African leaders seek investments despite terror threat

African leaders and bankers vowed at an economic summit in Egypt Saturday to push for trade and investments on the continent despite the growing threat of “terrorism” in the region.

More than 1,200 delegates including some heads of state were in talks to sign business agreements during the two-day summit at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, aimed at attracting private sector investment.

Organisers hope the “Africa 2016” conference can build on a 26-nation free trade pact signed last year to create a common market on half of the continent.

Analysts say that despite an economic growth rate of more than four percent, Africa still accounts for about only two percent of global trade.

The forum was aimed at “pushing forward trade and investment in our continent to strengthen Africa’s place in the world economy”, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in opening remarks.

Sisi said the conference aims to present investment opportunities in Africa and “open a direct channel of communication and cooperation” between African businessmen and overseas investors.

Organisers are also seeking to turn the spotlight on Egypt’s sluggish economy after years of political turmoil following the ouster of longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak in early 2011.

Heavily dependent on tourism, Egypt’s economy was dealt a body blow when a Russian airliner broke up in mid-air last October 31, minutes after taking off from Sharm el-Sheikh.

All 224 people on board, mostly Russian tourists, were killed when the aircraft blew up over the Sinai Peninsula. The jihadist Islamic State group said it brought down the jet with a bomb.

Egypt says it still has no evidence that a bomb downed the plane, although Moscow has acknowledged that a “terrorist attack” caused the disaster.

“Africa 2016 forum is expected to position Egypt as a gateway for foreign investments into African markets,” Omar Ben Yedder, a member of the organising committee, told AFP.

Those attending the summit organised by Egypt and the African Union include the presidents of Sudan, Nigeria, Togo, and Gabon, and dozens of African ministers and senior trade and investment officials.

African investors should spearhead growth in the continent, which can come from developing the region’s infrastructure, some delegates said.

“When our own people invest then other investors get convinced,” said Sindiso Ngwenya, head of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

He added that trade and investments within COMESA had surged from $837 million in 2007 to $12 billion currently.

Officials said a robust railway network could further propel growth.

“Rail will do to Africa what it did to agriculture in Asia and even in America. If you have power and rail, Africa will explode,” Benedict Oramah, president of African Export-Import Bank, told AFP.

But rising terrorism and falling commodity prices pose challenges to growth.

“The new problem affecting investments is international terrorism… lot of resources that could be used for development are being diverted to address security issues,” Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is fighting a brutal insurgency launched by Boko Haram in 2009.

Boko Haram, which wants a hardline Islamic state in northern Nigeria, has killed some 17,000 people and forced more than 2.6 million others to flee their homes since the insurgency began.

Bankers say despite these challenges, the continent remains an investment destination.

“We plan to invest 12 billion dollars in the energy sector over the next five years… so that people in Africa can have universal access to electricity,” Africa Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina told AFP.

The continent still has 645 million people without access to electricity, he said, and the only way to address the issue is to widen private sector participation in the energy sector.

Africa’s economy is projected to grow by 4.4 percent this year and five percent in 2017 as against three percent growth expected in developed countries, he said.

“Africa is doing well despite the challenges it is facing,” Adesina said.

Hull held Holders Arsenal to goalless draw in the fifth-round FA Cup

Holders Arsenal must travel to Hull for an FA Cup fifth-round replay after failing to turn dominance into victory against the Championship leaders.

The Gunners had two penalty claims denied and had chances to win the game through Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.

Hull keeper Eldin Jakupovic made a string of saves, most notably touching Joel Campbell's free-kick on to a post.

The Tigers created little, but defended admirably to frustrate Arsene Wenger in his 100th FA Cup game as Arsenal boss.

The two sides made a total of 19 changes between them from their previous games - nine for Arsenal and 10 for Hull.

But Steve Bruce's Tigers not only ended a 14-game winning run in the FA Cup for the Gunners, they also prevented a repeat of their defeats by the Londoners in the 2014 final and last season's third round.

Arsenal's priorities undoubtedly lie elsewhere, with Wenger's side only two points off the top of the Premier League and a visit of Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie coming up on Tuesday.

Europe is particularly pressing for the Gunners, who have failed to go past the last 16 in any of the past five seasons, which meant there was no place for key man Mesut Ozil in the squad, while Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez were restricted to contributions from the bench.

