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Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016 ISSUE 620
SINCE 2001
£1.00 B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R National Apprenticeship New film highlights Week encourages more symptom for kidney businesses to take on and bladder cancers apprentices
SEE PAGE 6
HOME OFFICE PUSHES UP VISA FEES
SEE PAGE 2
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Dabiri Erewa, Oko put welfare of Diaspora Nigerians in front burner
By Alan Oakley Fees for visas across most categories increase from today (March 18).
The changes, which were announced in January, mean most fees, including shortterm visitor visas and most work (such as Tier 2) or study (such as Tier 4) applications, have gone up around 2 percent, while the fee for nationality and settlement applications has risen a substantial 25 percent. The fee for companies applying f o r a Ti e r 2 s p o n s o r s h i p l i c e n c e - which enables them to employ Ti e r 2 v i s a h o l d e r s – r e m a i n s unchanged at £536 for smaller businesses and £1,476 for larger businesses.
According to the home office, the increases in revenue will reduce the amount British taxpayers contribute towards the UK’s border control and immigration infrastructure. It is hoped that, by 2019-2020, the system will be “self-funded” by those who use it. Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures indicate that most migrants who secure a Tier 2 visa subsequently apply for settlement or permanent residence after five years in the UK. These individuals will now be expected to pay £1,875 for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application (up from £1,500). Applications for naturalisation, which is a step up from ILR and leads to UK citizenship, have risen to £1,236, up from
the previous £1,005, while a newly introduced £25 surcharge will be levied for non-valid applications. Under the previous fee structure, any fees paid for applications that turned out not to be valid were refunded. Optional premium services offered by the Home Office, including its super-premium service and priority visa services overseas, have seen fees increased by up to 33%, while family and spouse visas have soared to £1,195 and the fee for ‘Adult Dependant Relatives’ has jumped to £2,676. The main changes effect visas linked most closely to economic growth and “help maintain the UK’s position as one of the world’s top tourist destinations,” according to a Home Office statement.
Hon. Abike Dabiri
By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria
The Nigerians in diaspora’s huge contributions both at home and abroad were some of the issues discussed at the interactive session between Senate Committee on diaspora and the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President on diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa at the Senate building.
Continued on page 19
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Have You News Got News Call for more women to run for office For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077
Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com
New UK Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire
Ms Josephine Gauld has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in succession to Mr Mark Bensberg, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Gauld will take up her appointment
during August 2016. She has served in Abi-
djan, as First Secretary (Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, and Burkina Faso) between 2007 – 2009. As
well as in Abuja, as Deputy Head of Political Section (Economic Community of West African States and External Affairs), 2012 – 2014.
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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Justine Greening called for more women to get involved in politics at a panel at the Southbank Centre’s Women of the World Festival on Friday 11 March.
The International Development Secretary was joined by President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson and Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Scotland. As part of the panel Greening also discussed the Department for International Development’s work on FGM and child marriage following the Girl Summit in 2014. She praised the work of media organisations like the Evening Standard and Guardian in bringing these issues into the public eye. Speaking at the Overseas Development Institute earlier this week, Justine Greening said: We need women to be equally represented in parliaments around the world. In Somalia, where only 14% of MPs are women, in Sierra Leone, where just over 12%
Justine Greening speaking at a political panel at the Southbank Centre’s Women of the World Festival.
are women, but also in Japan, where only 9% are women. And in Britain where it’s still only 30% despite the big progress that we have seen made. So we need around 130 more women MPs here in Britain to be equal in parliament. Let’s find those 130 more women.
And my message to women in Britain is: if you’re a great, capable woman then run, run for parliament, run for local government, run for being a police and crime commissioner. If you know a great, capable woman then ask her to run.
National Apprenticeship Week encourages more businesses to take on apprentices New research released to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week has found businesses place apprentices at the heart of their plans to rise to the top and rank hiring the right staff as the most important factor in helping them grow.
Apprenticeships are at the heart of the government’s drive to equip people with the skills that employers need to grow and compete and today’s research shows that eight in ten managers believe apprentices are vital to their organisation’s expansion plans. The research also showed that managers hiring apprentices were five times more likely to believe the company would expand rapidly, than those that don’t. Two thirds (61%) of managers in growing firms felt that hiring the right staff or having employees with the right skills was the most important factor in realising the company’s ambitions. The new independent research found that the right people and skills are ten times more important to businesses when it comes to expansion than access to finance. National Apprenticeship Week launches on Monday, 14 March with an event at London’s Shard that is designed to encourage more businesses to take on apprentices. Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: I hope National Apprenticeship Week will inspire many more businesses across the country to commit to taking on an apprentice. Apprenticeships don’t just
Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Zak Carroll Royal Navy [Image: MOD Crown Copyright]
offer life changing opportunities to our young people, they also deliver for the bottom line. We are committed to 3 million apprenticeships by 2020 because apprenticeships are good for Britain. To mark the start of the week, seven top companies are announcing major commitments to apprenticeships, including Starbucks, Prezzo, Fortnum and Mason, Deloitte, Greene King, BT and Addleshaw Goddard. David Sproul, chief executive of Deloitte UK, said: Improving social mobility is one of the UK’s biggest challenges. One of the ways in which we are seeking to address this is by doubling the number of positions available through our BrightStart Business Apprenticeship Scheme. The scheme will provide 200 high quality apprenticeships to school and collegeleavers, giving them the opportunity to study technical qualifications whilst working at the firm. For us, there is a clear business imperative to get this right. In order to provide the best possible service
and make an impact with our clients, we need to hire people who think and innovate differently, come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a range of perspectives and experience into the firm. We truly value this difference. Meanwhile, The Ministry of Defence is proud to be recognised as the single largest employer of apprentices in the UK. Apprenticeships are offered in a wide range of trades from engineering and construction, to hospitality and animal care, with more than 20,000 apprentices in training at any one time. The Royal Navy delivers around 2,500 apprenticeships every year, with all recruits having the opportunity to achieve intermediate and advanced apprenticeships throughout their career. Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering) Zak Carroll joined the Royal Navy from Falmouth Marine College. A former Sea Cadet, the 18 year old swapped a job in McDonalds to become a submariner, and he wants to be a nuclear engineer technician once his training is complete.
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News
Goodbye to Accomplished Diplomats Emotional scenes played out at the Nigeria High Commission London on Friday 11 March 2016 during a send forth party organised for some of the diplomats who have completed their tour of duties. The diplomats were bade farewell by staff members who paid tributes to friends and bosses with whom they have bonded for up to four years. Words alone could not ex-
press the feelings of many as they hugged and took photographs to compensate for the officers they would miss dearly. The Acting Nigeria High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Simon Ogah who presided over the occasion recalled how he met each one of the officers years back. He said all the outgoing officers have proven their worth but the community should know that with three directors leaving, the Mission would be seriously lean on staff, before their
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Prince Tajudeen Adeniyi Minister/Head of Section, Consular and Welfare
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From right: Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents an award from CANUK to Mr. Ahmed Inusa, Minister / Head of Chancery
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Dr. C. Gwam Minister / Head of Section Political Section
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replacement. He paid glowing tributes to the departing diplomats and wished them well. He described many of them as great achievers and it would be hard to find replacement for them. He later presented them with souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their dedicated services. The Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) through its Chairman Mr. Babatunde Loye also showered praises on the officers and presented them with awards for their contributions to the Nigerian community in the UK. Mr Loye appealed to the outgoing officer to carry on with their support to the community even at their new postings. “It is not a bad idea that everyone including these gentlemen we are sending forth today are going back to Nigeria. Reason being that, starting from next month, I and members of the CANUK Executive council shall commence a flurry of engagements with the Nigerian
News
government back home, now that, we have one of our own as the present Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government Ambassador Bamgbose who heads the Diaspora Unit, and the newly appointed Senior Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Diaspora, Honourable Abike DabiriErewa together with you fine diplomats, our jobs would be made easier as we appeal and solicit that you extend the same support and cooperation you have given to us here and now, over there. There are lots of activities and projects earmarked for execution for the good of all in the Diaspora that requires the involvement of the government back home including both the Federal and Local governments. Please be there always to facilitate things for us.” The outgoing officers each responded in appreciation of the accolades and took turn to express their various experiences. It was indeed a befitting farewell party to jolly good fellows.
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mr. F.N. Enya Senior Counsellor, Consular and Welfare Section
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mrs Nkechi Amanze Administrative Attache
Outgoing Officers with Heads of Sections
Some members of staff with Outgoing Officers
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mr. Peter Ngwueche Resident Courier
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mr. A. Adamu Administrative Attache Political Section
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mr. J.A. Raiyemopin, Admin Attaché II (OCB)
Mr. Simon Ogah, Acting High Commissioner presents a gift to Mr. J.O. Dada Admin Attaché I (OCB)
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Health News
New film highlights symptom for kidney and bladder cancers Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed every year, 7,600 people die annually Public Health England’s latest Be Clear on Cancer campaign features, Black and Asian cancer survivors, alongside consultant urologists from Barts Health NHS Trust, Jhumur Pati and Professor Frank Chinegwundoh OBE in a new film which aims to increase awareness of the key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers blood in urine.
The film also highlights cultural issues associated with cancer that can delay people of South Asian, African and African Caribbean descent from seeing their doctor early when they notice unusual symptoms like blood in urine. Jhumur Pati, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Barts Health NHS Trust: “There is often a strong fear of cancer, and a perception that cancer is an incurable disease that quickly leads to death but we know that bladder and kidney cancers are more treatable if they are found early.” “Some prefer to see a spiritualist rather than going to see their doctor or self-treat
symptoms with herbal remedies. There is nothing wrong with seeing a spiritualist however, I would encourage those who notice blood in their urine, even if it’s just the once, to visit their doctor straight away.” Professor Frank Chinegwundoh OBE, Barts Health NHS Trust: “Blood in the urine can be caused by a variety of bladder or kidney problems. Most of them are not serious but it can be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer so should not be ignored. Blood in urine is a symptom in most bladder cancers and almost a fifth of kidney cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment of bladder and kidney cancer is crucial, so being aware of the symptoms and knowing to go to your doctor straight away could save you or your loved one’s life.” For those diagnosed at the earliest stage (stage 1), the likelihood of surviving five years or more can be as high as 84% for kidney cancer and 77% for bladder cancer.1 However, for those diagnosed at a late stage (stage 4), survival is as low as only 10% for kidney cancer and 9% for bladder cancer.
Professor Frank Chinegwundoh OBE
Mrs Vitta Curtis, kidney cancer survivor featured in the film: “I went to my GP who gave me a urine test that showed that I had blood in my urine. I also experienced pain in my lower back under my ribs which I didn’t know was another symptom of kidney cancer. Although I was shocked to find out I had kidney cancer I was so glad it was caught early and treated successfully. I feel it is important for me to share my experience in hope that it will help others, especially people of African or African Caribbean descent as I know
that cancer can be a taboo in our community. I want to encourage people not to be afraid to talk about cancer, it’s not a death sentence. See your GP straight away if you notice blood in your urine or any other symptoms. Don’t put it off; it could save your life.” The film can be viewed at http://bit. ly/1U6Xd4y and will be aired across Black and Asian TV channels during month of March. For further information about the signs and symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers, please visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee.
