Zimdancehall's Ultimate Poet

Zimdancehall rookie Tocky Vibes is staking his claim as the foremost social evangelist of the genre. The lyrically varied 20-year-old is dropping tune after tune with mature messages and poetic mastery uniquely his own. His recent tracks including "Kushanda," "Kudzamisa Pfungwa," "Usakande Mapfumo Pasi," "Mhai," "Hama" and "Ndivhurei Maziso" starkly contrast with the train of bad influence which most young artistes are riding on.

With themes revolving around the hard work, gratitude, honesty, love and prayer, the "Marshall Munhumumwe of Zimdancell," as Tocky Vibes is fondly called, appears to be safely weaned off the bubblegum factory.

Tocky Vibes told The Herald Entertainment that he has earned the ears of all age groups as his music is now family oriented.

"The tunes I am dropping now appeal to a mature audience. If I sing in support of drugs and sexual immorality, I will lose one generation of my fans," Tocky Vibes said.

"The older listeners will shun my music once I support slackness so I am sticking to positive values in all my tunes now," he said.

The avant-garde artist attributed his lyrical facility to talent and his commitment to singing what he knows instead of tagging into any buzzword of the moment.

"I sing about things that I see; the lessons of life I consider worthy sharing with a broader audience.

"I know nothing about style and pattern so I can't sing about that. I have experienced different types of life so I know better about the life challenges I put across in my songs.

"I sing especially for the poor and my message is about upliftment. I urge those who are currently struggling that with hard work and dedication nothing will stop them from amounting to their dreams.

"But I can't take credit for the tunes. "Ndezvashe, tigazvitsvaga isu tingatozvistressa" (it's all of God, we can't figure it out ourselves). I am just availing myself as a vehicle for the message.

"I want maturity to define my music.

The thing is young people may like slackness now but because everyone is growing there will be no place for that kind of music in the future.

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France confirms no survivors in Air Algerie plane crash

President François Hollande of France confirmed Friday that there were no survivors from Flight AH5017 that crashed carrying 116 people from Burkina Faso to Algiers. The wreckage of the plane was found on last Thursday in Mali, according to officials.

Both of the plane’s black boxes have been recovered and as yet, the cause of the crash remains unknown.

The Air Algerie commercial plane lost contact with controllers early Thursday an hour after it took off, as it headed into a rainstorm. The wreckage was found near the border of Burkina Faso, a presidential aide for Burkina Faso told the Associated Press.

“They found human remains and the wreckage of the plane totally burnt and scattered,” he said.

France’s Interior Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, told RTL radio that the aircraft most likely crashed because of the storm, though he added that terrorist groups are operational in the area where the plane was found.

Nearly half of the people on the flight were French. The passengers aboard included 51 French, 27 Burkina Faso nationals, eight Lebanese, six Algerians, five Canadians, four Germans, two Luxembourg nationals, one Swiss, one Belgian, one Egyptian, one Ukrainian, one Nigerian, one Cameroonian and one Malian, officials said. “If this catastrophe is confirmed, it would be a major tragedy that hits our entire nation, and many others,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told reporters. French officials do not believe that extremists in Mali have the weaponry necessary to have shot down the plane at cruising altitude.

This is the latest in several major flight disasters in the last week: a Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down last Thursday while flying over a tumultuous section of Ukraine, and a Taiwanese jet crashedduring a storm Wednesday killing 48 people. Travelers have become increasingly nervous about flying as U.S. and European airlines have been selectively canceling flights to Israel after a rocket landed near the airport in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, a Malaysian airline flight carrying 239 people that disappeared in March has yet to be found.

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Access Bank launches customer contact

Access Bank Ghana has formally launched its world-class and multichannel contact centre to provide all round support for customers and other stakeholders.

The contact centre, which provides a fully interactive platform, has been designed to address customer enquiries and requests through Voice calls, e-mails, live chats and social media. The centre will operate 24 hours a day and seven days in a week, including holidays, and will be accessible to customers of the Bank worldwide.

Speaking at a brief launch ceremony in Accra, the Managing Director, Dolapo Ogundimu stated:

'Our customers remain at the heart of our business as such any investment to enhance their customer experience is in the right direction.'

