African Voice Newspaper issue 594

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015 ISSUE 594

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 Five million in UK at high risk of Type 2 diabetes

£1.00

HMS Enterprise rescues over 450 migrants

SEE PAGE 6

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It is in our national interest to promote prosperity and security

UK’S AFRICA POLICY

By Jon Benjamin

The British High Commissioner in Ghana in an address to students at the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy speaks on the subject of the UK’s Africa Policy and to discuss how much Africa matters to us and why Africa has been, and will remain, central to Britain’s foreign policy objectives.

On top of the current economic challenge, we have lived through a very demanding decade and more in foreign policy. Perhaps the greatest challenge has been the perverted ideology that drives Islamist or jihadi extremism, defeating which is clearly a generational challenge.

Defeat it, we will. But for now, ISIS continues its brutal campaign of murder and repression across northern Iraq and Syria.

Growing insurgencies in Libya and Yemen threaten further instability. Boko Haram in Nigeria and its neighbours; Al Shabab in Somalia; and other extremist groups in the Sahel all threaten security, including ours and Ghana’s.

In concrete terms, the three main themes of UK Foreign Policy as: Firstly, safeguarding Britain’s national security by countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, and by working to reduce conflict around the globe. We do that in part by maintaining the UK’s global role,

as an active permanent member of the UN Security Council, the EU, NATO, the G7, the G20 and the Commonwealth and other key parts of the international architecture.

Secondly, building Britain’s prosperity by increasing exports and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources and promoting sustainable growth, including by connecting our economy to the world’s fastest growing markets. The UK has always been an open economy that thrives on trade. So, we will prosper when we build strong relationships with other countries that are prospering.

How does Africa fit in?

Returning though to the purely governmental sphere, we believe that an active and activist UK foreign policy must have Africa at its heart. Many of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa. Africa has vast human and physical resources and enormous potential. At the same time, parts of Africa are still wracked by abject poverty and crushing conflict which we seek to make a contribution to solving – not least as we also have a historical and moral responsibility to this continent, given our colonial past.

That is why, for example, we came to the aid of Sierra Leone, both when its democracy was subverted in the 1990s and, recently, when it was ravaged by Ebola. That is why the UK has been the leading international player in combating sexual violence in conflict, Female Genital Mutilation, early and child marriage,

The British High Commissioner in Ghana,Jon Benjamin

and the disease of malaria which still kills each year so many multiples of those who have died from Ebola.

All of these scourges affect Africa disproportionately and Britain wants to be a major player in addressing them – it is the right thing to do.

But more widely, our Africa policy means that we need genuine partnerships with African countries.

Our shared history, family and cultural connections mean that we are committed to partnerships with African countries, through the good times and the bad.

Africa is important to us because African communities are also part of

the fabric of the UK and what happens here affects us.

There are over 40,000 UK nationals living in Nigeria; 10,000 here in Ghana, 4,000 in Sierra Leone. 500,000 Nigerians and 90,000 Ghanaians live in the UK, though the respective Diasporas are much larger when you factor in the second and third generation populations who are now UK citizens. We think that there are over a quarter of a million British citizens who claim Ghanaian heritage.

Continued on page 2

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

News Gambian former first lady tagged for benefit fraud THE wife of a former president of Gambia has been electronically tagged, after being convicted of housing benefit and council tax fraud in East Grinstead.

government spend.

Lady Njaimeh Jawara is one of two wives of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who demanded and gained Gambian independence from British colonial rule during his time in office from June 1962 to April 1970.

Lady Jawara, who lives in East Grinstead, Sussex claimed housing benefit and help with council tax from Mid Sussex District Council, as well as pension credit from the Department for Work and Pensions on the basis that she was living in a housing association flat in the town. However, the 65-year-old did not tell either authority when she went to Gambia on five occasions, each for longer than 13 weeks, between 2008 and 2013.

Claimants are required to notify the authorities if they will be away for any significant length of time because they are not usually entitled to benefits during prolonged absences. The trips Lady Jawara made to Gambia resulted in her being overpaid £9,255 in pension credit, £8,848 in housing benefit, £1,192 in council tax

increase this to a third. This would mean

It is in our national interest to promote prosperity and security

Government set to spend £1 in every £3 with small businesses

Plans are in place for an ambitious target that £1 in every £3 government spends will be with small businesses by 2020.

Matt Hancock, the Minister for the

Cabinet Office has announced an ambitious

new target to get more small businesses working on central government contracts.

In 2013 to 2014, central government

spent an unprecedented £11.4 billion with small and medium-sized businesses – those employing 250 employees or

less. This is equivalent to 26% of central By 2020, the government wants to

an extra £3 billion per year (in 2013 to 2014 terms) going to small and medium-

sized firms directly or through the supply chain.

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

Tel: 020 3737 3077

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African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

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Continued from front page

...But we also know that this continent’s very diversity means that there can be no one single Africa narrative, including in our foreign policy.

Africa is a continent of 54 countries, over 2000 languages with almost 150 million Arabic speakers. There are over 3000 tribes, ethnic groups and peoples. It has a population of over a billion ……. and growing.

In 2010, the combined population of subSaharan Africa was 800 million. By 2040 it will be 1.5 billion. By 2025 one quarter of the world’s population under the age of 25 will live in sub-Saharan Africa and by 2050 one in four people on the planet will be African.

And it is also a continent of mammoth proportions: the distance between Cairo and Cape Town is greater than that between London and Lahore in Pakistan.

Africa is a dynamic place of entrepreneurs, opportunities, an aspirant middle class and a vibrant youth culture. And this is the Africa the UK government has sought to engage.

So what are we actually doing?

The UK government believes that it is in our national interest to promote prosperity and security in Africa. We need our partners to be stable, prosperous and secure.

So we work to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities of each of our African partners. A key recent policy has been to re-position the UK’s relationship through: • bilateral expansion, increasing our footprint in Africa, where we have opened or reopened 6 new embassies over the last 5 years in Cote D’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, South

Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara presided over Gambia’s independence from British colonial rule in 1965

benefit and £484 in council tax support.

On Friday, at Worthing Magistrates’ Court, Lady Jawara pleaded guilty to seven counts of failing to inform Mid Sussex District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions about changes in her circumstances.

Magistrates sentenced her to be electronically tagged for 20 weeks, prohibiting her from leaving her home between 7pm and 7am during this period.

They also ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and to pay Mid Sussex District Council’s investigation and

Sudan, Somalia, and Liberia; • Increasing our development spend on economic development, getting alongside private sector interest in Africa to drive sustainable and inclusive growth that will reduce poverty by creating jobs, and reduce dependency on aid; • And championing financial inclusion.

Through the Department for International Development, we promote and support the use of technology like mobile money and branchless banking to make it possible for people to overcome the barriers to access, as well as working with African governments to make the operating environment for business simpler, fairer and, crucially, more transparent.

At the same time, traditional aid programmes building health, education and sanitation services in developing countries remain vital. They make a real difference to millions of people.

But it goes without saying that development has most impact, and is most sustainable, when the governments of aid recipient countries enable the process through good governance and show a strong commitment to lifting their citizens out of poverty.

Tackling poverty overseas is about addressing the root causes of global challenges such as disease, migration, terrorism and climate change. Addressing these issues is firmly in Britain’s own national interest as well as Africa’s interest. And the UK is the first major economy to meet the UN’s 0.7% of Gross National Income target on development spending, a target now legally en-

prosecution costs of £4,286. She is also required to pay back all the overpaid pension credit, housing benefit, council tax benefit and council tax support.

“The council works with the Department for Work and Pensions on matters like this and takes firm action against the small minority of claimants who seek to cheat and be a drain on the wallets and purses of the law abiding residents of Mid Sussex,” said Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, district council cabinet member for finance and service delivery.

shrined and therefore binding on future British governments too.

However, we must recognise that aid alone will not eliminate poverty in Africa.

Addressing these challenges helps create the trading partners and markets of the future. So there is an element of self interest.

But while we understand that some countries in Africa still need aid, many more need investment, expertise and financial services to maximise commercial opportunities, abundant resources and huge economic potential.

The World Bank estimates that the continent as a whole needs an extra $90bn capital investment a year for infrastructure alone.

We also believe that it is the private sector that will grow Africa out of poverty. This is because profitable businesses pay taxes. And tax revenue allows governments to invest in health, in education and in infrastructure. Tax revenues provide accountability between the government and the electorate.

So we seek to champion Africa as an investment and trade destination of choice.

To this end, we have added 20 Foreign and Commonwealth Office diplomats to work as ‘prosperity officers’ to complement the work of our fourteen UK Trade and Investment offices on the continent. And we have created High Level Prosperity Partnerships with Ghana, Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Tanzania – all very different countries of different heritages where we have built ambitious frameworks to encourage growth across a range of key economic sectors including education, agriculture, infrastructure, and extractives.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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News HMS Enterprise rescues over 450 migrants HMS Enterprise has contributed to a major rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean, working under an Italian-led EU mission.

As the nearest ship to the scene the Royal Navy hydrographic ship identified four small vessels and safely brought aboard 453 people. They were later transferred to the German frigate Schleswig Holstein and taken to the southern Italian port of Taranto.

Several other European ships were involved in Saturday’s rescue off the coast of Libya, where more than 20 vessels had issued distress calls and around 4,400 people were saved. It was the largest operation of the mission so far to take place in a single day.

Minister for the Armed Forces Penny Mordaunt said: ‘Britain continues to play a vital role in the Mediterranean and I want to thank HMS Enterprise for this latest lifesaving mission.

We remain clear however that the best and only way to tackle the migrant crisis in Europe is to go after the source of the problem. The international community must do all it can to go after the criminal gangs and people smugglers who trade so carelessly

with the lives of others. It is vital that HMS Enterprise continues with her picture building role so that we can better understand what is needed of this evolving mission.

