The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 21. NO. 183 April 2019

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thenigerianvoice.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Celebrating the Phenomenal Woman: Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon - Osagiede (Mrs.)

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

1

2

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Contents

The Voice Magazine Volume 21. No 183 April 2019 Edition

GET MORE ADVERTISING VALUE

FROM THE VOICE MAGAZINE Get fast results by advertising with us.

Call us today on +31684999548 or +31648519292 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Page 8 - Editorial: We stand with Ethiopia Airlines Pages 10 & 11 - Feedbacks – Pages for your letters Pages 12 - The Aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe Page 13 - Rwandan Government Builds Free Houses for the Poor Pages 18 & 19 - Evidence at Gambia’s Truth Commission implicates former President Yahya Jammeh Pages 24- 29 - Celebrating the phenomenal woman: Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon - Osagiede (Mrs.) Pages 30 & 31 - Owning nothing of worth Pages 32& 33 - Tribute to a falling colleague and hero of our time: Professor Pius Adesanmi Pages 34 & 35 - Mozambique in mourning after thousands killed in Cyclone Idai Page 44 - ‘Why American social media never support African tragedies?

Page 45 - President Weah signs Press Freedom Act and Act to name Roads and Bridges Pages 46 & 47 – The woman bringing Mandarin to Uganda Pages 50 & 51 - Son of ex-Liberian leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrested over missing $100m Page 53 - Teacher from Kenyan village, Peter Tabichi Wins World’s Best, $1mn Pages 54 & 55 - WATER OF GOLD: Working on clearer image of corruption in Nigeria Page 57 – Justina Mutale wins 2019 Danny Glover Award Pages 58 & 59 - 8-year-old homeless refugee from Nigeria crowned Chess Champion in New York Pages 60 – 61 – African cultural heritage marriages Pages 62-65- Sports stories around the world

GET MORE ADVERTISING VALUE

FROM THE VOICE MAGAZINE, ADVERTISE YOUR GOODS & SERVICES WITH US. CHEAPER & FASTER ....... info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

3

4

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Coming Soon From 15-17 August 2019

JOIN US THIS SUMMER TO KENYA FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY & 10 YEARS OF THE VOICE ACHIEVERS AWARD FROM 14TH - 18TH AUGUST 2019 info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com 5 TV Management www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Living positive

Eliane

Our legal position HIV is not a valid reason to refuse people living with HIV a job or volunteer work.

There is nothing as good as being freed from this HIV secret. I am telling you, it took me ten years to be able to open up about this! I was sick and tired of taking my medication secretly when I was out with friends or when my in-laws came to visit.

Gaining self-confidence through all the compliments I got after my performances, enjoying nice relationships and trust with my neighbours and friends, I decided to disclose my secret. I wrote a letter titled “The hidden truth” in which I talked about my 10 years of hiding HIV. I wanted to free myself from this secret and I decided to share the letter on Facebook. I did not know what the consequences would be, but I felt strong enough to face them.

News travels fast, we all know. I was a volunteer in the hospital and I did not want my colleagues to hear my story through other people whom I was connected with on Facebook. So, I sent an email about my HIV status to my work co-ordinator and also mentioned that I shared my story on Facebook. The co-ordinator reacted in a very rude manner; she was not supportive at all. She reproached me that I had not informed them when I applied for the volunteer job: “Eliane, I am in shock. I cannot find anything in your file about this. You cannot work in our hospital living with HIV and diabetes. You never told us about this and now we do not trust you anymore”.

There was no question about it in the form I needed to fill in when I applied. I asked the co-ordinator if she was aware of all the medical conditions of the volunteers. She replied that none 6

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Legal facts on HIV and (voluntary) work • There is no obligation to disclose the HIV status at work or in any situation.

• No questions are allowed on HIV status or any health issues during a job interview or at work.

• No mandatory testing on HIV is allowed.

• There are no limitations due to HIV to work in any profession.

• It is forbidden by law to end a work contract due to the HIV status.

• After someone discloses their HIV status, all privacy laws are in place to protect people living with HIV. • Anti discriminatory laws on HIV are in place to protect people living with HIV at work or in any situation.

of them has HIV. I presumed that no one ever told her about it. That it takes time and trust in oneself to be open about it.

My time to disclose has come. The discussion continued. “HIV is in Africa, not here in The Netherlands and you just want to shock people…” She summoned me to come and hand in the volunteer badge and shawl. When I did I also asked her for an official letter, explaining why I was fired.

