WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015 ISSUE 609
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
New tenants keen to take up Right to Buy
SEE PAGE 2
£1.00
New measures to protect victims of stalking, domestic abuse and violence
SEE PAGE 4
Like us on Facebook facebook.com/africanvoicenews Follow us on Twitter @africanvoice2
JAIL FOR COUPLE WHO STOLE MAN’S YOUTH By Alan Oakley
A man who was brought as a child to Britain for a “better life” and had been held in captive servitude for 15 years has told how the police’s failure to respond to his appeal for help condemned him to a further nine years enslavement.
Gynecologist Emmanuel Edet, 61, and his wife, senior NHS nurse, Antan, 58, brought the Ofonime Inuk to Britain in 1989 when he was 14 years old, telling him they would educate him and provide financial support. Instead they forced him to work long hours for no pay and threatened him with deportation if he tried to escape. The couple took away his passport; adding him to their family passport as their son, Ofonime Edet, to get him into the UK. When, after fifteen years, he had reached the end of his tether and in 2004 decided to report his plight to local police, he was curtly given a lost property form and told to apply for a new passport.
Continued on page 12
Antan (left) and Emmanuel Edet pretended 14-year-old Ofonime Inuk was their son to get him into the UK
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Have You News Got News Young, gifted and democratic: getting involved in democratic processes For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077
Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com
Foreign Office marks International Human Rights Day 2015
10 December marks UN Human Rights Day, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the common standard to which every country must aspire.
The Minister for Human Rights, Baroness Anelay, hosted an event at the FCO on the eve of Human Rights Day. During the event the Baroness discussed the Government’s approach to human rights and set out the UK’s pledge for re-election to the UN Human Rights Council. Speaking at the event the Baroness said: The UK recognises the importance of universal human rights. We are firmly committed to standing up for these rights and values and are doing so in many ways around the world. We make the point to our international partners that human rights are vital to the success of any society.
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.
2
Mehvash Ahmad, Youth Ambassador and UK Youth Facilitator, summarised a Parliament Week event on 19 November 2015 hosted by John Penrose, Minister for Constitutional Reform. Many people involved in youth politics have a similar tale to tell getting frustrated and angry, and shouting at the TV. It’s not good for our parents’ ears but it’s a pure demonstration of the passion that so many young people feel about politics. A passion that is shared by many, but not something that many young people turn into action. It seems it was a similar story for John Penrose, the Minister for Constitutional Reform, who recently met with youth groups at a Parliament Week event. His road to politics began by infamously shouting at the TV, frustrated by what was happening in the world around him. He wanted to make a change and decided to join a political party. Many young people don’t have a background in politics. Only some of those involved in youth groups have experienced the raw edge of politics by being dragged to events and protests by well-meaning family members. However we all share a passion to make a change in the world and a common aim to get as many young people engaged in the process as possible. An aim shared by the minister. The minister met with us to understand how to engage other young people in the democratic process. We’ve all carried out various initiatives such as setting up groups, starting youth cafés and engaging under-represented
Mehvash Anmad talking to other youth ambassadors at the Parliament Week event
groups. However the majority of young people participate on their own initiative and passion and we had some amazing suggestions to the minister on how to set a similar fire in the hearts of our peers. Politics needs to be relevant to young people so that we can clearly see how decisions made in Westminster impact us directly. As Joe Porter from UK Youth Voice emphasised “it would be great to offer activism training for all the young people who are outside of the parties”. We want a strong call for political education so that politics is taught throughout school and not just made relevant from 18 when you have the right to vote. We need to highlight the good work of youth organisations like Mencap, UK Youth, National Citizen Service and UK Youth Parliament that give young people a platform to have their views heard. We also think that politicians are missing a trick when it comes to social media. It’s such a powerful tool and could be used to host online
MP surgeries and facilitate discussions with well-known politicians. The minister acknowledged that “we have moved past party politics” so let’s start rebuilding trust in the political system as more and more young people are engaging with issues that matter to them. We really appreciated being able to speak to the minister directly about these issues. He told us how powerful it was to have initiatives from young people directly. But what happens next? The minister explained to me that the government will be working with youth organisations like UK Youth, the electoral community and others to deliver an online academy. The academy will showcase best practice in voter engagement and registration. This could include the impact of activity delivered by youth ambassadors to engage their peers in democracy and how they have increased the number of young people on the electoral roll. Mehvash Ahmad is a UK Youth Facilitator.
At the Spending Review, the government announced that tenants of 5 housing associations in a number of places would have the chance to begin the process of buying their home with the start of new Right to Buy pilot scheme. £8 million government funding Councils across England will share £8 million as a wave of successful bids paves the way for the first Starter Homes. The funding will help get shovels in the ground on 27 Starter Home sites across the country. Today’s funding will support councils in enabling Starter Homes on local brownfield sites that are currently underused or vacant, through measures such as clearance, remediation, demolition and site investigations. Visiting an L&Q mixed social and private housing site, typical of the kind that will in future include Starter Homes, Communities Secretary Greg Clark said it was a prime example of how the government is helping hard-working people to realise their dream of home ownership. Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: Right from day one this government has said we will help people who want to get on in life. Today we are showing how we have kept our word, doing everything to deliver
on our promise to help hard working families own their home. The funding announced today will help 27 sites across the country prepare for the first Starter Homes to be built as part of the government’s commitment to building 200,000 Starter Homes.
New tenants keen to take up Right to Buy New figures show more than 180 housing association tenants a day are registering their interest in taking up their new Right to Buy.
In an historic agreement between the government and housing associations, the Right to Buy is being extended to 1.3 million housing association tenants – offering a chance many wouldn’t otherwise have had to become a homeowner. Today’s figures show that more than 11,000 tenants have already registered their interest in taking up their new right. Of these, more than 2,000 tenants are in London. With housing associations committed to building an additional home for every one sold nationally, this will also deliver new affordable homes across the country and help towards the government’s ambition to create one million new homeowners by 2020. The government is committed to delivering security for people at every stage of their lives. Since 2012, more than 43,000 people have taken up the chance to buy their home through the reinvigorated Right to Buy, which offers discounts of up to £77,900 outside London, and £103,900 in the capital.
Communities Secretary Greg Clark
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
3
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
News
New measures to protect victims of stalking, domestic abuse and violence UK government has launched a consultation on new measures to better protect victims of stalking ‘stranger stalking’ in particular and help deter perpetrators from becoming fixated, on Saturday 5 December.
Recent figures on the prevalence of stalking show an estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men are victims of stalking during their lifetimes, and the new stalking protection order would mean victims are kept safe while police gather vital evidence ahead of a potential prosecution being brought. One aim of the order would be to deter perpetrators before their fixation with their victim becomes entrenched, or to prevent them from moving on to further victims. Under the current stalking legislation introduced in 2012, over 1,100 prosecutions were commenced in 2014/15, a rise of nearly 50% since last year. The new order will address stalking earlier and mean victims are protected ahead of cases reaching the courts.
To mark the 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence following from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the government has also announced a package of new measures to better protect victims of domestic abuse and violence: Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation Karen Bradley said: No one should ever suffer in silence or live in fear of stalking, violence or abuse. Being stalked by a stranger can have terrifying consequences and we want to make sure victims have protection in place early to give the police time to gather evidence in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. We are encouraged that more and more victims are coming forward to report domestic abuse and violence to the police, and prosecutions are now at their highest ever levels. We have made enormous progress since 2010, but there is always more to do to stop violence and abuse before it happens. Our new domestic abuse offence will protect victims of coercive or controlling behaviour who would otherwise be subjected to sustained patterns of abuse that can lead to total control of
their lives by the perpetrator. We are sending a clear message that it is wrong to violate the trust of those closest to you and that emotional and controlling abuse will not be tolerated. Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan said: Every young woman has the right to grow up free from fear, and empowered to reach their full potential. As Minister for Women and
Equalities I’m committed to making this a reality. We must start early, it’s important that young people learn both in the classroom and at home that acts of violence or intimidation are abhorrent and have no place in our society. That’s why as part of a range of government action we’re relaunching the ‘This is Abuse’ campaign to make sure every young person understands what a healthy relationship is and knows where they can go for help. Baroness Verma, International Development Minister and new Ministerial Champion for Tackling VAWG Overseas, said: One in three women worldwide are beaten or go through sexual violence in their lifetime. This is frankly shocking. Britain is working around the world to put a stop to this suffering, from helping victims of sexual violence get the counselling and care they need to supporting the Africa-led movement to end FGM. It’s an honour to accept the role of Ministerial Champion. Working with colleagues across government I intend to ensure Britain continues to show global leadership in efforts to end violence against women and girls.