HMS Enterprise, a Survey Vessel Hydrographic and Oceanographic (SVHO), began her current role on 3 July when she replaced HMS Bulwark. She is well suited to the current stage of the EU operation, aimed at better understanding and tackling the criminal gangs responsible for the people smuggling.

The ship is contributing to the range of capabilities required by the Italian operational commander and is building a picture of how the operation will go on to seize and disrupt smugglers assets.

The Commanding Officer of HMS Enterprise, Commander Mark Vartan said: ‘I am extremely proud of the professional manner in which my team responded to this rescue. HMS Enterprise together with the other European Union Naval Force partners are committed to addressing the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean including the provision of life saving capability when it is necessary’.

HMS Enterprise

Birmingham celebrates local action against extremism

Home Secretary Theresa May on Tuesday 25 August joined groups from across Birmingham to support the range of work being carried out to tackle extremism locally.

The event in the city centre showcased the success of several community groups and individuals who are challenging extremism and bringing people together.

As part of the event, local group Odara launched a new poster campaign “Behind Every Woman”. The campaign calls for women to join other women for conversation, support and companionship. Odara provides safe and secure environments for women to discuss sensitive topics that affect their community including grooming, mental health, domestic violence and extremism.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: ‘I am proud to be in Birmingham today 4

to support organisations like Odara who work tirelessly to stand up against the extremists who seek to divide us.

Their work is vital because tackling extremism is not something that Government can do alone, which is why we are building a stronger Britain together.

We must work in partnership with local people and communities to challenge those who spread hatred and intolerance.

Together we can defeat extremism’.

The event comes after the Prime Minister pledged to back reforming voices in the fight against extremism in Britain’s communities in a speech in Birmingham last month.

Later this year the government will publish a comprehensive new strategy to tackle extremism in its widest sense: extreme right-wing and Islamist, violent and non-violent, as well as bringing in new legislation to counter extremism.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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Health News

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Five million in UK at high risk of Type 2 diabetes

Five million people in England have blood sugar levels indicating a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a new report published by Public Health England (PHE).

The report, compiled by PHE’s National Cardiovascular Health Intelligence Network (NCVIN), provides the most accurate and robust estimate of how many people over 16 in England have blood sugar levels in a range indicating a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, otherwise known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.

It was commissioned by the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), which will support people in reducing their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by helping them lose weight, be more active and have a healthier diet.

The new estimate further underlines the need to act on Type 2 diabetes, especially as it already results in 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS £8.8billion every year.

An evidence review also published today by PHE shows programmes similar to the NHS DPP can be successful in

preventing 26% of people at high risk of Type 2 diabetes from going on to develop the condition. People supported by diabetes prevention programmes lose on average 1.57kg more weight than those not on a programme aiming to significantly reduce diabetes risk.

Both reports have shaped what the NHS DPP will offer at least 9 months of information, support, group and one-to-one sessions on weight loss, physical activity and diet. Practitioners, clinicians, academics and the public are currently being consulted on a proposed outline of the programme.

Consultation responses will further inform the programme, with a phased national rollout starting in 2016.

Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of PHE, said: We know how to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes: lose weight, exercise and eat healthily, but it’s hard to do it alone. PHE’s evidence review shows that supporting people along the way will help them protect their health and that’s what our prevention programme will do.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, NHS England said: There are too

Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of PHE many people on the cusp of developing Type 2 diabetes and we can change that.

The growing body of evidence makes us confident that our NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme will reduce the numbers of those at risk going on to develop the debilitating disease.

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: Having high blood glucose levels significantly increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which is a serious health condition which affects 2.9 million people in England, and can lead to devastating complications such as blindness, amputations and stroke, and ultimately early death.

This is why it is really important that people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes are given evidence-based support to reduce their risk. As well as helping to reduce the human cost of Type 2 diabetes, this would also go a long way to helping to reduce costs to the NHS. The NHS spends 10% of its entire budget managing diabetes and unless we get better at preventing Type 2 diabetes this figure will rise to unsustainable levels.

The data on non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is broken down by local authority (LA) for the first time, ranging from 8.5% of people in Brighton and 6

Hove to 14% in Harrow. Higher rates are found in areas with large ethnic minority populations or older populations, or both: the groups traditionally at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle factors, including weight, physical activity levels and diet, are important like the inherent factors of ageing and ethnic background in determining the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The NHS DPP will focus on providing support to participants on changing their behaviour in these areas to reduce their risk.

According to the evidence review, programmes more aligned with the NICE guidance on preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes help people lose on average 3kg more weight and significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

Aside from reducing incidences of Type 2 diabetes, the NHS DPP also aims to reduce the life-changing complications associated with the disease, like heart, stroke, kidney, eye and foot problems, and reduce costs to the NHS in the long term.

People identified with a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, either through an NHS Health Check or through an existing blood test result will be offered a place on the NHS DPP when it launches in 2016.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

News

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Financial Services – A Key to Lifting People Out of Poverty Malaysia has achieved one of the highest levels of financial inclusion among Southeast Asia countries, due in part to policies taking advantage of mobile phones and banking agents to expand access, according to a recent World Bank report discussed at a conference on Thursday.

A major contributor to Malaysia’s development success is its innovative, resilient, and inclusive financial sector, according to World Bank specialists, speaking at the launch of the Global Findex 2014, a comprehensive report on financial inclusion released by the World Bank every three years. It measures how individuals in 143 countries save, borrow, make payments, and manage risks, and found Malaysia’s financial inclusion at 81 percent.

“Technology can play a powerful role

in bringing people into banking systems, and lifting them out of poverty,” said Ulrich Zachau, the World Bank’s Country Director for South East Asia. “Malaysia’s success in financial inclusion is a model for developing countries around the world.”

Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand lead ASEAN inclusion rates, with about four of five adults benefiting from access to financial services and able to save, borrow and manage risk, according to Global Findex 2014. From 2011 to 2014, account ownership for adults of the poorest 40 percent of households in Malaysia increased 26 percent from 50 percent to 76 percent.

In the same time period, 700 million people across the globe became account holders at banks, other financial institutions Ulrich Zachau, the World Bank’s Country Director for South East Asia or mobile money service providers, and the number of “unbanked” individuals percentage of adults with an account of adults in the poorest 40 percent of dropped 20 percent to two billion adults, increased from 51 percent to 62 percent, households in developing countries lacked a trend driven by a 13-percentage-point accounts in 2014. the report said.

In addition, the gender gap in account Globally, the report found that the rise in account ownership in developing countries as well as improved technology. ownership remained relatively unchanged.

In particular, mobile money accounts in In 2011, 47 percent of women and 54 percent developing countries are helping to rapidly of men had an account; in 2014, 58 percent expand and scale up access to financial of women had an account, compared to 65 services. percent of men. Regionally, the gender gap The report also found a need to expand is largest in South Asia, where 37 percent financial inclusion among women and of women have an account compared to 55 the poorest households. More than half percent of men.

Enterprise zones boom attract 19,000 new jobs Enterprise zones are playing a vital role in growing the local and national economy, delivering greater prosperity to our economy and have now attracted more than 19,000 jobs latest figures show.

The 24 zones report that they have now attracted £2.2 billion of private investment and more than 500 new businesses across a range of key industries including the automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical and renewable energy industry sectors.

Along with boosting the number of jobs the zones are proving popular with colleges seeking to set-up facilities and training opportunities to fill gaps in the local skills market.

Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton said: We are seeing enterprise zones across the country create thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment, boosting the local and national economy. This is testament to the hard work of local people 8

making the most of opportunities the zones bring for attracting firms.

Having 19,000 new jobs on zones is a significant milestone and one which we will continue to build as part of the government’s long-term economic plan to rebalance the economy.

Britain is a great place to do business and there is much untapped potential local areas can build on, to make the most of their unique benefits, which is why more areas and businesses will be able to benefit from the support in a new wave of zones.

The government launched enterprise zones in April 2012 as part of the long-term economic plan to rebalance the economy so all parts of the country have the tools to thrive. The Chancellor announced the further expansion of the programme as part of his summer Budget.

The zones, which are delivering a multi-billion boost to local economies, offer a number of benefits including tax incentives, simplified planning and superfast broadband for firms.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Theatre, Shows and Musicals

Arts Culture

By Edward Mirza

MEMPHIS Now – Oct 18th

The producers of hit Broadway musical MEMPHIS are delighted to officially announce that multi award-winning recording artist Beverley Knight will star as club singer ‘Felicia Farrell’ when the show comes to London’s West End this autumn. MEMPHIS, winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical has Grammy® Award-winning original score

by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan and book by Joe DiPietro.

Inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, MEMPHIS follows the fame and forbidden love of a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break.

“David Bryan evokes the powerhouse funk of James Brown, the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry, the smooth harmonies of the Temptations and the silken, bouncy pop of the great girl groups of the period” Charles Isleworth, New York Times.

Directed by Christopher Ashley and with Choreography by Sergio Trujillo, MEMPHIS has Scenic Design by David Gallo, Costume Design by Paul Tazewell, and Lighting Design by Howell Binkley.

Shaftsbury Avenue Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue London WC2H 8DP

THRILLER LIVE Now - September 25th 2015

Thriller - Live, the spectacular concert show that celebrates the music of the world’s greatest entertainer and undisputed King of Pop, Michael and the Jackson 5, is celebrating its 2,000th West End performance on Thursday October 24.

