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Nigeria: Terrorism, Kidnapping - Army to Raise Special Task Force - Army Chief

The Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika, at the weekend, disclosed that the Army is to set up a Special Task Force to confront emergency security challenges in the country, particularly 'terrorism'.

Ihejirika made the disclosure while speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 'Basic Counter Terrorism Course' at the Nigerian Army Training Center, Kontagora where a total of 2094 young soldiers -1869 males and 225 females- graduated.

According to the Army Chief, the Special Force, once established at the Army Headquarters, would not be involved in peace keeping operation or internal security operations but specialize in training and confronting any case of emergency whether within or outside the country.

His words, "The Special Force is important to both the Army Headquarters and the nation in the sense that, if there is a situation whereby there is an emergency, we have a force you call upon and deploy immediately whether it is internal or external."

He explained that about 600 counter-terror soldiers would form the base while some senior officers would be posted to form the force properly, adding, "They are not likely to be committed to the peace keeping operations and internal security but to be trained for attending to emergency cases."

Recalling that the establishment of the Army Training Center was based on his vision "to transform the Nigerian Army into a force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges", Ihejirika listed the emergency special security challenges the force will be deployed for as terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping and criminal activities perpetrated in the form of armed robbery, illegal refining of petroleum products and pipeline vandalism.

To the graduands, Ihejirika said, "With the completion of your training, you will be deployed into the field. As you go into the field, you must put into practice all that you have learn't during the training so as to reflect the hard work which your instructors have put into the training. Tackling current security challenges indeed requires competent soldiers in all aspects of internal security duties.

"It is imperative therefore that you utilize all the combat proficiency skills you have acquired during these few weeks of intensive training to exhibit high sense of professionalism in the conduct of your assigned tasks. In doing so, you must adhere strictly to the rules of engagement".

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Nigeria foreign workers abducted in Bauchi state - police

Seven foreign workers have been seized and a security guard shot dead by gunmen who attacked a construction company site in northern Nigeria, officials say.

One of the workers seized was Italian, one was Greek and two others Lebanese.

But UK officials could not confirm a report that another was British.

No-one has admitted the abductions but the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has staged a series of attacks in northern Nigeria.

A security guard was killed as the attackers targeted the workers' camp at Jama'are in Bauchi state.

Correspondents say it is the biggest kidnapping in northern Nigeria in recent times.

However, there have been a number of smaller incidents in the region, including the kidnapping of a French national, Francis Colump, in the northern state of Katsina.

That abduction was claimed by a second militant group, Ansaru, which emerged in June 2012.

The kidnapping of foreigners and wealthy Nigerians is common in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, in the south of the country, and has become a lucrative trade for criminals.

Oil workers and other foreign nationals are often targeted because companies pay high ransom money to secure their employees' release, correspondents say.

Police station attacked

Lebanese foreign minister Adnan Mansour said two of those held were from Lebanon.

An Italian and a Greek national were also abducted from the site run by Lebanese-owned firm Setraco, the foreign ministries in Rome and Athens confirmed.

Another of those seized was a Filipino, a union leader at Setraco told the BBC.

The Italian ambassador in Abuja said, "Italy's absolute priority is the safety of its compatriot," Ansa news agency reported.

A UK foreign office spokesman said it was investigating reports of a Briton being kidnapped.

The raid was preceded by an attack on the local police station, when two vehicles were blown up, in the town of Jama'are, some 125 miles (200km) north of the state capital, Bauchi.

The attackers then moved on to a camp belonging to Setraco, killing a guard and seizing the workers. Setraco is currently expanding a major road in the area.

The state capital has itself been attacked several times by Boko Haram, which wants to impose Sharia (Islamic law) across Nigeria.

Earlier this month, nine polio vaccinators were shot dead at two health centres in northern Nigeria.

Some Nigerian Muslim leaders have previously opposed polio vaccinations, claiming they could cause infertility.

Boko Haram has emerged as one of the most prolific militant groups in West Africa, carrying out a large number of low-level attacks but also some more sophisticated attacks.

Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21491628

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South Africa's Fort Hare closed after violent protests

South Africa's Fort Hare University has shut down its main campus following violent student protests over a 90% rise in residence fees.

University officials said the intimidation of staff and the destruction of property had resulted in the campus' closure until next Tuesday.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse students burning tyres on Monday.

Fort Hare was once a famous university, where African leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe studied.

"Start Quote

Four students cannot be expected to share a room, which has been originally created for two students"

Athol Trollip Democratic Alliance

Twenty-one students were arrested for public violence and released on warning after Monday's protest at the university's campus in the town of Alice in Eastern Cape province.

Students barricaded the campus entrance and blocked staff from getting to work.

Mvuyo Tom, the university 's vice-chancellor, says they may be forced to close the 97-year-old institution if the violent protest continued.

The university obtained an interdict to stop students from further disrupting activities and vandalising property on Monday.

Student Representative Council (SRC) leader at the university, Andile Gama, denied that the students protested in defiance of the court order.

"We are planning to appeal the interdict because the management has not answered to our grievances."

Students have been demanding a reversal of a 90% rise in the university's residence fees.

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party has condemned the closure of the campus.

