African Voice Newspaper Issue 611 by African Voice Newspapers UK

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Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016 ISSUE 611

SINCE 2001

£1.00 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 Communities Officers celebrate save Honours List 2016 boy’s life

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 4

Charities condemn Cameron response to refugee crisis Like us on Facebook facebook.com/africanvoicenews Follow us on Twitter @africanvoice2

By Alan Oakley

David Cameron’s response to the refugee and migrant crisis has been criticised as being “too slow” and “clearly inadequate” by 27 leading charities.

In a joint letter coordinated by the British Refugee Council, the group of charities, which includes Oxfam, Amnesty International and the International Rescue Committee, called on the Prime Minister to allow more people through the UK’s ever-tightening borders and for Britain to take a “fair and proportionate” share of refugees. The letter urged the Conservative Party leader to show a “new resolve” to deal with the crisis, during the course of which almost 4,000 refugees died in 2015. “Last year saw 3,770 people drown and hundreds of thousands more endure a desperate march of misery across the continent. “Last year’s announcement that the UK will resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years was a welcome first step,” said the letter, which went on: “But given the numbers of people searching for safety across the globe, this response is clearly inadequate: it is too slow, too low and too narrow.”

David Cameron is seeking support from German chancellor Angela Merkel for reforms to EU legislation

Other groups to have signed the open letter include Christian Aid, Cafod, Greenpeace, Islamic Relief,

the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Liberty and World Vision.

Continued on page 2

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Have You News Got News Gunmen attack tourists near Egypt’s Great Pyramid For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

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UN peacekeepers in fresh sexual abuse claims

The UN has been hit by new allegations that its peacekeepers sexually abused four underage girls in Central African Republic.

An investigation had been launched into the allegations, a UN spokesman said. The latest allegations bring to 26 the number of sexual abuse cases targeting peacekeepers in the CAR, AFP news agency reports. “We are really sick and tired of this coming back each time,” New Zealand’s UN Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen said, after the Security Council discussed the issue at a closed-door meeting in New York, AFP reports. It quoted a UN official as saying that some of the abused girls had allegedly been living in a camp in CAR’s capital, Bangui, for people who had fled the violence that has hit the country since 2013. The peacekeepers were believed to be from Gabon, Egypt and Morocco, but the UN did not confirm this, AFP reports.

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

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

Masked gunmen on motorcycles have opened fire on a tourist bus and hotel near Egypt’s pyramids at Giza.

No injuries were reported but the attack by two masked assailants left windows of the Three Pyramids Hotel smashed and caused damage to the vehicle. Egyptian government officials said the men were among a gang who had amassed nearby, who went on to shoot “cartridges” towards the hotel, a short drive from Cairo’s most famous ancient site. “There has been some damage to the hotel’s glass windows, as well as damage to a tourist bus” in front of the building, they said in a statement. One arrest was made as the attackers fled and a police investigation is underway to find the other individual involved. The nationalities of those apparently targeted have not been confirmed, but two Israelis were reportedly among the tourists. Although there were no injuries reported, this latest attack appearing to target foreigners will likely be another blow to Egypt’s beleaguered tourism industry, particularly given the proximity to the Giza pyramids, one of the country’s main draws. This is not the first time there have been gun attacks in the Giza area, although the latest attack will do little to settle concerns about visitor and resident safety in Egypt’s capital. In 2014, two bombs exploded near Giza Zoo and the Four Seasons Hotel. And last November masked men on motorbikes opened fire on police officers in Giza, killing four, while security services said they foiled an attempted attack on tourists at Luxor.

Armed guards at the iconic location, Giza

Charities condemn Cameron response to refugee crisis Continued from front page

It calls on the Government to do “much more” to ensure refugees are not “compelled to take life-threatening journeys or forced into smugglers’ hands.” Refugee Council spokesman Maurice Wren told the BBC that there are “no easy answers” to a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude. “However, the solution must not be to spend another year impassively watching on while desperate people drown or are forced to endure a march of misery across the continent as they try to find a safe haven or to be reunited with their loved ones. “This year the prime minister must open his heart and show true statesmanship by welcoming far more refugees to the UK, enabling them to travel here safely and legally to live lives free from violence, tyranny and oppression.” A Government spokeswoman said: “The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of offering sanctuary to those who genuinely need our protection, with each claim for asylum judged on its individual merits. “The terrible images we have seen in the

last year have moved us all, strengthening our resolve to help prevent more people suffering such a fate. “The terrible images we have seen in the last year have moved us all, strengthening our resolve to help prevent more people suffering such a fate. “That is why we are resettling people directly from the countries neighbouring Syria, to which so many refugees have fled, and we have already met our target of welcoming 1,000 of the most vulnerable before Christmas. “The UK is also playing a leading role providing life-saving aid to those most in need, both in the Syrian region, where we have pledged over £1.1 billion in humanitarian aid, and in Europe. It is essential that we focus our support where we can make the biggest impact.” Set against David Cameron’s offer to resettle 20,000 specifically Syrian refugees over five years, Germany managed to process that many from various countries in one busy weekend and has said could take over a million over the next year.

The UK has also refused to accept refugees who have travelled to European under their own steam and is only relocating people from camps near the Syrian conflict zone. Additionally, Britain has refused to take part in an EU refugee scheme to redistribute people claiming refuge in southern European countries, where services are already at breaking point. Ministers have previously said they believe provision for refugees coming to Europe including search and rescue cover for those travelling by boat - would encourage more people to make the journey. Mr Cameron is currently in Germany to make a fresh appeal for Chancellor Merkel’s support over changes he is seeking to the European Union, suggesting they are key to the UK’s membership. The Prime Minister intends to argue that his desired changes would benefit Europe’s largest economy as well as the UK. Mr Cameron is pushing for an EU-wide agreement at a summit next month.

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News

Communities celebrate Honours List 2016 The New Year’s Honours List in recognition of the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people right across the United Kingdom included some members of the ethnic minorities.

Recipients from the British ethnic communities receive congratulatory messages from family members and friends as the news spread. In total 1,196 people received various awards. 1,044 candidates have been selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level. 329 at BEM, 472 at MBE and 243 at OBE; 76% of the recipients are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity. There are 578 successful women candidates in the List, representing 48% of the total; 5.7% of the successful candidates come from ethnic minority backgrounds and 7.5% of the successful candidates consider themselves to have a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Among the well-known names being honoured there is a Companion of Honour to Sir Roy Strong for his outstanding contribution to UK cultural life; a knighthood

Idris Elba OBE

for champion jump jockey, AP McCoy; a knighthood for former television journalist, Martyn Lewis, for his service to the voluntary and charitable sector; a knighthood for the choreographer, Matthew Bourne; a CBE for Denis Law for services to football and to charity; a CBE for Francis Lee for services to football and to charity; an OBE for sports commentator, Sue Barker;

David Oyelowo OBE

an OBE for singer-songwriter, Damon Albarn; an OBE for actor, James Nesbitt; an OBE for actor, David Oyelowo; an OBE for actor, Idris Elba; an OBE for cyclist, Chris Froome; an OBE for snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan; and an MBE to sports broadcaster, Jacqui Oatley. British Africans on the list include Ms Oluwayemisi Olivia JENKINS Officer,

Oluwayemisi Olivia JENKINS MBE

Border Force, Home Office. Honoured with MBE for services to Border Security and Wellbeing in the Workplace in Grays, Essex. The Reverend Kwaku FRIMPONGMANSON for services to the community in Tottenham, London. Ms Ronke OKE founder and director, Emi & Ben Natural (Ronke Ige) Skincare. For services to Business and charity in London.

UK charity demand halt to indiscriminate deportation The leadership of Hospital & Prison Action Network (HPAN), a duly registered charity organisation in the United Kingdom with offices in Nigeria has expressed seriously concerned about Nigerians being deported on a regular basis, especially those who have been in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world for many years and unfamiliar with the mass changes back in Nigeria. The leadership of HPAN is calling on Nigeria’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammad Buhari GCFR to further demonstrate his commitment to the Nigeria Diaspora constituency by ensuring that those deported exercise their rights as Nigerians. In a statement sent to African Voice, Reverend (Dr) Nathaniel Oyinloye, Founder and CEO of Hospital & Prison Action Network (HPAN) said, “I am calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a ‘Deportees Task Force’ comprising of immigration officers, police officers, custom officers and some diaspora representatives, to look into the 4

reasons why some people are deported and to ensure that they are really Nigerians.” Hospital & Prison Action Network (HPAN) is also calling on the Federal Government to establish a roadmap to accommodate Diaspora returnees so that their skills would be added value to the prosperity of Nigeria instead of them becoming a liability. HPAN has been operating in the United Kingdom for over 10 years and at the height of homelessness and poverty in the diaspora community due to economic crisis; the organisation has fed over 36,000 individuals in the last 3 years through partnership with major food chains in the United Kingdom. Apart from running local free medical surgery open day in the community, the organisation also entered into partnership agreement with stakeholders in the United Kingdom to assist vulnerable Nigerians in immigration detention or prison. Hospital & Prison Action Network (HPAN) is equally concerned about the increase in political violence across some areas in Nigeria which could increase extremist and radicalization with zero strategy to tackle radicalisation in Nigeria prisons. The organisation is currently working on the establishment of a rehabilitation and resettlement camp in Nigeria.