Smashing all previous records at the Lyric Theatre, where it recently celebrated becoming the longest-running production in the theatre’s 125-year history, Thriller - Live first moonwalked into the West End in January 2009 after three acclaimed UK tours. It has just extended its West End booking period to Sunday 28 September, 2014 Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 7ES

MACBETH, TARA ARTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH QUEEN’S HALL ARTS & BLACK THEATRE LIVE Now- October 31st Macbeth is the first production from Black

Theatre Live, a pioneering consortium of 8 regional theatres committed to increasing the amount of Black and Ethnic Minority theatre on the touring circuit. Spun together with a blend of Indian music and movement, this brand new production from one of the UK’s leading cross-cultural theatre companies sees Shakespeare’s tragedy reimagined in a contemporary context, as a brew of treachery and ambition sets an Asian family on a road to destruction. The production sees the engineers of Macbeth’s downfall depicted as three Hijras. A strand of Indian society little-known in the west, Hijras are a centuries-old “third gender” community (including transsexuals, transgender people, eunuchs and cross-dressers).

Tara Arts Artistic Director Jatinder Verma, who will direct Macbeth said “Spirits in Indian traditions combine vivacity with viciousness. By casting the Witches in Macbeth as provocative Bollywood queens, I aim to explore the dangerously vain ambition driving Macbeth.”

For information on Black Theatre Live: www.blacktheatrelive.co.uk | For information on Tara Arts: www.tara-arts.com .

From: ‘The Etienne Sisters by Che Walker’, at Theatre Royal, Sratford East

TAR BABY BY DESIREE THE ETIENNE SISTERS BURCH Selected dates until August

BY CHÉ WALKER September 10 - Oct 3 31st ‘I can’t believe my own sister would come with this thievery and anarchy to my door...’

Tree and Ree Etienne are laying their mother to rest when an unwelcome arrival at the graveside intrudes on their grief. It’s Bo, their troublesome estranged half-sister.

To comfort her sisters Bo moves in for a while and things begin to look up. But can a leopard ever change her spots? Cracks appear as childhood memories, deep resentments and long put away dreams come to the fore. Tensions build before erupting in a confrontation during which harsh truths are said that cannot be unsaid. Will the sisters destroy all that is left of their family and each other?

This thought-provoking and honest is new play is written by Chè Walker with songs by Anouskha Lucas (Klook’s Last Stand). Set to a contemporary soulful jazz soundtrack, The Etienne Sisters explores what it means to be part of a family today.

By Chè Walker, with songs by Anoushka Lucas Additional songs by Sheila Atim Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN

Can America only dream in black and white? Desiree Burch is here to find out.

In her own straightforward style, Desiree investigates the intersection of institution and individuality in the UK premiere of Tar Baby.

Let Desiree be your guide in this exploration of America’s love affair with race and capitalism, as she reveals their impact on her experiences as a black woman in academia, the entertainment industry and personal relationships. Solo, devised and interactive theatre forms combine to speak for the growing majority of minority experiences in the US Tar Baby is at the Turret at Gilded Balloon (Venue 14), 25 Greenside Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3AA | 7-11, 13-18, 20-25, 27-31 Aug (£9/£7), 12pm (1hr30) | Box Office: 0131 622 6552 | Fringe Office: 0131 226 0000

NINE LIVES BY ZODWA NYONI NATIONAL TOUR Now - Jan 2016 Presented by Leeds Studio in association with West Yorkshire Playhouse Performed by Lladel Bryant Directed by Alex Chisholm Fleeing from his home in Zimbabwe

where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK. Dispersed to Leeds, Ishmael waits to hear his fate, he waits for a new life to begin amongst strangers. Strangers who don’t trust him and don’t want him there. But not everyone is bad… can he find a place to call home again?

Some of us wanted to stop being afraid.

Some of us wanted to find ourselves.

Some of us wanted to belong.

Zodwa Nyoni (West Yorkshire Playhouse/Channel 4 Writer in Residence 2014) threads together humour and humanity to tell the real personal story behind asylum headlines.

25 September 2015 Taliesin, Swansea 26 September 2015 Wakefield Lit Festival, Wakefield 28-29 September 2015 Oxford Playhouse, Oxford 12 October 2015 The Bikeshed Exeter, Exeter 17 October 2015 Trinity Bristol, Bristol 23 October 2015 The Cube, Malvern 06 November 2015 Upstairs at Western, Leicester 12 November 2015 Cast, Doncaster 16 November 2015 Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford 19 November 2015 Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees 10 December 2015 9

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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Opinion

To Probe or Not To Probe, This Is the Answer

By Akintokunbo A Adejumo “Just as it is impossible not to taste the honey or the poison that finds itself at the tip of the tongue, so it is impossible for a Government servant not to eat up at least a bit of the King’s revenue”. Katyla, 300 BC

It is sad to see, hear and read, and indeed, very nauseating, that some Nigerians, whether in high or low places, are advocating to “let bygone be bygone” and leave looters alone. This is very sad; however, it is expected and unsurprising to me, knowing the hypocrisy and praise-singing culture of my people. I have written thrice about this “A People beyond Redemption”, “A Virulent Form of Absurdity: When Society and Politics go Insane” and most recently “Our Own Worst Enemy: The Iniquities of a People”. I know my people head to toe.

Have they considered how many Nigerians are dead, still dying, because of the direct and indirect effects of corruption in this country? Why should people who deny others independence, livelihood, welfare, better lives, etc. be let off? However, my stance is not based on righteous indignance, religious belief, hypocrisy or moral certitude; it is based, as you will read in the last part of this article, on the laws of the land.

In a country brimming with enviable natural and human resources, we see poverty, yes, dire poverty, hunger, unemployment, desperation and misery everyday on the street while at the same time we see and suffer under unbridled, unashamed, un-apportioned and inappropriate affluence of the looters who denied their own people and fellow human beings, good lives and welfare.

We have been letting our looters and corrupt leaders, politicians, military, civil servants and other public officials off for decades, and that has been the wrong message and precedent, and this is why corruption in Nigeria is ever proliferating and daring, because the perpetrators do not fear Justice or God. They keep saying, “Nothing will happen anyway; they will shout and shout, go to court and all charges will

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be dropped, I know the justice, I know the investigators, no problem”.

Yes, by all means, looters must be prosecuted and given long prison terms (if we cannot execute them like in China). We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand and shy away from the bitter truth and reality of the damage treasury looting has done and is still doing to this country.

So, if peace and smiles are to be restored to people, it is then good enough to bring to books those that deprived the people good things of life, such as good roads, good medical facilities, employment for the teeming youths of this country, good education, etc. When we are talking about this country, we must be talking about how to rebuild this country and this may not happen overnight. It may take time, but then, there is light at the end of the tunnel. People that had stolen our money must return it. The problem we have as a people is our inability to ask questions from our leaders, but I know now this government has opened our eyes and henceforth people will be asking questions. Buhari may never complete the job, but he would have laid a solid foundation that will be difficult to succeeding leaders to follow, but which they must follow.

It’s interesting to know that even the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, a member of the dubious National Peace Committee, led by ex-Head of State, Abubakar Abdusalam and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev Martin Kukah, has come around in supporting President Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade to prosecute any person’s found to have short-changed the Nigerian people in looting the nation treasury. Unlike our past Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku, advocating for pardon, “let by gone be by gone” When he was the Commonwealth Secretary General, would he have allowed the collective funds of the organisation be embezzled under his watch? I believe not, otherwise he wouldn’t have had a splendid career in service. As a society we have allowed public funds to be looted, mismanaged and wasted. The result is suffering of ordinary people, unemployment, extreme poverty, mental illness on the streets, homelessness, unable to afford basic essentials, affordable Medicare, education. Most importantly infrastructure that benefit us and improve and upgrade our country among the comity of nations are lacking. Where income generated should be used for the citizen’s welfare, these almost always end up in the private pockets of people entrust-

ed with the administration of this country but who instead, betray our trust and take advantage of their positions in government to abuse their authority and oppress the people they are supposed to serve.

The President needs the support of Nigeria people to bring sanity back to society that have lost her pride and sense of belonging. It is our duty as good citizens to support the President; corrupt leaders, past and present must be probed, recover the money they stole and then prosecute and jail them. No room for corruption any more.

Mr President must not listen to those calling for a stop to probe. It is annoying to see people’s self-interest and selfishness overpower reasoning and rectitude. At the end of the day, they may even have the day.

There is no Truth in Nigeria, and that is why we are like this, and may be like that forever.

The current EFCC and its leadership, rank and file are not fit for the present dispensation. And same goes for the Judiciary. There was so much compromise on their part during the last regime and should be made to answer and punished appropriately. Is the EFCC leader just waking up now? What was he doing during GEJ tenure, when for the 6 years, not a single case against corrupt ex-governors was won in court? His own tenure during GEJ as well should be subject to a rigorous probe by a separate and independent anti-corruption body.

The question should have been when they were looting what were agencies meant to check mate them doing? Sleeping, I suppose! So if Buhari had not come, those agencies will still be sleeping, abi?

So a president must prompt agencies to do their job? If yes, why? Are they not supposed to be working irrespective of whoever is in power? Why is it that in a system which is supposed to be propelled and monitored by institutions, individuals working in those institutions are afraid to do their job or have compromised? If institutions are working, is the Presidency not supposed to be under close monitors by democratic institutions? If Nigerians can now start working because Buhari said so even though they are supposed to be doing their jobs without let or hindrance under previous governments, then I think Nigeria should, structurally, be redefined. As it is now, the system we are running is not fit for purpose. It stinks!

Its high time things changed in this our nation, Nigeria. Corruption has thrived so

outrageously to the extent that it has become a norm in our society. Those advocating that a blind eye should be turned to the nefarious activities of the looters are just playing to the gallery and are birds of the same feathers with the looters. It is very obvious, even to the common man on the street that Nigeria cannot continue along this path of internal destruction. A honest man has just been sent to bail out the country from an impending socio-economic destruction in the person of Buhari. May God be with him, grant him wisdom and energy to cleanse this nation, although it will be like Hercules cleaning the Augean stables. The looters should be prosecuted, irrespective of their position and personality; their pecuniary loot should be confiscated and returned to the national treasury and appropriate jail terms should be meted out to them.