According to the letter I received I supposedly called in sick very often and hardly came to work. Now it was my turn to be shocked! I contacted the Hiv Vereniging and they helped me for legal advice. We filed a court case at The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights. My demand was that people living with HIV should be allowed to work in this hospital. This legal procedure drained me emotionally, but I was happy with the positive outcome. In the end the hospital did hire someone with HIV and took notice of the Hiv Vereniging’s information and training on “HIV and work”.

Stigma will only end if we decide to stand up against misjudgements we face in our daily life.

Hiv Vereniging The Dutch Association of People Living with HIV (Hiv Vereniging) represents the interests of all people with HIV in The Netherlands, irrespective of background.

We provide information about living with HIV and organise all kinds of meet-ups.

Servicepunt Our team of expert volunteers can be contacted for any question about living with HIV, by telephone on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 – 22:00 hrs, or by email: servicepunt@hivvereniging.nl.

See www.hivvereniging.nl

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

7

Editorial

GENOCIDE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.......

I

f killings in Southern Kaduna and other parts of the North is not genocide then please let someone enlighten us on what is genocide! People are been killed and driven away from their home lands and all we receive every day is condolence messages by the president and commander in chief of Nigerian Armed forces, President Buhari and his media crew. We are tired of those messages and please let him take action or resign, after all he has just been re-elected in a rigged election so if he cannot do anything to stop the attacks and killing, he should step aside.

Don’t tell us that rubbish of fighting corruption when human lives have no value at all to these administration. How is the killings of the fault of the past administration? This is a problem facing this administration and it should tackle it and stop the blame games of the past administrations.

We have a President who is an acclaimed GENERAL once in Nigeria Army and yet such atrocities is taking place under his watch then I give kudos to Goodluck Jonathan, a man with no

military experience yet many times took action and visited these areas under attack. Buhari is too weak and afraid that he hides away in Abuja meeting his service chiefs.

It is time for action, we have written to the ICC again that what is happening in Southern Kaduna, already took place in Benue, Plateau, Adamawa is a systematic Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh attacks on communities that are Editor-in-Chief predominantly Christians, kill women, children, and elderly and chase the men away from the land. This has nothing to do with herdsmen, there are no cattle involved, they come with dangerous weapons to attack the people and kill. The world is waiting for genocide of non explainable proportion before action will be taken.

We stand with Ethiopia Airlines Over a month ago, Ethiopia Airlines aircraft en route from Addis Abba crashed just six minutes into the journey killing all 149 passengers on board and the 8 crew members of the airline; the incident happened on a Sunday morning when many of the faithful were preparing or already in church to give praises and thanks to God Almighty; as the news spread across the world, anger, frustrations, questions, condemnations, accusations and all sort of things were written and said and even some saying they should boycott flying Ethiopia Airlines. Well, it is not about Ethiopia Airlines alone, yes we have had other plane crashes around the world.

Our grief had been poured out, the crash affected at least 32 different countries around the world including Nigeria.

The agony of it all- the plane is said to be pretty new – bought less than six months before it crashed and killed all the passengers on board. Ethiopia Airlines had invested in making their airline was the best in the continent and this happened.

Even though the cause of is fully yet to be ascertained. The 8

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed has assured that they would do all possible to avoid a re-occurrence of such disaster of this magnitude.

The group CEO regrets the accident and the fact that there was no survivors. He expresses his profound sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of passengers and crew who lost their lives in this tragic accident. The airlines has been cooperating with investigations from United States of America to ascertain the major cause of this accident. Yes it will not bring back those loss lives but it would help to prevent another disaster of this magnitude. The said brand of airplanes had been suspended despite assurances with the manufacturers. It is not enough, a lesson to other air plane producers – it is about human life safety first.

Therefore we stand with Ethiopia Airlines, we pray for the airlines and wish it successes as they continue to move people from place to place around the world. Ethiopia Airlines we stand with you. You are a pride of Africa.

TV Management

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-­governmental organizations and in­ dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af­filiated to any of these bodies or to any other ­ publishing institution or political interest or group.

The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination.

The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy..

If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address.

On the Editorial board are Ambassador Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A OR Stichting Paddi Europa Knab Bank Account No: NL77KNAB0725202238 Swift Code: KNABNL2H

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine. com

Rev. Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Handy Tims Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Graphic Designers David Banjoko Wil Gomersbach (Web Master)

Advert Executive Millicent Nancy Scheibner mnscheibner@outlook.com

Printer: Drukkerij Palteam www.palteam.nl

Project Editor (Nigeria) Chiedu Harris Ify harrisbok4real@gmail.com

MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands

BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com

Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ­ ublished online from 2016 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we ­provide ­objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the ­continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of ­developing c­ ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. TV

Volume 21

NO 183

April 2019 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

9

Letter to the Editor

Focus on Mozambique alone!

