African Voice

Friday, 12 April 2013 – Thursday, 18 April 2013

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ISSUE 477

SINCE 2001

B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R Holding politicians to account for aid pledges

Jonathan Extols Thatcher’s leadership

SEE PAGE 4

SEE PAGE 9

Man jailed for Haringey mini crime wave

£1.00

SEE PAGE 14

Latest child well-being stats released UK improving but it’s still best to go Dutch A new study by UNICEF has ranked the UK 16th of the 29 so-called wealthiest nations in a league table of child wellbeing – below Slovenia and the Czech Republic but ten places above the US. An earlier report in 2007 put the UK at the bottom of a then 21-nation list of developed countries for overall child well-being, so there has been minor improvement. However there are still areas in which the UK ranks significantly low, especially among young people aged 15 to 19.

Teenage pregnancy rates continue to be high, as do the numbers of young people under 19 not in education, employment or training. The UK also has one of the highest alcohol abuse rates in 11 to 15 year olds.

More than £300 million has been cut from

services for young people in the Department for Education’s 2011-12 budget, a 26% drop from the previous year. In addition, 400,000 more children are projected to be in poverty by 2015-2016 because of cuts to services.

“With the UK ranking near the bottom of the league table on teenage pregnancy and young people not in education, employment or training, we know that many are facing a bleaker future,” said Anita Tiessen of UNICEF UK. She added: “The government needs to acknowledge this and act now. While children and young people will be the first to bear the brunt if we fail to safeguard their well-being, over time society as a whole will pay the price.”

Continued on page 2

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UNICEF’s Anita Tiessen pictured with David Beckham at Downing Street last summer

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Have You News GotNews Latest child well-being stats released For Us Continued from front page

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London Metropolitan resumes international student admissions

International students will be permitted to enter the UK to study at London Metropolitan University from this week. This decision follows the removal of the university’s sponsor licence in August 2012.

A series of inspections carried out by the Home Office in the last 6 months have demonstrated that the university has made the necessary improvements to its systems and administration. The university now meets the requirements needed to sponsor international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

In line with Home Office policy, the university will now be subject to a probationary period in order to build a track record of compliance with the new students they enrol. During this period there will also be a limit on the number of international students the university can enrol.

Home Office inspection teams looked at areas of concern that led to the revocation of the university’s licence last year, and have worked with university staff to ensure they have appropriate processes for recruiting and monitoring their international students.

Following revocation the Home Office was in contact with affected students directly, and provided regular news and guidance on its homepage.

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

Tel: 020 7274 3933

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

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The Netherlands retains its position as the clear leader and is the only country ranked among the top five countries in all dimensions of child well-being, namely: material well-being; health and safety; education; behaviours and risks and, finally, housing and environment. The Netherlands is also the clear leader when well-being is evaluated by children themselves with 95% of its children rating their own lives above the midpoint of a Life Satisfaction Scale.

Four Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – sit just below the Netherlands at the top of the child wellbeing table. Four southern European countries Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain are placed in the bottom half of the table. The bottom four places in the table are occupied by three of the poorest countries in the survey, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania, and by one of the richest, the United States.

Overall, there does not appear to be a strong relationship between per capita GDP and overall child well-being. The Czech Republic is ranked higher than Austria, Slovenia higher than Canada, and Portugal higher than the United States. There are signs that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are beginning to close the gap with the more established industrial economies.

Although changes in methods and structure make it difficult to make comparisons between the first two issues of the UNICEF overview of child well-being, it is nonetheless clear that there have been some significant changes over the first decade of the 2000s. Overall, the story of the first decade of the 2000s is one of widespread im-

provement in most, but not all, indicators of children’s well-being. The ‘low family affluence’ rate, the infant mortality rate, and the percentage of young people who smoke cigarettes, for example, have fallen in every single country for which data is available.

Spain has slipped down the rankings – from 5th out of 21 countries in the early years of the decade to 19th out of 29 countries in 2009/2010. The United Kingdom has risen up the rankings from bottom place (21st out of 21 countries) in 2000/2001 to a midtable position today.

New immigration rules for businesses and students Business

Immigration Minister Mark Harper

On 6 April new immigration rules benefitting students, universities and businesses come into force.

The changes provide additional flexibility for businesses and enable top international students to pursue their careers in the UK.

To provide consistency and policy stability for employers that want to bring in skilled workers from abroad, the government will maintain the current limits for the Tier 1 exceptional talent and graduate entrepreneur and Tier 2 skilled worker routes.

The Tier 2 limit will be held at 20,700 for the remainder of this Parliament.

Intra-company transferees (ICT) who are paid more than £152,100 will no longer need to take an English test if they want to extend their leave in the UK. To simplify the system even more, the government is also reducing the number of documents that need to be shown by ICTs to prove they have worked for the company for more than a year.

Skilled staff who have previously worked in the UK and are paid more than £152,100 will no longer have to wait 12 months before taking up a new post, improving businesses’ ability to recruit the very best global talent.

Students

International MBA graduates from British universities and other higher education in-

stitutions will be able to stay in the UK for up to a year after graduating as part of the expanded graduate entrepreneur scheme.

Up to 1000 will be able to stay to develop their own business idea or work in a start up - after which they can apply to stay in the UK as a skilled worker or entrepreneur.

Additionally, the changes will create greater flexibility for successful PhD students by allowing them to stay on after their studies for up to a year and work, without having to switch routes.

These changes expand the existing options for international students to stay and work after their studies. There is no limit on the number who can obtain a Tier 2 visa to stay and work, providing they can get a graduate-level job paying £20,300 or more.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: “We are building an immigration system which works in the national interest — supporting the UK economy by continuing to attract the brightest and the best global talent, at the same time as protecting our public services and taking a robust approach against those who want to come to the UK simply to exploit our welfare system.”

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News

President Uhuru Kenyatta declares cabinet positions vacant Ghanaa; Striking Doctors dare Gov’t: Sack us if you can Striking Doctors in the country have dared the Government to sack them if they can.

Outgoing President Kibaki hands over the Constitution to Mr Uhuru Kenyatta after he was sworn-in as Kenya’s fourth President at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on April 9th 2013

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday declared all cabinet positions vacant saying the life of the grand coalition government had officially come to an end.

A statement from state house Wednesday evening said the swearing-in ceremony and the subsequent assumption of Office of the President on Tuesday had brought down the curtain on the life of the coalition government that was created under the national accord of 2008.

“Similarly, the tenure of the Cabinet serving either as part of the Grand Coalition Government or as part of the Caretaker Government under President Kibaki, which has been in place since the holding of the first elections under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, on 4th March 2013, came

to an end at midnight on April 9, 2013,” said the statement.

Mr Kenyatta said cabinet ministers will therefore be deemed to have vacated their positions for “all purposes whatsoever”.

Permanent Secretaries will continue to look after the affairs of ministries until the appointments of new Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries are effected,” he added.

Prof Sam Ongeri (Foreign Affairs), Charity Ngilu (Water), Njeru Githae (Finance), Amos Kimunya (Transport) and Samuel Pogishio (Information) are among some of the cabinet ministers who were still serving in their respective portfolios.

Mr Kenyatta thanked the former ministers for their “distinguished service” rendered to the people of Kenya.

The Doctors’ bluff calling follows a suggestion by the Ghana Federation of Labour that the illegality of their strike is justification for the termination of their contracts.

There are more than a thousand Public Sector Doctors in the Country.

Sacking all of them could have damning consequences on Ghana’s health delivery system.

The consequences notwithstanding, Labour Consultant Senyo Adjabeng has also supported the suggestions for the Doctors to be sacked.

Mr Adjabeng however noted that, termination of the Doctors’ appointment should be the last resort.

He believes sacking them will serve as a deterrent to other unions who blatantly flout the labour laws.

Doctors are part of the essential services category and therefore barred from going on strike.

However, the Doctors, who are demanding full payment of their market premium arrears as well as correction of anomalies in their pension contributions say not even the labour laws will prevent

them from exacting their pound of flesh.

The General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Frank Serebuor told XYZ News in an interview that they will not “chicken out” of the strike because of threats of termination of their appointment.

“We are ready to be sacked”, he said.

“I don’t think there’s any Doctor who is striking today who is not ready to be sacked, I mean, otherwise we won’t be striking so we are ready”, he insisted.

He conceded that: “It’s the right of the government to decide whether to sack us or maintain us”, but added that: “The issue is that if you want to sack us, all that we are saying is pay us our arrears, at least that is work that we have done”.

“They should pay us and then they can sack us. So as far as that is concerned, we are not worried about that. We are ready to be sacked”.

“I’m serious”, about it he told XYZ News.

He said: “The threat of a strike is not making the Government budge so why will the threat of sacking get us to go back to work”.

“They can’t take our brains away from us. We have our certificates, they can’t take it away”.

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Comment Holding politicians to account for aid pledges

H

umanitarian and development actors should develop a method to hold politicians to account for aid pledges, UK Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan said.

“A promise is only a promise until it’s in the bank,” he told News Agency. “It’s exciting to get headline pledges, but it’s important to make sure that money translates on the ground.”

He shared his idea at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development (DIHAD) conference this week, telling participants: “One thing that would help the whole system would be the establishment of a universally accepted process under which any pledge to spend money was registered, measured, monitored and implemented, because if a politician wins the floors by making a promise, then he must be made to follow it through with the concrete action that was promised.”

The aid community has an increasing number of systems to track how money is spent, but it has few systems to track pledges.

Get it in writing One model, Duncan said, is the World Bank pledging process used in Yemen last year, when states that collectively pledged US$8 billion in two pledging conferences signed on paper how much they had pledged and what the money would go towards, “so that they can be held to account.”

The brain child of the idea was Wael Zakout, who manages the World Bank’s work in Yemen. With government support, he has created a system whereby donors will meet with government officials every three months - with media present - to report on four sets of figures: the original pledge;

Minister of State for International Development

the amount that has been programmed (the number of projects to be financed and their amount); the amount in approved programmes, where a project agreement has been signed between the donor and the government; and the amount of money already disbursed. (The Yemeni government is also developing a more detailed database to track projects.)

The first such meeting was held in February and ended with a listing of those donors who had not delivered on their promises, which was then presented to the Friends of Yemen meeting of foreign ministers.

“We are using name-and-shame,” Zakout told News Agency. “That has been very effective.”

“In the past, the countries pledge and don’t deliver and, somehow, nothing happens,” he said. In 2006, for example, donors pledged $4 billion to Yemen, much of which never materialized. With the new approach, he said, “the pledges will not be forgotten.