'Considering the growing level of sophistication of our customers, we recognize that we must continue to exceed their expectations and ensure that they are able to reach us anytime of the day.'

The Access Bank Contact Centre will provide services covering information on accounts, transactions, products and other services of the bank, as well as offering support for online services such as ATMs, Cards and internet banking on a 24/7 basis.

Group Head of Personal Banking at Access Bank, Stephen Abban, noted that the establishment of the Contact Centre was in line with Access Bank's vision to deliver superior services to customers.

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Oil company invests over 20 billion kwanzas in social projects

Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC) invested in the last two years 21 billion kwanzas in social projects of 18 provinces of the country, informed the general director of the company for human resources, Cesaltino Matias Pedro.

Speaking to ANGOP, at Luanda International Fair (Filda), Cesaltino Matias Pedro, stated that the investments were for programmes of development and corporative responsibility.

The source said that in partnership with associates of block 0 (zero) and 14, schools were built, teachers and students received training, among other actions that were organised such as programmes for teachers and students training.

During the period in reference, said the source, the support was extended to farmers, fishermen, small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The source stressed that the great social projects of the oil company are connected to the sectors of education, health and agriculture.

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Ghana Commercial Bank invests in financial journalism

Ghana's financial sector is experiencing major changes with new emerging trends. These, according to Chief Finance Officer of the Ghana Commercial Bank Limited (GCB), are bound to shape the financial services landscape.

He has therefore stressed the need for media practitioners in Ghana to play an active role in educating Ghanaians on the economic and financial situation of the country.

He says it is important for the media to accurately report on business and financial issues to enable people make informed decisions.

'We should aim to target our financial reporting to suit the different needs of our vast audience without losing touch or misrepresenting the key elements of the issues we report on,' said Mr. Awuah.

He was opening a seminar for financial journalists and reporters in Kumasi.

Mr Awuah said business and financial journalists need to enhance their understanding of the issues to better analyze and interpret current economic trends.

Attended by 30 journalists across the print and electronic media in the Ashanti Region, the workshop was the second in a series organised by GCB to sensitize journalists to do a thorough job in financial reporting.

Mr. Awuah urged the media to serve as the link in attracting export and export financing to Ghana and the West African Sub- Region through their reportage and analysis.

He said, the media must endeavour to attract financing for the export sector by delving into the challenges and opportunities inherent in the sector for the benefit of the nation.

Ghana and the Ashanti Region are endowed with cocoa, timber, natural and other resources, talent, rich culture and tradition as well as a booming artisan industry which make Kumasi the centre of trade in Ghana and for the sub-region.

'As media practitioners you are the link between export and export financing. Your discoveries and research through reports and your reportage of events can open up investment and export opportunities for this country,' Mr Awuah said.

This, the GCB Chief Finance Officer noted will help arrest the current financing gaps in the economy and create employment avenues for all.

Banking consultant and Executive Head of the College of Banking and Management, Nana Otuo Acheampong, noted that with the advent of internet and Information Communications Technology (ICT) journalists could enhance their reportage.

He urged media practitioners to set for themselves high standards and equip themselves with the requisite skills to meet the needs of the listening and reading public.

Dr Messan Mawugbe, Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Media Analysis, who was the resource person, called on financial journalists to make effective use of financial analysts to give greater credibility to their reports.

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Rwanda picks team for Afro-basketball tourney

The Rwanda basketball Federation has picked the men’s and women’s national teams to start preparations for the Afro-basketball and All African Games qualifiers.

The men’s team head coach Moise Mutokambali named a 24-man team to start preparations today while eight professional players will join the team in camp next month.

The women basketball coach Jacques Bahige has also named a provisional squad of 26 players to start camp. She summoned 20 local based players and six professionals who will join camp in August.

The men’s team: Aboubacar Ally Barame, Alphonse Habyarimana, Pacifique Habyarimana, Steven Hagumintwari, Lionel Hakizimana, Parfait Ishimwe, Elie Kaje, Pascal Karekezi Rurangirwa, Ali Kubwimana Kazingufu, Aristide Mugabe, Muhizi Olivier, Sunny N. Munyandamutsa, Jean Paul Ndoli, Bienvenu Ngandu, and Olivier Shyaka.