Dear Editor, Kindly allow me to publish my objection to the one sided narratives of the tragedy in Southern Africa right now.

So disappointing that the main media are only focused on Mozambique. We appreciate the attention being paid to the event but we shouldn’t forget that Mozambique is not only the countries affected by the storms, we have disaster in Zimbabwe, Malawi and event spread to Zambia too. Let the help goes round please

By Jecha Sabhuku Harare, Zimbabwe

Editor’s Note: Jecha, you are absolutely right, more countries are affected and should be given equal attention and assistance particularly from the United Nations and The European Union

Why is Africa Abandoned?

Dear Editor, I don’t want this blame games or writing but I just can’t be

silent anymore, why is that when tragedy happens in other places, it gets world attention and not that of Africa and yet we are told we belong to league of world nations. Here in Africa when something happens we can’t hear people from Europe or USA or Asia supporting us. This world we’re living in is doomed. What an evil World. Let’s come together and make this World a better place for tomorrow’s generation by we Africans.

Join us to pray for Mozambique and the rest of the countries like Zimbabwe and Malawi which are affected by this tragedy.

They talk of few hundreds as if it is about the number of deaths that matters! These countries are devastated and on their kneels; they need help and urgently too.

feedback

Can HIV be transmitted through kissing?

Dear Editor, I am happy that your publication has started talking about HIV/Aids through your magazine. I want to ask a question that is disturbing me. I have read that HIV virus cannot be transferred apart from sexual intercourse.

What about kissing a person who is living with HIV/ Aids. Can HIV be transmitted through kissing?

And secondly, what if both of them are positive, is also harmful if they kiss each other on the lips? I would appreciate if the answer is given through this medium so that other readers can be educated about it.

Thank you.

****** Editor’s Reply

One of contributors, Reina Foppen, an HIV/Aids activist has helped to answer your question. Find her answer please:“ “On the question about kissing someone with HIV. The answer is very simple and straightforward: HIV does not transmit through kissing on the mouth, hugging or caressing”.

FEEDBACK

Breastfeeding With HIV

is still the risk so is it advisable for such mothers to breast feed their infant? Knowing the very little risk of becoming infected with HIV. Dear Editor, I have been following your magazine for a while Thank you. now and I must confess, it is very rich with so ***** much interesting stories and articles. Of interest REPLY FROM REINA FOPPEN is a column living positive, it is a page on HIV/ Aids, I feed it interesting as I have friends back in For breastfeeding the main issue is that there is Africa living with the disease. One of the biggest not enough scientific proof to say that the risk is challenge why they are not involved in relationship, zero. However, minimizing the risk is possible sexually as well is fear of getting pregnant and and it is up to the mother to decide if she breast affecting the child through their blood or breast feeds her child, in spite of the small chance of feeding at infancy. If I understand the article, it transmission. We do not prohibit HIV positive is been recommended that HIV-positive mothers mothers to become mothers either, whereas the risk who takes antiretroviral drugs throughout the of transmission is not zero. Medication minimizes period of their pregnancy can breastfeed until the the transmission risk when carrying a child, giving infant is 12 months old?. According to her write birth and breastfeeding. This can all be seen in the up the risk is 0 to 1%, although very low but there same light.

I lived in denial with my HIV/Aids Status Dear Editor, Recently a friend shared your magazine with me where I am reading a column written by one ELIANE, I am really happy for her but we are not all so luck. I live in a rural area in Kenya, still I cannot fully disclose my identity for fear of rejection in my community. Now, despite having accepted my HIV status, l face a lot of challenges, making friends, having people to trust and engaging with activities without the fear that you can infect someone else.

I was constantly sick in the last four years, it was while I was lying helpless in my hospital bed that I realized that I am truly living with HIV and I thought it was the end of me. When I was tested and told that I am HIV positive

four years ago, I insulted the nurses and told them that it cannot be true. I lived in denial until I became too sick to do anything. “I have now come to accept that there is nothing I can do to change the fact that I am now HIV positive and I will do my best to live positive. But it is not easy in rural setting where everybody knows you. Can you ask this writer how best to deal with this situation I am in now? Struggle for acceptance within the community.