PHE reacts to Chancellor’s levy on high sugar drinks
Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt
Public Health England statement on the Treasury announcement of a levy on high sugar drinks from 2018. Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England, said: A sugary drinks levy is fabulous news for children and families in helping them to cut back on sugar. This will reduce the risks of obesity, tooth decay and other life threatening diseases. This is public health in 6
action and a great foundation ahead of the child obesity strategy later this summer.
A levy or tax was 1 of 8 recommendations from PHE’s evidence review on sugar reduction and is a stunning early indication of the Government’s commitment to reducing child obesity. The Chancellor has firmly set this in the context of every child having the right to a good start to life, especially good that the money raised will be used to boost funding for school based exercise and sport.
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James Duddridge speaks on future of Africa at Chatham House UK Minister for Africa at Chatham House Conference on Infrastructure Delivery in SubSaharan Africa highlights why the continent is a great place for longterm investment.
It is unwise to generalise in a continent as diverse as Africa. But despite the global economic slowdown, growth across the continent has remained generally positive this year. While the IMF’s latest predictions are for a reduction in growth in sub-Saharan Africa to 3.8%, this is still above the predicted global growth rate of 3.1%. This is rather good: George Osborne would be very pleased with 3.8%. In fact, except for one small blip in the 1990s, as a region Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced consistent growth yearon-year. It is a great place for long-term investment. The situation is difficult for the few large oil producing economies, but experts believe that the majority of low income countries will continue to grow. Countries such as Cote D’Ivoire, where I’ll be in three weeks’ time, Mozambique
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and Tanzania, where I was last week, all High Level Prosperity Partners, hope to see growth of around 7% this year. We need action to create enabling environments that support economic growth in Africa. Action that encourages innovation, and unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of the young. Action to meet the aspirations of the continent’s growing youth population. African governments have a crucial role to play, creating good governance mechanisms that encourage transparency and tackle corruption, regulatory frameworks that allow business to operate and invest responsibly, and strong and independent institutions that respect the rule of law. Looking ahead, the UN estimates that Africa’s population will double to 2.5 billion people by 2050 . The World Bank predicts that at least 600 million people will enter the job market in Africa in the next 15 years. That’s a massive opportunity. Huge investment is required to create jobs and improve infrastructure in order to meet the demands of a rapidly growing
population. Infrastructure that facilitates trade rather than hinders it. So that it no longer takes more time for a container to cross a couple of African borders than it does for the same container to be shipped from Hong Kong to Dar es Salaam. Infrastructure is a pipeline for money. Airports, railways and roads are all pipelines for economic activity. This requires local knowledge and skills but also global expertise and help to get people and money moving. So the partnership theme of this year’s conference is highly appropriate. It is vital that we build partnerships between the private and public sector, working together in Africa; Working for the benefit of millions of Africans; Working to deliver the transformational change that the continent needs, to unlock growth and grow the taxation base. Such partnerships will be essential to help grow Africa out of poverty. So too are the partnerships between the UK and countries across Africa. The High Level Prosperity Partnerships forged between the UK and Angola, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania emphasise that the UK wants to work more closely with these countries and to work with others across the continent. The prosperity partnerships place the private sector in the driving seat of economic transformation. Allowing the private sector to flourish creates jobs and generates taxes. Taxes fund vital services such as health and education. A better educated, healthier workforce will create the entrepreneurs and innovative business of tomorrow. This virtuous circle can sustain African growth and the UK is ready to play an important part. UK companies have skills and expertise from project design, through planning and implementation. British architects, professional services, legal firms and capital markets are among the best in the world and stand ready to support infrastructure development on the continent. And of course the City of London is the place in the world to raise capital and a repository of a great deal of wisdom on how to deliver successful partnerships between the public and private sectors. The UK’s extensive aid programme, part of our commitment to spending 0.7% of gross national income on overseas development, also recognises the importance of partnerships with the private sector to drive forward economic development. We have a new Prosperity Fund of £1.3 billion over five years with the aim of fostering economic growth. Part of this fund will be used to help Africa grow out of poverty.
James Duddridge UK Minister for Africa
Just last week I was in Tanzania where I saw for myself how cities with weak infrastructure are crippled by events as mundane as heavy rain. The infrastructure deficit was clearly visible. The rapid transport system is sadly not yet up and running. There is no quick fix. I was talking to Paul Collier about urbanisation in Africa and the need for a flexible job market. Big infrastructure projects take time to implement. But it is good that the Department for International Development is supporting a Government of Tanzania programme with the World Bank to make the City of Dar Es Salaam more resilient to these extreme weather events. The problems of congestion and inefficiency at Dar es Salaam Port are well known. That is why the UK Government is helping Tanzania unlock the potential of this maritime gateway and supporting Trademark East Africa to work on the immediate congestion problems. We are supporting critical feasibility studies necessary for the Government of Tanzania to secure bigger finance through the World Bank. With greater funding, Tanzania can improve the port infrastructure and realise the regional trade benefits that will come from improved freight corridors across Tanzania. Of course I will continue to play my part too. Championing Africa as a place to trade and invest. Working together with business. Working with colleagues across Whitehall and in the City of London. Most importantly, working with my counterparts in Africa to support Africa’s continued economic transformation. This year the UK and Africa have continued to build on their enduring partnership. By working together, I firmly believe that this partnership, built on long standing political links, cultural connections and historical links, will go from strength to strength.
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Comment Arts Culture
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of SAYLC-UK: A Noble Cause
by Akintokunbo Adejumo Let’s pass it on to our children. “The great and most powerful gift a parent can give their children is to pass to them their language and their culture …”
We would have loved it very much to write this in Yoruba but for two main reasons: one, we would love this article to reach and be readable and understood by all in the world, Yoruba and other peoples, and two, it is unfortunate, but our own written and spoken Yoruba has not reached the level where we will be most accurate, articulate and fluent in the translation of the article in such a way that the language will be appreciated by all and sundry. The 12th of March 2016 marks the 10th Founding Anniversary of SAYLCUK, founded by Late Sir (Dr.) Ezekiel Olusoji Smith. The primary objective of the association is to promote the speaking of Yoruba language amongst Yoruba people, especially our children who are totally losing the language. Many other similar organisations in UK have ceased to exist within five years of their founding and it is therefore apt to celebrate the Founder’s Day of this unique and noble association. The NOBLE CAUSE to sustain and advance Yoruba language and culture in the United Kingdom started its journey from the first meeting held at the premises of Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria on 17 January 2006. Following the meetings in Lagos, the United Kingdom Branch of the association was founded at a meeting held in Emukay Restaurant, London on 12 March 2006; the meeting was chaired by Dr. E. O. Smith and ably supported by Omo’ba (Prince) Adebambo Ademiluyi. The first representatives of the association in the United Kingdom were: 1. Mr. Ade Abudu – Coordinator 2. Chief Tunji Oyelana – Coordinator 3. Alhaji I. A. Balogun – Coordinator 4. Mrs. Tokunbo Gregory – Coordinator 5. Chief Abiodun Sowunmi – Secretary 6. Mr. Toyin Laguda – Secretary 7. Mr. Akintokunbo Adejumo – Publicity Secretary 8. Mr. K. A. Faloyin – Publicity Secretary 9. Chief Abiodun Odusanwo – Publicity Secretary The early actions and activities of the new association included regular meetings
on every 2nd Sunday of the month, subcommittees working in-between meetings, membership drive, creation of e-mail address for communication, design of website, contact with Agbajo Yoruba Agbaye (AYA), identification of similar associations in the country, arrangement of visit to Nigerian High Commissioner and drafting a constitution for ratification at planned inaugural general meeting. The inaugural general meeting of SAYLCUK was held at Emukay Restaurant in London on Sunday, 13 May 2007. The outcome of the successful general meeting included the adoption of agreed constitution, election of trustees, election of executive officers and overall commitment to an Improvement Plan towards delivery of the Aims & Objectives of the association. The Constitution’s Preamble reads as follows: We the members of “Egbe Ifesemule ati Ilosiwaju Ede Yoruba”, United Kingdom (UK) Branch, being a cultural, non-political and non-denominational Association establish this Constitution to govern the matters within our Association. The registered office in United Kingdom would be at Emukay Restaurant, 91 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EZ. The aims and objectives of the Association shall be: 1. To promote the speaking of the Yoruba language amongst Yoruba people, especially our children who are totally losing the language. 2. To cherish, uphold and project the honour and dignity of Yoruba culture, language and tradition in United Kingdom and the diaspora. 3. Facilitate full access to education about Yoruba Language to all and sundry through the media and the use of Information Technology. 4. To work with other organisations inside and outside the United Kingdom to promote Yoruba Language and culture. 5. Subject to approval by members of the Executive Committee of the Association, to obtain or accept subscriptions, donations, grants, gifts, devices and bequests from individuals, corporations, and institutions in furtherance of the Association’s aims and objectives. 6. To organise Yoruba classes for Yoruba youths in the United Kingdom. 7. To set up a Yoruba Cultural Centre where the aims and objectives of this Association would be further promoted within the United Kingdom. 8. To publish a periodic Yoruba Newsletter and other publications to promote the aims and objectives of the Association. 9. To liaise with educational institutions and local authorities in the United Kingdom towards achieving the aims of the Association. 10. To undertake any other activities which are consistent with or which the Association considers will promote its interests, aims, and objects. On 13th day of May 2007, the Constitution
was attested to by the following; • Chairman – Mr. Ade Abudu • General Secretary – Mr. Adeyemi Bello • Legal Officer – Mr. Kole Ojo
The elected members of the executive committee were: • Trustee – Sir (Dr.) E. O. Smith • Chairman – Mr. Ade Abudu • Vice Chairman – Major (Rtd.) Dovi Yebovi • General Secretary – Mr. Adeyemi Bello • Assistant General Secretary – Chief Abiodun Sowunmi • Treasurer – Chief Abiodun Odusanwo • Financial Secretary – Mrs. Tokunbo Gregory • Publicity Secretary – Mr. Akintokunbo Adejumo • Social Secretary – Mr. Toyin Laguda • Legal Officer – Mr. Kole Ojo • Internal Auditor – Mr. Olumide Balogun • Welfare Officer – Dr. Dapo Williams There were subsequent annual general meetings (AGM) on the following dates: • 2008 AGM & Ede Yoruba Day in August • 2009 AGM & Socio-Cultural Event in August • 2010 AGM & Socio-Cultural Event in August • 2012 AGM in August • 2013 EGM in March • 2014 EGM & Election of Interim Executive Committee The current Board of Trustees are as follows: • • • •
Chief Tunji Oyelana - Chairman Papa Samuel Bright Pastor (Major, rtd.) Dovi Yebovi Prince Adelagun Abudu - Secretary
The current Interim members of the executive committee are: • Cllr. Adedokun Lasaki - Chairman • Mr. Amos Akin Adejinmi – General Secretary • Mr. Morakinyo Bamidele – Publicity Secretary • Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun Abiri James – Treasurer Amos Akin Adejinmi, current General Secretary sees the future of SAYLC as very bright and outlines some of the future actions of the association as intending to go and visit every Yoruba organisation, such as Towns meetings; restructuring and improving on the Saturday Yoruba classes in London; reaching out to all Yoruba worldwide, through the Internet; having regular interactive programmes, and facilitating the use of all
media, radio and television inclusive.