Today, Polaris will issue a letter inviting expressions of interest from established non government organisations operating in the UK that meet key criteria, including experience working on modern slavery and/or operating a national helpline. UK non government organisations will be required to provide a statement on their suitability by January 22, 2016. Polaris runs a national hotline in the US where a small team of trained operators are available to answer calls, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 200 languages. Survivors can also ask for help in other ways, including by text message. The hotline operators are highly-trained modern slavery specialists, who are able quickly to connect survivors of trafficking to a network of rescue and support services in their locality. The data that is collected as part of these calls is then analysed using cutting-edge software, generating valuable intelligence that can help the police to catch and con-
vict criminals - who would otherwise continue to exploit others for profit - and shine a light on the scale and nature of a crime that often goes unreported, including providing early warning of new trends in how human traffickers are operating. The intention is that the enhanced UK helpline will emulate many of these features. It will launch next year. Bradley Myles, Chief Executive Officer of Polaris, said: Human trafficking is a global business that requires a global response so the millions of people exploited by this crime can receive the help and support they need no matter where they are in the world. The launch of an enhanced modern slavery helpline for the UK is a critical step forward in this effort. Polaris is honoured to support the UK Government in this process, and looks forward to working with our partners leading the fight against modern slavery in the UK. By working internationally, we will strengthen the cross-border safety net for victims of human trafficking. Jacqueline Fuller, Director, Google.org, said: Google.org is proud to support the launch of an enhanced modern slavery helpline in the UK. Connecting and supporting anti-human trafficking helplines not only provides victims access to the services they need, but also helps identify illicit patterns within the business of modern slavery. We look forward to our continued work alongside Polaris and the Home Office.
Minister for Women and Equalities Nicky Morgan
Enhanced helpline to benefit survivors of Modern Slavery Home Secretary announces partnership between Home Office, US charity Polaris and Google to establish a modern slavery helpline.
An enhanced UK modern slavery helpline, which will help more survivors ask for support and make it easier for the UK public to report suspected exploitation, is to be launched next year. The helpline has been developed through a partnership between the Home Office, US non government organisation Polaris and with £1million funding from Google.org, to cover start up costs. A UK non government organisation will run the helpline. The Home Secretary announced the plans for the enhanced helpline after chairing a roundtable with United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch at the US Embassy, London. This took place the day before the Home Secretary is due to chair a discussion with fellow G6 Interior Ministers on strengthening international efforts to tackle the causes of modern slavery and increase transparency in business supply chains. The enhanced helpline will enable the UK to tap into world leading experience and helpline capabilities. Polaris brings with it years of expertise and technical know-how that could transform the UK’s existing operational response to modern slavery. 4
Right: Home Secretary Theresa May
Home Secretary Theresa May said: The United Kingdom and United States share a determination to free the victims of modern slavery and ensure those guilty of this despicable crime are swiftly brought to justice. Today’s commitment by Google.org and Polaris will improve our response to modern slavery and help stamp out this vile form of exploitation. Modern slavery is a scourge on our society. By working together, governments, non government organisations, law enforcement agencies and businesses can shine a light on this issue and help stop ruthless criminals profiting from their trade in human misery. The roundtable discussion focused on how both the UK and US are using strong partnerships, including Non government organisations, to provide survivors with better support and to bring perpetrators to justice.
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
5
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Health News
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Declining Ebola case numbers, new control methods prompt PHE screening scale-back Public Health England (PHE) is scaling down screening arrangements following a sustained decline in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Other factors influencing the decision include the introduction of new control methods such as a highly-effective Ebola vaccination, the WHO declaring Sierra Leone Ebola transmission free and the continued low risk presented to the UK by the disease. Under the scaled back operations, from 5 December 2015 screening will stop for travellers from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. PHE will maintain its monitoring system for high-risk returning workers until the outbreak has been declared over in the affected countries. The latest risk assessment assessed the likelihood of further Ebola Virus
Disease (EVD) cases being imported into the UK as very low and the risk of transmission occurring within the community in the UK as negligible due to the range of robust measures that have been put in place. Professor Paul Cosford, PHE’s Director for Health Protection and Medical Director, said: We’re pleased that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has declined to a level that warrants reduced screening arrangements. Fewer healthcare workers returning from West Africa have had contact with Ebola cases, greatly lessening their risk of contracting the disease or bringing it back to the UK. However, we want to stay vigilant and for this reason we will continue to operate our returning workers scheme, screening and monitoring those who may have been exposed to Ebola in
Professor Paul Cosford, PHE’s Director for Health Protection and Medical Director
West Africa. This is a cornerstone of our protection of the public’s health and it will continue for as long as necessary. We ask that people travelling to West Africa who may be exposed to Ebola keep registering with Public Health England’s returning workers scheme so they can be appropriately monitored when they return to the UK. The decline in the outbreak is thanks to the efforts of the global response to control the virus’ spread, the control measures in place in West Africa and the recent introduction of an effective vaccine. Health authorities in West Africa can now use ring vaccination as an Ebola control tool. The successful rVSVZEBOV Ebola vaccination is being used to vaccinate relevant contacts of Ebola patients. The risk Ebola poses to the UK public is very low and continues to decrease due to the considerable decline in the scale of the epidemic in West Africa, the efforts of the global response to control the virus’ spread, the control measures 6
in place in West Africa and the low number of people entering the UK from affected areas. Public Health England is proactively monitoring the risks from Ebola to the UK population. We will continue this scheme until the epidemic is over in the affected countries. We are maintaining a high level of protection against Ebola by adapting our response to the current situation and through focused delivery of the screening programme. PHE will continue to work with government and NHS colleagues to ensure the UK remains alert to, and prepared for the risk of Ebola. Since the start of the outbreak, PHE has screened 14,253 people at the border, tested 302 people for Ebola and monitored 645 individuals who have returned from West Africa. In addition, over 220 PHE staff have deployed to Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to date. PHE remains committed to supporting West Africa until the outbreak is declared fully over.
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
7
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Britain and US unite to power up Africa A landmark partnership between the UK and US will help millions of people across Africa get access to clean energy, UK International Development Minister Nick Hurd and Associate Administrator of USAID Eric Postel have announced.
The new partnership between the UK’s Energy Africa campaign and the US’s Power Africa initiative will leverage much-needed private investment, develop networks to share power across borders and harness geothermal resources to boost access to electricity across the continent. UK International Development Minister Nick Hurd said: It is shocking that 600 million Africans still live without power at home. This is not just holding back individuals; it is holding back an entire continent. No one can tackle Africa’s energy challenge alone. We will only make progress if we work together. That is why this new partnership is so important.
The US has led the way over the past few years with its Power Africa campaign. Together with our Energy Africa campaign we can boost access to reliable, clean and affordable household energy, helping millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty. USAID Associate Administrator Eric Postel said: The United States Government is thrilled to work closely with DFID on the Energy Africa campaign, to accelerate the household solar market. In partnership with DFID, development agencies, African governments, the private sector, and civil society, we can help accelerate Africa’s energy path toward economic and environmental sustainability and ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries was signed at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and New Climate Economy event “Climate change in Africa: Financing low-carbon pathways for Development” at the COP21 UN climate change conference in Paris.
Elizabeth Mukwimba, an M-Power Off Grid Electric customer in Tanzania. Picture: Russell Watkins/Department for International Development
The new deal will harness the skills, expertise and investment power of the private sector to help improve energy access, boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
The UK and US will work with African governments, donors and private sector organisations to deliver Global Goal 7 in Africa: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Help with Council Tax and business rates for flood-hit communities
Communities Secretary Greg Clark
Flood affected communities will not face Council Tax or business rate bills for the homes and businesses they have been displaced from, Greg Clark announced on 8 December 2015.
The Communities Secretary said this forms part of wider government efforts to ensure areas affected by the aftermath of Storm Desmond get the support they need. Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: We’re determined to stand squarely behind the communities and families whose lives have been turned upside down in the wake of storm Desmond. 8
Residents and businesses who have been displaced by flooding should not have to worry about Council Tax and business rate bills on top of everything else they will be facing at this difficult time. That’s why we’ll make funding available to help householders and businesses with their Council Tax and business rates bills for as long as they are out of their properties. Today’s announcement follows confirmation that the Bellwin scheme is open so councils can get 100% of the emergency costs above the threshold. And it follows record government investment in flood protection, with a clear commitment to build 1,400 more flood defences and protect 300,000 more homes from flooding across the country.
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Theatre, Shows and Musicals
Arts Culture
By Edward Mirza
WEST AFRICA: WORD, ROBIN HOOD SYMBOL, SONG AT THE Dec 5 - Jan 23, 2016 Join Theatre Royal Stratford East this BRITISH LIBRARY Christmas for lots of laughter, brand new Now – February 16th, 2016 songs and a sack full of festive fun in this 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
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 .
