do but it is what God expected of us. I do soul searching, meditation, praying and fasting every time to be closer to God and also too find answers to certain things.

But this recent one, what I need is impliedly consummated in these words: ‘Lord, let it be known this day!’ Listen, in this last days’, it needs to be known to you and known through you, known to your family, known to the people around you, known to our leaders (spiritual, political and traditional), known to the church, known to governments, and to

the nations of the world that Jesus is the only way, and the truth and the life (John 14:6).

Jesus is the Saviour and the Author of salvation. He is God who is above all principalities, above all powers, above all kingdoms, above all thrones and everything that are created! Judaism sees salvation as a judgement day decision based on morality. Hindus anticipate multiple reincarnations in the soul’s journey through the cosmos. Buddhism guides your life according to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight-fold Path. Muslims earn their way to Allah through the Five Pillars of Faith. Many philosophers deem life after death as hidden and unknown, ‘a great leap in the dark.’ Some people clump Christ with Moses, Mohammed, Confucius, and other spiritual leaders. But, ‘Jesus said...”I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”’ The commonly accepted word in our society today is, ‘All roads lead to heaven.’ But, my friend, how can they? Buddhists look toward Nirvana, achieved after no less than 547 reincarnations. Christians believe in one life, one death, and an eternity of enjoying God. Humanists don’t acknowledge a creator of life. Jesus claims to be the source of life. Spiritualists read your palms. Christians consult the Bible the written words of God. Hindus perceive a plural and impersonal God. Christ-followers believe ‘...there is only one God’ (1 Corin 8:4). Every non-Christian religion says, ‘You can save you (yourself).’

Jesus says: ‘My death on the cross saves you.’ All roads don’t lead to London, all ships don’t sail to USA, and all flights don’t land in Rome. Every path does not lead to God.

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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

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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

Jesus blazed a stand-alone trail void of selfsalvation. He cleared a one-of-a-kind passageway uncluttered by human effort. He offers us a unique invitation in which He works and we trust, He dies and we live, He rose to heaven and we’re lifted, He invites and we believe. Why don’t we confess Him and believe Him (John 6:29). He is the answer!

“It is urgent, Lord! Speak clearly to our needy soul today. Speak peace now where there is confusion. Speak Your light where there is darkness. Speak faith where there is fear. Speak abundance where there is lack.

Speak healing where there is sickness and diseases. Speak liberty where there is bondage.

Speak blessing where there is curse. Speak unity and agreement where there is division and misunderstanding. Open the eyes of Your people to see into the invisible and their ears to hear You. Expose and evict every plan, scheme, operation and weapon of the devil against Your people. Humble us as we fall on our knees” My friend, these are my prayers for you as we start the month of November 2015 – the month of total victory!

Few hours ago I read again the story of Joseph, of his dream, of his father’s love, of the coat of many colours, of his brother’s hatred and jealousy and of him being sold and taken to Egypt, put in confinement because he stood for righteousness but later became the head of the nation. I love the story because any time I read it, it fires me up. I also read a couple of chapters about Elijah in the first book of Kings. I was again encouraged by what I read and the way in which God answered the cries of His servant. My friend, though, in my prayer, I am not calling for

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

fire to come down from heaven to consume people but demonic entities, yet I very much want you to know the affection of our Heavenly Father in our own souls today! I want us to know it in a way that will banish every doubt and fear from our minds. Our prayer everyday should be, “Lord, let it be known this day that You are the God of this nation.’

Had chapter 19 been omitted in 2 Kings, we would probably think of Elijah as the ultimate Prophet. I love his defiance and his stand against the false prophets, Jezebel spirit and the demonic entities that dominated his nation. The compassion, zeal, courage, confidence and boldness he showed encourages me. He had no doubt whatsoever that God was going to set the records straight in his nation once and for all. Having endured an arduous process of preparation of what God was preparing him for, he made an altar of prayer and called upon his God. The answer came by fire, but not an ordinary fire - not like the fire that we are witnessing today in our churches but a miraculous one. God answered Elijah’s request to the letter! My friend, He will answer ours too to shame all the enemies of righteousness. But we must prepare the altar of our lives if we want the fire of God to fall.