There were other activities of the Association: • Visit to the Nigerian High Commission office in December 2006 and met with Mrs. Adeola Obileye as representative of the High Commissioner. • Opening of Bank Account HSBC in 2007 • Registration of the association with the company house in 2007. • Production of Association’s Logo • Promotion Fliers & Business Cards • Launching of Iwe Akarerin at Emukay in April 2010 • Monthly Yoruba Interactive Event at Emukay from June 2010 • Website: edeyoruba.org.uk • WhatsApp Account for members only. • Facebook Account for promotion of Yoruba Language & Culture • Fund Raising Dinner • Donation Envelopes • Yoruba Class • Letter to Lagos State House of Assembly • Annual End of Year Festivities • Yoruba Jingles on CD: Ede enii ni ami eni Ede enii ni iyi eni Ede enii ni awo eni Ede enii ni ewa eni Ede enii ni owo eni de enii ni irawo eni Eyi ni ajodun kewa lehin ti, Baba Ologbe (Dokita) E. O. Smith da egbe naa sile ni odun 2006. Mo ki wa ku ajodun, a ku iyedun, Odumare Olojo-oni ko ni je ka feyi sasemo, Odoodun la a rorogbo, Odoodun la a rawusa, Odoodun la a romo obi lori ate, Odoodun ni sapo ruwe, Odoodun lewura ruwe, Odoodun nila a sogun, Odoodun ni iroko sogbon, Odoodun labiyaya saadota, Odoodun leegun jo, Odoodun loro gbona, Odoodun ni ka ma ri ire iru eyi se lawujo wa, Gbogbo wa ta a sodun yii la a samodun, Tayatomo, Tokotomo, Igba ile wa a le si, Awo ile wa a le si, A o ni pee din lagbara Olodumare, Ase! Ede Yoruba koni paarun o! Happy 10th Founding Anniversary!! Adelagun Abudu – Trustee & Past Chairman and Akintokunbo A Adejumo – Pioneer Publicity Secretary 9
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
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Arts
Theatre, Shows and Musicals By Edward Mirza
I SEE YOU BY MONGIWEKHAYA NOMA DUMEZWENI Now – March 26th, 2016
I SEE YOU (English) NGIYAKUBONA (Zulu) EK SIEN JOU (Afrikaans) NDIYAKUBONA (Xhosa) “I don’t need your sorries white boy, yes. You heard right. You know white people think we are the same? We both look black. But only one of us is black” Post-Apartheid South Africa, after dark. Ben meets Skinn for a night out. But the party is interrupted by the police. Ben, a young student who doesn’t know his own history, is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. And Officer Buthelezi, a former freedom fighter, can’t let it go. Based on a real encounter. “Speak to me in your mother-tongue and I will let you go.” The Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square London SW1W 8AS
KINKY BOOTS Now – May 28th 2016
The UK première of Kinky Boots, Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit opens at London’s Adelphi Theatre on 15 September 2015, with previews from 21 August. With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. The Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
THE MAIDS Trafalgar Studios Now - May 21st 2016
Double Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Not Safe For Work) and Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey) will star in Jean Genet’s masterpiece UK premiere of Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton’s contemporary version of The Maids 10
The Jamie Lloyd Company’s first production of 2016 will be the full-throttle UK premiere of a contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet’s powerful psycho-drama, The Maids, with an all-star cast - Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael. In a luxurious bedroom, two maids fantasise about killing their employer, playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death. An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue, The Maids is a vicious analysis of the class system, and a provocative exploration of gender and sexuality. Uzo Aduba and Zawe Ashton will play the maids, Solange and Claire. Laura Carmichael will play Mistress. The Trafalgar Studios 14 Whitehall London SW1A 2DY
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM Jan 26th - May 18th, 2016
Chicago, 1927. In a recording studio on the city’s South Side, a battle of wills is raging. Ma Rainey, Mother of the Blues, uses every trick in the book to fight her record producers for control of her music. Hardened by years of ill-treatment and bad deals, she’s determined that ‘Black Bottom’, the song that bears her name, will be recorded her way. But Levee, the band’s swaggering young trumpet player, plans to catapult the band into the jazz age. His ambition puts them all in danger. Inspired by the real-life Blues legend and infused with her music, August Wilson’s play speaks powerfully of a struggle for self-determination against overwhelming odds. Sharon D Clarke plays Ma Rainey. Cast includes Giles Terera, O-T Fagbenle and Lucian Msamati. Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX
THRILLER - LIVE Now - April 17th, 2016
Thriller - Live, the spectacular concert show that celebrates the music of the world’s greatest entertainer and undisputed King of Pop, Michael and the Jackson 5, is celebrating its 2,000th West End performance on Thursday October 24. Smashing all previous records at the Lyric Theatre, where it recently celebrated becoming the longest-running production in the theatre’s 125-year history, Thriller - Live first moonwalked into the West End in January 2009 after three acclaimed UK tours. It has just extended its West End booking period to Sunday 28 September, 2014 Several world tours have seen the show play to acclaim in 26 countries, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Singapore, South Africa, China, Sweden, Finland and Norway, Japan and Brazil. More than 1 million people have seen
Thriller, Live - at the Lyric Theatre
the show at the Lyric Theatre and more than 2.5million people have seen the show worldwide. Unlike other West End productions, Thriller - Live is not a rigid book musical with set songs, but is a constantly evolving music concert celebration. When Michael Jackson died, the Lyric theatre became a focus for fans from all over the world, who created a massive shrine of flowers, candles, and tributes. More than 40 books of condolence were signed in the foyer then sent to the Jackson family. A year after his death, a permanent West End memorial to Michael was unveiled in the theatre foyer. Thriller - Live brings to life on stage the distinctive high-energy dancing and pulsating sound of many of pop’s greatest hits, blending eye-popping video footage and effects together with dazzling choreography by the show’s award-winning director Gary Lloyd. The show has regularly been updated with additional songs, new visuals and choreography. Thriller - Live was originally conceived and created by Adrian Grant, a long time associate of Michael Jackson, and author of Michael Jackson – The Visual Documentary. Thriller - Live is produced by Paul Walden and Derek Nicol for Flying Music in association with Adrian Grant for Key Concerts. Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 7ES
A RAISIN IN THE SUN Jan 28th - March 26th, 2016
Injustice, inequality and a housing crisis lead to family tension in Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark play, revived by the UK’s leading Black-led national touring company Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking play, the first on Broadway written by a Black woman, is to tour the UK in a new production directed by Eclipse Theatre’s Dawn Walton. This intense family drama, written on the cusp of the civil rights era, sees the Younger family await the arrival of a cheque for a life changing $10,000. Driven to conflict as they encounter issues of inequality, housing and lack of opportunity that continue to resonate today, the play acts as a stark warning to anyone who measures happiness and personal worth in capital gain. UK tour: 28 Jan – 13 Feb Sheffield Theatres 55 Norfolk St, www. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk | 0114 249 6000; 17 Feb – 20 Feb, New Wolsey Theatre, www.wolseytheatre.co.uk | 01473 295900, 23 – 27 Feb, Nuffield Theatre, www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk | 023 8067 1771; 2 Mar – 5 Mar, Liverpool Playhouse, www.everymanplayhouse.com | 0151 709 4776; 8 Mar – 12 Mar, Watford Palace Theatre, www. watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk | 01923 225671 ; 16 – 19 Mar, The Albany, www.thealbany. org.uk | 020 8692 4446; 22 – 26 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, www.belgrade.co.uk | 0247 6553055
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
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Culture
Abiodun Olaku, Tola Wewe, Phillip Kotokwa, at the Gallery of African Art
Heart of Hope, by Tola Wewe
Life Goes On, by Abiodun Olaku
The Gallery of African Art (GAFRA) is pleased to present an exhibition of contemporary paintings from Nigerian artists Tola Wewe and Abiodun Olaku, and sculptures from the Zimbabwean artist Phillip Kotokwa. This group exhibition celebrates the artistic achievements of three distinct artists from West and Southern Africa.
Abiodun Olaku works are inspired by his passion for paintings and the city of Lagos. His works capture its landscape and people in a constant state of flux. This activity is encapsulated back to the viewer in compositions of magnificent stillness. His paintings are instantly recognisable for the realistic and dramatic chiaroscuro; contrasting an intensely dark and somber background with a brilliant application of light - literally and metaphorically capturing the “resilient vibrancy of socio- economic life in the city”. The entire effect results in taking the viewer beyond the picture and effectively rendering them a participant in the narrative. Olaku states “ While I am not a compulsive slave to the ‘isms and schisms’ of art, it is of deep passionate concern to me that my art communicates, and stirs the spirit of the viewer, irrespective of time and space, I operate with a strong reliance on the principles, theories, formulae, and spirit that have guaranteed the enduring strength and essence of true, evocative art. I try very hard to tell my ‘stories’ with some reasonably unambiguous conviction. Honesty of purpose always serves me a respectable portion of satisfaction, because I believe that every artist will ultimately submit to the supreme critique of time. Time always tells. Therefore, I tend to be insulated against the various contending forces that trail the contemporary
art scene, since I believe they are mostly weak, short- rooted trends”. Tola Wewe is a founding member of the Ona movement that emerged in February, 1989. The Onaism school of thought has its interest in the revival of the indigenous Yoruba aesthetic, with artists committed to pursuing artistic excellence through the adaptation and interpretation of traditional materials and methods, forms and styles of contemporary Yoruba aesthetic - fusing symbols and philosophies and experimentation with local materials, patterns and images. Tola describes himself more as a witness than an author, “communicating with the spirits of the ancestors, and drawing out the invisible spirits - the anjonnu, emere and the ebora - who make the art works...I am the vehicle, and they are the drivers. We go on these strange journeys to the most remote ends of imaginative experience.” Shona works have come to be synonymous with the largest tribe in Zimbabwe engaged in stone sculpting in the country. Each piece is unique both in the natural patterns found in the rock and the expression made by the sculptor’s hands. And, none are more unique that those made by Phillip Kotokwa. Working on the most demanding stones including leopard rock, granite, serpentine, and spring stone, Kotokwa explores with zeal his ancient cultural and spiritual heritage, beyond the cosmopolitan realities of his city life. Phillip feels that a powerful imagination is relevant to the success of a sculptor working in stone: the ways in which the imagination can embellish the facts in such a way that the story becomes more interesting and absorbing to the viewer. The Gallery of African Art is situated at (GAFRA), 45 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JL
On Tola Wewa, by Edward Mirza: Tolo Wewe’s paintings combine chiaroscuro and texture effects with symbols, it would seem, derived from Nigerian folklore, and attractive figures, whose lines are remininiscent of cubism. The colours tend to range from warm earths and rust colours, to pastel shades of green and violet. One may also detect patterns used in pot and rug design, possibly from the region. In
the pictures, one may commonly see, the picture plane divided into segments, which is reminiscent of land divided for crop irrigation etc. Hence there is the sense of the earth and totemic symbols as well as figures from the past looming large as in a dream - rather like the French artist Marc Chagall. It’s well worth a visit to the Gallery of African art to imbibe the warm and enriching atmosphere.
