African Voice Newspaper Issue 596

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015 ISSUE 596

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 Facing the Facts About African Illegal Immigration to Europe

£1.00

Universities Minister demands better value for students

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SEE PAGE 2

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REVIEW ORDERED INTO ‘EDUCATION TOURISM’

By Alan Oakley

Education secretary Nicky Morgan has asked for an investigation into the impact of immigration on Britain’s state schools.

Department for Education (DfE) officials have been asked to look into how much of a ‘pull factor’ Britain’s free education system is to immigrants looking to enter the country. Government ministers want to clampdown on overseas nationals entering the UK primarily so that their families can receive a free stateschool education.

There are also concerns that the main reason some immigrants study at UK universities is so that they can work in the UK. The Government has recently concentrated its efforts on making Britain less appealing to migrants by tackling what it calls ‘health tourism’ and ‘benefits tourism’. It now wish to reduce “education tourism”.

Welfare entitlements for migrants arriving in the UK from outside the European Union have been cut. Additionally, in an attempt to reduce health tourism, non-EU migrants are charged 150% of the cost for treatment on the NHS following new legislation passed on April 6, 2015.

The Conservative MP for Loughborough wants to determine if the rising number of immigrants entering Britain can, in part, be due to ‘education tourism’. Morgan

The British High Commissioner in Ghana,Jon Benjamin

Nicky Morgan MP believes free education could be a significant factor in attracting migrants to Britain

believes that Eastern European families are arriving in the UK as education tourists, with the main attraction being the opportunity to learn English, which is widely thought of as being the global language of business.

Reducing Tier 4 visa student numbers

UK Immigration intends to implement new rules to further tighten Tier 4 visa requirements, thereby reducing the number of overseas students at UK universities.

Home Office plans include new rules that would target foreign students wanting to study at some of Britain’s ‘less prestigious universities.’

Overseas students not studying at one of Britain’s top 20 ranked universities would find it more difficult to obtain a Tier 4 visa as part of a government policy to attract only the ‘brightest and the best.’

...Continued on page 2

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Have You News Got News Universities Minister demands For Us better value for students Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

Students let down in secondary school

A new Ofsted report explores whether students are sufficiently supported and challenged to make the best start to secondary school.

Ofsted’s survey included evidence from more than 1,900 inspections, interviews with 100 school leaders, 14 school visits, and almost 11,000 questionnaire responses from pupils. Inspectors also investigated the quality of teaching at key stage 3 in modern foreign languages (MFL), history and geography, to see how this experience influenced pupils’ choices later in secondary school.

The report finds that pupils typically study a broad range of subjects at key stage 3. However, the transition to secondary is too often poorly managed and teaching fails to build on the gains pupils have made in primary school.

Too many school leaders treat key stage 3 as the poor relation of key stages 4 and 5. As a result, the deployment of staff and resources is too often skewed towards the upper age ranges. One in five inspection reports identified key stage 3 as an area for improvement.

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

Tel: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

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Universities Minister Jo Johnson outlined Government plans to give students better value for money from their degrees by incentivising excellent teaching, greater transparency and ensuring student protection.

With a record number of students entering higher education this year, including many more starting science subjects and more from disadvantaged backgrounds than ever before, Johnson congratulated the sector on its hard work in a speech to university vicechancellors.

However, Johnson called for more action to be taken to focus on the student experience, raise teaching standards and ensure universities welcome students from all backgrounds.

The Government’s Green Paper, which will be published in the Autumn will include measures to: Incentivise and reward higher quality teaching through the ‘Teaching Excellence Framework’; Use previously unavailable data from UCAS to better understand how students’ background, prior attainment and course choices impact on access to higher education, particularly among young people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds; Deregulate the system to improve competition and give students more choice.

Universities Minister Jo Johnson said: “We have made strong progress to open up access to higher education but I’m still concerned about low participation rates for disadvantaged white boys and we must do more to raise outcomes for those from black and minority ethnic communities. Making university admissions data available will help the whole sector target its efforts much more effectively.

“As a One Nation Government we want everyone to have the opportunity to work hard and reach their full potential.

As Universities Minister, I hear too many

Universities Minister Jo Johnson

stories from parents about their kids not getting enough teaching time or support from their university. While we have one of the best higher education sectors in the world, I want to make sure everyone who invests in a degree feels they are getting value for money.”

Widening access In order to help improve the representation of disadvantaged groups in higher education, the Universities Minister also announced a new agreement with UCAS to publish data on the outcomes of the admissions process.

This change is an important step in the drive to improve social mobility and will support the Government’s commitment to double the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds progressing to higher education by 2020 compared with 2009 and secure a twenty per cent increase in black and ethnic minority students going to university.

The Minister also confirmed his commitment to tackle the increasingly poor participation of white male students from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country.

The Teaching Excellence Framework The Green Paper will place teaching at the heart of the university experience, with measures designed to enhance contact time with students. By bringing a sharper focus on the quality of teaching, the Teaching Excellence Framework will provide incentives for those that improve their teaching, including the ability to raise their tuition fees in line with inflation.

Market reform To provide students with greater choice of how and where to start a career, the Green Paper will also prioritise the removal of barriers to entry into the higher education market to open the door to challenger institutions, deliver greater competition and drive up standards.

To help remove some of these barriers, the Universities Minister today announced he will lift the moratorium on applications for new Degree Awarding Powers and University Titles. This will enable successful providers to challenge traditional institutions by offering more choice for students looking to study for a degree.

Review ordered into ‘education tourism’

...Continued from front page Although ministers have set a target of reducing net migration to tens of thousands per year, recently published data reveals that there were 300,000 more people arriving in the UK than leaving. Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent pledge to admit 20,000 refugees fleeing the crisis in Syria can only place an already optimistic target further out of the Government’s reach.

Schools struggling to cope The Teachers’ Union has warned that schools are straining under the pressure of trying to integrate an ever-increasing number of

pupils who collectively have some 300 first languages. At one in nine schools across Britain, English is no longer a majority language; while in some parts of East London over three quarters of students don’t speak English as a first language.

It’s expected that the investigation the education secretary has asked civil servants from the Department for Education (DfE) to carry out will lead to new measures that will help teachers to deal with issues relating to pupils who don’t speak English. The problem of non-English speaking children is said to be more of a concern during the formative years

of primary school, and is said to be worse in areas of the country where immigrant families make up a large proportion of a community, which leaves fewer imperatives or opportunities to speak English outside school.

A senior government source said: “It’s crucial for every government department to play their part in tackling immigration. As we have a cross-governmental focus on reducing immigration and tackling illegal immigrants, the correct step is to assess the role that the education system plays, not just in respect of the impact but as factor in attracting people to Britain in the first place.”

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News

Help to Buy: helping nearly 120,000 buy a new home Help to Buy, has helped nearly 120,000 people achieve their aspiration of buying a new home since it was created, latest figures reveal.

Since the launch in 2013, Help to Buy equity loan and mortgage guarantee schemes has ensured that working people who were doing the right thing and saving for a deposit could achieve their aspiration of buying their own home through government support. Home ownership is a key part of the government’s long term plan to provide economic security for working people across the UK. This is demonstrated by today’s figures: the average house price for both parts of the scheme, at £186,000 (£155,000 for the mortgage guarantee and £216,000 for the equity loan scheme), remains significantly below the national average house price of £277,000.

The average house price to income multiple under the mortgage guarantee scheme is just over 3.5x salary, and capped at a 4.5x ratio to ensure responsible lending.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George

Osborne said: This government is committed to helping people achieve the aspiration of buying their own home, and our Help to Buy schemes have now helped nearly 120,000 working people across the UK do just that.

The stronger economy and financial system means we expect banks to start to exit our Help to Buy Mortgage scheme, and it was introduced in times of financial distress and will come to an end next year in any case.

The Help to Buy shared equity scheme goes from strength to strength and our new Help to Buy ISA we’re launching in December will provide generous support to those saving for their first home by providing a government boost on their deposit.