The advocates of “let bygone be bygone” have benefited from the loot directly or indirectly that’s why they are advocating such nonsense. We cannot continue to run our government on corruption and dirty politics again. Now is the chance and the time to clean up the corruption mess and stigma hanging on Nigeria so, we have to support the present government in fighting corruption by all means and make Nigeria a better country for all with all the potentials at her disposal.

Morally, the sinner is not allowed to get away with his/her sins. The Bible and the Koran prescribes punishment for sin.

Corruption and stealing are sins and must be punished. Those looters, Nigerian looters, who thought they are above the laws of Man and have gotten away with their crimes, have not yet met the judgement of God, as He will visit the sins of the father on many generations to come.

Above all, my reason for supporting probes is predicated on the Laws of Nigeria. Those advocating “No Probe” are actually asking the Federal Government of Nigeria to ignore its own laws. In Nigeria, it is a crime to take bribes and offer bribes; corruption by public officials or those entrusted with the administration of the country. Such persons must be arrested by law enforcement agents, investigated, prosecuted and jailed, if found guilty.

What then are we deigning for to let people off? That means we are encouraging lawlessness and preventing the law and justice to take their actions and courses.

Shame on those advocating for the government of Nigeria to shove its own laws aside, to satisfy the corrupt few!!

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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Africa Newsround

South Sudan

Power-share deal set to end South Sudan civil war South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has finally agreed to sign a peace deal and power-sharing accord to end a 20-month civil war, his spokesman said Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told AFP that the presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Sudan plus Ethiopia’s prime minister “will converge on Juba tomorrow morning (Wednesday, August 26th) for a one day summit, and the President of the Republic of South Sudan will sign the peace agreement.”

The spokesman said, however, that the government was still unhappy with the accord, drawn up by the regional bloc, InterGovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) as well as the United Nations, African Union, China and the “troika” of Britain, Norway and the United States.

“The government has some reservations... even if the President will sign,” Ateny said.

South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar, a former vice president, signed the deal last Monday, in line with a deadline to do so.

But President Kiir, who initially refused to sign the deal - asking for a two-week extension, only initialled part of the text, and his government slammed the accord as a “sellout”.

Both sides in the conflict have been facing the threat of international sanctions if they refuse to sign.

Key issues of disagreement include details of a power-sharing proposal between the government and rebels, which could see Machar return as vice-president.

Ateny also said the government was unhappy over calls to demilitarise the

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit initially refused to sign the deal, asking for a two-week extension

capital Juba, hand over greater powers to the rebels in the oil-rich Upper Nile region, and see foreigners in charge of a Monitoring and Evaluation Commission - the body that will police the implementation of the peace deal.

Sources in IGAD also confirmed plans for the deal to be signed in Juba on Wednesday, with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and chief mediator Seyoum Mesfin due to attend.

An IGAD official said rebel leader Machar would not be there because security provisions were not yet in place.

South Sudan’s civil war erupted in December 2013 when Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Machar of planning a coup, setting off a cycle of retaliatory killings that has split the poverty-stricken, landlocked country along ethnic lines.

Marked by widespread atrocities on both sides, the war has been characterised by ethnic massacres and rape. At least seven ceasefires have already been agreed and then shattered within days -- if not hours --

in the world’s newest country, which broke away from Sudan in 2011.

The 72-page accord commits both sides to implementing a “permanent ceasefire” within 72 hours after signing. Military forces also have 30 days to gather for “separation, assembly and cantonment” -- or confinement to barracks, with their weapons secured in storage -- with a security review ahead of an eventual reunification of forces.

All foreign forces in the war, including Ugandan troops backing Kiir, must leave within 45 days, while foreign militia forces, including rebels from neighbouring Sudan’s Darfur and Nuba mountain regions, must also be disarmed and sent home.

No troops are allowed closer than 25 kilometres (15 miles) to the capital Juba, with only presidential guards, police and guard forces protecting infrastructure can remain in the city.

The deal gives rebels the post of “First Vice President”, alongside the current vice-president. That means Machar is likely to return to the post he was sacked from in July 2013, six months before the war began.

Signatories also take responsibility for the war, “apologising unconditionally” for the tens of thousands killed.

A Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing will be set up to investigate “all aspects of human rights violations”, with a “Hybrid Court” -- set up in collaboration with the African Union -- to try crimes including possible genocide and crimes against humanity.

Kenya

Highest court confirms teachers’ pay award Kenya’s Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal ordering the government to give teachers a 50 percent pay hike.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) had argued that it could not afford the increase awarded by the Labour Court and upheld on appeal. But the Supreme Court argued that it had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

“This court lacks jurisdiction to entertain an application challenging the exercise of discretion by the Court of Appeal,” said Justice Smokin Wanjala while delivering the ruling. The pay rise will be backdated to August 1st with the lowest paid teacher to now get the equivalent of around £120 a month. Teachers had threatened to strike if the pay rise is not included in their next salary payment.

Kenyan teachers, some of whom evidently don’t excel in spelling, have been campaigning for better pay since 1997

Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General, Wilson Sossion, welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court saying teachers have been given clean bill of health by all courts in the country.

“Teachers have been awarded justice, the truth has been availed, we’ve won.

Now TSC must pay all the arrears. No teacher will resume duty until the pay rise is reflected in the accounts of each one of them,” said Sossion amid cheers from teachers who had gathered to hear the ruling.

The dispute over teachers’ pay goes back 18 years, with a pay deal struck in 1997 only partially fulfilled. The government has not yet reacted and it is still not clear where the new money will come from.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

News

Egypt

Anger over “unethical” sale of funerary antiquity Egypt’s government has asked its citizens to help raise nearly $25 million to buy back an ancient statue sold at auction by Christies in London last year.

Antiquities Minister, Mamdouh elDamaty, called on Egyptians worldwide to donate money to help return the 4,500year-old “irreplaceable masterpiece” to its native country, according to The Cairo Post.

The painted limestone statue of an Egyptian royal scribe called Sekhemka sold at auction in July 2014 to an unknown buyer for nearly $20 million by Northampton Museum to help fund its renovations. The sale has angered Egyptian authorities and raised a number of ethical and legal questions. The prized piece might “never be seen on public display again” if purchased by a wealthy private collector when an export ban imposed on the statue expires at the end of August, el-Damaty warned during a press conference at Egypt’s antiquities ministry in Cairo.

Northampton Borough Council contravened museum accreditation standards when it sold the Sekhemka statue (pictured), foiling a 2-year campaign to halt the sale

has halted all its dealings with Northampton Musuem to protest its “unethical role” in the sale of the Sekhemka statue.

It was believed to be the first time a museum had sold an Egyptian antiquity. ElDamaty said these historical pieces are given to museums “to spread information about civilization, heritage, arts and culture. Therefore, the final resting place for any antiquity is the museum.”

“What this museum is doing is considered an ethical crime against human and Egyptian heritage,” el-Damaty told the press conference.

The Sekhemka statue belonged to an ancient Egyptian court official and scribe during the fifth dynasty from 2,400 B.C. to 2,300 B.C. It was later found during excavation from the Sakkara archaeological site, about 16 miles south of the Giza pyramids. The statue was then acquired by Spencer Compton, the second Marquis of Northampton, during his trip to Egypt in 1849-50. It was later given to the Northampton Museum by the third or fourth Marquis prior to 1880.

“The sale of the statue is an indelible stain on the museum’s reputation and is a moral crime against world heritage in general and the Egyptian heritage in particular,” he said, adding: “I am calling all

Egyptians around the world to help Egypt to preserve its ancient Egyptian heritage and to collect the required fund to buy the Sekhemka statue.”

El-Damaty also announced that Egypt

Standard as among the top 16 UK health professionals with huge responsibilities and earnings higher than the UK Prime Minister.

Prof. Okolo, addressing a conference on the non-oil sector under the auspices of the Engineers Forum of Nigerians UK, confirmed that Nigeria’s development can be fast-tracked by a conscious effort to turn around the present state of the health sector in the country. Prof. Okolo said, “the global trade in health tourism is over $100billion per year. Of this, Nigerian health tourism contributed $500 million in 2013 and half of this was spent travelling to India. Contrasting this, numbers of Nigerian doctors in USA and UK are over 3500 and 4250 respectively, while there are over 1600 Nigerian nurses and midwives working in the UK’s NHS”. Prof. Okolo highlighted that the drivers for health tourism are: availability; low cost and quality and expertise abroad.

Dubai in the UAE has invested greatly in preparing for medical tourism by creating a Dubai Clinic Services Capacity Plan 2020 through Public-Private Partnership.

With these facilities they are able to attract over 2 million medical tourists to UAE from 150 countries. These also generate income in the areas of transport, hospital-

President Muhammadu Buhari with the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari is about to harness Nigerians in Diaspora for national development ...continued from page 19

...One critical area where Nigerians in Diaspora can add value to the Change Economic Agenda is in the health sector, given its obvious distressing state. The government searchlight on the Diaspora must begin with the health sector with a view to kick starting a partnership with Nigerian medical professionals and uplifting healthcare delivery. An overhaul of this sector would boost the economy and create millions of jobs for the teeming population.

There are thousands of Nigerian medical professionals such as consultants, gynaecologist, lead surgeons, oncologists and specialists in other medical fields working in teaching hospitals and in various other areas of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). Many of these professionals are willing to serve their motherland. Some have embarked on medical missions with little or no support from Nigeria’s government in the past. Each state of the Federation can partner with these Nigerian doctors in Diaspora on areas of desperate need.