Reverend (Dr) Nathaniel Oyinloye, Founder and CEO of Hospital & Prison Action

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Health News

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

Parents urged to get 5-year-olds “Sugar Smart” A new campaign launches on 4 January 2016 encouraging parents to get “Sugar Smart” and take control of their children’s sugar intake.

The Change4Life campaign follows revelations that 4-to-10 year olds consume over 5,500 sugar cubes a year, or around 22kg - the average weight of a 5-year-old. A new Sugar Smart app has been launched to help parents see how much sugar there is in everyday food and drink. The free app works by scanning the barcode of products and revealing the amount of total sugar it contains in cubes and grams. Change4Life has created an eyeopening short film to warn parents about the health harms of eating and drinking too much sugar, including becoming overweight and tooth decay. In 2013, almost a third (31%) of 5-year-olds and almost half (46%) of

8-year-olds had tooth decay, the most common reason for 5-to 9-year-olds being admitted to hospital. The film brings to life the excessive amount of sugar consumed by the average child per year, currently 3 times the new maximum recommended daily amount. The recommended daily maximum added sugar intake is: • 19g, that’s 5 sugar cubes for children aged 4 to 6 • 24g, that’s 6 sugar cubes for children aged 7 to 10 • 30g, that’s 7 sugar cubes children aged 11 or older A fifth of 4-to-5-year-olds and a third of 10-to-11-year-olds are overweight or obese. Overweight children are more likely to become overweight adults making them more prone to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. There are now 2.5 million people suffering

Public Health England launches “sugar smart app”

from Type 2 diabetes, 90% of whom are overweight or obese. Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist for Public Health England, said: Children are having too much sugar, 3 times the maximum recommended amount. This can lead to painful tooth decay, weight gain and obesity, which can also affect children’s wellbeing as they are more likely to be bullied, have low selfesteem and miss school. Children aged 5 shouldn’t have more than 19 grams of sugar per day. That’s 5 cubes, but it’s very easy to have more. That’s why we want parents to be “Sugar Smart”. Our easy to use app will help parents see exactly where the sugar in their children’s diet is coming from, so they can make informed choices about what to cut down on. Obesity costs the NHS £5.1 billion per year and is projected to rise to £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year. The campaign reveals the sugar content of everyday food and drink; a chocolate bar contains 6 cubes of

sugar, a small carton or pouch of juice drink contains over 5 cubes and there are 9 sugar cubes in a can of cola, instantly taking children up to or over their recommended maximum for the day. The Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign will launch with television, digital and outdoor advertising, and updated web content from today across England. Five million Sugar Smart packs will be given away to primary age children and their families via schools, local authorities and retailers. A nationwide roadshow will take place across 25 locations from 18th January. Five major supermarkets have also pledged to support the campaign through educating and helping customers make healthier food choices when shopping. Search ‘Change4Life’ online to download the new free app and get hints and tips to cut down on sugar. Change4Life will release further information throughout the campaign, including a Sugar Smart mini series featuring Jamelia and Amanda Ursell with lots of practical tips for parents on how to eat less sugar.

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Challenges facing UK economy in 2016 Chancellor George Osborne in a speech to business leaders in Cardiff on 7th January says, this year is mission critical for the economy.

Getting infrastructure decisions right in 2016 is mission critical. So too is our plan to boost the wages of Britain’s low paid. If we’re complacent, Britain could find itself going the way of some other Western nations and become a society of higher welfare bills, higher taxes to pay them and lower wages as a result. We need to do the opposite. That doesn’t happen by itself. It needs a plan and decisive action. So we’re reducing welfare costs and ensuring it always pays to work, with major reforms to our benefit system. We’re cutting taxes on income – in April the tax-free personal allowance will reach £11,000. We’re making further major cuts to corporation tax to give us the lowest rate of any major economy in the world. And we’re bringing in the new National Living Wage in April. The new rate of

£7.20 will mean a £900 increase in the annual earnings of a full-time worker. This is how we build the higher wage, lower welfare, lower tax society Britain needs. And we’re going to make sure those wages go further too. So we have committed to a big push on competition. Again, competition doesn’t just happen. If you’re not active in promoting it, monopolies creep in, vested interests take control. Last autumn I asked Treasury economists to look at 10 core markets – things like banking, telecoms, the utilities and insurance – to make sure customers are getting good deals. They found a typical household spent close to 40% of their disposable income in these markets. But they also found inefficiencies: a lack of competition in some markets, opaque pricing and people paying too much in others. The steps we are taking to cut out those distortions mean households could save close to £500 a year.

Chancellor George Osbourne

And over the course of this Parliament we will go further, removing the obstacles to allow new competitors to enter protected markets. I’ll give you some examples. It means online pharmacies that deliver prescriptions to the door; it means giving people choice over their water supplier; and making it easier for places like supermarkets to provide legal services. One of the biggest monthly bills many people pay is their mortgage – and an important source of income for people is their savings. So it’s no wonder that people are starting to talk about what a rise in interest rates might mean for us all. Of course, interest rates are not something for me to set. That’s for the independent Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England. But inevitably, with the US Federal Reserve having made their decision to raise rates last month, there is a discussion about how and when we begin to move out of a world of ultra-low rates. Let’s be clear, higher interest rates are a sign of a stronger economy. The job of government is to make sure we’ve got in place the policies to monitor overall levels of indebtedness across families and the wider economy, while backing savings too. That doesn’t just happen by itself. It requires positive action and a plan, and that’s what we’ve put in place. So I’ve created a powerful new Financial Policy Committee in the Bank of England that can check overall levels of debt in the economy, and deal with specific risks such as the buy-to-let mortgage market. These steps are not always popular, but they do make our economy more resilient. British families have also worked hard these past few years to reduce their debts

– and so debt as a proportion of income has fallen. But there is more to do to make sure British household finances are sound. 40% of British adults don’t have a week’s wages put aside to cover an unexpected expense, and almost half don’t have any pension savings. Of course, putting money aside is often difficult, every family is different – and it’s up to each one to make their own decisions about when it’s right to borrow and when it’s right to save. But that is not an excuse for government inaction and complacency. Overall we must make it easier and more attractive for people to save. For while there may be a global glut of savings, here in Britain not enough people on lower and middle incomes are saving for their retirement. That’s why we’ve got a plan to change that: auto-enrolment – the scheme where employers enrol all employees into a pension – is having a huge impact: there are three million more people are saving into a pension compared to just two years ago. We’ve made pension saving more attractive – by removing the restrictions on how people can spend their savings when they reach retirement. We’ve massively increased ISA limits – the most popular way for people to save tax-free. Last month we launched our Help to Buy ISA – already over 140,000 people have opened an account and are starting to save for their first home. And in April we’re introducing our new state pension. It will be far simpler than the current system, more progressive and much fairer to women. It’s all part of supporting saving for everyone. And there’s more critical work to do in 2016.

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Arts Culture

Comment

The Folly and Vanity of Social Media “Friendship” By Akintokunbo Adejumo “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” This quote is attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who wrote extensively about the notion and importance of true friendship as a determinant of “meaningful” living. In Psychology, “a meaningful life is a broad term encompassing a varied number of definitions having to do with the pursuit of life satisfaction. Meaning can be defined as the connection linking two presumably independent entities together”. (Wikipaedia)

The notion of “friend,” of course, is used rather loosely in the online world of Facebook. Alex Pattakos, in his article, “The Meaning of Friendship in a Social Networked World” asked “What is happening to true friendship? Is it dying away? Or are the various social media “platforms” such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn simply redefining or transforming our modern-day notion of friendship? If so, what are the implications for life as we know it on this planet? Will we be happier? Will it promote the kind of meaningful existence that Aristotle was seeking and advocating?” In the days before social media , we were likely to get twenty or thirty phone calls per day and forty or fifty emails, excluding hundreds of spams, of course; now we’ve traded the telephone for other connection points (I only get 2-3 landline telephone calls per day, and if I get more, they are likely to be my creditors asking for their money back or salespeople trying to sell one thing or the other to me), but now, I interact mostly via social media with friends, family, colleagues, and even people I don’t even know. The number of “messaging inboxes” we have is overwhelming: email (I have three accounts), Twitter, MySpace, Plaxo, Facebook, Facebook messages and chats, LinkedIn and its messages, Google + messages, blog remarks, BlackBerry Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, WhatsApp, Viber, imo, Skype, text messages, Instagram, phone, voice mail, and several topically or