Professional players summoned include; Kami Kabange (City Oilers), Dan Manzi (USA), Adonis Rwabigwi (USA), Nestor Manzi (USA), Patrice Twagirayezu (USA), Bradley Cameroon (USA), Kenneth Gasana (Morocco), Thierry Suku Suku (ACEB France and Hamza Ruhezamihigo (Canada).

The women’s squad is comprised of Chantal Akamuntu, Jovithe Kabarere, Joselyne Munyaneza, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Vanessa Umwizerwa,Denise Uwase, Cecile Nzaramba, Yvette Uwizeye, Christine Uwibambe, Gisele Umutoni, Rosine Micomyiza, Jeanne Yamfashije, Priscilla Dodoo, Claudette Imanishimwe, Clementine Ushizimpumu, Clementine Matungano, Esperance Mukaneza, Alice Muhongerwa, Claudette Mugwaneza, Martine Umuhoza and Nicole Rwibutso.

The professional women players include; Henderson Tierra Monay (Angola), Ange Kamanyana (USA), Sabine Mugeni (France), Yvonne Kirezi K. (Drc), Laetitia Mahoro (USA) and Nancy Ishimwe (USA).

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Miss Tourism Enstooled As Queen Mother

Miss Tourism Ghana 2011 was nstooled as the Mawerehemaa of Apirede in the Okere Constituency of the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region.

The colourful event which could best be described as a day out for the celebrity was heavily attended by some personalities in the music and the performing arts industry.

The Mawerehemaa Nana Tiaah Darkoh I, known in private life as Priscilla Asare, has been described as the youngest among the Akuapem queen mothers.

She told the BEATWAVES in an interview that she had since childhood admired queen mothers and dreamt of holding on to that title as a call to champion the cause of becoming a voice for women.

The Mawerehemaa, who is also a product of African University College of Communication (AUCC), is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Konekt Ghana Foundation (KGF), a youth-driven charity organisation.

She added that KGF is an advocacy platform to support domestic tourism among Ghanaians through the promotion of Ghanaian identity by way of clothing, language use and indigenous diets.

Nana Tiaah Darkoh I further called for the collective efforts to help her contribute to the development of the community.

Three other new chiefs in the ranks of Guantuahene, Guantuahemaa and Dabehene titles were enstooled at the same event.

The Chief of Apirede, Nana Saforo Okoampah III, described the event as a memorable one in the history of the community Nana Saforo Okoampah urged the new chiefs to show evidence of loyalty to the people by relating well with them.

The Akyempimhene of Wassail Daman, Nana Ampassi Bene- Mireku, said chieftaincy must be seen as a call to serve in order to make impact in the living standards of the people.

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Livestock Feeds - An Investment Opportunity in Agriculture

The agricultural transformation agenda of the federal government is taking shape with many investors looking for ways of keying into it and benefit.

Government commitment's towards making the agriculture sector the mainstay of the economy is not in doubt given pronouncements of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

While some investors with the financial power are investing directly in the agricultural sector of the economy, others are investing through portfolio investment by buying the shares of companies in that sector.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is currently providing the platform for portfolio investors to participate in the various subsectors of the agriculture sector, from crop production and fishing to livestock.

Although only five companies are quoted in the in agriculture sector of the NSE, they provide a good investment opportunity for investors. A look at the performance of the stocks listed in the sector in recent past showed that investors have reaped significantly from their investments either in form of dividends or capital appreciation.

One of such companies that has rewarded its shareholders significantly is Livestock Feeds Plc. While the company has not declared dividend for some time due to a rough patch it went through, investors who staked their funds on the equity in the past one and have years ago have are counting a capital gain of about 170 per cent.

The stock closed at N3.06 per share. That price is 28 per cent below its opening price of N4.30. However, given its performance last year, the price is an opportunity for investors to buy into the company given its future prospects.

Corporate profile Livestock Feeds was established in 1963 by Pfizer as a subsidiary to the pharmaceutical business which had been introduced to Nigeria few years earlier. Following importation of exotic milking cows and hybrid chickens into the country by Germans, Dutch and later Americans, the need to provide health and nutritional products led to creating animal health division and then the feed division.