“I do hope this will become an example for the international community in other contexts.”

Donor transparency groups say that aid pledges are almost never fully realized.

Only a fraction of the $9 billion pledged to the Haiti earthquake recovery reportedly ever made it. In late January, the international community pledged more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid to Syria, yet UN response plans requiring the same dollar figure remain only 30 percent funded.

Other promises in recent years, described by the anti-poverty group ONE as “welcome but vague”, include: a $50 billion increase in global official development assistance (ODA) promised at the Gleneagles G8 Summit in 2005; $60 billion for health ODA promised at the Heiligendamm G8 Summit in 2007; $20 billion for agriculture and food security committed at the 2009 L’Aquila G8 Summit; and $100 billion for climate finance promised at the Copenhagen climate summit in December 2009.

Agreed principles Daniel Coppard, director of research and analysis at Development Initiatives, a group which uses data to advocate for better development work, says the more important starting point is garnering support for a set of commonly agreed principles on how pledges should be made, especially in the context of a shift in recent years towards more qualitative than quantitative pledges.

“The type of commitments made continue to be vague and very slippery,” Coppard told News Agency. “The challenge is getting clarity on the commitments made in the first place. That would be the number one priority.”

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and ONE have both created guidelines for transparent pledges with more clarity on the funding, including: a specific timeline; whether it is additional, and if so, what the baseline is; whether it will be disbursed in a lump sum or over several years; whether it is conditional; its expected outcomes; and

a mechanism through which the pledge’s implementation will be monitored. Global Integrity, which advocates transparent and accountable governance, also uses the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely – to measure governments’ commitments. The challenge now is getting widespread support for and use of these guidelines.

The lack of consistency and specificity in pledges has created challenges in monitoring them, even where mechanisms do exist.

For example, the G8 has regular reporting to monitor fulfilment of pledges made at its summits, but spends more time arguing over interpretations of what the commitments were than on whether they were actually fulfilled, Coppard said. The trouble is that commitments are often made by politicians first, and then ministries try to figure out how to implement them, instead of the other way around.

Once pledges are made clearly, there are many ways they can be monitored, through both civil society and formal mechanisms, for example: a global independent body, domestic mechanisms created through parliament, or mechanisms tied to a specific summit.

One such mechanism is The Mutual Review of Development Effectiveness in Africa (MRDE), an annual report by the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the OECD that assesses progress against commitments made by African governments and the international community. In support of the MRDE, the Commit4Africa website provides a searchable database of pledges made at international summits over the last decade or so (it is out-of-date due to a lack of funding, but hopes to soon be revived).

“This thinking is already well underway,” Coppard said. “A discussion around having some kind of accountability mechanism will force these issues into the open even more.”

West African States, U.S. May Work On New Trade Agreement Marantis made the announcement during a visit to Washington of President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Joyce Banda of Malawi and Prime Minister José Maria Neves of Cape Verde. Sierra Leone, Senegal and Cape Verde are all ECOWAS member states.

“A trade and investment framework agreement with the Economic Community of West African States can significantly contribute to economic growth and increased international competitiveness on both sides of the Atlantic,” Marantis said.

“I welcome the support that visiting heads of state from Cape Verde, Senegal, and Sierra Leone have given to the idea of this proposed new partnership. We are excited about the opportunity to work with these 4

important West African partners — with guidance from our stakeholders and members of Congress — on boosting our trade and investment relationship.”

On March 28, President Obama met with the four African leaders at the White House.

As a follow-up to that meeting, Marantis and other senior Obama administration officials proposed that the United States and ECOWAS explore the possibility of concluding a TIFA, among other steps, to increase U.S.-Africa trade and investment, USTR said. The proposal demonstrates the United States’ ongoing support for ECOWAS, as well as the United States’ continued commitment to Africa’s regional integration and to deepening U.S. economic engagement in West Africa, USTR added.

If concluded, the TIFA would create opportunities for U.S. companies interested in doing business in West Africa, and would

assist in addressing impediments to U.S. trade and investment in the region, USTR said. It would also provide a forum for discussion of topics relevant to economic integration efforts in West Africa, USTR added.

The proposed U.S.-ECOWAS TIFA would build on the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, which was unveiled in June 2012. The U.S. strategy calls for more enhanced and focused engagement on trade and investment between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa and recognizes trade and investment as a critical engine for broad economic growth.

The United States has TIFAs with four African regional economic organizations: the East African Community, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa , the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and the Southern African Customs

Union. The United States also has eight bilateral TIFA partners in sub-Saharan Africa: Angola, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda and South Africa.

USTR said the United States has been using these bilateral and regional TIFAs to support regional integration, encourage greater two-way trade and investment, build capacity in the African private sector, and help support opportunities for U.S. businesses in Africa.

Marantis and the four African leaders participated in a March 29 economic growth roundtable discussion with representatives from key U.S. agencies including the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

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Travel Tourism

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The vision of the Child Master Precious Tiamiyu a primary five student of Legacy Preparatory School, Shasha, Lagos, won the grand prize of N250, 000 Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF) Vision of the Child 2013 painting competition.

The Thousand & One Faces of Corruption was the theme of the 2013 Vision of The Child painting competition sponsored by Diamond Bank Nigeria plc and organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

From the 32 successful participants selected to paint in front of a live audience in the Freedom Park where the best six are selected and their paintings exhibited and rewarded at a dinner held at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The festival secretary, Mrs. Foluke Michael said that the festival front on set plans to stretch the contestants’ imagination even as it focuses on their observation powers and perception of the society they live in.

According to her, “the age group of the contestants has been widened for this second edition to 8-12 years in order to

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accommodate more participants and is open to both public/private primary and secondary school pupils in Lagos State.

“There was a selection rounds by Festival Art Scouts who visited schools and other informal settings in the Lagos environs for potential talent. From the results, the successful entrants were selected, accompanied by their teachers and guardians to Freedom Park, Lagos Island where they were provided with canvas, brush and easels and set to work.”

Festival Consultant, Soyinka, who congratulated the judges for their efforts in selecting the best paintings and also the winners, however, disagreed with the judges’ statement that the children’s paintings are all masterpieces stating, “There are no masterpieces among these paintings.”

“How do children view adult society? Or do we imagine that they lack all powers of observation and discernment, even without the bombardment of news, images and public discourse? Let us take “pension scheme” for instance, since that scenario is so obligingly cur-

Agere traditional masquerade

rent in the public domain. Even if there are areas left in the nation where that expression is completely alien, the children of such communities will not be strangers to the traditional esusu – or its equivalents in other Nigerian languages.

Some may have witnessed the gathering of adult groups, or individual callers, as

each makes his or her contribution, at agreed intervals, to the communal pool.

After that comes collection by each participant – in established rotation.

Like the pension, it is a form of saving against the rainy day, or for special undertakings. Instilled in the participants is a fundamental morality – that anyone

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Competition who defaults or defrauds the others in an esusu scheme becomes an outcast, certainly subjected to commensurate communal censure, the nature of which would make him wish he had never been born.

“Today of course, society has made progress. A slap on the wrist, a token fine is considered sufficient to close the books on dishonorable acts. Banking scams, oil subsidy bribes, police turned kingpins of kidnapping gangs - children as easy, front-line victims of such degraded minds… all the way to elected lawmakers who attempt to institutionalize the fraud of ghost workers in high places, such as mere private appendages of power, unrecognized by the

constitution, for whom they attempt to budget some four billion naira for a private undertaking! May we suggest the esusu alternative to such avaricious ‘pet projects’? If adults have lost all shame, become immunized against peer censure, then let us explore what goes on in the quiet minds of those whom we often deem should be seen, but not heard.

How do they view those who preside over the citadel of justice?

The aim of the Heritage Festival is to challenge the creativity of a child early in life and provide an outlet for those observations and feelings, for which they sometimes seek the means of expression”.

Win A Return Flight Ticket Courtesy Arik Air HOW TO ENTER To be in with your chance to win a return ticket to Lagos, simply answer this question: Which is the newest additional regional network for Arik Air? A. Accra B. Luanda C. Kinshasa Send your answer with full name, telephone number and postal address on an email to africanvoicenews@gmail.com or postcard to the Promoter: African Voice Newspapers Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Winner will be picked at random.

Terms and Conditions.

Lagos Black Heritage Festival Consultant, Prof. Wole Soyinka

Rwandan National Troupe performers

Last week’s winner: Gabriel Akintunde from Romford Answer 32kg

1.Competition is open to UK residents only aged 21 years or over. By entering this competition you are agreeing to receive marketing communications from Arik Air. 2. The ticket prize is for a return economy flight from London Heathrow to Lagos for one passenger. (Taxes to be paid by winners).

3. Winning tickets must be redeemed during off peak period. Black-out dates apply (including Easter, Summer, Christmas – please check with Arik Air reservations).

4. Competition closing date: Midnight 22nd March 2013.

5. Entry is restricted to one entry per person. No purchase is necessary. An independent person will randomly pick one winning entrant from the pool of all eligible entries within 48hrs of the closing date.

The winner will be notified within 7 days of the draw date by telephone or email.

6. Travel insurance and travel documents such as valid passports and visas are the responsibility of the winner.

7. Prize is non transferable, non exchangeable and non changeable. There is no cash alternative offered.

8. All expenses, including but not limited to, hotel accommodation costs, transfers from airport, fuel costs, parking, meals, beverages and items of a personal nature are not included in the ticket prize and will be the responsibility of the ticket winner. Ticket prize excludes travel to and from departure airport in the UK. 9. Once travel dates have been confirmed changes cannot be made.

10. The prize is subject to availability and restricted travel dates to be advised to the winner at the time of booking.

11. The promoter is not responsible for any delays or cancellation of the ticket or for any inability of the ticket winner to take up the prize. The promoter reserves the right to suspend, change or terminate the competition at any time, and for any reason, without notice.

12. Entry to the competition implies acceptance of all relevant terms and conditions by the entrants.

13. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the partners in this promotion accept no liability for any loss, damage or injury caused by, or to, the prize winner or their guest whilst taking the ticket prize.

14. If the winner cannot be located within 21 days of the drawing of the prize, then the runner-up from the draw will be selected as the new winner.

15. Events may occur that render the ticket prize draw itself, or the awarding of the ticket prize impossible, due to reasons beyond the control of the promoter and accordingly, the promoter may, at its absolute discretion, vary, or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the promoter as a result thereof.

16. The draw is not open to employees, agents, contractors of The African Voice or their families or anyone professionally connected with the prize draw.

