African Voice Newspaper

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

ISSUE 479

SINCE 2001

B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R

£1.00

20th anniversary of death of Stephen Lawrence

Maasai under threat in government land-grab plan

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 17

Man jailed for armed robberies SEE PAGE 14

Suicide bride in coma Deportation threat drives teenage wife to despair

By Alan Oakley A young asylum seeker is in a coma after trying to commit suicide days before she was due to be deported.

May Brown, who fled Nigeria in 2009 and now lives in Weymouth with her British husband, feared she would be murdered if she was sent back to her home country.

The 19 year-old was discovered lying on the bathroom floor of her in-laws’ home on Tuesday morning (April 23), a year to the day since she met her husband, after taking an overdose and trying to suffocate herself.

Her mother-in-law Helen-Claire Brown told of the horrifying moment she discovered May unconscious on the floor: “She has to report to the police station every Monday and genuinely feared she would be detained today if she went.

“She came to our house and was in a terrible state. She went to the bathroom and after a while I worried something was wrong. There was no response so I broke the door down. She was lying there and I thought she was dead. We did CPR and called the ambulance.

Continued on page 2

The Browns married in December last year. SOURCE: BNPS.CO.UK

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

Equipping Britain with skills to compete in the global race The Government underlined its commitment to high-quality vocational and occupational education by announcing a new Technical Baccalaureate measure.

The TechBacc will be a performance measure marking achievement by young people aged 16 to 19 in three areas.

Mr Hancock said it would be rigorous and challenging, finally giving vocational education the high status it deserved – putting it on a par with A level study and recognising excellence.

He added it would give bright young people aspiring to a vocational career a first-class alternative to the more traditional A level route, ensuring they have the technical ability employers want, and giving Britain the skilled workforce it needs to compete in the global race.

It will be introduced for courses beginning in September 2014, reported for the first time in the college and school sixthform performance tables in January 2017.

The three elements are: • a high-quality Level 3 vocational qualification – the Government has previously announced that only the best courses, recognised by employers, will continue to count in league tables. A list of these courses will be published towards the end of the year; • a Level 3 “core maths” qualification, including AS level maths. Further information about core maths courses for post-16 students will be published by the Department for Education (DfE) in due course.

• the extended project. This will develop

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

Tel: 020 7274 3933

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

2

and test students’ skills in extended writing, communication, research, and selfdiscipline and self-motivation.

Mr Hancock said vocational training already enjoyed this level of esteem in Germany, Japan and South Korea, and said the TechBacc would enable students in England to compete in the global race, giving them the skills that employers need.

There was a threefold increase in the number of students taking Level 3 vocational qualifications between 2001 and 2011. But the UKCES employer skills survey of 2011 said employers reported that one in five vacancies in associate professional roles (eg science and engineering technicians, IT technicians, paramedics) are because of skills shortages.

Matthew Hancock said that young people who achieved the TechBacc would have a set of qualifications that stood them in good stead to get good jobs, take Apprenticeships, or go on to further study, including technical courses at university.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “The TechBacc will be a mark of achievement for young people who successfully study three key elements – a rigorous highquality vocational course, maths and literacy. We are being clear to our young people about the skills they need to succeed and get good jobs. We want an education system in which everyone can reach their potential.

“Our reforms to post-16 qualifications, including the introduction of the new TechBacc will do that. They will incentivise the development of high-quality courses and incentivise schools and colleges to offer the courses that get young people on in life.

“We expect all bright students who want

Mathew Hancock, under-Secretary of State for further education, skills and lifelong learning

to go into technically skilled jobs or apprenticeships to aim for the TechBacc.”

The TechBacc represents one of the final stages in the Government’s work over the past two years to implement, in full, the 27 recommendations of Professor Alison Wolf’s ground-breaking Review of Vocational Education. All recommendations have been implemented or are being implemented.

Her report in 2011 found that “at least 350,000 young people in a given 16-19 cohort are poorly served by current arrangements. Their programmes and experiences fail to promote progression into either stable, paid employment or higher level education and training in a consistent or an effective way.”

Professor Alison Wolf said: “A really good and practical vocational course, allied

to strong English and maths, can provide a fantastic start to adult life. I am delighted that the government is recognising this. The introduction of the techbacc will encourage colleges and schools to offer a programme that combines all three at a high level, and this is excellent news for vocational education.”

James Wates, CBE, FCIOB, FRSA, the chairman of Wates, and chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board, said: “I am very pleased to be involved in supporting the Technical Baccalaureate. In order to compete in the global economy, UK construction companies urgently need more young people to better understand the essential role –and potential of technology in business. I want to help ensure that what young people learn is an intrinsic part of fostering the workforce of the future.”

Continued from front page

Deportation threat drives teenage wife to despair The paramedics were brilliant and she was taken to hospital and straight to intensive care. Michael was at work and he is in a terrible state.

“They are genuinely in love. Anyone who knows them can see that. She is a part of our family and the way the Immigration Service has treated her is so, so wrong and heartless. She is genuine and no one will believe anything we say.

“What kind of world do we live in when a 19-year-old girl who has been through so much already feels she has no other choice but to kill herself? She came here on a student visa and has applied for asylum because she fears for her life if she goes back.”

May spoke to local newspaper, Dorset Echo, at the weekend about her fears of being sent back to Nigeria. She had been told she will be put on a flight this Thursday after officials allegedly told the couple they had ‘no emotional attachment’ and the marriage was a sham. But the Weymouth College student says she and her husband

are very much in love and trying to build a life together.

Mrs (May) Brown said she was arrested the day before her wedding in December and detained for several hours before she claims officials said they had ‘made a mistake.’ But she was told last Monday that she could not stay in the country any longer.

Mrs Brown says she saw her father murdered and was subject to sexual abuse until she was able to leave Nigeria and claim asylum in the UK. She fears that if she is sent back her abusers will kill her because she witnessed her father’s killing.

Her husband, a former soldier who now works for a removals company said May’s deportation will destroy his life.

He said: “May is the most beautiful, kindest, loving person I have ever met. I can’t live with myself if anything happens to her. She is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with and you can’t pretend something like that. All we want is a

life together. But I’m so angry that is being taken away from us.”

May met Michael in Dusk nightclub in Weymouth last year. They were married in front of 50 guests in December. Since living in Weymouth, May has become a British Red Cross volunteer and was a Games Maker at last year’s Olympic sailing events.

May added: “I have found peace with Michael, he gave me a reason to live. I have got a family here. We don’t claim any benefits. Michael works and I am studying to become a barrister. We have not harmed anybody. If they send me back to Nigeria they are signing my death warrant. They will cut my life short because I will be killed.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We cannot comment in detail on this case while legal proceedings are ongoing.

In cases where people are found to have no right to remain in the UK they should leave voluntarily or face removal.”

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

3

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Opinion

Nigeria’s foreign policy in a changing world

I

By Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru have always held the view that Nigeria’s foreign policy must be anchored on a strong domestic support and understanding. The more of this support we get and more consensus we are able to build behind Nigeria’s foreign policy exertions, the better the guarantee of its success. We live in changing times. The world continues to present a dynamic environment in which the interests of nations have changed over the years. In the case of Nigeria, the fundamental principles of Nigeria’s foreign policy have been fairly consistent since they were first espoused shortly after independence in October 1960. Yet the specific interests, priorities and emphasis of Nigeria’s foreign policy have continued to change and evolve in the context of the domestic and international environment.

The main elements of the changing world and context include the following: a. The end of the cold war, the emergence of the United States as a dominant super-power; as well as the emergence of multiple centres of power, especially at regional levels; b. The birth of the African Union with new philosophical foundations for interstate relations and engagements in Africa, including the jettisoning of time-honoured principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, non recognition of unconstitutional change of government among other normative principles enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act; c. The rise of democratic forces and the demise of dictators in several countries in North Africa and the Middle East; d. The importance of economic issues in the conduct of foreign policies; and e. New challenges such as international terrorism, piracy, oil theft, illegal bunkering, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, transnational crimes, irregular migration, climate change, stalled multilateral trade negotiations.

Several scholars and commentators alike have spoken about the dynamism of Nigeria’s foreign policy, or the lack of it.

Those in the latter group failed to take into consideration the changing environment in which foreign policy decisions are made in today’s world. What should be paramount is the extent to which foreign policy advances the core interests and values of the country and the people.

It is this interface between the country’s goals and aspirations and the proactive manner in which the foreign policy machinery pursues these objectives that should determine dynamism and not the simple label that is devoid of reason, logic, realism and a full appreciation of the country’s national interests.

With the successful conclusion of the decolonization agenda and the emergence 4

President Goodluck Jonathan of a post-Apartheid geopolitical environment in Africa, it became imperative to review and re-direct the orientation and aims of the country’s foreign policy. The outcome of this exercise led to the clear articulation of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy objectives, as specified in the 1999 Constitution, which is the promotion and protection of the national interest; the promotion of African integration and support for African unity; the promotion of international co-operation for the consolidation of universal peace and mutual respect among all nations and elimination of discrimination in all its manifestations; respect for international law and treaty obligations as well as the seeking of settlement of international disputes by negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication; and; the promotion of a just world economic order.

In pursuit of these objectives, the present Administration has identified, as main priorities the maintenance of unity, peace and security of Nigeria, particularly in the wake of current security challenges; job and wealth creation for Nigerians; the promotion of trade and investments; promoting the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad protecting their interests. The others are improving the profile and image of Nigeria abroad; enhancing Nigeria’s representation and visibility in international organizations; enhancing Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa in particular and Africa in general; among others.

While Africa has been the centre-piece of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy from the onset, successive governments have certain-

ly adapted its principles, objectives and priorities to the prevailing circumstances.

The Afro-centric posture of our foreign policy meant that the founding fathers of Nigeria had to anchor the country’s foreign policy thrust on the decolonization of the African continent and the promotion of African unity. Thus the deployment of substantial resources in the eradication of apartheid in Southern Africa and other theatres of the liberation struggle in Southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola and South Africa.

Today, one of the questions frequently asked is why the populace cannot derive greater benefits from the huge investments made to the cause of Africa. In response to this enquiry as well as the global realities and changing times, we now effectively make Nigeria the centre-piece of our foreign policy. This entails that every foreign policy decision must pass the litmus test of how far and by how much Nigeria’s specific and general national interests are being promoted, pursued and served. We have therefore sought to deploy foreign policy to support and promote the economic development of Nigeria through job and wealth creation, empowerment and the development of critical infrastructure for the benefit of the Nigerian people. Making Nigeria our primary focus in terms of issues bordering on our national security, economic prosperity, youth unemployment and infrastructural development, does not translate to a reduction of our commitment to Africa.