African leaders like Robert Mugabe and Nelson Mandela got their first taste of politics at Fort Hare

"The 90% increase in residence fees is unacceptable as most of the students are from poor family backgrounds," said DA regional leader Athol Trollip.

Mr Trollip said they were also shocked to hear of the living conditions of the students.

"Four students cannot be expected to share a room, which has been originally created for two students," he said.

Fort Hare University is one South Africa's oldest learning institutions and carries a great deal of history.

Many anti-apartheid activists, as well as regional leaders who fought colonial rule, got their first taste of politics decades ago as students studying there.

Mr Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president, was expelled from Fort Hare in 1940 for political activism and Mr Mugabe, Zimbabwe's president, won a scholarship to study there in 1949.

Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21441746

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Nigerian singer Susan 'Goldie' Harvey dies in Lagos

Nigerian pop singer Susan Oluwabimpe "Goldie", Harvey, has died after a sudden illness, her manager says.

Her record label said Miss Harvey, 31, had complained of a severe headache shortly after returning to Nigeria from the US where she had attended the music industry's Grammy Awards.

The star was rushed to a hospital in Lagos, where she was pronounced dead.

Goldie had won several industry awards and appeared in last year's celebrity Big Brother Africa TV show.

BBC Africa producer Fidelis Mbah says the programme stirred controversy with some Nigerians who said she did not portray the country's culture in a positive light as she came across as too Western.

Others criticised the musician for her on-off romance with a fellow housemate, the Kenyan rapper Prezzo - but she remained hugely popular with young audiences, he says.

A message posted on her Facebook page on Thursday evening said: "It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord - Admin."

Kenny Ogungbe, the head of her music label, Kennis Music, said she had "an abundance of talent" and it was a "gloomy moment" for Nigeria's music industry.

She was also enjoying popularity across Africa, he said in a statement.

Her three latest singles from a forthcoming album, African Invasion, were "presently enjoying heavy rotations on radio and TV stations across the continent", Mr Ogungbe said.

Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports that Prezzo was already on his way to Nigeria to visit Goldie on Thursday.

Source Article : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21471191

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Kimeli wins Nike Discovery race

Former Africa junior bronze medalist Peter Kimeli won the 22nd edition of Nike International Discovery Kenya half marathon in Eldoret on Sunday.

Kimeli, also winner of Kabarak Half Marathon and last year's Sotokoto runner up, brushed a crowdedfield of  407  runners to claim the top honours in 1:03.06 despite the strong winds in Eldoret.

"This is my second big victory in local races after I won Kabarak Half Marathon. It was a good race although the wind was very strong," said Kimeli, 23, a younger brother Mathew Kisorio of the Muge's siblings.

But the winner finished almost three minutes of the course record set by 2008 Chicago Marathon champion Evans Cheruiyot in 2010. The mark stands at 1:01.57.

It was not a walk in the park as the budding runner had to tame rivals who pushed the first 10km in 32:30 along the 7-lap 3 kilometres loop starting outside Eldoret Centre and ending outside Eldoret Municipal Hall.

"This was my third attempt in this race. I have understood the course and was determined to change my position this year. I have been ranked fifth two times," said the 2009 Africa 5,000 m bronze winner.

In the absence of last year's winner Edwin Kipyego, who was present but opted not to defend the title as he is competing in Rak Half Marathon in India on February 15, new comers came to the limelight.

Jackson Limo, a self-trained talent from Chepkorio in Keiyo South, took the runners up position after clocking 1:03.18 during the annual challenge sponsored by Sports Manufacturer Nike and co-sponsored by Imperial Bank.

"I have no coach and I have been training on my own in Nyaru. I believe I can do better if I have a coach like others," said Limo, a former student at Kitany Secondary School.

Victor Kipchirchir from Iten, retained his last year's rank after arriving third in 1:03.33 with new comer Allan Kiprono winding up fourth timing 1:03.41.

Thomas Ekiru (1:04.01), John Lotiang (1:04.02), Benson Moto (1:04.08) and Laban Mutai (1:04.15) completed the first eight positions this year.

The Nike Discovery event came a week after the 22nd edition of Nike Discovery Cross-country that took place at Eldoret sports Club last Sunday.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Kimeli_wins_Nike_Discovery_race/list_messages/42886

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Ethiopia, China sign railway construction deal

Ethiopia and China signed agreement for construction of the first phase of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway project. General Manager of Ethiopian Railway Corporation and Vice President of China Railway Group (CREC) signed the agreement.

The first phase of Ethiopia-Djibouti railway project covers 317-kilometers of the 665-kilometers long Ethiopia-Djibouti railway line stretching from Addis Ababa to Mieso.

CREC, the world's major railway contractor is expected to complete the construction within three and half years.

After the signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn told ERTA that railway construction is among top priorities of the Ethiopian government.

The project took 8 months of feasibility study by a joint cooperation of Ethiopian, Russian and Chinese experts.

The total cost of about 1,193,000,000 USD would be covered by long term loan from the Chinese government and an internal budget of the Ethiopian Government.

According to the five-year national Growth and Transformation Plan unveiled a year ago, Ethiopia envisages constructing 2,395 kilometres of railway line, of which 1,807 kilometres is expected to be completed by the end of the plan period.