Supporting people who want to work hard, save and buy their own home is a key part of our long term plan to provide economic security for working people at every stage of their life, across the UK. Help to Buy is also boosting the nation’s economic security by driving an increase in house building in Britain, ensuring long-term housing supply and creating jobs.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: As a One Nation Government we’re determined to ensure that anyone who works hard and wants to own their own home has the opportunity to do so.

Today’s figures show that, in less than three years, Help to Buy has already meant that nearly 120,000 people have been able to buy a home with a fraction of the deposit they would normally require.

On top of that, it’s getting Britain building again, with private housebuilding up

by more than a third since the launch of the scheme.

Home Builders Federation Executive Chairman Stewart Baseley said: Help to Buy continues to drive demand for new build homes. Its success is allowing builders to increase the number of homes being built and provide much needed, high quality housing. Delivering much needed homes also creates jobs, boosts local economies, and provides improved infrastructure and amenities for new and existing communities.

There were angry scenes in Minnesota on Tuesday as the US dentist who sparked an international outcry by killing a lion in Zimbabwe returned to work.

clinic and were working to minimize potential traffic congestion in case of a big protest turnout.

One woman wearing a shirt with Cecil’s photo, shouted “Extradite Palmer” as the dentist was whisked inside.

It’s been a month since Zimbabwean officials announced that police would process paperwork to extradite Palmer for participating in the hunt, but as of Monday, a police spokeswoman in the capital Harare said there were no new developments in the case.

Cecil was a fixture in the vast Hwange National Park and had been fitted with a GPS collar as part of Oxford University lion research.

After Palmer was named in late July as the hunter who killed Cecil, his Bloomington clinic and Eden Prairie home became protest sites, and a vacation property he owns in Florida was vandalized. Palmer was vilified across social media, with some posts suggesting violence against him.

Cecil the lion’s killer returns to work Cecil the lion was a major tourist attraction who was renowned for being friendly towards visitors, but Walter Palmer said he had been unaware of the animal’s significance.

He told the Associated Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune that he had acted legally, but said that if he had known who the animal was he would not have killed it.

Palmer entered his clinic in Bloomington at about 7 a.m. without a word to media gathered outside. As he walked from his vehicle, a staff member met him on the sidewalk, grabbed his arm and parted a throng of reporters to rush the dentist to the front door.

Employees also escorted patients inside.

Police blocked off an area around the

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Nollywood News

Starting Small With A Big Dream

Nollywood Starlet Sees A Nigerian Oscar Winner Soon

By Wole Omoogun

It was Vincent Van Gogh who once said ‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together’. For Nollywood starlet, Frances Peters, those small things would one day bring glory to the Nigerian movie industry.

Yeah, you might say ‘Frances Pete… who?’ But the ambitious young lady who is starting her journey in the ever growing industry thinks Nigeria will one day soon produce an Oscar winner.

“I do believe that, honestly”, she said with conviction in a chat with our Entertainment correspondent.

“Nollywood is going in a different dimension which will surprise a lot of people around the world. We do have the people who will definitely make it happen.”

She feels the icons of Nollywood, like her idols RMD, Genevieve Nnaji, Patience

Ozokwor and others are always there to provide the encouragement for the up and coming ones to do their best in achieving the dream.

Looking back at her role in one of her movies, Madam 10/10, she disclosed she was in awe acting alongside Ozokwor.

“I felt really nervous at first, but felt good with her giving the encouragement and advice. With people like her, we are ready to work extra hard.

“I was kept on my toes with her. Acting with her made me want to do better. I am sure I can do better, and get a lot of roles.

“Knowing the ones who have been there, and done well, as idols is very encouraging. Their support, for me, has been immense, and I can only be thankfully.”

The Mass Communication graduate of Rivers State University of Science and Technology hinted she had always wanted to be an actress and was not discouraged by all the negative press actresses receive.

“The opportunity came, and I grabbed it. I don’t regret it at all.

Frances Peters, actress

“Everyone has got their opinion on that subject of sex, actresses and Nollywood.

But I do think if you are good at what you do, you don’t have to sleep with anybody to get a role.”

Her mission in Nollywood?

“I see myself becoming an icon.

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One of the most influential ladies in the world(through nollywood). I see myself acting alongside my Hollywood role models” Tall dreams for an up and coming starlet. Dreams that would probably made Van Gogh keep her ear.

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News

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Despite Challenges, Sub-Saharan Africa Continues to Remove Barriers to Women’s Advancement: WBG report Sub-Saharan Africa is a study in contrasts when it comes to women’s economic advancement, says the World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law 2016 report, released.

The region hosts almost a third of the world’s 30 most restrictive economies and two of 18 economies where there are no legal barriers to women’s entrepreneurship and employment, as measured by the report.

And the region continues to make progress towards gender equality, with 16 economies making 18 reforms in the past two years. Sub-Saharan Africa was the greatest reformer amongst all regions of the world, in terms of number of economies undertaking reforms, says the biennial report, which examines legal and regulatory barriers to women’s ability to get a job and start a business. The latest edition covers 173 economies across the globe, including 41 in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding Equatorial Guinea; São Tomé and Príncipe; Seychelles; South Sudan; and

Swaziland from the region.

The report finds that 18 economies in the world, including Namibia and South Africa, have no legal barriers to women in the areas monitored. Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia are also amongst the region’s economies with very few barriers in the areas monitored by the report.

The economies with the greatest barriers are Sudan, one of 10 most restrictive economies in the world, Mauritania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Guinea, Benin, Swaziland, and Senegal.

In Sudan, women are prohibited from certain jobs, including night work, and there are no legal provisions mandating Sierra Leone president Ernest Bai Koroma equal remuneration for work of equal value do not allow women to work in the same for men and women or non-discrimination jobs as men. in hiring. Sudanese laws also impose Property rights also remain an a number of additional restrictions on impediment to wealth accumulation for married women, who are required to obey women. Of the seven economies in the their husbands, cannot choose where to world that give sole right to the husband to live or be head of household. administer joint marital property, six are in The report finds that 28 of the 41 Sub- Sub-Saharan Africa.

Saharan African economies covered by the Only 8 economies in the region have report continue to maintain restrictions that laws guaranteeing equal remuneration for work of equal value for men and women and non-discrimination in hiring for jobs.

And, less than half of the economies have legislation to protect women against domestic violence. In the past two years,

Mozambique made big strides in protecting women from violence by enacting a new penal code which no longer allows charges for rape to be dropped when the perpetrator marries the victim. The code also incorporates protections against sexual harassment in education.

Progress is being made on other fronts as well in the region. In the past two years, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe established the legal age of marriage as 18 for boys and girls, while Sierra Leone has the highest percentage in the world of female justices on its constitutional court, at 60 percent.

Low carbon funding delivers huge returns for UK

Innovate UK chief executive Dr Ruth McKernan, Business Minister Anna Soubry and Jaguar Land Rover director of research and technology Dr Wolfgang Epple at the unveiling of the chassis of a Concept_e vehicle

Jaguar Land Rover’s latest Concept_e vehicle, developed under an Innovate UKfunded collaborative project to develop new low carbon vehicle technologies at the Millbrook technology centre, near Bedford was unveiled this week by Chief executive of Innovate UK Dr Ruth McKernan.

Annual low carbon vehicle event marks major achievements and sees launch of new multi-million 8

pound funding support for future innovations.

Dr McKernan said: The worldleading results of this collaborative R&D project not only justify our investment in the project, but promise significant economic benefits for the UK automotive industry and its supply chains.

Our £230m investment in the sector over the past 8 years has helped the industry complete a remarkable turnaround, with the UK now seen as the pre-eminent global hub for automotive innovation.

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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 .

Lladel Bryant stars in one-man show Nine Lives at Oran Mor as part of A Play, a Pie and a Pint

BLACK SPARTACUS THE ETIENNE SISTERS 18 Aug - 12 Sept Toussaint L’Ouverture is one of the most

BY CHÉ WALKER important figures in world history. He was September 10 - Oct 3 the subject of numerous books and poems ‘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

from his death in 1803 until the end of the 19th century. For the Romantics, Toussaint signified the dawning of a new era in the Americas and was an emblem of hope in the slavery abolition movement. Yet he is barely recognised in the west. So who was the Black Spartacus?