Within the overarching ambit of the set objectives and the felt need for a new foreign policy thrust geared towards the maximization of benefits of good governance to Nigerians, it became imperative to prioritize our foreign policy choices.

Nigeria’s foreign policy will continue to be dictated by the political and economic programme at home. The current Transformation Agenda of Government on the domestic front has given the platform to execute good economic and social policies; the foreign policy of Nigeria will be more robust. The nexus between domestic and foreign policies cannot therefore be over-emphasized.

Nigeria’s brightening economic outlook is an accurate reflection of its positive political agenda. It is in light of the foregoing considerations, as well as the bright economic prospects of the country that we are encouraged by the recently released report by Price Waterhouse Coopers which forecasts the emergence of Nigeria as the 13th top economy in the world by 2050. Indeed, a recent study classified Nigeria, together with Mexico, Indonesia and Turkey, as members of MINTs, in recognition of our emerging economic prospects and as the new centres of global economic growth. These assessments are not only reassuring but are pointers that

Nigeria is on the right path and must redouble our efforts in attaining the objectives of Vision 20:2020.

Consolidation of Democracy in Nigeria and Africa

Nigeria’s brightening economic outlook is an accurate reflection of its positive political agenda. It is in light of the foregoing considerations, as well as the bright economic prospects of the country Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa has been influenced largely by destiny. Not only must Nigeria always take the lead to ensure political stability in the region, but she must be actively involved in the economic development and integration of the continent. Nigeria’s support for the promotion and consolidation of democracy, good governance and human rights in Africa is not in doubt. In partnership with the African Union, strenuous efforts at entrenching democracy in Africa are being made, including uncompromising adherence to democratic tenets and values, good governance, human rights, among others. Our stance is anchored on the firm belief that a stable and democratic Africa is in Nigeria’s national interest. Consequently, Nigeria has provided material and other forms of support to the democratic electoral processes in Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Niger, among others.

In Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s strong voice to uphold democracy, evidenced in the support given to the winner of the Presidential election, prevented a bloodbath in that country. Our strong and unwavering support for democracy made the EU, UN and the US to follow Nigeria’s lead, while the AU had no choice but to come on board and support Nigeria’s position for the winner of the elections in that country. Nigeria’s position was not in support of any outside power but a step taken in line with President Jonathan’s policy to defend democracy in Africa. With over 3 million Nigerians, the intervention in Cote d’Ivoire was in our national interest. Today and for the first time, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire are on the same side of the coin, working together to resolve the challenges in our continent. A number of Nigerian business men have since taken advantage of the very cordial relations between both countries.

In line with the African Union and ECOWAS policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, Nigeria condemned the recent undemocratic changes of government in Guinea Bissau and Mali. In addition, as a member of the ECOWAS Mediating Group, Nigeria was actively involved in efforts to restore security and constitutional rule in both countries, by playing a leadership role in initiating democratic transitional processes

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

5

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

20th anniversary of death of Stephen Lawrence

Stephen Lawrence

A memorial service was held in memory of Stephen Lawrence who was killed in a racist attack in 1993 marking 20 years since his murder.

Top politicians including David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and London mayor Boris Johnson were in attendance. Other guests included singer Emeli Sande and footballer

6

Jermain Defoe.

Doreen Lawrence, mother of Stephen, gave a speech at the service saying: ‘My pain is raw, and that of my children.’

The Prime Minister said, “The senseless killing of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 was a tragedy. It was also a moment that sparked monumental change in our society - change that has been brought about by the tireless efforts of Stephen’s family in challenging the po-

Doreen Lawrence

lice, Government and society to examine themselves and ask difficult questions.

“I believe that many of those questions have been answered: from improved community relations to more accountability in policing. Much has

been achieved, but we know that more still needs to be done. We owe this to the memory of Stephen.”

Chuka Umunna MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills and Member of Parliament for Streatham said, Stephen’s murder serves as a reminder to us all and generations to come that we can never be complacent about defeating prejudice and hatred, whatever form it takes. As a country we will forever be in debt to the Lawrence Family for refusing to give up ensuring those who were guilty of Stephen’s murder were brought to justice - in so doing, they have transformed race relations in this country.

“Furthermore, out of tragedy Doreen and the Lawrence Family have built the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to serve as a lasting legacy, capturing the spirit of what Stephen was all about - a fine young man taken in his prime and who had huge potential. It is fitting that the Trust is now focused on nurturing the potential in our talented young people and providing them with a platform to reach for the stars. The Trust deserves and it has our 1000% support.”

Worldreader has distributed 10,000 e-readers to African schoolchildren Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

New projections on migration and remittance flows

By Milton Tella

T

Basu, the World Bank’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics, as he participated in an event to mark the launch of KNOMAD. “The World Bank has played a critical role in migration and remittance research and KNOMAD will be critical in taking this agenda forward.”

Established with the support of Switzerland and Germany, KNOMAD aims to generate and synthesize knowledge on migration issues for countries; generate a menu of policy choices based on multidisciplinary knowledge and evidence; and provide technical assistance and capacity building to sending and receiving countries for the implementation of pilot projects, evaluation of migration policies, and data collection.

Kaushik Basu, the World Bank’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics

he need for the Diaspora community to mobilize resources and integrate more to affect policies within the host country has been reemphasised by the World Bank in a newly released brief.

According to the latest edition of the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief, issued recently, officially recorded remittance flows to developing countries grew by 5.3 percent to reach an estimated $401 billion in 2012.

Remittances to developing countries are expected to grow by an annual average of 8.8 percent for the next three years and are forecast to reach $515 billion in 2015.

Given that many migrants send money and goods through people or informal channels, the true size of remittances are much larger than these official figures.

The top recipients of officially recorded remittances for 2012 are India ($69 billion), China ($60 billion), the Philippines ($24 billion), Mexico ($23 billion) and Nigeria and Egypt ($21 billion each). Other large recipients include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Lebanon.

As a percentage of GDP, the top recipients of remittances, in 2011, were Tajikistan (47 percent), Liberia (31 percent), Kyrgyz Republic (29 percent), Lesotho (27 percent), Moldova (23 percent), Nepal (22 percent), and Samoa (21 percent).

“The role of remittances in helping lift people out of poverty has always been known, but there is also abundant evidence that migration and remittances are helping countries achieve progress towards other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as access to education, safe water, sanitation and healthcare,” said Hans Timmer, Director of the Bank’s Development Prospects Group.

However, the high cost of sending money through official channels is an obstacle to the utilization of remittances for development purposes, as people seek out informal channels as their preferred means for sending money home. The global average cost for sending remittances was 9 percent in the first quarter of 2013, broadly unchanged from 2012.

The Brief also discusses efforts to feature migration and remittances in the Post-2015 Development Framework that is currently being discussed as we approach 2015, the target date for reaching the MDGs.

The program will focus on a number of key thematic areas: improving data on migration and remittance flows; skilled and low-skilled labor migration; integration issues in host communities; policy and institutional coherence; migration, security and development; migrant rights and social

aspects of migration; demographic changes and migration; remittances, including access to finance and capital markets; mobilizing diaspora resources; environmental change and migration; and internal migration and urbanization. It will also address several cross-cutting themes, such as gender, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and public perceptions and communication.

Drawing on global expertise, KNOMAD’s outputs will be widely disseminated and will be available as global public goods.

“Migration is a defining issue for global development,” said Dilip Ratha, Manager of the World Bank’s Migration and Remittances Unit and head of KNOMAD. “This underscores the need for an initiative such as KNOMAD, which will generate evidence-based research to facilitate constructive debate and discussion on migration issues with the aim of developing practical policy options for sending and receiving countries.”

The World Bank announced the establishment of the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD), envisioned to become a global hub of knowledge and policy expertise on migration issues.

KNOMAD was initiated in response to the rapid growth in migration and remittances over the last decade. Nearly one billion people that is, one out of every seven persons on the planet have migrated internally and across international borders in search of better opportunities and living conditions, with profound implications for development.

Remittance flows to developing countries have more than quadrupled since 2000. Global remittances, including those to high-income countries, are estimated to have reached $529 billion in 2012, compared to $132 billion in 2000.

“Migration and remittances offer a vital lifeline for millions of people and can play a major role in an economy’s take-off.

They enable people to partake in the global labor market and create resources that can be leveraged for development and growth.

But they are also a source of political contention, and for that very reason deserving of dispassionate analysis,” said Kaushik 7

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

World Bank to help Nigeria improve gas supply and electricity The World Bank provided its first Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) for US$145 million to support Nigeria’s gas sector and bring more electricity to Nigerian consumers. The PRG agreements in support of a Gas Supply and Aggregation Agreement (GSAA) were signed between the World Bank and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Egbin Power PLC, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, and Deutsche Bank.

Under the 10-year GSAA, which is based on the industry template developed by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chevron Nigeria Ltd will provide gas to Egbin power plant, thereby assuring gas availability and reliability for power generation and assisting in economic growth. This is the first time that Egbin power plant will be able to procure gas under long-term arrangements.

“With over 75% of Nigeria’s power generation depending on natural gas, assuring the availability and reliability of gas supply is a critical step in realizing the goal of un-interrupted electricity supply to Nigerian consumers,” said Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria.

The World Bank PRG, provided under the IDA-financed Nigeria Electricity and Gas Improvement Project (NEGIP), was key to enabling long-term gas supply arrangements. PRGs are used to cover private lenders against the risk of a public entity failing to perform its payment or contractual obligations. The NEGIP PRG was instrumental in achieving financial closure of the Egbin GSAA transaction, by providing payment security for Chevron Nigeria Ltd for the supply of gas. The payment security instrument used was a 10-year Letter of Credit (L/C) issued by Deutsche Bank.

The absence of long-term gas supply arrangements has been one of the main causes of power shortages in Nigeria, as the gas had to be procured on a ‘best endeavor’ basis, which often was of low quality and insufficient quantity, resulting in poor performance of the power plants. The long-term contracts enabled by the PRG will also help encourage investments in upstream gas production by international and domestic oil and gas companies.