geographically specific forums, groups and social networks. That’s a lot of relationship. How do we justify this? We do it because we believe that more relationships provide more opportunity. The fact is, social media has made a big world become smaller. That is one usefulness of it. Why, politicians all over the world have made use, and continue to make use, of social media to campaign and win elections. President Obama was most notable. Businesses and organisations now use it to sell their services and goods. Friends and long-lost family use it to connect and reconnect. So now, about my personal predicament! Come to think of it, do I need 5000 friends on Facebook, social media or no social media? I had reached 5000 limit over four years ago. So I opened another account, me being a vain man. I quickly closed the second account down after a year or two, when I realised my folly and vanity. So how many of the 5000 friends do I really interact with or need? Even in real life, do we have that many “friends”? Acquaintances, work and business colleagues, people we meet casually once or twice, maybe, but not friends; and how large can one’s extended family be to net you 5000 of them? If you are a politician, or you have your own “blog-site”, those following you are not your friends. The first thing I do in the morning is check Facebook’s Birthday Calendar and wish all my friends and family, whose birthdays come up, Happy Birthday wishes individually. This takes me up to one hour sometimes, depending on how many friends and family are having their birthdays on that day. It was then I devised a new way of spotting inactive and/or unconcerned friends. Just do the “See Friendship” and this will give you an indication of how a friend has been interactive with you. When I do this, I discover those who I post birthday wishes and other greetings to over the course of being friends on Facebook; friends who never acknowledge your compliments, prayers and well-wishes, and/or friends who never send you any compliments, wellwishes and prayers. Nor interact with you in any way since you became friends. There are also friends with absolutely nothing on their Profile, and no Profile or other pictures, or with fake names and nicknames, making them anonymous and a risk or hazard of being friends with – they know about you, but you know nothing of them. Then there are friends who want you to comment or Like their posts, but will never comment or Like your own posts. Friendship goes both

ways – give and take. Friends who never greet you even when you greet them; are those really “friends”? Maybe Facebook should change that term - Friend. So why do I do it? Do I need to do it? It is has become my nature. How would I not wish my friend Happy Birthday, and why would a supposed friend not wish me Happy Birthday? I don’t understand. I suppose it is the Human Engineering trait in me, my love of people, making friends and enjoying it. But now, with great relish and no regrets, I am daily reducing the numbers of friends I have on Facebook. I don’t block them, I just unfriend them. I am aiming to have as few as 1000 very good friends in 2016. We don’t need 5000 friends; we need a few quality and reliable friends, who appreciate us as we appreciate them; who add value to our lives as we think we do them, and who are responsive to us. They don’t even need to share our views and criticisms on politics, religion, life, culture, tradition, etc. In fact, for me, I want them to be critical of my views, if they feel so, because I will also learn from them. I don’t have a monopoly of

knowledge or ideas. I am human, so I can be wrong, or uninformed or ignorant of issues. A man, who does not make a mistake, they say, does not make anything. Correct me if I am wrong. I have made some really good friends on Facebook since in I joined around 2008 or so. I have met several friends personally only after we have met on Facebook, and we have become great real friends. There are some friends, males and females, who, despite having never met face to face, are like we have been friends for ages that I trust and they trust me; we chat and call on the phone, WhatsApp, Skype and other interactive communicative media. I will still meet more of them in future. I will continue to take a knife to my “Friends List” until I am satisfied with the quality and quantity of friends and family that I have. I don’t need 5000 Facebook friends – Quality, NOT Quantity. To ALL my social media friends and family: In everything there must be a season, a time to come and a time to go, I pray that this New Year 2016 brings to you and your family happiness and joy forever and ever. Amen.

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

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Arts

Theatre, Shows and Musicals By Edward Mirza

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

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

KINKY BOOTS Now – May 28th 2016

The UK première of Kinky Boots, Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit opens at London’s Adelphi Theatre on 15 September 2015, with previews from 21 August. With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. The Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS

ROBIN HOOD Dec 5 - Jan 23, 2016

Join Theatre Royal Stratford East this Christmas for lots of laughter, brand new songs and a sack full of festive fun in this dazzling new version of the classic tale 10

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 .

THE ROLLING STONE Jan 14 - February 20, 2016

Dembe and Sam have been seeing each other for a while. They should be wondering where this is going and when to introduce each other to their families. But they’re gay and this is Uganda. The consequences of their relationship being discovered will be explosive. Especially for Dembe, whose brother goes into the pulpit each week to denounce the evils of one man loving another. The Rolling Stone was the winner of a Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2013 and first premiered at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, in April 2015 to critical acclaim. Chris Urch’s plays include Land of Our Fathers (Theatre503/Trafalgar Studios). The Orange Tree Theatre1 Clarence Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2SA

THRILLER - LIVE Now - April 17, 2016

Thriller - Live, the spectacular concert show that celebrates the music of the world’s greatest entertainer and undisputed King of Pop, Michael and the Jackson 5, is celebrating its 2,000th West End performance on Thursday October 24. Smashing all previous records at the Lyric Theatre, where it recently celebrated becoming the longest-running production in the theatre’s 125-year history, Thriller - Live first moonwalked into the West End in January 2009 after three acclaimed UK tours. It has just extended its West End booking period to Sunday 28 September, 2014 Several world tours have seen the show play to acclaim in 26 countries, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Singapore, South Africa, China, Sweden, Finland and Norway, Japan and Brazil. More than 1 million people have seen

The Rolling Stone - at The Orange Tree Theatre

the show at the Lyric Theatre and more than 2.5million people have seen the show worldwide. Unlike other West End productions, Thriller - Live is not a rigid book musical with set songs, but is a constantly evolving music concert celebration. When Michael Jackson died, the Lyric theatre became a focus for fans from all over the world, who created a massive shrine of flowers, candles, and tributes. More than 40 books of condolence were signed in the foyer then sent to the Jackson family. A year after his death, a permanent West End memorial to Michael was unveiled in the theatre foyer. Thriller - Live brings to life on stage the distinctive high-energy dancing and pulsating sound of many of pop’s greatest hits, blending eye-popping video footage and effects together with dazzling choreography by the show’s award-winning director Gary Lloyd. The show has regularly been updated with additional songs, new visuals and choreography. Thriller - Live was originally conceived and created by Adrian Grant, a long time associate of Michael Jackson, and author of Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary. Thriller - Live is produced by Paul Walden and Derek Nicol for Flying Music in association with Adrian Grant for Key Concerts. Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 7ES

NINE LIVES BY ZODWA NYONI NATIONAL TOUR Now - Jan 2016 Presented by Leeds Studio in association with West Yorkshire Playhouse Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK. Dispersed to Leeds, Ishmael waits to hear his fate, he waits for a new life to begin amongst strangers. Strangers who don’t trust him and don’t want him there. But not everyone is bad… can he find a place to call home again? Some of us wanted to stop being afraid. Some of us wanted to find ourselves. Some of us wanted to belong. Zodwa Nyoni (West Yorkshire Playhouse/Channel 4 Writer in Residence 2014) threads together humour and humanity to tell the real personal story behind asylum headlines. 16 November 2015 Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford 19 November 2015 Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees 10 December 2015 Brighton, Brighton January 2016 Arcola, London

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Culture Star Wars newcomer John Boyega leads Senegalese master-musician Baaba Maal returns to Southbank Centre the nominations for the 2016 BAFTA

John Boyega as the rebellious storm trooper

John Boyega, who played the lead role of Finn in J.J. Abram’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, received his nomination after a plethora of critically acclaimed performances in which culminated in his role in the highly-anticipated Star Wars sequel.

Baaba Maal

The Peckham-born star said of the news: ‘Thank you to BAFTA and the jury. I’m honoured to be considered for the EE Rising Star Award in this company. What a great way to start the new year.’ African Voice encourages its readers to vote for John Boyega. To vote, visit: ee.co.uk/bafta

He performs tracks from his new record The Traveller with his new six-piece band. Released in January 2016, Maal’s 11th album mixes African roots music with Western electro.

The Traveller was recorded in London and Senegal with Johan Hugo Karlberg of The Very Best. Karlberg has previously

collaborated with M.I.A, Coldplay and Amadou & Mariam. Support comes from singer-songwriter Blick Bassy, who performs in Bassa, one of 260 languages spoken in Cameroon. His latest album, Akö, is influenced by bluesman Skip James and the itinerant musicians he encountered during his rural childhood. ‘A short but beautifully realised gem’ **** (The Guardian)

Les Blanc at The National Theatre

An African country teeters on the edge of civil war. A society prepares to drive out its colonial present and claim an independent future. Racial tensions boil over. Tshembe, returned home from England for his father’s funeral, finds himself in the eye of the storm.

A family and a nation fall apart under the pressure to determine their own identity as this brave, illuminating and power-

ful play confronts the hope and tragedy of revolution. Written eleven years after A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry’s final drama is an unknown masterpiece of the American stage and a highly theatrical search for the soul of post-colonial Africa. ‘Incredibly moving. Towering, magnificent.’ New York Times, on the original production 11

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Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

News

South Africa

Rights commission probes ‘racist’ realtor rant

The South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into inflammatory comments by estate agent Penny Sparrow and Standard Bank economist Chris Hart.