According to prominent historian CLR James Toussaint was born in north of Haiti (at the time called St.Domingue) in 1743. The grandson of a captured African chieftain he was a slave until he was 45.

A highly intelligent individual he taught himself to read as a child and was well versed in Caesar’s military writings and the polemics of the French abolitionist Abbé Reynal.

Black Spartacus is at The Courtyard, Bowling Green Walk, 40 Pitfield Street, London N1 6EU

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 Brighton, Brighton January 2016 Arcola, London 9

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Comment

Facing the Facts About African Illegal Immigration to Europe

By Olusegun Obasanjo Sometime in September 2000, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Ghaddafi called me and brought to my attention the presence in Libya of thousands of Nigerian illegal immigrants attempting to make their way to Europe.

These illegal immigrants, almost entirely consisting of young men and women, who were prevented from using the facilities of Libya to sail to Europe, had constituted themselves into a menace. Some of them were involved in crimes and antisocial activities such as credit card fraud, burglary, drug trafficking and even violent crimes such as armed robbery. There was tension between the illegal immigrants and local Libyan communities resulting in the immigrants often being subjected to violent attacks.

I agreed with Ghaddafi on the need to take immediate action to repatriate the im-

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migrants to Nigeria. In this regard, I instructed the National Security Adviser to raise a team of officials from the Security Agencies to proceed to Libya to document all the illegal immigrants from Nigeria. I also approved funds for an aircraft to be chartered to evacuate them to Nigeria.

The team worked assiduously over a period of two months with the cooperation of their Libyan colleagues. They travelled all over Libya and brought out to safety and provided protection to Nigerians who were in hiding for fear of attacks from local Libyan gangs. A camp was provided by the Libyan authorities where the illegal immigrants were accommodated, provided with basic necessities and documented. I also spoke to other West African leaders whose citizens had found their way to Libya and encouraged them to accept responsibility for the repatriation of their citizens back from Libya.

Those who lacked the capacity to effect the repatriation were assisted by Libya and Nigeria – Libya by providing additional aircrafts and Nigeria by accepting the return to Nigeria of citizens of ECOWAS countries, who I then arranged to be transported to their countries from Lagos. I had instructed our special team in Libya to

extend support, documentation and protection for our ECOWAS brothers.

This process resulted in the return of over 17,000 Nigerians back from Libya.

Considerable numbers of illegal immigrants were also repatriated back to other countries by air and by road. According to reports I received, Ghana evacuated 5,000 of its citizens and Sudan 3,000.

With the cooperation of the Nigerien and Libyan authorities, our security agencies acquired the necessary intelligence on which action was taken to dismantle several human trafficking rings operating in Lagos, Benin City, Sokoto, and Kano in Nigeria, Agadez, Maradi, Dogondoutchie and Niamey in the Republic of Niger and Gatroun and Sabha in Libya.

It is thus a matter of considerable sadness for me when I witness the current wave of desperate youths risking their lives to travel to Europe and the futile efforts of European countries to deal with those who have already set sail or have even reached shores of the European continent.

Although there are strenuous efforts to deny it, it is undeniable that the vacuum created by the lack of effective governance in Libya precipitated by the direct action of Western powers is responsible for the

current anarchy in that country. The current inflow of African refugees into Europe from Libya is a direct consequence.

The government in Libya which in 2000 acted humanely and responsibly to stem the outflow of illegal migrants to Europe has been replaced by unconscionable bandits and terrorists who have forcibly seized the instruments of state to facilitate human trafficking and illegal migration for their own material benefit.

It is time for the international community and particularly African leaders to take a good look at the factors responsible for the death and destruction with the Mediterranean by illegal migration of youths from Africa and address the causes in an honest, responsible, humane and holistic manner, rather than the current futile attempt to half-heartedly deal with the symptoms rather than the cause.

The sure way of prevention is the elimination of conflict and abject poverty and creation of employment in the countries where migrants originate. In the meantime, let the African Union (AU) form a bulwark to stem the spate of migrants from Africa across the Mediterranean to Europe. It can be done.

Mr. Obasanjo is a former President of Nigeria.

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Events

10th Annual NEA AWARDS

Here are some pictures from the show.

The 10th Annual NEA AWARDS Red carpet and backstage! took place in NEW YORK CITY Credit: Lara Adegbenro, Drew Media on Sunday the 6th of September and Sync MEDIA HOUSE and was filled with all your favourite celebrities!!!

Praiz

Fally Ipupa & Miss Nigeria

Juliet Ibrahim, Sister and some friends

DJ Cuppy

Swanky Jerry & The Ibrahim sisters

Bills (Prince of Lagos) & Lara Adegbenro

Gbenro Ajibade, Juliet Ibrahim & sister

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News

Hungary

Disgust as journalist attacks fleeing refugees A Hungarian news channel claim they have fired a camerawoman who was filmed tripping a refugee fleeing from police.

N1TV, a Wed-based news network known for its far-right stance, posted footage captured by video-journalist Petra Laszlo of men, women and children attempting to avoid being rounded up by Hungarian police on its Facebook page. But the recording is edited to cut off abruptly at the point where others filming the scene record her intentionally trip a man running with a child in his arms.

The shocked victim gets up almost in tears and says something to Laszlo while attempting to comfort the young boy he has been caused to fall on.

Other footage captured earlier in the proceedings show Laszlo, who is wearing

a surgeon’s mask – presumably to protect her from some imagined disease that all darker-skinned people are invariably able to pass on even over the distance of her lens’s focal length - also kick two fleeing children. Several postings of both incidents have already turned up on YouTube.

Laszlo was filming in Roszke near the Hungarian border with Serbia, a popular entry point into southern Hungary for refugees hoping to make it across the country as far as Austria and beyond towards what they regard as freedom.

N1TV’s executives have acted quickly to try to stem the tide of outrage over the incident. Editor-in-chief Szabolcs Kisberk posted the following statement on the channels Facebook page on Tuesday (September 8): “An N1TV colleague today behaved in an unacceptable way at the Roszke collec-

tion point. The camerawoman’s employment contract has been terminated with immediate effect as of today, we consider the matter closed.”

Comments on social media are generally scathing about Laszlo’s actions, although some attribute her behaviour to the general attitude to the refugee crisis shown

by Hungary.

The country’s leaders plan to build a border fence to stem the flow of ‘migrants’, many of whom hope to make their way to Germany, one of the most receptive countries to their desperate plight.

In the coming days, Hungary can likely expect another wave of 42,000 asylum seekers, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Many of those who have already entered the country have found themselves stranded in Roszke, where refugees have built an impromptu camp between railway tracks and a corn field.

The refugees’ plight has gained international attention since the image of a drowned 3-year-old Syrian boy who washed up on a Turkish beach was captured by a photographer last week.

Kenya

Former KQ CEO denies corruption The camerawoman trips a man, causing him to fall on the young boy he was carrying

Titus Naikuni is the new chairman of Airtel Kenya

Former Kenya Airways (KQ) Chief Executive Officer Titus Naikuni has refuted claims that he was embroiled in corruption at the airline.

Naikuni told a Senate committee inquiring into the troubles gripping the airline that he was not aware of any corruption at KQ, claiming that the hiring of staff during his tenure was above board.

He told the committee, chaired by Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, that the plan to outsource staff to replace those retrenched to cut production costs met international standards. He added that the staff were licenced by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.

Naikuni blamed the company’s troubles on terror attacks that, he said, reduced passenger numbers. The low passenger numbers affected the expansion 12

plans of the company that had seen them invest in more planes, the former CEO said.

KQ announced a full year loss of Sh25 billion, shocking many and raising questions about how the company is run.

Naikuni’s statement follows queries on staffing as KQ is grappling with labour disputes after retrenching employees.

The committee also raised concerns about an agreement between KQ and Dutch airline KLM, saying it does not favour the national carrier. But Mr Naikuni defended the joint venture as blameless for the Sh26 billion loss posted by the airline in the last financial year.

The profit-sharing formula between the two airlines increased from 40-60 to 50-50 after his intervention when he assumed office, he added.