Regarding speculations by certain critics that things may not go as per schedule, Hailemariam, who is also board chairman of the Ethiopian Railway Corporation, said they are baseless.

The new railway network is planned to have at least 8 main routes that extend to all points of the compass. It would link no less than 49 urban centres by 2015 where railway stations are to be established.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Ethiopia_China_sign_railway_construction_deal/list_messages/40149

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Ghana's president John Mills is dead

Ghana's president has died on Tuesday at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, the country's chief of staff has confirm. He has been suffering from a long battle with sickness and returned recently to Ghana from a medical checkup in the US. He was the third and current President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and was inaugurated on the 7th of January 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election.

He was Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry John Rawlings, and stood unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He recently returned from a nine day medical check-up in the United States.

Prior to his trip to the U.S of A on June 16th, questions had been asked about the whereabouts of the president after he had not been seen in public for close to two weeks whilst communal violence ravaged parts of the country.

After a successful routine medical checkup in New York, John Mills arrived home at about 12:45pm on Monday 25th June, 2012 to a rousing welcome.

Before his departure to the USA, President Mills quashed rumours of his death when he addressed the media. He also stated that he is going for a "routine check-up" and will be "away for a few days."

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Ghanas_president_John_Mills_is_dead/list_messages/42035

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First pan-African satellite in air

The first pan-African satellite worth $380M is due for launch today and is considered a turning point for the development of the continent is the sectors of new technologies and telecommunication. The project was co-financed by continental and regional banks.

Rascom-QAF1 will provide telecommunication services in rural areas of Africa, as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV broadcast services and Internet access during 15 years.

Cannes - Thales Alenia Space today announced that it has transferred the Rascom-QAF1 communications satellite to the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana.

Rascom-QAF1, built by Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with RascomStar-QAF, will provide telecommunication services in rural areas of Africa, as well as domestic and international connections, direct TV broadcast services and Internet access during 15 years.

The Rascom-QAF1 satellite has a particular importance for the African countries because it will make it possible for these populations to benefit from broadband communications services. The Rascom system will provide an expanded range of value-added services to all African countries that will be using the system, which will include:

Large-scale, low-cost telecom services in rural areas, based on the use of appropriate technologies;
Inter-urban links in each member-country;
Direct international links between all member-countries;
Direct TV broadcast and Internet access services;
Value-added broadband services.

The African rural and urban areas will be thus equipped with a key infrastructure enabling to deliver communication services to everyone, at very low cost. The satellite-based solutions are particularly adapted to match this type of requirements by ensuring a broad geographic coverage at a cost for connection among the weakest. This program illustrates the common willingness of the African countries to reduce the digital divide and make telecommunications a powerful socio-economic development lever.

Based on a Spacebus 4000B3 platform, Rascom-QAF1 is equipped with 12 Ku-band transponders and eight C-band transponders. It will weigh about 3,200 kg at launch, will have a 6.4 kW power end of life and will be positioned at 2.85 degrees East.

The Rascom-QAF1 launch campaign should start shortly, for a launch by Arianespace schedule in next December with an Ariane 5 GS rocket.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/First_panAfrican_satellite_in_air/list_messages/14076

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Ethiopian Airlines orders aircraft for $276m

Ethiopian Airlines has ordered an additional 777-200LR aircraft valued at $276 million from Boeing, bringing the number of similar planes to six. The Addis Abba-headquartered carrier is to add an additional aircraft to its fleet, less than two months after two plane crashes in Ghana and Nigeria notched up the question of aviation safety in Africa.

The 777 is Boeing's second-biggest plane, with 321 seats as flown by Ethiopian Airlines, which already has five of them.

"The 777-200LR has been a fantastic airplane for Ethiopian Airlines," Tewolde Gebremariam, Ethiopian Airlines chief executive said in a news release. "This additional airplane will let us take full advantage of the performance and economics of this great airplane."

The 777-200LR carries more passengers and more revenue cargo farther than any other jetliner and is capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world nonstop, Boeing said on its website.

"Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have been partners for more than 65 years and we've seen the airline grow to become a leader in African aviation and beyond," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The airline continues to invest in its fleet to grow the airline, increase profitability and provide the best products in the sky for their valued customers."

Ethiopian Airlines was the first African airline to operate the 777-200LR, the first to order the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an order for 10 and the first to order the 777 Freighter.

The airline currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737, 757, 767 and 777 airplanes in passenger service and a 757, MD11 and 747 in cargo operations.
The Ethiopian carrier is one of Africa's largest carriers, competing with South African Airways and Kenyan Airways.

A limited number of African carriers are allowed to fly into the European Union and United States over "safety" concerns.

It is expected that the new order by Ethiopian Airlines will some how simmer the safety matters that keep denting Africa's airline industry.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Ethiopian_Airlines_orders_aircraft_for_276m/list_messages/42011

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Nigeria: Bank governor adjudged world best

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi, has been adjudged the world best by the Banker magazine, a publication of the Financial Times of London. The magazine noted that Sanusi has performed creditably in the last 18 months in office to salvage the Nigerian economy.