One of these numerous talents is Professor Stanley Okolo, Medical Director of North Middlesex NHS Trust. He was recently listed by the London Evening 12

ity, banking, shopping and sightseeing.

There is little to gain in saying that Nigeria can be the hub of medical tourism for at least the entire West Africa sub region. Other Nigerian medical experts of note in the UK include breast cancer specialist Arikoge Ogedegbe, Consultant and Lead Surgeon at King George Hospital, Barking, Havering and Redbridge and Dr. Peter Ozua, a Consultant Histopathologist at the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital NHS Trust - Dr. Ozua was on a delegation to Nigeria with the Medical Association of Nigerian Specialists and General Practitioners.

In addition, Prof. Dilly Anumba is a full Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and infertility expert at the University of Sheffield; Dr. Henry Okosun is Medical Director at the Regency International Clinic, a top British Fertility & Virility Centre - Dr. Okosun is experienced in the management of infertile couples (test tube babies); and Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi, Deputy Medical Director, Health and Safety, Basildon Hospital, Basildon.

An injection of the Diaspora may just contain the tonic to bring about the change we are clamouring for.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Germany

Refugee shelter destroyed in suspected arson attack

Firefighters in front of the Nauen gym intended as temporary housing for refugees that was burned to the ground on Tuesday

Police in Germany say a school gym intended as temporary housing for refugees has burned to the ground in Nauen, about 9 miles west of Berlin.

Brandenburg state police say they are working on the assumption that the fire was started deliberately. Nobody was injured.

Far-right protesters had repeatedly demonstrated against the arrival of asylum-seekers in Nauen this year.

Germany has seen a surge in refugees coming to the country this year, with officials predicting the number

could reach 800,000 by the end of 2015.

While most Germans have been welcoming to the refugees, a minority has vocally opposed them. On Monday (August 24) Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned neo-Nazi riots outside a home for asylum seekers in Heidenau, south of Dresden, in which dozens of police and protesters were injured over the weekend. Mrs Merkel described the behaviour of the far-right activists as “abhorrent” and “shameful” and said she would be visiting the town on Wednesday.

Japan

More destruction as Goni heads north

Typhoon Goni caused widespread flooding and landslides in the Philippines over the weekend

At least 26 people have been reported injured by a typhoon that has damaged buildings, tossed around cars and flooded streets in the southwestern Kumamoto prefecture on the Japanese island of Kyushu on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, Typhoon Goni lashed the Philippines, leaving 21 dead and 15 missing.

All flights to and from Kyushu were cancelled, and train and bus services were temporarily halted. According to the Kyodo news service, over 470,000 houses lost power connection due to the storm.

Before making landfall, Goni passed through the island of Ishigaki-jima in the southwestern Okinawa prefecture, reaching sustained winds of 101 mph and gusting to 159 mph over a four hour period. The typhoon also slammed Japan’s southernmost Ryukyu Islands on Monday as it gained strength while moving over the islands, but is expected to weaken to a category 1 storm as it heads towards northeastern North Korea and southeastern Russia, accompanied with heavy rains.

Regions of southeastern Russia and northeastern China are likely to be flooded for several days before the typhoon fades away.

Israel

Heinz sees red over saucy challenge to global institution Heinz tomato ketchup can no longer be called ketchup in Israel, despite the fact that the US brand has become almost synonymous with the condiment in most of the rest of the world.

The country’s health ministry has insisted Heinz tomato ketchup should be called, “tomato seasoning”, ruling the product does not contain enough “tomato solids” to be considered ketchup.

The ruling came after a complaint from local competitor, Osem.

Osem claimed the Heinz product contains 21 percent tomato concentrate - a long way from the 61 percent

Heinz tomato ketchup as sold in Israel, alongside its rival, made by Osem, one of the nation’s largest food manufacturers and distributors.

that it claims. Israeli food standards require tomato ketchup to have 41% tomato concentrate.

Heinz’s distributor in Israel says Osem’s claims, “have no substance.”

“The word ‘ketchup’ is indicated in English on the front of the bottle while recognising that the Israeli standard for ketchup has yet to be brought in line with US and European accepted international standards. The back label of our ketchup sold in Israel reflects current local requirements for ingredient labelling and the Hebrew name for the product,” said Nigel Dickie, Heinz’s Director of Corporate and Government Affairs.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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CRIME Four guilty in Jeremie Malenge murder trial A verdict was reached today, Friday, 21 August, in the trial of four people for the murder of Jeremie Malenge in Hackney on 6 January.

The four defendants, two of whom have recently turned 18, were found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey following a trial that lasted almost eight weeks. [B] was also found guilty of wounding with intent.

The following appeared at the Old Bailey charged with Jeremie’s murder: [A] Sanaa Sayed Ibrahim, 18 years of Homerton Road, Hackney.

[B] A 17-year-old male youth from Woodford Green.

[D] A 14-year-old boy from Hackney.

[E] Tre Morgan, 18 years of Lyham Road, SW2.

Police were called at 2340hrs on Tuesday, 6 January to Ponsford Street, Hackney to reports of a stabbing.

Officers attending the scene found 17-year-old Jeremie Malenge (23.07.97) of Arcola Street, E8, suffering from stab wounds. Jeremie died a short time later.

A murder investigation was launched by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command headed by Detective Chief Inspector Ken Hughes.

A post-mortem conducted on Thursday, 8 January provided the cause of Jeremie’s death as a stab wound to the chest.

Detective Chief Inspector Ken

Jeremie Malenge

Hughes said: “Jeremie ran for his life but was caught by his attackers in Ponsford Street where they stabbed him.

Immediately after the incident they fled leaving him bleeding on the pavement.

“In spite of valiant attempts to save him by all emergency services attending, Jeremy sadly died at the scene.

“I would like to thank the numerous witnesses who came forward to assist officers with this investigation without whom we would not have been able to achieve the justice for Jeremie and his family handed down today.

“These verdicts are the result of diligent efforts on behalf of not only the detectives investigating, but also the hard work of our borough partners at Hackney Council Integrated Gangs Unit and the CCTV Unit without whom this crime could not have been solved.

“Both council units are jointly staffed by both Police officers and council

Sanaa Sayed Ibrahim

professionals and are an excellent example of the benefits of partnership working to community safety.

“Nothing can bring Jeremie back to his family, but I and my team hope that today’s verdict brings a measure of comfort.”

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sophie Linden, said: “I cannot imagine the pain and grief Jeremie’s family have been through. I truly hope that today’s verdict can bring some comfort to the family.

“CCTV played a vital role in securing these convictions. As well as capturing the attack, council CCTV operators followed the attackers as they fled from the scene of the crime and Hackney’s Integrated Gangs Unit carried out further investigations helping the police to make arrests. We will continue to do all we can to work in partnership with the police.”

Tre Morgan

Statement from Jeremie’s father, Mr A Malenge: “As Jeremie’s dad I feel that there is a massive hole in my heart since my lovely son was sadly murdered. I will never forget the death of my son.

“Every time I leave my home I always see people Jeremie’s age happily passing through the streets of Hackney and this always makes me think of my lovely son.

“I’m finding it hard to enjoy anything in my life because of my son’s death. Jeremie was always polite and had never been in an argument with anyone in the family or outside.

“He is a big loss to our family and the killers of Jeremie have really broken our hearts. Now we know that nothing will ever be the same again.

“At this time we ask for people to respect our privacy.”

Appeal following death of woman in Enfield Detectives investigating the death of a woman in Enfield have today, Monday 24 August, named her as Jourdain John-Baptiste, 22 of Enfield.

Police were called at 01:42hrs on Friday, 21 August, to reports of a woman believed to have fallen from a fourth floor flat in Gainsborough House, Enfield.

Jourdain was taken to an east London hospital in a critical condition. She died in hospital a short while later.

Next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Detectives continue to appeal 14

Jourdain John-Baptiste

for information and witnesses and an incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Neale Baldock of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC).

Detective Chief Inspector Neale Baldock of the HMCC said: “This is a sad case whereby a young woman’s life has been tragically cut short. We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible. We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what occurred on the victim’s balcony prior to her fall to help us with our investigation.”

A 24-year-old man who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm has been bailed to a date in late September pending further enquiries

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America KimYe win hidden camera lawsuit

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are even richer today after settling up with a YouTube founder over a video of their engagement he secretly shot and then leaked online.

Chad Hurley, the YouTube co-founder who went on to found MixBit, has agreed to pay KimYe $440,000. The couple sued Hurley, claiming he manipulated his way

into AT&T Park in San Francisco back in 2013 to witness Kanye’s proposal. He even signed a confidentiality agreement.

But Hurley secretly recorded the video and posted it on MixBit. Kim and Kanye were furious, and their lawyer, Eric George, filed suit claiming Hurley was desperate to find a second act after 2 failed flops following his YouTube sale.

We’re told Hurley must pay the loot

within the next few days, and then the lawsuit will be dismissed.

$400k is a fortune to most, but Hurley sold YouTube for $1.6 billion, so he’s not hurting.

Brown back before The Beak Kanye West and Kim Kardashian shortly after she accepted his marriage proposal at a San Francisco baseball field

Chris Brown superimposed with his latest tattoo, allegedly of Venus de Milo, which some may feel is reason enough for another day before the judge

Chris Brown is on his way back to court. But this time it’s on his own terms as the singer prepares to go head-to-head with his baby’s mother, Nia Guzman, 31.

The pair have been unable to come to a custody or child support agreement for their daughter, one-year-old Royalty, so now the courts will be asked to decide their daughter’s fate, according to HollywoodLife.com.

Brown says he is tired of Guzman digging in his pockets for gold. The singer wants to provide his daughter with adequate child support and is now relying on a judge for help.