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Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
News
Angola
Will Dos Santos suffer another memory loss?
José Eduardo dos Santos’s announcement that he intends to step down as Angola’s president in 2018 has been met with a mixture of surprise and scepticism in the former Portuguese colony.
One of Africa’s so-called “presidents for life”, Dos Santos has made a similar pronouncement before – as far back as 2001, when he pledged not to seek re-election at the next poll - only for it to be delayed until 2008, which was apparently sufficient time for him to have forgotten 2001 completely. Then there is the question of the timing of the announcement, which comes in the midst of economic turmoil brought on by the falling price of oil. The crisis is a clear indictment of the Dos Santos leadership: he bears responsibility for the fact that Angola has failed to capitalise on its enormous oil wealth. Constitutionally, Dos Santos, who has ruled Angola for 37 years, could remain in power until at least 2022. And while most have treated last Friday’s announcement with suspicion,
Will José Eduardo dos Santos buck the trend amongst African leaders and walk away voluntarily?
others believe him and are concentrating on the successor. Will it be José Filomeno, eldest son and head of the sovereign wealth fund, or a senior official such as Bornito de Sousa, João Lourenço or António Pitra? Surely, it can no longer be vice-president Manuel Vicente, the bruised former head of Sonangol who is reeling under new corruption allegations? None of these candidates, however, is likely to usher in dramatic change – at least not of their own volition.
Norway
Island gunman makes human rights abuse claim
Spree killer Anders Breivik is claiming his human rights are being violated by keeping him in isolation for murdering 77 people on a Norwegian island in 2011.
Breivik, who angered the judge by giving a Nazi-style salute on his arrival in court, claiming it to be an “old Norse gesture”, was appearing for the first time since he was sentenced in 2012. He is claiming inhuman treatment by Norway, where he is serving 21 years for killing eight people with a bomb in Oslo and gunning down 69 people at a Workers’ Youth League (AUF) summer camp on the island of Utøya, many of them teenagers. Through his lawyer, Oeystein Storrvik, Breivik is accusing Norway of violating a ban on inhuman and degrading treatment under the European Convention on Human Rights by keeping him isolated from other inmates in a special three-room cell. “There is no tradition in Norway for this type of isolation,” he told the special court that will meet until Friday in a gymnasium at Skien jail about 100 km south of Oslo. Opinions are divided among the survivors and relatives of victims who have spoken out publicly. Some have said the lawsuit is a joke and do not want to be reminded of 22 July, 2011, while one survivor said Breivik’s human rights should be respected. 12
“None of these people will find favour with an increasingly restless public, or with MPLA old-timers, who will resent a political newcomer being appointed simply because of connections with the veteran leader. So two years hence, the president might again present himself as the least bad option. But, at age 73, he must know the question cannot be put off forever,” Angola expert Justin Pearce told the BBC.
Angola’s main opposition, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita), is just as sceptical. “We don’t believe it because it is not the first time he says that… He is still there, so let us wait and see. On the other side, it’s true Mr Dos Santos is tired because he has been in power for [37] years and it’s quite a lot of time,” spokesperson Alcides Sakala told Voices of Africa. If Dos Santos does leave, his departure will have significant ramifications for Angola. Key to Dos Santos’ regime has been his skilful manipulation of friend and foe alike. Any successor will struggle to match his political might, greatly increasing the potential for upheaval and unrest within the ruling elite. The identity of Dos Santos’s chosen successor is also key. Dos Santos would be wise to recall the example of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak, whose blatant grooming of his son Gamal Mubarak for the presidency played a key role in sparking the social unrest which led to the Egyptian revolution in 2011.
Local champions required to stop spread of HIV ‘Champions’ being recruited to help tackle high levels of HIV in Telford and Shropshire’s African communities
Anders Behring Breivik is serving 21 years for the slaying of 77 people in 2011
“Breivik made us inhuman as victims of his actions and we’re in danger of falling into the same trap as him if we take away his human rights,” survivor Bjoern Ihler told Reuters in Oslo, at a court where the case was televised. Norway rejects the charges of inhuman treatment. “Breivik is a very dangerous man,” said Marius Emberland, the lawyer representing the state, defending Breivik’s conditions. He explained Breivik had been given some opportunities for interaction with others, including meeting volunteers to play chess, but that he had declined. Storrvik says he may eventually appeal to the European Court of Human Rights if Breivik loses.
Terrence Higgins Trust’s Midlands project, Champions of Change, is looking for volunteers to become influential ‘champions’, empowering and educating them to help address high rates of HIV among black African communities in Telford and Shropshire. Local champions are at the heart of the Champions of Change project which launched last October. Equipping volunteers with the skills and knowledge in HIV and sexual health to engage with communities helping tackle HIV stigma and increase testing where HIV is most prevalent. Almost 300 black Africans were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2014 in the Midlands and East of England, according to the latest figures from Public Health England. Black Africans account for almost half of people living with HIV in the Midlands. Volunteers will be trained on the realities of HIV today and use their skills to provide information, safe sex resources and encourage free and simple HIV tests at events and faith centres, strengthening outreach to at risk communities.
Chenai Dhliwayo, Project Lead for Champions of Change in Shropshire and Telford, said: “Local volunteer champions from the black African community are vital in helping us build up the strong relationships and trust we need to get to the heart of these communities to battle HIV stigma and increase testing. “Black Africans are disproportionately affected by HIV and are often diagnosed late. That is why we are tackling the issues head on, empowering the local community with the training and knowledge that HIV is a manageable, long term health condition.” Champion volunteer training takes place on Wednesday 23 March, at Terrence Higgins Trust, Roy Fletcher Centre, 17 Cross Hill, Shrewsbury. Those interested are asked to express their interest by 21 March, contacting Chenai Dhliwayo on chenai.dhliwayo@tht.org.uk or 01952 221410.
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Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
India
Indian pilots invoke Earhart spirit
Last Tuesday marked International Women’s Day – a day for women worldwide to burst through barriers.
Never ones to shirk a challenge, an all-female Air India crew heralded the occasion by flying non-stop from San Francisco to Delhi – a distance of 14,500 kilometres and the world’s longest continuous flight. Actually it was the outgoing AI 073 that set the record two days earlier – the return flight to India (the leg that actually happened on International Women’s Day) was fractionally shorter – but that’s nit-picking. “What we wanted to do on International Women’s Day is to do a landmark historic event,” says Harpreet De Singh, Air India’s chief of flight safety, and a woman. “It’s like a record that we are trying to set — where we can display that women can be equally good in any activity which is traditionally male dominated,” says Singh. We’ve tried to have an all-woman show for this longest flight in history.”
Everyone associated with the record-breaking flight was female
And it wasn’t just an all-female crew in the cockpit for the 17-hour flight. Singh says all the flight operations were managed by women. “We had a lady dispatcher, we had a lady doctor, we had the radio operator on VHF, we had the ops control people who were ladies, I myself did the safety audit, made sure the ramp checks were done,
and, of course, the cabin crew, and the security staff were all ladies.” Singh says she squeezed in a quick conversation with two of the captains during the flight. “They were all extremely excited, very happy, they said that all the passengers on board applauded after the landing, and they were excited about being part of the historic flight. I told them
to keep the flag of Air India high, India’s flag high and to keep the flag of women high,” she says. Singh hopes the Delhi to San Francisco flight will send a message — especially to young girls in India. “This entire message is actually to encourage young girls who have dreams of getting into the skies and they feel it’s too technical or this is something only men do. This flight’s a symbol that every single male-dominated function can be carried out by women safely and efficiently.” It’s a message that seems to be getting some traction. According to India’s aviation agency, the country now has nearly four times more women pilots than the global average. On International Women’s Day, 22 other all-female flights were scheduled and almost every Indian female pilot was in the sky at some point. Elsewhere, this week a Royal Brunei Airlines flight operated by an all-female crew landed safely and on schedule in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they wouldn’t be allowed to drive a car!
North Korea
Student, 21, gets 15 years for stealing poster An American student has been sentenced to 15 years hard labour for the “subversive act” of trying to steal a political propaganda poster in his hotel in Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.
Otto Warmbier, 21, a University of Virginia undergraduate from Cincinnati, was convicted after a one-hour trial at the country’s Supreme Court, according to The Associated Press, which has a bureau in Pyongyang. The sentence is the latest penalty that North Korea has meted out to a small number of American tourists, missionaries and journalists in recent years for what have been deemed antistate crimes, including accusations of illegal entry and leaving a Bible behind in a hotel. Warmbier, who entered North Korea as part of a tour group, was detained on January 2 as he was about to board a plane to leave the country. In announcing his arrest, North Korea’s state news media said Warmbier had visited with the intent of “bringing down the foundation of its single-minded unity.” The charges against him claimed that the CIA, a secretive American
Warmbier sobbed and pleaded for his release at a government-arranged news conference in February
university organisation and a member of a church in Ohio together encouraged him to commit the “hostile act” of stealing a political poster from a wall in his hotel.
In late February, Warmbier sobbed and pleaded for his release at a government-arranged news conference in Pyongyang, where he admitted to stealing the poster and said that the church
member had offered to buy him a used car worth $10,000 in exchange. “I made the worst mistake of my life,” Warmbier said. A video clip posted on CNN correspondent Will Ripley’s Twitter account showed a sobbing Warmbier saying: “I have made the worst mistake of my life, but please act to save me.” He said a “deaconess” had offered him a used car worth $10,000 if he could present a US church with the slogan as a trophy from North Korea. The acquaintance also said the church would pay his mother $200,000 if he was detained by the North and did not return, KCNA quoted Warmbier as saying. “My crime is very severe and preplanned,” Warmbier was quoted as saying, adding that he was impressed by North Korea’s “humanitarian treatment of severe criminals like myself”.It was impossible to determine whether Warmbier had been coerced into making the statements. Some American detainees who have spoken at similar news conferences in Pyongyang later said, after being freed, that they had been forced to confess to crimes and to apologise. 13
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
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CRIME
Man jailed for manslaughter, Enfield
Three men have been jailed for their part in a robbery that led to the killing a university graduate.