The Nigeria Country Representative of The Banker Magazine Kunle Ogedengbe said the magazine noted in its 2011 January Edition, which will also be distributed at the World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland, that during Sanusi's tenure he implemented reforms that have put Africa's most promising market back on the map for investors globally.

The Editor of the magazine, Brian Caplen noted that few candidate names can generate an overall consensus on judging panels and yet, when it came to finding the best global central bank governor of the year, Sanusi was chosen unanimously.

Caplen stressed that Sanusi embarked on a radical anti-corruption campaign aimed at saving 24 banks on the brink of collapse and pressed for the managers involved in the most blatant cases of corruption to be charged and, in the case of two senior bankers, convicted.

"Despite the big challenge of facing up to powerful people who held considerable sway in the country, Sanusi never looked back and got the support of the public as they were made aware of the scale of corruption, which made the public to support the change he promoted", he said.

Two months into his governorship, Sanusi embarked on the bailout of Afribank, Intercontinental Bank, Union Bank, Oceanic Bank and Finbank and dismissed their chief executive officers in a move designed to show that banking is no longer business as usual but institutions that must serve the economy as a whole.

Another key reform of the banking sector introduced by Sanusi has been to limit the tenure of bank CEOs to a maximum of 10 years.

They will have to leave office at the end of their term regardless of their record. This policy has already led to change of leadership at UBA, Zenith and Skye banks.

Caplen added that the reforms initiated by Sanusi have been hailed as necessary to sanitise the banking industry and that observers have argued that, had these reforms not been initiated, Nigeria would have entered into another round of banking distress.

"The implementation of stricter disclosure policy by the CBN has also led to a culture of greater transparency in the sector", he said.

The magazine noted that the reforms of Sanusi are to enhance the quality of the Nigerian banks, establish financial stability in the system, provide enabling and healthy financial-sector evolution as well as ensuring that the financial sector contributes to the real sector rather than just serving the banking sector alone.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Nigeria_Bank_governor_adjudged_world_best/list_messages/36946

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NIGERIA: $20 m factory for soybeans production

Nigeria-based Karma Foods Limited is establishing a $20 million factory that will take delivery of locally produced soybeans at the end of this year's harvest, and open up new marketing opportunities for Nigerian soybean farmers.

The 75,000 metric tons processing capacity factory, which is located near Abuja International Airport close to Gwagwalada—about 30 minutes drive from Nigeria's capital city of Abuja—will create additional stable and sustainable demand for soybean in one of Africa's major producers.

Karma Foods plans to source 100% of its soybean demand locally, says Dipak Mirchandani, Chairman of the firm, ahead of a stakeholder conference on soybean in Makurdi on 12 July.

"We hope that this investment will help reposition soybean production in Nigeria, and more importantly, it will profit the Nigerian soybean farmer because he now not only has options to sell his products, but also can plant with a sense of security and the assurance that his produce has a committed buyer," he adds.

To meet the company's soybean demand, Karma Foods and researchers from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture under the Tropical Legume ΙΙ project and the University of Agriculture Makurdi will be backstopping farmers in Benue state with best practices in soybean production.

"We see Benue farmers as key stakeholders in this project because the state plays a leading role in soybean production," says Mirchandani.

The company, the biggest soybean factory in Sub Saharan Africa outside of South Africa, will be creating tens of thousands of jobs along the soybean value chain, which will help reduce the level of unemployment in Nigeria in line with President Goodluck Jonathan's transformational agenda.

Dr. Alpha Kamara, IITA Systems Agronomist, says the emergence of Karma Foods will go a long way in increasing soybean production in northern Nigeria with a resultant increase in farmers' income.

He explains that IITA and partners are already promoting soybean production through the provision of high yielding improved varieties, creating awareness, promoting sustainable seed production systems (community seed schemes) and strengthening the capacities of seed companies to package and sell improved seeds.

Described as a 'miracle bean' or 'golden bean' because of its cheap protein-rich grain, soybean production in Nigeria has been stymied by unfavorable market which often times results to cyclical gluts.

Dr. Lucky Omoigui, Molecular Geneticist/Plant Breeder at the University of Agriculture Makurdi, says the new partnership between research and industry will create sustainable demand and supply for the commodity, and make the farmers proud hence they now have a very large and committed buyer who is reaching out to them.

Over the years, IITA has made substantial efforts to improve the productivity of the crop by developing high yielding, early maturing varieties capable of nodulating in association with local rhizobia, and possessing other good agronomic traits. The institute has also developed and released rust resistant soybean.

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Accor has high hopes for sub-Saharan Africa

Accor is Africa's largest hotel operator with 17,000 rooms (116 hotels) in 18 countries. It is now stepping up its expansion on this continent and aims to open another 5,000 rooms there by 2016.

Sub-Saharan Africa, where Accor has 54 hotels from economy to upscale in 14 countries, is a key area for the group, which aims to open 35 hotels there by 2020.

Accor sees opportunity in the area's economic growth, the urbanization of its large cities, and the growing demand for hotels. It plans to expand principally through its economy and midscale brands ibis and Novotel, but Accor will also expand through its Mercure and Pullman brands as and when opportunities arise in the most important cities. The group plans to create denser networks in countries where it already operates and open hotels in new markets.