ALL THE COLOURS Dec 13th – Dec 14th 2015
Pantomimes immediately welcome you into the spirit of Christmas. With catchy songs, brightly-coloured sets, and always a ‘happily ever after’, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the merriment of the festivities. They tend to follow the same structure; a story teller who invites you into the tale at the start, a handsome hero who wins the princess’ (or princess type character’s) heart, a comedy figure usually laden with sweets to throw and a ‘baddy’, who inevitably brings in the ‘boos’. This is a Panto with no star line up, something that we have become rather accustomed to. We look forward to seeing our favourite Eastenders star as Captain Hook or the woman behind the bar at The Rovers as thee Wicked Witch. However, Hammersmith’s unique Panto not only has no star, but it also has few of the conventions you would normally associate with a classic Pantomime. After all, we no longer want to see the helpless, blonde princess fall madly in love with the 6-foot tall, handsome and personality-less prince, while size 6 dancers twirl around him. Instead, the Lyric has chosen to present us with a strong-minded Cinderella full of attitude and sass, dancers of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and height, and a wicked stepmother in a wheelchair. However, these changes were not by any means overpowering because the show still retained all the magic and originality that we all know and love. Krystal Dockery played Cinderella with
All the Colours is about a woman called Salimatu who is from Sierra Leone who escapes the civil war that took place in 1991-2002. We see this woman’s fight to save her family only to end up face to face with one of the commanders from the RUF who took control of Sierra Leone and killed over 50,000 people. Salimatu ends up in London because of a British charity that went in and helped the wounded. She is brought to Britain where she gets into conflict with the immigration department. She has to start a new life with or without her family. This story is full of twists and turns but deeply moving All the Colours is about one woman’s turbulent journey from Africa to the UK. It explores family, civil war and upheaval. Davina’s script is really sharp, hard hitting and moving,” says Artistic Director of Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. It’s really relevant to many of the refugee issues we as a society face today. Davina was nominated for best actress at the 7th International One Man Show Solo Festival 2014 in the UK for her selfwritten dramatic play ‘All the Colours’ and was the winner for best international issue piece at the prestigious 22nd Los Angeles Women Theatre. The London Theatre, 443 New Cross Road London SE14 6TA
CINDERELLA Nov 21 - Jan 3, 2015
All The Colours, by Davina Cole
mounds of enthusiasm, oodles of energy and a huge smile to top it all off with. With an updated style, confident attitude and glitter converse instead of those old glass slippers; she is the modern fairy-tale princess. Prince Charming was played by Karl Queensborough and he too was full of energy and style. The pair had great chemistry not to mention some wonderfully recognisable singing duets from the current charts. Lovable and bubbly Debra Michaels played Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, who opened the show to a jazzy and sparkly rendition of Fleur East’s ‘Uptown Funk’. Peter Caulfield and Matt Sutton were the two ugly stepsisters, Booty and Licious. This hilarious duo bounced off one another’s energy spectacularly. Sutton’s Booty was hilariously manly and slightly aggressive, which worked in perfect contrast with Caulfield’s more naive and effeminate Licious. An aptly-named Samuel Buttery played the adorable and jolly character of Buttons. With his merry demeanour and sweetie-throwing, he was the closest character to his classic counterpart. He was wonderfully entertaining for the children, throwing goodies, playing the innocent fool and getting everyone shouting out all the classics, like “he’s behind you!”. the Lyric Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, London, W6 0QL
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
9
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Comment
The Need for Holistic and Altruistic Approaches to IGR and Taxation in Nigeria
By Akintokunbo Adejumo This is not an academic or professional article about what IGR or taxes are. We already know what they are and the role they play in governance in any country. This is more about our leaders’ attitude and approaches to implementing them effectively, such that they will be more publicly understood and acceptable.
On the back of recent economic woes that has befallen the states in Nigeria, and the Federal Government, several state governors seem to have woken up and are gradually coming to their senses and the cries of the need to increase, improve or, for some, establish Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and taxation in their territories have suddenly dominated their statements to the public through press interviews, projects commissioning and workshop opportunities. In most cases, these erstwhile profligate and corrupt politicians are speaking through the sides of their mouths because they either do not know what they are talking about or they are playing up to the gallery to cover past misdeeds and to appear to the public that they are still there with the knowledge of what to do about their ailing and moribund economies. In saner and more civilised countries, where decent politics, democracy and good governance have been embraced by all, both leaders and followers; IGR and taxations are no longer issues; they are normal governance procedures. The leaders who are elected do not need to chase after IGR and taxes; these are already in place to support them in delivering the goods to their people. And the people from who these are collected are assured that whatever is collected from their salaries, business profits and other incomes will be used altruistically and suitably for their benefit and not corruptly for those they elected or are appointed to rule them. These two interconnecting facts do not exist in Nigeria. People, perhaps understandably, do not want to pay taxes and contribute to IGR because of the ingrained perception that such money extorted from them will disappear into the rulers’ pockets to fuel inordinate wealthy lifestyles, and even worse, to oppress them. In fact, we see the evidence every day in the way our elected and appointed officials behave in public, internally and outside in the wider world. 10
Herein lays the dilemma for both rulers and followers – lack of trust, lack of credibility, lack of sincerity, lack of purposeful leadership and lack of trusting followership, as well as an ignorant, indifferent and unsympathetic public. A dilemma or difficult circumstance of our own creation from which there seems no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions - dubbed “a catch-22 situation”. A little digression: Just a few months ago, a local government chief executive sought my advice, and a possible contract for me, on exploring and exploiting new sources of IGR in his local government area, as well as improving on what little they already have. I came back to him after one month with just four pages of comprehensive and implementable ideas, including new sources and execution methods that will pay the salaries of his staff; will reduce dependency on the federal or state allocations so that the federal handouts will be released for developmental and other local authority projects. He was ecstatic, but unfortunately for both of us, for me on a business consideration; he told me his governor did not warm to the ideas. I know what he meant. There seemed to be not enough money in the ideas to benefit his “oga”. Then recently, the governor of the State of Osun proclaimed that he is recruiting “Tax Marshals” to boost the revenue base of the state. Remember the State of Osun was the worst offender that failed to pay the salaries of his workers for almost eight months, before the federal bail-out came, and even now is still owning many month’s unpaid salaries, and not very sure of its ability to continue paying the salaries. Who or what is a Tax Marshal? I will let him answer that, but I sure hope it is not like that of Lagos State, where they say over 25% (please don’t quote me, the figure is always varying, because nobody knows the true figure) of the taxes and revenue collected goes into the tax consultant’s pocket in fees. A friend then wrote me: “The challenge for Osun is to create jobs and attract investments, first and foremost. Without jobs, organisations, factories, shops, or commerce there will be no taxes to collect. As a matter of fact if you recruit ‘Tax Marshals’ who go about intimidating entrepreneurs, prospective investors are driven away. To encourage investors, your tax regime must be liberal initially as well as competitive. Knowing Osun and Nigeria, these civil servant ‘Tax Marshals’ will be underpaid, owed months of unpaid wages, will have no other alternative than to demand bribes from shopkeepers, companies, factories or other organisations. When Awolowo and the AG developed Ikeja, Ilupeju and other industrial and commercial estates, the tax regime was initially low. Lagos state is now the biggest benefi-
Governor Rauf Aregbesola exploring or exploiting new sources of IGR
ciary of Awolowo’s foresight and investment. The industries and commercial concerns are tied in already. So Lagos State could impose stricter tax regimes. Has [Governor] Aregebesola created investment, industrial or commercial bases [and enabling environment] in Osun yet? Is Osun attracting investors? Let Aregbesola lay the foundation like Awolowo did, then Osun will gain the tax benefits in the future”. (Olukayode Nathan) Furthermore, development initiatives are not about just the federal allocations or IGR. It is about developing the human capital through applicable education, skills development, providing basic infrastructure; portable water, electricity, transportation, roads, telecommunications and in these says the Internet. Any government not addressing those developmental initiatives is a failure. Any government not providing good education to the youths is a disaster no matter how big the IGR. Are the vast majority of children achieving in schools and colleges? For Lagos and Akwa Ibom or any other state, the answer is NO. Are the state governments providing for the health and welfare of their people? The evidence show there is lack of basic infrastructure; lack of portable water, health facilities, lack of sewage facilities etc. in most parts and indeed the rural parts of both Akwa Ibom and Lagos states, or any other state in Nigeria for that matter. So both states like all other states fail the test. We need to be objective rather than defend ineptitude. None of the governors or public officers in those states would send their children to their public schools including the universities, and as we often see, they and members of their families will use the state-built hospitals for medical care. A good and poignant example is that of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, now a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who had claimed and shouted to the rooftops during his tenure as governor that he has built a “world-class hospital” only to be flown abroad for treatment of minor injuries he sustained when he was involved in a car accident in Abuja a few months
ago. How do we explain this incongruity and hypocrisy? The problem is that our politicians never think of legacy building; they never think of building and erecting foundations for the future or for the next generation. They are very myopic, and do not see beyond their noses, all clouded by greed, self-interest and thievery. They want it NOW, during their tenure, mainly because of the profit in kickbacks and bribes and the exaggerated glory that will come to them during their tenure only. “What do I care about the next government or the next generation?” that is their thought. That is one of the main reasons why the development of our industrial, infrastructure, investment and commercial bases are so poor. They make no attempt to leave some legacy behind; no continuity of purpose and governance. Even in the same political party, a new incoming governor or local government chairman wants to start afresh, just to make his own money and empower a few family and friends and then proceeds to dismantle and discard the little that his predecessor managed to do. It is very sad, this phenomenon. With so many dearth of ingenuity and resourcefulness from our so called leaders, it is no wonder most states are in distress in Nigeria and go begging, cap in hand for the Federal Allocation in Abuja, out of which they even embezzle most. Fiscal federalism or autonomy is a very long unachievable dream in our times, if the mind-set of both rulers and the ruled stay primordial and suffocatingly corrupt, because the revenue allocation formula in Nigeria inevitably encourages parasitic governance where states become relaxed and endlessly expectant of the monthly ritual of allocation from the federal government. According to Dare Arowolo, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, Ondo State, the implication of this is that while the allocation formula limits the capacity of states to provide public goods needed to promote and sustain governance, it also predates on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of each state, thus making the states perpetually dependent on the Federal Government. The surest way to at least partial fiscal federalism by both the states and local governments not only lies in an altruistic approach to generating internal revenue but also a sincere and holistic will and commitment to using the income so generated. In a way, we should be happy that the mind-sets are changing, but why should it be only when reality has set in; only when the price of crude oil, which we have depended on for so many years that we have neglected other sources of revenue, has fallen to very economically-dangerous levels? We are in it together!!!