17. The Promoter is not responsible for the entrant’s submission of incorrect telephone numbers, e-mail or postal addresses or for problems with entries caused by any factors outside their control.

18. Ticket prizes are subject to availability and the Promoter reserves the right to substitute alternative prizes of similar value. Promoter: African Voice Newspaper UK. 19. Any other conditions will be advised at the time of booking.

20. Promoter: African Voice UK, Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road, London SW9 7AP, England.

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Women on Boards 2013: two years on

T

Lord Davies of Abersoch has today published the second annual progress report into Women on Boards.

wo years on from the groundbreaking review in 2011, Lord Davies and his review panel report a growing number of women in decision-making roles. There continues to be good progress made with greater female representation in the boardroom of the UK’s top companies and a growing recognition of the benefits gained by business, the economy and wider society.

Lord Davies said: “The onus was firmly placed on business to bring about this necessary change, and I am pleased to say that evidence clearly shows that they have, and are, stepping up and responding.

“They are making real efforts to find and appoint capable women to their boards.

We are now moving to a place where it is unacceptable for the voice of women to be absent from the boardroom.

“This has never been a hard sell. Companies see that having more women at their top table makes good business sense, especially if we are operating in a global market. We’ve come a long way over the last two years but we must not get complacent

Lord Davies Lord Davies and take the foot off the gas.

“This has always been a business-led approach with the support of Government.

If we are to fend off the prospect of quotas and regulation then business cannot rest on their laurels and think the job is done.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The argument for more women in our

boardrooms is clear - they bring fresh perspectives and ideas, talent and broader experience which leads to better decisionmaking. This is not just about equality at the top of our companies. It is about good business sense.

“Some progress has been made in the last three years. Today 94 of the FTSE 100 companies count women on their boards as do over two thirds of all FTSE 350 companies. However, the momentum appears to be slowing and there has been much less progress in executive appointments at the top.

“Government continues to believe that a voluntary led approach is the best way forward. But today’s report also serves as a timely reminder to business that quotas are still a real possibility if we do not meet the 25% target of women on boards of FTSE 100 companies by 2015.”

Minister for Women and Equalities Maria Miller said: “It is more important than ever that we make the most of the talents and skills that women have to offer if we’re going max

imise Britain’s prospects for economic growth.

“We are making good progress; two thirds of women are in work, the gender pay gap is closing and both Lord Davies’ and Cranfield’s reports indicate that we are heading in the right direction when it comes to women’s representation at senior levels.

“But there is much more work to do.

The priority now is to maintain that momentum, not only within listed companies but across the economy as a whole. Our equalities agenda isn’t solely about women in the boardroom. It’s also about unlocking the untapped potential of women at all levels in the workforce, getting more women into work, priming the talent pipeline and bringing sustained benefit to the British economy in the longer term.”

Between 2008 and 2010, the number of women directors had effectively plateaued, stalling at less than a single percentage point rise year-on-year. Since work began on this area ago the percentage of female board appointments has increased by nearly 50%.

Secretary of State Vince Cable wrote to the remaining all-male FTSE 100 boards in January asking them what steps they were taking to increase the diversity in their boardrooms. Today he has also written to the remaining all-male boards in the FTSE 250.

Cranfield School of Management’s Female FTSE Report, also published, notes that progress with the Women on Boards agenda in the FTSE 100 has stalled over the last six months. It does, however note that the UK is on target to meet Lord Davies’ recommendation from his original report that the UK should have 25% women on FTSE 100 boards by 2015.

VC4Africa launches mentorship marketplace As of this week, entrepreneurs looking for advice to grow their business in Africa will get direct access to a pool of dedicated mentors, while Africans living in the Diaspora and business experts from around the world are now able to get directly involved with venture creation and provide critical feedback to promising entrepreneurs across the African continent.

VC4Africa (Venture Capital for Africa), Africa’s largest entrepreneur and investor community, is launching VC4Africa’s ‘Mentorship Marketplace’: a vibrant and transparent peer-to-peer marketplace where entrepreneurs can add ‘mentor requests’ that are visible, searchable and actionable by a pool of registered mentors.

The objective of the Mentorship Marketplace is to assist promising entrepreneurs in establishing and building great companies. David van Dijk, Head of Entrepreneurship Development at VC4Africa: “When an entrepreneur faces

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a challenge we are convinced there are members within the VC4Africa network who have the answers and are willing to lend their insight, expertise and experience.”

The Mentor Marketplace draws on an international network of business experts that dedicate their time, network and expertise free of charge. After a match is made through the platform the dialogue between Mentor and Entrepreneur continues via whichever channel is most suitable for them (email, phone, Skype, messenger, etc.).

To place a request the entrepreneur has to have a good (draft) business plan and related documents, and have a clear challenge that is well defined and measurable.

For entrepreneurs who are still in the earlier stages and not yet ready to receive a mentor, VC4Africa hosts a growing number of self-help tools like business plan templates and the VC4Africa Questions & Answers service.

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Jonathan Extols Thatcher’s leadership Peter Olorunnisomo

President Goodluck Jonathan, on behalf of himself and the entire citizens of Nigeria, sent forth a condolence message to theThatcher family, the citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, and all “positively touched by her dynamic and forward-looking policies”.

In a statement released by Dr. Reuben Abati, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on behalf of the President of Nigeria, he stated that “the President believes that having already attained a legendary status in her lifetime after positively transforming Britain forever in her eleven and half years as Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher will, with her passage today formally take her place in history as one the greatest world leaders of our time.” Baroness Thatcher is Britain first and only female Prime Minister to date.

He added that ‘President Jonathan notes

that Baroness Thatcher will be eternally honoured for serving her country with immense passion and strong-willed determination as well as for the great transformation that resulted from her economic and social policies which laid the solid basis for the remarkable economic growth that was witnessed in Britain under the Conservative Government that she led.’

Very commendable was her leadership that Dr. Abati expressed President Jonathan’s precise sentiments saying that ‘the President believes, will always be remembered by the world for her very unique, distinctive and purposeful leadership which restored pride and respect to her country and made a resurgent Great Britain a force to be reckoned with on the global stage’.

While praying for the repose of her soul, Mr. Cameron was assured that Nigerians all over the world share the sense of loss felt by the people of Britain and the government of the day.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Nigeria 2015 presidential election: Sule Boko Haram murder trial stalls for third time

By Alan Oakley Lamido, Amaechi posters flood Abeokuta Seven Boko Haram defendants to my letter. I want to, therefore, sugA joint campaign poster of two serving governors, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, on Wednesday flooded Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital and its environs.

The posters announced the desire of the two men to contest the 2015 presidential election.

Though both men are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, they are believed to be in the bad books of President Goodluck Jonathan and the leadership of their party.

Mr. Amaechi is the current Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and has admitted that the presidency wants him out of the position because of his insistence on probity and accountability in the oil sector.

The recent formation of the PDP Governors Forum by the party leadership is believed to have been done to whittle down the influence of the Rivers State Governor among his colleagues. The new forum is headed by another PDP governor, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom.

Prior to the emergence of the posters in Abeokuta, there had been reports that President Olusegun Obasanjo, dissatis-

fied with Mr. Jonathan’s performance, anointed the two governors to emerge as the candidates of the PDP for the 2015 presidential elections.

All men have denied the rumours although their actions and utterances continue to show that they may not be in support of Mr. Jonathan’s 2015 ambition.

The emergence of the campaign posters in Abeokuta, the base of Mr. Obasanjo, may however further fuel the reports.

The posters, courtesy of the Youth Coalition for Better Nigeria, showed Mr. Lamido as the Presidential Candidate, while Rotimi Amaechi would be his running mate.

The posters did not reveal the party under whose platform the duo will contest for the country’s number one and two seats.

The three-colour poster has the Nigeria logo at its background, with Mr. Lamido putting on the popular Hausa cap, and Mr. Amaechi adorning the Rivers State cap that he is popular for.

“Presidency 2015: For a better Nigeria, Sule Lamido and Rotimi Amaechi is the Answer,” is the slogan on the posters. Culled from Premium Times

due to be tried at the Federal High Court in Abuja had their trial suspended on Wednesday because they were not represented by lawyers.

Usman Sani, Abdulrahman Musa, Mahmud Mohammed, Kabir Mohammed, Umar Danjuma, Ibrahim Abba and Abdullahi Lawan face charges of murder and bank robbery dating back to 2011. Judge A R Mohammed told the court: “The case carries a heavy penalty which hovers between life and death sentence, so we must give the suspects opportunity to defend themselves. In the light of this, the suspects are enjoined to get the services of lawyers on or before the next adjourned date of May 28. However, the court would have no option left than to take the plea of the suspects with or without legal representation on that day.’’

Prosecutor David Kwase told the court he had made unsuccessful attempts to get legal assistance from the Nigeria Legal Aids Council for the suspects. Addressing te judge, he said: “My Lord, I did write to the Legal Aids Council as I promised to do in the last sitting but the council did not respond

gest that the court accepts the arrangement of the suspects to defend themselves.” The prosecutor later expressed the opinion that it would be a challenge to get Boko Haram suspects to accept government paid lawyers.

The suspects are alleged to have raided a branch of Unity Bank of Nigeria in Bauchi State in July 2011, getting away with N17.8 million. They are further accused of robbing a branch of Intercontinental Bank Plc in Bauchi State of N7.3 million in December 2011. On the same day in December, the suspects are also alleged to have attacked Guarantee Trust Bank in Azare, Bauchi State, where they stole another N25.1 million and killed three police officers. Another officer – a deputy superintendant – was also shot dead, allegedly by the defendants, at Tafawa Balewa Town in Bauchi State.

The men are also accused of breaking into the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters and assisted in the release of some terrorism suspects in detention.

Judge Mohammed ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Kuje Prison.

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Group Endorses Aregbesola For Second Term “Life is becoming bearable and opportunities are more abundant in this state and this is made possible through the efforts of Mr Aregbesola’s administration”.

With these words, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was endorsed for another term by a political group under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Ward 7, Osogbo Local Government.

The endorsement was pronounced at a meeting of the group held recently at Aruru Alagba, Itaolokan Street, Osogbo, the state capital.

The facilitator of the group, Mr. Shittu Taofeek (a.k.a Surprise) noted that Governor Aregbesola had done more than what was expected.

Evidence of these works according to him were numerous like.

On roads, the East-By Pass Road, Old Garage to Ila Odo in Kwara State, Alekuwodo to Ita-Olokan Road.