The next establishment to open in sub-Saharan Africa is the ibis Lagos Ikeja in Nigeria (in spring 2013).

"After operating for many years in Africa, we have high hopes for this continent and are now stepping up our expansion here. By launching our sustainable development program, PLANET 21, in Africa we are asserting our commitment to responsible growth." declared Denis Hennequin, Accor's Chairman and CEO.


Accor launches PLANET 21 in Africa, to reinvent hotels…sustainably.

PLANET 21 is the new sustainable development program that involves all Accor's hotels and customers.  The program is structured into seven pillars – health, nature, carbon, innovation, local development, employment and dialogue, which in turn comprise 21 commitments backed by ambitious quantifiable objectives that the hotels must meet by 2015.  PLANET 21 includes an innovative program that uses an array of educational messages to inform and encourage customers to contribute actively to the hotels' actions through a few simple gestures.

Accor's approach to sustainable development places particular emphasis on local problems. For example, over the last few years, the efforts of the group's sub-Saharan hotels have focused on four flagship projects: tree planting in the Lompoul Kebemer region, employee health and well-being, careers and training and responsible fishing.


- Ever since 2009, Senegal has been home to one of the 14 plantations supported by Accor as part of the Plant for the Planet project which finances reforestation around the world thanks to the hotel bathroom formula "5 reused towels = 1 tree planted". To date, 590 hotels, including 14 in Africa and two in Senegal, are taking part in this reforestation funding project, which is carried out in partnership with the NGO SOS SAHEL. A total of 1,251,000 trees have been planted on the site and significant benefits are being felt both environmentally (less erosion, villages and fields shielded from the sand) and socially (creation of new revenue-generating activities for the communities involved and organization of a timber exploitation business).

- Accor has made the health and well-being of its teams a priority with E-care, a website available to all the hotels in the region that aims to help prevent illnesses (HIV/Aids, malaria, diabetes, etc.) and psycho-social risks (high blood pressure, stress, etc.).

- Accor is behind the creation of 11,000 jobs in Africa, including 3,000 in sub-Saharan Africa, and believes that employees' and future employees' careers and training are of vital importance.  In 2012, Accor Africa welcomed 1,846 trainees in 14 countries, and provided 517 days of training to employees in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

- The group's African hotels are also committed to supporting local development. 82% of them purchase local products and promote them on their menus.  In Senegal, a guide to sustainable seafood procurement, produced in collaboration with expert NGO Nebeday, has been used in all the group's hotels since 2012.

With PLANET 21, Accor's African hotels, which already boasted encouraging results in all these areas, are now taking another step towards sustainable hospitality.

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/Accor_has_high_hopes_for_subSaharan_Africa/list_messages/42888

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World Bank Vice President for Africa, to Visit Ghana

World Bank Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop will make his first official visit to Ghana later this week for development talks with President John Dramani Mahama, senior government officials, as well as women, business, and civil society leaders, February 14 and 15, 2013.

Ghana joined the World Bank in September 1957, a development partnership which Vice President Diop describes as having grown strongly, over the past several decades, and we are happy to see Ghana continuing to make major strides in maintaining its high economic growth while investing in the health, education, and job opportunities for its people.

At the end of the visit, he will hold a dialogue session with the media, which will be carried live on Friday February 15, 2013, at 4:00 pm (GMT) via:www.livestream.com/worldbankafrica

Ghana/World Bank Office

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/World_Bank_Vice_President_for_Africa_to_Visit_Ghana/list_messages/42898

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France proving immense clout in African politics

After a good military outing in Mali, France has once again flexed its diplomatic muscle in African affairs, this time warning that Paris will respect European Union (EU) position of essential contact only if an inductee of International Criminal Court (ICC) is elected Kenya's president in March 4 general elections.

French Ambassador Etienne de Poncins on Friday said Kenyans have a right to elect a president of their choice, but expounded that the electorate should not to expose the country to undue consequences. Jubilee coalition's presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto are facing charges of crimes against humanity following the post election violence of 2007/8.

"It is Kenyans who will decide its leaders but those decisions have consequences... the position of France is clear that we only have essential contact with people who are indicted by the ICC," he said.

The envoy spoke during opening of new Milimani Branch of Alliance Francaise de Kisumu. The French government's stand comes as the third foreign voice after United Kingdom and The United States of America said it won't be business as usual if Kenyans have a president who is facing crime against humanity charges.

Former US ambassador to Kenya Johny Carson said on the upcoming elections that good choices must be made. He said that Kenyans must know that individuals have reputation and images built through their history and must be careful against making choices that might impact negatively on the economy of the nation and the region.

France and other European Union countries are major budget donors, with significant economic investments especially in energy, water and sanitation. It's involvement in the Kenyan economy is through development agencies, NGOs and other partners with analysts estimating that France invests Sh240 billion into the economy.

For instance, in 2010, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Kenya's main power producer, received a $364 Million loan from European Investment Bank and French Development Agency (AFD).Under the agreement, AFD loaned KenGen roughly US$201.3 million (Sh17 billion) to finance construction of the 140-megawatt Olkaria IV geothermal power plant.