My friend, as you’re entering this new month of November, may God Himself be your guide, shield and comfort. May your desire, passion, hunger, zeal and service always be, “That I may to know Him (Jesus) and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering being conformed to His death” (Phil 3:10). May the eyes of your understanding be opened. May you walk in revelation and not just in mere information. May you desire intimacy with God more than casual visitation. May God pour out His Spirit upon you to witness for Him. Using the word of David to Goliath, I pray that “this day the Lord will deliver your enemy into your hand…that all the earth will know that there is a God in your Israel.” Lord, let it be known this day that You are God who saves, delivers, provides, heals, revives, resurrects, reforms, regenerates, reconciles, rewards, restores and answers prayer by fire in Jesus name (Amen).

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, 20 November - Thursday, 26 November 2015

Africa Newsround Benjamin reaffirms peace deal commitment South Sudan

South Sudan’s foreign minister has again said his government is committed to the implementation of the peace agreement signed last August between rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar and the Juba government led by President Salva Kiir.

This came as South Sudan announced on Monday that its forces have begun withdrawing from the capital in line with an August 26 agreement.

But Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin has said now is the time for the international community to make good on its promise to provide the necessary logistical support for the implementation of the peace agreement.

“As you know, when our president, Salva Kiir Mayardit signed on the 26th August the agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan and we immediately declared a permanent cease-fire and as soon after that instructed the army commanders

to start the relocation of SPLA troops to 25 kilometres. And today of course the process started to move government troops to the located area,” he said.

Benjamin said the South Sudan government will continue to do what it must do to show South Sudanese and the international community that the peace process must be implemented.

The August 26 peace deal calls for a 30-month transitional period with both the rebels and government sharing power, followed by elections perhaps in 2018. Benjamin said the Juba government is expecting members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition led by former Vice President Machar to send their advance team to Juba.

The agreement calls for the withdrawal of all military forces within 15 miles of the Juba within 90 days from August 26, and that deadline comes this week.

Benjamin said any delay in meeting the deadline should be blamed on the rebels and the regional group IGAD.

Tanzania

New broom cancels independence party for clean-up

Barnaba Marial Benjamin

Kenya

Pope Francis visits Kenya

John Magufuli won October’s General Election with 58% of the vote

Newly elected Tanzanian President John Magufuli has scrapped Independence Day celebrations to spend the money on a clean-up campaign, an official statement said.

“It is so shameful that we are spending huge amounts of money to celebrate 54 years of independence when our people are dying of cholera,” Magufuli said in a statement read on state television late on Monday.

Magufuli, who took power earlier this month after winning October 25 elections, has introduced a swathe of austerity cuts and crackdowns on public corruption.

These include the suspension of unnecessary foreign travel for government officials and the removal of allowances for seminars and meetings as well as lavish cocktails and dinners by public institutions.

“The money should instead go to delivery of social services,” Magufuli said, announcing the street cleaning exercise.

It will be the first time in 54 years Tanzania has not held celebrations to mark independence from the UK. Mr Magufuli’s party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has governed since colonial rule ended on 9 December 1961, winning a new mandate in elections last month.

Many people were caught by surprise by the announcement but have welcomed the move. They feel it shows his commitment to ending lavish spending and tackling the cholera outbreak which has caused widespread concern.

But it remains to be seen whether people will heed the call to spend Independence Day cleaning up their residential areas and work-places. Independence Day celebrations are usually marked with a presidential address, a military parade and performances by music groups at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Pope Francis’s visit will be his first to Africa

Kenya has declared today (Thursday, November 26) a national public holiday on the day Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in Nairobi, drawing an expected crowd of 1.4 million people.

The national holiday of prayer and reflection was announced Tuesday by Manoah Esipisu, a spokesman for President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The papal Mass is due to take place in the grounds of the University of Nairobi amid concerns that businesses in the city centre will be unable to operate due to crowds and road closures.

Pope Francis will be visiting Africa for the first time. From November 25 – 30, the Pope will visit Kenya, Uganda and Central African Republic, where he is expected to deliver messages touching on sectarian violence, the environment and poverty.

17

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Nigerian News

Aregbesola Commissions N750 million Worth School, Named After Wole Soyinka In Osun The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Monday commissioned a N750 Million worth Wole Soyinka Government High School in Ejigbo.

It was the first of its category in the mega schools series under the education reform programme of the government.

The Nobel Laureate described the school as a emphatic rejection of the what Boko Haram insurgents preach; describing the situation in which the country till date could not account for the missing Chibok girls as shame.