Petra Laszlo kicks a young girl as she manages to free herself from the clutches of Hungarian police

The man comforts the tearful boy, who is frightened but appears not to be seriously hurt

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

China

Ethiopian Premier seals entente with China President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia at the Great Hall of the People on Friday (September 4).

Xi Jinping thanked the Ethiopian PM for attending the commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World AntiFascist War in China, and pointed out that the people of Ethiopia also made important contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. “You took a special trip to China for the commemorations, which demonstrated not only the profound friendship of the two peoples, but also the conviction of the Ethiopian people to maintain peace and justice, and I appreciate this,” Xi told Mr Desalegn.

Xi Jinping emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 45 years ago, China and Ethiopia have enjoyed healthy and steady development in their relations. Bilateral practical cooperation in various fields has brought concrete benefits to the people of the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn in Beijing last week

Xi also said China is willing to make concerted efforts with Ethiopia to turn the two countries’ traditional friendly advan-

tages into the momentum for cooperation and development. The two sides should understand and support each other on issues

involving their core interests. Both countries should promote the mutually beneficial cooperation in economy and trade, and China is willing to increase investment in infrastructure construction and human resource development in Ethiopia.

The two countries should also strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation. China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Ethiopia on major international and regional issues, so as to safeguard the common interests of the developing countries, explained President Xi. Mr Desalegn said that he was glad to attend the commemorations, adding that Ethiopia has received valuable support from China not only during the war years against fascist aggression, but also in the peaceful era. He expressed hopes that this traditional friendship can be passed on from generation to generation.

Ethiopia considers China as a preferred cooperative partner, hoping to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as production capacity, agriculture, and urbanization as well as in international and regional affairs.

Myanmar

Burma poll hopeful gets to kick off campaign on social media Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has kicked off campaigning for Myanmar’s historic November 8 general election with a Facebook post, one of many signs of how far the country and its most recognisable politician have come in a few years.

In a video message, the opposition leader called the upcoming elections “a crucial turning point for our country”.

“For the first time in decades, our people will have a real chance of bringing about real change,” Suu Kyi said, in a message posted on her party’s Facebook page in Burmese and English. “We hope that the whole world understands how important it is for us to have free and fair elections.”

More than 90 political parties will take part in the parliamentary elections, which are being closely watched as the next step toward democracy in a country that was run by a repressive military junta for nearly half a century.

The polls will be the first since a nominally civilian government was installed in 2011. But with the military still firmly in control of the process, there is widespread speculation as to whether the election will be free and fair.

Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from running for president because she had children with her British late husband

Aung San Suu Kyi, who enjoys huge public support, is barred from running for president, because of a controversial clause in the constitution but is seeking re-election to Parliament. The constitution excludes those with a foreign spouse or foreign children from becoming president. The clause is widely seen as custommade for Suu Kyi, who was married to a late British academic and has two sons with British nationality.

But the elections will still be the first time Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party has contested a general poll in 25 years. The NLD is expected to make large gains at the expense of the ruling party, and may even win a majority.

The last time the NLD took part in a national election was in 1990, and they won by a landslide. But the result was ignored by the military, which kept the charismat-

ic, popular Suu Kyi locked away under house arrest for 15 years without phone lines, or Internet and blocked virtually all contact with the outside world.

The party boycotted the next nationwide poll in 2010 because Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was still under house arrest and barred from taking part. The 2010 polls were condemned by international observers for widespread irregularities. It was in 2010, that Suu Kyi commented through her lawyer that she wished to “sign up on Twitter” once she was released to “get in touch with the younger generation inside and outside the country.”

A week after the 2010 election, Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. Her party stood in 2012 by-elections, winning 43 of the 44 seats it contested, including Suu Kyi’s first elected post as a member of parliament.

“We hope to take our country to that point where there can be no return from genuine development in the democratic direction,” Suu Kyi said in the video message on Tuesday. “Please help us by observing what happens before the elections, during the elections, and, crucially after the elections.”

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

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CRIME

Man admits deliberately scratching £100,000 car with his keys

A man caught on camera scratching a £100,000 Aston Martin with his keys has admitted the offence.

Gary Brissett, 48 of Clissold Road, Hackney, pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 4 September to causing criminal damage totalling £7,741.28.

The case was adjourned until Monday, 14 September.

Officers were called on Friday, 19 June to reports of criminal damage to a car left in a supermarket car park in Hackney.

The driver of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage had parked his vehicle at 10:30hrs in the car park on Morning Lane and left his dashboard camera turned on as he went shopping.

Moments later, Brissett was captured by the camera approaching the car pushing a baby in a pram.

He took a bunch of keys from his pocket and scraped them down the passenger side of the vehicle.

Police in Hackney used the clear

images recorded on the dashboard camera to launch an appeal which was viewed

widely on social media. The footage reached more than 8.5million people.

As a result of information the police

received, Brissett was arrested and later charged on Tuesday, 18 August.

Sergeant Chris Went, from Hackney

police, said: “The power of social media

proved instrumental in identifying and arresting Brissett - several people came forward with information and Brissett

himself even left comments under the appeal on the Met’s Facebook page.

“Brissett has given no indication why

he carried out this offence but I have to Gary Brissett caught on camera

agree with the magistrate at court who called it a stupid thing to do.”

Three dealers jailed following drugs bust A trio of dealers have been jailed after a cannabis find led police to a £19,000 drugs bust.

The men appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 4 September where they were jailed for a total of eight years and six months.

Olamide Lawal-Balogun, 23 of Roseberry Road, Kingston was found guilty of possession with intent to supply MDMA and cannabis during the hearing on Friday and sentenced to three years and ten months’ imprisonment.

Richard Kikobera Okello-Ojok, 22 of Welton Road, SE18 was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment.

Kwaku Opoku, 22 of Nelson Mandela Road, SE3 was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment.

Both Okello-Ojok and Opoku had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply MDMA and cannabis at an earlier hearing at the same court.

The court heard how on 13 March 2014, officers stopped Okello-Ojok inside a vehicle on Kingston High Street as they had suspected him of drug dealing.

Inside the vehicle they found three small bags of cannabis. Okello-Ojok was arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs.

Whilst in custody, officers found evidence linking Okello-Ojok to an 14

Cash seized

address in Roseberry Road, Kingston and searched the premises.

Inside, officers found MDMA and cannabis being stored in three bedrooms.

Each of the bedrooms also contained a number of mobile phones, a substantial amount of cash and electronic scales to weigh and package the drugs.

In total 111 small bags of cannabis, four larger bags of cannabis, 49 wraps of MDMA and £13,000 cash was found.

The street value of the drugs was estimated to be more than £6,000.

Inside one of the rooms, officers also found Lawal-Balogun who was arrested for possession with intent to supply drugs.

A number of letters were found with Opoku’s name on and he was later arrested at his home address.

PC Will Ross, from police at Kingston, said: “Drugs have a detrimental effect on communities and also result in bringing misery to the families of users.

“As this case has demonstrated, the police take a very strong stance on drugs and I hope it serves a warning to others that if you are dealing drugs in Kingston, you will be found and put before the courts.”

Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

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Sounds of Diaspora People of America

LL dusted off to present Emmy award Social media is officially for losers LL Cool J will be amongst the

Rapper, entrepreneur, media mogul and celebrity husband Jay Z has apparently struck a blow for those of us for whom social media is an incomprehensible and inconsequential minefield best ignored, by suggesting it is for those who can’t ‘’hold a conversation’’ and is impersonal.

According to rapper Meek Mill, Jay Z believes sites such as Twitter encourage impersonal chats, dishonesty and hate amongst fans and followers.

In a post on Instagram, Meek Mill wrote: ‘’This social media changing the game and the suckas are winning! Jayz once told me this social media world was created for people that wouldn’t even speak if they wasn’t present .... For people that was scared to approach a male/female and hold a conversation if they wanted to [get] a number or ask to go on a date! ‘’He also said you can’t speak truth on here because this is the fake people world and they gone hate you for that ... (sic)’’ The ‘I’m A Boss’ hit-maker also shared his own thoughts on the micro blogging site, admitting it has the potential to be a

stars to present prizes at the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20.