The court heard how the victim, Michael Adegbite from Chingford, had been lured to a location by the three men so they could steal a laptop. On Thursday, 4 February, after a trial at the Old Bailey, all three had been found not guilty of the murder of Michael, who died on Sunday, 19 July 2015. Christopher Nzeh - 18 - of Fountain Row, Spring Way, Hitchin, Herts was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for 21and-a-half years in total. Two further men, who were also found not guilty of murder and manslaughter, were sentenced after they had also pleaded guilty, prior to the trial, to conspiracy to commit robbery. They are: Montel Ajayi - 19 - of Fowley Close, Waltham Cross was sentenced to five years for conspiracy to commit robbery. Isacc Owen-Brady - 18 - of Blossom Lane, EN2, was found guilty of possession of the knife which killed Michael Adegbite, and had also pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article at a previous hearing in relation to a separate offence. He was jailed for 12 years in total for these offences. The court heard how Michael had arranged to meet the trio after advertising a computer for sale online.
Michael Adegbite who was killed in Enfield
The 28-year-old, who also worked as a fitness trainer, thought he had sold the equipment to an interested buyer in Enfield. Instead, after a second confrontation with the men, he was fatally stabbed. The court heard how one of Michael’s friends had advertised an Apple MacBook computer for sale on an internet site on Michael’s behalf A potential buyer made contact, and an agreement was made to meet up on Sunday, 19 July at Auckland Close, Enfield. Michael and a friend drove to the meeting in their car and were approached by the three defendants who identified themselves as the buyers. The laptop was shown to the three men, and it was passed between them, but one of the three men produced a folding knife and threatened them. Michael managed to snatch back the MacBook.
The three robbers made off, but Michael phoned another friend and told him what had happened - the friend lived nearby and came to meet them at the car carrying a metal bar and a hammer. Michael and his two friends then drove round the local area looking for the men who had tried to rob them. Minutes later they found the three would-be robbers about a mile away in Lackmore Road, Enfield. Michael got out of the car carrying the iron bar and witnesses then described seeing Nzeh swing at Michael with a knife and miss. However he swung again and this blow struck Michael on the chest and he fell to the ground fatally wounded. At 18:56hrs police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to attend Lackmore Road to reports of a male with a stab wound. Despite extensive ef-
forts by the attending medics, they were unable to save Michael and he was pronounced dead at 19:31hrs. The three suspects had fled the scene, but a passing motorist came across a growing crowd in Lackmore Road and overheard a female indicating that they had travelled along Elsinge Road. He investigated further down that road and saw three black males walking very fast and looking over their shoulders. He followed them whilst calling police and telling them the location of the suspects. He also took photos of the fleeing suspects; these images later provided significant evidence. Police officers went to his location and all three suspects were arrested. A knife was later found hidden in a garden through a small hole in the fence in a deliberate act to conceal it. This was on the route taken by the three suspects and following forensic analysis the blood on the knife later proved to be Michael’s. All three men were questioned but refused to answer any questions about the crime. However, a meticulous investigation by detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command linked them to the crime with forensic and witness evidence. On Wednesday, 22 July 2015 all three men were charged with Michael’s murder and conspiracy to rob. Although it was Nzeh who struck the fatal blow, the other two were charged with murder as they were part of a joint enterprise. All three were subsequently remanded in custody by the court.
Cash in transit robbers sentenced
Eight men have been jailed at the Old Bailey today, Monday 14 March for conspiring to rob cashin-transit vans.
Brothers David and Alan Kelly, Daryl Salisbury, Michael Lewis, Sonny Colligan, Lee Smith, Charles Durkin and Lewis Sokhi had all previously pleaded guilty at various hearings prior to sentencing. Between February and June 2014, the group trawled the capital’s streets in stolen cars and motorbikes, including a Ford Focus, Mazda RX8, a stolen Porsche Carrera, and two high value stolen BMWs looking for victims. In broad daylight, the gang followed cash-in-transit guards as they made deliveries, attacking and robbing them when they saw an opportunity. After stealing the cash boxes the men drove to inconspicuous areas, such as underground car parks, where they used angle grinders and sledgehammers to break open the boxes. Some of the cash was subsequently stained with security dye so the gang 14
Michael Lewis
fed these notes into gaming machines at betting shops. After building up credit, they cancelled their play, retrieving their ample change from the machine in clean notes. The dyed money was only discovered by staff when they cashed up at the end of the day. The gang stole over £110,000 in total. Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad got a lead on the group after an offence on
14 February 2014. Intelligence suggested that Charles Durkin was involved. Durkin was at the time a serving prisoner at HMP Ford and had been allowed day release. Flying Squad detectives studied 100s of hours of CCTV, analysed thousands of mobile phone calls, interviewed over 300 witnesses and had hundreds of items forensically analysed including clothing, mobile phones, crime scenes and recovered dye stained notes. Their extensive enquiries led them to identify a number of the group’s members, and the Flying Squad launched a covert operation. On 26 June 2014 a number of the suspects deviated from their usual activities and carried out a smash and grab raid at Louis Vuitton, Sloane Street, in Kensington and Chelsea borough. The Kelly brothers, Lewis and Salisbury were arrested for the offence later that morning along with the proceeds of the Louis Vuitton ‘Smash and Grab’. The Flying Squad were then able to continue to piece together theirs and others’ involvement in further offences
involving attacks on cash-in-transit guards. The Kelly brothers, Lewis and Salisbury were charged in relation to the series of 13 cash-in-transit robberies in July 2015. In September/October 2015, detectives arrested Smith, Durkin and Colligan who were then charged and then finally Sokhi in February 2016 when he was located after having been on the run for six months. DC David Reed, the investigating officer for the Flying Squad, said: “This organised criminal group carried out a string of brazen robberies on cash in transit security guards. In order to evade detection the group committed crimes outside of the London area as far as Bournemouth, using stolen cars and mopeds and constantly changing their mobile phones. “However, due to the tenacity of the investigating team the gang has been brought to justice after a two year investigation. The convictions today highlight the professionalism and detective ability of the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad in combating serious and organised crime in the UK”.
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
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Sounds of Diaspora People of America MJ estate to net $75Om in Sony sale Michael Jackson’s estate and Sony have agreed on the transfer of the King of Pop’s 50 percent stake in their joint Sony/ATV venture for $750m.
Jackson outbid former-Beatle Paul McCartney for the ATV catalog, which included many Beatles songs, back in 1985. A decade later, he teamed up with Sony to form Sony/ATV, giving
the Japanese giant control over how a vast amount of music and lyrics is used on radio, TV, film and now online – a revenue stream that has reached a magnitude that can scarcely have been imagined back then. The sale will not include rights to Jackson’s master recordings or songs that he wrote, and the singer’s estate will continue to have a stake in EMI Publishing, Inc.
Motown tribute opens in West End
Michael Jackson snared ATV Music Publishing at the height of his powers
At the time Jackson acquired ATV, many criticised the singer, who was still in his twenties, for splashing $41.5m of his wealth on a vanity project. The deal soured his relationship with McCartney, who co-wrote the most valuable portion of the catalog and who had been collaborating with Jackson on material. The partnership with Sony that the purchase allowed made it one of the most astute pieces of ‘side business’ ever done by a recording artist, giving him a half stake in works by
A scene from Motown The Musical
The cast of Motown The Musical were joined by guests including Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson to celebrate the opening night of the new musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre last week.
The show, based on Gordy’s career and the founding of his label Motown records (Tamla Motown in the UK) which signed artists including Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson, is directed by Charles Randolph-Wright and features Lucy St. Louis as Diana Ross and Cedric Neal as Berry Gordy. Robinson’s role in what was a novel venture when it was first mooted should not be overlooked. He was an executive at Motown, then known as Tamla Records, and songwriter and producer of the early hits of many of the label’s artists. At the same time he led his own band, The Miracles, who were among the first to sign with Gordy. And in 1960 they recorded Shop Around, the label’s first millionseller, which Robinson says he wrote in just half an hour. “That was the quickest song I ever wrote in my life,” says Robinson, adding: “It came out in about 30 minutes.” Shop Around is one of dozens of songs that appear in the West End show based on the life of Berry Gordy. Gordy set up his record label in Detroit in 1959 with an $800 (£562) loan from his family. Apart from Robinson’s Mir-
The Beatles, Bob Dylan and other hit making musicians, including Eminem and Taylor Swift. The proposed sale will be another posthumous blockbuster deal for Jackson, whose estate has erased the singer’s massive debts through a mixture of new music and movie ventures and re-releases of the singer’s most popular music. Jackson’s estate benefits his mother and three children. The deal for Jackson’s half of the Sony/ATV catalog is expected to close by the end of March.
acles, Motown’s list of artists included, The Temptations (formerly The Primes), The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, who was recruited as a session drummer, ‘Little’ Stevie Wonder and later the Jackson 5. At the show’s premiere, Robinson recalled how Gordy called him in the middle of the night to demand The Miracles re-record Shop Around - even after it had been released as a single - because he wasn’t happy with the sound. “He told us to go to the studio right away, so everybody showed up at three o’ clock in the morning - except the piano player - and we changed the beat and sound and it was our first million-selling record.” The 76-year-old singer said that while Shop Around had taken 30 minutes to write, his solo 1979 song Cruisin’ had taken five years! Gordy said he was delighted to bring the show to the West End because the UK had always welcomed the Motown sound. “The UK has meant so much to Motown. It’s the first place in the world outside of America that discovered us, loved us and backed us,” he said. “We’re so proud of the young kids who used to listen to pirate radio and formed the Tamla Motown Appreciation Society. It grew from there. The UK was the gateway to the world and we will never forget that.” He added: “When Smokey would sing he was so romantic. He is responsible for more babies being born than anyone I know. And not all of them were his!” 15
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Gospel By Michael Adekoya
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
ONE THING IS NEEDFUL Jesus prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
Dear Readers, it is dangerous to be saved or to be alive and not know why you were saved or given life. My friend, what is the object of your life? Why are you still living? What is the essential life of a Christian? More importantly, what does God require of you and me? It is simply one thing! God wants us to know Him intimately and to become more like Jesus. This is the basic definition given in the New Testament of the character, quality, and nature of the Christian life. Jesus prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Is it possible for Jesus’ prayer not answered? Never! God wants you, your spouse, your children, your parents, your loved ones, your work-mates, your neighbour, your school mates, your friend, even your so-called-enemy to know Him, who is the only God and Jesus Christ. He wants us to give our lives to Him totally.
But today, a lot of people are saying, “I know God. I went forward at a crusade. I’ve responded to an invitation to give my life to Christ. I go to church and pay my tithes” My friend, there is more to the Christian life than just meeting Him. Hear me, the quest or the goal of following Jesus Christ is to become like Him. End of story! Jesus wants us to become partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). As Christians, we should desire, above everything else, to know God intimately and to become more like Jesus. As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we should manifest the traits and characteristics of God Himself.