“The use of the Partial Risk Guarantee to support Nigeria’s Gas Supply and Aggregation Agreement has provided

Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria.

the level of comfort needed by investors, and paved the way for a new commercial framework for gas contracts.

This will help to catalyze long-term private investments in Nigeria’s gas sector and underpin future investments in the power sector,” said Pankaj Gupta, World Bank Manager of the Financial Solutions Unit.

Under the NEGIP project, the World Bank has committed to a series of PRGs for a total of US$400 million, of which the PRG for Egbin GSAA is the first to be signed. Subsequent PRGs will support other gas supplies to PHCN plants and Niger Delta Power Holding Company plants.

African business and the ICT revolution Day labourers in many African countries can hardly find a job without having a cell phone. This is one of the topics discussed at “Africa Business Week” held in Frankfurt (22 - 26 April).

Felchesmi Mramba, the manager of the Tanzanian electricity provider TANESCO, believes that mobile technology has revolutionized the business world.

Speaking to DW, he enthusiastically explained how the technological development has simplified his work. From reading the electricity meter to payment processes – everything is handled via mobile phone and Internet.

“Even now as I am here in Germany, I can purchase electricity for my home.

This is a real revolution on the technological side,” he said.

Experts and visitors to “Africa Business Week” agree that information and communication technology, in short ICT, is bringing development in all sectors, be it the energy sector, healthcare or education. It is also boosting the economy in Africa.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ICT in Kenya accounts for almost a quarter of economic growth since the year 2000. In Cameroon, 15 percent of the economy in the period 8

2000-2008 came from the ICT sector.

But these numbers can be deceptive, because they don’t apply to the whole continent. Malawi, for example, is far behind trailblazers such as Kenya, as the Malawian Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu points out.

“The biggest challenge is to reach out to the rural people, who are actually the food basket for the country,” Kunkuyu told DW. He says he wants to take ICTs to them, in order to increase the farmers’ earnings.

The IT section needs to be developed in several ways, said UNCTAD’s head of ICT analysis, Torbjörn Fredriksson.

“The focus should not only be on the infrastructure, but building up the skills to make use of ICTs.” Fredricksson says that donor communities should support innovation and entrepreneurship locally so that African countries and African businesses become better equipped to both adapt and develop new technologies in relevant areas.

Fredriksson points out that already in some African countries there is a new market for developers of smart phone applications. Some of them such as mobile money transfer, developed in Kenya, has already been recognized worldwide. But there is no law that regulates the money transfer business. Policy markers now have to work on that.

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Nigerian president appoints chairmen for 67 parastals Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of chairmen of boards and governing councils of 67 federal parastatals and agencies.

The appointments were announced via a statement issued on Monday night in Abuja, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Pius Anyim.

Agencies The statement shows that the National Boundaries Commission now has Yunusa Dangwani as Chairman and the Nigerian Shippers Council has a retired Military General, Salihu Ibrahim as Chairman.

The National Youth Service Corps has Gordon Bozimo as Chairman while Nigerian Television Authority has Patrick Ogbu as its Chairman.

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, now has Walid Jibrin, the Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees, as Chairman; while, the National Lottery Regulation Commission’s board will now be headed by Damian Dodo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, has Mike Abiotomere as its Chairman; while the Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC will be led by the immediate past National Chairman of the PDP, Kawu Baraje.

Educational and Research Institutes The Board of the National Educational Research and Development Council has Stephen Dike as Chairman while the National Teacher’s Institute has former Jigawa Governor, Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, as head.

The National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, has Isaac Edoja as its Chairman and the National Agric Extension and Research Liaison has Moses Ngbale as Chairman.

Charles Ogwu is now the Chairman of the Agricultural Research and Training Institute while the Institute for Agricultural Research , Samaru – Zaria has Kashim Mukhtar Alkali as Chairman.

The Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi-Lagos has Alex Obi as Chairman and Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria has Ngozi Enyioma as its Chairman.

The Industrial Training Fund, Jos, has Musiliu Obanikoro as Board Chairman while the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, has Mohammed Sadiq as Chairman.

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, is also to Chair the Board of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE. Federal Polytechnics The statement also indicated that all the

Pius Anyim, Government of the Federation, SGF

Federal Polytechnics in the country now have governing councils to oversee their operations.

In that regard, the Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti has Victor Ebamoyi as its new Chairman; the Federal Polytechnic, Afikpo has Chimdi Ejiogu appointed as Chairman.

Others are the Federal Polytechnic, Edo State, with Gabriel Yumere as Chairman; and the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has Adamu Abdulkadir as its Chairman.

The Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State now has Abba Anas as Chairman while Federal Polytechnic, Ede has Tajudeen Oladipo as Chairman.

The Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State has Mohammed Usman as Chairman while Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro has Ethelbert Okwaranyia as Chairman and the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna has Sergent Awuse as its chairman.

Lawal Nalado is the new Chairman of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda; and Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State has Ibrahim Jahun- Galadiman Bauchi as Chairman.

The Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa is now to be headed by Dipo Odujuri while that of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede will be chaired

by Ado Yusuf.

The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara

State, has Okey Ezenwa as the new Chairman,and the Yaba College of Technology has Ebenezer Babatope as its Chairman.

Colleges of Education Mr. Anyim also announced the composition of leadership of councils of Federal Colleges of Education.

The SGF statement said the Federal College of Education, (SSP) Kontagora, has Gambo Lawan as new Chairman; while the Federal College of Education (Tech) Potiskum, has former Abuja Minister, Mohammed Abba Gana as Chairman. Others are the Federal College of Education (Tech) Akoka, Yaba, with Aliyu Maska as Chairman; while the Federal College of Education (Tech), Asaba, has Bungum Hassan Yusuf as Chairman.

The Federal College of Education (Tech), Bichi, has Col. U. F. Ahmed [Rtd] as Chairman; while the Federal College of Education (Tech), Gombe; has Saadu Maliki as its Chairman.

The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta has Emma Anosike as Chairman while the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu has E. M. I. Enemuo as Chairman.

Prof. A A. Akinsola was appointed the Chairman of the Federal College of Education, Kano; and the Federal College of Education, Katsina has Col. Bala Mande

(Rtd) as its Chairman.

The Federal College of Education, Obudu, has Adamu Aliyu Sumaila as its new Chairman and Federal College of Education, Okene has Ebenezer Alabi as Chairman.

Also, the Federal College of Education, Ondo, has Musa John as Chairman and the Federal College of Education, Omoku, Rivers State, has Linus Okom as its Chairman.

The Federal College of Education, Owerri, has Ajibola Oyinlola, as Chairman and the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, has Mohammed Nura Khalil as Chairman.

The Federal College of Education, Yola, has Ugorji Amaoti as board chair, while Dr. Ugwu now heads the Council of the Federal College of Education, Zaria.

The Federal College of Education, Zuba, has Remi Akintoye as Chairman.

River Basin Authorities too The statement by the SGF also said the various River Basin Authorities in Nigeria now have chairmen for their various boards.

In that regard, the Upper Niger River Basin Dev. Authority has Sam Odeh as its Chairman while the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority has David Idoko as Chairman.

The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, now has Col. I. Biu as Chairman while the Benin-Owena RIver Basin Development Authority has William A. Makinde as Chairman.

The Niger Delta River Basin Development. Authority has James Sekibo as its Chairman and the Cross River Basin Authority has Mike Mku as Chairman.

The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority has Abdu Bulama as Chairman while the Anambra-Imo River Basin Authority has the deputy national chairman of the PDP, Sam Sam Jaja as Chairman.

The Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority has Clifford Odia as Chairman and the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority has Christie Silas.

The Federal Housing Authority Board will now be headed by Lee Maeba, a Nigerian Senator.

The statement, added that each of the Governing Council/Board shall include the Ex-officio memberships specified in the Enabling Law of the Parastatal/Agency.

Accordingly, it also announced that the dates for formal inauguration of the Governing Councils/Boards will be announced by the ministers or the relevant supervising authorities responsible for the various Parastatals/Agencies. Source: Premium Times

9

Osun rids the streets of mentally-challenged persons

The Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that his administration was committed to get rid of mentally-challenged people through concrete rehabilitative programmes in the state.

He said apart from the treatment and rehabilitation of mentally-challenged people, government was not relenting in his efforts at reducing or eradicating the rate of unemployment and tension which according to him, are some of the causes of mental illness.

The governor stated this in Osogbo, the state capital while receiving the Care and Rehabilitation of Mentally-ill People (CAREMI) Foundation team, led by the former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Roger Makanjuola, in his office.

Aregbesola said, as expensive as their treatment may be, the present administra-

tion was concerned about the mentally-ill people, considering the fact that they are part of the society and the danger they posed to the society at large.

He said: “It is not that we have surplus resources that we are doing what we are doing to treat and rehabilitate them, but we feel that they are part of the society and we are concerned about the danger they pose to the society when they finally escape.

“One of the factors that facilitate this illness is the tension and stress that unemployment could cause and we are addressing that in a broad way through series of our programmes.

“It is to me a simple routine of basic responsibility as a government that we are doing what we are doing, but this is not without a huge cost.

“I have to mention that we are stressing ourselves and our meagre resources to do all that we are doing for the betterment of the people of this state.” The governor stated.

Photos: Taofeeq Adejare

From Left - Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ogun State Governor Senator, Ibikunle Amosun, Deputy Governor Lagos State, Adejoke Orelope Adefilure and Deputy Governor State of Osun, Titi Laoye- Tomori during the Bola Tinubu Colloquium at Muson Centre, Lagos State

From Right- Chairman Committee on the Resolution of Boundary Disputes Among Erin-Osun, Ifon and Ilobu Communities, Hon. Justice Ekundayo Kolawole [RTD], Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chief of Staff to the Governor, State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Permanent Secretary Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Olajide Festus during the Presentation of the Committee’s Report to the Governor, State of Osun at the Governor’s office, Abere, Osogbo 10

Condition of 5yr rape victim left for dead improves

India

The condition of a 5-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped, raped and tortured by a man and then left alone in a locked room in India’s capital for two days has improved, according to doctors.

The girl was in critical condition when she was transferred from a local hospital to the largest government-run hospital in the country last Thursday. But D.K. Sharma, medical superintendent of the state-run hospital in New Delhi where the girl was being treated, said on Sunday that she was responding well to treatment and that her condition had stabilized.