On schools, he disclosed that the governor had built new model schools, distributed free new uniforms, free meals, and Opon Imo for free.

“Also, in the area of care for the aged, construction of modern markets at Ayegbaju, Aje and Dagbolu all in Osogbo.

For all these works, Aregbesola deserves a second term in office as governor”, he added.

Surprise also praised the former Osogbo Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Fatai Diekola, for the maturity he displayed for allowing peace to reign during the crisis in Osogbo.

“For dropping his candidate, Mr. Akeem Olaiya, for the chairmanship slot and picking an alternative from Itesiwaju Group, Mr. Isiaka Araba, for the Osogbo Local Government, the Aformer Osogbo Local Government Chairman must be commended”.

The group’s coordinator, Comrade Mumini Owonikoko, advised all the opponents of the administration to come together and rally round Aregbesola.

He asked them to make a comparison between the seven and a half years of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with the two and a half years of the Ogbeni and noted that the difference was clear for all to see.

From Left – Action Congress of Nigeria, Leader, James Odunmbaku [Babaeto], Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, National Youth Leader, Lagos State, Abdullah Enilolobo, Chairman Egbedimu L G Lagos State, Hon. Adebayo Bello, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Mr. Sikiru Ayedun and Special Adviser to the Governor, State of Osun on Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Bola Ilori during the South- West Governor of the Year Award from City People Magazine 16th edition in Lagos.

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Madam Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan during the Condolence Visit at Ikenne Home of Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo on death of the scion of Awolowo family and Chairman Tribune Newspaper late Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

FROM LEFT- State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Ewi of AdoEkiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi 111 and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during a Condolence Visit on the death of Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Late Mrs Olufunmilayo Olayinka at State Government House, Ado-Ekiti on Sunday 10

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Consternation over neighbours’ refugee agreement

New Zealand

The arrival in Australia of a fishing boat, overcrowded with suspected asylum seekers appearing to have been headed for New Zealand, is the result of a deal formed between the two countries, says a refugee expert.

New Zealand has become “a magnet” for asylum seekers since an agreement was formed between the two countries earlier this year, said Refugee Council of New Zealand spokesman Gary Poole, who was critical of the agreement.

The boat believed to have travelled from Sri Lanka with 66 passengers holding a sign saying “We want to go to New Zealand” was spotted off the coast of Geraldton, about 400km north of Perth in Western Australia on Tuesday (April 9).

In February, Prime Minister John Key and his Australian counterpart Julia Gillard announced a deal in which New Zealand would accept 150 Australian-approved refugees each year. It was at no extra cost to New Zealand, because the 150 will come out of New Zealand’s existing annual 750 refugee quota and would give access to Australian intelligence and other resources to disrupt and intercept people-smuggling, Mr Key said at the time. However, Mr Poole said the arrival of the boat in Australia reflected Mr Key’s “bad decision” to enter the agreement, which he said was at-

tracting more asylum seekers to this part of the world.

“This is precisely what we predicted. Unfortunately what our Government has done is they’ve actually fed into the whole problem in Australia.”

No boat has ever made it to New Zealand and it was unlikely to because of “treacherous” conditions in the Tasman Sea. “But what it’s done, it’s now acting as a magnet, the particular policy, because he’s now accepting 150 out of their camps.

We’ve become part of Australia’s problem,” said Mr Poole.

New Zealand is part of the United Nations convention, so if a boat made it there, the Government would be obliged to process the cases and determine if those aboard were genuine refugees.

The group that arrived in Australia, believed to have travelled for more than 40 days from Sri Lanka, would have endured hazardous waters and conditions that endangered their lives, Mr Poole said.

“They would have been low on food, there would have been potential medical problems - they’re taking huge risks.”

If asylum seekers did manage to cross the Tasman sea, New Zealand would be obligated to provide help if the vessel got into trouble within the country’s search and rescue area.

It is believed to be the first boat to have travelled so far south in recent years. Most

Protests greet president’s second term Armenia

The boat carrying 66 asylum seekers flying a banner declaring their wish to go to New Zealand

asylum seekers arrive near Christmas Island, more than 2000km north, where they are usually intercepted. If found to be credible asylum seekers, they will be given a visa for Australia.

New Zealand Customs has been in discussion with Customs in Australia over the 66 boat people in Geraldton, said a spokesman for New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse. The outcome depended on whether they asked for asylum in Australia. The passengers could not ask for asylum in New Zealand while in Australia, he said.

It is unclear whether they could be the

first to be processed in New Zealand under the new agreement with Australia, if they are granted refugee status. Mr Key said Australia was receptive to processing any mass arrival to New Zealand in its offshore centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, in exchange for accepting the 150 Australian-approved refugees. The passengers included four babies and a pregnant woman.

The men from the boat are being taken to a separate detention centre from the women and children, before the group are all processed on Christmas Island where they will receive health and security checks.

Muslims fear tightening of hijab restrictions A court ruling in France concerning the Islamic headscarf, the hijab, has prompted President Francois Hollande to seek to extend the law banning the wearing prominent religious symbols in public to private institutions.

The French Court of Cassation this week annulled the 2008 dismissal of a Muslim nurse from a private day-care centre because she refused to stop wearing the hijab.

Politicians agreeing with the president have spoken out. “The Muslims here are French too, and we are proud of their pres-

ence, but I agree with the president on the importance of issuing a law that will block the right wing from promoting a complete ban on headscarves,” Socialist Party MP Olivier Four told Al Arabiya.

Muslim women wearing the hijab have voiced concerns over their future in France.

Algerian graduate student Souad, fears any new restriction might affect her chances of finding a suitable job in the future. “I can’t work in public institutions, and now I can’t work in private institutions. What is my future? In my opinion, this is a disastrous law,” she said.

Armenia’s president since April 2008, Serzh Sarksyan has just begun his second term

Thousands of people packed into Yerevan’s Freedom Square to protest against the inauguration of Serzh Sarksyan for his second term as Armenia’s president.

The defeated candidate even went on hunger strike for a while, claiming the election had been rigged.

The first time Sarksyan was elected in 2008 riots led to 10 deaths.

“I don’t want someone like Sarksyan as president,” said Knyaz Minasyan, an opposition demonstrator. “I want someone

who loves Armenia and thinks about its future.”

He took up office again after his defeated opponent had lodged 70 complaints with the electoral commission, but its conclusion was that they were based neither on fact nor legal evidence.

Sarksyan oversaw a return to economic growth after years of stagnation in Armenia although there is still widespread poverty in the former Soviet republic.

The latest World Bank statistics available showed more than a third of the population living in poverty in 2010.

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News

Thatcher was so wrong to be so right Some commentators reviled revelers who, perhaps disrespectfully, danced in the streets in Britain but right-wing Margaret Thatcher’s passing won’t herald many fond farewells from Africa

By Dan Moshenberg

got it, that every day she opposed sanctions, more people were dying, and that the best thing for the assets she wanted to protect was democracy.”

Some have ‘credited’ Thatcher’s neoliberal policies, and policing, with contributing to the HIV-pandemic in Swaziland and elsewhere, in particular by forcing government spending cuts on social services (such as public healthcare).

Others note that Thatcher’s energetic opposition to sanctions and support for right wing forces in what became Zimbabwe prolonged the state of violence across the breadth of southern Africa.

Who then was Margaret Thatcher?

Ask Fela Kuti. Consider the cover of his album, Beasts of No Nation (1989). It featured a horrific tableau of Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, PW Botha, and Mobutu Sese Seko, all with bloody rat’s teeth, dwarfed by Fela’s huge head.

In the corner was a quote from Botha, the inspiration for the title track: “This uprising will bring out the beast in us!”

M

Margaret Thatcher

argaret Thatcher has died, and now the hagiographers and the demonisers can have their say. All by herself, apparently, Thatcher ‘reforged’ Britain, transfixed the United States, and was a great leader, a great prime minister and a great Briton. And how did England’s ‘Iron Lady’ engage with the African continent?

While much attention will be paid, rightly, on her involvements with southern Africa and in particular with the independence and liberation movements of Zimbabwe and Namibia and the antiapartheid movements of South Africa, it should be remembered that Africa is more than its southern suburbs.

On one hand, as noted by Onyango Oloo, Thatcher was known as a strong woman who “had, at most, two women ministers appointed and who passed some of the most sexist policies which impacted the movement.”

Her commitments, both domestically and globally, were to a free market and security, not to women or any other popular, much less disenfranchised or struggling, group. As RW Connell commented, “Public politics on almost any definition is men’s politics… Leaders are recruited to office through men’s networks. The few women who do break through, such as Indira Gandhi 12

Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher, do so by their exceptional use of men’s networks, not women’s.” The same is true for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, “Africa’s Iron Lady”: It’s interesting how many commentators remark of Johnson-Sirleaf — and it’s meant as a compliment — that the future president is ‘not really a woman’. Or, as her supporters shouted, “Ellen, she’s our man.”

Other than the considerable accomplishment of breaking through a glass ceiling, Thatcher’s ascendancy didn’t

mean a whole lot for women on the continent. Except in South Africa and the frontline states. There the story is worse.

In South Africa, the response, such as it is, to Thatcher’s death is. On one side (predictably), FW de Klerk, the Democratic Alliance, and the Freedom Front Plus are glowing in their tributes. Lesiba Seshoka, of the National Union of Mineworkers, has a different view: “She will be remembered as one of the harshest leaders the trade unions in Britain had to face, and many more in the formal colonial countries faced the wrath of her reign of terror.”

Pallo Jordan, who remembers the days when Thatcher insisted that the ANC was a terrorist organisation, “I say good riddance. She was a staunch supporter of the apartheid regime. She was part of the right wing alliance with Ronald Reagan that led to a lot of avoidable deaths. In the end I sat with her in her office with Nelson Mandela in 1991.

She knew she had no choice. Although she called us a terrorist organisation, she had to shake hands with a terrorist and sit down with a terrorist. So who won?”

And Dali Tambo (son of late ANC leader, Oliver) remembers the “terrorism” charge as well: “My gut reaction now is what it was at the time when she said my father was the leader of a terrorist organisation. I don’t think she ever

Or consider the lyrics to Beasts of No Nation, first released in 1978: Dem call the place, the “United Nations” Hear-oh another animal talk Wetin united inside “United Nations”?

Who & who unite, for “United Nations”?

No be there Thatcher & Argentina dey No be there Reagan & Lib-i-ya dey Is-i-rael versus Lebanon Iran-i-oh versus Iraq-i East West Block versus West Block East No be there dem dey oh- United Nations Dis “united” United Nations One veto vote is equal to 92 [...or more or more] What kind sense be dat, na animal sense?