The commission on Monday said it had noted the comments, which dominated social media, saying the remarks were concerning. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the investigation, which would also include Justin van Vuuren’s comments calling some people “scum of the earth”, could lead to further legal steps. Formal complaints about this matter could also be laid with the Kwazulu-Natal provincial office of the commission, he said. In a Facebook post, KwaZulu-Natal real estate agent Penny Sparrow compared black people to monkeys. In her post, Sparrow wrote: “These monkeys that are allowed to be released on New Year’s eve and New Year’s day onto public beaches, towns, etc obviously have no education

Sparrow, her Facebook post and the beach that so enraged her

what so ever so to allow them loose is inviting huge dirt and troubles and discomfort to others (..) This lot of monkeys just don’t want to even try.” Hart tweeted: “More than 25 years after

Apartheid ended, the victims are increasing along with a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities…” Van Vuuren called for the Promenade in Durban to be made private as “these

animals with 13 kids” dirtied it and said it should not be enjoyed by the “scum of the nation”. According to Mangena, “It is very concerning to the Commission that 22 years into democracy there are still comments and actions that incite and promote racism. These utterances have gone viral and angered many. They open the wounds of millions who were formerly oppressed by the apartheid government.” He said they recognised that the comments did not represent the views of the majority of South Africans and called for those who felt aggrieved by the comments to lodge a complaint with them. The Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu has instructed the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB) to investigate and provide a report on action if necessary to be taken against Sparrow. All Estate Agents are required to register with the EAAB in order to legally practice in South Africa.

Rapper and underage model Nigeria Lassa Fever death toll squash romance rumours rises in Nigeria Under fire rapper Tyga has admitted having ‘talked’ with a 14-yearold model ... but ONLY to scout her musical talent after his team became interested in signing her as a singer, according to a spokesperson.

Tyga’s manager Anthony Martini told TMZ the rapper reached out to underage Molly O’Malia after his team found out she had a pretty strong musical following online and thought she might be a candidate for a Last Kings Records project ... his record label. Tyga claims it was strictly business and completely PG. As for her age -- according to text messages obtained by TMZ ... Molly mentions she is 17. Martini says in the exchange Tyga specifically asked her to send him some music, adding things never got “uncomfortable” as she has claimed. The rep says Tyga wanted to FaceTime Molly to talk business and see her sing while he sat in the studio with his producers. The 14-year-old’s blurred photo appeared on the cover of last month’s OK! Magazine accompanied by claims Tyga, 26, is “in love” with her. The story in OK! claimed Tyga left his on-again, offagain girlfriend Kylie Jenner “heartbroken” by texting with the girl, who he met on Instagram. 12

About 26 people are suspected to have died of Lassa fever in seven states across Nigeria, the BBC Hausa service is reporting.

A tearful Molly O’Malia leaves Monday’s press conference with lawyer Gloria Allred

O’Malia held a press conference in New York on Monday along with her attorney, Gloria Allred, to give her side of the story. She said people knew it was her in the photo, despite it being pixelated, and that she doesn’t deserve the negative attention she has been getting as a result of the story.

O’Malia’s mother, Anne, said at the press conference, “Molly decided the best thing to do was to stand up for herself. I’m very proud of her to have the courage to come today and do this.”

More than 150 others are feared to have been infected, the head of Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control Abdussalam Nasidi said. Health officials were still carrying out tests to confirm the numbers. “It could be lower but we need to wait for different laboratory tests before arriving at a definite figure,” Mr Nasidi added. Cases had been reported from states in the north and south - including the most populous, Kano, and the oil-rich Rivers State, he said. Lassa fever is transmitted to humans from rodents that harbour the virus. The most common complication of the virus is deafness and it is transmitted to humans from rodents that harbour the virus.

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Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

India

Teen smashes all-time cricket record

A ﬁfteen-year-old Indian schoolboy has scored an incredible 1000 runs in a single innings, becoming the ﬁrst cricketer at any level of the game to reach the milestone.

Batting against Arya Gurukul School in a Bhandari Cup match, Pranav Dhanawade reached 1000 runs in just 323 balls in an under-16 inter-school event organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) mainly for the beneﬁt of suburban schools. The epic knock, which lasted 395 minutes, included a staggering 870 runs in boundaries - 59 sixes and 129 fours. His KC Gandhi High School declared their innings at 1465/3 - also a world record - with Pranav remaining at unbeaten 1009, after the opposition side were bundled out for 31 on Monday. The previous record innings team total was Victoria’s 1107 against New South Wales made in Melbourne way back in 1926. Brushing aside West Indian Brian Lara’s 501 for Warwickshire against Durham in

Schoolboy ‘bat’s man’ Pranav poses beside a scoreboard ill-equipped for his epic knock

Iran

1994, which remains the highest individual score in ﬁrst class cricket, in the course of his multiple record-breaking feat, Pranav then surpassed Prithvi Shaw’s marathon 546, scored two years ago in a Harris Shield tie, an innings that had previously been the highest individual score in any form of cricket in India. The teenager then broke a 116-yearold cricketing record, amassing unbeaten 652 by close of play on Monday thus taking over the mantle of ‘highest individual score’ (including minor cricket) from A E J Collins. Collins had held the record since 1899 when he struck an unbeaten 628 for Clark House against North Town House at Clifton College here in England. Arya Gurukul School could only hope to hold on to draw the match after the hullabaloo died down but failed dismally by adding only 52 runs to their ﬁrst innings score before being bowled out for a second time, meaning their 22 individual innings amassed 83 runs.

Malaysia

Iran shows off nuclear-capable missile depot Delinquent drivers ordered to cough up

Iran’s Emad missile was shown off on state TV

Iran unveiled a new underground missile depot on Tuesday, with state television showing weapons in store that the United States says are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The Emad precision-guided missiles shown in the footage also violate a 2010 United Nations Security Council resolution. The deﬁant move to publicize Iran’s missile program seems certain to irk the U.S. as it plans to dismantle nearly all sanctions on Iran under a breakthrough nuclear agreement. The underground facility, situated in mountains and run by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was inaugurated by the speaker of parliament, Ali Larijani, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency and state television. The one-minute video of the facility followed footage of another underground missile depot last October. The U.S. says the Emad, which Iran tested in October, would be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and American ofﬁcials say Washington will respond to the

tests with fresh sanctions against Iranian individuals and businesses linked to the program. Iran’s boasts are a challenge for President Barack Obama’s administration as the U.S. and European Union plan to end nearly all international sanctions against Tehran under the nuclear deal reached in July. Iran has abided by the main terms of the nuclear deal, which require it to give up material that world powers feared could be used to make an atomic weapon and accept other restrictions on its nuclear program. But President Hassan Rouhani ordered his defence minister last week to expand the missile program. The Iranian missiles under development boast much improved accuracy over the current generation, which experts say is likely to improve their effectiveness with conventional warheads. The Revolutionary Guards’ second-incommand, Brigadier General Hossein Salami, said Friday that Iran’s depots and underground facilities are so full that they do not know how to store their new missiles.

Motorcyclists suffer a disproportionate number of deaths on Johor’s roads

As many as 31,000 motorists in the southern Malaysian state of Johor could soon be getting an unwelcome knock on the door if they fail to settle their trafﬁc ﬁnes.

A total of 31,110 motorists, including Singaporeans, have been issued arrest warrants for committing traffic offences in Johor and will have until the end of January to pay their respective outstanding fines, says Chief of Johor traffic police, Superintendent Baharuddin Mat Taib. The fines amount to RM9.3 million (£1,4 million), and the New Straits Times

reported that Singaporeans owe RM6.5 million (£1 million) of the amount. Mr Baharuddin said police will soon be carrying out a large-scale arrest operation. “I would like to remind the citizens of Johor and Singapore with summonses and arrest warrant to pay their summons before we carry out a large-scale arrest operation,” said Mr Baharuddin, adding that police will not compromise should there be any offenders who fail to pay their fines after the deadline. “Called Op Warta, the operation will be determined soon and may be in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations,” he added in a press conference at the state police headquarters on Wednesday. Throughout 2015, Malaysian police issued 489,947 summonses to traffic offenders across the country, a drop compared to 514,462 summonses the year before. According to Mr Baharuddin, out of those summonses, only about 72,000 - worth RM21.8 million in total - were paid. The balance amount remains outstanding. “The outstanding fines also include 19,555 summonses issued to Singaporean vehicles,” he said. Mr Baharuddin said that in addition to Op Warta, police are also conducting operations Op Halangan, Op Mabuk, Op Had Laju and Op Lumba Haram in order to reduce traffic congestion and accident rates, as well as to serve as reminders to motorists. The number of traffic accidents recorded in Johor last year was 67,037, with 991 causing the death of motorcyclists, motorcycle pillion riders and drivers. 13

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

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CRIME

Ofﬁcers save boy’s life

Heroic ofﬁcers had an emotional reunion with a seven-year-old boy whose life they saved earlier this year.