Thank you.

Grace Machida ********************************************** REPLY TO YOUR QUESTION. As for the other subject raised, living in Africa in a rural environment, I agree that no simple answer is possible and that this person mainly needs the encouragement that she is not alone in this struggle.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

11

The Aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe

C

yclone Idai, one of the most devastating storms to hit Africa in decades, made landfall in Mozambique with sustained winds of 120 mph (195 kph), damaging or destroying thousands of structures. The tropical storm then moved inland, bringing heavy rain and flooding to more parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.

More than 750 deaths are attributed to Idai so far, while thousands remain stranded in remote rural areas. International aid is starting to reach the region, while workers struggle to repair roads, restore power, and care for the survivors—with special attention toward preventing cholera outbreaks.

See the damaging effects after the storms, kindly donate through the various world agencies to help these people; it is a long way back to recovery.

12

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Rwandan Government Builds Free Houses for the Poor

R

wanda is championing a whole revolution that cannot be ignored. It is fighting to provide the vulnerable with housing in less dangerous settlements and leading a war against thatched houses. The country is winning on both fronts.

Rwanda is championing a whole revolution that cannot be ignored. In 2008, it adopted the “Agasozi Ndatwa” (Model Village) approach and according to The Red Cross, the first village was launched in 2010 with technical and financial assistance from the Belgian Red Cross, European Union Directorate General Development and Cooperation and many other Red Cross chapters. The futuristic programme was officially initiated in 2010, styled the Integrated Development Programme. The plan is to replicate the model villages throughout the country. It is probably one of the most impressive policies to be implemented by an African government in the 2010s.

The Programme was inaugurated in July 2016 by President Kagame, and Rweru Model Village, one of the first to be completed is reported to be “connected to electricity, water, has a modern market, a school and a 12 kilometre road network connecting it between Kagasa to Batima”. Soon after the inauguration, Augustin Kampayana, the head of human settlement and development at Rwanda Housing Authority told reporters that, “We have identified settlement sites where villages will be constructed and designs are being made. By the end of the next fiscal year, each district will be having a model village,” before adding, “Those living in high-risk zones and scattered settlements will be considered first.”

This year alone, President Kagame has officially opened the Horezo and Kanyenyeri model villages among many others.

The poor are attaining more dignified lives by the day. In the President’s words, “We are not building homes only to see them falling apart in a year. Giving citizens a home is about providing a foundation build on and transform your lives. It is not about citizens becoming eternally dependent on government.” The goal is very clear: the creation of sustainable communities. According to the Rwanda Housing Authority, by 2020, at least 70 % of households living in rural areas should have settled in integrated viable settlements that can offer economic opportunities, favor rational land use management and accelerate servicing with basic social economic and physical infrastructures in rural areas.

The government has also led a fight against grass-thatched houses in rural areas (Nyakatsi) and the programme is also successfully bettering the lives of the rural poor.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

13

14

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

THIRD EYE OPINION ON NIGERIA There is a third option remove the British amalgamation.

Divide Nigeria into separate countries/regions. But I like the former president’s comments..

RAWLINGS, FORMER GHANAIAN PRESIDENT ADVISES NIGERIANS! J.J. Rawlings: I can’t believe that despite the setback of Nigeria as a result of a failed British experiment on that country, Nigeria is still very much in love with them.

Nigeria has everything it needs to be the greatest country not just in Africa but in the world the British knew about it.

There are two things that can salvage Nigeria: The first is Nigeria must peacefully retire these old colonial leaders who are still servants to western imperialism.

The second is Nigeria must restructure their country back to the days when it was regional system of government.

Let every region develop at its own pace, build its resources and people.

With this that country called Nigeria will be the greatest hub for the people of color in the world.

-J.J. Rawlings former Ghanaian President

Ghana is working again!

Ghana as seen by a diaspora Ghanaian on a one month long visit to his beloved mother land.

The nation is going digital in all the major segments of the economy: ports, taxes, judiciary, etc. Corruption, though by no means eliminated or perhaps even reduced,

has radars fully focused on it through the vigilance of the citizenry, the robust free press, several watchdogs, etc.

Inflation is tumbling, debt to GDP ratio which was about 72% has now fallen to about 68/69 and still falling, free education to high school, value-adding to our raw material export (a quantum leap from the brainless decades long practice of exporting our raw material at infinitesimal fraction of its finished product), and most important of all, A VISIONARY LEADERSHIP LED BY THOSE WHO HAVE THE EXPERIENCE, EXPERTISE AND THE KNOW-HOW. So yes, the Manna is not yet falling from the sky but by the grace of the Good God, we will soon be harvesting and eating the first fruits in our Promised Land.