What kind sense be dat? Dat be Thatcher sense, and it’s still very much alive. So, if you can, take a second and catch up with Fela Kuti… in honor of Margaret Thatcher Source: Africa is a Country/Guardian Africa Network

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News

MoneyGram and First National Bank Launch Mobile Money Transfer MoneyGram a leading global money transfer company, and First National Bank (FNB), one of the largest banks in South Africa, have launched their first mobile money transfer service in Africa, giving FNB account holders throughout South Africa provinces the convenient option for sending and receiving international money transfers using their mobile devices.

The service features an advanced data encryption system that protects account holder information. Transactions sent from a mobile device are available for collection within 10 minutes, subject to an agent’s hours of operation and local laws and regulations.

“In less than a year into our relationship with FNB, we have extended our product services to offer a mobile service in Africa,” said Carl Scheible, MoneyGram executive vice president for Africa and Europe.

“This additionally supports our vision of driving convenience and accessibility for our customers. We are committed to using mobile technology that complements and augments our traditional agent locations,

both in South Africa and other parts of the world. We believe that with an array of alternative channels in hand, we will cater to the specific needs of a discerning and burgeoning market. Our mobile offering with FNB is yet another option for customers in South Africa to send and receive money.”

According to Jacques Celliers, chief executive officer of business banking at FNB, “Our relationship with MoneyGram has enhanced the customer experience by making it easier and more affordable for FNB customers in both customer facing and electronic channels to send money abroad.”

Last year, MoneyGram announced an agreement with First National Bank that significantly increased MoneyGram’s agent network in South Africa. The relationship solidifies MoneyGram’s growing position in South Africa and makes it one of the largest money transfer companies in the region. Adding FNB to its agent network means customers have an additional nearly 1,000 MoneyGram money transfer locations across South Africa from which to send and receive money.

MoneyGram reported strong fourth quarter and full year 2012 performance from its online, kiosk and mobile alliances, including online transaction growth of 58 percent with revenue growth of 23 percent, both of

From second left: Oluwaseyi Oke Marketing Executive - Africa/Caribbean, UK, Ireland & The Nordics and others addressing a press conference.

which accelerated greatly from the third quarter.

According to the World Bank, South Africa is the third largest recipient of African migrants in the world, estimated at 1.8 million people. Close to 900,000 South Africans living abroad send money back to their families. Almost 50% of all remittance users remit funds once a month.

MoneyGram, a leading money transfer

company, enables consumers who are not fully served by traditional financial institutions to meet their financial needs. MoneyGram offers bill payment services in the United States and Canada and money transfer services worldwide through a global network of more than 310,000 agent locations – including retailers, international post offices and financial institutions – in 197 countries and territories.

Lady Thatcher’s Funeral Service Announced The funeral service of Lady Thatcher will take place on Wednesday 17 April at St Paul’s Cathedral. Other issues discussed included the details of the funeral procession, invitations, matters of foreign protocol, the role of the military and the service at St Paul’s.

The decision was taken at a meeting held to discuss the arrangements for Lady Thatcher’s funeral chaired by Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude and attended by representatives of the Thatcher family, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the MOD, MET police, Foreign Office and Downing Street.

There will be similar meetings between now and the day of the funeral service.

The working title for the operational plan for Lady Thatcher’s funeral is ‘True Blue’.

Flags are being flown at half-mast at UK government buildings and UK embassies around the world. They will be at half-mast for the rest of today and again on Wednesday 17 April when they will be lowered at sunrise and raised again at sunset (0800 – 2000).

Books of condolence have been opened at the Grantham Museum and Finchley & Golders Conservatives. They are open daily and both venues are looking at keeping them open over the weekend. A book of condolence will be opened in central London. UK embassies around the world

will also open books of condolence (unless security arrangements make this impractical).

In response to the news that Lady Thatcher has died the Prime Minister has said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Lady Thatcher. We have lost a great leader, a great Prime Minister and a great Briton.”

Downing Street can announce that, with The Queen’s consent, Lady Thatcher will receive a Ceremonial funeral with military honours. The service will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral. A wide and diverse range of people and groups with connections to Lady Thatcher will be invited.

The service will be followed by a private cremation. All the arrangements being put in place are in line with wishes of Lady Thatcher’s family.

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CRIME

Junior Nkwelle murder

Junior Nkwelle

Cherelle McKenzie-Jackson

A teenage girl and her boyfriend have been sentenced to eight years and ten years respectively for the manslaughter of an aspiring young footballer.

Cherelle McKenzie-Jackson, 14 and Marc Anthony Tulloch, 17 who was 16 years of age at the time of the incident were convicted at the Old Bailey on 1.3.13 with the manslaughter of 15-year-old Junior Nkwelle in Lambeth in 2012.

The pair were found not guilty of murdering the teenager.

Both will serve half their sentence in a young offenders institute.

The court heard how on the evening of September 27 2012, Junior and a group of friends were playing football on a green area at outside Secker House on the Loughborough Estate, SW9.

Between 2000hrs and 2100hrs the boys were approached by a group of females and an exchange of words between the boys and McKenzie-Jackson who was part of the other group took place.

McKenzie-Jackson then threatened the boys stating that she would get her boyfriend - Tulloch to come to Secker House to stab one of them. Shortly after making her threats McKenzie-Jackson went home only to return moments later carrying a knife.

14

Marc Anthony Tulloch

As she approached the group knife in hand, it was swiftly taken away from her by one of her friends. No longer in possession of the knife, McKenzie-Jackson phoned Tulloch who arrived shortly after 21:15hrs.

As Tulloch approached the group of boys he singled out Junior and a fight broke out between the two.

Tulloch then produced a knife and Junior was fatally stabbed in the chest before fleeing the scene and heading in the direction of Coldharbour Lane.

Shorty after the attack the emergency services were called and the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended. They were unable to save Junior’s life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the early hours of the following day McKenzie-Jackson was arrested in connection with the incident, followed by Tulloch two days after.

Detective Chief Inspector Charles King of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command (HSCC) said: “The death of Junior Nkwelle illustrates the terrible consequences of what appears to be the casual acceptance that knives have a part to play in minor disputes between young people in some parts of our community.

“Junior was playing football with friends, as he did regularly, on the estate where he lived. Following what appears to be quite a trivial argument.

“This has been a sensitive investigation given the age of those involved. I would especially like to pay tribute to the young witnesses who had the sense of responsibility to give evidence, despite all the difficult circumstances in which they found themselves. I also acknowledge the despair and devastation this act has had upon Junior’s mother and brothers.

“I hope that today’s sentences go some way in helping Junior’s family move forward. I also hope that they will act as a warning to others. Situations such as these can only ever have tragic consequences for all those involved.”

Man jailed for Haringey mini crime wave

Abdifatah Yusuf

A man responsible for a mini crime wave in Haringey has been jailed.

Abdifatah Yusuf, 22, a student from Woodside Road, N22, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday 8 April 2013 where he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Yusuf had appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on 4 March 2013 where he pleaded guilty to carrying out the offences - three robberies and two burglaries - four of which centred around the Harringay (correct spelling) Ladder area of Haringey.

He was subsequently sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for each count of burglary, to run concurrently, and four years for each count of robbery, to run concurrently to each other but consecutively to the sentence for burglary.

This means he is jailed for a total of five years.

Yusuf was initially arrested on suspicion of burglary on 6 November 2012 when patrolling officers spotted him climbing through a window of an address in Warham Road N4.

Forensic evidence further identified Yusuf as a suspect for a burglary in Allison Road, N8 on 4 November 2012, where a phone, computer and purse had been taken.

Yusuf was charged with both offences and kept in custody to appear at Tottenham Magistrates’ Court on 8 November 2012.

Yusuf was arrested again on 11 November 2012 after officers responded to a robbery in the vicinity of Clonmell Road, N17 at

about 07:00hrs. A 65-year-old woman had been robbed of her bag at knife point, by a man wearing a red hooded top and camel colour trousers - now known to be Yusuf.

Concerned for the woman’s welfare and security, especially as her keys had been taken, officers took her home, where they saw a man matching the description of the robbery suspect walking up to the victim’s house. The officers stopped him to find that he had the victim’s house keys, as well as property in various people’s names, including a money transfer slip with the victim’s address on.

Abdifatah Yusuf was arrested on suspicion of robbery. Investigating officer, T/ DC Will Vines of Haringey Borough’s Aquisitive Crime Unit, identified two robberies that had taken place the previous day, where the description of the suspect’s clothing matched that worn by Yusuf and the victim’s names matched those on a gym card and oyster card found on Yusuf when he was arrested.

Those offences were: On 10 November 2012 at approximately 16:40hrs, a 59-year-old woman was in Frobisher Road, N8 when a man, now known to be Yusuf, came up behind her and grabbed her bag. The woman tried to hold onto her bag but Yusuf pulled it from her with such force that she fell to the ground.

Just a couple of hours later, at about 19:00hrs, a 48-year-old woman was robbed of her phone and Oyster card in Falkland Road N8. During the robbery, the suspect, now known to be Yusuf, pushed a lit cigarette into the victim’s cheek, causing a small burn mark.

Yusuf was charged with all three robbery offences and kept in custody to appear at Haringey Magistrates’ Court, Bishops Road, N6 on 12 November 2012. From which time he was remanded at prison awaiting Crown Court proceedings.

T/DC Vines said: “During his crime spree, Yusuf targeted lone older women within a specific residential area. I believe that if it was not for the diligent and collective efforts of the police, Yusuf would have continued to commit violent offences.

“The officers’ response to all of the incidents illustrates the seriousness with which police in Haringey treat burglary and robbery.”

Two shot guns found during Operation Hawk

On Wednesday 27th March 2013 as part of Operation Hawk, Officers from Brent Borough Tasking Unit and Preston and Northwick Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team executed a search warrant under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act at an address in Shakespeare Drive, Harrow.

Entry was forced to the venue. A search was conducted and two shot

guns, a bag of ammunition, a CS gas canister and a large amount of drugs believed to be crack cocaine and heroin were found. Two females were arrested for possession of firearm and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A 52 year old female has been bailed to return on the 28th may 2013. A 31 year old female remains in custody.

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Reality TV stars in fraud probe

Odom and Kardashian deny doing anything wrong

Reality TV ‘celebrity’ Khloe Kardashian and husband, professional basketball player Lamar Odom are being accused of stealing charitable donations.