During a surprise pre-Christmas visit, Tami Akeju greeted the officers with the words: “thank you for saving my life”. Tami was reunited with officers PC Ed Bengree, PC Darren Greenall and Sergeant Allan Shields on Thursday, 10 December, at a medical rehabilitation centre where he is recovering. Tami suffered a cardiac arrest on 25 April at his home in Brentford, in full view of his parents Michael and Cynthia Akeju. Tami was in his bedroom sleeping when his heart and breathing suddenly stopped. Whilst Tami lay lifeless in Cynthia’s arms, Michael called 999 for help. PCs Bengree and Greenall from Hounslow Response Team arrived at the home where they immediately commenced emergency CPR. PC Bengree described the moment when they arrived at the house: “As soon as we arrived, Tami’s mother came running out clearly distressed and in tears. We rushed into the bedroom and saw Tami still and lifeless on his bed and immediately started CPR. We immediately knew that every second counted and so Darren and I began CPR.” Police Sergeant Allan Shields soon arrived to provide support. He said: “I went into the bedroom and saw both officers performing CPR, which they continued to

The officers and the boy

do for the next ten minutes. The paramedic arrived with the defibrillator; however he could not fit inside the small box room and instructed us to continue. PC Bengree took the defibrillator from him and attached it, delivering the first shock whilst I took over chest compressions. Sergeant Shields continued: “After the first shock we waited for any sign of life, but there was nothing. We continued chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation allowing the defibrillator to recycle before delivering the second shock. “At this point we were all praying silently for this little boy’s heart to start. Surely enough a faint heart beat was detected and Tami took his first breath which filled the room with hope and relief. Whilst we understood that Tami was not yet out of danger, we knew that we had given him the first and most important

lifeline.” Tami was rushed to West Middlesex Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The consultant in charge of Tami’s care later said “the efforts of these ofﬁcers undoubtedly saved Tami’s life, without them I am sure this young man would not be alive today.” As a consequence of the cardiac arrest, Tami suffered brain damage which resulted in him being unable to walk, talk or feed himself, and he remained in hospital for four months. Since August, Tami has been at The Children’s Trust, a specialist rehabilitation centre for children with brain injuries. Tami is doing well and relearning some of the key skills he had lost including walking and using his voice Following the reunion Tami’s mother

Cynthia said: “I was delighted to ﬁnally come face-to-face with the ofﬁcers who saved my son’s life. Had it not been for them, Tami probably wouldn’t be here today. “That whole night was a nightmare and a complete blur and I couldn’t thank them properly, so thank you for everything you did for me and my family. “The day this happened, Tami had been to school and he was completely healthy. His whole life changed in a split second but I am so pleased that when he woke up he remembered his Mummy and Daddy. “Thanks to all the hard work of the police, emergency services, The Children’s Trust and, of course, Tami himself - he is

recovering really well.” Sergeant Shields added: “As police ofﬁcers we learn to deal with our emotions, but when we heard Tami’s ﬁrst words they touched us with raw and deep emotion. “Tami’s determination and bravery is simply remarkable. It’s unbelievable when you witness how much strength this little boy has and how he will not give up on learning all the things any seven-year-olds do. “We will never forget Tami and the inspiration he has shown us all.” As a result of saving Tami’s life, PCs Bengree and Greenall, as well as Sergeant Allan Shields, are all due to receive awards for ‘Successful Resuscitation’ from the Royal Humane Society.

Man jailed for drugs offences

A man who arranged the importation of 1,100kg of drugs cutting agents into the UK has been jailed today.

Shem Lovelace-Hall, 20 was sentenced on Wednesday, 16 December, at Croydon Crown Court to ten years’ imprisonment. The cutting agents, benzocaine and phenacetin, would have contributed to the production of drugs with a street value of £32.5 million. On Thursday, 18 June, a 100kg consignment of phenacetin was seized at Heathrow airport having been shipped to the UK from a pharmaceutical company in China. The package had been sent to Lovelace-Hall’s ﬂat in Thornton Heath. Ofﬁcers began an investigation, and on Sunday, 20 September a further consignment of 30 25kg drums of benzo14

Shem Lovelace-Hall

caine and ten 25kg drums of phenacetin were seized at the Port of Felixstowe by the UK Border Force. The consignment

had been sent from the same company to the Thornton Heath flat. Both benzocaine and phenacetin are common cutting agents used in the adulteration of class ‘A’ drugs, in particular cocaine. Phenacetin has no legitimate use in the UK, having been identified as carcinogenic, and benzocaine in this volume has no legitimate use. Lovelace-Hall was linked to the websites www.strictlybenzocaine.co.uk and www.bash.is both of which sold cutting agents. A search of the Thornton Heath flat identified financial material linking Lovelace-Hall to these offences, and analysis of his laptop and mobile phones identified a large volume of material implicating him in the large-scale importation of cutting agents.

He was arrested on Thursday, 17 September. Lovelace-Hall pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 2 December to money laundering and importation of cutting agent contrary to section 45 to 65 of the Serious Crime Act 2007. Detective Sergeant Phil Carruth of Croydon Crime Squad said: “This was a bespoke investigation over a six month period by Met ofﬁcers working in conjunction with the National Crime Agency.” “Tenacious detective work resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of cutting agent that had no purpose other than to be illicitly cut with class ‘A’ drugs. “Today’s sentence should act as a deterrent to others. The MPS will pursue, charge and convict those involved in such illegal activities.”

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Whoopi wants Cosby facts laid bare

Actress/comedienne Whoopi Goldberg has told viewers of a daily chat show she is “glad” to see action taken over sexual assault accusations against her friend and fellow entertainer Bill Cosby.

Moderating on The View, a thinking man’s Loose Women insofar as it features a panel consisting solely of females, Goldberg said: “Look, I’m glad it’s happening, I sorta feel like, whenever you have people saying, ‘This is what happened, this is what happened, this is what happened,’ I want the court. I want to hear it. ... I want everybody to be able to ask the questions. We’ve heard a lot, but we have not heard anything from his side.” Cosby was charged with one count of aggravated indecent assault in connection to an alleged 2004 incident, shortly before the statute of limitations – a time limit beyond which charges for specified felonies cannot be brought - was to have run out. This marks the first criminal charge against Cosby, after more than 50 other women have accused him of drugging and/or sexually assaulting them prior to 2004. He has denied all wrongdoing. Raven-Symoné, who played Cosby’s character Dr Cliff Huxtable’s step-grand-

daughter Olivia on The Cosby Show, admitted on Monday’s episode of The View that she “would like to watch” the progression of the case unfold on television. “This needs to be on TV, I think,” speculated co-host Joy Behar. A preliminary hearing in Cosby’s case has been set for January 14. Cosby’s lawyer, Monique Pressley, has ruled out any possibility of accepting a plea deal. “My client is not guilty,” Pressley said. “And there will be no consideration on our part of any sort of [plea] arrangement.” Goldberg previously defended Cosby against the controversial allegations, but changed her tune in July. “It looks bad, Bill,” Goldberg noted in an interview with ABC News, adding, “Either speak up, or shut up, because people know now there’s a lot more out there than they thought.” On New Year’s Eve, Cosby broke his post-arraignment silence with a simple message on Twitter. “Friends and fans, Thank You,” he wrote. Earlier in December Cosby filed a countersuit against several of his accusers for defamation. He also filed a separate defamation lawsuit against supermodel Beverly Johnson, who made highly publicised claims that she “felt drugged” after sipping a cappuccino that Cosby allegedly offered her in the mid1980s.

Whoopi Goldberg on ABC talk show, The View

Halle “doing okay” with 22 years younger beau

Chris Webby

Halle Berry seems to be have a ~fresh~ approach to the new year — as a new report claims the gorgeous actress is now dating rapper, Chris Webby!

“Halle’s having a lot of fun with Chris,” a source close to the 49-year-old told OK! magazine. “She has a weakness for bad boys who are a little rough around the edges. He brings out her youthful side.” Halle split from husband Olivier Martinez in October before allegedly moving on with the 27-year-old.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have come to the decision to divorce. We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus of what is best for our son [two-year-old Maceo],” the former couple said in a statement. Just days later, the mother-of-two reassured Extra host Terri Seymour she was “doing okay.” “I keep pushing and I’m really happy to be here because whenever you’re going through anything in life, when you step outside yourself and focus on others, that’s always the best remedy for any situation that you’d rather not be dealing with,” she explained. 15

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Gospel By Michael Adekoya

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

ACT ON WHAT YOU BELIEVE!

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

One thing I desire in life is to please God, my Creator and heavenly Father. My friend, is that your desire too? The Bible says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Heb 11:6). Just as our earthly fathers reward us when we please them, so is God. He loves to be believed, trusted and pleased. And it takes faith to please Him.