Another key thing is the matured Western style excellent and transparent elections and the rule of Law that has eluded many of our neighboring countries but sustained in Ghana. This is what Africa needs and we can talk more about it.

Thank You Lord Jesus.

Rev. J.T Marfo lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands but presently visiting his country of origin, Ghana.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

15

ON MY AMBASSADORIAL TITLE

T

hank you all who have sent me congratulatory messages after my confirmation as AMBASSADOR OF HOPE. Personally I am not someone excited to use titles, I have received three Honorary Ambassadorial titles, I have received an Honorary Doctorate but I am not crazy with these titles. I am an ordained minister of the Gospel as my title as a PASTOR is confirmed.

It keeps me humble and simple go my calling and I do not take it for granted.

H

owever, the recently ambassadorial recognition, the organization has the blessing of the United Nations as it is involved in helping children with autism around the world. As its Ambassador, I am requested to use the title to draw more attention to the plight of these children and we can do more to care and support them. I gladly accept and officially could be addressed as Pastor Ambassador Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh

16

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Thank you all for your understanding and support. Whatever I asked in connection with this foundation, it is to help children suffering. I will do my best to continue to support their course and you will be hearing more from me on our future projects.

Signed: Pastor Ambassador Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh With All The Honors, Rights And Privileges Ref 22102016 To His Excellency, Pastor Ambassador Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh Ambassador of Hope Signed: Dr. Al Tareq Foundation/UK Center for Studies & Business (UKGC)

Amanda Lazmon launches her first book Multiple award-winning gospel singer/ songwriter, Amanda Lazmon launches her first book Purposed Beyond My Scars.

The relentless minister who is also a motivational, speaker, radio/TV host says her clearly defined purpose in life is to be a voice of encouragement to the used, the abused and the broken-hearted. Amanda says in her own words “Purposed beyond my scars is a detailed account of my true life story.

A chronicle of my journey, struggles, challenges, doubts, fears, loss, pain and joy truthfully told to motivate, inspire and encourage anyone to whom life may have dealt traumatic blows.

Discouraged, hurt, wounded, abused, rejected, and abandoned with scars visible and or invisible, are you too scared or

discouraged to face life with boldness?

No matter where your scars are locatedon your face, in your heart or your soul- they should never stop you from, discovering, pursuing and achieving your dreams because . . . your purpose in life is bigger than your scars.

Available on Amazon, Kindle & Major book stores in Nigeria.

MARVELOUS BOOKSHOP SHOP 17 BALE STREET, AJEGUNLE APAPA. TEL 08035807590 Marvelous Bookshop SHOP 10 Ede Shopping Plaza Opposite Observer Newspapers Airport Road Benin - city Bible wonderland Lagos

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

17

Evidence at Gambia’s Truth Commission implicates former President Yahya Jammeh

I

n the Gambia, two witnesses before the country’s Truth Commission, including the first confessed killer, have implicated former president Yahya Jammeh in ordering killings of soldiers in November 1994 and of a minister in June 1995. This is the first time that testimonies point directly to Jammeh in such crimes.

Since Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) began its public hearings, Yahya Jammeh’s name has been kept out of the narratives, despite shocking tales about brutal killings of his perceived enemies. Though he was the leader of the military junta that ruled the country between 1994 and 2016, it is the vice-chair of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC), Sanna Sabally, who has been mentioned as calling the shots in the early executions under the regime.

This narrative has begun to shift in the latest hearings. And the key actor in this shift is Demba Njie, Jammeh’s former Chief of Staff, who testified before the TRRC. Njie said he was with Jammeh on November 11, 1994, when the junta is accused of having killed close to two dozen

18

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

soldiers allegedly involved in planning a coup. Jammeh appeared nervous and moving up and down the stairs at the country’s seat of power, the State House in Banjul, said Njie.

At the time, the eccentric leader had already heard of the plot and “his men,” as he referred to them, were advancing on the country’s biggest camp, the Yundum barracks.

“KILL THEM ALL” Njie recalled that, at 6 a.m., a call came and the order from Jammeh, sitting on a separate couch about three meters away, was clear: “Kill them all, the ring leaders.”

Njie broke into tears before the nine commissioners and looked down on the table. He was a lieutenant in the army before the July 1994 coup.