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
News
Investing in Property with Strategy launched at British Library Barrister Godwin Okri’s book is the first in the market to connect buying and selling property with time-tested quantum theory. By Milton Tella The Conference Centre at The British Library London witnessed an array of guests at the official presentation of the book ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’ on Thursday 26 November 2015.
The book written for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors, by Barrister Godwin Okri is aimed at introducing the reader to a proven technique which can be utilised by anyone who is looking to invest in property.
The ‘quantum’ strategy advocated in this book is a proven method suited for those trying to buy below-market-value property or for those trying to increase their property portfolio in a cost-effective way. The evening turned out to be Hollywood style book launch as guests were entertained to music by Barrister Okri daughter, Natalie Okri a semi - finalist at 2008 Britain’s Got Talent competition. Guests were treated to choice wine and sumptuous cocktail meal. The book ‘Investing in Property with Strategy’ included a CD animation version for guests as they approached the author for autographed copy.
Barrister Godwin Okri with guests
Barrister Godwin Okri with brother Ben Okri, and aunty Pauline
11
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
News
Italy
Police arrest ‘internet terrorist’ in Milan
So-called Islamic State has published a war chant in Mandarin calling on Chinese Muslims to take up arms.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the four minute song was released by ISIS’ media arm, Al-Hayat Media Centre and was posted on Twitter. “We are Mujahid, our shameless enemy panics before us,” a man sings in the chorus. “Our dream is to die fighting on this battlefield.” SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks radical groups, said the recording “is yet another example of the IS seeking to broaden its reach and support base.”
Abdirahman Sandhere, a senior leader with the militant group, was killed in a U.S. airstrike on Dec. 2
The news came just two weeks after the fundamentalist group executed a Chinese citizen. “We hope we can safeguard the citizens of every country through international cooperation,” China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a press briefing Monday. She was not aware of the song. China’s president Xi Jinping has previously said China is ready to join France and the international community in stepping up security cooperation and combating terrorism after attacks in Paris that killed more than 120 people.
Jail for couple who US al Shabaab fighter stole man’s youth asks to return home
Somalia
Continued from front page
An American national who fought escaped the group six days earlier. John said he walked for days, eating bread for Somalia-based al Shabaab has and maize on the way. “I am physically ok now defected from the militants and but not mentally,” he said. surrendered to authorities. Malik John surrendered to officials on the edge of Barawe, about 135 miles southwest from the capital Mogadishu. Al Shabaab wants to topple Somalia’s Western-backed government and has staged frequent bomb and gun attacks in the capital Mogadishu. The group has also hit targets in neighbouring Kenya since Nairobi joined African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia. John told Reuters news agency from captivity he was a 31-year-old man from Maryland in the United States and had been fighting for al Shabaab for about four years. “I decided to leave them two months ago. I hated them because I found their ideology was totally wrong,” John said, adding that he finally 12
Somalia’s government has been trying to persuade many al Shabaab fighters to defect by promising amnesties for fighters who leave the group. John said he had heard about the Somali amnesty. “If possible I would like to return to my home in Maryland,” he added. The United States, other Western powers and countries in the region see the fight against the al Qaeda-aligned group as a vital part of the battle to prevent militancy spreading in East Africa and beyond. In recent months some of the fighters within al Shabaab have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which has strained relations between different factions within the group.
A subsequent approach to his local authority proved equally unsuccessful. Staff from Ealing Social Services told Ofonime it was a “family matter” and took no action. His ordeal finally ended in 2013 after he contacted an anti-trafficking charity using a computer at the house in Perivale, west London, after hearing allegations of modern-day slavery discussed on the radio. Ultimately a second approach to the police through the charity seemed to resonate with one particular officer, whose actions led to the arrest a subsequent conviction of the Edets for child cruelty, slavery and assisting illegal immigration. They were sentenced at Harrow Crown Court in northwest London late on Monday. Ofonime, now 40, was forced to cook, clean, garden and care for the couple’s children, both of whom went on to receive university educations, without any pay for up to 17 hours a day. He had to eat alone and typically slept on the hallway floor. Prosecutor Damaris Lakin said the Edets told their captive he would be arrested as an illegal immigrant and deported if he left the house and contacted police. “He believed this and felt trapped and completely dependent on the Edets,” Lakin said in a statement. “Emanuel and Antan Edet have cruelly robbed this victim of 24 years of his life. They have treated him with complete contempt.” “This was a shocking case of modern day slavery,” he said. Sentencing the Edets, the judge Graham Arran said their treatment of Ofonime had left him “conditioned” to his plight.
The judge said: “He was conditioned to the extent that he did not ask for what he wanted because he expected his request to be refused. He was paid the occasional pocket money of perhaps £10. He claims that that was only at Easter and Christmas, and occasionally visitors would give him larger sums. He most certainly was not paid for the work that he was performing for you. “The most serious aspect of your behaviour towards him was that it went on for an exceptionally long period of time, robbing him of the opportunity of leading a normal life. He suffered as a result of that treatment and has found it difficult to adjust [to] a normal life.” The court heard that the sum he was in theory owed for his years of work ran into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Caroline Carberry, prosecuting, said Ofonime felt that his life had been ruined by his years in the family home. Analysing his victim impact statement, she said: “He has suffered very low self-esteem in regards to interaction with others. He spoke of feeling sad, alone and depressed. He can see no future and thought his life had been wasted and, as such, considered suicide.” The couple were each jailed for three years for child cruelty, six for servitude and one for the immigration offence, all to run concurrently. Although their mistreatment of Mr Inuk spanned 24 years, servitude only became an offence under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, so they were convicted and sentenced for their actions only between 2010 and 2013. However, the judge said he considered the total length of time Ofonime suffered as an aggravating feature.
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
USA
Militant leaders killed in US air strikes
According to a US military source, over the past several weeks two senior jihadist leaders were killed in separate air strikes in Somalia and Libya.
The two leaders were identified as Abdirahman Sandhere from Shabaab, al Qaeda official branch in Somalia, and Wissam Najm Abd Zayd al Zubaydi, from the Islamic State’s province in Libya. The US Department of Defence confirmed in a press release on Monday (December 7) that Sandhere “is dead as a result of a US military airstrike in Somalia undertaken on Dec. 2.” Sandhere, who is also known as Ukash, was described “a senior leader of the al Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab.” Two other “Shabaab-affiliated associates” were also killed in the airstrike. However, their identities were not disclosed. The US military has launched several airstrikes in Somalia against al Qaeda’s branch. Over the past year, the US killed the previous two leaders of the Amniyat, a key intelligence organization within Shabaab. The Amniyat is instrumental in executing
Abdirahman Sandhere, a senior leader with the militant group, was killed in a U.S. airstrike on Dec. 2
suicide attacks inside Somalia as well as in Kenya and other African nations, conducting assassinations, providing logistics and support for operations, and integrating the group’s local and regional commands. The US killed the last leader of the Amniyat, Yusuf Dheeq, on Feb. 3, 2015, and also killed his predecessor, Tahlil Abdishakur, on Dec. 29, 2014. Additionally, the US killed Ahmed Godane, the co-founder of Shabaab, in an airstrike on Sept. 1, 2014.
Like when reporting the deaths of previous Shabaab leaders, the US military said that Sandhere’s death is “a significant blow to al-Shabaab ” and “an important step forward in the fight against al-Shabaab, and the United States will continue to use the tools at our disposal — financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military — to dismantle al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups who threaten United States, interests and persons.”
Unfortunately the deaths of Godane, Dheeq, Abdishakur, and a number of senior al Qaeda and Shabaab leaders at the hands of the US has done little to disrupt Shabaab’s command and control. The jihadist group has been waging an effective insurgency and still controls territory in Somalia despite the fact that the US began targeting Shabaab’s leadership beginning in late 2006. The Department of Defence also confirmed that Zubaydi, who is also known as Abu Nabil, was killed in an airstrike in Libya on Nov. 13. The US military announced that it targeted Zubaydi on Nov. 14, but his death has not been confirmed until now. In the November 14 statement, the US military described him as “an Iraqi national who was a longtime al Qaeda operative and the senior ISIL [Islamic State] leader in Libya.” He was also thought to have served as the Islamic State’s “spokesman in the February 2015 Coptic Christian execution video.” The Islamic State’s Libyan branch brutally executed 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians.
Sweden
Swedish refugee camp fails to open doors Sweden’s first tent accommodation for refugees did not open as planned on Tuesday, with officials telling reporters that not enough appropriate guests had been found in time for the scheduled launch.