The first mill of five metric tonnes per hour (MT/hr) was installed at Ikeja, Lagos in 1963. Another was installed in Aba 1964 and in Kaduna in 1965. They have 4MT and 3.5MT per hour capacity respectively.

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KNOWLESS LAUNCHES 'BUTERA' ALBUM IN STYLE

Songstress Knowless put on one of the best album launches this year at the Kigali Serena Hotel.The Kigali Serena auditorium was full to capacity. The diva had a fully packed auditorium by 7pm that saw late-comers stand all through the show.

Dressed in a long white dress, Knowless came on stage at 9pm with backup dancers who were equally dressed in white and evoked emotions with a splendid theatrical performance of her gospel hit Mbese urukundo rw’Imana.

Knowless was joined on stage by twelve little girls who sung with her. Hit after hit, the show intensified with performances of Follow you, Reka Ngukunde, Ninkureka ukagenda and Tulia climaxing with her latest hit Wowe featuring Christopher.

Inganzo Ngali entertains the crowd. As she had promised earlier, all the performances were live and there was no single play back.

Together, with backup singers, she also performed renditions of legendary folk singer Rugamba Cyprian’s songs which brought back memories of his popular band Amasimbi n’Amakombe. She had a superb performance with Inganzo Ngari that exuded a lot of energy; the crowd could be seen dancing the traditional Rwandan dance from their seats. She did a series of traditional songs on her new album such as Nyaruka, Baramushaka and Nzaba Mpari amidst applause from the audience.

The highly billed show hosted by Sandrine Isheja and Ally Soudy kicked off with an electric performance from legendary musician Makanyaga and his band. He was flanked by two old men as his backup dancers and they proved that age is just a number as they gyrated away to Nshatse inshuti which charmed the audience.

Kesho band gave acoustic backup to Christopher for Habona and Ndabyemeye performances among others. Tom Close had a good performance with Ibintu byarahindutse and his new song Isi. Dream Boys intensified the show with great performances of Urare Aharyana and Uzahahe Uronke.

The concert ended with Knowless expressing gratitude to her loyal fans that have supported her throughout her musical journey.

The concert ended with Knowless expressing gratitude to her loyal fans that have supported her throughout her musical journey. The concert attracted several musicians that included Intore Massamba, Mani Martin, Senderi International Hit, Khizz Kizito, Aline Gahongayire, Tonzi and Faycal.

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India Begins Here at:PUNJAB

Punjab, a home to five rivers is bordered by the Indian states; Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south and southeast, Rajasthan to the southwest as well as Pakistani province of Punjab to the west. Punjab is certainly a primarily agricultural state and enjoys the natural benefits of fertile soils and abundant waters.

Embroidered with a distinct blend of rural and urban flavours, the land of heritage, architecture and nature has a lot to offer to a tourist eye. The Government of Punjab, to enhance rural tourism, has identified a cluster of four villages on the banks of river Sutlej.

Punjab is widely famous for its spicy, enriched with love food and no other food can out-do cuisines of Punjab. It has an enormous variety of mouth-watering vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian delicacies. The spice content ranges from minimal to pleasant to high, depending on the persons taste. Punjabi dishes like Palak Paneer, Rajma Chawal, Chhole Bhature are all relished by people of all communities.

Aqsa Mosque, located in Qadian, is a huge attraction in terms Islamic community. It was built in 1876 and is the first ever Ahmadiyya mosque. It has only three walls with houses starting right next to it. Qadian is a blooming city full of shopping destinations even Bahishti Maqbarah also witnesses’ high tourist attractions.

It has a unique legacy with a host of Gurudwaras, forts, history of Sikhism. Also, the Government of Punjab has identified a cluster of four villages on the banks of river Sutlej, to enhance rural tourism and has come up with a plan to connect six historical cities by road; Mega Darbar Circuit. Even though, Punjabis account for less than 2.5% of the Indian population, they are one of the most prosperous races in India. Their per capita income is twice the national average. Amritsar, the capital is among the most cherished sites in the world. Amidst it stands variety of tourist destinations without which your trip cannot be over.