The school is a 3,000-students capacity complex with 72 classrooms of 49 squaremeters, each capable of sitting 49 students and has six offices for study groups.

It is also equipped with six laboratories, 18 toilets for ladies and 18 others for gentlemen, one science library, one Arts library, facility manager’s office, a bookshop and a sick bay.

Soyinka enjoined leaders in the country to ensure that children are brought up with a feeling that one religion is not superior to the other.

He stated that all hands must be on deck to see to it that children in schools are not differentiated along religious line for a better Nigeria.

Prof. Soyinka commended Governor Aregbesola for doing a great job with the construction of the school, saying he is elated that such honour is bestowed on him, pledging that he will not hesitate to frequent the school to see how it is faring.

He said, “it is a shame that the nation can not account for over 200 girls in Chibok, I sympathise with the religious policy of governments in schools, children must not be brought up with a feeling that religion inhibits knowledge.

“In schools, we need not distinguish our children, the fatalistic religious holiness and the holier than thou attitude must be reduced among our student‎s”. The Nobel Laureate stated.

The Governor earlier stated that the cost of the High school though huge, considering the lean resources of the state is an investment worth it. ‎Aregbesola said that within the first quarter of next year his government would also commission for use another set of schools in the same category. ‎He stressed that no government can overspend on the education of the people, saying ‎education is human development and primary way any family can get a lasting benefit from government. ‎The Governor noted that one of his first acts in office after inauguration in 2010 was to hold an education summit chaired by Prof Wole Soyinka, adding that the rehabilitation of schools and construc18

tion of new ones were derived from the outcome of the summit.

Aregbesola averred that It is befitting that Osun named the school after Prof Wole Soyinka who he described as an excellent product of public education in Nigeria and a distinguished academic who brought honour to Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa and the black race with his Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986.

According to him, “We can construct a good road that will last for 50 years and we are doing that, but this can never compare to the enlightenment an educated person receives, in terms of its value to the society and humanity.

“The state of education prior to our coming was appalling and frighteningly so.

Zoos were better than the places where the pupils were receiving education. Many of them were dilapidated and falling down.

“These schools were therefore not encouraging any serious learning or character building. The result was that the pupils themselves were behaving like animals.

They were forming cult groups, fighting regularly with dangerous weapons and engaged in all immoral acts.

“These are children aged seven and above. My heart bleeds to see the public education system disintegrate and become dysfunctional.”

The Governor added that the commissioning of the school is Osun’s way of making a statement that public schools can be the best and be returned to the pre-eminent position it occupied in the past.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy governor held that the administration of Aregbesola on education has brought a lot of laurels to the state with his giant strides in education in Osun.

She also commended the ‎intervention of the present government in education, adding that the state is redefining the environment of learning hence the construction of 100 brand new state-of-the-art Elementary Schools, 50 Middle Schools and 20 High Schools, Out of which 14 Elementary Schools, 15 Middle Schools and 11 High Schools have been completed.

She said, “the school was named after Wole Soyinka and it should be seen by students as an inspiration for them to succeed in life‎, government of Aregbesola in providing functional education in the state has invested heavily in turning the fortune of education in the state for the greater height”. The Deputy Governor emphasised.

Dignitaries at the commissioning ceremony included, Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Chief of staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun

Yusuf, member House of repsentatives, Hon. Mojeed Alabi, Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, Osun Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo. Others are the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba

Omowonuola Oyesosin, Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Adedeji, Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Adekeye Kelani, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olanyan and many other dignitaries.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) presenting the State Emblem to the President, North America Based of Egbe Omo Yoruba, Agba-Akin Bolu Omodele, during the delegation visit to the Governor in his Office, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo

Senior Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Special Duties, Dr Amaka Akudo Presenting Award of Excellence to Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola during the Conferment of Award of Excellence in Basic Education to Governor Aregbesola

by Association of Primary

From left - Deputy Governor State of Osun, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National President, Association of Primary Schools Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Alhaji Mahmud Lawal and Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Nigerian News

Sunset in Kogi, As Audu’s demise causes ripples in Nigeria’s Constitution and Electoral laws since 2003. He has ruled in 1991to 1993 and 1999 to 2003 as governor with a huge performance ratio. He constructed most of the government buildings in Kogi today, several roads were constructed by him and