The tent camp in Revingehed, a field near Lund in southern Sweden, is eventually set to house 375 refugees. The first 20 were supposed to sleep there on Tuesday night. But a spokesperson for Sweden’s Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) said that only “a few” suitable guests had so far been found for the temporary accommodation, which is designed for single people or couples, rather than families or unaccompanied children. Rebecca Bichis, regional manager for the agency said that she expected refugees to instead be transferred on Wednesday but that this “depends completely on the influx from Denmark and Germany”. Her comments came just a week after reports that hundreds of refugees were crammed inside the initial reception centre for new arrivals in the region, MalmöMässan, a former Eurovision venue, which Save The Children criticised for failing to reach international standards for refugee camps in the availability of toilets, showers and health care. However the hall has since become much less packed and Migrationsverket told journalists there were only 21 new ar-
Revingehed tent camp should have opened on Tuesday
rivals to MalmöMässan on Monday night. There has been a nationwide dip in the number of refugees claiming asylum, following tighter border checks and a government announcement that it would cut the number of residency permits made available. While in October around 10,000 people were registered in a week, Migrationsverket statistics suggest that 4,721 people
sought asylum across Sweden during the first seven days of December. Bichis said on Tuesday that any refugees asked to move into the new tent camp later in the week would be given plenty of information about the accommodation, following previous complaints from refugees driven to a holiday park and other remote locations. “As soon as they get to MalmöMässan
we inform them of the housing situation in Sweden and show them pictures of the tent camp so that they are aware of what to expect. “The staff at Revingehed are preparing everything right now to make sure that everyone gets immediate access to a duvet, pillow, hygiene articles and so on when they arrive.” A total of 12 people will be working at the camp, six experienced workers and six other staff who will be trained up in the process. They will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for the refugees and be on hand to answer questions and offer other assistance. Guards will also be present round-the-clock, following a spate of attacks on asylum housing. Bichis said that it remained unclear how long any of the guests would stay at the camp. “It could be short-term but also longterm. It depends on whether councils across Sweden manage to find housing for them. Our hope is that they won’t have to stay too long, but it’s completely dependent on the ‘accommodation chain’ in the rest of Sweden.” The camp has been erected on a moorland area near military training grounds and was initially supposed to open its doors in October, but was held up by administrative delays linked to planning applications. 13
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
CRIME
Men jailed after botched armed robbery
A third man has been sentenced following the attempted armed robbery of a bank in Notting Hill.
Matthew Barrington-Williams, 33, of no fixed abode was found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of attempted robbery on Thursday, 3 December and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. Previously, on Tuesday, 10 November at Isleworth Crown Court two other men had been sentenced for the crime. Jason Byrne, 46 of no fixed abode was sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of five years, for attempted robbery and possessing a firearm while carrying out the crime. Jerome Mills, 33 of no fixed abode was sentenced to two years in prison for attempted robbery. Both had been found guilty following a trial at the same court. The jury at this trial could not reach a verdict in relation to Barrington-Williams and a retrial was ordered. The court had heard how on Wednesday, 19 August 2014 at Westbourne Grove, W2 at 16:16hrs a security guard was delivering a cash box to a bank. The guard had entered the bank when a man ran in wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses and with the lower half of his face
Matthew Barrington-Williams
covered. He was also armed with a handgun; this man was Jason Byrne. Byrne approached the guard pointing the gun at him, but the robbery was mistimed, as the guard had already put the cash box within a secure area of the bank. Byrne fled empty handed and ran to a waiting blue BMW. Two other suspects were with this vehicle. A black male was outside the vehicle on the road acting as a look-out; this man was Barrington-Williams There was also an unseen driver in the
Jerome Byrne
car, as Byrne and Barrington-Williams entered the car through passenger doors. The driver of the car was Jerome Mills and the vehicle made off with all three people inside. Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad began an investigation. On Tuesday, 22 September, officers patrolling the rear of the block of flats on Tavistock Ave, W11 discovered the blue BMW. The car was found to be on false plates and had been stolen in July 2014. The car was taken by police and forensic examination linked all three defendants to the car.
Further investigation by the Flying Squad also linked them to the crime by CCTV, evidence from witnesses and analysis of their mobile phones. Mills was arrested on Thursday, 7 January for other matters and was subsequently charged with the robbery. At the time of his arrest he was wearing clothing identical to what he was wearing during the attempted robbery. Williams was arrested on Friday, 10 April for attempted robbery. Byrne had already been remanded in custody regarding on unconnected matter. He appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 28, April charged with the attempted robbery. All three were further remanded into custody. Detective Constable Ricardo Vieira of the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “Although the robbery was a failure these men put people in real fear of being seriously harmed. One has now been sentenced to life in prison as a result. Those who rob and carry firearms will be pursued, brought to justice and can expect to spend a long time in prison.”
Victim’s family appeal for new information in 2009 murder The family of a Tottenham teenager murdered in 2009 has joined Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers in appealing for new information to find the killer.
More than six years after the murder of Abdulkarim Boudiaf in Broadwater Road N17, the case remains open and detectives continue to appeal for information. Abdulkarim’s father, Noureddine Boudiaf, said in a heartfelt appeal: “When my son was killed, the whole family was completely destroyed. There is a killer running free on the streets. “We want your help, the help of the public, to put my son’s killer behind bars.” Abdulkarim’s mother, Wahiba Boudiaf said: “On 14 March 2009 my son was killed. It was one day before Mother’s Day, so you Mothers and Fathers please help me to put his killer in prison to keep your children safe. “While my son’s killer can still hug his mother, I am hugging a stone.” Algerian born Abdulkarim Boudiaf who was 18-years-old at the time of his death, was shot in the neck at Broadwater Road shortly before 22:30hrs on Saturday, 14 March 2009. 14
Abdulkarim Boudiaf
He was pronounced dead at the scene and the subsequent postmortem examination gave the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite the passage of time and extensive enquiries the case remains open and officers are keen to speak with anyone who may have new information that could progress the investigation and
help to bring Abdulkarim’s murderer to justice. Police are hopeful that now that six years have passed, someone will feel able to come forward who may have been reluctant to do so at the time of the murder. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command said: “On the evening of the murder, Abdulkarim was in the vicinity of the Elmhurst Public House with friends when, just before 10pm, he was confronted by his killer who shot him twice. “This murder remains unsolved and those responsible for the murder are still at large. Today I am appealing for new witnesses to come forward. “Were you in or around The Elmhurst pub on the night of the murder? Did you see Abdulkarim being shot and did you see who was responsible? “If you believe that you can help us to solve this murder, please call my incident room on 020 8358 0100 call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Abdulkarim’s brother, Abdurabman Boudiaf said: “I appeal to anyone with information to contact the police. For the sake of dignity, humanity and justice, please come forward and help my family to move forward toward a normal life.”
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Sounds of Diaspora People of America
Erykah Badu’s Mixtape ‘But You Caint Use My Phone’ Tops iTunes Chart
Four-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu’s newest music project, But You Caint Use My Phone, has debuted at #1 on the iTunes R&B album charts.
The album also shot up to #2 on the overall iTunes album chart (right next to Adele), and has landed at #1 on both the overall Apple Music Streaming Charts and Apple R&B Streaming Charts. Released last Friday as an Apple exclusive, the icon’s mixtape is expected to debut highly on the Billboard Album Charts next week. Starting today, the stellar collection of songs is now available at all digital retail and streaming partners. Immediately upon release, the press has praised Badu’s first body of work since 2010’s New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh). USA Today calls But You Caint Use My Phone a “classic,” while Spin says “what’s most charming about [the project] is how unpretentiously Badu comports herself, ever-mindful that one of her most special qualities as a vocalist remains her ability to entwine the resilient with the goofy. She’s both tough as nails and a daydreamer.” While the Los Angeles Times calls But You Caint Use My Phone “Badu at her most experimental,” Stereogum calls stand-out track “Hello” ft. Andre 3000 a “masterpiece.” After
picking the project for it’s album of the week. The Fader calls the project “urgent,” stating that Badu “takes existing references, ideas, and technologies, and pulls something new out of them.” Nylon exclaims that Badu “proves that her mastery of mixing and matching soul, funk, R&B, and hip-hop is essentially timeless” while VIBE calls the mixtape “”satiating to the musical taste buds…a feel-good eye-opener.” After naming “Hello” Best New Track, Pitchfork called the tape “off-the-cuff, yet also steeped in history and wisdom.” But You Caint Use My Phone’s title is a reference to Badu’s iconic hit song “Tyrone,” taken from her 1997 Live album. After taking over the Internet earlier this fall with her ubiquitous cover of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” Badu made the tape with producer Zach Witness. It was written, recorded and mixed in Badu’s own Dallas, TX home over the course of a twelve-day burst of creativity. Badu and Witness toyed with genre and production, creating a new sound that Erykah describes as “TRap & B.” They used tuning forks and singing bowls in post-production to find new frequencies and vibrations that would bring a feeling of tranquility and relaxation to it’s listener. Many of the vocals were done in one take, adding to the project laid-back feel. The mixtape includes contributions
Erykah Badu
from Andre 3000 on “Hello” and rapper ItsRoutine, who is signed to Badu’s Control Freaq label, on “U Use To Call Me” and “What’s Yo Phone Number /
Telephone.” Badu’s son Seven also contributed songwriting to the project, who is also the A&R for her record label.
Queen Latifah to Star in Lee Daniels’ Drama Pilot
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is starring in a new drama pilot from filmmaker Lee Daniels, the co-creator of Fox TV’s “Empire.”
The untitled Fox pilot is about three young women trying to make it in the music industry. Latifah plays Carlotta, a beauty salon owner who becomes a surrogate mom to the trio, the network said Monday.
After open auditions, three newcomers were cast as the aspiring singers: Jude Demorest and Ryan Destiny, both from Detroit, Michigan, and Brittany O’Grady from Washington, D.C. Musician-actress Latifah starred in NBC’s live production of “The Wiz” last week and played the famed blues singer Bessie Smith in the Emmy-winning HBO movie, “Bessie.” The pilot, which could be the basis for a series, begins production this month in Atlanta. 15
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Gospel
ARE YOU A POWER HOUSE ?