Sports network ESPN conducted an “Outside the Lines” investigation into hundreds of charities run or fronted by top athletes and uncovered 115 high-profile charities were not passing on money raised effectively or properly, with more than 74 percent not operating under standards up-

held by the United States’ Better Business Bureau and the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy.

According to ESPN, in the case of Odom, 33, eight years of tax records revealed that his charity, Cathy’s Kids – named in honour his late mother who died of stomach cancer – has not given any money to cancer-related causes since its creation in 2004, despite raising an estimated $2.2 million, ostensibly for cancer research and underprivileged children. In addition, the investigation says it found the charity primarily existed to finance two elite youth basketball travel teams. Of the $2.2 million raised by the charity, ESPN reports that at least 60 percent — $1.3 million — went to those AAU teams.

Shockingly, the charity paid only one executive — Jerry DeGregorio, Odom’s high school coach and best man at his wedding to Khloe Kardashian, says the report. DeGregorio — now an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors — was secretary of Cathy’s Kids from 2004 to 2011, for which he was paid an average annual salary of about $72,000, while the charity operated at a loss since its creation.

ESPN reports that its 2011 tax returns show Cathy’s Kids is $256,000 in debt, mostly due to a loan Odom, who earned $8 million last year, made to the charity.

When approached in a locker room by “Outside the Lines,” Odom responded to the charity’s spending habits by saying, “It’s my money.”

Kenyan Mavado fans cautiously welcome September gig

A billboard for the ill-fated Kampala gig

Jamaican dancehall star Mavado is scheduled to perform in Kenya in September, headlining a concert for the Make A Change campaign.

Organisers are teaming him up with reggae and dancehall princess Cecile.

Cecile is the current girlfriend of Christopher Martin and mother of his two kids.

While Mavado and Cecile have been confirmed for the Kenya event, in Uganda they are still mocking city billboards with their end-of-last-year pending concert. Both Mavado and Christopher Martin failed to appear at a well-publicised Kampala gig in December.

Mavado (aka David Brooks) recently became the first Caribbean artiste to exclusively premiere a video on Billboard, which makes the Nairobi concert even a bigger deal.

Like Ugandans, Kenyans are not upbeat about Mavado’s concert considering that he snubbed his Kenyan gig last January citing “visa issues” just like he to Ugandans in December.

This will be Cecile’s second concert in Kenya having performed successfully in 2011 alongside her sweetheart, Christopher Martin. She also recorded a collaboration with former East African Bashment Crew member Wyre, a remix to his hit She Say That.

The Make a Change campaign raises awareness on education health care and youth economic development across Africa.

Is Tina Turner, 73, to wed?

Turner met Bach, believed to be in his mid to late fifties, at a party 27 years ago

According to a Swiss tabloid, Tina Turner is to marry her long-time partner, music producer Erwin Bach, in a ceremony which will take place at Lake Zurich, Switzerland.

Switzerland’s most popular sold daily, Blick, reports that a date for the ceremony has not been revealed, and neither Turner herself nor her people have commented on the issue. A representative of the 73-yearold merely offered “no comment” when approached.

Given the huge surge in celebrity April Fools’ Day pranks, the news, which was

first published on April 1, must be viewed with a little caution. If it is true, this will be Turner’s second marriage. She was previously married to Ike Turner in 1962. The couple’s extremely tumultuous marriage ended in divorce after 16 years.

Turner, whose real name is Anna Mae Bullock, met Bach in 1985 while he was working at EMI. They’ve been living together in Zurich for over 15 years, with Turner finally renouncing her US citizenship in January 2013. “I’m very happy in Switzerland and I feel at home here. … I cannot imagine a better place to live,” she said of her decision to renounce.

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Gospel

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By Michael Adekoya

LET GO AND LET GOD

“Therefore I urge you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Rom. 12:1.

ear Reader, do you know that it is just as much a sin to sing a lie as it is to tell a lie?

I have heard many people sing hymns of total consecration and surrender to God, such as “All to Jesus, I Surrender All “ or “Wherever He Leads, I’ll Go.” But when the offering plate comes around, they drop a quarter of what is in their wallet or purse. The two actions are not consistent. I have seen Christians who prefer to spend all night on Saturday in a party or watching movies than spending few hours with God. Yet on Sunday morning, they raised up their hands in surrender all to Jesus.

Does any of these describe you?

This message is for you.

These songs fuelled the missionary movements of the past. But today, it is not so much. In many of our churches today, “altars” are a strange concept. They are referred to as “stages or platforms,” and they are used only for fog machines or music performances. “Altar calls” no longer fit in the time constraints of our trendy 120-minute services.

Total surrender messages have been replaced by ‘self-empowerment’, ‘self-motivation’, ‘get-rich fast’ and ‘enjoy your life’ types of messages. My friend, if you are not going to give your life, time, talents, treasure, relationships, family to God, do not tell Him you are surrendering all because God is going to hold you to account for every word you speak (or sing) in His presence.

Today, ‘The Good Life’ has replaced ‘The God Life’. ‘The Path to Prosperity’ has become more popular than ‘The Calvary Road’.

We are more interested in getting a breakthrough than brokenness. Yet, God is calling us back to consecration. He is calling us to genuine

worship which involves a wholehearted abandonment of self. He’s calling us to die daily to self and to the worldly systems. Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is still valid today. He wrote: “Therefore I urge you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Rom. 12:1. When priests were set apart for God’s service in the Old Covenant, they were “consecrated” in a solemn ceremony.

The word for consecration in Exo. 28:41 means “to fill the hand.” The word is a picture of an empty hand receiving God’s blessings and then giving them back to the Lord in unconditional surrender. My friend, my question to you is: “Are your hands open and raised to God?” “Or are you making a fist or holding anything back?” “Have you been giving back to the Lord what He has given you?” “Or are your hands tightly clenched or you’re selfish?” It might be a good idea to examine how you can be holding some aspects of your life: Your relationships - Do you allow your spouse, any member of your family, friends or any relationship to lead you away from purity, integrity and spiritual faithfulness?

The Bible says friendship with the world is hostility toward God (Jam. 4:4). As painful as it may be, true surrender will involve cutting off some ties. You must be careful with relationship that stops your hunger for God or reduces your resolve to do His will.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?

Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement

Are you looking for a church? ­­

Not settled in any particular congregation?

Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue, school, park hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus fellowship

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worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663.

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

Sister Rosetta Tharpe has the temple of God with idols?

For you are the temple of the living God… Therefore, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” 2 Cor. 6:14-17.

Your children - While we have been commanded to raise our kids for God, we also must entrust them to His care. After all, they are really His children, not ours. Once you’ve done your part, give them back to Him. Even in the earliest ages, there can be restraint in the heart of a child because of godly training by his or her parents. The only way I ever learned to play football was on the training field.

The classroom wasn’t enough.

Parents must provide training and education for the lessons of life to be ingrained in their children.

The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Pro. 22:6.Listen! Has God given you the divine responsibility of parenthood? Then, spend some time everyday to train your child in areas of godly living.

Your sexuality - Many Christians believe they can be faithful believers while practicing immorality.

My friend, don’t buy that lie. God wants us to be holy, so we should keep clear of all sexual sin.” 1 Thes. 4:3. Living the consecrated

life means repenting of all known sin daily—and fleeing from fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, masturbation, pornography and all forms of lust. The silent killer that destroys marriages, health and causes death more than anything else in our society today is not alcohol, drug or cigarette, but sexual immorality? It is the little foxes that spoil the vine (SOS. 2:15) It is the little, but enjoyable, thing that we tend to tolerate which causes great damage. It causes sexually transmitted diseases, especially AIDS and most dangerously, it destroys marriages.

Your time - Does God have your life 24/7? Does He have your weekends? Have you made room in your life to spend time with Him? Has prayer become a burden instead of a lifestyle? Or has prayer been crowded out by your favourite TV shows, time with friends or the demands of work, business, entertainments or sports? You attend church services both week days and on Sundays and you pray fervently when you needed a child. Now the same child is your excuse for your absence from prayer meetings and church services.

Your talents - Are you using your natural and spiritual gifts to reach others for Christ? Or you are us-

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

Church Street, London SE5 Christ Apostolic church (Full Gospel & Pentecostal) Surrey Docks District 163 Ilderton Rd South Bermondsey London SE16 2UT. Tel. 020 7252 2086.

Time of worship: Sunday English service 9- 11.30am. Yoruba service 11.30 -2.30pm. Prophetic counselling: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12noon- 5pm, Saturday only 5- 7pm.

Holy Cross Church InternationalSunday 10.am- 1 pm at Crown House 71-73 Nathan way London SE28 0BQ Tel: 07904 234 126, 07809 381 886 Times of service:Bible study: Thursdays 8pm. Night Vigil: Friday Forthnightly 12am

ing it just for your personal gains?

Did you hide your talents, like the unwise steward in Jesus’ parable (Luke 17:7-10)? Have you assumed that, because others seemed more gifted, you should be a spectator while they serve?

Your money - The only way to know if you are truly surrendered to God’s will is if your wallet is open. A lack of generosity toward God’s work reveals who you are?

Until your salvation reaches your wallet, you’re not truly saved.

Harvest is not a natural event. You have to sow before you can reap.

The measure of your returns will be in proportion with the measure of your giving (2 Cor 9:6). That’s the principle of God. Your future - Are you driving your career plans—or have you allowed God to take the steering wheel? Ambition can take you a long way—but it must be yielded to His will or it will lead to crisis or tragedy. You must agree with what Jesus prayed at Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done” Luke 22:42.

My friend, it is one thing to give your own life to Christ. It’s another thing to surrender those you love to His will and purpose. It requires a whole new level of trust. But it is the path that Abraham, the father of our faith, was required to walk when he put his son Isaac on the altar. True faith always involves gutwrenching surrender. What area of your life are you still holding on to? I urge you to take the right posture: Get your hands open, lift them up to heaven and say with all your heart: “Lord, I’m all yours and I surrender all to you.” Let go and let God. He is able to keep what is committed and entrusted into His hands until Jesus comes 2 Tim 1:12. Remain blessed!

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

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Africa

Friday, 12 April 2013 – Thursday, 18 April 2013

Newsround

Madge angry over what used to be her playground French told to keep noses out Malawi

Congo-Brazzaville Following a meeting with French counterpart, Francois Hollande, Republic of Congo president Denis Sassou-Nguesso has said that French justice had no right to investigate his alleged ill-gotten wealth.