“We have a hearing scheduled for September 11,” Brown’s family law attorney, Bo Nichols, revealed to HollywoodLife. com in an exclusive interview. However, Nichols would much rather see the two parents settle their dispute prior to that

date. “When it comes down to it, Chris and Nia are the ones who are responsible for raising Royalty,” he says. “The more people involved, the more complicated it gets.”

If there’s one person who can help bring Brown and Guzman together for Royalty’s sake, it’s Brown’s mother. As HollywoodLife.com previously reported, Joyce Hawkins has become an integral part in the battle to see Royalty and she’s even played “hostage negotiator” with the child’s mother.

“Nia wasn’t thrilled at all about letting Royalty visit him while he’s on tour, but she knew Joyce would be there and that was the only reason why she agreed to it,” another source revealed, adding: “Chris is thanking his lucky stars that she’s his mother. He needs to put her on the payroll because she’s been playing hostage negotiator for him.”

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Gospel

By Michael Adekoya

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

HOUSE OF PRAYER!

“When the multitudes saw the miracles He had done, they exclaimed, “Surely, He is the Prophet we have been expecting in the world!” (John 6:14)

Speaking about Jesus, the Bible says, “When the multitudes saw the miracles He had done, they exclaimed, “Surely, He is the Prophet we have been expecting in the world!” (John 6:14)

“My House is a House of Prayer for all Nations and a Healing Center!” My friend, did you hear that? It is important for us to understand that the desire to pray is not something we can work up in our flesh; rather, the Holy Spirit births the desire in us. If He has already implanted that divine desire in your heart, thank God for it.

If not, ask Him to put it there today. He is God who answers prayers and gives liberally. Then, pray that God will help you to transform that divine desire into daily discipline because that’s what we need today in the Church worldwide.

As the discipline to pray without ceasing is formed within us, discipline will change gears and prayer will no longer be a duty but will become a holy delight. It won’t be a spare tyre in our Christian walk with God but a steering wheel. God longs to see our hearts transformed into a House of Prayer. Why? Because there is so much He longs to do for us and through us in these last days. As we begin to pray individually and corporately, a divine progression of transformation will take place within us. My friend, let me share what I mean as the Holy Spirit is leading me through the Scripture in Matthew 21:12-16.

It was a normal business- as- usual in the temple at Jerusalem until the moment Jesus walked in. Seeing what was happening in the temple of God which did not coincide with the real intended purpose of God for His house, His grief joined hands with holy concern in the Spirit. After fashioning a whip from small cords, Jesus strode purposefully towards the money-changers and

the buyers and sellers of oxen, sheep and doves; forcefully driving them and their mooing, cooing and bleating wares out of the temple. Is that not what is happening in most of our churches today?

Today, most of those who are suppose to be the leaders are robbers who are cheating on the people, commercialising the Gospel of Jesus Christ, merchandising the people and taking large profits for themselves while the congregations are suffering. Before the amazed onlookers or spectators could react on Jesus reaction, He was back but this time to overthrow the tables and seats of the moneychangers, dove sellers and those who use the temple as trade center.

The scattered coins were still spunned and rolled across the floor when Jesus declared with a thundered voice, “My house shall be called a house of prayer but you have made it a den of robbers” (Matt

­­

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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(PART 1)

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

21:13). I wondered how many dens are on our streets today that we named as a church after Christ. Most churches are splendid on the outside but on the inside, they are shrines and dens of robbers. My friend, if your local assembly is like that, it’s time for a divine change. God’s house is a house of prayer for all nations! God has not called us only to talk, preach or teach on prayer.

He also called us to pray! Power is not in words but in relationship with God and in communication with Him through prayer.

Jesus had a definite and true opinion as to what the work of God was and what purpose the house of God was to serve.

He intended the Church to be a house of prayer. But today, the real purpose often is completely overlooked and many nonessentials are substituted. The Church has become Social Center, Recreation Center, Entertainment Center, Fashion Center, Conference Center, Gossip Center, Show

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

Off Center, Trade Center…the list goes on.

There activities may be fine in their time and place but they are not what God had in mind for the Church. There are deep human needs to be met outside the Church’s doors!

Jesus cleansed the temple but He didn’t leave it there. He did a very significant thing. Aware that only the guilty will have something to fear, the blind and the lame thronged to Jesus in the temple, and He healed them all there amid the laughter, happiness and joyous hosannas of the children (the children of God). When the chief priests and the scribes angrily demanded that Jesus quite the children’s joyous cries and shout of perfect praise, He calmly countered them and said, “Have you never read, from the lips of children and infants God have ordained praise?” (Matt 21:1416).

My friend, take a moment to observe the progression and transformation that Jesus desires to happen in your local church and in your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

First, Jesus cleansed the temple, causing it to become a House of Purity (Matt 21:12).

Then, He pronounced that it would be called a House of Prayer (Matt 21:13). Next, the temple was transformed into a House of Power and Healing Centre as the blind and the lame came to Him and He healed them all there (Matt 21:14). And finally, the temple became a House of Perfect Praise (Matt 21:16) as the children came with praises in their mouth to worship the Lord Jesus.

Shouldn’t the same progression take place in your church and in your life and home from now and most urgently today? I believe it should, even in mine too.

...to be continued next week!

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

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

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

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm.

For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church, Surrey Docks District, Solution Centre, 47-47 High Street, Swancombe, Kent, DA10 0DA Tel: 07956 38 38 70 Time of worship: Wednesday Bible study: 7:30pm to 9:00pm Friday, Night Vigil: 9pm to 11pm Sunday Worship: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

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Photo News

Annual Conference: In His Presence Christ Tabernacle

Held on Saturday 22nd August, 2015, at The Millenium Room, Hilton Docklands Riverside Hotel

From left: Bishop Kayode Williams; Pastor James Ademuyiwa; HRM Oba Dokun Thompson; HRM Oba Dr Adewale Adedapo Tejuoso Con

From left: HRM Oba Dokun Thompson; HRM Oba Dr Adewale Adedapo Tejuoso Con; Pastor Seyi Adeyami

17

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Nigerian News

Change Agenda-New Nigeria PLC “I believe it is time for Nigeria to change course. That is why I sought election as President and got elected. As President, I am determined that Nigeria must move away from a course of endemic corruption that is leading us to perdition.

“There can be no question of our wilfully allowing anyone to get away with corruption.” “No matter the pressure and entreaties, the anti-corruption war will continue and all accused persons will have their day in court”

By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari have not hidden his feelings about the deep rooted ill act called corruption. The above quotes draw attention to the determination of President Buhari to nip corruption in the bud and rescue Nigeria.

Three times he tried, three times he failed and disappointed. He did not only made it at fourth attempt, Buhari and his party overwhelmed the ruling party which has boastfully and arrogantly professed to rule for 60years. But through the might and the resolve of the electorates the 16year run of the PDP came to an abrupt end. There is hardly a great way to demystify a ruling party.

Quite a lot has been written on the anti-corruption crusade of the new President, and why not? Nigeria has gone through various phases yet there has not been a single time when Nigeria’s hope was renewed like what we have now under President Buhari. To further dim this, there is a whole generation of Nigerians who feel that Nigeria may never witness good governance in their life time.

The coming of this new Sheriff has heightened Nigeria’s hope and belief that the problems affecting Nigeria can be salvaged. Nigeria could be on the verge of enjoying good governance after all. The problem has always been corruption; the most celebrated ill of Nigeria. We hear Naira is falling, oil price falls, number of crude oil barrels per day are falling, employment rates are falling but one thing that never falls but keeps rising in Nigeria is corruption.

Little wonder, the “if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us” 18

statement of the current President.

Truth be told, if you allow a system to go on for a very long time unabated, it becomes a normal norm, a culture. Nigerians have been so cheated and denied basis infrastructures by the governments as we always miss the Millennium Development Goals targets. In other words drastic actions need to be taken for things to take proper shape. For example, Nigeria needs to build the foundation and new framework which this new government has started, so that a reenergised country with purpose and focus can be built for the next generation. Also, for Nigeria to be taken seriously, Nigeria must face the reality that there cannot be business as usual.

You will have to pity President Buhari as he has a lot of work to do, more battle to fight in all these he has little time to do this and he knows this.

Like John the Baptist, he has already said he is not the messiah.

However, people are expectant.

People are so expectant that they think in two weeks Buhari would solve 90percent if not all of Nigeria’s problems. Solving them might not be that quick but efforts are in top gear.

According to Femi Adesina, the SA media and publicity to the President he said slow and steady wins the race. Luckily, the man in the helm of affairs has demonstrated that he is prudent and he is a person of integrity and also to a large extent can be trusted.

Judging by his body language, so far it can well be interpreted in those terms. The qualities he has shown so far have been inspiring.

Beyond this, the President may have succeeded in relying on his ‘Mr integrity mantra’ and most especially his countenance to whip the nation into line as most people have selfadjusted themselves. Coming on the heels of this is the recent comments of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad

President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd right); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (3rd right); National Leaders, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande (right); Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (left) and other APC Chieftains.

From left: members of the 2015 election peace committee, Kishop Katthew Kassan Kukah; chairman of the committee, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Dr YahayaTanko; and President Muhammadu Buhari

Abubakar in a recent engagement with President Buhari.

“We are 100 percent in support of your fight against corruption in this country and it is our belief that all those found guilty should not only have the entire assets seized and forfeited to government but also face jail sentences”. These are strong words.

Nigerians are hoping that when these monies are recovered the large chunk of it would be ploughed into Nigeria’s economy.

This country can still get better.

Our parents spent their youthful and adult years enunciating the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo especially in the Southwest of Nigeria. It was widely believed that if Awolowo had been allowed to rule Nigeria, Nigeria by now would have become a successful state where infrastructures

are functional and envy of every nation in the world. He was described as the best President Nigeria never had.