You may say, “But who can measure up? We all fall short.” Yes, that’s true. But if God tells us to do something, then it can be done. We find the key in 2 Pet. 1:3: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”The calling of God is the enabling of God. There is sovereignty of God and also the responsibility of men. These words were not written to a group of spiritual elitists or a special little holy club. These words apply to every man or woman who claims to be a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. My friend, everything we need has been given to us. We cannot add to it. This verse doesn’t say He has given us some things that pertain to life and godliness. It doesn’t say He has given to some set of people either. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus an emotional experience. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus psychology. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus occultism, gimmicks, or anything. It is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. My friend, everything we need to live a godly, blessed and successful life in Jesus Christ is in God’s Word, the Bible. We don’t need to find some self-proclaimed prophet. We don’t need to listen to the latest psychologist who will tell us we need inner healing. Rather, we need to know the Word of God,
Are you looking for a church? Not settled in any particular congregation? Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue School, Park Hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches Worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants Club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus Fellowship
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Worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663. Praise Tabernacle- 10:30am holds meetings at 620 Western Avenue (A40), Park Royal Business Centre, opposite Warner Bros. Cinema Complex, W3. part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. For information you may call 020 8993 3010 New Life Christian Centre 10.30am & 6.00pm. meetings at Cairo New Road, Croydon. The church has
believe it, obey it and apply it in every choice and decision we make. We must realize that God’s Word and God’s power are sufficient. When we fail to recognize this, we sell God short. Commenting on the sufficiency of Scripture, the Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Tim. 3:16–17 NLT). It’s time for some people who are reading this message to say, perhaps for the first time, “I believe with my heart that You died for me. I confess You as my Saviour and Lord of my life. Lord Jesus, I give my life to You today! It’s time for some people to say to God, “I am going to dedicate myself in knowing You and becoming more like Jesus.” And for others who had once made this commitment but now backslide, it may be time to refocus and get back to committed relationship with God, which is really the most important relationship in life. My friend, as you look back on last night, last week, last month or year, have you not heard the cry and seen the need for people in your family, work-place, church,
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
street, work-place, community, government seats and city to seek and to know God and become more like Him? This is the year of manifestation of spiritual destinies. It is the year of spiritual living in a secular world. It is a year to focus on living a life that honours God. It is a year for new generations of Daniels! It is a year when long awaited prayers, promises or prophecies will be answered and fulfilled. It is a year of rewards and promotion for a life of distinction, dedication and devotion to God like Daniel and commitment to God’s work like Nehemiah (read Phil 1:6, 1 Thess 5:23). Though, it is a year of changing guards and gatekeepers but also it is a year of harvest My friend, maybe you have been living merely for yourself—living for the moment or living for possession. If the latter is the case, this would be the perfect year to recommit yourself to what really matters in life. Wherever you may be in your relationship with Jesus Christ, if you choose to apply the principles in this message as from today, you will look back on 2016 as the greatest year of your life— because you will have lived your life as it was meant to be lived. It’s good to desire a long life but even more important than a long life is a right life. Don’t just resolve to live long. It is equally important to resolve to live right. There is only one thing that is needful in life – (a) Knowing God (exalt Him, worship Him, seat at Jesus feet, learn His Word, believe Him, have faith in Him, trust Him, hear His voice, obey Him and be a witness) (b) be like Jesus! Out of these shall flow salvation, deliverance, revelation, purity, power, prayer, perfect praise, fruits of the Spirit, fruitfulness, provision, blessing, fulfillment of purpose, success and God’s glory (Amen). Jesus says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Math 6:33). 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, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
Africa Newsround
Gambia
Outrage over mysterious trade unionist death
International trade unions are calling for Gambia’s hard line government to investigate the mysterious death of a union leader and lift its ban on union activity in the wake of protests over fuel prices.
Sheriff Diba, of the Gambian National Transport Control Association (GNTCA), died at the notorious Mile 2 Prison in Banjul on 21 February, after he and other GNTCA leaders were detained by authorities. The leaders had been calling for a reduction in the price of fuel after a fall in wholesale prices, and were protesting a breakdown in negotiations with the government. More than 7,000 people have added their names to a petition on the LabourStart website. “We want justice for Sheriff and for his Gambian and Senegalese colleagues,’’ the petition reads, also referring to protests by Senegalese transport unions after Gambia raised the customs tax on trucks a hundredfold. Four days after Diba died, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in London sent a letter to Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, saying the union leader’s death was “reportedly as a result of abuse and torture received in the offices of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).” “The ITF and its affiliated unions worldwide strongly condemn the dissolution and prohibition of the GNTCA activities.”
Sheriff Diba died in Mile 2 prison last month
It called on the Gambian government to lift the ban, to drop “all legal proceedings against the leaders and members of the GNTCA,” and for “a national commission of inquiry … to determine the exact circumstances of the death of Sheriff Diba.” “The ITF will also be asking for an urgent intervention from the ILO (International Labour Organization) on this matter,” the letter added.
Bayla Sow, the ITF’s Ecowas and Francophone representative, said he wants a “high-level delegation” to Gambia by international trade unions. Diba’s death and the other arrests have “brought fear and suspicion in the ranks of road union activists in Gambia.” In addition, the government’s prohibition of collecting union dues in stations, now considered by the Gambian government as an economic crime,
“makes trade union activity impossible in the road transport sector.” He also calls for the “resumption of social dialogue with the road transport unions.” The ILO in Geneva acknowledged receiving a copy of the ITF letter, though a spokesperson said they had no further information. Adding to the pressure, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) denounced the “continued violations of human and trade union rights in Gambia” and also wrote to the Gambian President, asking him to bring to justice those responsible for Diba’s death. “The ITUC also calls upon the Gambian government to lift all arbitrary and illegal measures concerning the dissolution of the GNTCA and prohibition of its activities and to withdraw all legal proceedings against the leaders and members of the GNTCA,” the letter read. Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in a bloodless coup 21 years ago, declared his predominantly Muslim country of two million people an Islamic republic in December. He has instituted increasingly authoritarian – and some say erratic – policies, including demanding that female staff cover their hair and then dropping the requirement. He is also known for homophobic comments and claiming to have cured AIDS.
Kenya
Google ignores gay sex video ban Internet behemoth Google has decided to dig its heels in over demands from Kenya to block access to a video portraying gay sex.
Kenyan band Art Attack released a music video last month for their Same Love remix, which features images of same-sex couples and pride marchers in the country. Despite attracting attention online, the video fell foul of the Kenya Film Classification Board, which denied the video a licence because “it does not adhere to the morals of the country”. The regulator later threatened action against Google because the video nevertheless remains accessible in Kenya on YouTube. According to AllAfrica, on March 1, KFCB Chief Executive Ezekiel Mutua warned Google it had just one week to comply. He warned: “Kenya
The video for Art Attack’s Same Love (Remix) has been refused a licence by Kenya’s media regulator
must not allow its people to become the Sodom and Gomorrah of the
current age through psychological drive from such content.
“We have written to Google to remove the video from their platforms. We expect they will do it within one week from now to avoid further violation of the law.” However, despite the deadline passing the video appears to be very much still online. A spokesperson for Google told online outlet Quartz: “YouTube has clear policies that outline what content is acceptable to post and we remove videos violating these policies when flagged by our users. “We review government removal requests when notified through the correct legal processes and in keeping with our company philosophy on transparency and freedom of expression.” It is unclear whether the Kenyan body actually has any authority to take action against Google. 17
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Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
Nigerian News
Aregbesola Inaugurates 9-Man Committee to Reposition Osun Tertiary Institutions Says Osun has Recorded Greater Achievements on Education By Waheed Adekunle Osogbo The Governor of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has inaugurated a 9-man Committee to swiftly reposition all the four State Owned Tertiary Institutions for greater performance and productivity.