“What we would like to recall is the principle to which we all subscribe on the international level, which is that of noninterference in the internal affairs (of other countries),” President Sassou-Nguesso told journalists after more than an hour of talks with Hollande on April 8.

Prosecutors have been investigating the conditions under which vast wealth — including residences in Paris and on the French Riviera, fleets of cars and other property - were acquired in France by Sassou-Nguesso, Gabon’s late president

Omar Bongo, Equatorial Guinea president Teodoro Obiang Nguema, and some of their close aides.

In 2008, the non-governmental organisations Sherpa and Transparency International France filed a suit calling for an investigation into the origin of these luxury assets. In 2010, the French Cour de Cassation (Supreme Court) upheld this complaint over a lower court. However, Sassou-Nguesso said Monday that the principle of non-interference should be “respected so that French justice does not feel it has the right to deal with matters that relate to the internal affairs of other states.”

Asked by a journalist whether he had lost any sleep over the affair, the leader of the oil-rich central African country replied, “Certainly not!”

Madonna flanked by children Mercy and David on a happier visit to Malawi

Madonna was forced to queue like us normal folk at the climax of a recent visit to Malawi. The Material Girl and her vast entourage, including her natural children and her two Malawi-born adopted kids had to wait in line at check-in and undergo security checks with other passengers at Kamuzu International Airport – a marked contrast to the limousine shuttle and VIP lounge she has been afforded previously.

The action may be the result of a spat between Madonna, Malawi’s education minister Eunice Kazembe and the nation’s first female president Joyce Banda. Ms. Kazembe recently accused Madonna of exaggerating her philanthropic activities in the country. Madonna claims to have built ten schools in Malawi through her charity. Kazembe reacted to the claim by saying: “She has built classrooms at existing schools... really it’s a difference in terminology.”

She continued: “They have said... they have built ten schools in Malawi and on our side what we know is that she [Madonna] has built classrooms... these are not schools from our side and really that’s the essence of the difference between her side and the Malawi government.”

Madonna also reportedly requested an audience with President Joyce Banda but this was apparently ignored. Photographs of an informal letter reported to have been written by Madonna to the Malawian president, addressed “Dear Joyce..,” circulated this week, but a meeting between them was not arranged.

While President Banda didn’t confirm that she had revoked Madonna’s VIP privileges, Banda complained to a reporter

about the singer getting VIP access on her way in and about the way she treated the kids with whom she met during her visit.

“She just came unannounced and proceeded to villages and made poor people dance for her. And immigration officials opened the VIP lounge for her just because previously she enjoyed the VIP status,” Banda told a journalist covering her trip.

A spokesperson for Madonna alleges that President Banda was acting on a “grudge” because her sister, Anjimile Oponyo, was sacked as the CEO of Madonna’s charitable foundation, the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls, amid allegations of theft.

All allegations have been denied by Ms Oponyo, who now works for Malawi’s Eunice Kazembe-led Ministry of Education.

When Madonna arrived in Malawi last Monday with her children David and Mercy James (adopted), both 8, Rocco (by Guy Ritchie), 12 and Lourdes (by Carlos Leon), 16, they didn’t have to queue and their luggage, which was handled by special staff, did not go through ordinary security screening. But on Saturday Madonna and her entourage were not given the same privileges ahead of boarding her private Gulfstream jet. A Department of Aviation source at the airport told reporters that a directive had been issued stated that Madonna Louise Ciccone, travelling on a US passport, should use the ordinary passenger terminal on the way to her jet.

According to the DoA source: “Madonna and (manager) Mr Neilson were very annoyed by this but her children, especially David, seemed to enjoy mingling with the ordinary people. David would stray to talk to other children and his mother used to call him back.”

Denis Sassou-Nguesso owns impressive homes in Paris and on the French Riviera

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African Fashion

A

lthough Oumou Sy grew up away from Dakar, Senegal’s cosmopolitan capital, and taught herself the fashion trade, she now reigns as the nation’s premier clothes designer. Senegal’s best-known musical ambassadors— Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal— wear her designs. Senegal’s top film directors—Djibril Diop Mambéty and Ousmane Sembène—use her costumes for their films.

Oumou Sy’s career seems to flow in all directions, just like her garments: many layers of bright fabric sometimes adorned by jewels, and perhaps crowned with an extravagant headdress. But behind everything there’s a plan. In 1997 she set up a website and opened a cyber café-restaurant called Metissacana (www.metissacana.sn).

Her aim: to hang a sign in a corner of virtual space, where her collection can be viewed and purchased. Shortly thereafter she set up Made in Africa, a

Oumou Sy workshop for the large-scale creation of African fashions. This made her designs more affordable for Africans, and jobs were created for 300 women.

Sy has worked with dancers, filmmakers, and artists in Paris, London, Vienna, Rome and New York. This year she’s working to conquer Germany with workshops, fashion shows, and exhibitions about Made in Africa.

Sy’s work presents an Africa to the world that is creative, playful, exciting and unpredictable. She also invites the world to see that same Africa in fashion shows she organises annually in Dakar.

But the cosmopolitan life doesn’t detract from the source of her artistry: Senegal and a mother who taught her that dressing well is a sign of respect to others. “Every body is a creation of God,” Oumou Sy says. “Every body, every face, is beautiful. It is my job to ensure that the value of all that shines through.”

A model reacts as a member of the audience helps her after he shoe got caught in a creation by Senegalese designer Oumou Sy 18

Friday, 12 April 2013 – Thursday, 18 April 2013

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African Fashion

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n 1989, Xuly Bët came up with a supremely whacky idea: why not create sexy, street-smart fashion clothes that were not only affordable but downright cheap? Now, that’s dope. At 50 bucks a pop, Parisian glamorpusses were snapping up his slinky numbers like they were galettes off the griddle.

Xuly Bët, aka Kouyaté Lamine Badian, does recycled fashion - what the French have abbreviated into Recup’. He can take anything, flea market findings, lingerie from Tati (Paris’ bargain-basement version of K-Mart), or your big sister’s cast-offs and reconstruct something completely different and fabulous out of them. Take the pantyhose dress, for example: a partially transparent dress of stitched together panels of black, taupe and white nylon hosiery. Who cares if

Lamine Badian Kouyaté In association with you get a run in it. C’est la mode!

Kouyaté Lamine Badian was born in Bamako, Mali on December 28, 1962.

After art studies in Senegal, he came to France, where he studied architecture in Strasbourg and Paris. In 1989, he set up the Xuly Bët (which means voyeur in the Wolof dialect) Funkin’ Fashion Factory in the x-ray lab of an abandoned hospital turned artists’ squat and started churning out recycled, urban-savvy creations which quickly caught the attention of the fashion world. French Glamour and Vogue did stories on him. Galeries Lafayette, the Bloomingdale’s of France, showcased him in their young designers section and now carries him in all their stores. Neneh Cherry, Soul II Soul, INXS and countless rap artists are often spotted onstage with the signature cherry-red Xuly Xuly Bët tag hanging out of a seam. But the ultimate recognition of his big-time fashion status was the character based on him, played by Forrest Whittaker, in Robert Altman’s movie “Ready-to-Wear.”

Xuly Xuly Bët is a democratic force in the elitist world of French fashion who, along with other young French and “Cool Britannia” designers, has brought fashion to the street and the street to fashion. Even now, after several years of big-league glory, he has not caved in to the perfume/scarf/handbag pressures of Paris couture. His clothing is still cheap -- without being cheap.

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Friday, 12 April 2013 – Thursday, 18 April 2013

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Nollywood

Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2013

Nollywood legend, Justus Esiri Begins Final Journey

V

Justus Esiri in ‘‘The Assassins Practice’’

eteran actor, Justus Esiri, 70, began his final journey home with a Tribute Night organised in his honour by the Ibinabo Fiberesima led Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN.

The star-studded event was held at O’Jez open-space bar at the National Stadium, Lagos. The final burial will take place in the late actor’s hometown, Abraka on Friday.

Sidney Esiri, the deceased’s second son, said a service of songs will be held in honour of his late father in Lagos Tuesday, and will be followed by a mass before the final burial in Delta State.

“On behalf of the Esiri family, we say thank you to Nollywood for honouring our father. Justus Esiri was a legend and can never be forgotten because he played a vital role for everybody around him,” Sidney, who is popularly known as Dr. Sid said.

Actor Ernest Obi, while eulogising the late Village Headmaster, posited that “he wasn’t just an actor or filmmaker; he was there for me when most people weren’t there. He was an enigma. One of the few people I invited to my marriage via text message and he came. He played the role of my father that day.

He made that day the greatest of my life.”

In the words of Kate Henshaw, the industry is not mourning Esiri, but celebrating his life because he left a legacy worthy of emulation behind.

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Prince Ifeanyi Dike, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, AGN, led a prayer session during the event.

He urged guests to pray that God should ward off death among entertainers.

The late Esiri died of complications from diabetes in a Lagos hospital.

In her official statement after Esiri’s death, Ibinabo said: “With the incessant deaths occurring in the entertainment industry this year, it is high time we put a stop to it. We must surrender our lives to Almighty God, irrespec-

tive of our religious beliefs. Let’s come together and embark on prayers and commit our industry and practitioners to God. We need prayers.”

Esiri, Member of the Order of the Niger, MON, was famous for his role as the Village Headmaster in the now rested popular television series of the same name.

Born on 20 November, 1942 in OriaAbraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College, Effurun in the then Bendel State,Warri. He was at the Maximillan University, Munich, German, 1964, Prof. Weners Institute of

Kate Henshaw, other Nollywood actors at the event

Engineering, West Berlin, 1967 and the Ahrens School of Performing Arts, 1968.

Esiri started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male artiste performing on stage between 1968 and 1969. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria, German Service as a translator. He was performing on stage in Germany when a delegation from Nigeria invited him home to perform in a government sponsored programme.

The veteran actor was a recipient of many awards including African Film Awards, THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA Awards.

He was also the star actor in acclaimed productions such as Wasted Years, Forever, The Prize, Six Demons, Corridors of Power, Last Night, The Tyrant, The Investigation and The Ghost. He was also reputed to have performed on more TV network drama programmes than any other Nigerian actor.

Esiri is the father of Nigeria’s fastrising musician, Dr. Sid. Asked in an interview how he felt about his son becoming a musician, he said; “I just called him and told him both the negative and positive aspects of the entertainment industry and he has to be focused. I scolded but gave him my blessing and he picked up.”