Meek Mill is turned on to the perils of social media; the avoidance of which might improve his grammar somewhat

platform where people can ‘’pretend’’ to be something they’re not.

He continued: ‘’People are in love with this lifestyle more than people! Nothing has value anymore because people can pretend so easy in this new world! ‘’And the only people that’s gone make negative comments are the ones who feel like this post is directed to them! If the shoe fits wear it sucka! #realigion (sic)’’

The rapper, 47, who first came to prominence with his million-selling album ‘Radio’ in 1985, will be joined by celebrities including TV presenter Jimmy Kimmel and Empire stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard to hand out awards at the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Comedienne Amy Poehler and past Emmy nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal will also present prizes at the ceremony, which will be broadcast on Fox with Andy Samberg hosting.

Game of Thrones leads the nominations with a staggering 24 nods. The fantasy drama series has the most chance of triumphing thanks to its huge number of places on the shortlists - including being up for the coveted Outstanding Drama Series prize alongside Better Call Saul, Downton

LL (Ladies Love) Cool J

Abbey, Homeland, House of Cards and Mad Men - with American Horror: Freak Show and Olive Kitteridge following behind with 19 and 13 nominations respectively.

50 Cent hints at new Africa ‘crib’

Stills from the video 50 Cent posted of his house in Africa

50 Cent has begun a rumour suggesting he is moving to Africa by showing off a video of what he says will be his new home.

The Candy Shop hitmaker - who is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings - has vowed to have the “craziest housewarming party” ever once work on constructing his new abode is completed.

Sharing a video of the two-storey property’s exterior, he wrote on Instagram: “My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I’m gonna have the craziest House warming party ever. I’ll explain later. I got a good life Man (sic)” The video shows the brown and white property, which is surrounded by trees, being attended to by construction workers before the footage pans across to show a swimming pool and vast patio area. It is unclear where in Africa the house is situated.

Fiddy’s claim comes after it emerged his is looking to rent out his 52-room Connecticut home, which boasts 21 bedrooms, nine kitchens and even a casino.

While it isn’t clear how much he is looking to make from renting out the property, he is currently spending $72,000 a month just on maintenance on the place.

The ‘gangster’ rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, isn’t the first resident of the property to hit financial difficulties.

Two previous owners, former boxer Mike Tyson and a Lithuanian businessman, also went bankrupt while living there.

In his bankruptcy filings, it emerged 50 has expenses of a staggering $108,000 a month, including $1,000 on grooming, $3,000 on his wardrobe, $9,000 on security and $5,000 on gardening.

Despite a recent court testimony in a case brought against him by Lastonia Leviston - whose sex tape 50 allegedly posted online - in which the 40-year-old star denied owning a multitude of luxury vehicles and living a lavish lifestyle, the filings also state he owns seven cars, including a Rolls Royce and three Chevrolet Suburbans.

The Power actor also pays $14,600 a month in support for his sons Marquise, 17, and two-year-old Sire, and his grandfather.

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Gospel

By Michael Adekoya

Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

AWAKE TO A NEW STRENGTH

“Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you. Isa. 52:1

Dear friend, this week’s topic is ‘Awake To A New Strength’. For the Holy Spirit to have given us this topic, it shows firstly, that some of us have been sleeping spiritually and we need to wake up. Secondly, it shows there is new strength available to us if we wake up and ask God. Thirdly, it shows our ‘old strength’ need to be updated, refired, changed and overhauled.

God shall refresh us anew in the name of Jesus. Amen. Isa. 40:31 Seven Kinds Of Sleep In The Bible For us to be empowered afresh, we all need to wake up from our spiritual slumbering. There are generally seven kinds of physical sleep in the Bible that we can learn some spiritual lessons from them.

They are, 1. The Sleep Of Jonah – Jonah 1:5-6.

The sleep of illusion. The storm was raging, men were in danger, but Jonah did not realise it at all. Likewise, many of us think that we can just fold our hands and wish that all the bad things around us would go away simply because we are sleeping.

Matt. 11:12 2. The Sleep Of Samson – Jud. 16:19.

The sleep of presumption. That is, the spirit of ‘I can handle it, no problem’, the spirit of overconfidence. Samson knew that he was in danger for Delilah was after the secret of His power, but he refused to do something about it. Delilah made him sleep on her knees and she cut off his hair. It is wrong to presume that you are safe and therefore place yourself in danger. One day, you may wake up and find that the Lord has departed from you. That shall never be your portion in Jesus’ name. Amen 3. The Sleep Of The Sluggard – Pro. 24:30-34. The sleep of the lazy people.

Some people love to sleep physically a lot.

Whereas, too much physical sleep will eventually lead to spiritual weakness. Some love to sleep to the extent that they cannot wake up to pray, read the Bible or do whatever God commands them to do. Matt. 13:25.

No wonder the enemies have been feeding them with some demonic foods while sleeping, their problems refuse to go and are in all kinds of problems.

4. The Sleep Of Eutychus – Act 20:712. Sleeping in the Church. Devil will not prevent some people not to come to the Church, but he’ll make them sleep while the sermon is going on, when they do not hear the sermon, how will they obey the words of God? Some will come to the Church with their eyes wide open but their minds would have wondered off during the sermon times, some will be busy doing some other things during the sermon times. No wonder, they are still spiritual babes.

5. The Sleep Of Jesus’ Disciples – Matt.

26:40-41. The sleep of weariness. Some of us due to the busyness of our days, we struggle to pray at night, to wake up on Sunday to come to Church early or come to the weekly services.

The Disciples slept the sleep of weariness, no wonder they could not overcome when temptation came, many of them ran away and Peter denied Jesus. Some of us are falling prey to little temptations today due to our lack of spiritual strength.

6. The Sleep Of Saul – 1Sam. 26:5-12.

Sleeping on the battlefield. Saul and his people were pursing David in the wilderness; they all slept off with all their weapons of war. David took his spear – his weapon and the jug of wa-

­­

Are you looking for a church?

Not settled in any particular congregation?

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

16

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

ter by his head. If David wanted to kill him, he’d have done so. Some of us are like that as well, we know that we are in the spiritual battlefield; we put down our spiritual weapons, our spiritual armours and life of holiness.

7. The Sleep Of The Foolish Virgins – Matt. 25:1-13. The sleep of lack of power. Ten virgins went to meet the Bridegroom, five of them refused to take extra oil along with them.

They ran out of oil, before they went to buy, the Bridegroom had come, gone in and closed the door. Some of us are like that today, we are waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus, our anointing has dwindled, we all need to be refreshed until overflowing. No wonder where are here today to pray for fresh power. We shall be granted in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Some Checklists To Know If You Are Sleeping Spiritually The lists are endless, but here below are some points that can help us to check if we are already sleeping spiritually or not.

When prayer ceases to be a priority to you.

When you become content with the spiritual knowledge that you have already acquired.

When your biblical knowledge is not applied inwardly.

When thoughts about heaven and eternity cease to be regular in your heart.

When services in the house of God hold no delight for you.

When spiritual discussion becomes a source

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

of embarrassment to you.

When things like leisure, sport, recreation, entertainment, etc, take a larger part of your time.

When you commit the sin of the mind and body without your conscience pricking you.

When the aspiration for holiness is no longer paramount in your heart.

When acquisition of worldly materials is the major part of your thinking.

When you do not preach the Gospel any more.

When you take delight in watching dirty movies and T.V. shows and reading impure literatures and magazines.

When with the slightest excuse, you avoid spiritual duties, you have slept.

When you pardon your sins and your laziness by saying that God understands you are spiritually asleep.

When you are a Christian that can easily adjust to the lifestyle of the world.

The Way Out Of Spiritual Sleep Thank God, it’s not too late for us; we can still come out of our spiritual slumbering and sleep today. But to do that, 1. We need to repent of our spiritual sleep, negligence, nonchalant and care free attitudes.