It is instructive how the political will and discipline of one man impacted the lives of millions of people in the Southwest of Nigeria.

Today we are in a country where people steal more than enough to empower and prepare themselves in readiness for plea-bargain as a trump card for a soft-landing and avoid being prosecuted. That’s how bad and selfish we are. President Buhari has his hands full but Nigeria needs all hands to be on deck and support the Buhari government to succeed. If Buhari must choose his ministers he needs to choose them carefully.

A righteous man chooses his friends carefully, a saying goes.

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Comment

Buhari is about to harness Nigerians in Diaspora for national development

By Mike Abiola

We may only have to wait until the end of September to know the ministers to represent each ministry in Nigeria, but it may take longer to know who takes charge at the various embassies. One thing is clear though, the new ambassadors will resume with a directive to engage the Diaspora more than ever before.

In the current global economic downturn occasioned by low oil revenue, human capital can become a much needed asset. It is at a time like this that Nigeria must seriously harness its army of professionals across the world; thereby turning its brain drain into a brain gain.

Fortunately, visionary leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo have been providing the necessary impetus since 2005 with the inauguration of professional bodies like the Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation in Europe and America. In its determination to rebuild the nation through its Change Economic Agenda, the current administration must not lose sight of the enormous talent of its citizens abroad.

The gathering of Nigerians in Diaspora, held annually in Abuja, is yet to produce the desired result. The full resolution of this year’s Diaspora Day conference, held in Abuja on 25th August 2015, is yet to be made public.

A clear takeaway for me is in the directive from President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Oshibajo. The President directed Nigeria’s embassies to set up a ‘Diaspora database’ with which they may interact regularly. Some may say this is already an ongoing exercise that has not produced the desired results. The actualisation of the much expected Diaspora Commission would have made this year’s Diaspora Day a fait-accompli. The Diaspora bill passed by the seventh National Assembly is still awaiting presidential assent. Keen observers believe this will open up a new vista.

Role of Nigeria Embassies The various Nigeria embassies around the world can be a motive force for this new directive from the Buhari administration. The embassies can provide fresh vigour, propelled by the new message for change, by organising and supporting regular conferences/events in partnership with different professional bodies to address the national development agenda.

This will go a long way towards encouraging much needed interaction with the Diaspora community.

The Nigeria embassies should each have a Diaspora Liaison Section tasked with the role of actively identifying and compiling lists of Nigerian experts in various countries and matching them with relevant government departments. Through the Diaspora Section, government departments like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council can deploy staff with a mandate to assist exporters of non-oil products from Nigeria and also partner with Nigerian professionals on initiatives that will generate revenue for the country.

Importers of non-oil commodities from Africa into the EU and particularly the UK - especially food importers – experience a catalogue of difficulties that Chinese and Indian importers are not experiencing. A number of this issues can easily be settled under government trade agreements, but they require carefully negotiated bilateral agreements. Where such issues are not given dedicated attention, citizens abroad feel the absence of home government protection and it is a drain on what could amount to substantial foreign exchange earnings.

The Nigerian Diaspora, especially those in the UK & US, are not just growing in statistical terms, they are excelling in education and growing a ready market for Nigerian foods and other exports made with pride in Nigeria.

Recently released official data shows that, in 2013, a total of 8 million people in the UK were foreign-born with about half of this figure from outside the EU. The increasing numbers of new generation Nigerians is pushing the number of people of Nigerian heritage in the UK beyond previous estimates of 2 million.

Surely exceptional opportunities must exist for Nigeria’s economy to be linked to the fastest growing ethnic population in Britain.

At a reunion party this summer attended by a large gathering of families spanning three or four generations, including old and new settlers in the US, UK and

From left: Member of The 2015 Election Peace Committee, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; Chairman Of The Committee, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Dr Yahaya Tanko; and President Muhammadu Buhari

Europe, it was amazing to note that the taste for spicy Ayamase stew on boiled rice, moi moi, puff puff, suya, jollof rice, dried fish, plantain and drinks such as Guinness and Fanta were a unifying factor.

Many of the 5 - 17 year-olds that had never been to Nigeria enjoyed the food and confessed to preferring it to High Street fare, such as that served up by fast food chains. So it is disappointing to discover that dried fish, melon and red-eye beans - a popular Nigeria-grown bean and the main ingredient of moi moi - are all becoming rare commodities in the UK due to import restrictions. This should be an ample demonstration, if it were needed, of why the Diaspora cannot be excluded from the Government’s economic agenda.

Nigeria High Commission UK & Diaspora interaction Nigeria’s UK Mission has distinguished itself by rallying the Diaspora community effectively. The UK Mission was responsible for sustaining the Nigeria In Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), especially during its formative years, and gave credibility to the election of its principal officers. Especially during the tenure of Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, aided by the diplomats that served with him in London between 2008 and 2012.

The period witnessed a robust interaction with UK-based Nigerians and recorded a new high during the Nigeria at 50 independence anniversary celebra-

tions. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye and Ambassador Ahmed Umar are some of the key officers at the Mission and will forever be remembered for the roles they played in assembling outstanding Nigerians for the Golden Jubilee.

In October 2014, some of these UK Nigerians were recognised and honoured for their meritorious service by His Excellency, Dr. Dalhatu Tafida, former High Commissioner to the UK. Current officers at the Mission have given assurances in a swift written response to a related article in this column.

Prince Adeniyi, Minister/Special Assistant to the High Commissioner said, “May I seize this medium to reassure the Nigerian community and indeed the general public that the Mission will continue to engage and strengthen our relationship with our partners even while carrying out our duties in a professional manner.”

Diaspora Economic Change Agenda Aside from the over $20billion remittances to Nigeria, the Diaspora can contribute greater human capital with its skill-set gained working in developed countries and exposure to state of the art technology in advance fields. The new government has to take steps to ensure that some proportion of these remittances are channelled towards development; and to encourage and support those willing to take a sabbatical to return home to contribute their particular skill.

...continued on page 12 19

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Kamara shines bright in football’s firmament Kei Kamara has lived many lives in his 30 years. He grew up in the midst of a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone and was a refugee granted asylum in USA during his teenage years.

He went to university before becoming a professional footballer in his early 20s, bouncing around Major League Soccer with greater and greater success until given a chance to try his hand in England’s top divisions. He became an idol in his native country after becoming a regular for the Leone Stars and scoring the first-ever Premier League goal by a Sierra Leonean before returning to the USA where he has added MLS Golden Boot favourite to his resume.

In the meantime, he has had a documentary made about his life and has worked for charities to raise awareness of the struggles in the West African country. He has also become a devoted family man, a new father and is one of the most approachable figures in the burgeoning MLS – renowned for his open and engaging social media presence as well as his clever and joyous goal celebrations. But most importantly for the straightforward Kamara: he has become a good, humble and happy person.

“I wouldn’t change anything I have been through,” the live-wire Columbus Crew forward told FIFA.com recently. “It has made me a man today. My past made me respect my country and be prepared to make sacrifices. I don’t want anybody to grow up in a situation like I did. I was blessed to come to the USA, and I appreciate everything I was given in America - the land of opportunity. Now I’m trying to use my situation to give back to

Kei Kamara

my country.” That wish is not always the simplest proposition given that Sierra Leone’s national team have often struggled to put their best foot forward in the face of organisational and economic struggles.

This has been particularly true since the Ebola epidemic left football activities in the country suspended and many players shunned around the world. But with reports saying the outbreak is now over, the national team has turned its hopeful eyes to the qualifying campaigns for the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations and of course the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, which begins in October with a two-legged tie against Chad.

A caretaker coach in the form of Ghana’s Sellas Tetteh has been brought in to shepherd the team through the end of the year, and although Kamara has had no contact with the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner, he is quick to speak of the side’s potential.

“We always have a lot of talent, and the

players are very committed to playing for the country,” he said. “We owe a lot to the supporters. We know where we’ve come from, how far we’ve gone and where we want to go, but maybe we haven’t been given all of the chances we need.

“The pool of good players is big, but if you don’t prepare for success, you’re not going to get it. In the past, that’s how it has gone. We’ve had growth, but when I think about what we could do with just a little more preparation...” After seven years in the national team set-up and a handful of appearances as captain, Kamara may be integral to helping his Sierra Leone squad get back to its best.

“I’m always ready to play for my country, and I try to be a bit of a leader with the Leone Stars,” Kamara explained. “It’s an amazing feeling to be with the team.

We click so much together. I know when the music is on in the locker room - that’s when we start to connect.”

Fighting for respect

If Sierra Leone are underdogs to return to their glory days of the mid-1990s when they reached their only two AFCONs, or even to hit the highs of earlier this decade when they climbed almost 80 places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking after having the better of both South Africa and Egypt, Kamara knows they will have to fight for respect, which is something he is used to.

Despite scoring a league-leading 18 goals and adding seven assists in his 26 MLS matches to date this season, he was not picked for the starting XI of MLS’s mid-season All-Star Team by either the fans or commissioner, losing out to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, neither of whom had even made a league appearance. But such is his nature that Kamara laughed it off and kept scoring goals.

Likewise, his spell in England with Norwich City and Middlesbrough seemed too short, but he stresses the positives.

“It was one of the biggest achievements of my career, and it helped me improve so much,” Kamara said. “Everything happens for a reason. I’d have loved to stay and play more with Norwich, but soccer players never know where they’ll end up. Now I feel like I’m in the prime of my career. I’m leading the league in goals and I couldn’t be happier.” His happiness comes through clearly in his playful interplay with fans on Twitter and in person, as well as in his elaborate goal celebrations.