The coup had brought him into the State House as both Chief of Staff and commander of the State Guard battalion but he couldn’t forget that day. “I heard Yahya Jammeh say kill all the ring leaders and that I did not forget. I realized that they had arrested some people and they were going to kill them,” said Njie, crying. “This was the first time I heard an instruction to kill.”

November 11, 1994 is described as the darkest moment in Gambia’s military history. The Commission dedicated a special section of its hearings to this event. And as testimonies are gathered, it is becoming clearer who participated in the killings, how it happened and why. According to Sait Darboe, a private who fought on the side of the coup leaders in July 1994, a large section of the army became disgruntled because of the betrayal of the agenda of the coup by the leaders. This version of the story was confirmed by other witnesses including Lieutenant Binneh Minteh, one of the organizers of the November coup who later fled to the United States after it had failed.

“I would say they [the junta] failed us. I remember Edward Singhateh told us that we were going to be promoted and have a plot of land,” said Darboe, the Commission’s 20th witness.

Described by many as a “sadist”, Lieutenant Singhateh was one of the leaders of the coup. He later became the vice-chair of the AFPRC. “And nothing had been done,” continued Darboe. “We got frustrated. We were the men who fought for them. Those who supported the coup were not up to forty

soldiers. Most of us were junior soldiers.”

This frustration was what precipitated the November 11 coup attempt.

THE CONFESSION OF ALAGIE KANYI The junta, however, had already learned of the plot and they attacked the Fajara and Yundum barracks, where the “counter coup” was conceived. They captured the two camps, arrested the coup leaders before they even started it, and executed them. “They were butchered. They killed them nastily. I saw dead bodies and they were killed with bayonets,” said Sait Darboe. On that fateful day, Darboe was at the Yundum barracks from 8 a.m. to late evening. He had pledged his loyalty to November 11 coup leaders but this was not known. Thus he was never arrested.

However, one person who was arrested but managed to live was Abdoulie J. Darboe. When he testified before the TRRC, Abdoulie Darboe named Edward Singhateh and Alagie Kanyi among those killing the soldiers. Before the Commission, Alagie Kanyi – nicknamed by his tormentor “mofala Kanyi”, meaning killer – became the Commission’s

first witness confessing to killing. He confessed to opening fire at Basiru Camara and Fafa Nyang on two soldiers who had been arrested and taken away in a green Land Rover, with their hands tied from behind. At the execution ground Kanyi said Sanna Sabally would arrest anyone who wouldn’t do what they were instructed. “I am instructed to kill my own brother and at that point I don’t have a choice,” said Kanyi.

Kanyi said they were standing in an extended line and so were the soldiers who were about to be executed. “Sanna Sabally said: “Say your last prayers.” Buba Jammeh [one of the killed soldiers] said: “Don’t kill us, take us to jail.”

Sanna gave an order to fire and we fired on them,” said Kanyi. “The firing was rapid and each person was hit with multiple bullets.” Five soldiers were killed there.

THE MURDER OF THE FINANCE MINISTER According to Kanyi’s testimony, senior members of the junta present at the execution were Lt Yankuba Touray, Lt Sadibu Hydara, Lt Edward Singhateh, Lt Peter Singhateh, and Colonel Babucarr Jatta. As Kanyi testified in the small hall of about 8 by 8 meters, his brothers were seated in an audience of about 20 people. Some of Kanyi’s relatives were in tears.

Kanyi admitted participating in three main execution events, of which one was the execution of the country’s former finance minister Ousman Koro Ceesay. In June 1995, Ceesay was killed by state operatives allegedly led

by Edward Singhateh.

Kanyi testified that they killed Ceesay at the Kololi residence of Yankuba Touray, one of the military leaders. Ceesay was beaten with pestle and sticks until he finally died. He would later be found dumped in a wrecked car set ablaze.

This is another crime in which Demba Njie, the former Chief of Staff of Jammeh, has implicated the former ruler. And Kanyi’s story corroborated the testimony of Njie who claimed the orders came from his former boss, Jammeh.

Ceesay was killed while Jammeh was away in Ethiopia but Jammeh was seen discussing with his vice-chair, Edward Singhateh, at the Banjul International Airport, prior to his departure in “unusual circumstances,” said Njie. Njie was then with Jammeh in Ethiopia. He said Jammeh never said a word about the death of Ceesay. “A state minister died under such circumstances and Jammeh never mentioned his name to me,” Njie said. According to him, a former state guard commander, Lang Tombong Tamba, called him while he was in Ethiopia to tell him that his friend the minister had been killed. “He told me there was foul play,” said Njie.