GOLDEN TEMPLE

Sri Harminder Sahib, delineated as “Golden Temple” is the major pilgrimage destination around the world. The most sacred Sikh shrine is covered with real gold and is surrounded by a ‘holy tank’ consisting of ‘immortal nectar’. Midnight provides a stunning view of the temple with its reflection in the “Amrit Sarovar”. The four gates for entrance symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. The main entrance has verses from the Guru Granth Sahib inscribed on the doorway; also the north entrance is under a Victorian clock tower known as the Darshani Deori.

The Gurudwara is a two storey marble structure reached by a causeway known as Guru’s Bridge. The architecture of the Gurudwara is a blend of Hindu and Muslim art. Adjacent to the Gurudwara the Jallianwala Bagh came into being as a historic spot when a horrific shootout by a British General took place killing hundreds of innocent people and number of people jumped into a well to escape the firing. The place reminds one of the terror and insanity of East India Company and Punjab’s sacrifice to the struggle for freedom of India.

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Philips Lights Up Black Star Monument

Philips, the global leader in lighting, has spectacularly illuminated Ghana's iconic Black Star Monument with its latest LED lighting technology. The new lighting technology from Philips has enhanced the beauty of Ghana's Black Star Monument.

The showcasing of the LED lighting solutions in Ghana formed part of Philips' 5th pan-African Cairo to Cape Town road show , the third to be held in Ghana.The new LED lighting solution is also expected to cut energy consumption by 80 per cent, as the digital LED lighting technology creates more light.

'The spectacular lighting of the Black Star Monument in Accra demonstrates the incredible advances that are being made in efficiency and beauty in lighting,' said Abdallah Hussein, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Philips West Africa.

'Philips is very proud to have placed its know-how and technology at the service of this iconic monument and contributing towards the preservation of Ghanaian heritage.

The CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Mawuena Trebarh said the intervention would help support the energy sector and upgrade efficient use of energy resources.

Felix Darko, General Manager Philips Lighting West Africa, said the installed capacity of the lighting system is only 3.00 kW compared to approximately 11.00 kW previously.

He said there was no need for lamp replacement and called on the public to use energy efficiently by choosing the Philips LED lighting.

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Indian Ocean airline receives high 4-star rating

An Indian Ocean region airline received a high rating from a United Kingdom-based consultancy, which runs an airline and airport review and ranking site. Air Mauritius, the leading airline in the Indian Ocean, was awarded the prestigious 4-Star professional quality rating by SKYTRAX. Receiving the award were Air Mauritius Chairman, Appalsamy (Dass) Thomas and the CEO, Andre Viljoen by Edward Plaisted, Chairman of Skytrax, at a ceremony held at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre.

Mr. Edward Plaisted said "This 4-Star Airline rating recognizes the improvement in service quality that has been achieved by Air Mauritius across both airport and cabin service operations. Associated with these changes, service concepts in Business Class have recently been upgraded, and complement the many product standard improvements that have been introduced in the past year to enhance customer comfort for both Business and Economy class customers. This 4-Star Airline rating also reflects the fact that Air Mauritius is shortly to confirm replacement of its A340 fleet, and new aircraft entering their fleet will offer full flat seats in business class, and latest inflight entertainment systems and Audio Video On Demand (AVOD)."

Receiving the highly coveted Award jointly with Mr. Viljoen, Mr. Thomas said "I am delighted to be receiving this Award together with the CEO and on behalf of all of us at Air Mauritius. The 4-Star Status places Air Mauritius in another league – among the World's best 40 Airlines. It is also testimony to the great work accomplished over the past years by the Board, Management and all Team Members to take the airline to further heights. We now need to continue our efforts in order to sustain the improvements made and continue to deliver value to our Customers. This is the only way to remain in the game in this highly competitive industry."

Andre Viljoen, who spearheaded the airline's recovery and sustainability program known as the 7-Step Plan, stated that he was equally delighted with the Award of the 4-Star Status to the airline. "We have come a long way from where we were three years ago. We took some tough decisions and revised our business model with the assistance of Seabury APG. Once approved by the Board, we all embraced the 7-Step Plan as OUR PLAN and have kept focusing on it."

He further added "Step 6 was about Customer Experience and we set up a Customer Experience function. We enlisted the support of Ron Kaufman to assist us with an education program for the entire organization. We also set up many project teams to work on the improvement projects. These were rolled out in record time showing in fact the commitment of the whole company to make change happen."