Police say the girl went missing on April 15 and was found two days later by neighbours who heard her crying in a locked room in the same New Delhi building where she lives with her family. The girl was alone when she was found, having been left for dead by her attacker. police say.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on Saturday (April 20) in the eastern state of Bihar, about 1,000 kilometres from New Delhi,

The 5 year-old rape victim arriving at hospital last week of the 5-year-old’s ordeal emerged. After in connection with the incident. After betheir daughter had gone missing two days ing flown to New Delhi, he was in custody before, the family of the victim heard her Sunday and was being questioned, police crying in a locked ground-floor room in the said.

The police handling of both sexual asbuilding they live in. After breaking into sault and crime against children came the room and rushing the girl to local pounder fresh attack as the circumstances lice, the family told reporters that the offic-

Risk to jobs sparks halal about-turn Poland

Animal rights groups’ success in having what they describe as the inhumane slaughter

Poland’s government has approved draft legislation that would reinstate the slaughter of livestock according to the customs of Jewish and Muslim minorities.

The practices of Jewish shechita and Muslim dhabiha livestock slaughter, which see animals killed without prior stunning, were banned in December 2012 by Poland’s Constitutional Court following a campaign led by animal rights groups. However, Poland’s agricultural minister Stanislaw

Kalemba warned that by outlawing the predominantly export business, several thousand jobs would be lost.

According to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, “the new regulations on the matter will however eliminate the most shocking methods of animal slaughter,” as outlined at a press conference on Tuesday, quoted by the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Tusk specified that the slaughter of animals in rotating cages is one practice that will not be reinstated.

According to that practice, an animal is placed in a steel cage that is turned upside down, with just the head sticking out, and then the throat is cut.

The amendment to the law on the protection of animals will likewise insist that any slaughter of livestock according to kosher and halal methods is done in a slaughterhouse itself.

Tusk added that the ministers of the environment and agriculture had been assigned to work on “reducing the suffering of animals as much as is possible,” both concerning ritual livestock slaughter, and the general status quo in Polish abattoirs.

ers on duty offered them 2000 rupees — a little less than £25 — to quietly disappear and not register a report, a practice observers say is common in a system ill-equipped to handle its caseload.

Over the weekend, protesters stormed police headquarters, calling for the resignation of the police commissioner. In response, police handed out pamphlets promising that both the rape case and the offending authorities would be dealt with swiftly, and on Monday, Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told Parliament that the government had taken action against the officers on duty.

The incident has come four months after the fatal gang rape of a student on a New Delhi bus sparked outrage across India about the treatment of women in the country.

About 100 supporters of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party protested outside the home of the chief of the ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi, demanding that the government ensure the safety and security of women and girls in the city.

Ancient statues too graphic for Olympic exhibition

Qatar Greece has withdrawn two ancient statues from an ongoing Olympic Games exhibition in Qatar in a dispute over nudity.

“The statues have already returned to Greece,” a culture ministry source told journalists, adding: “Organisers in Qatar wanted to cover up the statues’ members with black cloth. So they were never put on display, they went back into storage and returned on April 19.” The statues - a Classical Greek youth and a Romanera copy of an athlete - are both nude, the manner in which Olympic athletes competed in antiquity.

Greece’s junior minister for culture Costas Tzavaras had travelled to the Qatari capital of Doha for the opening of the exhibit on March 27, saying it opened a “bridge of friendship” between the two countries.

According to the culture ministry, Greece has contributed nearly 600 exhibits from the National Archaeological Museum, the Numismatic Museum and the Museum of Olympia, birthplace of the Games. The Doha exhibit runs to June 30.

Greece has long wooed Qatar to entice investment in its flagging economy from the energy-rich Gulf emirate. In January it was announced during a visit by Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras that Qatar planned to invest up to a billion euros (£850 million) in a joint fund with Athens to bolster the recession-hit Greek industry. The emirate has also rejoined a public bidding competition to develop the former Athens airport, one of the prized sites of Greece’s privatisation drive. And last month it was reported that the emir of Qatar had purchased the privately-owned Ionian Sea islet of Oxia.

11

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Nollywood List of winners at the African Movie Academy Awards 2013

L

ate veteran actor Justus Esiri emerged the Best Actor in Africa at the ninth annual Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, held at the Gloryland Cultural Center in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Esiri was adjudged the Best Actor for his Lead Role in the movie, “Assassins Practice”.

He beat others like OC Ukeje, Lindani NKosi, Bimbo Manuel, Hlomla Dandala, Femi Jacobs and Amurin Wumnembom to clinch the coveted prize.

The legendary actor’s statuette was received by Ibinabo Fiberesinma, President, Actors’ Guild of Nigeria.

List of Winners at the African Movie Academy Awards 2013 “Heroes And Zeroes”, a gripping story film by Koga Entertainment Production, clinched three awards. They are “Achievement in Editing”, Achievement in Screenplay and Best Director statuette for ace filmmaker Niji Akanni.

Obi Emelonye’s “Last Flight To Abuja” continued its winning streaks as the flick won the “Best Film By An African Abroad”.

“Confusion Na Wa” a part-pidgin movie won the Best Nigerian Film, while the

Promising Act of The Year award went to fast rising actress Belinda Effah.

Other Nigerian winners at the award ceremony which ran into the early hours of today were Gabriel Afolayan who won the Best Supporting Actor for his stellar role in “Hoodrush”, the Achievement In Make Up award went to “The Meeting” and the Achievement in Visual Effects was won by “Twin Sword”.

In total, Nigerians won a total of 14 out of the 27 awards given out at this year’s AMAA. This set a new record for the continent.

South Africa trailed far behind with three awards including that of Florence Masbe who emerged the Best Actress In Africa for her role in the hit movie “Elelwani”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Seriake Dickson, Governor, Bayelsa State, welcomed all the stars and dignitaries to the state. He expressed delight that the awards ceremony was brought back to the state where it begins.

Dickson told the audience and millions of television viewers who stayed glue to see the glittering awards ceremony live that his government is determined to position Bayelsa State as one of the key

investment destinations in Nigeria with emphases on entertainment and tourism.

He later announced an initial donation of a N250million-Bayelsa Film Trust Fund.

The fund, he said is to encourage the youth of Bayelsa to develop their creativity.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, CEO, AMAA, said it is a thing of joy to her and the academy that the awards ceremony is gradually achieving its set goals of unifying African filmmakers.

She expressed hope that next year edition which will mark the tenth anniversary of the awards will be grander.

The AMAA boss later called for a minute silence in honour of Efere Ozako, late entertainment lawyer who died last week.

Some actors who also died in the last one year were also remembered during the ceremony.

London-based international film curator, June Givanni, who held this year’s AMAA Jury, pointed out that apart from the fact that the numbers of entries this year have increased, the quality of entries received also improved tremendously.

Apart from award winners, AMAA honoured some film legends including Chief Eddie Ugboma, OON, Sir

Hermelinda Cimela

Best Short Film – Kwaku Ananse – Akosua Adoma Owusu (Ghana) Joseph Wairimu 12

Osifadinma Okeke, Ayuko Babu, Pete Edochie and Tunde Kelani with the “Life Time Achievement Awards”.

Special Recognition awards were also given to others including ace movie director and producer, Emem Isong, top actors, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Kenneth Okonkwo and the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, FVPMAN. They were all described as “pillars of Nollywood.”

In the tradition of AMAA, famous Hollywood actor, Mario Van Pebbles, was invited as a special guest.

The famous producer of the hit gangster film, “New Jack City” was visibly so excited to be in Africa for the first time.

“I feel so good being around here. I have been so enthralled by the green scenery and the fly overs. I wish to see more of these in your movies,” said Van Peebles.

Personalities at the event included Mr. Edem Duke, Nigeria’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, who stood for President Goodluck Jonathan, representatives of Mrs. Joyce Banda, President of Republic of Malawi, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria and many movie stars.

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Nollywood And the winners of the 2013 AMAA’s are…

• Best Short Film – Kwaku Ananse – Akosua Adoma Owusu (Ghana) • Best Documentary – Fuelling Poverty (Nigeria) • Best Diaspora Feature - Stones In The Sun (Haiti / United States) • Best Diaspora Documentary - Fan Do Brasil (Brazil / Guatamela) • Best Animation - Adventure Of Zambezia (South Africa) • Best Film By An African Abroad Last Flight To Abuja (United Kingdom / Nigeria) • Achievement In Production Design Elelwani (South Africa) • Achievement In Costume Design Blood And Henna (Nigeria) • Achievement In Make-up - The Meeting (Nigeria) • Achievement In Soundtrack - The Last Fishing Boat (Malawi) • Achievement In Visual Effects - The Twin Sword (Nigeria) • Achievement In Sound - Nairobi Half Life (Kenya) • Achievement In Cinematography Uhlanga, The Mark (South Africa) • Achievement In Editing - Hereos And Zeroes (Nigeria) • Achievement In Lightning - Moi Zaphira (Burkina Faso) • Achievement In Screenplay - Hereos And Zeroes (Nigeria) • Best Nigerian Film - Confusion Na Wa (Nigeria) • Best Film In An African Language Moi Zaphira (Burkina Faso) • Best Child Actor - The Ugandan (Uganda) • Best Promising Actor - Joseph Wairimu for “Nairobi Half Life” (Kenya) • Best Promising Actress - Belinda Effah for “Kokomma” (Nigeria) • Best Actor In A Supporting Role - Gabriel Afolayan for “Hoodrush” (Nigeria) • Best Actress In A Supporting Role - Hermelinda Cimela for “Virgin Magarida” (Mozambique) • Best Actor In A Leading Role - Justus Esiri for “Assasins Practice” (Nigeria) • Best Actress In A Leading Role Florence Masebe for “Elelwani” (South Africa) • Best Director - Niji Akanni for “Hereos And Zeroes” (Nigeria) • Best Film - Confusion Na Wa (Nigeria) • Lifetime Achievement Awards Tunde Kelani | Chief Eddi Ugboma | Sir Ositadinma Okeke Oguno (Ossy Affason) | Ayuko Badu | Chief Pete Edochie • Film/Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) Special Jury Award - Ninah’s Dairy (Cameorun) • Special Recognition of Pillars of Nollywood @ 20 - Emem Isong | Kanayo O. Kanayo | Kenneth Okonkwo

Omotola on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list Top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly called Omosexy has been name among 100 most influential people worldwide.