By Olubunmi Omoogun even the Kogi state University in Chief Correspondent, Nigeria Ayangba, Kogi state was established and constructed under him. His exWailing, gnashing of teeth and tribploits were not with some difficulties utes characterised the death of the as Economic and Financial Crime man they call the ‘Lion of Kogi and Commission (EFCC) was on his the ‘Prince of Kogi’, His excellency trail for a while. In last saturday’s Late Prince Abubakar Audu. Until election, he was leading his closest his demise he was the All Progreschallenger, Governor Idris Wada sive Congress (APC) candidate at of the Peoples Democratic Party, the inconclusive election in Kogi PDP, with over 40,000 votes until state. The death has rattled his supthe Independent National Electoral porters and his Party especially Commission, INEC, declared the coming on the heels of him coasting polls inclusive and said there would to victory after his fourth attempt be supplementary elections in 59 lucky. The Igala Prince has had a polling units which have 49,000 roller coaster affair in the polity and registered voters. His burial was atpolitics of Kogi with him being the tended by high profile personalities only known political figure holding among whom were the Senate Presthe rod of influence and authorident, Alhaji Bukola Saraki and his ity as an opposition leader in Kogi political associates. President Mo-

Poor turn-out at Senate sitting, as Senators flew to Ikenne to honour HID Awolowo

Prince Abubakar Audu

hammadu Buhari expressed shock over the news of Abubakar Audu’s death, saying he was personally devastated by the sad development.

“He was immensely courageous.

President Buhari condoles with the family of the late governor, the government and people of Kogi State as well as all our party members, men and women who stood with Audu in his bid to return as governor. He ran

By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

The senate chamber which used to be a beehive of activities and chronology of debates was a shadow of itself as majority of Senators besiege Ikenne, Ogun State, South West Nigeria to honour the lady Chief Obafemi Awolowo referred to as ‘my Jewel of inestimable value’. A

woman after the heart of the former Premier of Western region and the former leader of yoruba politics.

Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu presided in the absence of Senator Bukola Saraki this others may say was part of the reasons few APC Senators who did not make it to Ikenne stayed away from the chambers.

It will be recalled that Ekwerenmadu’s choice as Deputy Senate President cause ripples in the senate mainly because he is a PDP senator assuming the seat in a chamber of APC majority.

Senator Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, expressed deep sadness on receiving the news of Audu’s death and condoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Kogi State and the national and state executives as well as members of the APC over the irreparable loss.

Nigeria Senate considers Appropriation Bill

Dr. Bukola Saraki Senate President Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu

as the favorite in the election as the early results have clearly shown.”

According to Saraki, Audu’s death is painful and shocking.

By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

Senate considers the Bill of an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

The total sum N465, 636, 926, 857 (Four Hundred and Sixty Five Billion Six Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty Seven Naira only. Reading the Bill for consideration, Senate Leader Senator Ali

Ndume, representing Borno South further said N460, 636, 926, 857 (Four Hundred and Sixty Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty Six Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Seven Naira) would serve as additional recurrent (Non-Debt) while the balance of N5,000, 000,000 is for contribution to development fund for additional Capital expenditure for the year ending on 31st December, 2015.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki in his ruling referred the Bill to the Committee on Appropriation for further scrutiny and implored the Committee to get back 19

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Entertainment(EMA) 12TH ENTERPRISE MINDS AWARDS

Dynamic Enterprise Minds from diverse communities and businesses types and sizes were lauded for making a difference in their chosen field – and beyond – at BBI UK’s 12th Enterprise Minds Awards 2015 ceremony last weekend.

Last Sunday, the great and the good of Enterprise Minds across London and beyond gathered at the 12th Enterprise Minds Awards 2015.

The awards gala fundraising and networking has taken place annually for the last 11 years with eight of them held at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, where no expense was spared.

Among the winners of the 20 award categories, spanning from youth enterprise to Enterprise Life Achievement, were the Blue Bermondsey fishmonger, Russell Dryden, for his hard work and perseverance and

mode extraordinaire Florence Akinte from Afro Designs boutique won the Arts and Culture award.

Resilience in the midst of the credit crunch was a key theme in both the acceptance speeches and from the keynote speakers.