Andre Viljoen stated that the improvements made have now enabled Air Mauritius to reach the 4-Star status. "I am grateful to Skytrax for this recognition and our challenge will now be to constantly deliver 4-Star standards across the whole airline. This is a challenge and a commitment our team is prepared to take."

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Emirates A380 Says “Namaste Mumbai” ...Airline Marks First A380 Service Connecting Dubai and India

Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has commenced its first scheduled Airbus A380 service to India with a daily flight between Dubai and Mumbai. EK500 took off from Dubai International airport at 21:55 hours on 21st July, arriving at Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai at 02:30, covering the approximate 2,222kms at an average cruising speed of 822kms per hour.

The return flight EK501 took off from Terminal 2 in Mumbai at 04:30hrs and arrived back at Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, the airline's home and hub for its specially designed A380 terminal - Concourse A, at 06.00 hours.

Emirates' Ahmed Khoory, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean said: 'Mumbai was one of the first destinations on our route network when we launched in 1985. Dubai and Mumbai share a rich tapestry of partnerships, business and culture. In the past 29 years, we have flown over 42 million passengers between India and the UAE and so it is quite fitting that the city becomes our 29th A380 destination. Now our customers on the route can experience the luxury, the quietness and the outstanding service onboard an Emirates A380, in addition to the other four daily services we will continue to operate to the city.'

Mr Naveen Chawla, Vice President - Aero marketing, Mumbai International Airport Private Limited said, 'We are delighted to welcome the arrival of Emirates' first A380 to India in Mumbai. We are glad that passengers flying from Mumbai's Terminal 2 to Dubai will now be able to enjoy the premium services of Emirates' state-of-theart Airbus A380.

This is a momentous occasion for us as Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport (CSIA) Mumbai is now the only airport in India to handle A380 aircraft operations for more than one international airline. This is yet another milestone event to our continuous endeavour to enhance the comfort and convenience of passengers travelling through CSIA and justifies our operational capabilities to handle bigger aircraft at T2.'

To mark these first flights passengers on board EK500 and EK501 from Dubai and Mumbai were given a special commemorative certificate and gift. A specially commissioned piece of artwork, a traditional Indian 'Rangoli' was created by local Mumbai artists.

Emirates now has 50 A380s in its fleet of 224 wide-bodied aircraft and is the largest operator in the world of the double-decker with 90 more on order. Mumbai is the newest destination on its A380 network, and follows closely on the heels of Kuwait, which started on 16th July. The A380 offers passengers travelling to and from Mumbai a choice of 14 First Class Suites, 76 lie-flat Business Class seats on the upper deck and 399 comfortable Economy Class seats in four sections on the main deck.

Every seat on board is connected to ice, which has just been voted the world's best inflight entertainment system for the 10th year in a row by Skytrax, the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey of over 18 million passengers worldwide. ice Digital widescreen offers passengers up to 1,800 channels of multi-lingual entertainment including the latest movies, television programmes and podcasts, international music collections including the ability for passengers to build their own playlists for the journey, and in seat wi-fi to allow for a connected as well as entertaining flight.

Passengers in all cabins can enjoy Emirates' recently launched Indian menu which features regionally themed dishes from across India, served by multilingual cabin crew.

A unique feature on the Emirates A380 is the onboard Shower Spas which allow First Class passengers to arrive revitalised and refreshed. Another is the onboard lounge where First Class and Business Class passengers can relax and connect over a range of specially selected beverages and hot and cold canapés, creating an exclusive social experience at 40,000 feet.

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Johnson appointed as new Ferwafa technical director

Briton lee johnson has been appointed as the new Technical Director of Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa).

According to Ferwafa, Johnson has been offered a twoyear contract after emerging the best from a handful of shortlisted applicants.

Speaking in a news briefing yesterday at the Ferwafa headquarters in Remera, Johnson said his main objective is youth development, training coaches and grassroots soccer development generally.

“I would like to bring the experience I have gained from England where I worked for Crystal Palace and Chelsea and implement some of the structures and procedures in order to develop Rwandan football,” Johnson said.