By Michael Adekoya
Jesus said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Over two thousand years ago Jesus Christ gave us, the Church, the biggest job of all: the job of building the Kingdom of God on earth, the job of carrying the Gospel -Good News - to the ends of the earth. We have had that job for over two thousands years, yet it is not even one third completed. Could the problem be that we never realised how humanly impossible the job is? “Not by might, nor by human power but by My Spirit, says the Lord” (Zech 4:6)! Jesus said, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). To be effective witnesses in our homes, on the streets, in our workplaces, in the community, city or nation, we need Holy Spirit and His power! My friend, look at the difference the Holy Spirit made in the lives of the early disciples. James and John wanted Jesus to build a political kingdom and give them the “top spots.” Inspite of all the miracles, Thomas still doubted. Then, there is Peter; glorious one minute and gone the next; declaring the revelation of who Jesus is one minute, denying Him the next. Jesus performed His greatest miracles before them but they were still inadequate. He taught them to pray, but they still lacked real power in their lives. So, He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with Holy Spirit and the power from the Holy Spirit. When they received the power, they became invincible! Set-backs became springboards, obstacles became opportunities and barriers became blessings. These cowards became conquerors and rewrote history. Why? Because they were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). Their daily lifestyles became “The Acts of the Apostles” we read today. My friend, the same power is what we need now.
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” That’s what we should pray for in our personal and corporate prayer meetings and then go into our community, villages, and market places to demonstrate the power as Peter and John, Paul and Silas did. They carried the unction to function. That’s what they had and that was what saved, healed and delivered the people they came in contact with. My friend, Holy Spirit river of power wants to flow through you to others. It’s a matter of availability, and spiritual hunger. Are you hungry enough for God’s power to flow through you to bless others and to help you fulfill your divine assignment? It’s time to humble ourselves, pray, turn from our wicked ways and seek the face of God until our lives are set on fire with the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Early disciples were first filled with the Holy Spirit we read that He “sat upon each of them” (Acts 2:3). What a descriptive phrase! That means when they were about to show off, the Holy Spirit sat on them. When they were about to give in to the flesh, He sat on them. When they were about to throw in the towel, He sat on them. When they were about to have a burnt out, He sat on them. The Holy Spirit kept them in balance, in peace, and on track. He comforted them! revealed things to them! He directed them! He testified of Jesus! He empowered and strengthened them for the Great Commission and He led them everywhere. That’s what we need today! My friend, I am convinced with all my spirit, soul and body that the only way we, the Church, will be able to fulfill the Mission Mandate to our families, communities, cities and nations of the world is through united, focused, concentrated, strategic warfare prayers. United prayer
Are you looking for a church? Not settled in any particular congregation? Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue School, Park Hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches Worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants Club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus Fellowship
16
(PART 2)
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
involves being joined together with one mind, one heart, one purpose with God’s will and plan. When we pray earnestly with one voice and no grudges or hidden agenda, power will be released! That was what happened at the Upper Room. The Early Church received the Holy Spirit and power – miracle working power - when they prayed with one accord in one place. By their hands, many signs and wonders done among the people! (Acts 4:31-33). We need to get back to the basics. We need God’s power for the job. The Bible says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14). My friend, we need the leading of God’s Spirit. When others put you down, it is the Holy Spirit who will remind you of who you are and lift you up. The Bible says, “The Spirit itself bears witness with our Spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom 8:16) He steps in when we don’t know how to pray about any situation. The Bible says, “We don’t even know what we should pray for… but the Holy Spirit prays for us… in harmony with God’s own will” (Rom 8:26-27) Listen! It is only the power of the Holy Spirit that will enable us to preach the Good News to the lost souls, to heal the broken hearted, to minister deliverance to the captives and the oppressed; to set at liberty those who are bound, to impact and change lives positively (Luke 4:18). Not by might, not by grammar, not by power point, not by riddles or jokes! My friend, hear me! Christianity without God’s power is a frustrated and powerless religion. Worship songs without the power of the Holy Spirit is simply entertaining songs. Preaching without the power of the Holy Spirit is just a noise, not a voice. Paul knew
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
this too well and he told us the secret of his dominion and great works when he said, “My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Cor. 2:4). It is impossible to do greater works that Jesus promised with our education, seminary certificates, 101 points, human wisdom or power of the flesh but by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think but according to the power that works in us (Eph 3:20). Did you hear that? Can you see why we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and not with wine, pride or unbelief? There was a secret power behind Elijah’s prayers. His prayers superseded natural limitations. As a result of his prayers, the heavens opened. After three and half years of drought, rain fell. My friend, the same prayer energized by the Holy Spirit’s power is available to us today. The Bible says, “ The prayers of the righteous on behalf of their families, churches, communities, cities and nations makes tremendous power available, so dynamic in its working (James 5:16) These are the days of Elijah! God has started raising up men and women who are “Power Houses” – people like Elijah who prayed with power and authority of God to fulfill God’s will on earth. Are you one of them! My friend, you should remember that this power does not travel through empty words but in relationship with God. God is calling us, the Church, into this new dimension of power intimacy with Him. Are you available? While the other disciples went back to the world after Jesus ascended to heaven, only twelve disciples obeyed the command of Jesus, not to depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of God – the promise of the Holy Spirit and power. They made themselves available and God filled them with the ability – the power of the Holy Spirit – to be witnesses unto Jesus of what they have heard and seen. God wants to do the same for us in this end-time! He wants to work in the lives of people through us. But, the question is, “Are we available?” “Are we not too busy to wait on Him?” …to be continued… 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
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Africa Newsround
Kenya
TV’s Masai Mara lions poisoned – 3 held Three Maasai herdsmen have been arrested for allegedly poisoning a famous pride of lions in the Masai Mara Game Reserve after the lions killed two of their cows, Kenyan officials said Tuesday. A fourth suspect is still at large, said Moses Kuyioni, the reserve’s chief warden.
The lions reportedly attacked the herdsmen’s cattle in the park in western Kenya on Sunday night, Kuyioni said. The men are suspected of setting out poisoned meat for the lions. Two lions from a pride known as the Marsh Pride died, said the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Marsh Pride was featured in the popular BBC television series “Big Cat Diary”, which aired from 1996 to 2008. Zoologist Jonathan Scott, who co-presented the series and has been following the pride since 1977 mourned the deaths in a post on his website titled “The Marsh Lions: End of an Era.”
The poisoning not only affected the lions but will move through the food chain, said
wildlife expert, Paula Kahumbu. Six vultures were found dead near the poisoned meat.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia, Kenya sign development pact Ethiopia has signed a 185m euro deal with neighbouring Kenya to end conflict along their common border and spur development.
The leaders of both countries promised that the deal would create jobs, reduce poverty and foster trade in their restive borderlands, where conflict has intensified in recent years. The pact, signed in the Kenyan border town of Moyale, should help the local communities overcome the isolation that has been a barrier to development in the region, leaders say. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn hope it will bring peace and stability to their borders in the region, as well as bring about sustainable development in the northern Marsabit county of Kenya and Ethiopia’s southern Borana zone. The main economic focus of the deal is on developing the area’s untapped energy and mineral resources and meat and livestock trade to create jobs for youth. Trade relations between the two neighbouring countries leave room for improvement but this is nevertheless a milestone. “This is certainly a significant development in trade between Kenya and Ethiopia which, although they’re neigh-
Other scavengers such as jackals, hyenas, and smaller predators will be feeding on the dead animals, too, Kahumbu said. Land division and urbanization have reduced the traditional grazing lands of the Maasai herdsmen who have responded by allowing their cattle to browse on the plains of the game reserves. Kenya’s lion population has declined to about 2,000, largely because of human wildlife-conflict, said Kahumbu. “Lions generally cannot coexist with humans, which is why protected areas are so vital. Sadly in Mara the pastoralists are entering the reserve nightly to graze livestock, so of course lions get killed,” Kahumbu said. In order to conserve Kenya’s remaining lions, Kahumbu said, there should be zero tolerance for cattle grazing in parks. Authorities need to make it easier for lions to survive inside and outside of protected areas as the big cats follow the antelopes, zebra and gnu outside the park, she said. Also, people who live in areas near parks need incentives to coexist with the lions, she said: “Currently there are only costs for living with lions. No rewards.”
Ethiopia
Germans Offer to Lift Ethiopian Coffee
German multinational, the Bosch Group, wants to help lift the quality and returns from Ethiopian coffee by supplying better processing equipment and expertise.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (rear, left) and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta (rear, right) and witnessed the ceremony
bours, have as yet at any rate very limited amount of trade between them,” Christopher Clapham, from the African Studies Centre at Cambridge University, told reporters. “The latest figures I have are of the order of $13 to $14 million a year from Kenya to Ethiopia and only about a third of that from Ethiopia to Kenya. So there’s a big gap to be filled there.”
This deal, a five-year integrated programme signed in partnership with the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, is a follow-up on an initiative launched in October 2015. That deal was launched by the UN, the World Bank and the regional trade bloc Igad to boost economic growth, reduce poverty and promote business activities in the Horn of Africa through cross-border cooperation.