Olufolake Abdulrazaq, representing the acting High Commission of Nigeria, HE Mr. Simon Ogah said: “there is abundance of business opportunities to and from Nigeria with the motto, ‘who dares wins with a 100% repatriation of returns on investment from Nigeria. Nigeria is open for business and the Nigeria Government is doing its best to tackle global terrorism and should not be allowed to present people from exploiting .the businesses opportunities in Nigeria.

Forget about the terrorism, which only affect the North Eastern part of Nigeria. We need to focus on the way forward.”

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE, Madam Mayor of Southwark said: “I’m so delighted to have been invited by the BBI. I welcome and commend the good work BBI is doing for black and minority ethnic business communities that benefits the borough of Southwark, particularly the nature of business opportunities provided by BBI. I want the business community in Southwark to move forward as it is a valuable commodity for the area”. The Mayor’s message re-echoed the message of the new kid on the block, Cllr. Neil Coyle MP, newly elected MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, expressing his desire to see the areas prosper and grow through partnership working among the diverse communities.

The Enterprise Minds Awards has become a much-anticipated event within the BAME business and social calendar.

The Enterprise Minds Awards’ mission to ‘celebrate diversity and achievement’ among the communities, has lead to the formation of each award, including the newly formed “honorary award and Personality of the Year Award”.

Hosted by Sunny Lambe, the event was an excellent opportunity to mix with the movers and shakers of the community, and also enjoy the entertainment provided, courtesy of Suley Muhidin, the poet and interactive fashion show which brought some additional dimension to the night, ensuring that every guest had the opportunity to participate and go home with a smile on their faces. ‘There are several awards events, but only one Enterprise Minds Awards;’ said Cllr. Sunny Lambe, founder and Executive Director of BBI UK and EMA Awards.

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE, Madam Mayor of Southwark presented Diaspora Honorary Merit Award 2015 to Mike Abiola

Mrs Lambe and mum presented Diaspora Honorary Merit Award a recipient

A recipient

Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE, Madam Mayor of Southwark presented Southwark Business of the Year Award 2015 to Michael Donovan

MC Mark and wife presented Enterprise Life Achievement Award 2015: Russell Dryden, Russell Fish Store

20

Cllr. Neil Coyle MP, newly elected MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Rhoda Wilson, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, a guest & Sunny Lambe

Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, representing the acting High Commission of Nigeria with Golda and Mike Abiola

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Africa’s top performers in the weekend’s Premier League games

ANDRE AYEW (Swansea City) Ayew scored a delightful goal and won a penalty as Swansea came from 2-0 down to rescue a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth.

The Ghana star sounded the revolt in the 28th minute with a clever back-heel finish -- his sixth goal of the campaign -- and then won the penalty from which Jonjo Shelvey scored the equaliser six minutes before half-time.

RIYAD MAHREZ (Leicester City) Algerian winger Mahrez registered his sixth assist of the season as Leicester won 3-0 at Newcastle United to supplant Manchester City as Premier League leaders.

A menace throughout, Mahrez created a 62nd-minute goal for Leonardo Ulloa with a measured cross from the right that the unmarked Argentine met with a crashing header.

YAYA TOURE (Manchester City) Touré endured one of the most ignominious evenings of his City career as he was substituted at half-time of his side’s 4-1

Rumoured to be a Chelsea target, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has netted 23 goals already this season

home defeat by Liverpool. Slow to the ball and careless in possession, the giant Ivorian was castigated by his own fans before making way for Fernandinho.

AROUNA KONE (Everton) Ivorian forward Kone played his part as Everton strolled to a classy 4-0 victory over bottom club Aston Villa at Goodison Park.

His most telling contribution occurred in the 42nd minute when his challenge on Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan resulted in the ball rolling free for Ross Barkley to tuck away his second goal of the game and Everton’s third.

ALEX SONG (West Ham United) There was little for West Ham’s fans to cheer during their side’s 4-1 defeat at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but they did at least see Song make his first appearance of the campaign after undergoing ankle surgery. The former Cameroon midfielder, who announced his international retirement earlier this year, came on for the last 10 minutes in place of Mark Noble.

Over in Germany, incidentally, a remarkable Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang goal run continued at the weekend with his 23rd of the season in all competitions for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund. However, the late goal from the Gabon striker could not prevent a 3-1 defeat at Hamburg, leaving second-place Borussia eight points adrift of Bayern Munich.

Yaya Toure among 55 names for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2015 FIFPro, the worldwide players’ union, and FIFA announced the final 55-player shortlist for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2015.