Some of the actors that attended the event were Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, Rachael Oniga, Tunji Bamishigbin, Emem Isong, Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Rita Dominic, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Fred Amata, Monalisa Chinda, Kelvin Ikeduba and Julius Agwu, etc.

Friday, 12 April 2013 – Thursday, 18 April 2013

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Match-fixing probe may indelibly mark South African football An Independent Judicial Commission of Enquiry is to be set up in South Africa following match manipulation allegations in the build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The decision was finalised in a meeting between South Africa’s Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, SA Football Association President Kirsten Nematandani, and FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, on April 5 at the HQ of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland.

The judicial investigation, set up by the South African government, will only look into the friendly matches played prior to the 2010 World Cup. SAFA have backed FIFA’s proposal to include the judicial body of FIFA’s Ethics Committee, represented by its Independent Chairman Michael J. Garcia, as part of the commission. Mbalula is also in favour but the proposal is subject to constitutional approval.

“This long-standing open case is harming South African football. It is vital that this matter, which dates back to 2010 is

concluded soon, with the culprits to be sanctioned in accordance with the zero tolerance policy. At the same time it is critical that structures are set-up in order to tackle similar cases should they happen in the future,” explained Valcke.

“I am very pleased by the commitment of the South African government and also SAFA to make sure this matter is now dealt with as a highest priority. FIFA will provide any advice and support possible both at investigatory and disciplinary level. To this effect a representative from FIFA’s Security Division was also at today’s meeting. ” “We are happy that the meeting took place and it was very fruitful. I will present today’s proposed solution to the SAFA Executive Committee tomorrow for approval,” said Nematandani.

“The rise of match manipulation globally has become one of the most pressing issues facing football today. I understand fully that FIFA needs strong action from associations like SAFA to tackle this problem. Therefore it is vitally important that

Austere measures hit Nigerian football house

It does seem that the Super Eagles’ camp and house did take too many practice shots at the recently concluded Afcon tournament in order to win the cup. Win the cup, they did! But lost too many balls. The result is the grave consideration to reduce the overhead costs of running football (as a sport?) in the country. Could that have affected the decision to opt out of the nations Cup for home-based payers with Nigeria’s next match against Cote d’voire in June, 2013?

It was reported that the Nigeria Football federation considered this option last Tuesday when its Technical and Development Committee met in Abuja and blue-printed recommendations for possible implementation which was to essentially reduce the costs of prosecuting games which involved all facets of the national team.

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It was also considered that the wages of the national team coaches, their assistants, and other members of the crew would suffer a cut. This is likely to go alongside with pruning the support coaching staff where necessary. A chief coach for a team should normally have at least two assistants and a goalkeeper trainer. If therefore, this policy is implemented, a coach on contract will absorb the shortfall notwithstanding what terms are in his contract documents.

This move also applies to other technical and backroom staff to each of the national teams.

Mr. Amadu Musa, General Secretary of the NFF had this to say in response to press enquiries; ‘If you take just a simple look at the period around June and the cost implication for the country, for instance, you will understand that the measures being taken have become very necessary. We cannot continue like this; there has to be sensible auditing.’

Players in the national team, particularly the Super Eagles, were also affected as the winning bonuses are to be cut by 50% from the usual $10,000 stipulated in the national team handbook guide. It may be recalled that the winning bonus became an issue in South Africa as the Super Eagles went on to win the tournament and the incentive bonus gained substantial increment almost double the established sum.

The communiqué read at the close of the meeting did state that ‘the Committee regrets the financial situation that has also necessitated the pegging of bonuses, review of allowances and salaries of coaches of the national teams.’

FIFA Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke is determined to prevent future match-fixing

national authorities such as ourselves play a full role. I firmly believe today’s meeting is a major step in bringing to a close an episode that has damaged South African foot-

ball. We have made a pledge to FIFA today that we will support them and SAFA to bring this to an end,” concluded Mbalula.

FIFA rankings: Can Egypt ascend to former heights?

Striker Gedo (pictured) is one of three Hull City players in the current Egypt squad

An improving Egypt have climbed seven positions to number 68 in FIFA’s world football ranking for April.

The winners of a record seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophies, once ranked in the global top ten, fell to their worst positions since the list was established in 1993 during the previous two months.

Egypt’s ranking has been affected by a lack of competitive action after failing to qualify for the 2012 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and the Port Said disaster, in which 72 Ahly fans died at a match with Masry, leading to the postponement of the domestic league for over a year.

Under former United States manager Bob Bradley, the Pharaohs are bidding for a spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in March and are leading Group G, five points clear of second-placed Guinea, while Mozambique lie

third with two points, one ahead of bottom side Zimbabwe.

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil dropped to 19 in the FIFA rankings published on Thursday. The United States moved up five places to 28.

Spain, the current World and European champion, stayed at the top, followed by Germany and Argentina. Croatia and Portugal round out the top five.

Top 5 African teams (last month’s position in brackets): 12. Ivory Coast (12) 22. Ghana (20) 26. Mali (24) 31. Nigeria (30) 35. Algeria (34) 41. Tunisia (44)

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Yobo challenges Keshi, NFF over call–up

Aminu Maigari

Stephen Keshi

As Nigeria prepares for qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it would appear that the jostling for call-up to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, may also have taken off behind the scenes.

neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor Keshi saw fit to inform him of his non-inclusion. This prompted the Nigeria Football Federation to wade in.

“We now know for certain that Keshi called Yobo, but because he was either not paying attention, or it was a number he was not familiar with, he did not take the call,” a source for the NFF stated. “It was when the matter blew up and Keshi insisted that he called Yobo (who) checked to verify that he saw the missed call (that) he now discovered that indeed, the coach had tried to reach him.”

With two World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil yet to come, it is perhaps understandable how aggrieved the most capped Super Eagles

In a recent development, Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, is reported to have objected to his non-inclusion in the Eagles camp for their match against Kenya, scheduled for May/June, 2013. So sure of his position is the 32 year-old skipper, that he took on coach Stephen Keshi, who had to defend himself by stating that he made efforts to reach the player, possibly in Turkey where he plays for Fenerbahce. Yobo complained on a Lagos Radio station that

player is. It would seem, however, that Keshi’s 30-man squad could be tinkered with by the NFF, if only to bring in Yobo.

A member of the NFF Technical Committee and sports journalist of note, Mr. Paul Bassey, proffered that: “There may be plus or minus two players on the list released

by Keshi when we meet next week. We are also going to talk (about) resolving the crisis between the coach and some of his players, like Osaze (Odemwingie), (Emmanuel) Emenike and Yobo.”

In a related development, the NFF is proposing to cut the Super Eagles allowances by 50%. This is to align its bills with dwindling resources being experienced presently.

Club clash leaves Sunday mourning loss of form “NFF know players sign a year or a season deal with these clubs, so when the season finishes, this player should not belong to this club because the contract he signed with them has ended. And so when he wants to join new team, NFF or (the) league board will ask him to bring a clearance from his previous club, which ought not to be.

“The clubs should be encouraged to sign a player for more than a year then when he is going before his contract has expired, you could then ask for money.

“This case should not have got to this level because they know Mba signed a year’s deal at every club he had played. I urge Mba’s agent to take this case to court so that his player could be free and his career will be saved.”

Former international, Jonathan Akpoborie said: “This problem should be resolved once and for all. It’s the lack of clear (NFF) rules regarding players’ contracts that is causing this problem. ‎The boy should ask the NFF to save his career and not allow the clubs to mess him up. If they cannot, maybe sports minister Bolaji Abdullahi should wade into the matter to save a promising career from hitting the rocks.”

Cranes winch Williamson out of hot seat

Despite early promise, Uganda’s Cranes have not been able to stretch themselves to a World Cup Finals slot under coach Williamson (pictured)

Cranes winch Williamson out of hot seat

The fortunes of the Ugandan national team, the Cranes, came under review recently and the damning outcome was the sacking of Scottish coach, Bobby Williamson.

Williamson has been dismissed despite guiding the Cranes to a record four championship victories in the Cecafa Cup and regional championships in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. Against the backdrop of these achievements, Uganda was expected to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 tournament and possibly the 2014 World Cup – a bridge that has, so far, proved too far.

Williamson’s position a coach of the national team since 2008 increased expectations that the former Kilmarnock manager could deliver on the continental platform. But crushing defeats suffered at the hands of Liberia and nowdeposed Afcon champions Zambia on the way to South Africa did not go down well with the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA).

FUFA spokesman, Rogers Mulindwa, announced Williamson’s departure during a routine weekly press briefing at the organisation’s headquarters in Mengo. “The Emergency Committee of FUFA sitting today (8th April, 2013) took the decision of notice in compliance with the contract of employment and other relevant labour laws.” In the absence of an immediate replacement, Mulindwa stated that “the technical committee will sit in due time to decide who will take over.”

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ISSUE 477

Yobo challenges Keshi, NFF over call-up SEE PAGE 23

Club clash leaves Sunday mourning loss of form

Sunday Mba’s contractual problems may have affected his form Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations hero Sunday Mba has been the centre of a row between two club sides since becoming the Super Eagles’ AFCON revelation.

Mba, one of the few squad members of the continental tournament victors to ply his trade at home, has not played a competitive club game because Warri Wolves and Rangers are yet to reach an agreement over his registration.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ruled that the midfielder belongs to Wolves and if he is to moved to his preferred Rangers, the Enugu club would have to pay the transfer fee

Wolves are demanding - understood to be N12million. Rangers are yet to agree to the fee, which could break the record for the NPL’s most expensive signing.

The whole drama has left Mba in limbo. He was a shadow of his AFCON self against Kenya in a recent World Cup qualifier, where he was ultimately substituted. Reports also have it that foreign clubs are pulling out of the race to sign him, uncertain as to which club they will be negotiating with.

The mess has led to calls for a quick resolution, to stop Mba’s career from falling apart.

“I am urging and pleading with both clubs (Rangers and Warri Wolves) to

settle the case and allow Sunday to concentrate on his career,” Nigeria goalkeeping coach Ike Shorunmu told MTNFootball.com.

“What is happening is not good for his career. I don’t really know what transpired between the clubs on Sunday’s transfer, they know. I want them to consider the boy’s career and settle it in time. It is taking its toll on him already.”

Tijani Babangida also admitted it was not a small issue and blamed the NFF. “This is not a small issue. It is affecting his career in a big way. His mind is not settled and that is a big problem for a

player to perform. But since it involves Nigeria league teams, the NFF are to blame because they don’t have rules that protect players and at the same time help their clubs to get more money,” he said.

Continued on page 23

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