Described as “Africa’s most renowned leading lady”, 34 year old Omotola was named in the 2013 icons segment of the list alongside young Pakistani activist; Malala Yousafzai, US first lady Michelle Obama, Burmese democracy leadey; Aung San Sun Kyi, RnB diva; Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Italian footballer; Mario Balloteli.

Others in the category are Duchess of Cambridge; Kate Middleton, Chinese tennis champion; Li Na, three times Oscar award winner; Daniel Day-Lewis.

In her profile written by Richard Corliss, a movie critic, Omotola was described as the “Queen of Nollywood.”

“Called OmoSexy by her fans, she has made 300 or so features, from the 1996 Mortal Inheritance to the 2010 super production Ijé, shot partly on location in Los Angeles. Married to an airline pilot she wed on a flight from Lagos to Benin, Jalade-Ekeinde brings a juggler’s grace to her roles as actress, singer, reality-show star, mother of four and philanthropist (the Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme)” Corliss stated.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

Niji Akanni

Best Actress In A Leading Role - Florence Masebe for “Elelwani 13

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

CRIME

Man jailed for attacking teenage girls Man jailed in connection with sexual assaults on teenage girls following retrial.

Adil Hoque, 20 of Sheringham Avenue, E12 was sentenced on Friday 19 April, at the Inner London Crown Court following an investigation by detectives from Sapphire.

He was sentenced to eight years in a young offenders institute for attempted rape and 18 months in a young offenders institute for the sexual assault. The terms are to run consecutively.

He had been found guilty of sexual assault and attempted rape in March.

On 11 May 2011 Hoque met with a 17-yearold girl who he had been communicating with via Twitter and offered to drive her to college. He parked his car close to empress road E4 where he sexually assaulted her.

The girl managed to escape when Hoque

Adil Hoque

was disturbed by a passerby. She reported the attack to police later that day.

Later in the year, Hoque began communicating with a 14-year-old girl via Blackberry Messenger (BBM). He met with her on Romford Road, E12 having telephoned her school pretending to be her uncle. Hoque took her back to his home address where he attempted to rape her.

The girl reported the incident to police on 19 January 2012.

Hoque was arrested by detectives from Waltham Forest CID in October 2011 in connection with the first offence and subsequently charged with sexual assault on 10 November 2011. He was arrested and charged on 2 February 2012 in connection with the second offence by officers from Sapphire.

Hoque originally stood trial between September and October 2012 and was found guilty of attempted rape and acquitted of

rape. The jury failed to reach a verdict on a third charge and was subsequently discharged.

A retrial took place in respect of the charge of sexual assault and he was found guilty.

Detective Inspector Simon Ellershaw, of Sapphire, said: “This conviction has resulted in a man being sent to prison who was clearly a danger to young women - a man who obviously felt that it was his right to have sex with girls simply because they had agreed to meet with him - he deliberatly targetted vulnerable girls; it also highlights the dangers of meeting people you don’t know having had contact with them only via social media - in this case blackberry messenger. It may well be that other girls have been put in a similar situation by this man and if this is the case they should contact their local police “

Man jailed for armed robberies Teenager convicted of rape of 11-year-old girl An 18 year-old man was jailed on Thursday 18 April, convicted of the brutal rape of an 11-year-old schoolgirl.

A biker who carried out a spate of armed robberies was jailed on (Friday 19 April 2013) for 5 years.

Sheldon Green, 27 from Hackney E8, had previously pleaded guilty to seven robbery and firearms offences with several other matters taken into consideration.

The Flying Squad at Barking launched Operation Wulk in September 2012 into a linked series of armed robberies on various commercial premises.

On each occasion a stolen Yamaha motorcycle was used by the suspect to move to and from venues.

Green pleaded guilty to: 1) Theft of a motor vehicle on 16 July 2012: Green stole the Yamaha bike after arranging to meet a seller via Gumtree.

2) Attempted robbery on 15 August 2012 at 20:30hrs at Pretoria Stores, Pretoria Avenue E4: The shopkeeper heard a loud noise and looked up to see a man in motorcycle gear. The man asked for a bottle of whiskey and when the shopkeeper turned back, he was pointing a pistol at him.

The man demanded he open the till - the shopkeeper said he did not know how and ran to the back to the store.

The man then made off.

3) Robbery on 14 September 2012 at 20:20hrs at Maybank Mini-Mart, Il14

Sheldon Green

ford: The store owner was closing up when a man on a motorbike said he wanted to buy something. The owner went back inside followed by the suspect who then demanded cash. He pulled out a gun and pointed it at the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper handed over £200 and the suspect left.

4) Robbery on 17 September 2012 at 22:45hrs at the Co-Op, Waldram Park Road SE23: A man entered the store armed with a gun and threatened staff he would shoot them if they didn’t hand over money. The shop assistant handed over £145 and the man left.

Opemipo Jaji of Edmonton, was convicted at the Old Bailey of raping the girl as she walked home from school. An additional count of rape and also of attempted rape was requested to lie on his file.

His conviction follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Sapphire Command.

The court heard that on Friday 23 November 2012 between 4.45pm and 8pm the 11-year-old girl was attacked by Jaji.

Police were initially called to the victim’s address after she had failed to return home from school as expected. The victim then arrived home and alleged that she had been raped.

When police arrived and spoke to the girl, she told officers that at about 4.45pm after getting off a route 192 bus in Bury Street, Edmonton, she had walked along Galliard Road and became aware that a male was following her and trying to engage her in conversation.

In an attempt to avoid him, she crossed the road a couple of times, but he followed her persistently. As she and the male reached the entrance to Jubilee Park, he grabbed her, and dragged her into the park.

She was stripped naked and had a woolen glove pushed into her mouth before being subjected to a prolonged attack. She was threatened when she twice attempted to escape.

The victim required immediate hospital admission and underwent surgery for the severe injuries she sustained. She left hospital two days later.

Following police enquiries, the scene in Jubilee Park was identified and searched.

A local PCSO identified Jaji from CCTV images recovered from the route 192

bus. He was arrested for the rape on 26 November 2012.

During a series of interviews, he denied the allegation and provided an alibi, claiming that he had been on a route 192 bus and had seen a schoolgirl drop her Oyster card as she got off. He had picked up the Oyster card and handed it back to her, but stated that he and the girl then went their separate ways.

Officers were able to disprove this alibi following extensive enquiries and he was charged on 27 November 2012 with two counts of rape, and one count of attempted rape.

Forensic samples found on Jaji’s trainers, white bag strap and underwear all directly linked him to the victim. His fingerprints were also found on the victim’s Oyster card holder.

Cell site analysis of his mobile phone placed Jaji in the vicinity of Jubilee Park at the time of the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Lowe, who led the investigation from the Met’s Sapphire command, said: “Jaji posed a great danger to young girls and despite the great weight of evidence against him, refused to accept his guilt and forced the victim to give evidence in court.

“This was a particularly brutal but unusual attack on an innocent 11-year-old schoolgirl who will no doubt continue to suffer the emotional scars of what happened to her for a very long time. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the bravery of the victim and her family.

“I would also like to commend the excellent work of the community officer who identified Jaji from CCTV and the Sapphire investigators for their hard work, diligence and professionalism”.

Jaji is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Freedom gained: Woodstock icon Richie Havens dies Richie Havens, the New York folk and protest singer that became a 1960s icon when he unexpectedly opened the legendary 1969 Woodstock music festival has died of a heart attack, aged 72.

Havens had been a veteran of the Greenwich Village music scene that produced Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Paul Simon and Joan Baez when he was invited to perform at what was to become history’s most famous outdoor music event. He and his two accompanists had been scheduled to perform their acoustic set later in the bill but the opening act had become stuck in the unprecedented volume of traffic leading to Max Yasgur’s farm outside the town of Woodstock, New York. Havens and his band had arrived twelve hours early and had only a conga drum kit to set up, so he reluctantly agreed to a role that, in the end, gave him far more attention than he might have otherwise received.

“It was 5 o’clock (pm) and nothing was happening yet,” Havens remembered in a TV interview. “I had the least instruments and the least people (in his band). But they had to catch me first. I felt like, ‘They’re gonna kill me if I go up on stage first. Give me break. I need those four people in front of me to warm up the crowd.’ But the people

were great. I was supposed to sing 40 minutes, which I did, and from the side of the stage they go, ‘Richie, four more songs?’ I went back and did that, then it was, ‘Four more songs...’ and that kept happening ‘til two hours and 45 minutes later I had sung every song I know.”

Michael Lang, co-creator of Woodstock recalled in his 2009 book: “It had to be Richie - I knew he could handle it, and his powerful but calm demeanour was just what we needed to set the tone for liftoff.

“Regardless of what he said, he was ready and needed the least preparation and gear. When he saw me coming, Richie looked scared, and tried to walk away.”

Havens and his band mates opened Woodstock shortly after 5pm with “Minstrel From Gault.” After their regular set, they did multiple encores, to a large extent unrehearsed and improvised, to buy time for fellow performers still struggling to reach the site.

“Like the trouper he was, he just kept going and going,” Lang wrote. “He’d get up to leave the stage and we’d send him back.

He didn’t have a set list to draw from but returned with song after song, and his band followed along. Finally, drenched with sweat, he gave us the look that this - his sixth or seventh encore - was it.”

Havens during the history-making opening set at the 1969 Woodstock festival

Havens improvised a song he later called ‘Freedom’, a mashup featuring the refrain from ‘Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child’, for the final encore of his Woodstock set. The song was recently reprised when Quentin Tarantino used it in the score for Django Unchained.

He sang at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in January of 1993, and a decade later he received the American Eagle Award form the National Music Council.

He collaborated with the electronic duo Groove

Armada on “Hands in Time” for the “Collateral” film soundtrack, and he’s worked with Genesis members Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett, blues artist Bill Perry and with David Letterman CBS Orchestra drummer Anton Fig. Havens published an autobiography, “They Can’t Hide Us Anymore,” in 2000 and was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Havens is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Hot Ginger may have eye of the Tiger

Ginger Howard was named to Tiger Woods’ Junior Golf Foundation back in 2003 and 2005

Meet Ginger Howard; you may be seeing more of her.

At 17, she became the youngest ever member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. In her young career, she has won 78 trophies, ranking first in 41 out of 66 events, and the golf world has taken notice.

After enrolling at the IMG Golf Academy in Florida, Howard quickly advanced, petitioning the LPGA to allow her to play in its qualifying tournament last year, even though she wasn’t the mandatory 18 years old then.