With his testimony and that of Kanyi, the evidence given before the TRRC has never got closer to the former head of the military regime, who is in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

By Mustapha K. Darboe.

He is Justiceinfo.Net Correspondent in Banjul

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

19

20

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

21

Victory Outreach is a Pentecostal Church, Bible based believing people in the trinity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

What would you like to know? Our vision?

Which activities we organize? Or would you like to hear testimonies about how we follow God? One thing is certain, we would like to get to know you and therefore you are more than welcome to visit one of our services. You can visit us every day of the week.

You may have been a believer for many years already. Or you might still be searching for the meaning of life and asking yourself whether or not there is God. Within Victory Outreach Almere we would like to help you find the answer. We will gladly teach you the exact meaning of “a living faith�. With us you will truly see and experience the supernatural power of the living God. You can always count on love and comfort when you need it. You will discover that we have a wonderful diversity of people

22

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

with lots of different backgrounds, characters and personalities. But there is one thing we have in common. We all follow the same God, Jesus Christ.

In that diversity and love for God we are a family where you are more than welcome.

We personally hope to meet you during one of our services.

God bless you as you come in Jesus Christ name.

Amen

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastor Victory Outreach Almere.

Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere The Netherlands Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 036-7505571 info@voalmere.nl www.voalmere.nl

PROPERTIES FOR OUTRIGHT PURCHASE

EDAH AIG – IMORU & CO.

Address: 17A, Femi Okunnu Estate, Lekki Phase1,

Lagos, Nigeria Africa Email: aig_imoru2001@yahoo.com Tel: +234 8103 0484 00, +234 9082 9081 55,

08099448292

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

23

Congratulations to Apostle Gordon- Osagiede Celebrating the Phenomenal Woman: Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon - Osagiede (Mrs.)

A

postle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon Osagiede (Mrs.) is the General Overseer at Spirit And Life Family Bible Church, Worldwide. She is also the President and facilitator of an international organization known as Women in the New Nigeria (WINN).

WINN is concerned about the women and care for girl Child. WINN emphasized training and re-orientation, as the special means & approach for individual changes in attitude, positively transforming lives even to the world at large. In September of 2010, the WOMEN IN THE NEW NIGERIA FOR

In the course of her Philanthropic work through organizing the Old Peoples Welfare Scheme , Widows year end financial fund empowerment /celebration, Good Shepherd Day of Compassion (For the Less Privileged), Rehabilitation OF Ex- Convicts and Militants , Rehabilitation of Ex commercial sex workers -(Counseling, Skills Acquisition), and Crusades against sex trade, an ardent need arose. Apostle Mrs. Deb’rah realized that something more permanent would benefit these society displaced persons, as some of them where unemployable or retired.

She then established a Limited Liability company called Tabitha Integrated Services Ltd (TIS), an integrated firm with central operations system. TIS was formed to set a platform for employment, empowering the less- privileges within the society and capacity development for an improved lively hood among the citizenry by alleviating the microeconomic constraints such as poverty and unemployment.

- to bridge the gap of client expectation across the globe through variable product, apex & innovative quality, and new approach. Products range from Household care products to Industrial products for supply to firms.

TIS has so far created avenue for grassroots distributors, retailers and entrepreneurs have risen from amongst these society displaced persons, they are now employers of labor and are reaching others through the TABITHA Integrated Services sub programs which include job provision for widows and the Tabitha Global Empowerment Program- for 24

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

POSITIVE CHANGE LTD – now WOMEN IN THE NEW NIGERIA AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE (WINN) was formally inaugurated. It started from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. As at today, WIMN operates across the country. WINN Borno State has been able to partner with UNICEF in training in women and children in some selected IDP camps in Borno State, Nigeria to elevate their suffering and give them a better opportunity in life.

Apostle Mrs. Gordon-Osagiede is also the President and Facilitator of Tabitha Integrated Services.

the Aged women and Widows Empowerment which holds Fortnightly.

Ministry wise, she is the General Overseer of Spirit and Life Bible church worldwide; through the ministry she oversees hundreds of churches around the world and under her leadership she inspires them to preach the gospel of good news and peace to the world.