Despite the team bearing little resemblance to the XI that started in the 2-1 win over Leicester City last week, the Gunners were good enough to control the game from start to finish and created enough chances to have secured a comfortable victory.

However, the draw means Arsenal are still in with a chance of becoming the first team to win three consecutive FA Cups since Blackburn Rovers accomplished the feat 130 years ago.

It is not only Arsenal who have distractions away from the FA Cup this term, as Hull continue their bid to return to the Premier League after last season's relegation.

Only Curtis Davies remained in the side from last week's draw with Brighton, and the former Aston Villa defender blocked, headed and tracked runners enthusiastically alongside Alex Bruce and Harry Maguire in a defensive three.

Hull boss Bruce could be forgiven for the pragmatism in his team selection, as his men are in the midst of a run of 10 games in 35 days, which will now become even more congested thanks to the replay.

And while his team's resilience with have pleased the former Birmingham City manager, he will also have been delighted by the performance of 16-year-old Josh Tymon, who looked confident and composed at left full-back.

Arsenal's only issue came in front of goal, as they moved the ball around with precision to carve out 24 shots - 11 on target - compared to the six shots mustered by Hull.

But they could not find a way past Jakupovic, who allowed himself a self-congratulatory moment after taking time out to watch a replay of one of his saves on the big screen at the Emirates.

January signing Elneny, making only his second start for the Gunners, put in a standout performance for the home side.

The Egypt international was always available for the ball in midfield and dictated the pace for Arsenal from the middle of the park.

And there were promising signs from 19-year-old Nigerian Iwobi, who found plenty of space behind striker Theo Walcott to attempt through balls into a congested Hull penalty area, only for the hosts to draw a blank every time.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "The replay is not especially good news but Hull defended very well.

"We were not incisive or accurate enough in our passing in the final third. As long as they did not concede, they maintained with how they played. We had 20 shots, 70% possession, but no goals.

"I cannot influence the referee's decisions, only the technical quality of my team. If we have no injuries, we can cope with the fixtures.

"I think FA Cup replays is a particularity of the English rules and you have to respect that."

Hull manager Steve Bruce: "I don't know when we're going to play the replay. That's added to the fixture pile-up we've got.

"We made 10 changes and we rode our luck a bit, but the team deserved it for the spirit and the 100% effort they gave.

"It bodes well when I see the strength in depth we've got, because we're going to need it.

"Josh Tymon didn't look out of his depth and it's great to see someone from the academy, from Hull, come in and wear the shirt."

Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic: "My little daughter, my father, everybody is here. We knew it would be a difficult game and would be defend all game. We got a 0-0 and I hope the replay will be the same."

Arsenal have the small matter of the visit of five-time European champions Barcelona on Tuesday, for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Hull go to Ipswich on Tuesday and then host Sheffield Wednesday on Friday in the Championship.

Buhari Explains Reasons For His Opposition Against Naira Devaluation

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has given reasons he opposes the devaluation of the Naira, emphasising that his country cannot compete favourably with other producing nations.

President Buhari spoke on Saturday while contributing to a Presidential Panel Roundtable on Investment and Growth Opportunities at the opening session of the ‘Africa 2016: Business for Africa, Egypt and the World’ at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Channel News reported.

Self-sufficiency In Food

“Nigeria cannot compete with developed countries which produce to compete among themselves and could afford to devalue their local currencies.

“Developed countries are competing among themselves and when they devalue, they compete better and manufacture and export more.

“But we are not competing and exporting, but importing everything including toothpicks. So, why should we devalue our currency?” the President asked.

“We want to be more productive and self-sufficient in food and other basic things such as clothing. For our government, we like to encourage local production and efficiency”, in the report.

The President stated that those who had developed taste for foreign luxury goods should continue to pay for them rather than pressuring government to devalue the Naira.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would get out of its current economic downturn, pointing out that another major problem militating against economic revival was the huge resources deployed towards tackling insurgency and international terrorism.

Present at the talks were Egyptian President, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, presidents of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, also addressed the participants.

Boko Haram: Operation Lafiya Dole Intensify Operations Against Terrorists

Items Seized from Boko Haram

The Nigerian troops have intensified operations to clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists. Following the disruption of Boko Haram terrorists logistics chain and successful raids and ambushes, the 5 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) has further exploited beyond Kekeno-Mile 90-Gudumbali and blocked the terrorists’ logistics corridor.