Rev. 3:5 2. We need to pray for fresh power, strength and anointing. Isa. 40:30-31 3. We need to go back to our first love. Rev. 2:4 4. We need to pray to uproot all the demonic deposits in our lives and for the restoration of all the things that we have lost during our spiritual sleep. Matt. 13:25, Joel 2:25-26 5. We need to daily do spiritual checkups. 2Cor. 13:5 In conclusion, spiritual sleep is common among the Christians these days, it’s a pity that many fail to identify it. But we thank God for this District Special Prayer of today, maybe it’s because of you that God have called for this special prayer. To wake you up, to fill you anew and to restore all what you might have lost while on spiritual sleep.

Our lives and situations shall never remain the same in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remain blessed!

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

Africa Newsround Habré manhandled into court to face war crime trial Senegal

Chad’s former dictator Hissène Habré was forced into the dock after refusing to attend the resumption of his trial in Senegal on Monday for war crimes and other atrocities.

The 72-year-old - once backed by France and the United States as a bulwark against Libya’s then leader Muammar Ghaddafi is on trial over actions under his regime from 1982 until he was ousted in 1990. He is accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and torture during a bloodsoaked reign.

Gberdao Gustave Kam, the Burkinabe president of the Extraordinary African Chambers, suspended the hearing before it got underway after hearing that Habré, who was in the building, was refusing to attend.

Dressed in his trademark robe and a white turban, Habré was eventually escorted by force into the court, which he dismissed as an “illegal organisation” before shouting “down with imperialism”.

“At the moment, it is judging you, whether you are consenting or not,” retorted Kam, before ordering that the list of witnesses be read out.

The proceedings were interrupted by several interjections from Habré and the expulsion of several of his supporters.

Habré led a one-party regime in Chad between 1982 and 1990, having taken control of the state via a coup. During this time it is alleged that some 40,000

Hissène Habré refuses to recognise the court’s legitimacy

Chadians were killed under a regime of brutal repression of opponents and rival ethnic groups Habré perceived as a threat to his grip on the Sahel nation, and 200 000 more systematically tortured in a crackdown against those who opposed his rule. A truth commission held in Chad in 1992 also detailed periodic instances of ethnic cleansing against several indigenous groups.

Reports highlight that much of these acts were committed by a secretive police force known as the Documentation and Security Directorate (DDS). Amongst the shocking forms of torture documented are spraying gas into the face of victims, burning with

incandescent objects, forced swallowing of water, and forcing detainees mouths onto the exhaust’s of vehicles.

Habré refuses to recognise the legitimacy of the Dakar prosecution, the first time a despot from one African country has been called to account in another. He was similarly forced into the dock on July 20 when his trial -- a landmark in African judicial history - got underway.

The court has appointed three attorneys to defend Habré after he refused legal representation. It adjourned in July to give the lawyers time to prepare the defence, but Habré wants nothing to do with them.

After he was overthrown, Habré fled to

Senegal, where he was arrested in June 2013 and has since been in custody.

Delayed for years, the trial sets an historic precedent as African leaders accused of atrocities were previously tried in international courts.

Reed Brody, counsel at Human Rights Watch who has worked with the victims of Habré’s regime since 1999, said it was clear that the court was “fed up with Hissène Habré’s antics”.

“Hissène Habré can make all the noise all he wants, but he doesn’t get to decide whether he should be tried, or if the victims get justice,” said Brody, who was present in court.

A small group of family members and victims of the regime had gathered to see Habré brought to trial.

“I am quite calm. The whole world, and in particular Chadians, have been waiting for this trial,” Clement Abaifouta, of the Association of Victims of Crimes of the Regime of Hissène Habré, told journalists.

Chadian lawyer Jacqueline Moudeina, a spokeswoman for the legal team representing the victims, said the prosecution was “confident”.

“Habré has decided once again to choose theatrics but this attitude is not honourable and will not stop justice,” she said.

Human Rights Watch has hailed the trial as a “milestone moment” for justice on the African continent.

Kenya

Prosecutors urged to give up on ‘White Widow’ A Kenyan court has advised prosecutors to close their case against British terror suspect Samantha Lewthwaite, the so-called “White Widow”, after failing to produce her in court.

Lewthwaite is accused of possessing explosives and planning terrorist attacks on Kenya’s tourist coast, but police have been unable to find her since she gave them the slip in 2012. The trial of her alleged accomplice, fellow Briton Jermaine Grant, is ongoing in Mombasa.

“This case is just like any other case, and if the suspect cannot be found, then the case should be closed,” said Mombasa chief magistrate Julius Nang’ea.

Kenya issued an arrest warrant for Lewthwaite in 2012 and then requested Interpol to issue a “Red Notice” in 2013.

On Friday (September 4), state prosecutor Nicholas Kitonga pleaded that police needed more time to find their suspect,

The British press has dubbed Samantha Lewthwaite “The White Widow” amid claims the Aylesbury mother of four, who converted to Islam as a teenager, is the mastermind behind several terror attacks

whose whereabouts are unknown.

Lewthwaite, 31, from Aylesbury in

England, is a Muslim convert who was married to Germaine Lindsay - one of four

suicide bombers who attacked the London transport network on July 7, 2005, killing 52 people - leading a British tabloid newspaper to dub her the ‘White Widow’ years later. She has since been romantically linked to a string of jihadists and, since evading arrest during a botched police raid in Mombasa in 2011, has been on the run with her four children.

Over the years media reports have had Lewthwaite training a company of female suicide bombers for Islamic State, masterminding a series terror attacks in Kenya, Somalia and Nigeria and being killed by a sniper in eastern Ukraine. Kenya’s foreign minister accused her of directing the 2013 assault on Nairobi’s Westgate mall.

Little or no evidence of her involvement in any of the foregoing has ever been produced, however, and while the media - especially the British tabloid press - is quick to attribute terror attacks in the region to the ‘traitor’, Western intelligence agencies do not regard her as a serious threat.

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015

Nigerian News

British Envoy Seeks Partnership With Osun Govt The British High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria, has embarked on an assessment tour of some amenities across the State of Osun to seek investment partnership with British companies in the state.

Deputy head of the political section of the commission, Andrew Fleming, disclosed this at the weekend during a twoday visit to Osun State on the progress made by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration in the last one year since his re-election.

Fleming said what he saw on hand testified to the fact that the governor was delivering on his promises to the people of the state.

The British envoy, who said he is touring states in the country to scout for investment potentials for British companies, identified Osun as one of the country’s leading agriculture-based states capable of meeting the needs of British companies, which now focus on agriculture-oriented businesses.

“Osun State is strategic in agriculture and business. It is pertinent for us to come visit a year after the election so as to see the progress being made.

“We have seen progress in virtually all sectors, which shows that the governor is delivering on his political promises.

“Some of the British companies are interested in agriculture-based businesses

now. So we want to know what the state is doing in terms of infrastructure and business opportunities available in the state,” Fleming said.

Responding on behalf of the government, the Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti, commended the British government for its intervention in the country’s general election, which guaranteed its free and fair conduct.

Adeoti said the state was a haven for investors because of the available infrastructure, peace and security, which the Aregbesola administration takes with great interests.

He stated that a peaceful environment also attracts investments, as the state was one of the most peaceful in the country.

He said: “Osun has been developed to attract investments. We have the least rate of unemployment and high turnover of skilled labour.

“Our government, since Ogbeni Aregbesola came to power five years ago, has been equipping the security agencies for effective policing of the state.

“The result is peace, law and order that are reigning in the state. And this is very pivotal to any investor. Besides, Osun is the centre of power distribution, which means there is regular supply of power.”

Source: DAILY INDEPENDENT

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) discussing with the Deputy Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Dr. Yakubu Gambo (right), during the National Flag-off Ceremony for the Distribution of FGN/UBEC Plastic Chairs and Tables to Thirty-Six States and FCT in Nigeria, hosted by Osun SUBEB, on Tuesday 08-09-2015, L.A Government Middle School, Osogbo.

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left) commissioning the newly produced public schools’ chairs and tables: with him are; Deputy Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Dr. Yakubu Gambo (right), Executive Chairman, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Prince Felix Awofisayo (left) and Executive Secretary,Osun State Universal Basic Education, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole (2nd right), during the National Flag-off Ceremony for the Distribution of FGN/UBEC Plastic Chairs and Tables to Thirty-Six States and FCT in Nigeria, hosted by Osun SUBEB, at L.A Government Middle School, Osogbo.