He revealed that his long term goal is to build an infrastructure that supports sports development especially for the youth.

“It is also important that we educate our coaches correctly, give them the knowledge that they need such that they can pass it to the children at the clubs, schools and training centres and hopefully we will start picking better players and have a big pool of players to choose from to represent our national teams,” added Johnson.

Johnson has a big task at hand as the national U-17 team takes on Uganda in the second leg of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifier scheduled for August 2 in Kigali. Aloys Kanamugire will continue to be his assistant coach both on the national team and in all the activities of the Technical Directorate.

Johnson started playing at an early age and signed for Millwall FC as a schoolboy and was released at the age of 16. Johnson then joined Ebbsfleet Utd and played for a number of semi-professional teams before retiring at the age of 23 due to an injury.

He has over 14 years of professional coaching and sports lecturing experience. His coaching qualifications include the UEFA ‘A’ and UEFA ‘B; Coaching Licence, the FA Youth Coaching Modules and FA Learning Tutors Award.

Johnson has coached Crystal Palace FC and Chelsea FC respectively and worked for The Football Association as an FA Learning Tutor.

He replaces French Richard Tardy whose reign in Rwanda ended in June this year.

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New financing agreement to strengthen rural financial sector in Zambia

The government of the Republic of Zambia and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) signed a loan agreement for a US$26.315 million project that will provide rural financial services to smallholder farmers who currently do not have access to such services in rural communities throughout the Southern African nation.

The Zambia Rural Finance Expansion Programme will be co-financed with a $10.8 million loan from IFAD directly; a $11.988 million (Euro 9 million) loan from the IFAD managed Spanish Food Security Cofinancing Trust Fund; and a contribution from the government of Zambia. The financing agreement was signed by Alexander Chikwanda, Minister of Finance and National Planning of the Republic of Zambia, and by Kanayo F. Nwanze President of IFAD.

Agriculture in Zambia accounts for about 20 per cent of GDP and has the potential to be a major source of economic growth as the country has abundant fertile land and good rainfall. This potential can be better realized through investments in improved production, processing and marketing. Investments like these will be promoted by strengthening and diversifying rural financial services. Currently only about 37 per cent of the adult population use financial services, and only 14 per cent of them have bank accounts.

The new Rural Finance Expansion Programme is designed to help 140,000 rural households by increasing their access to and use of sustainable financial services. The programme will target small entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers while paying particular attention to women and young people. It is estimated that at least 50 per cent of the beneficiaries will be women and 25 per cent youth.

The programme will be managed by Zambia's Ministry of Finance through its Investment and Debt Management Department, complementing and reinforcing other rural finance services development initiatives such as the IFAD-funded Rural Finance Programme completed in September 2013. In addition, it aims to enhance the capacity of financial service providers to deliver demand-driven services in rural areas. This will help increase in the number of adults using financial services, and reduce the cost of borrowing.

Since 1981, IFAD has invested a total of $188.5 million in 13 programmes and projects in Zambia, with a total cost of $315.3 million including cofinancing, benefiting 741,280 Zambian families.

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Fashion Icon Awards Organizers Appoints Supermodel Victoria Michaels As Ambassador

The supermodel, whose face has been on major ads campaigns for local and international brands and have also walked on most of the biggest runway show in Ghana and international, would henceforth be seen on the face of all promotional materials for this year's event.

Fashion Icon Awards promises to be the biggest event in Ghana's fashion industry calendar, a unique and glamorous celebration to recognize and reward stakeholders in the fashion industry.

A star-studded line-up is expected at the glitzy night on September 6 at Lapalm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, with great performances from some of the finest artistes in Ghana and mini glamorous fashion parade by some selected designers.

Victoria Michaels was recently honoured at All Africa Media Networks awards as Potential Supermodel of the year. She has walked on runway of Ghana @ 50 Gold show, BBC African Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, FIMA Show, Dark & Lovely Hair Fashion Show, Glitz Africa Fashion week, and also Special feature in Vogue Italia, Canoe Magazine, Oh! Yes Magazine, Print ads for Agricultural Development Bank, Woodin Campaigns, Cover for Ghana's 2006 Presidential diary, TV commercials for MTN, Billboard for Bel-Aqua natural mineral water, Nescafe, Social media campaign for Vodafone with Dbanj and Sarkodie, brand Ambassador of Ariels Haven, and also, was the House Model for Artdress by the late Fashion legend Kofi Ansah.