My friend, do you know the greatest thing you could do that would please God and give Him glory? It’s not to give Him million of sterling pounds or dollars or euro. It’s not to give your body to be burned believing that you’re fighting for God. It’s not, even, to build a big temple. The greatest thing you could do to please God and glorify Him is to believe Him and act on His Word. Faith says, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” (Psa 18:2); and you act on it. Don’t just sing about your belief in a great God or pray about it or even read about it. It matters what you believe! You must act on your belief and when you do, that’s faith. The source of faith is God’s Word! The Bible says, “Faith comes continually by hearing continually; and hearing by the Word of God (Rom 10:17 emph). That’s how faith comes! But, “What is faith?” The best definition of faith is, “Acting on what you believe.” You may say, “I believe in God and in His Word!” But, are you acting on it? If not, all you have is a belief. It is possible to believe that God is real and yet never have personal relationship or encounter with Him. You can believe the Bible is truly the Word of God; yet never experience one of His written promises fulfilled in your life. Sound familiar! Isn’t it? Listen! Faith is an act! It is acting like it’s so even when it’s

not yet in the natural in order that it might be so, just because God said so. To enjoy the benefit of the air conditioner, you have to act by turning on the switch. Without that action, though the current is loaded in the air conditioner and everything is set, you would suffer under the heat, no matter how many hours you pray. This is what is happening in the Charismatic movement today. We speak so much, and act so little or not at all! We confess, pray, preach, teach and entertain until we are confused and begin to accuse or fight each other. As Church of Jesus Christ, it’s time to believe and act on His Word. When Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples believed that it was Him, but they remained in their boat, except Peter who acted on what he believed. The Bible says, “Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come, walking on the water. “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and began to walk on Jesus’ Word on the water toward Jesus” (Matt. 14:28). That’s faith! My friend, it’s like getting into your car, putting the key into the ignition, turning it on and fully expecting it to work. Jesus healed a man and told him, “Return to your own house and show how great things God has done for you”. The Bible says, “And he went and proclaimed throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done for him. And when Jesus re-

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

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

turned, the people gladly received Him, for they were waiting for Him”. (Luke 8: 3940). My friend, this is what your unsaved loved ones and friends are doing today…. They are waiting for Jesus! Don’t keep Him in the church or confine Him to your weekly or Sunday activities only. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that Jesus have commanded you” (Matt. 28:18-20) God’s Word says, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom 1:17). My friend, hear me! As a Christian, no matter how good, lovely, beautiful or gifted you are, if don’t know how to live by faith (acting on God’s Word), I’m afraid, satan will mark you as a prime target for anger, discouragement, confusion, defeat, depression or failure. Do you remember Peter? His failure would have got him thrown out of most churches today but the Good News was that Jesus gave him hope, identified his enemy and brought beauty out of Peter’s ashes. Jesus said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for you that your faith fails not” (Luke 22:31-32). My friend, hear me! Satan can never have its way in our lives, marriages, families, children, prayer lives, businesses, even in the church, until our faith fails. Your health cannot fail until your faith in God’s word concerning divine

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

health fails. Your finances cannot fail until your faith in the Word of God concerning Tithes and Offerings, Sowing and Reaping fails! Your destiny cannot crumble until your faith in what God says concerning your destiny fails. Your faith will not fail. Jesus says, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt. 17:20). My friend, please note, Jesus didn’t say, “If you say…” He said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed…” We must have faith first before we pray. Praying (saying) without faith is meaningless. If you have faith (acting on God’s Word) as tiny as a mustard seed, and you now are saying (praying) on the basis of the faith which you now have, mountain be removed and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in your heart but believing that what you say shall come to pass; you shall have whatsoever you say! This is a key to answered prayers! To get answer, you must lay hold of God’s Word that guarantees your victory, success in marriage, liberty, prosperity or healing; and mix the Word with faith in you, and then present the case to God and act. My friend, there is no mountain, hindrance, barriers or limitation on earth that faith cannot move. There is no situation that can escape the authority of faith! The Bible says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, where you’ll be able to quench all the fiery darts of the devil.” (Eph 6:16). Did you hear that! Taking the shield of faith, not the shield of accusation, gossip, criticism, backbitting, unseriousness, fear, insecurity, immorality, murmuring, unforgiveness, compromise, disunity, division. Whatever battle you are facing on earth answers to the authority of faith (obedience to or acting on the Word of God which you believe). The Bible says, “Whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). Faith is the master key to total victory. Remain blessed!

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

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm. For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church, Surrey Docks District, Solution Centre, 47-47 High Street, Swancombe, Kent, DA10 0DA Tel: 07956 38 38 70 Time of worship: Wednesday Bible study: 7:30pm to 9:00pm Friday, Night Vigil: 9pm to 11pm Sunday Worship: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

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Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016

Africa Newsround

Zimbabwe

Sales of wild elephants to China set to continue Zimbabwe has announced plans to capture and send more wild elephants to zoos and safari parks in China, despite the planet’s most populous nation’s patchy animal rights reputation.

On a December 31 visit to a safari park in China’s Guangdong province, Zimbabwe’s minister of environment Oppah Muchinguri fed a carrot to a Zimbawean elephant that had been sold to China last year, and told journalists, “We are happy that young African animals have been well accommodated here in China (…) We are willing to export more in the years to come to help the preservation of wild animals.” Zimbabwe has justified wildlife exports over the years by claiming its elephant population has grown too large—85,000 according to Muchinguri—especially as the country faces a years-long drought. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) deemed last year’s sale of 24 baby elephants for about $40,000 each to China as legal,

Only one of eight baby elephants sent to China in 2010 has survived, according to Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force

highlighting promises that the elephants would not be used for performances and would be free to roam 1.3 million square metres of land. The Chinese government has also promised to do more to curtail

demand for ivory, used in traditional Chinese medicine. (China is the world’s largest consumer of ivory.) Animal rights advocates say that turning over elephants to China, where

animal protections are weak, is a mistake. Seven of eight baby elephants sent to China in 2010 have since died, according to Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force. One very sickly elephant from that batch remains, according to the nonprofit. “They haven’t learned their lesson,” Rodrigues told reporters. “To do what they are doing is inhumane and it’s wrong. We should be looking after these animals in Africa.” The elephants are caught when they are young and kept in confinement for months until they become accustomed to humans. Then they are exported. Rodrigues expects that 165 wild animals from Zimbabwe, including elephants and lions, a threatened species, will be sold to China this year. Researchers say that domesticating a wild elephant and keeping it in captivity drastically shortens its lifespan. Infant mortality for elephants in captivity is almost triple the rate it is in the wild. Captive elephants live to around 40, while those in the wild can survive for up to 70 years.

Ethiopia

US redeploys drone ﬂeet amid Daesh threat The United States is shutting down its drone operations in southern Ethiopia as demands on its ﬂeet of unmanned aircraft expand elsewhere across the continent with the rise of Daesh in Libya, and extremist militants in Nigeria, Mali, Chad and Cameroon.

Since 2011, the US had been using the airbase in Arba Minch, 250 miles south of the capital, to launch surveillance drones aimed at groups in East Africa with links to Al Qaida. US personnel primarily focused on Al-Shabaab, a Somali group that has waged deadly terrorist attacks across East Africa. Pentagon ofﬁcials remained tightlipped on Monday about the reasons behind the move. Lt. Col. Michelle Baldanza, a Defence Department spokeswoman, said the US and Ethiopia agreed that the continued presence of the drone base was “not required at this time.” Some experts say the ﬁght against AlShabaab was going well enough that the Pentagon’s Africa Command, or Africom, had the opportunity to redistribute its

The US needs its drones to tackle the increasing threat from Islamic State in the north a west of continental Africa

scarce resources elsewhere. “Al-Shabaab remains virulent, but as a significant terrorist threat with high profile leaders in range for drone attacks, much less so,” said Peter Pham, director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Centre. Other groups, by contrast, are rapidly gaining strength — and presenting far more tempting targets for the Pentagon and its drone operators. In recent months, Daesh, also known as the Islamic State or ISIL, has consolidated its power in Libya, allowing it to easily move into the port city of Sirte, and now control an estimated 150 miles of territory along the country’s Mediterranean coast. Its presence has reportedly forced the US to focus on gathering intelligence there in order to better monitor militant movements in North Africa. The continued strength of Boko Haram — the extremist group terrorising northeastern Nigeria and parts of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger — has also forced Washington to dedicate more resources in the Lake Chad region as well.

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Nigerian News

Alaafin names Aregbesola the “Omoluabi of Yorubaland” A foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has bestowed upon the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the title of “Omoluabi of Yoruband” just as he urged Osun people to pay their taxes.

The Monarch who was at the Government House Osogbo to present the award stated that the Osun governor has always been at the forefront of projecting the “Omoluabi ethos” which the yoruba race has always preached. He explained that he has always monitored the administrative and leadership style of the governor since inception of his administration, saying Ogbeni Aregbesola has always led along the line of a true “Omoluabi”. According to the Alaafin, “The Yorubas are a tribe that always instill in their children and the youths all the characters of a responsible and well brought up individual, I have studied the leadership style of Aregbesola among all the governors in the country and have discovered that he is the only one whom have through his leadership style projected the “Omoluabi ethos” of the Youruba race.” “Aregbesola is man that breathes responsibility at all times, we have always been hearing of an Omoluabi for a long time and am so happy that we now have a Governor who is leading by example” As measure of the importance of his honour to Aregbesola, presented to him a photo compendium and signed framed portrait congratulating the governor on his new chieftaincy title of “Omoluabi of Yorubaland”. He stated that the Osun governor has always been at the forefront of projecting the “Omoluabi ethos” which the yoruba race has always preached. “It is a good thing to now have a person in the calibre of a governor who is portraying the “Omoluabi virtues” to the Nigerian youths.” The royal father also used the opportunity to call on the people of Osun to sup-

Aregbesola Bags Omoluabi of Yorubaland

port the government of the day by paying their taxes regularly, stressing that taxation is the most efficient and sure way to give the people good government. Oba Adeyemi who lamented the dwindling nature of the federal allocation pointed out that the only way out of the economic logjam is for the people to carry out their civic responsibilities as individuals. He added that if the people support the government of Aregbesola with their taxes, the present administration will find it easier to fulfill its obligations such as prompt payment of salaries and adequate provision of infrastructure, health care facilities and security. He said, “All over the world, taxation is the way out, for government to be able to conveniently provide for all the amenities and pay salaries conveniently, the people must endeavour to pay their taxes regularly.” “I want to urge the people of Osun to assist the present administration with the payment of their taxes, the present administration has done so much in terms of provision of social amenities such as construction of good roads, provision of affordable health care facilities, assistance for the aged.” “I also know that the Aregbesola administration has been providing free school uniforms as well as feeding the school pupils, something which no government has ever done, not even the federal government.” “If such a government now demands for a tax of just one thousand five hundred naira per individual in a year, I don’t think its too much.” “We need to realise that it has come to a stage where government can no longer do it alone, Osun allocation has dropped drastically and government may not be able to pay salaries and provide other amenities again except we show our support through the regular payment of our taxes.” he stressed. Responding, Governor Rauf Aregbesola noted that the reign of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has been very peaceful and fruitful, while praying that God should make the royal father’s resign more peaceful and eventful. Courtesy of Osun Defender.