18

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); Deputy Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC), Dr. Yakubu Gambo (2nd left), Executive Chairman, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Prince Felix Awofisayo (left) and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right), during the National Flag-off Ceremony for the Distribution of FGN/UBEC Plastic Chairs and Tables to Thirty-Six States and FCT in Nigeria, hosted by Osun SUBEB, at L.A Government Middle School.

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola discussing with Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, during a condolence visit to Aregbesola on the demise of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade at government house Osogbo.

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) presenting the State Emblem to National President, Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), Dr. Muhammed Tumala, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo.

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); National President, Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), Dr. Muhammed Tumala (2nd right), Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (2nd left), Immediate past NSA President, Mr. Boniface Oseloka Amobi (left), NSA National Treasurer, Mrs Obikudu Felicia (right) and others, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo.

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Nigerian News

August Ministers, no its September Ministers!

As Buhari announces his cabinet

It was Oprah Winfrey that says “lot of people want to ride with you in the limo but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down”

By Olubunmi Omoogun I’m afraid the people President Muhammadu Buhari needs now are credible people who can resist the lure of a limo and bullet proof mercedes or BMW 240million Naira worth. Someone that would not mind joining the President in a bus. Nigeria at the moment is going through a purge. Like so many people have said, a country without a prudent culture of spending money in the name of paraphenelia of office has a lot of rethinking to do. This country has over the years expended or allowed public office holders such as federal ministers to syphon money from the till. This is where the issue of declaration of assets comes in.

The country’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, a man of alleged little material means and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, a Redeemed Christian Church of God senior Pastor have both led from the front to declare their assets. It is almost certain that the incoming Ministers will at the commencement of duties be compelled to declare their assets.

Although some would argue that this declaration of assets business looks like a no-win situation. Which invariably means that its possible that you under declare or over declare to make room for adjustments for what you would steal while in office.

After 100 days in office, the song in the mouth of everyone is when shall we see our new Ministers? Mr Femi Adesina wrote this recently and its instructive.

“Some people say the sheriff did not hit the ground running, as he is yet to constitute his cabinet in 100 days. And I usually ask such people: when you hit the ground, and you land in mud, how do you begin to run immediately? You can only sink deeper, if you attempt to run.

The thing to do is to first clear the mud, till you get to terra firma, and then you can begin to run”.

The rest of the write up from the Special Adviser makes good reading.

Let’s take a look at these likely names of would-be Ministers: Pat Utomi, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). Take Babatunde Fashola for instance, a former governor of Lagos state (Eko o ni baje o). In boxing world, Fashola is a south pole because he is a left handed. You know what they say about a left handed. They are regarded as intelligent, business-like, dutiful and shrewd. Remember how he and his team in Lagos fought Ebola Virus Disease to a standstill within a matter of few weeks. He had to cut short his pilgrimage in Mecca to attend to that very pressing matter, setting up an ebola emergency operations centre in Lagos. You can imagine the damage the virus could have done in Lagos (a population of more than 12million people) if Fashola and his team had not swung into action. This is a feat Sierra Leone could not achieve even after 2years killing people in Port Loko and other towns in Sierra Leone.

Sadly, another 4 cases were reported two days or so ago still in Sierra Leone.

Education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

Babatunde Raji Fashola transformed education in Lagos state.

He implemented the Teachers’ Salary Scale (TSS) for teachers in the state public schools and of course the ‘Adopt a School Initiative’. Under him the bureaucratic bottlenecks made way for prompt service delivery.

Raji Fashola in an engagement with a gathering of professionals explained that during his time as governor, Lagos was largely insulated from indebtedness because of the dedication and commitment of its team who worked assiduously to deliver and come up with uncommon template of running a mega city.

Fashola is both a technocrat and democrat who has proved his worth consistently while serving as Chief of Staff to Governor emeritus Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and then as governor of Lagos, 2007 to 2015.

Lagos indeed worked under Fashola little wonder the slogan ‘ Fashola is working, Lagos is working’!

It won’t be a shock to most people if Raji Fashola’s name made the list of Buhari’s ministerial disciples. Good product doesn’t need much persuasion, it naturally sells itself. Good luck Fash the SAN!

Former Governor Babatunde Fashola

Pat Utomi

President Buhari, on his trip to Ghana, meeting Ghanaian President Mahara

19

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Ahly eye top spot to avoid rivals Zamalek

Holders Al Ahly will conclude the Orange CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign by entertaining Stade Malien of Mali in the ultimate Group A match on Saturday in Suez.

Ahly, aiming for a successful defence of the second-tier continental club title have already booked their place for the semis following a lone goal victory over Esperance in the penultimate match three weeks ago in Rades, and will be joined

by Tunisian side, Etoile du Sahel in the last four.

Despite guaranteeing qualification, Ahly will play to finish tops of the group to avoid a semi-final meeting with bitterest rivals, Zamalek. The White Knights are hot favourites finish at the summit of Group B, and the two sides will face off each other in the event each other fail to finish at the summit of their respective groups.

The Red Devils concluded their preparations for the Day Six clash by engaging Spanish La Liga outfit, Getafe in a friendly in Madrid last week. Striker Ahmed Abdel Zaher scored for the Cairo giants in the 1-1 draw which saw coach Fathi Mabrouk give the chance to some fringe players, given that eight

Ahly FC with bitterest rivals, Zamalek

of his players were on international duty with Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in N’Djamena.

Also on national duty was new recruit, Malick Evouna who scored a brace in Gabon’s 4-0 win over Sudan in Libreville.

“We are playing to win although we guaranteed a semi-final spot”, Mabrouk told Cafonline.com.

“Our aim is to win the group, no matter our opponents at the semis. We want to retain our title and to do so we have to be ready to face any other side, especially at this level”, added the 59 year old coach.

Mabrouk will guide Ahly into the game without a number of key players.

Ghanaian import John Antwi, who was voted Ahly’s player of the month in August sustained an ankle injury against Esperance and will be sidelined for the game. Midfielders Hossam Ghaly and Saleh Gomaa are both injured, while right back Bassem Ali is suspended.

“Against Getafe, I tried many players, and come Saturday I will find the suitable line-up. It was a good experience to play in Madrid. The Stade Malien game is a very important one for us.

“They are the only side yet to lose against us in this campaign. We also have the domestic cup semi-final 72-hours later. This is Champions destiny; to be always ready to win” concluded Mabrouk.

Both sides failed to score when they met in the reverse fixture in Bamako last July. The game kicks off at 18H30 GMT in the coastal city of Suez, with Etoile du Sahel entertaining local rivals Esperance in a simultaneous kick-off in Sousse.

Ahly sit atop the standings with superior goals despite having nine points 10 points same Etoile.

In Group B, Zamalek will host Orlando Pirates in a top of the table clash on Sunday in Cairo whilst AC Leopards of Congo battles Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in an encounter, which the outcome will only serve academic purposes Fixtures Group A 12.09.2015 19H30 Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) vs Esperance (Tunisia) 12.09.2015 20H30 Al Ahly (Egypt) vs Stade Malien (Mali) Group B 13.09.2015 15H30 AC Leopards (Congo) vs CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) 13.09.2015 20H30 Zamalek (Egypt) vs Orlando Pirates (South Africa) *All times are in local time

All-Africa Games: Nigeria’s U-23 team defeats Ghana, qualifies for semis

The Nigerian U-23 team at the ongoing All-Africa Games on Wednesday defeated the Ghanaian team 2-0 in their first game of the tournament in Congo Brazzaville.

Junior Ajayi scored on 55 minutes at Stade de l’Unite in the Congolese capital and Kingsley Sokari added a second goal three minutes from time.

There are only three sides in Group B after Egypt withdrew rather than field a weakened team, and this enabled the Nigerians to secure a swift passage to the knockout stage.

Defending champions Ghana are in trouble with just one point from two matches and a minus-two goal difference.