What has separated her from other golfers her age? According to her swing coach at IMG, it is her toughness and love for the

game. “She loves and she thrives on the pressure and the tournament golf,” said Nathan Bertsch. “That’s the maturity in the game that is really special to me.”

Naturally, Howard’s ascent has been punctuated by its challenges: as she competed at the LGPA’s Q-School, Howard’s mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Fortunately, both of her mother’s thyroids were removed after Howard won the second stage of Q-School.

Her dad quit his job to be with her on the road. And while travelling with his daughter on her hectic schedule had made it challenging to find a job, Robert Howard recently found work at the nonprofit Golf To End Cancer. Howard’s mother recovered from her cancer and works as a nurse at IMG Academies, according to Golf Week.

Naturally, as an African American, parallels will be drawn with the embryonic stages of the stellar careers of Tiger Woods and, from the world of tennis, the Williams sisters. While she’s still young, Ginger Howard has a bright future, which only seems to get brighter by the day.

Howard is not the first young female golf sensation predicted to go on to great things.

The pressure of expectation possibly got to Michelle Wie once she was finally competing with adult players on an equal footing – a situation those around Howard would do well to guard against. Even though you might not know her yet and ladies golf must be regarded as still a minority interest sport, we’re thinking this young athlete has a shot at becoming a sporting household name.

15

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Gospel

STAND IN YOUR PLACE

T

By Michael Adekoya

“Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously.” 2 Sam. 7:10.

he above-stated Scripture was an account of God’s Word to David and to us at this hour.

My friend, do you know that God still speaks today but unfortunately many of us are not listening or hearing because of our unbelief, undeveloped spirit, spiritual deafness, calloused conscience, neglect; or as a result of our impatience or busy schedules. If there is time to hear God clearly for directions, it is today. We are in the worst of times and in the best of times. “Darkness has covered the earth and thick darkness is over the people” Isa 60:2. And in times like these, it’s helpful to remember that there have always been times like these. The question isn’t, ‘Will crisis come?’ It’s here already but “How will you and I handle it?”

My friend, more persecutions, storms, crises, hardships, troubles, earthquakes, temptations, even austerity, are coming! Don’t tag me as a prophet of doom. If you read Jesus’ prophecy for the endtime in Matthew 24 you will be prepared. You may ask, “How will I handle these things when they come?” Here is the Good News!

The Bible says: “…having done all [the crisis, storm, hardship, austerity demands]... stand [firmly in your place].” You may ask, “What place?” It is in Christ. (read Ephesians 2:6). Can you think of a safer place to stand? The Bible says, “Deep darkness will cover the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles (unbelievers) shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising” Isa 60:2-3. What a promise!

But we must position ourselves for it to manifest.

The Bible says, “We, who have believed, do enter into rest... “Heb.

4:3. My friend, listen! In times of trouble, crisis, austerity, hardship, suffering, sickness; always do what God leads you to do, then relax, stand still in Christ and watch God work on your behalf. (read Exo 14:13). Go ahead doing your constant and daily prayer, service, worship, praise, giving, obedience, hospitality and enjoy your life while God works on your problems! Too many of us have the idea that it’s wrong to enjoy ourselves when we have problems.

We think that if we can’t do anything else, the least we can do is look solemn and miserable.

My friend, it is going to get darker in this world and you’ll be betrayed, denied, disappointed, persecuted and attacked unless you’re not living right. But when you’re attacked, stay in Christ and in peace! That tells the devil he’s defeated. One lesson I learnt in my Christian walk is that the devil and his agent don’t know what to do with you when you’re at peace and they can’t get you upset. When you stay calm, still and you’re in the atmosphere of praise and prayer during crisis, confinement, trouble or storm, you’ve taken one of Satan’s greatest weapons out of his hands. It also assures you of being delivered by God, because an attitude of peace and rest shows that you’re trusting Him completely and waiting on Him as your Mighty Warrior.

God says, “There is a place in Me.” Exo 33:21. Can you imagine taking your child to an unknown destination and laying him on an altar as a sacrifice? That’s what was happened in Abraham’s life when we read, “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance” Gen 22:4.

God opened his spiritual eyes to see the appointed place – place of

Are you looking for a church? ­­

Not settled in any particular congregation?

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

16

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

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

Donnie McClurkin

sacrifice - if not; he would have killed Isaac, his covenant son. My friend, the place of sacrifice, prayer or obedience is the last place our flesh wants to go because: first, it’s the place where God exposes our hidden agendas, secret sins, true motives and values. God didn’t want to kill Isaac, He just wanted to find out and know from Abraham if there is anything he value more than Him. Second, it is also the place where we discover the supply for our every need. The Bible says, “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns Gen 22:13. Notice the word ‘caught’. My friend, when you get to where God wants you to be, the place of your assignment, you’ll find that your provision is already in place. You can’t be disappointed in your appointed place. You can’t lose it and nobody can take it from you! Now, if you think getting to this place is tough, try living there!

When Paul writes, “Neither give place to the devil” Eph 4:27, he

was talking about the same place.

When he tells the Ephesian Christians to put on the whole armour of God, he ended his writing by saying, “having done all, to stand [in your place]” Eph 6:13. Are you in your place where God can fight for you or bless you? Your spouse, joy, peace, blessing, promotion, healing etc is in your appointed place Listen! You won’t have to go out and fight the devil each day; he’ll bring the battle to you. Why? To get you out of your place! God told Moses, “I will make all My goodness to pass before thee” Exo 33:19. My friend, you may be suffering now or facing one challenge or the other. You may be struggling at the moment but if you’re serious about enjoying God’s goodness, get to your appointed place and stay there!

The voice of God to you this day is, “I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more;

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

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

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

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

nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously.” 2 Sam 7:10. Did you hear that? Your focus this year is to get to that appointed place and stay there. Wait for God there and stop gallivanting about committing all manners of spiritual adultery.

Today we’re conditioned to think in terms of instant gratification. We’re the generation of lunch-time face lifts and text messaging; microwaves and instant coffees. We hate to wait for anything. My friend, think about the last time you had to wait for something to arrive by ‘snail mail,’ or stand in line at the checkout counter. Now, here’s where we get it wrong: we expect whatever God initiates through us to be completed while we are still around to see the end result. We don’t like it when He decides to continue the work through another person or worse, another generation! But that’s how God works.

Listen! It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The Bible says, “The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work” 1 Cor 3:7-8. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when simply stand in your appointed place, do what is right there and you’re not concerned about who carries the torch over the finish line. Remain blessed!

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

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Africa

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

Newsround

Maasai under threat in government land-grab plan Tanzania

The Maasai’s way of life is being eroded by the removal of land for grazing Tens of thousands of Maasai people in northern Tanzania face eviction from their homes and a ban from the land their cattle have grazed for generations, under a new government plan.

Tanzania says it will designate as a “wildlife corridor” a 600-square-mile

patch of land next to the popular tourist attractions of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The designation bans pastoralist Maasai herders — known for their red tartan-print blankets and intricate beadwork — from the land, but allows fee-paying trophy

hunters to access the area as guests of United Arab Emirates company, Ortello Business Corporation (OBC), which has had a concession in the area for 21 years.

“The government it taking the land for this so-called wildlife corridor. The Maasai is being kicked off that land but the investor is left to enjoy,” said Samwel Nangira, an activist and resident of the affected area of Loliondo.

“The government is clearing the land, not for conservation but for commercial hunting,” he said.

International activists agree and say the plan could further impoverish Maasai communities to the extent that their traditional, semi-nomadic way of life becomes impossible to sustain.

Carl Soderbergh, director of policy and communications at Minority Rights Group International said :“The proposed move will prevent the Maasai from accessing vital pastures and water in the area and risks causing destitution.”

Jo Woodman, a campaigner at Survival International, says the new directive is in an inelegant solution to a “policy mess” whereby a law change in 2009 meant

villages could no longer overlap with areas where commercial hunting is permitted.

The government decision puts the commercial investment ahead of the needs of the Maasai.

Woodman said this threatened the very existence of the Maasai people.

“The Maasai have been squeezed by the privatization and compartmentalizing of the land, their ability to graze their animals has been curtailed by the parceling out of the land to private interests. They simply cannot afford to lose any more land,” he said.

“What the community needs is a sustainable, workable solution to this problem.”

But such an outcome is looking increasingly unlikely.

The last time Maasai were evicted, in 2009, it quickly turned violent. Homes were burned to the ground, people were beaten and arrested. With both government and Maasai refusing to back down Nangira said he feared that this time, it might be worse.

“This is our big worry, that people will be pushed, beaten or even killed,” he said.

Wade son arrest to set example for future Senegal Karim Wade, the most powerful figure in his father Abdoulaye Wade’s 2000-2012 government, was arrested last week on suspicion of amassing up to $1.4 billion in assets via a network of shady holding companies.

Prosecutors are investigating graft allegations against at least four other former ministers. The opposition alleges that the inquiry was little more than a political witch-hunt. But justice minister Aminata Toure disagreed and said President Macky Sall was making good on promises to tackle widespread corruption in the poor West African country after he won power a year ago.

“There’s an element of setting an example in all this. People must understand that the time when one could pillage public funds is gone,” Toure said “From now that’s how it is. Even members of this government will be held accountable.”

Toure said the aim was to change the culture of public life and prevent bribetaking throughout the administration.

“If we can serve as an example to the rest of Africa, we would be happy,” she

said.

Senegal, a former French colony, is the only country in West Africa not to have suffered a military coup since independence, but its political stability was tested by Wade’s efforts to win a third term last year. It ranked as one of the cleanest countries in West Africa in graft watchdog Transparency International’s Corruptions Perceptions index for 2012, coming 95th out of 174 countries surveyed, behind only Ghana in the region.

On Tuesday (April 22), hundreds of Wade’s supporters marched in central Dakar to protest his detention. “Down with the fascist government,” read one sign.

Wade’s arrest comes amid a flurry of judicial activity in Senegal, led by Toure, as the country also presses ahead with the long-delayed trial of former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre, accused of crimes against humanity during his 1982-1990 rule. Habre has lived in Senegal for the last 22 years but plans for his prosecution stalled under Wade’s government.

17

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

African Fashion

I

Chris Seydou n Paris, where an important colony of Ivorian women in Europe lived, the phenomenon had reached its fullness. Some French women even imitated them.