“We believe that technology is the best way that the coffee industry can move up the value chain in Ethiopia and compete globally. This is why the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) works with companies like Bosch to make this a reality,” Vandan Rughani, the Managing Director of Bosch East Africa said last week in Addis Ababa. He was speaking at the first International Coffee Processing and Packaging Round Table organised and paid for by the Group, specifically, Bosch Packaging Technology. According to a statement, participants came from UNIDO, several industrial and agricultural institutions, big business, small and medium business owners, farmers, civil society as well as local and international aid agencies. Central to the talks was agreeing on a strategic bid to enhance food security. Rughani said: ‘Bosch views this initiative as crucial to the progress of the African continent both in terms of economic development and sustainability as well as enhancing food security’. 17
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Nigerian News
“Our New Focus Is Agriculture, Solid Mineral Development And Industrialisation” – Aregbesola Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recently commissioned a new effluent treatment plant and expansion project of International Breweries Plc in Ilesa.
Governor Aregbesola commended the vision and forthrightness of the founder, late Dr Lawrence Omole, and the owners and managers of this company for complying with international best practices and the aptness of the commissioning of effluent treatment plant to coincide with the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France. Aregbesola said, ‘The effluent treatment being commissioned today, I am made to understand, is top of the range in Africa and can handle up to 7,250kg Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) per day and an effluent volume of 1,800m3 per day. The first derivable from the waste is biogas which will be used to fire the boilers and thus reduce the cost of energy. The second is recycled clean water that can be used for other purposes in the firm while the third, solid waste, is converted to fertiliser. Concern for the environment has been an issue since the industrial revolution and the emergence of cities. There have been worries on the depletion of the ozone layer through carbon emission; deforestation for cities and highways to emerge; the destruction of the earth’s fauna and flora; and pollution of the environment’. ‘One of the fallouts of industrialisation is pollution of the environment from industrial and household wastes. One definition of pollution sees it as the ‘contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms’. Another one see it as “the addition of any substance or form of energy (e.g., heat, sound, radioactivity) to the environment at a rate faster than the environment can accommodate it by dispersion, breakdown, recycling, or storage in some harmless form”. This second one is interesting in that it recognises that substances can be added to the environment but when it occurs at a rate faster than the environment can accommodate, it becomes harmful and should be of serious concern’. He further said, ‘Development, no doubt, brings its own challenges. One of it is pollution. Another is depletion of earth’s non-replaceable resources and depletion of the replaceable ones at a rate faster than they are being replaced. In an atmosphere of unbridled depletion of resources, we are invariably taking more than our fair share of earth’s resources and making the planet less habitable for future generations. We are therefore creating the false impression that environmental friendliness is mutually incompatible with development. However, if we adopt the right measures and follow regulations, what we will have is sustainable development’. 18
It gladdens my heart that IBL Plc is complying with international best practices and should be emulated by other industrial concerns in the state. We are seeing from its good example that there is no waste in nature; what we need is to understand and flow with the cycle of life in an unending chain of translation of materials from one form to another. I was here two years ago to commission a N500 million new production line, in a major expansion of the production capacity of this company. I am happy that you have even moved beyond that and carrying out another expansion. It is an indication of the industry, zeal and relentlessness of the managers. Moving through the West, one cannot but notice your increasing presence and acceptability which translate to increasing market share. I commend you. But you must do more, not just to dominate your immediate environment but to spread to other regions as well and ultimately make your brands international by venturing outside the country. On our part, we will continue to support you and help to realise your vision to expand and take your products to the farthest reach of the world. As I said two years ago, it is our vision that an industrial hub develops around you where allied industries that support you or feed off your operations can develop, prime one of which is agriculture and allied industries. In October, we signed an MOU with a Chinese consortium to start an agriculture and industrial park in Osun which will be cited in Ilesa. Last month, we also signed an agreement with IITA to start agriculture demonstration farm and research centre at Orile Owu. These, and many more, are designed to stimulate development from bottom up, lay the foundation for industrialisation, create opportunities for our youth and generate wealth, which will translate into increased revenue for government. Your firm is in a pole position to maximise the opportunities provided by these developments. Given the falling price of oil and diminishing revenue from the sector, we are already looking beyond oil for revenue, sustenance and meeting our obligations and fulfilling our electoral promises to the people of the state. Our new focus is agriculture, solid mineral development and industrialisation. This indeed should be the focus of the wise who is thinking beyond the financial catastrophe that befell this nation since 2013 on account of falling revenue from the Federation Accounts. This company boisterously began production of the Trophy lager in 1978 but lapsed into a lull in the 1990s until the coming of Samiller that has taken its stock to rise in leaps and bounds with many brands in lager beer, mineral water and malt drink’.
Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola presenting the certificate of Office to the New Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the Enuwa Squre, Ile-Ife
From left, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; The Saltan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Anbode; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; the newly installed Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi and Wife of Osun Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, during the installation of the Ooni of Ile-Ife., at Enuwa Squre, Ile-Ife
From left, The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi; the Saltan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saa’d Abubakar; Chief Bisi Akande; Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Anbode; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu; Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the newly installed Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the installation of the Ooni of Ile-Ife., at Enuwa Squre, Ile-Ife
Saltan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saa’d Abubakar; Chief Bisi Akande; Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwumi Anbode; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu; Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the newly installed Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the installation of the Ooni of Ile-Ife., at Enuwa Squre, Ile-Ife
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Nigerian News
“Ogun state is a blessed state” says Senator Lanre Tejuosho AFV: Recently Ebola is crept back to Liberia. If we remember the Sawyer case how he got to Nigeria. As Chairman Committee on Public Health, should Nigeria be watchful at this time?
Senator Tejuosho: Human nature is key in addressing such problem as this Ebola crisis. Whenever there is report of some infection breakout, everybody is on alert and do the right things. When you send information out, it causes anxiety and people obey and observe all the precautionary steps to keep such crisis at bay at our airports and borders. Tell them to do their temperature checks at the airports, people are patient to observe them only when there is crisis. What we need is to ensure that people don’t wait until when there is crisis before they do the minimum needful. It is a continuous exercise to avoid the Sawyer case to repeat itself. We can’t say because we are Ebola free then we stop monitoring the health situation/status of visitors coming into this country. So it is important we do the right thing.
By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria
One of the most vocal, people oriented and humble Senators in the 8th National Assembly, Distinguish Senator Lanre Tejuosho, a Prince and a former Commissioner in Ogun state spoke to AfricanVoice. AFV: Ogun state have had loads of influential political figures and even educationalists. How blessed is Ogun state? Senator Tejuosho: Yes, Ogun state is a blessed state with blessed people. Ogun is also a land of opportunities. Egba people formed the first government in Nigeria called the Egba United Government. For such a people to have created a government at that early stage even before Nigeria, you should expect that we were going to have a lot of successes. There was a strong tendency that Ogun state was going to be a rallying point politically in Nigeria. AFV: You are a vocal, vibrant and trusted Senator in this 8th National Assembly, should we be expecting more bills and motions that will drive change we clamoured for in this government from you? Senator Tejuosho: Well, the situation where we have found ourselves in this country, it has no direct relevance whether we have bills or no bills. There have been so many bills that have passed through the National Assembly, what we need is making all the bills we have passed work and
AFV: You served on the same cabinet in Ogun state with the current minister of Finance. You are a Senator today, she is a minister today. Could this be attributed to the qualities you brought into the government of Ogun state then that got you to the national level?
Senator (Dr) Olanrewaju Tejuosho Representing Ogun State West
maybe reverse some of them for it to reflect the time and season that we are in. Of course, the yearnings of the people, mostly economic and infrastructure improvement and issues that are related to the economic capability of the nation, so we just need to sharpen our economic team. We need to be more creative with our laws concerning
improving the economy which I believe is more in the hands of the executive arm of government. We can just keep on pushing and letting the executive realise the cry of the people by clamouring for better deals for the ordinary citizens of Nigeria on the floor of the chambers.
Senator Tejuosho: Of course, I will give the credit to the Governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for giving us the opportunity to serve the state at that point. The Governor it must be said, has an eye for good quality and you can see it. People claim that the state cabinet of 2011 to 2015 was the best in the country. We were good students of Senator Ibikunle Amosun. We worked conscientiously under him and you can very well see the successes.
Senator Bukar Ibrahim urged Federal Government to establish a commission for the North East By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria
The Senators and House of Representatives members from the North East of Nigeria have again lent their voices for the establishment of the North East Development Commission for the people of the North East of Nigeria.
This call was further made during a visit by Africanvoice to the office of Senator Bukar Abba, a Senator and a former Governor of Yobe state. According to Senator Abba “there is a need for one body which will coordinate all the other bodies springing up in the North East to carter for the devastation and destruction the North East have faced”. “All other bodies for the North East Development should be brought under this
Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim
body to be called the North East Development Commission with full powers”. He said this even as the former UK MP and Labour government Secretary, David Miliband visited Borno state to see first hand the devastation done on the people in that region. 5million people have been displaced and 15,000 people killed. The Yobe Senator urged people to support the bill to establish the commission. 19
Events calendar What’s On & When WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Reaching UK’s fastest growing ethnic markets
Tel: 020 3737 3077 20
www.africanvoiceonline.co.uk
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Rent a desk in a shared office space in South London SW9 Rent: £250 per month Electricity, light and central heating (included in rent) Available: immediately. Length of rental: 6 months minimum 24 hour Access, building also has 24 hour Security Ideal, affordable, reasonable rent and excellent opportunity for start-up businesses. If you are interested; please telephone Milton: 07525 209 154
AfricanVoice
SUBSCRIBE
TODAY
£100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR lncluding Paper & Postage
A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OUT EVERY FRIDAY! Name: Full Address: Post Code:
Tel No: I wish to subscribe to AfricanVoice
1 Year:
£100
I enclose a cheque/postal order for £
made payable to: AfricanVoice.