During the operation, the Boko Haram terrorists suffered heavy casualties and some escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops recovered 13 motorcycles, 1,170 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), stored in 39 jerry cans.

The troops also conducted fighting patrol to clear suspected terrorists settlement along Gawala village and west of Kukawa towards Gudumbali axis and blocked them from Kukawa but there was no contact with the terrorists.
Similarly, troops of 119 Task Force Battalion conducted fighting patrol to deny Boko Haram terrorists fishing activities around Lake Chad waters.

Troops of 157 Task Force Battalion arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ spy, Mallam Goni at Garin Giwa. The 55 year old suspect claimed he transports fish for the terrorists along Fish Dam and Cross Kauwa. He is currently being interrogated at the 7 Multinational Joint Task Force Brigade Garrison.

In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has commended the troops in various formations and units fighting the Bolo Haram terrorists and expressed happiness with their recent recorded success in the fight against the Bolo Haram terrorists. He enjoined them to work harder to clear the visages of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be in the North East.

'Broke' 50 Cent ordered to court after flashing cash online

50 Cent has posted lots of photos surrounded by cash -- while he's in bankruptcy court.

The rapper "50 Cent" is heading to court to explain why he's declaring bankruptcy -- while posting pictures of himself surrounded by cash on Instagram.

Curtis J. Jackson III filed for bankruptcy in July. He claims that he still makes millions, but that a flood of expensive lawsuits is killing him.

The guy who got famous for his 2003 album called "Get Rich or Die Tryin‍" has poked a lot of fun at his financial situation. But now U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Ann M. Nevins is worried the rapper is being outright dishonest.

Since October, 50 Cent has posted several photographs on Instagram of him playing with cash. In one, he's in bed surrounded by dozens of stacks of $100 bills -- easily $50,000 in that picture alone.

In another, he stacks the Benjamins to spell out "B-R-O-K-E."

In court on Thursday, the judge told the rapper's attorney: "I'm concerned about allegations of nondisclosure or a lack of transparency in the case."

"There's a purpose of having a bankruptcy process be transparent, and part of that purpose is to inspire confidence in the process," the judge said, adding that bankruptcy court is where "an honest but unfortunate debtor can come into court and seek relief."

"When that process becomes very public, the need for transparency, I believe, is even higher," she told the rapper's lawyer, James Berman.

Judge Nevins ordered the rapper to show up in court. On Friday, the rapper's legal team issued a statement saying he would show up "to make sure that all questions have been addressed."

"Mr. Jackson has been forthcoming and transparent with all creditors," his lawyers assured.

This issue was brought up in court papers filed in January by headphone maker Sleek Audio,SunTrust Bank (STI) and 50 Cent's ex-girlfriend Lastonia Leviston, three claimants in the bankruptcy case who say they're owed a combined $29 million.

In court documents, they also say 50 Cent has posted pictures of huge public performances he probably got paid for -- even though he hasn't reported that to the court.

They also pointed out that 50 Cent never admitted he owned property that he later disclosed on Instagram, saying: "My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I'm gonna have the craziest housewarming party ever."

The trio said the rapper also hid in court papers the fact that he trademarked the valuable "50 Cent" brand back in 2004.

Snake head found in can of green beans

A Farmington woman and an LDS Church Young Women's group say they discovered the decapitated head of a snake in a can of Western Family green beans as they prepared dinner for elderly neighbors Wednesday night.

"It looked pretty much like a burnt bean. And then as I got closer to lift it off the spoon, I saw eyes. … That's when I just dropped it and screamed," said Troy Walker, who spotted the snake head when the group was lifting beans out of a slow cooker.

Walker took what she said was a snake head and the empty can back to the Harmons grocery store in Farmington where she bought the beans. She chose to leave the snake head at the store.

"My biggest concern (was) that someone else would get the body," Walker said, adding that Harmons employees were apologetic and gave her a full refund on the 30 or so cans she had purchased.

Walker and the other youth leaders threw out all of the green beans, she said, although the teenagers thought it was "kind of cool and fun."