Kenya is an emerging regional power and is electoral concern and stability is of great concern to France in East Africa. Mutual relations between the two countries are its best and France also gave logistical support to Kenyan forces pursuing Islamist militants across the border in Somalia.

France is actively involved in tackling several major political, social economic transformations in the continent through promoting democracy, human rights and rule of law. French forces intervened during 2011 ivory coast leadership crisis and supported Chad's President Idriss Deby as his army battled rebels in 2008.Only last week French President Francois Hollande made a triumphant visit to Mali, in diplomatic intervention that stands out among the hallmarks his presidency.

Source Article: http://www.africanews.com/site/France_proving_immense_clout_in_African_politics/list_messages/42896

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US$60,000 Yara Prize for agriculture innovation in Africa

The Yara Prize Committee is inviting nominations for a candidate that deserves recognition for achievements in combating hunger and poverty and enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural development in Africa.

"The Yara Prize 2013 will have a specific focus on youth and agriculture, paying particular attention to innovation and entrepreneurship", said Committee head, Jørgen Ole Haslestad, who is also the President and CEO of Yara International ASA.

He noted "an important part of the current discourse on agricultural development in Africa is about creating more interest and engagement amongst the continent's increasingly youthful population".

The Yara Prize winner will receive US$60,000, a trophy and a diploma which will be handed out in September this year. The winner is free to decide how to utilize the Prize in order to further the sustainable greening and development of Africa.

The Prize can be awarded to any individual or identifiable group of individuals, as well as to established institutions, associations, organizations or government bodies with a formal and recognized judicial and organizational structure contributing to the overall objectives of the Prize.

The Yara Prize was established in 2005 as a direct response to former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan's call for a green revolution in Africa. It recognizes food and nutrition security and sustainable agricultural initiatives with a transformative power, and serves as inspiration for action to scale up the African Green Revolution.

The Prize was awarded annually in the years 2005–2009 and reinstituted in 2012 in connection with AGRF 2012 (African Green Revolution Forum) in Arusha, Tanzania.

During the first five years, the Yara Prize was awarded to eight individuals and one organization representing seven countries in total.

The laureates represent a diverse range of African society engaged in the African Green Revolution: entrepreneurs and scientists, activists and organizers, businessmen and politicians.

The Yara Prize 2012 was awarded to two female African leaders; Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Rwanda, and Dr. Eleni Gabre-Madhin, outgoing CEO of the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange.

Dr. Kalibata was recognized for her outstanding leadership in the transformation of food security and agricultural development in Rwanda, whilst Dr. Gabre-Mahdin was honoured for her remarkable stewardship of the transformation process toward an efficiently functioning market, especially for smallholder coffee producers in Ethiopia.

Yara delivers solutions for sustainable agriculture, the environment and safe and efficient industry operations.

 

Source Article : http://www.africanews.com/site/US60000_Yara_Prize_for_agriculture_innovation_in_Africa/list_messages/42894

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Carteron: Pressure is on Nigeria

Nations Cup 2013: Pressure on Nigeria - Mali's Carteron

By Matthew Kenyon BBC Sport, in Durban

Mali coach Patrice Carteron says his side are underdogs in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria, even though they lead the Super Eagles in the Fifa world rankings.

The Eagles are 25th in the world and third in Africa, while Nigeria are 52nd on Fifa's list and ninth in Africa.

Carteron told BBC Sport: " Nigeria beat Ivory Coast, who everyone had thought would win that game.

"Now everyone thinks Nigeria will win the cup, so the pressure is on them."

He added: "They've got good young players like Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike, and experienced players like John Obi Mikel - and they've got a good, experienced coach in Stephen Keshi.

"But we have the faith and we are so motivated because we want to give so much to the Malian people.

"This semi-final is not the end; it is the start of something."

Carteron revealed that Mamadou Samassa, the goalkeeper who was suspended for the quarter-final against South Africa, will return to the starting line-up for Wednesday's game.

That is despite the heroics of his replacement, Soumalia Diakite, who pulled off two saves in the penalty shoot-out to see Mali through to the last four.

Mali against Nigeria is the first semi-final, and kicks-off in the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban at 1500 GMT on Wednesday.

Article Source by: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21325635

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Talks prompt disgruntled Keshi to continue Nigeria role

Coach Stephen Keshi has decided against resigning his post just hours after leading Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations crown since 1994.

Reports emerged that Keshi had offered to quit after Sunday night's defeat of Burkina Faso, following disputes with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

"I am pleased to say that I have reconsidered my position and have decided to continue with my job," Keshi said in a statement.

Keshi took charge of Nigeria in 2011.

"I am not really angry but the (NFF) needs to show me a little bit of respect"

Stephen Keshi

On Tuesday, the former Nigeria captain is set to return to rapturous acclaim in the capital Abuja as the squad returns home from South Africa.

The 51-year-old, who became only the second man to win the Nations Cup as both a coach and a player on Sunday, paid tribute to Nigeria's Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi for helping to resolve his rift with the NFF.

On Monday, Keshi told a South African radio station that he had informed NFF officials that he no longer wanted to continue working with them - although he never submitted a formal letter of resignation.

Keshi cited frustration as well as a lack of support and respect on the part of the NFF for his reasons.