From left - Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Lt. Colonel Ifenna Fredrick Agba and his Wife Mrs. Anthonia Agba during the Decoration of newly Promoted Officers at Army Barrack Ede, State of Osun

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (3rd left), newly inaugurated Chairman of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Professor Oluwole Atoyebi (middle), Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye (2nd left), Chief Medical Director, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Professor Akeem Lasisi (left), Aragberi of Iragberi, Oba (Dr) Folorunso Agboade Makanju (2nd right), Dr. Ademola Akintolu Onifade (right) and others, during the inauguration of a nine-man Governing Board of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, at Governor’s Office, Osogbo

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right), Chairman High Hope International Group Skyrun Corporation, Mr. Xie Shao (2nd right), General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Gu Xin (3rd left), Investment Deputy Vice Manager, Mr. Sophie Lee (2nd left), Former Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative and Empowerment, Hon. Jayeoba Ismail Adekunle Alagbada (right) and Executive Deputy General Manager of the Corporation, Vincent Yang (left), during a visit to the Governor at his Ikeja Lagos residence

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Nigerian News

Lagarde meets Nigeria’s Senate President By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

It took longer than everyone expected. But it worth it at the end. The IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde in continuation of her tour of duty in Nigeria yesterday commended the National Assembly for the resolve and determination to put things right in the face of a challenging period the country is going through and the time coinciding with the budget process. “I celebrate the courage and determination to put thing right. I cherish this moment because as a one-time finance Minister in France. I know presentation of budget is always the toughest. Budget process brings animated moments and interesting moments. You have the interest of the people at heart”.

The IMF MD who earlier visited the Mother Theresa Children home in the

IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde

Gwaripa area, said her visit to Nigeria before any other country in Africa was informed by the knowledge that Nigeria is a prime destination in Africa. She wants Nigeria to build on the richness in Natural resources and the vibrancy in human capital. The Managing Director at the press conference in the

office of the Senate President also cited Nigeria’s current need to maximise income from every revenue source. She said “we should show resolve by stepping up revenue mobilization. The first step is to broaden the tax base and reduce leakages by improving compliance and enhancing collection efficiency. At

the same time, public finances can be bolstered further to meet the huge expenditure needs. For example, the current VAT rate is among the lowest in the world and well below the rates in other ECOWAS members so some increase should be considered”. Lagarde sees milestone made by Nigeria in terms of the smooth government to government transition as a masterstroke. According to her “Nigeria has been acknowledged as the largest economy in Africa with a maturing political system. We saw a peaceful general election last year in which, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, there was a democratic transition between two civilian” governments”. She went further to say “It was a strong sign of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, to a new Nigeria”. The huge influence oil has on Nigeria’s economy was an issue this new government has promised to reverse. Lagarde stressed that “ At the same time, the external environment has changed. Oil prices have fallen sharply; global financial conditions have tightened; growth in emerging and developing economies has slowed; and geopolitical tensions have increased”.

Senator John Enoh: Implementing budget 2016 will uplift the economy

proposal will be considered appropriately. According to him “the budget proposals are going to be considered in their own merit and what is applicable in terms of our local situation”. He erased the wrong notion that IMF was in Nigeria to give recommendations or false policies on Nigeria. “IMF didn’t come with any recommendation, whatever we are doing, we do it to by showing our commitment, sincerity and dedication to the service to the Nation”. The Cross Rivers State Senator also stressed that continuous engagement with the executives is sacrosanct moving forward in the face the global financial situation and the challenges in widening the tax base. He said “ the budget proposal is with the National Assembly the instance case of VAT, the budget has come without any idea or inclusion in terms of VAT. The rate is still 5 percent. We will still continue to engage with the executive”.

By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

Christine Lagarde visit to the National Assembly has thrown up the issue of VAT increase and Tax base widening. This is coming at a time the budget proposal is with the National Assembly for scrutiny. Even when the IMF is not seen as giving or setting economic policy direction for Nigeria, it is still an issue of trust as most Nigerians find it hard to trust IMF. It is on this light the Senate Committee chairman on finance throws light on the emerging scenarios.

The Senate Chairman on finance, Senator John Owan Enoh said if the budget is passed and implemented well it will have a positive knock-on effect on the economy. Enoh told journalists at a short press briefing at the Senate yesterday the budget

Senator John Enoh

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Former colleagues react to Zidane appointment After a year and a half in charge of Real Madrid B, Zinedine Zidane was made the club’s firstteam coach on Monday, his maiden coaching job with a top-flight team. Now 43, the former France midfielder begins his tenure with a home game on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna. Not surprisingly, Zidane’s appointment caused quite a stir around planet football, with the quotes coming thick and fast from his ex-team-mates and coaches, ten of which have been picked out by FIFA.com. “Does it get any better than this?? A man that has been the best at a game we all love, taking over of a club that myself and many more people love… Someone with drive, passion and also doesn’t accept failure on any level… THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB.” David Beckham, a former team-mate of Zidane’s at Real, on Instagram. “He deserves it because he’s worked hard to be a good coach. He respects everyone and he’s a wonderful person. I hope he comes out a winner.” Former France striker Christophe Dugarry, talking to Infosport+. “I am very happy. I am very happy for him because he’s giving his all to his coaching career. It’s a life choice. He was in charge of the reserves at Real Madrid, and he’s now been given the chance to coach a first team, the Real Madrid first team no less. It reminds me a lot of Pep Guardiola’s career. Zizou’s making the same start and I

Zinedine Zidane

hope he goes on and has the same career. I know just how committed he is to the job.” Ex-France defender Bixente Lizarazu, talking to RTL. “It’s wonderful. Fantastic. He’s done his courses and he’s ready. He has taken things step by step. I’m a fan of Zizou’s, and I’m talking more as a footballer than as a friend. People sometimes justify themselves by doing a lot of talking but he’s never had to do that. He’s a born leader.” Former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, talking to RMC. “He hasn’t become first-team coach just like that. There aren’t many coaches or former players who’ve got the stature he has. He’s got that to back him up. We’ll just have to wait and see how the players take to him. If you ask me, though, it’ll work out. No

worries.” Ex-France coach Raymond Domenech, talking to Europe 1. “I might have been a bit sceptical two or three years ago but I’m right behind Zizou now. You can see that he’s changed and that he’s capable of giving out advice. I see a leader now and not just someone who was a captivating player. He’s a real leader of men and the dressing room. He has everything you need to succeed at Real Madrid. That said, you can’t bet on a coach being a success.” Ex-France defender Franck Leboeuf, talking to RMC. “It’s a good thing for him. He started to pick up experience, albeit with the reserve team. That’s how Pep Guardiola started out too. As I’ve often said to him, he can’t take his players to task for not being skilful enough because he’s only going to

have good footballers at his disposal. It’s always easier to coach quality players in a team where everyone is a potential matchwinner.” Former France midfielder Olivier Dacourt, who obtained his coaching badge with Zidane, talking to Eurosport. “He’s not chosen the easy way because this is Real and it’s halfway through the season at a club where the fans are very demanding. They don’t give you any time. It’s tough, but he knows the Bernabeu and the president inside out. The players have a huge amount of respect for him, which is a big thing in his favour. They’re hardheaded and there are some big egos that need handling there. The good thing is that Zizou knows them all. He had them under him when he was the assistant.” Ex-France winger Robert Pires, talking to Le Parisien. “I would have been surprised a year and a half or two years ago, but I’m not today. I don’t think he could really see it back then. He’s made the decision to go for it, and if you know him, you know very well that when he decides to do something he goes all the way.” French coach Guy Lacombe, who brought a young Zidane through at AS Cannes, talking to Infosport+. “He’s one of the greatest champions of all time and I know he has the personal values you need to coach Real Madrid. He’s quite shy – we know that – but these days you don’t need to shout to make yourself heard. The important thing is to be consistent.” Former France defender Vincent Candela, talking to RMC.