The reason was that the couturiers Chris Seydou and Gisele Gomez were then succeeding in imposing the African fashion in Paris, the French most important city, which had always been a place of hard competition.

Their mannequin parades were frankly estimated and applauded anywhere they staged in France. Chris thought of having a representation in Ivory Coast. The “Maison Chris Seydou II” was then created in Abidjan (Plateau, Rue du Commerce). The Malian designer could be found there from

18

Chris Seydou June to August.

He remained in France the rest of the year. But even when absent, he always was in permanent contact with his Plateau’s fashion house. “It was as if Chris kept on living with us from June to August.” remembers Adam Sarasso, a fifty-yearold man who worked for Chris Seydou in Abidjan.

The “Maison Chris Seydou II” quickly became a sub-regional Mecca for fashion, where one could find the whole collection of the designer, from Lemakeba of the beginning to the new creation Andama. The house had two floors: the first one for the exhibitions and the models’ parades, and the second one to shelter the employees at work. “Chris’s fashion house in Abidjan was managed like a firm.” says Issa Konaté, one of his tailors in Ivory Coast.

“I’ve never been to his workshop in Paris but I can image how hard the job could be there. Africa needs men like Mr. Seydou: creative, just and hard-working.” argues the retired tailor.

Chris Seydou (Seydou Nourou Doumbia was his real name) was born and died in Bamako (1949-1994). He worked with the greatest fashion designers such as Yves Saint-Laurent and Paco Rabanne. His merit was to Africanize fashion worldwide. Issa Konaté, the ex-employee, said it: “Africa needs men like Mr Seydou.”

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

African Fashion

A

lly Rehmtullah is a mere babe in the woods when it comes to design. This Tanzanian designer started his career in 2006 with a photoshoot with Dollywood Modeling Agency in Dar es Salaam, and by 2008 was considered one of the hottest designers on the continent. His style is laced with elegant lines of flowing fabric punctuated with splashes of vibrant color and great texture.

Born and raised in Tanzania, he takes his inspiration from his surroundings. Inspired by the variety of cultures and styles around him, he attempts to pull all these elements together to create unique, beautiful pieces.

A quote on his site says ” No matter what your size is you can look fabulous. The most important rule of all is to choose what

Ally Rehmtullah In association with

makes you feel good. When you feel good you will look better.” His style intends to inspire you to look good and feel great.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he has also been part of a benefit to help education in Tanzania. Ally, in association with ZAIN, teamed up with the Kisarawe Education Development Fund to carry out a two month campaign to raise funds for the Kisarawe Secondary Schools. The campaign combined media interaction, an sms campaign, school concerts, door-to-door corporate mobilization, and a gala that featured a fusion fashion show by different international designers. The Zain Fashion for Education is now a yearly event that draws a huge crowd and is raising money for different school districts in Tanzania.

19

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

Africans in England can halt HIV African communities in England have the power to halt the spread of HIV in their community within a generation, according to a major new campaign launched by HIV Prevention England (HPE).

It Starts With Me will run until Spring 2015, making it the largest-scale HIV prevention campaign to target Africans in this country to date. Created by Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health, it will reach Africans through press and online adverts, posters in community venues, and will be rolled out across England through a network of national and regional organisations, funded

by HPE to promote the campaign in their local communities.

Recent figures revealed that the proportion of Africans acquiring HIV within the UK, as opposed to overseas, is now higher than ever. It Starts With Me will emphasise the personal role that each and every African can play in stopping the spread of HIV in its tracks and drawing together the whole community in that effort.

For the two-year duration of the campaign, It Starts With Me will rotate between a number of health messages, providing Africans with information and advice on how to protect themselves and their partners from HIV. The campaign’s

over-arching message is simple: Africans in England can help stop the HIV epidemic in its tracks by: • Testing for HIV at least once every twelve months, and more frequently if they have put themselves at risk, have a high number of partners or show symptoms of seroconversion illness.

• Taking the medication they need to stay fit and well, if they have been diagnosed with HIV. • Protecting themselves during sex by using condoms and finding other ways to avoid risk.

• Participating in community action by finding a way to support the campaign and spread the word to their friends and contacts.

Scientists and public health bodies agree that this combination of measures would drastically reduce undiagnosed the African community, long recognised as a key factor driving the epidemic. A short video clip at www.StartsWithMe.org.uk explains how modern drug treatments reduce the level of virus in the body to an undetectable level, meaning someone with HIV who has tested and is on treatment is far less likely to pass the virus on than someone who remains undiagnosed.

Taku Mukiwa, Health Promotion Specialist for African communities at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “While a cure or vac-

cine for HIV remains out of reach, what many might not realise is that medical advances mean it is now within the grasp of Africans living in England to stop the virus in its tracks in this country. By getting as many people with HIV as possible tested and on effective treatment, we will see new infection rates fall rapidly.

“The latest figures suggest that the HIV epidemic is taking root among Africans

here in the UK, with a higher proportion of transmissions taking place in this country than ever before. We can reverse this trend, but it only works if all Africans, from individuals, to local groups, to community and faith leaders, get behind the campaign and share the message within their own networks. We all have responsibility to keep ourselves and our partners safe, so I would encourage Africans to sign up to the campaign today and prove that the battle to stop the spread of HIV will ultimately be won by each and every one of us.”

Africans are invited to sign up to It Starts With Me by visiting www.StartsWithMe. org.uk . From there, they can assess their sex life to find out when they should have their next HIV test, find the nearest place to take a test and order a free HIV postal testing kit. There will also be a dedicated Facebook page where people can join in the conversation, and share stories and online resources. People will be encouraged to champion the campaign by sharing Facebook posts, tweeting stories and spreading the word among their local communities.

HIV Prevention England is a partnership of community organisations headed

by Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health to carry out national HIV prevention work in England among communities at an increased risk of infection.

Foreign Secretary opens new British Embassy in Mogadishu The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, travelled to Somalia to open the new British Embassy in Mogadishu. This will be the first time the UK has an Embassy in Somalia since 1991 when the Embassy was closed and the Ambassador and his staff evacuated.

This makes the UK the first EU country to re-open an Embassy in Somalia.

The Foreign Secretary was joined at the opening by the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Foreign Secretary and the President also discussed the Somalia Conference taking place in London on 7th May. Ahead of a meeting taking place at the Somalia Conference on preventing sexual violence, the Foreign Secretary also attended a discussion between senior members of the Somali government and prominent civil society leaders. The meeting was an opportunity for attendees to raise issues and concerns and to discuss plans for working together to tackle sexual violence.

Speaking from the new Embassy site, the Foreign Secretary said: “I am delighted to announce that today, 22 20

Prime Minister David Cameron with H.E. Mr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Downing Stree

years after we evacuated our diplomats from Mogadishu, we are raising the Union Jack to mark the formal opening of a new British Embassy. Somalia has been through a dramatic shift over the last year but continues to face huge challenges. We should be under no illusions as to the sustained efforts that will be required, in Somalia and from

its international partners, to ensure that Somalia continues to make progress.

“Today’s opening is testament both to the strength of the UK / Somalia bilateral relationship and to UK government’s commitment to work with the Federal Government of Somalia as they rebuild their country after two decades of conflict. I am grateful to the Somali

President for joining me today to mark this special occasion.

“We will continue to work closely with the Somalia Government on shared priorities, which include tackling conflict, countering terrorism and piracy, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting UK interests in Somalia and the region.”

The Embassy has been built on a site leased to HM Government by the Federal Government of Somalia.

The Foreign Secretary continued: “Next month, the Prime Minister and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will co-host a Conference in London which aims to provide international support for the President’s priorities of creating security, rebuilding the justice system, and reforming government finances. I met President Hassan earlier today to discuss the Conference, and also attended a discussion with representatives of civil society on preventing sexual violence. I am pleased that the Somali government has demonstrated its commitment to tackling this serious issue and that there will be a further discussion of practical steps of how to do this at the Somalia Conference in London.”

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Change of Name I formerly known and addressed as Benedict Jojnson now wish to be known and addressed as Benedict Bryan Johnson.

All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known and addressed as Vicoria Modupe now wish to be known and addressed as Victoria Ademodupe.

All former documents remain valid.

Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known and addressed as Adamu Belo now wish to be known and addressed as Adamu Belo Aliyu main valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known as Bashiru Ahmed, date of birth 11th January 1976 now wish to be known and addressed as Beshiru Ahmed, date of birth 11th January 1968.

All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigerian Embassy, London should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Obum Tobi Uche now wish to be known and addressed as Obum Uche All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known and addressed as lailat Muhamad now wish to be known and addressed as Leyla Mohamed. All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known and addressed as Chukwu Biola now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwu Abiola. All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known and addressed as Emeka Chukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Amaka cukwu All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please

AfricanVoice

SUBSCRIBE

take notice.

I formerly known as Hafisat jimi now wish to be known and addressed as Hafsa Ogujimi .

All former documents remain valid. Members of the public, Home Office and Nigeria High Commission, London should please take notice.

I formerly known as Ebuka Adewale now wish to be known and addressed as Ebuka Odeniwale. Former documents remain valid. Members of the public, the Home Office and Nigeria High Commission please take note I formerly known as Mariam Chinodim Ebuka now wish to be known and addressed as Mariam Chinodim.

Former documents remain valid. Nigeria High Commission, Home office and the general public should please take note.

TODAY

£100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR lnclu P&Pz

A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OUT EVERY FRIDAY! Name: Full Address: Post Code:

Tel No: I wish to subscribe to AfricanVoice

1 Year:

£100

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £

made payable to: AfricanVoice.

Please invoice me/my company Pls make a cheque of £100 payable to African Voice.

Mail to Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7JN 21

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Black Stars to camp in Kenya for 2014 World Cup double qualifiers Ghana will camp in Kenya for two crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Lesotho in June.

The Black Stars will move to camp in the Eastern African country in the last week of May before leaving to Khartoum for their 7 June date.

The team will then return to Kenya to continue preparations before travelling to Maseru to face Lesotho on 16 June.

The Ghana FA has clinched a deal with their Kenyan counterparts for an international friendly on 1 June.

“The team has decided to prepare in Kenya before our match in Sudan and after that they will return and work towards the Lesotho,” Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi told MTNFootball.com.

Ghana coach is expected to release a huge squad list for the double-header when the European leagues have all

ended.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists are second in Group D with six points; one point adrift leaders Zambia.

Meanwhile, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is in England to begin a refresher coaching course at Manchester City.