"I haven't eaten much today because I still get a little queasy," she said Thursday. "I could not eat last night. It was just terrible."

Walker also sent a photo of the snake head to Western Family, which has begun an investigation but could not confirm Thursday exactly what Walker found in her food.

"It's a report of a foreign material in a can of green beans. (That's) what we know," said Pete Craven, Western Family chief financial officer.

The supplier of the green beans has also been notified and a review is underway, Craven said.

"At this point, the product is on hold at the wholesale level. As soon as we know something like this, we stop all shipments until we know what's going on with the foreign material," he said. "Foreign matter is not something we take lightly. We want to know what it is, and we will immediately research and do any level of correction as we can."

The company is determining which lot Walker's can came from, and tracing back where the rest of the lot ended up, according to Sharon McFadden, Western Family vice president of quality control.

Once the other cans in the lot are located, they will be pulled from store shelves.

If the presence of foreign material in the food is confirmed, the supplier of the green beans will be required to complete a corrective action report, McFadden said.

"They will go through their processes and try to determine if there was a failure of process control," she said. "Then they will have to work through that, determine what needs to be changed, and then implement those changes."

For Walker's part, she is keeping a sense of humor about the experience, which she says she will always remember as a "fun little story." The Young Women's leader said she needed to be extra persuasive when texting family members about hosting a dinner at her home this weekend.

"I said, 'I promise I am not going to serve green beans. We are not having green beans,'" she said with a laugh. "Please answer."

President Buhari at the official opening of Business for Africa, Egypt & the World in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt (Photo)

The Business Forum being organized by the Egyptian government and the African Union Commission is aimed at promoting partnerships and accelerating private sector investment in Africa’s development.

President Buhari is to address African leaders and other at the plenary session of the Business Forum on Nigeria’s perspective on Africa’s growth and development.

Students Protest Closure Of JAMB Portal ‘Before Due Date’

Some secondary school students in Edo State due to enrol for the extermination of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are protesting against an alleged sudden closure of the JAMB online registration portal before the due date, Channel News reported.

The students staged the protest in Benin City, the capital of the State on Friday.

In their numbers, they complained that the action of examination body would negatively affect their academic careers.

One of the students said: “This protest will not just stop here. We are going to continue until the day the JAMB will be conducted. We are going to disrupt until we are given extension for us to register.

“Some of us here, our forms are online in the CVT centres and these centres are very few in Benin City”.

Another student claimed that they were asked to go and learn a trade, condemning the comment.

She told Channels Television that since 15 of January, the examination board was already short of scratch cards.

But in a swift reaction to the protest the south-south zonal Coordinator of JAMB, Mrs Priscila Ogunsola, dismissed the claims by the students, insisting that JAMB gave enough time for the registration.

She said that JAMB had informed the students that the registration would close on February 5 and explained that some Cyber Cafe owners had thought that they could get access code to register candidates even after the deadline.

“They were hoping to still get that opportunity which never came this time around. That is just the problem,” she said.

Dr. Drew files court statement supporting ‘overly honest’ Janice Dickinson’s claim Bill Cosby raped her

                                                                            KENA BETANCUR/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

More than 50 women have accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault.

One of Bill Cosby's most high-profile accusers is “overly honest” — and came forward years ago, says Dr. Drew Pinsky.

Model Janice Dickinson, one of more than 50 women accusing the fallen funnyman of sexual assault, told Drew on a 2010 “Celebrity Rehab” episode she had been raped by an unnamed “prominent celebrity” in 1982, the reality TV doctor said in a new, explosive declaration supporting Dickinson’s defamation case against Cosby.

“She said she feared to say the name because it would have legal consequences,” the “Loveline” host wrote in a document obtained by the Daily News.

The “blunt and unvarnished” Dickinson is “an honest person,” Drew added in support of the ex-model, whom Cosby has branded a liar.

“In fact, in the entertainment industry Ms. Dickinson has a reputation for being plain spoken and sometimes overly honest,” he wrote.

Drew, who treated Dickinson for her substance abuse, further argued that the former “America's Next Top Model” judge’s battle with addiction had no bearing on her ability to be truthful.

“In my professional opinion, an addict may get clean and sober and become an honest and truthful person,” he testified in the declaration. “I believe that has been the case for Ms. Dickinson.”