The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from nearly 25,000 professional footballers from 70 different countries.

They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.

FIFPro and its national affiliates are responsible for gathering votes from professional footballers worldwide. It is the only global award that truly represents the views of those who play the beautiful game. For more information on the voting procedure.

The 55-player shortlist: (home country/ club) Goalkeepers (5): Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain/FC Porto), David De Gea (Spain/Manchester United), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica/Real Madrid) and Manuel Neuer (Germany/FC Bayern Munich).

Defenders (20): David Alaba (Austria/ FC Bayern Munich), Jordi Alba (Spain/FC Barcelona), Jérôme Boateng (Germany/FC Bayern Munich), Daniel Carvajal (Spain/ Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Italy/Juventus), Dani Alves (Brazil/FC Barcelona), David Luiz (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain), 22

Diego Godín (Uruguay/Atletico Madrid), Mats Hummels (Germany/Borussia Dortmund), Branislav Ivanović (Serbia/Chelsea), Vincent Kompany (Belgium/Manchester City), Philipp Lahm (Germany/ FC Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Javier Mascherano (Argentina/ FC Barcelona), Pepe (Portugal/Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Spain/FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), John Terry (England/Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Brazil/Paris Saint-Germain) and Raphaël Varane (France/Real Madrid).

Midfielders (15): Thiago Alcântara (Spain/FC Bayern Munich), Xabi Alonso (Spain/FC Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Spain/FC Barcelona), Eden Hazard (Belgium/Chelsea), Andrés Iniesta (Spain/FC Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid), Luka Modrić (Croatia/Real Madrid), Andrea Pirlo (Italy/New York City FC), Paul Pogba (France/Juventus), Ivan Rakitić (Croatia/FC Barcelona), James Rodríguez (Colombia/Real Madrid), David Silva (Spain/ Manchester City),Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire/ Manchester City), Marco Verratti (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain) and Arturo Vidal (Chile/FC Bayern Munich).

Strikers (15): Sergio Agüero (Argentina/Manchester City), Gareth Bale (Wales/ Real Madrid), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Douglas Costa (Brazil/FC Bay-

Yaya Toure

ern Munich), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Real Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden/ Paris Saint-Germain), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/FC Bayern Munich), Lionel Messi (Argentina/FC Barcelona), Thomas Müller (Germany/FC Bayern Munich), Neymar (Brazil/FC Barcelona), Arjen Robben (Netherlands/FC Bayern Munich), Wayne Rooney (England/Manchester United), Alexis Sánchez (Chile/Arsenal), Luis Suárez (Uruguay/ FC Barcelona) and Carlos Tevez (Argentina/ Boca Juniors).

The final FIFA FIFPro World XI will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 11 January 2016. During the televised cer-

emony, the winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for best player of 2015 and the winner of the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2015 award will also be revealed, while the FIFA World Coach of the Year awards for men’s and women’s football will be presented for the sixth time.

The FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year will also be presented during the award ceremony.

FIFA will announce the final nominees for the FIFA Ballon d’Or Awards on Monday, 30 November 2015 at 14.00 CET in a show broadcast on FIFA.com, Francefootball. fr, L’Équipe 21 and on the FIFA YouTube channel.

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Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015

Senegal, SA to open U-23 AFCON in Dakar

South Africa U-23’s Keagan Dolly

Senegal and South Africa will open the 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations when they meet for their Group A clash at the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar on Saturday, kick-off at 17h00 CAT. The tournament will not only decide the U-23 champions of the African continent, but also serves as the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the top three finishers booking their trip to Brazil.

Senegal will begin the tournament as one of the favourites. Not only do they have home advantage, but they also have momentum, with their team winning gold at the All Africa Games in Brazzaville back in September.

Coach Serigne Saliou Dia has retained most of the players who did duty in that tournament in Congo, emphasising consistency in selection. He has also added a few players from Senegal’s U-20 team which reached the semifinals of the U-20 World

Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

“Stability was one of the criteria that we used in selection. These players performed well and claimed the gold medal in Congo,” said Dia, who added that this tournament will be a completely different challenge to the All Africa Games. “[The U-23 AFCON] will be a different football tournament compared to the African Games. Because virtually all major African teams will be there and will present their best elements, including expatriates [overseas-based players] for certain.”