But after an emergency meeting with Abdullahi in the early hours of Tuesday in Johannesburg, Keshi rescinded his decision to quit.

"While I have had cause to express my displeasure over some issues that happened in the course of our (Nations Cup) participation, especially concerning my relationship with the NFF, I have since had opportunity to discuss the various issues with all concerned," his statement said.

"I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, for his swift and kind intervention."

Sunday Mba's winner earned Nigeria a 1-0 victory

In an interview with BBC Sport, the Nigeria coach explained how he had been upset by hearing constant rumours during the group stage of the competition that he was set to be replaced.

"A coach's job is to be hired and then fired, so that doesn't really matter," Keshi told the BBC.

"The only thing that annoyed me was that there was no respect in all this activity - because even if you are looking for a coach, you still have to let me know that this is what you are going to do."

"I am not really angry but they need to show me a little bit of respect. Because I am a black person and also a Nigerian, they think they are doing me a favour by allowing me to coach the Super Eagles.

"They are not doing me a favour because I am working day and night (to succeed) and we thank God that we have the cup and that Nigerians are happy."

NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire reacted to Keshi's claims by denying that they were true.

"Rumours were flying around during the group games but no one can prove these things. The NFF continues to support and back the coach amidst all this media speculation," he told BBC Sport.

Keshi's Nigeria host Kenya in a World Cup qualifier next month - before travelling to both Nairobi and Namibia for further ties in June.

It is unclear whether the team leading Group F of the African standings will reschedule the Namibia tie, which is set to be played three days before the Super Eagles start their Confederations Cup campaign.

The African champions face Tahiti in the Brazilian city Belo Horizonte on 17 June, before meeting Uruguay and Spain in Group B of the global competition.

Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21429088

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Nigerians welcome Nations Cup winners home

Nigeria's football team have returned home to a rapturous reception following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

Thousands were at Abuja's airport to greet the team, who beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Sunday's final in Johannesburg.

There was a thunderous roar when the squad emerged from the airport terminal to enter their bus, said the BBC's Chris Ewokor in the Nigerian capital.

The players will spend Tuesday evening attending an official function with President Goodluck Jonathan.

CHAMPIONS OF AFRICA

Nigeria have now won the Nations Cup on three separate occasions: 1980, 1994 and 2013

Despite the fact that no public holiday had been declared, crowds turned out in huge numbers to line the streets as the team travelled from the airport to Abuja's city centre.

"The mood is electric. Many people are wearing the national colours of green and white, while some are wearing hats sporting pictures of the Super Eagles," our reporter said.

After plenty of expectation ahead of previous Nations Cup tournaments, Nigeria's triumph was unexpected by most fans - an emotion which made the success all the more enjoyable.

"I am very excited," said Godwin Orinyo, who had travelled to the airport to greet the team.

Losing finalists Burkina Faso received a heroes' welcome themselves on Monday

"The final was so sweet and I was so happy afterwards that I couldn't sleep. My mum almost collapsed she was so happy. Today is too sweet - I am overjoyed."

Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo led the squad off the plane after it touched down on Nigerian soil with the trophy on board.

Many eyes were also on coach Stephen Keshi, who initially quit after the triumph in protest at his working relationship with officials from the Nigeria Football Federation.

After Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi intervened to help resolve the row following talks that lasted into early Tuesday morning in South Africa, the NFF released a statement from Keshi in which the coach had 'reconsidered his position'.

Should the former Nigeria captain, who also won the trophy as a player in 1994, continue in his post, he will try to lead the Super Eagles to the 2014 World Cup as well as to Confederations Cup glory in Brazil in June.

Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21433424

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Presidential reward for Super Eagles

Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad have been rewarded with national honours, cash and land gifts presented by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Super Eagles lifted the trophy in South Africa on Sunday after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.

Twenty two players received the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) while coach Stephen Keshi was made Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and his assistants and team captain Joseph Yobo became Officer of the Niger (OON).

In addition, each team member received a plot of land from the Nigerian government.

The president also announced a cash gift of 10m naira ($62,500) to Keshi and 5m naira ($31,250 ) to each of the players.

Speaking at the event, President Jonathan said: "We thank you for making us proud, we gathered here to celebrate you our gallant Super Eagles.

"It was a well deserved victory, you deserved all the accolades and praise, your victory reminds us that dreams can actually come true.

"When we couldn't qualify for the 2012 edition of the competition, the general impression was that football had lost its battle. When you qualified for this edition, the majority didn't give you a chance but with determination, you won.

"We thank Keshi for a good job, you have my backing. The next target is for you to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil. You must not fail and we will support you to do well."

The president also emphasised that the government is determined to improve sport in the country.

Other team officials will receive 2 naira ($12,700) each.

Top industrialists in the country also donated another $2m to the team, according to the president.

Article Source by: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21450619

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Nigeria ease through to Nations Cup final

Nigeria eased through to their first Africa Cup of Nations final in 13 years with a comfortable victory over Mali.

Defender Elderson Echiejile opened the scoring, heading home Victor Moses' cross, before Brown Ideye bundled past Mali keeper Mamadou Samassa.
The Super Eagles made it three with Emmanuel Emenike's shot deflecting in off Mali midfielder Momo Sissoko.
Substitute Ahmed Musa stroked home Nigeria's fourth, before Cheick Diarra grabbed a consolation for the Eagles.
Three of Nigeria's goals came in the first half, overwhelming a Malian side, who would be forced to settle for a place in the third-place play-off for the second year in a row.