Governor Aregbesola hinted that the newly inaugurated committee was constituted in a bid to turn around the education system in the state in line with the state policy on education. Aregbesola who recounted the laudable achievements of his administration said, much had been immensely recorded in the education sector just as the present administration was committed to the provision of quality and quantity education. Governor Aregbesola who lamented over the state of education prior to his emergence, said the challenges which his administration met in education sector informed him to embark on massive education reclassification and restructuring which according to him had yielded positive results in years past. He disclosed that his government met poor performance of students in education which informed his government to device several means of revamping and resuscitating the lost glory in basic and tertiary educations in the state. Governor Aregbesola revealed that the recommendations of the various constituted panels by his administration had it that prior to his inception in office, public education system had been poorly managed as over 70 percent of students leaving the state High Schools not being matriculable. He stated further that the matriculable ones among the students prior to his coming were very horrible and challenging as this prompted him to implement and intensify plans to put an end to the disheartening occurrence. According to him, “For this reason, we came up with initiatives which premised on a clear passion and commitment to provide opportunities for those who for whatever reason have deficiency in their secondary education. “This informed the need to provide remedial facilities in all our tertiary institutions aside university just as we directed the authorities of both polytectnic, college of technology and colleges of education to provide facilities for basic education which will be largely for remedial studies for those with deficiencies in their secondary education to makeup and be properly equipped with required knowledge while being fully admitted for regular studies”, he added. He disclosed that initiative was aimed at making tertiary education to be locally made and accessible to the teeming prospective admission seekers, saying the state agitated for skilled-manpower particularly in the area of need, like construction industries, trading, catering, book keeping, carpentry, plumbing, electrical works and several urgently needed vocations. He said, “We did these to ensure that our youths who have had sound academic knowledge are adequately provided with required technical and 18
vocational skills. “We equally compelled our tertiary institutions especially polytechnics and colleges of education to admit some trade men and women as well as artisans who are interested on the need to improve their skills and craftsmanship in their various areas of disciplines. “For the colleges of education, we saw the need for regular training and retraining of our teachers including those teachers at Elementary schools, Middle schools and High schools because we believed that for us to get the best from our teachers we need to motivate them. “In the need for them to be acquitted with modern techniques of teaching and for refresher programmes, we realized that our colleges of education are short on this, therefore, we organized pedagogy. Speaking on the responsibilities of the committee, Governor Aregbesola said, “We setup this 9-man Committee on repositioning our tertiary institution so as to be sure that what we charged our tertiary institutions upon are well implemented and properly tracked”. He added, “Your oversight function is to verify the implementation of all the reforms we have initiated and enunciated in all the four institutions. “We are clear on our minds. We want polytechnic, college of technology, as well as colleges of education that would be involved in the present and future needs of the society just as we equally want polytechnic that would be well connected to the society and provides its needs at all times”. Governor Aregbesola noted that it would be glad indeed if the state has colleges of education that are clearly focused on building virile and competent graduates that can compete excellently with their counterparts globally. He said, “All our ideas are to turn our institutions to pacesetters and models in the country because it is anachronistic if we have a college of education in the state and the teachers in the state could not have facilities for retraining and acquisition of modern knowledge in teaching techniques. “It would be very sad indeed if we have polytechnic or college of technology that occupied technicians, electricians, technologists, craft people among others but yet could not have facilities for training and retraining. “For these noble reasons, we have inaugurated this committee to ensuring that our objectives for these institutions are completely achieved. Aregbesola hinted that the committee was also inaugurated in order to be sure that the resources available in all the institutions are properly and judiciously used. The Governor said the newly inaugurated committee would be empowered to carry out audit in the course of its exercise, saying the state was keenly interested to know the quality and quantity of every circumstance. He maintained that the committee needs to bring to its knowledge by ensuring that every naira available for the institutions is being spent judiciously. “We want to know through this committee, how the staffing is affecting the judicious use of the very limited financial available resources for these institutions in order to equally know how corrections would be made along the line. “We want to find out and check the indigenous
From right- Chairman Committee on the Repositioning of Osun-State Owned Tertiary Institutions, Prof. Oguntola Jelili Alamu, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola his Deputy Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori and Coordinating Director, office of Higher Education, Mr. Tunde Ajiboye during the Aregbesola Inaugurates 9-man Committee on Osun Tertiary Institutions Repositioning at Governor’s Office Osogbo
Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th left), his Deputy Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (3rd left), Chairman Committee on the Repositioning of Osun-State Owned Tertiary Institutions, Prof Oguntola Jelili Alamu (4th right), Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye (left), Prof. Olasupo Ladipo (3rd right), Prof. Duro Ajeyalemi (2nd left), and others during the Aregbesola Inaugurates 9-man Committee on Osun Tertiary Institutions Repositioning at Governor’s Office Osogbo
programmes available in all our tertiary institutions, as well as the additional assignments such remedial study, pedagogy, technical and vocational study given to them through this newly inaugurated committee. “We want our tertiary institutions to be properly set up and targeted at achieving the purpose of which they were being saddled”, Aregbesola opined. In his remarks, the Chairman of the 9-man committee who doubles as theActing Vice Chancellor, Bola Ige University, Osogbo, Professor Oguntola Jelili Alamu commended the state government for continuously repositioning education most importantly the basic education in the state. Healsosaidthecurrentgovernmentundertheleadership of Governor RaufAregbesola has created a wider platform ofmakingeducationmoreinteresting,attractiveandrelevant tothepeoplewithinthestateandbeyond. Professor Alamu who pledged the committee’s commitment towards the realization of its aims and objectives, said every member of the committee would not rest on his oars at ensuring total reformation, restructure and transformation of all the state owned tertiary institutions. Professor Alamu who bemoaned over what he regarded as poor orientation of parents, identified examination fraud as one of the major challenges facing education. He said parents need to be educated on the need to refrain their wards from writing fraudulent terminal
examinations such as West African Examination Council, WAEC, National Examination Council, NECO and so on at what he described as miracle centres where the results were believed to be easily and conveniently manipulated and engineered. He described the government initiatives as laudable, assuring the committee’s commitment in the actualization of the set goals. According to him, “this committee which I am chairing would ensure the prompt actualization of the state objectives at restructuring and repositioning the state owned tertiary institutions. “ We will make sure that we embark on initiatives that would impact meaningfully in the lives of the people and our state at large just as we are ready to put in our best as we will continuously support the state government”, he added. Professor Alamu however promised that the committee would champions all the cardinal objectives of the state as they are ready to ascertain that the graduates of all the state owned tertiary institutions are equipped with requisite knowledge and skills to become employer of labour. Members of the committee include: Professor Olasupo Ladipo; Professor Layi Fagbemi, Professor Duro Ajeyalemi, Dr. Yemi Adegbite. Others are; EngineerAbimbola Daniyan, Mr. Niyi Akande, Mr. TundeAjiboye and Permanent Secretary Osun State Ministry of Justice.
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Friday, 11 March - Thursday, 17 March 2016
Nigerian News
IDPs dear to Binta Marsi’s heart By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria
The Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND Committee of the Senate anchored its interactive session with the World bank on ap-
proach to achieving education for all. The Committee chairman, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Adamawa North comprising Madagali, Gulak and Shuwa in the interactive session emphasised the need for the World bank to beam their light on the Internally Displaced People in Adamawa state. Sen. Binta Marsi said “Education is one of the most important drivers for ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The Displacement of our people has even dragged our students 50 percent backward, we jointly need to look at that
so that the students gradually getting back to school life are also able to learn and develop the skills needed for life and work”. The committee also decried the low quality standard of education in most of Nigeria’s rural areas even as it urged the stakeholders to improve the standard to make graduates employable. The world bank’s Senior education specialist, Dr. Tunde Adekola said “We have approached the Senate in order to share knowledge and receive support from distinguished Senators to use their position to advocate improved education”. The Committee charged the World bank to regularly interface with the senate with adequate information of subsequent work plan of intervention projects. The world bank is one of the largest external education financiers for developing countries.
Continued from front page
By Olubunmi Omoogun Chief Correspondent, Nigeria Senator Binta Marsi Garba
Our goal is to Develop the new man Intellectually, Socially, Morally: Aregbesola By Waheed Adekunle, Osogbo
The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has reiterated his administration commitment to continuously creating the new man that would be economically independent and financially selfreliant.
Governor Aregbesola also said the goal of his government was to develop the new man intellectually, socially and morally for advancement of the state and beyond. Aregbesola made the statement while delivering his speech at the commissioning of the Kinds university, Ode-Omu, State of Osun. He disclosed that his administration has been informed on the need to build a non-parasitic and non-oppressive man who views his existence in light of the growth of others. Governor Aregbesola remarked that his government has successfully developed minds and empowered youths whose views were centred on the general interest of the society and nation at lager. Governor Aregbesola who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, charged the authorities of Nigerian Universities as well as the regulatory body- National Universities Commission among others on the need to invest hugely on entrepreneurial
skills that can prepare graduates against future economic changes. Aregbesola who decried over the growing rate of unemployment in the country, charged the management of all tertiary institutions in the country to focus much on producing graduates intellectually inclined with both technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills. Governor Aregbesola said the time has come for every graduate to develop a mind set of being jobs creators and stop looking for non-existence jobs in the society. He said the only way to set the society free out of its present economic entanglements was for every individual to rise to the occasion and advance much in skills that could reflect self-economic independence, self-economic reliance and as well turns one to an employer of labour, not a seeker of jobs. He said the time has come for every Nigerian university to come up with life-sustaining educational policies and programmes that would build students on economic self-sustainability and financial independence. “Our goal is to develop the new man intellectually, socially and morally. This new man is placed in the centre of society who views his own development as part of and for the development of society. “This is a non-parasitic and nonoppressive man who views his existence in light of the growth of others; he views whatever he acquired to be subsumed in the overall interest of other. “He is a man in himself and a man for
Dabiri Erewa, Oko put welfare of Diaspora Nigerians in front burner
society. This is the Omoluabi essence. This should be the goal of all education endeavour. Governor Aregbesola who titled his speech, “The King is Born” said the newly commissioned University-King University was unique in many ways, not because of its deep roots in the Christian faith of its founder but rather as the first university that will be commissioned with its first matriculation ceremonies. He said the institution was also the first university that is ready, at its permanent site, long before it is licenced by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and long before its first intake. Governor Aregbesola who saluted the power of vision and faith of the school proprietor, said a philosophical and spiritual outlook that conceives of an idea and see it done even before the first step is taken must forever be acknowledged. According to him, “It is a manifestation of the power of faith to have taken the first step of building the university even before it got a licence. “It is also a foretaste of what to expect from this university, a glimpse into the power of the seed capable of growing into a mighty tree, if well nurtured and pruned. “Our belief is that the tiny seed of this university would realise its full potential and grow into a mighty oak tree, providing intellectual shelter and refuge to its immediate Osun environment, our nation, Nigeria, and the whole world at large”, he stressed.
The forum noted with pride theenormous potentials and great talents being exhibited by Nigerians indiaspora but under-utilised by their host countries. According toAbike Dabiri ‘We know that the talents and potentials of Nigerians indiaspora have been grossly under-utilised. We must have a diaspora policy and that will be as soon as possible in order to achieve all that we set out to achieve”. “We don’t have a database for Nigerians in diaspora, we also need diaspora research. It is critical we have a database for Nigerians in diaspora. We must also have a diaspora commission and so we appeal to the senate to pass the Bill before it”.
‘It is critical we have a database for Nigerians in diaspora. We must also have a diaspora commission and so we appeal to the senate to pass the Bill before it’
Dabiri Erewa said. The Chairman Senate Committee on diaspora, Senator Rose Okoji Oko in her submission said “We are looking at some key areas that are critical to our economy. From what we hear from executive, issues on diaspora is being mentioned more than ever before. We both need to harness resources to coordinate the activities of diasporans. I have reintroduced the Diaspora commission bill and has gone to second reading”. The Nigerians in diaspora commission bill was first conceived by Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa during her time in the 7th Assembly. 19
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20 years after the birth of Bafana It was Nelson Mandela who said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” And although the South African statesman’s wisdom is beyond question, in this case Mandela had the benefit of hindsight when he made that famous quote in 2000.
When he became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994, his country and people were still fractured by the ills of apartheid. However, two events occurred over the next two years that contributed hugely toward transition. As Mandela noted, both of them occurred on a sports field. The first was the lifting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and the second was Bafana Bafana winning the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in front of home supporters. The coach and captain of that team, Clive Barker and Neil Tovey respectively, played pivotal roles in the historic moment, and they recently spoke to FIFA.com 20 years after leading South Africa to what remains their greatest footballing triumph. High expectations Barker recalls that the national team, who had been banned from international competition because of Apartheid, were under great pressure ahead of the 1996 AFCON, which South Africa hosted. “When I watched Joel Stransky drop kick that goal against New Zealand that won the Rugby World Cup for South Africa, I sat right behind the posts. I
3-0 victory]. I thought that we would have beaten any team in the world with that display.”