Nigeria name CHAN squad; head for SA camp Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has a 10–day pre-tournament training camp released his final 23-man squad for has been arranged, alongside two friendly the Orange CHAN Rwanda 2016. games against fellow Rwanda–bound Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Austin Oboroakpo and Chima Akas, Olympic team duo Usman Mohammed and Yaro Bature and forward Chisom Chikatara headline a list that also includes Enyimba FC’s skillful winger Ezekiel Bassey, former junior international Ifeanyi Mathew and the Sunshine Stars’ trio of Paul Onobi, Prince Aggrey and Tunde Adeniji. Former junior international goalkeeper Femi Thomas, Shooting Stars’ central defender Jamiu Alimi and former Supersand Eagles’ ace Bartholomew Ibenegbu have also been included. The Super Eagles B team, alongside technical and backroom staff, flew out of the country on Saturday (2 January 2016) afternoon to Pretoria, South Africa, where 22

Angola and Cote d’Ivoire on 6 January and five days later. Nigeria placed third at their only appearance at the CHAN finals, in 2014 in South Africa. The West Africans will campaign in Group C alongside 2011 winners Tunisia, Niger and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo, Kigali. Full squad Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); Okiemute Odah (Warri Wolves) Defenders: Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Chima

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh

Akas (Sharks FC); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars); Christopher Madaki Maichibi (Giwa FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars) Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (ElKanemi Warriors); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Yaro Bature (Nasarawa United);

Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Attah Salau (Shooting Stars) Forwards: Osas Okoro (Enugu Rangers); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

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Cote d’Ivoire unveil CHAN squad Ivorian coach Michel Dussuyer has named defender Kouassi Diallo Romuald of second-tier side, Williamsville Athletic Club (WAC) in his final 23-man squad for the Orange CHAN Rwanda 2016.

Romuald, who plays for the Ligue 2 outfit, was the surprise inclusion in the Frenchman’s squad ahead of the 6 January 2016 deadline. The defender is the only member of the team who plays outside the Ivorian top flight. Dussuyer’s squad is made up three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards. According to the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), ‘Les Elephants’ left for South Africa on Tuesday, 5 January 2016 for a training camp, with two friendlies lined up against Guinea and Nigeria on 8 January 2016 and three days later. The West Africans are housed in Group A with hosts Rwanda, Gabon and Morocco. Hosts of the maiden edition of the tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues, the Ivorians will be making their third appearance this time. Their other participation was in 2011 in Sudan.

Suspected thieves have shot dead Ibrahim Abubakar, head of protocol at Nigeria’s football governing body.

Cote d’Ivoire team for Rwanda 2016

Full squad Goalkeepers: Bamba Drissa (Stade d’Abidjan), Cisse Abdoul Karim (Sporting Gagnoa), Sangare Badra Ali (AS Tanda) Defenders: Britto Dagou Willy (AS Tanda), Comara Cheick Ibrahim (AFAD), Coulibaly Soualiho (Stade d’Abidjan), Goua Mahan Marc (Asec Mimosas), Kangoute Adama (Asec Mimosas), Koffi Marcellin (AS Tanda), Kouassi Diallo Romuald (WAC), Ouattara Soualio Dabila (Africa Sport)

Midfielders: Aka Essis Beaudelaire (Sewe Sport), Badie Gbagnon Anicet (AFAD), Ble Nilmar Treika (Sewe Sport), Diabate Inza (AS Tanda), Nguessan Yao Serge (AFAD), Yace Okpekon Marius (Africa Sport) Forwards: Atcho Djobo (AS Tanda), Boua Koffi Davy (AS Tanda), Guiza Franck (Sewe Sport), Mevy Dominique (Moossou FC), Toh Wassawaly (Yopougon FC), Zakri Krahire Yannick (Asec Mimosas)

Bavuma clears SA cricket’s last boundary Continued from back page Meanwhile, national newspaper the Times featured a picture of Bavuma at the moment he reached three figures with the headline “Cometh the hour, Cometh the man”. Firdoose Moonda’s article for ESPN described him as the “son of transformation”. “When he raised his bat at Newlands the only thing he would have seen, heard and felt was passion,” wrote Moonda. Bavuma’s innings represented part of a rear-guard action by the Proteas, who, having lost the first test, struggled to contain a resurgent England to a mammoth 629 for 6 declared. Proof of the measure of determination displayed by the hosts can be gleaned from the fact that Amla’s double-ton was the third slowest in the history of test cricket at 11 hours 24 minutes. Meanwhile, across the Indian Ocean, a teenager was scoring a thousand runs in six and a half hours! For South Africa’s Blacks, criticised for underachieving since being admitted into the fold of international cricket and even blamed by those opposed to ‘quota selections’ for South Africa’s failure to dominate the game, Bavuma’s innings represented much more. The BBC’s cricket correspondent, former England test player Jonathan Agnew said the innings transcended cricket and is

NFF official shot dead by robbers

amongst the greatest moments he has witnessed in the game. “I have followed South Africa and witnessed their first tour after they came back into world cricket in 1991 following the wilderness years of apartheid. “I watched their first Test match back their first in the West Indies - which was very significant, but the hundred by 25-year-old Bavuma is absolutely up there”, he said. Interviewed after play ended on day four, Bavuma said: “I would have liked to bat the rest of tomorrow if I could. I was born in Cape Town and my passion for cricket grew from here. “Having achieved this milestone at my favourite ground in the world makes it more special, but I’m also looking forward to playing at the Wanderers where I made my mark in first-class cricket.” Bavuma’s feat was watched by his father Vuyo, a former reporter who worked at the Cape Times and Cape Argus, although he was not expecting any favours at the postmatch press conference. “I see he [Vuyo] was here and yes he will also be asking questions just like the journalists do.” Firdoose Moonda wrote: “There was [first Black South Africa international, Makhaya] Ntini on the commentators’ balcony passing on a baton; there was an elderly white cou-

ple in the stands, who would have known the South Africa before Bavuma was born; there was his father in the president’s suite, a place he would not have been allowed near in the bad old days, and there were the KFC kids on the boundary rope from the same township Bavuma was brought up in. “All of them were smiling, most of them were crying too. What Bavuma achieved was big. Very, very big. Bigger than Bavuma may have thought was possible when he walked out to bat in the second session.” Born in May 1990, just weeks after Nelson Mandela was released from prison, Temba Bavuma is the sixth Black player to represent South Africa since apartheid and the first to be selected as a specialist batsman. He made his test debut against the West Indies in 2014 and is playing in his seventh Test. He is the shortest player in South Africa’s set-up and, at 162cm, is 3cm shorter than Sachin Tendulkar, India’s ‘Little Master’, the only player to have scored one hundred international centuries; the first batsman to score a double century in a One Day International (ODI); the holder of the record for the most runs scored overall in both ODI and Test cricket; and the only player to complete more than 30,000 runs in international cricket. No pressure at all, then.

Reporting the news via its Twitter feed on Wednesday (January 6), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said the Kaduna-born football administrator is being conveyed to his hometown of Kaduna, where he will be buried in accordance with Islamic rites. “NFF’s Head of Protocol Ibrahim Abubakar was shot dead by armed robbers in his house in Abuja in the early hours of today.”

CAF PLAYER OF 2015: AFCON triumph clinches Yaya fifth crown

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure led Cote d’Ivoire to a second AFCON in February in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, to end a 23year wait and boost his chances of winning a record fifth CAF African Player of Year award on Thursday. Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Fils has won the award four times, while Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, El Hadj Diouf of Senegal and Didier Drogba from Cote d’Ivoire have scooped it twice each. The 32-year-old Yaya has previously won Africa’s most prestigious individual accolade in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 with his immense contributions to his English Premier League club very decisive in those nominations. The statistics showed that City have shone more with the mercurial Yaya than without him. But for the past year, it will be mostly his displays for the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire that will clinch him this recognition. In the absence of the inspirational Drogba, the remnant of Cote d’Ivoire’s ‘Golden Generation’ led by Yaya pipped Ghana on penalties to win the 2015 AFCON. What the Elephants lacked in top individual stars, they made up for it with a cohesive unit and sheer character. Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ghana’s Andre Ayew are the other final nominees for the 2015 award. They have impressed at their respective European clubs in the past year and will most certainly be potential No.1 stars in Africa in the years to come. Aubameyang, for one, has been knocking on the door after he placed second to Yaya in the 2014 awards.

Friday, 8 January - Thursday, 14 January 2016 ISSUE 611

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Former colleagues react to Zidane appointment

SEE PAGE 22

BAVUMA CLEARS SA CRICKET’S LAST BOUNDARY

Temba Bavuma celebrates the first hundred scored by a Black batsman for South Africa

By Alan Oakley

A diminutive 25-year-old local has become the first Black cricketer to make a Test century South Africa in helping to rescue the Proteas from a second consecutive home defeat at the hands of

England during the fourth day of the second Test in Cape Town.

Temba Bavuma’s 102 not out usurped his captain Hashim Amla’s 201 from Wednesday’s front pages because of its significance to a nation whose majority population was, for decades, denied the right not only to represent their nation on the interna-

tional stage, but to even play the game at a first class level. The Cape Times devoted the top of its front page to Bavuma with the headline “102 not out”, reporter Michael Mentz describing his knock as the innings of his life at his home ground.

Continued on page 23

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