South Africa, meanwhile, are arguably one of the underdogs heading into the tournament, but remain determined that they will be able to secure a place at the Olympics – something they haven’t achieved since the famous ‘Class of 2000’ which appeared at the Sydney Games.

“History beckons for us, and the players know that as well. They will certainly go down in the history books as, probably, the second team to have qualified – if they do; or when they do,” said coach Owen Da Gama.

“We are very, very excited and looking forward to a fantastic tournament.”

The other Group A match on Saturday sees Zambia and Tunisia meet at the same venue at 20h00 CAT.

South Sudan hold Sudan in first-ever clash

South Sudan held Sudan to a goalless draw at the Cecafa Challenge Cup in Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar stadium in the first match between the two nations since they split four years ago.

The result leaves Sudan with a single point after two matches while South Sudan, which seceded in July 2011 after gaining independence from their northern neighbours, have collected four points in Group C. Guest side Malawi top the group with a maximum six points from two wins over Sudan and Djibouti. Defending champions Kenya lead Group B on four points, level with Burundi after the two teams drew 1-1 on Wednesday.

Former champions Uganda are third on three points after losing 0-2 to Kenya and crushing Zanzibar 4-1 on Tuesday. Thursday is rest day before the next round of matches on Friday.

Palace eyeing up £14million Slimani transfer

Crystal Palace are weighing up a £14million transfer for Algerian striker Islam Slimani from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, according to the Mirror.

The Eagles are in the market for a striker, having scored just eight goals in their last 10 Premier League matches.

They were beaten by struggling Sunderland on Monday night after failing to take advantage of several opportunities at Selhurst Park.

With midfielder Yohan Cabaye as the club’s leading scorer with four goals, Palace have been linked with free agent Emmanuel Adebayor and QPR striker Charlie Austin.

When asked about the pair, manager Alan Pardew said: “I don’t want to comment. I would rather focus on the group of players that I have at the moment.”

However, Slimani could prove a better option. The North African is in the form of his life and has scored seven goals in 10 Portuguese Primeira Liga matches so far this season.

Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed on Monday that the club are hoping to confirm fresh investment to take the club “to the next level” by Christmas.

Uzoenyi to walk away from 5m Rands-a-year deal

Former Enugu Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi is expected to soon quit South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, where he is reportedly on 5m Rands (about 100 million Naira) a year.

The South Sudan team

Former Nigeria international Uzoenyi has not been registered for this season’s Premier Soccer League after injuries caused him to fall down the pecking order at ‘The Brazilians’.

Uzoenyi’s agent Mohammed Lawal said he hopes to agree with Sundowns to release the player in January.

“He will certainly be playing somewhere else in January,” said the Johannesburg-based agent, who claims there are interests in South Africa and overseas for the player.

Uzoenyi, who signed a three and half years contract with Sundowns last year after he shone at the 2014 CHAN, was recently in Nigeria to celebrate the birth of his first child.

23

Friday, 27 November - Thursday, 3 December 2015 ISSUE 607

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Africa’s top performers in the weekend’s Premier League games

MIKEL FORCED TO PONDER CHELSEA FUTURE

SEE PAGE 23

John Obi Mikel has been left out despite the poor playing form of his rivals for the starting holding midfielder position

By Alan Oakley

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel may be forced to leave Chelsea during the January transfer window having been regularly overlooked by coach Jose Mourinho.

Mikel has not featured for the Blues since his only Premier League start of the season last month. Agent John Shittu has indicated that he and the player will not be taking any pre-emptive action just yet in

relation to a future with the west Londoners, who have suffered an uncharacteristically poor season so far.

“The player had offers to move at the beginning of the season, but Chelsea refused to sell because they probably have him in their plans. Now we have to wait and see what happens,” said Shittu.

The 28-year-old was the subject of a number of transfer offers in the summer but stayed at Stamford Bridge, his home since arriving in England back in 2006.

Critics back in Nigeria believe he has

been stifled at Chelsea, which has nega-

tively impacted his form for the national team.

The form last season of Blues returnee

to regular football blocked both by the Serbian and the Brazilian Ramires. His only league start this season was against Liverpool in a 3-1 defeat in late October.

Nemanja Matic limited Mikel’s opportu-

nities to feature consistently, but Matic, in common with many of the stars that helped secure Chelsea a fourth Premier

League title in eleven years, has been strangely out-of-sorts this term.

Despite this, Mikel has found his route

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