The remedial with the dethroned English Premier League champions is meant to equip him for June’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers doubleheader.

The visit to the English Premier League side is part of a cooperation agreement between the Ghana FA and Manchester City.

“We have sent the coach for a course with Manchester City as part of our preparations towards the game against Sudan,” Ghana FA boss Kwasi Nyantakyi said.

“He will be back I think four weeks

Black Stars

towards the game against Sudan.

“He will also be monitoring some players while he is in the UK.” Appiah will be visiting Eastlands for a second time since his appointment as

Ghana coach in April last year.

He has a busy schedule with two matches against Sudan in Khartoum on 7 June and play Lesotho nine days later in Maseru.

Amir: We have talent and a lot to offer While the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 is still six months away, the mood of the host team is one of concentration, mirroring that of their coach, Rashid Amir. Amir is desperate to see his teenage team succeed add their achievements to the list of the UAE’s recent successes in front of their own crowd.

A veteran of UAE football, Amir sat down with FIFA.com and discussed the importance of the tournament, the quality of the players in the competition and the boost the team is expecting from receiving country-wide fan support.

How do you view the opportunity to participate in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup this year?

Rashid Amir: This is simply one of the biggest tournaments worldwide, and it’s an honour for any player or coach to be part of such a big international event.

Since this tournament is being organised on home soil, we have big ambitions to achieve results that will make the UAE proud.

Almost half of the field for the tournament has been decided. What are your thoughts on the results from the qualifying tournaments going on?

I think you’re seeing how passion and willingness are rewarded, and that’s why teams like Sweden, Austria and Switzerland are right in the mix in Europe. I believe the team whicharrive in 22

Rashid Amir, UAE U-17 coach

the UAE will be strong. The field will be full of very good teams.

The teams that are qualifying look to have some great players as well. Top players come from all over the world these days, and it’s very likely some of the young footballers from these European teams or Mexico or Japan will be future stars at club or international level. Maybe the Sweden team will have the next (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic? Maybe Mexico will have the next (Javier) Hernandez? That’s part of what makes this event exciting.

What would you like to see the team accomplish in training over the next 6-7 months in the lead-up to the World

Cup? Our training has been going on for a long period already. This team has been in preparation for four years, with the UAE FA doing a fantastic job of supporting us and providing opportunities to compete against top competition. We have played almost 18 matches locally as well as big tournaments such as the AFC Championship and the Gulf Cup. These final few months are about continuing to work hard in each training session and playing as a unit.

What do you think hosting a major international event like this means for UAE football?

It is an honour for any country to host

such an international competition, and I think the UAE has the capability to deliver a great event. The infrastructure of the UAE is as modern as almost any other nation in the world, and this country previously hosted the FIFA (U-20) World Cup, which I think was a great success. This is another opportunity for the UAE to impress the football world.

How important will it be to have great fan support throughout the World Cup?As we all know, fans play a vital role in any tournament, and I believe no matter how big a tournament is it can never be successful without the support of its fans. When speaking about UAE fans, I am sure they will be strongly present to support their team during every match.

As I mentioned earlier, it is going to be a long journey to the U-17 World Cup with more than 40 matches for the team to play, and this will surely motivate the fans to attend and support. We saw how great numbers of fans went all the way to Bahrain to support the national team, so I am sure since this tournament is happening on home soil the support will be no less than that.

The UAE players have got talent and they have so much to offer in this tournament. This generation has inherited a successful footballing generation, and we hope to be up to our fans’ and supporters’ expectations, and represent our beloved country in best way possible.

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Kenya name squad for Nigeria clash Adel Amrouche names a 25-man home-based team for Kenya’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on June 5 in Nairobi.

After holding the African Champions to a 1-1 draw away in Calabar on March 23, Amrouche is taking no chances and wants the team to start training early enough.

Amrouche’s team is expected to report to camp on April 27.

“We must start preparing early with the local players who are present before the professionals join us later next month,” the Coach told MTNFootball.com.

Among the new entrants to the team include Sony’s Ben Baraza, Daniel Murage and Thika United’s Kennedy Otieno and David Kingatua.

Kenya will build-up for the Nigeria game with a friendly against the Black Stars Ghana on June 2 who will camp in Nairobi en route to Khartoum to face Sudan in a World Cup qualifier.

The Harambee Stars team will however face Nigeria without skipper Dennis Oliech who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in the qualifiers.

Kenya are currently bottom of Group F on two points, three less than leaders Nigeria after three rounds of pool matches

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has left out Michael Essien from his 23-man squad to Dortmund in the Champions League.

Kenya National team

played.

Goalkeepers: Duncan Ochieng (Sofapaka FC), Martin Musalia (AFC Leopards), Jerim Onyango (Gor Mahia), Wilson Oburu (Bandari FC) Defenders: David Ochieng (Tusker FC), Mulinge Ndeto (Ulinzi Stars), Benedict Owuor (KCB), Abdulatif Omar (Bandari FC), Lloyd Wahome (Mathare United), Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Joseph Shikokoti (Tusker FC)

Midfielders/Forwards: George Owino (SofapakaFC), Patillah Omoto (AFC Leopards), Ali Bhai (Bandari), Peter Opiyo (Tusker FC), Daniel Mwaura (Mathare United FC) , David Kingatua (Thika United), Francis Kahata (Thika United), Ben Baraza (SoNy Sugar FC), Rama Salim (Gor Mahia), Kennedy Otieno (Thika United), Jacob Keli (KCB FC), Ismail Dunga (Tusker FC), Daniel Mutahi Murage (Chemelil Sugar FC)

Fifa flags off bidding war

By Peter Olorunnisomo

The world football governing body, FIFA, whose responsibility it is to promote peace the world over through football, has flagged off a bidding war.

Through a information from its website, the organization declared open the bidding process for five (5) competitions in 2016 and 2017 for the attention of all its member country associations numbering over 200.

The competitions for which member associations would bid for include the FIFA Under 20 World cup tournament (2016), FIFA Under 17 Women’s World cup tournament (2016), FIFA Under 17 and FIFA Under 20 World cup tournaments (2017), and the FIFA Beach Soccer World cup tournament (2017).

“The bidding timeline for these competitions requires the member associations that wish to host these events to submit a declaration of interest by May 15.

“The deadline to provide the hosting agreement with the complete Bid Book is Nov. 15, for the final decision on the hosts.

“The decision will be taken at the FIFA Executive Committee meeting to be held in December”.

The release allows for all interested

Mourinho excludes unfit Essien from squad to face Dortmund

members Associations to submit their ‘Expression of Interest’ early enough and when it is considered that the last U-17 Women’s World Cup was hosted by Azerbaijan, while the U-20 competition was hosted by Japan, the clear suggestion that the terrain is open to any interest is achieved.

The United Arab Emirates will host the 2013 edition of the U-17 Men’s World

Cup in October signifying the increasing participation of the middle east in a ‘participation for development’ principle in world football, while Turkey hosts the 2013 version of the Under-20 Men’s World Cup in June. The last event of those mentioned for bid will hold in Tahiti in September, 2013 and that is the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The versatile player failed to recover from a muscle strain he picked up during their quarter-final return leg match against Galatasaray.

Essien trained alone on Monday but could not win the fitness battle to play in the semi-final first leg tie.

The on-loan Chelsea player was a first choice to play at right-back with suspension of Alvaro Arbeloa.

He had impressed in the makeshift role in recent times for the Madridistas.

Essien’s inability to recover would mean, Sergio Ramos will return to his former position.

Real Madrid Squad: Goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López, Adán and Jesús.

Defenders: Varane, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Coentrão, Albiol, Carvalho and Nacho.

Midfielders: : Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Özil, Kaká, Modric, Callejón, Di María and Casemiro.

Strikers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuaín and Morata.

Cote d’Ivoire reach U17 final

Cote d’Ivoire made history on Tuesday by reaching the final of the African U17 Championship with a 2-1 win over hosts Morocco.

This is the first time Cote d’Ivoire will reach the final of the CAF U17 Championship after they lost 1-0 to Rwanda in the semi final of the tournament two years ago.

Cote d’Ivoire will now await the winners of Nigeria vs Tunisia second semifinal fixed for Wednesday evening.

The Ivorians went in front on the half hour through a well-taken goal by Bedia.

Nine minutes later, the team’s leading scorer Dogbole Niangbo struck to give Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 lead after he had outpaced three Morocco markers.

Danger man Aihassan was close twice, in the 47th minute, when he had his shot saved by the Morocco goalkeeper, and in the 62nd minute, when his effort crashed against the bar from 19 yards.

However, Morocco got a goal back from the spot through Sabbar in the 67th minute after he was adjudged to have been blocked by the Ivorian captain. It was a decision vehemently protested by Cote d’Ivoire.

23

Friday, 26 April 2013 – Thursday, 2 May 2013

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

ISSUE 479

Fifa flags off bidding war SEE PAGE 23

Eaglets glide over Congo to UAE

T

By Peter Olorunnisomo he Nigeria Golden Eaglets had slumbered, after a 28 match unbeaten run, against Cote D’Ivoire when they let in one match-winning goal in the dying minutes of the game. It was a last gasp attempt by the baby Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire side who showed such resilience and determination to qualify for the world cup holding at the United Arab Emirates. It was sweet victory and the spark to realise their ambitions. For the Eaglets, it was as if their wings had been clipped and it was going to be impossible to show that eagle power

on the pitch of play anymore. But it wasn’t the Eaglets alone that went enthusiastically comatose, the supporters and the Nigerian populace who had all come to believe in the invincibility of the Eaglets. Perhaps the Eaglets believed it too. They had just thrashed Ghana, their very potent rivals, 6 – 1 only to lose by a single goal to Cote D’Ivoire.

Next match against Congo and the apparent need to qualify or be clipped, the eaglets went on pages of the tabloids to swear on oath that they are who they were meant to be and would not fail. Yes,

they lived through and did not fail. Congo bore the brunt of the bruise. The Eaglets whipped their Congolese counterparts 7 – 0! And not only did they qualify for the world cup finals in the UAE but they also began to show that they could indeed be champions of the world again.

In a related development, the baby Elephants held Ghana to a scoreless draw to win a place at the world cup. By this result, they have also qualified for the CAF championship semi-finals in the same category and they will be playing against Morocco in Casablanca. Nigeria will also

play Tunisia in Marrakesh to see who advances to the finals.

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