The event is organized by Global Dreams Management and powered by West Coast Entertainment Ghana Limited.

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Miss Tourism Ghana UK 2014 is here!!!

Scheduled to take place at the Teraza Joanne (King George V Dock, Woolwich Manor Way) in London, the event will the appropriate platform where great musical performances will meet outstanding beauty, as ten (10) beautiful ladies of Ghanaian descent battle it out for the most coveted crown, Miss Tourism Ghana UK 2014.

A crack group of Ghanaian and UK based artists have been confirmed to perform on the night with UK's finest Afrobeat musician, Mista Silva, leading the UK group of artists. Performers from Ghana will include Nino, who will for the first time be performing Nessun Dorma in the UK, and the dancehall sensation, Luther.

Attendants on the night are assured of a smooth show with Vox Africa's Kwaku Owuraku Frimpong and Nana Churcher of the Nana Churcher Show as host and hostess with the current wonder boy, Afro B and DJ Invisible behind the turn tables. You can expect nothing but the best of entertainment on the night!

Commenting on this year's event, Ms. Maria Lovell, the Chief Executive Officer of the Miss Tourism Ghana UK Organisation said 'this year's event promises to be bigger and better with a few add-ons to make this year's edition more exciting with the competition amongst the contestants getting keener. It's going to be a night where the true Ghanaian culture will be on display'.

The Miss Tourism Ghana UK Pageant is a brand dedicated to promoting Ghana and its various tourist sights to the rest of the world as well as giving the contestants the opportunity to know more about their culture and build their capacities for their future endeavors. The pageant is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ghana, the Ghana High Commission To United Kingdom and Ireland, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana tourism federation and Miss Tourism Ghana.

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My music demonstrate a range of shades and temperaments

1. So, Mr. Jehu Mulobo what’s your story?

Jehu Mulobo is a young Congolese citizen born in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo. I did classical music in one of the best institute of arts (I.N.A) in D.R. Congo and in 2010 I travelled to India to study communication and multimedia. I am in India since 2010.

2. How would you describe your music for the public audience if they have never seen you before?

Iregularly captivate audiences as a lead guitarist and vocalist all over the world, my music demonstrate a range of shades and temperaments. The sound builds down to acoustic simplicity, which draws influences from an electric range of genres from soukousse, blues, Afrobeat and Reggae.

3. Tell us about a project, concert or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career?

The project that is currently in my mind is to make some exchange between Africa and India by art and culture, and that is why I created the music band by the name of “Solo Indien” which is playing blues, soucousse, afrobeat and reggae.

4. What are your fondest musical memories?

When I was invited to participate in a music festival in the desert of Kanu/dunes in India in November 2012 for the first time, the festival named Ragasthan. I discovered a lot of things there.

5. Have you attended any of the music festivals in India? If yes, then how was it different from Africa?

Yes, I have participated in some of festivals in India as well-known Ragasthan, Holiguns Fest, Duplay After Hours... It was my pleasure to deeply associate with all these festivals and to learn how to organize them in a better way.

6. You’re in India for a quite a long now. Tell us about the musicians in India you have collaborated or worked with?

Well, there are many amazing musicians and bands that I’ve worked with in India like: The Reggae Rajahs, Tritha, Stefan Kaye, Gautam Gosh, Nikhil Vasudevan and much more … It was such a wonderful collaboration for me to understand a lot of things from them and it’s always a pleasure for me to collaborat with different musicians.

7. During your performances, you must have visited various places in India, which city or state you loved the most and why?

Over here, I have played a various concerts in different cities or states in India, but Delhi is the city I love the most, there is some reason behind, it’s a place that I have started my music career as an independent artist and I find right people who supported my music to grow up with another perspective and these days I’m working on my upcoming album “One Love”. Stay tuned for more updates!!

8. What advice you would like to give to the beginners?

Actually, the process of learning to play music is much like learning to drive or swing a golf club. Like these other skills, you require practice to master and love your talent. Be cool and natural….

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