They hope Nigeria defeat second-place Senegal by at least three goals Saturday — 22

a result that would allow Ghana to squeeze through on goal difference.

Daniel Etor set up Ajayi for the deadlock-breaking goal and an exchange of passes with captain Azubuike Okechukwu created a chance for Sokari to score via an exquisite lob.

The under-23 tournament continues Thursday with Group A fixtures between Congo and Burkina Faso and Sudan and Zimbabwe.

Cameroon have won four of the previous 10 All-Africa Games football competitions, Egypt two and Congo, Nigeria, Algeria and Ghana one each.

Ghana played out a goalless draw with Senegal in the first game of the group while the Samson Siasia-led team did not feature on the first day because their opponents, Egypt, withdrew from the competition.

Nigeria’s U-23 team

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Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire reach last four Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire have qualified to the semi-finals at the ongoing African Games Brazzaville 2015 after wins in their Day Two matches on Wednesday.

Reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons humbled the Twiga Stars of Tanzania 3-0 at the Massamba Debat Stadium in Brazzaville, whilst ‘Les Elephantes’ of Cote d’Ivoire beat hosts Congo 1-0 in the other Group A clash at the newly built Unity Stadium, Kintele.

Both Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire have six points apiece whereas Tanzania and Congo are without a point after two games. Hosts Congo and Tanzania have no realistic chance of reaching the next round with a game remaining.

The Falcons led by a goal at half time thanks to Desire Oparanozie, who doubled the lead just a minute after the break, taking her tally to five goals in the competition so far.

Esther Sunday netted the insurance goal on 51 minutes to secure victory for the West Africans.

In Kintele, Josephine Akaffou scored on 38 minutes as hosts Congo slumped to their second successive loss and effectively dashing their hopes of progressing out of the group stage.

Despite the loss, Congo coach Joseph Mpenaya is a happy man with the perfor-

Debutant Mpho Makola scored to give South Africa a 1-0 victory over Senegal Tuesday in the Nelson Mandela Challenge football friendly match in Soweto.

The victorious Super Falcons

mance of his team.

“I’m happy with the performance of my players. Because in two weeks, you cannot build a team that fought like they did today.

I think these girls have a future. Football is about dominating and scoring. If you don’t score, you only give the opponent the opportunity to punish you,” said Mpenaya.

On her part, Ivorian coach Clementine Toure remarked “when you know the conditions in which we won this match, I can

only give glory to God. This was a very difficult match. In front of us was the host country and the crowd was not on our side either. We played with our country at heart.

We have to start preparing for semis”.

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will face-off in the ultimate Group A match on Saturday, 12 September 2015 at the Massamba Debat Stadium in Brazzaville, whilst Congo and Tanzania play for pride at the same time at the Unity Stadium, Kintele.

Newcomer set to become Super Eagles hero Continued from back page... ...The game finished goalless and Ikeme was the difference between a point and defeat for the three-time Africa champions as Tanzania’s Taifa Stars virtually played them off the park in Dar es Salaam. At a time when a football-loving nation is desperately looking for a new football hero, Ikeme stepped in to fill the vacancy created by poor international results.

Carl can trace his roots to Onitsha, the most populous city in eastern Nigeria.

Born in Sutton Coldfield, a suburb of Birmingham in the West Midlands, he cut his teeth at Wolves’ academy and progressed to the first-team squad for their 2003–04 Premier League season.

A month ago, when told of his first callup, the 6ft 3in keeper thought it was a joke.

“I thought someone was winding me up to start with,” he said. “I spoke to the coach and it started to make more sense and I realised it was none of my cousins winding me up or anything like that.”

After the game he said it was not easy to step into the shoes of Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria’s No.1 keeper for 12 years, who missed the Tanzania game after the death of his mother but may not have started

Nigeria To Host Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone AFCON Clashto go out on loan

anyway. “Playing in your first game for a team like Nigeria is not easy because there are many expectations that include filling the big shoes left by Vincent Enyeama, who has been amazing for us. I am glad I kept a clean sheet and wish to take time out to thank my team-mates who have been amazing and welcomed me from the moment I arrived.”

Ikeme is discovering more about his ancestry, a good feeling, he says, given the affectionate nature of his people, the taste of the food and the football tradition in Nigeria. “I have settled in well [with the Super Eagles]. My family are from Nigeria and it’s not like I dropped from the moon or something. I try a lot of Nigerian food and I feel very Nigerian.”

It is easy for him to feel this way, given the backslapping and accolades that have come his way since his debut. The former Arsenal and Nigeria forward Nwankwo Kanu was dramatic in his assessment of Ikeme after the game: “It is true that we did not win the match but we gained a son.”

Jay Jay Okocha said Nigeria’s search for a keeper to take over from Enyeama had ended. “He was wonderful,” the former

Bolton player said of Ikeme. “We finally got the keeper we have been waiting for.

We know Enyeama will not be around for ever, so it is good that he was discovered now. I wish him well.”

The new Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, was grateful to Ikeme for saving him from serious embarrassment. “I don’t like to single out players from the team but I have to admit that Carl Ikeme had a great game for us. He saved us from defeat.” Lille’s Enyeama similarly paid tribute. “Ikeme is a good keeper and I have to give him credit for the draw in Dar es Salaam.”

Ikeme also started Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Niger and has been named in the squad for a friendly against Benin Republic in a fortnight, in preparation for the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, against Egypt. He will not allow the accolades to affect him.

“I hope to continue from where I left off if given the chance,” he said. “All I can say is it was indeed a great feeling putting on that jersey for Nigeria and a dream come true for me. The team is young so we can expect better results as we go along.”

Playing on his club ground, the 29year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder skilfully placed a 78th-minute shot over substitute goalkeeper Lys Gomis from outside the box.

Makola was among seven changes to the side stunned 3-1 away to Mauritania last Saturday in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

It was a night of celebration for Makola, who received the man of the match award, Bafana Bafana (The Boys) and coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba.

South Africa beat Senegal for the first time after four draws and two losses, and a 23rd international victory for Mashaba is a Bafana record.

“We redeemed ourselves tonight after the loss in Mauritania,” said Mashaba.

“What impressed me most was the unity of the team.”

Goalkeeper and captain Itumeleng Khune, whose early blunder set Mauritania up for victory, described the win over Senegal as “a great show”.

Somalia to camp in Addis Ababa for World Cup qualifier

Somalia’s Ocean Stars will hold a one-month training camp in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 preliminary qualifiers.

The team flew to Addis Ababa on Tuesday, 8 September 2015 to fine-tune for the October 9 meeting with Niger, in the Ethiopian capital. The second leg will take place in Niamey on 13 October 2015.

Officials of the Somali Football Federation (SFF) and other stakeholders were at the Mogadishu Aden Abdulle International Airport to see-off the team.

Earlier, the team received ministerial boost at a farewell ceremony at the Lido Beach resort, south east of the capital, Mogadishu.

Somali FA president, Abdiqani Said Arab, commended the government for boosting the moral of the team, describing it as a huge encouragement for their outfit and the national team as well.

He lauded his Ethiopian counterparts for accepting to host the first leg of the preliminary round in Addis Ababa, since Somalia has yet to receive the greenlight to host international competitions.

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Friday, 11 September - Thursday, 17 September 2015 ISSUE 596

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All-Africa Games: Nigeria’s U-23 team defeats Ghana, qualifies for semis SEE PAGE 22

Newcomer set to become Super Eagles hero

Super Eagles’ future first choice between the posts? Carl Ikeme aims to grab the chance with both gloves

By Alan Oakley

Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd have a remarkable following in Nigeria, either because of their success or because one or two top Nigerian players have enjoyed an association. Wolverhampton Wanderers, affectionately known

as Wolves, does not fall into these two categories, which has left their goalkeeper Carl Ikeme far from a household name to the average Nigerian fan.

All that changed after the Africa Cup of Na-

tions qualifier between Tanzania and Nigeria on

5 September. Carl Ikeme is now on everyone’s lips.

Ikeme, who plies his trade in the Football League Championship – English football’s second tier - made his debut for the Super Eagles and won the hearts of millions of Nigerians...

Continued on page 23...

African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 3737 3077 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com