Please invoice me/my company Pls make a cheque of £100 payable to African Voice. Mail to Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7JN 21
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Algeria break 35-year jinx to reach Olympics A 2-0 win over South Africa on Wednesday at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar was enough for Algeria to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 35 years.
‘Les Fennecs’ only participation was in 1980 in Moscow, Russia and striker Oussama Darfalou and Mohammed Benkhemassa scored in either half to book a place at next year’s multisport event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil alongside Nigeria. Algeria will face Nigeria in Saturday’s final in a repeat of their earlier meeting at the group phase which ended barren. It was a well deserving win for Algeria who made the best of their positive start with an early goal after eight minutes. A long ball from Riyad Keniche, found Darfalou, who beat an offside trap before lobbying over South African goalie Jody February for the opener. Whilst South Africa laboured in search
of their feet, the North Africans almost doubled the lead nine minutes later when Benkhemassa forced a superb save from February this time with a shot at the edge of the penalty area. Minutes later, Gift Motupa missed a perfect chance to draw level, with a wayward connection from Abbubaker Mobara’s cross from the right. Five minutes into the second half, Benkhemassa doubled the lead with a powerladen shot following a clearance from a corner, leaving February with no option. South Africa coach Owen da Gama introduced Phakamani Mahlambi and Dumsani Zuma midway and the introduction saw an improvement in their play and forcing the Algerian backline to do some work. However, Algeria survived several scares from the South African attack to hold on to victory and confirm their place at next year’s multisport event.
Continued from back page
Algeria vs South Africa
Africa stars West Ham lose Reid and Moses until new year East Miya, Olunga set for
West Ham United pair Winston Reid and Victor Moses have been ruled out until the new year with hamstring injuries, manager Slaven Bilic has revealed.
New Zealand centre-half Reid is due to undergo a scan on Friday to determine how long he will be sidelined for after injuring himself in training. Nigerian winger Moses, on loan from Chelsea, will be out for between four and six weeks after damaging his hamstring in last weekend’s goalless draw at Manchester United. “Reid got injured in training. It doesn’t look good,” Bilic told a press conference. “It’s one of those they tell you is four to six weeks, but it doesn’t look like a small one. He slipped and felt it rupture. Victor is out for four to six weeks. It’s a blow.” West Ham have already lost playmaker Dimitri Payet and striker Diafra Sakho until February, while attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini was ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury earlier this week. Striker Enner Valencia has been out for five weeks with an ankle complaint, but could return against Stoke City on Saturday. Faced with the injury glut, Bilic has decided to bring forward the senior squad’s move to the club’s new Rush Green HQ training base, which had been scheduled for the start of next season. The Croatian, whose side are seventh in the Premier League, feels the pitches at West Ham’s current Chadwell Heath base may be 22
big money moves
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has ruled his side out of the title race in the Premier League despite sitting top of the table.
Reid left, and Moses, Right
responsible for the rash of injuries his players have suffered. “We were planning to move next season, at the start, to Rush Green because
of the quality of the pitches,” Bilic said. “I decided on Monday next week, we will go. We can’t continue to risk this much on these kind of pitches.”
The Foxes are currently enjoying a two-point lead over Arsenal in the first tier of English football, with the Algeria international having scored 10 goals in 14 appearances. However, the 24-year-old is adamant that they won’t be in the position to fight all the way for the prestigious crown. “I don’t think we can win the league,” Mahrez told BBC World Service. “We just need to get the 40 points and then after that we will see,” he added, rather focused on his side’s survival in the Premier League. “I’m not surprised because I knew I could do the things that I have done,” the winger, however, commented, after being instrumental to Leicester’s incredible start to the season. “Football is just confidence. When you start scoring and you carry on it gives you more confidence so maybe that has helped me.” Leicester will host Chelsea at King Power Stadium in matchday 16 of the Premier League on Monday.
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015
Nigeria qualify for Rio Olympics after pipping Senegal Nigeria have qualified for next year’s Rio Olympics after they pipped hosts Senegal in Wednesday’s U23 AFCON semi-final in Dakar courtesy of a 77th minute penalty by skipper Oghenekaro Etebo.
They will now await the winners of the second semi-final between South Africa and Algeria for Saturday’s championship game. A mix-up between goalkeeper Seydou and Thioune in the Senegal defence let in Kufre Ebong, but before he could shoot into an empty goal Thioune held on to the ball to be sent off for a professional foul. Etebo held his nerve to send goalkeeper the wrong way and Nigeria all the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Nigeria’s other super hero was goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, who saved a penalty in first half stoppage time for Dream Team VI to hold hosts Senegal 0-0 after the first period. Daniel fouled Dieng Chekhou inside his own box, but he made amends when he saved Sory Keita’s penalty moments later. The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper also pulled off a big save in the 13th minute, when he came face-to-face with Keita. He also saved in the 36th minute, when he held a downward header from inside the 18-yard box. Nigeria also had their chances to get on the scoresheet with the most notable being in the 42nd minute, when Junior Ajayi
Ghana left back Richard Kissi Boateng has caught the eye of his club coach at TP Mazembe Patrice Carteron.
The French coach described the Ghana international as an aggressive and a versatile player. “He (Richard) took advantage of an injury to Jean Kasusula and established himself on the left side of defence. He’s an aggressive player, also versatile as he can play as a left midfielder or left winger,” Carteron told reporters. “He must be more consistent, as he will be facing competition from other players who are also eyeing the opportunity,” Carteron added. Before this season, Kissi Boateng was a bench warmer but an injury to Congolese international Kasusula gave the him an opportunity to play and he has not looked back. Mazembe recently won their fifth CAF Champions League title after defeating USMA 4-1 on aggregate.
Nigeria vs Sengal
put the ball through the legs of the Senegal goalkeeper and captain, but Kufre Ebong was denied on the goalline by a meaty tackle by a defender of Senegal. In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate, recording as many as 11 shots on target as against four by Nigeria. The game struggled to rise to its high billing but in the 59th minute, Nigeria
goalkeeper Daniel used his foot to deny goal-bound Ismaila Sarr. The home team did not have the cutting edge even when they introduced Belgiumbased forward Sidy Sarr and they will now have to try and qualify for the Olympics by winning the third-place match on Saturday.
Nigeria through to U23 AFCON Final
...Continued from back page
Nigeria also had their chances to get on the scoresheet in a pulsating first half when Junior Ajayi put the ball through the legs of the Senegal goalkeeper and captain only to see Kufre Ebong’s attempt to finish off the move thwarted by a robust last-ditch tackle. In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate, recording as many as 11 shots on target to Nigeria;s four. In the 59th minute, Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel needed an outstretched foot to deny a goal-bound Ismaila Sarr strike. But the home team lacked a cutting edge even when they introduced Belgium-based forward Sidy Sarr and they will now have to try and qualify for the Olympics by winning the third-place match on Saturday.
Kissi Boateng impresses coach
Balotelli, Bertolacci back in AC Milan training Striker Mario Balotelli and midfielder Andrea Bertolacci have returned to group training with AC Milan after a number of weeks on the sidelines with injuries. Liverpool loanee Balotelli has not fea-
tured for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side since their 1-0 Serie A defeat to Genoa on September 27 due to a groin problem, while Bertolacci’s
knee injury has seen him miss out for over a month.
Milan’s form has been mixed in their ab-
sence - they currently sit eighth in Serie A but the pair returned to train with their teammates at Milanello on Wednesday.
Reports have suggested the pair could
form part of Mihajlovic’s squad for the visit
of rock-bottom Verona on Sunday, although Nigeria’s U23 team at training session
The final against Algeria, who defeated South Africa 2 – 0 in their semi-final, will be played 8pm local time on Saturday at the Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar and will be third time the teams will have clashed in
the club are yet to confirm a possible return the tournament since the inaugural competition in Morocco in 2011, which was won by Gabon. Nigeria thrashed the North Africans 4-1 four years ago, before they drew 0-0 in a group game in Senegal.
date.
Milan have lost just one of their last eight
league games, but were held to a disappointing goalless draw by strugglers Carpi on Sunday.
23
Friday, 11 December - Thursday, 17 December 2015 ISSUE 609
WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK
Nigeria qualify for Rio Olympics after pipping Senegal SEE PAGE 23
NIGERIA THROUGH TO U23 AFCON FINAL By Alan Oakley
Nigeria will face Algeria on Saturday for the 2015 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after narrowly defeating favourites and hosts Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Nigerians needed a 77thminute penalty converted by skipper Oghenekaro
Etebo to overcome the fancied Senegalese in Dakar. A mix-up between goalkeeper Seydou and Thioune in the Senegal defence let in Kufre Ebong, but before he could shoot into an empty goal Thioune held on to the ball to be sent off for a professional foul. Etebo held his nerve to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and Nigeria all the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics – a by-product of reaching the U23 AFCON final.
Senegal had chances to continue their seemingly inexorable progress to the final in a dominant first period. Nigeria’s other hero, goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, saved a penalty in first half stoppage time, having fouled Dieng Chekhou inside the penalty area. The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper also pulled off a big save in the 13th minute, when he came face-to-face with Keita, and again in the 36th minute, when he held a downward header from inside the 18-yard box.
Continued on page 23
African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 3737 3077 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com