“I love connecting with people, and to do that I have to show my personality, and those celebrations are my personality. I love to have fun and enjoy myself.”

If Sierra Leone are in entering a period of question marks, Kamara is bullish about the Crew this term, saying the side is more

Bolt Top 100m Title At World Athletics Championship Usain Bolt saw off rival Justin Gatlin for a second time at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing Thursday to add 200 meter gold to his 100m title.

Bolt, who overcame the doubters with his 100m victory Sunday, crossed the finish line in 19.55 seconds with Gatlin, previously the fastest man in the world this year over 200m, having to settle for another silver medal after clocking 19.74s.

South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana took home bronze after recording a time of 19.87s.

“It’s great, a fourth [world title] win over 200m and it means a lot to me,” Bolt told BBC Sport. “I’m happy to be a 10-time World 22

Championships gold medalist, especially when people have been saying I would lose.

“For me I knew I had the utmost confidence. As long as my coach is confident, I’m super confident. There was never a doubt that I would win this one. I’m number one.”

Gatlin had been attempting to claim a first World Championship gold since winning both the 100m and 200m finals in Helsinki 10 years ago, but the American was left chasing Bolt’s shadow as the Jamaican racked up his 10th world title.

Bolt and Gatlin were neck and neck going into the final 100m, only for the Jamaican to soon pull away and cross the finish line in style -- in the the pair’s first meeting in the 200m since the 2005 World Championships final.

Usain Bolt

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Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015

Mauritanian football comes of age Mauritania ended 2012 on the flattest of notes, tumbling down the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking to 206th place, the north African nation’s worst position since 1993. After a four-year period in which Les Mourabitones played a mere four matches, sitting out the qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and playing no games at all in 2009 or 2011, they had just three Ranking points to their name, with only Bhutan, San Marino and Turks and Caicos Islands sitting below them.

Anxious to halt the slide, the Mauritanian FA and its chairman Ahmed Ould Abderrahmane, who took on the job in 2011, came up with a plan designed to push the national side back up to its highest ever ranking of 85th, a benchmark achieved in 1995. The plan involved playing more matches, with the FA earmarking the dates set aside for international games on the FIFA calendar, setting up six games in 2013 and nine the following year, three of which ended in victories. Before too long, Mauritania had climbed back up to 133rd in the global standings.

Further progress has come this year thanks to back-to-back friendly wins over Sierra Leone, with the Africans this month reaching 113th, their highest slot since 2008. The Mauritanians would have been even better placed had Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar not scored a last-minute goal to deprive them a point in a 2017

Mauritanian team

CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in June.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Mauritania’s director of football Cheikhani Ould Maouloud discussed the recent upturn in his side’s fortunes: “It’s come about thanks to the plan put in place by the FA and the chairman. The results are starting to come, which proves that we’re on the right track.

The strategy is to play international matches on the days allocated by FIFA and we’re sticking to it. We’ve achieved our best ranking since 2008 and our aim now is to make it into the top 100.”

Playing a key part in that progress has been the side’s new French coach Corentin Martins. Appointed in October 2014, the former Auxerre player has presided over four friendlies to date and that official meeting with Cameroon, during which time he has blended a clutch of experienced players based in France, Algeria and Morocco with a number of promising youngsters.

Commenting on the significant strides his charges are making, he told FIFA.com:

“The rise in the world ranking is great news and it’s all down to the good results we got in June. The main objective now is to kick on year after year.”

The Gallic touch Martins and Mauritania’s hopes of breaking into the 100 club hinge on their ability to make an impact in the Africa Zone qualifiers for Russia 2018, in which South Sudan will provide their first-round opposition in October.

Despite the 83 places that separate the two teams, the 46-year-old Frenchman is wary of underestimating the South Sudanese: “We’ll need to take them seriously and be focused on the job. The tie comes down to just two matches, and our positions in the Ranking don’t count for anything,” he continued. “When it comes to games like these, the teams further down can beat sides above them.”

The upcoming tie represent Mauritania’s first hurdle on the road to Russia 2018 and another opportunity for them to continue their Ranking ascent.

Distance running no longer the only fertile ground Continued from back page

...- Botswana’s Nijel Amos surprisingly went out in the semi-final, falling victim to a slow race. Rudisha won the final easing down in 1m 45.84s, beating Poland’s Adam Kszczot and Amel Tuka of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nobody can claim any of the foregoing has caused many shockwaves; distances of 800m and above have borne fruit for East African nations for years. The big shock has been Kenya’s ‘arrival’ in the punishing 400m Hurdles, which Nicholas Bett won in 47.79s, the fastest time in the world this year and a personal best by half a second.

Bett beat Russia’s Dennis Kudryavtsev, who took Silver fifteen hundredths of a second ahead of Jeffery Gibson of the Bahamas.

Less of a surprise, but nonetheless notable is Julius Yego becoming the first ever African World Javelin Champion on Wednesday, throwing a new Commonwealth record and the fourth longest distance under current regulations (all measurements over 90m were expunged from

the record books when javelin design was regulated in 1991 to reduce distances amid safety concerns).

Yego, dubbed ‘The YouTube Man’ because he reportedly taught himself to throw by watching the video sharing website, launched the Javelin 92.72 metres – a personal best only bettered by World Record holder Jan Železný of the Czech Republic.

The burly police officer also surpassed Great Britain’s Steve Backley’s Commonwealth best of 91.46 metres with his winning third round throw, which he launched with such effort that he ended up face down on the ground.

In Yego’s considerable wake was Egyptian Ihab El-Sayed and the representative from the traditionally strong Finland, Tero Pitkämäki; but neither competitor managed to get over the 90m line.

Supplementing the minor medals gained in the men’s steeplechase, Kenyans also took Silver and Bronze behind Great Britain’s Mo Farah in the Men’s 10,000m with Geoffrey Kamworor leading home Paul

Tanui.

In the Women’s 1500, Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba eased to the Championships’ most predictable Gold, but plucky Faith Kipyegon did Kenya proud and can have nothing to reproach herself about given the Ethiopian’s pre-eminence in the event this year.

On a less upbeat note, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has announced that two Kenyan runners have been suspended after testing positive for doping at Beijing.

Koki Manunga, 21, and Joyce Zakary, 29, have accepted provisional bans after “targeted tests” by the governing body of world athletics. The pair, who are both 400m runners, were tested at their team hotel on 20 and 21 August.

Zakary set a national record of 50.71 in heat three of the 400m on Monday, but did not line up for her scheduled semi-final on Tuesday.

Egypt pull out of AAG football events

Egypt have pulled out of next month’s All Africa Games football events for both men and women, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

There was no official explanation for the decision of Egypt to withdraw from the AAG events.

Burundi (men) and Senegal (women) who were eliminated by Egypt in the qualifiers were readmitted to the competition but declined because the notice was too short.

This means that Group B of the men’s event will only have three teams. Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, while Group B of the women’s event will also feature three teams.

Cameroon, Ghana and South Africa. The tournament is to be staged in Congo Brazzaville from September 6 to 18.

Namibia preparing for Senegal AFCON qualifier

Ahead of their 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier clash against Senegal next month, Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti is hoping his defender Dennis Ngueza, as well as goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua, regain fitness.

Mannetti is preparing his team for the crucial clash and the two players are currently on the mend. Ngueza is having a back problem whilst the keeper is nursing a shoulder injury.

The 2015 Cosafa champions’ 16-man team is based at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria with news confirming that the African Stars duo are on the treatment table.

“Since we got here on Friday, Dennis is not well with his back and Lloyd has a problem with his shoulder. The medical team is working on them very hard, around the clock because they are important players to the team. That is why we called them up,” confirmed Mannetti.

Meanwhile, a statement has revealed that the technical team is attempting to get the players in top physical shape ahead of the clash against the Lions of Teranga on September 5 at home.

“We have increased the tempo to see who will be physically ready when we have our final camp that starts on Monday, 31 August when we then have the final 23 men that will fight for places in the matchday 18 man squad,” added Mannetti.

“I have a lot of players to choose from and it won’t be easy because they are all good in their respective positions and that makes it hard for us coaches to choose those we believe can do the job against Senegal.”

The Brave Warriors are in Group K, together with Niger, Senegal and Burundi.

They lost their first 2017 AFCON qualifier 1-0 to Niger away from home.

23

Friday, 28 August - Thursday, 3 September 2015 ISSUE 594

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Kamara shines bright in football’s firmament

KENYA BELIEVE IT? SEE PAGE 22

Distance running no longer the only fertile ground

A relaxed Julius Yego prepares for what will turn out to be his World Championship-winning third round throw of 92.72 metres

By Alan Oakley

Kenya’s World Athletics Championships team has already surpassed expectations midway through the competition, bagging a sixth gold medal and eleventh overall with four days to go at the time of writing.

The East Africans’ triumphs in the middle to long distance track events are not totally unexpected, but a gold medal in a sprint, albeit the 400m long sprint

over hurdles, is new territory for the region and a javelin gold is a novelty for sub-Saharan Africa.

Hyvin Kiyeng Jepkemoi took the women’s 3000m Steeplechase, catching and passing a fading Habiba Ghribi of Tunisia and Gesa Krause of Germany in a time of 9m 19.11s.

Ezekiel Kemboi had already won the men’s equivalent, leading home compatriots Consensius and Brimin Kipruto in

8m 11.28s for a predictable clean sweep of medals.

Vivian Cheruiyot won a hard-fought women’s 10,000m, pipping Ethiopian Gelete Burka by less than half a second.

Emily Infield of the United States capitalised on her teammate Molly Huddle’s decision to celebrate prematurely to steal the Bronze.

A back to form David Rudisha secured the 800m world title in a final that had to do without the Olympic Champion’s main rival this year...

Continued on page 23

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