Bafana Bafana winning the 1996 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Photo credit © Getty Images
knew how much pressure that result was going to put on us because really, it was black South Africa that supported football, and they wanted to say that they could also do and emulate what the rugby players had done.” Notwithstanding the expectations, both Barker and Tovey believed the team was strong and could challenge for the trophy. “We knew we were very good because we were already getting results. We drew with Argentina and Germany just prior to our preparations for the tournament, so we knew we could play and get results. But we needed a good start, and the Cameroon match was very, very important to us winning the tournament,” said Tovey about the 3-0 victory
that opened the tournament. Bafana Bafana followed up with a 1-0 win against Angola that secured their place in the quarter-finals, but they changed their team for the final group match against Egypt and lost 1-0. “We had already qualified, and we mixed and matched a little bit. It was a little bit of a calculated risk, and I was prepared to take the chance. After we lost, I did a Brian Clough in getting the players out and having a beer together. “After that, we never looked back and of course the game of the tournament for us was when we played Ghana in the semi-finals. They were known as the Brazil of Africa and we really were magnificent that night [in a
Making history South Africa went on to beat Tunisia 2-0 in the final, and Tovey famously received the trophy from Mandela, who was proudly wearing a Bafana jersey. The captain admits that he was not aware of the magnitude of the victory at the time. “For any particular match, you don’t quite know the history and the consequence that are going to surround your victory. I knew it was a very special occasion to do it on home soil and to get the trophy presented by the most iconic person in the world is obviously something very, very special.” Barker is convinced that the 1996 triumph played an important part in South Africa’s transition into a more modern society. “People don’t realize that football broke down more barriers than any politician did. Football had started changing things already in the seventies. We were making a change through football and really sport overall did it for South Africa” For Tovey, who is now the country’s technical director, another legacy of 1996 is the contribution the players have made to the ongoing growth of South African football. “The team has been very successful from then on in terms of providing coaches that have stayed in the game. Clive is still a coach, of course, and Roger de Sa [at Ajax Cape Town]. There is also Eric Tinkler at Pirates and Doc [Doctor Khumalo] at Kaizer Chiefs and then Sean Bartlett now at Tuks. So the guys have done exceptionally well.
Africans’ goals end Arsenal FA Cup run
Continued from back page
The Gunners also hadn’t lost to Watford since 1988. The defeat ended a 16game unbeaten run in the FA Cup. The holders had not lost in the competition since February 2013. After the match, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger spoke to an interviewer from BBC Sport: “Our fantastic run has come to an end on a day where we felt that our performance deserved a win. Credit to Watford, they created few chances but took them all. It’s sad because we gave everything. “The players don’t miss on purpose. You have to be realistic. Of course on the first goal, we made a mistake.” Watford manager Quique Flores said: “It was difficult in the first half, we tried to contain Arsenal and then try to create attempts and play well. 22
“In the last two months we were being competitive, but not winning. I feel fantastic, I’m really happy for the players and the fans. They follow us and it is an amazing prize for them. “I have memories on television of the old Wembley and watching in Spain and seeing the finals of this competition. I’ve just arrived in England, and to get there is exciting.” Watford’s joy at progressing to a Wembley semi-final may be tempered by the fact Odion Ighalo limped off the field ten minutes before the end. Nigeria fans will be hoping Ighalo is not seriously injured ahead of crucial AFCON qualifiers against Egypt. Egypt midfielder Elneny started for Arsenal and was later replaced by Nigeria youngster Alex Iwobi, who has also been called up for the Nigeria vs Egypt AFCON showdown.
Odion Ighalo celebrates his first goal in 599 minutes of football
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Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016
AFCON 2017 qualifier: Rwanda to tackle Mauritius When Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry is giving his pre-match talk ahead of his side’s crucial 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritius next week, he will likely retell the story of a country over 7,000 kilometres away.
McKinstry, who hails from Northern Ireland, is drawing inspiration from his native homeland defying the odds by booking a place at UEFA EURO 2016, as his Rwanda team look to cause a surprise of their own by securing qualification to their second-ever AFCON next year. “The players are probably tired of me doing this but I draw parallels between Rwanda and Northern Ireland all the time,” McKinstry told FIFA.com. “Both sides don’t have any superstars, it’s about everyone getting in the muck and working hard. “Both are also middleweight footballing nations who have a bit of history but in recent years, have really been nowhere near it. People tell me how Rwanda beat the likes of Morocco and Ghana in Kigali – there were these big single results that sat amongst years of underperforming, and that was the same in Northern Ireland. “There were these extreme moments of high in the 1990s and 2000s in Northern Ireland that were surrounded by mediocre performances. They beat the likes of England and Spain but when it came to teams that they should have been beating, they weren’t able to rise to it because it wasn’t a big occasion – and I think that’s been very similar with Rwanda in the past decade too. “Northern Ireland in 2016 have managed to break the mould and punch their way into the heavyweight category with the EURO and I think Rwanda can do the exact same by qualifying for Gabon next year.” Gunning for Gabon With two games played and four remaining in AFCON qualification, third seeds Rwanda sit second in a group featuring Ghana, Mozambique and Mauritius, where they go into their double-header with the latter possessing significant momentum. The Amavubi reached the final of the CECAFA Cup in December, losing to neighbours Uganda, while they produced a valiant showing at the 2016 African Nations Championship in January, bowing out to eventual winners DR Congo at the quarter-final stage. Rwanda’s recent showings has left McKinstry feeling optimistic about claiming one of the two best runners-up spots in AFCON qualification, which would be enough to take his men to Gabon. “I’m coming up to one year in charge but that game against DR Congo was my
Benzia earns maiden Algeria call-up
Algeria head coach Christian Gourcuff announced his 23-man squad ahead of their double clash with Ethiopia in Group J of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Coach Johnny McKinstry with Rwanda national team
21st game with Rwanda,” said McKinstry. “In 11 months, that’s significantly above average. Most international teams would only play four or five games in a calendar year, so it has really given me excellent contact time with the players. “Going into Mauritius, it’s a game that we have to win because we have ambitions to go to AFCON next year, but we know it won’t be easy. “We’ve set ourselves a target of getting 12 points in the group. The aim now is to be on nine points after the games against Mauritius and if we can do that with two games remaining, knowing that we’re in touching distance of that 12 points, we’re very confident that will be enough to reach AFCON next year.” Spirit of 2004 As Rwanda aim to reach their first Africa Cup of Nations since Tunisia 2004, a national icon who was part of that revered squad has since returned to the international set-up in a coaching capacity. McKinstry appointed recently-retired talisman and Rwandan icon Jimmy Mulisa as the national team’s assistant coach, and the Northern Irishman believes the presence
of a national treasure can inspire the next generation of Amavubi footballers as they too look to etch themselves in local folklore by qualifying for the 2017 AFCON. “The awe that those players who took the country to the 2004 AFCON are held in, the esteem they’re held in, is huge – and Jimmy Mulisa is a genuine Rwandan legend.” McKinstry asserted. “He’s so passionate about these young guys making the most out of their careers and he doesn’t want them to miss the opportunity of playing at the tournament he played in. “He can see a 19-year-old version of himself in the players and he wants to give them that knowledge and say: this is what it was like for me, but you can go on to do better than me. You can be the next person that everyone in the country looks up to. “All of these boys would have been 10, 12, 14-years-old in 2004, watching that Cup of Nations on TV. They would have been at the stadium when they qualified, when Jimmy was scoring goals. It’s very important to have someone like Jimmy around that these young players can aspire to.”
Dele Alli makes England squad for Germany, Netherlands friendlies Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has been included in the England squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Germany and the Netherlands this month.
Alli, 19, has been one of the Barclays Premier League’s outstanding players this season, with his exploits in midfield pivotal in Spurs mounting a title charge. The North London club currently occupy second place on the log standings, five points behind log leader Leicester City, with eight games remaining. England face World Champions Germany on the 26th of March before host-
ing 2010 FIFA World Cup runners-up the Netherlands three days later, in preparation for the upcoming 2016 UEFA European Championship in France. The Three Lions are in Group B alongside Wales, Russia and Slovakia. Alli has scored seven goals, assisting a further 10 in 40 appearances across all competitions for Spurs this season. Also included in England’s squad is Foxes’ midfielder Danny Drinkwater, while there was also a call-up for Alli’s Tottenham teammate Danny Rose. There is also a return to the England fold for Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, with Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney yet to recover from a knee injury.
The former FC Lorient manager handed a maiden call-up to Lille’s 21-year-old striker Yassine Benzia, who recently decided to pledge his international allegiance to his country of origin. Gourcuff included four locally-based players for the double header, keeping his faith in goalkeepers Azzeddine Doukha (JS Kabylie) and Malik Asselah (CR Belouizdad), and JS Kabylie defender Mohamed Khoutir Ziti, while welcoming back USM Alger midfielder Nacereddine Khoualed. Injured for Algeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tanzania last November, Dinamo Zagreb striker Hilal Soudani is making his return to the squad, alongside fellow star players Faouzi Ghoulam, Sofiane Feghouli, Yacine Brahimi, Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani. However, Djamel Mesbah, Adlène Guedioura, Baghdad Bounedjah and Ishak Belfodil have been left out. Lying top of Group J on six points following back-to-back wins over Seychelles and Lesotho, the ‘Fennecs’ will host Ethiopia in Blida on 25 March before travelling to Addis Ababa for the reverse fixture scheduled for 29 March.
New Nigeria foreign coach to earn $50,000 a month
Broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are willing to pay a new foreign coach $50,000 a month, which is double what former coaches Stephen Keshi and Sunday Oliseh were paid.
The NFF have already been sounding out several candidates for the top coaching post. Former Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia coach Herve Renard and Uganda coach Micho have already been approached in the last few weeks. And former Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen is the latest to be contacted by the NFF, according to top sources. Le Guen has been without a job since November when he was sacked by Oman. NFF president Amaju Pinnick has declared Oliseh will be the last local man to lead the Super Eagles and has made it clear an expatriate should pilot the Eagles after the temporary deal handed Samson Siasia. Siasia is expected to revert to his post as the country’s Olympic team after the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt. The country’s coaches association have already dared Pinnick on his move to hire a foreign coach for the Eagles. 23
Friday, 18 March - Thursday, 24 March 2016 ISSUE 620
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20 years after the birth of Bafana SEE PAGE 22
AFRICANS’ GOALS END ARSENAL FA CUP RUN
Guedioura’s shot flew like a missile into the top right-hand corner of the Arsenal goal
By Alan Oakley
Watford striker Odion Ighalo rediscovered his scoring boots on Sunday to knock holders and favourites Arsenal out of the FA Cup and propel the Hornets towards a date at Wembley.
The Nigeria international ended a month-long goal drought to fire the Premier League newcomers ahead
five minutes after the break against a surprisingly strong Arsenal line-up. A minute later and it would have been ten hours of football since Ighalo had hit the back of the net. When Algerian Adlène Guedioura’s superbly struck shot doubled Watford’s lead after 63 minutes, it started to become clear that the Gunners’ best hope of silverware this season, given the first leg Champions League deficit they would be faced with turning around against the mighty Barcelona in three days’ time,
would be to focus on chasing down Leicester City. But Arsene Wenger’s side did rally. Professional football’s longest serving coach brought on Danny Welbeck, who demonstrated he should have started the game by pulling a goal back late on. And the former Man United striker should have levelled the game when he blasted a rebound wide on 90 minutes with Watford goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon stranded. Following defeats by Swansea in the league and Barcelona in that Champions League last 16 first leg,
this wasArsenal’s third consecutive loss at the Emirates and the first time they have lost three home games ‘onthe-spin’since 2002, when they were still at Highbury.
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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