Closing in on number three

Stephen Keshi's resurgent Super Eagles will make their first appearance in a final since 2000 as they attempt to claim their first Nations Cup title since 1994 - and their third in total

Stephen Keshi's side, meanwhile, progress to their first final appearance since 2000, seeking to end their 19-year wait for a third Nations Cup title.

The confident-looking Super Eagles moved the ball around well from start, with Moses unleashing the first shot from 25 yards, which flew well wide.
Mali's first attacking threat came through Adama Tamboura, who burst forward well into the box, before his pull-back was cut out by Godfrey Oboabona. Defender Molla Wague then headed well over from the resulting corner from 10 yards, when he should have done better.
Mali enjoyed some good pressure, with Kalilou Traore heading wide from Mahamane Traore's in-swinging corner. Former Liverpool midfielder Sissoko followed that miss with a long-range effort which flew over Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama's bar.
Nigeria's first real chance of the game came from a John Obi Mikel ball over the top, which striker Brown Ideye attempted to slip past keeper Samassa, only for the reinstated Malian keeper to deny him with an outstretched boot.
Mikel then lashed in a dangerous shot from 25 yards, which flew just past Samassa's post.
It served as a warning sign for what was to come, as Nigeria broke the deadlock with a goal created by the influential Moses.

Mali's wait goes on

The Eagles will contest their second play-off game in two years, as they failed once again to progress to their first final since 1972 - which they lost to Congo

The Chelsea midfielder turned the Malian defence inside out with some good skill to cross brilliantly for Echiejile, who stooped to head home unmarked at the far post.

The Super Eagles made it two just minutes later, with Emenike breaking forward down the right again and laying the ball into the path of Ideye, who bundled in past Samassa at close range.
Mali, rattled by Nigeria's two quick-fire goals, tried to play themselves back into the game but to no avail, as Emenike made it three just before the break.
A free-kick laid off to the striker took a massive deflection off Sissoko in the wall, wrong-footing Samassa and creeping in just inside the keeper's left-hand post.
The stunned Malians emerged in the second period with a mountain to climb and captain Seydou Keita could have got one back right at the start of the half, finding space in the box but firing wide from eight yards.
The Nigerians continued to press and substitute Ahmed Musa, who had replaced Moses minutes earlier, beat the offside trap and fired home under Samassa's body to put them out of sight.
Musa thought he had made it five, when he found the net from close range once more, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Striker Cheick Tidiane Diabate tried to salvage some Malian pride with a shot at the near post, which was smothered by Enyeama, before striker Mahamadou Samassa's close-range effort was palmed away by the Maccabi Tel Aviv keeper.
Substitute Diarra then grabbed the consolation for the Malians, stroking home into the corner, after some good work on the left by fellow replacement Diabate created the opening.
Diarra almost grabbed a second in injury time, but saw his effort curl just over Enyeama's bar, as the dejected Malians moved on to Port Elizabeth for Saturday's play-off, while the resurgent Nigerians progressed to Sunday's final in Johannesburg.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi:
"Mali are a good team with a top player like Seydou Keita.
"But they are not very fast at the back and we took advantage of this to score our first two goals."
Mali coach Patrice Carteron:
"I'm still proud of this team.
"We worked hard even though we did not reach the final." 
Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21339342

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Nations Cup 2013: Keshi hails players after victory

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi hailed his players after they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1994.

Ex-Super Eagles captain Keshi becomes only the second man to lift the title as a player and coach after Egyptian Mahmoud El Gohary, and the first black coach to win the trophy since 1992.
"I am so proud of what my players did in this tournament," said Keshi.
"They played well and concentrated on the job. They have so much potential."
Keshi, who skippered Nigeria to the trophy 19 years ago, added: "When I came on board a year and a half ago my dream was to make Nigerians happy that they could have a very good team they could be proud of.
"We are not there yet but we are in the process and I am happy about that."

"Winning this tournament is mainly for my nation"

Stephen Keshi NIgeria coach

Sunday Mba scored the only goal in the 40th minute and Keshi joked that he could not describe what he was feeling in the last few minutes of the match.

Uppermost in Keshi's mind was the fact Burkina Faso equalised with the last kick of the game when the two sides drew 1-1 in their opening group game three weeks ago.
"You don't want to know what was going on in my head five minutes from the end," said the Nigeria coach, laughing loudly.
"So many things were going through my head but I was keeping the faith."
Keshi was under huge pressure to win the tournament, almost two decades after he captained the country to their last Nations Cup triumph.
The Nigerian media had been scathing of his decision to leave established players like Peter Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins out of the squad in favour of younger, inexperienced players like match-winner Mba who plays in the domestic league.
Nigeria's victory - their their title - means they will now face world and European champions Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti at the Confederations Cup in Brazil in June.
"It is an honour for us as Nigerians to represent Africa," said Keshi. "I haven't even thought about it yet but it gives us the chance to continue to improve." 
Article Source by : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21403692

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