She is not only involved with her ministry for collaborate with others of like minds, she is leading the Godhead Prayer ministry which is an inter-denominational ministry set out to unite families to the love of God. It is a ministry they has all family units taken care of in every unique area in deserves. It has the New Men In Christ Fellowship which is for the Men, Jesus Women fellowship that attends to the female folks, Youths of Excellence and Teenagers of Excellence, lastly, the Anointed Children Fellowship

Among other organizations she has been the spear head or directly involved includes being the founder and facilitator of Women Gospel Ministers & Gospel Ministers Wives Organization (WOMMWO) worldwide; Founder/facilitator of All Gospel Ministers Association of Nigeria (AGOMAN), Chairman/coordinator of Hazard Relief project under PFN, Member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Proprietress of Bishop Gordon Education Centre, Benin-city, Nigeria, CEO of Rose of Sharon Afro/Asian Diagnostics/Clinical Mediplex, Benin-City, Edo State Nigeria, Chairman of Apostle Gordon Osagiede Scholarship foundation, President GOGO television and Coordinating partner for Ministry Training Institute (MTI) for Azuza World Ministries, Phoenix, Arizona, USA for Pastors and Leaders . She is also on the Advisory board of

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) since 201o till date.

In her over four decades of ministry, she has reached over 50 nations around the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is just the beginning of many more to come as the entire world is her constituency. Young ladies are an integral part of the Jesus Women Prayer Ministry, as they have an arm of the ministry that caters for young and unmarried ladies. Another arm caters for the married mothers with children and lastly, there is the Dorcas Section which is for grown and aged mothers. God has led her in such a way that nobody is left out in her God given vision for the world. No surprise that her work is being recognized locally and intentionally.

It is no wonder, her works is being recognized with award here and there, among such recognitions includes, PSR Women of Merit Gold Award, Great African Merit Award, Distinguished Leaders in National Development Gold Award, Distinguished Nigerian Woman of Merit Award, Development in Nigeria Merit Award, Complete Success Magazine’s Distinguished Nation Builder’s Merit Award, Time News magazine’s Distinguished Nigeria Women Merit Award, Award For Excellence, Pillar of National Development Gold Award and many more others that it is to voluminous to list them all here.

She is described as Apostle to all Nations and she is definitely living out the life of an Apostle to all nations, her works are well documented in United States of America as well as in parts of Africa. Due to her global kingdom assignments, she has traveled to all continents of the world as a Global Evangelist.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, swimming, counseling, singing and soul winning.

She is author of several books including the likes of Looking unto Jesus, The Lost and The Cross, Come out of servitude, Train up a child, Glory of Virginity, Crowning qualities of womanhood, Spiritual Food, Be Ye Separable, Commitment, Woman-helper and trainer, Biblical prosperity to mention a few.

For more information on her and her works, kindly visit her website at www.slbcworldwide. org. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

25

Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede

“In recognition of her inspiring leadership and pioneering initiatives reflecting the themeThink hard-Build Smart & innovate for change”

A

postle Eunice Gordon Osagiede was recognized with yet another international award for the great work she is doing for humanity over 4 decades now and she is continuing stronger than ever. She is a social crusader for women and youth empowerment, a preacher of the gospel, reaching thousands of souls across the world with the gospel of good news.

She was recently invited to United States of America where she was among 20 women who were globally honoured and received the prestigious United States of America Congress Women of Excellence Award for the year 2019. Out of over 150 qualified candidates screened for this award, she was among the selected 20 making her the only African woman on the list for 2019.

26

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

According to Danny K Davis “The International Woman’s day, March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women therefore no better occasion to recognize the works of Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede.

The 2019 theme was “Think Equal, Build Smart & Innovate Change”. The AMEC Awards Jury 2019 named Apostle Eunice Osagiede among the 20 influential and inspirational women who are trailblazing women using passion, indignation to spark real change in the world around them. The achievement of the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) he said requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Based on current trajectories, existing interventions will not suffice to achieve a Planet 50-50 by 2030. Innovative approaches that disrupt “business as usual” are central to removing structural barriers and ensuring that no woman and no girl is left behind”.

Furthermore he said “innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities, yet trends indicate a growing gender digital divide and women are under-represented in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design. It prevents them from developing and influencing gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society.

From mobile banking to artificial intelligence and the internet of things, it is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.

Based on the set criteria, Apostle Eunice Osagiede was sported through her bio data for the congressional award as a result of her pioneering initiative in women empowerment in Nigeria aimed at lifting widows, orphanage and the less privilege out of poverty.

One of such lofty programme is TABITHA Integrated Services that targets job provision for widows. Tabitha Global Empowerment Programme is for Aged Women and Widows Empowerment and enlightenment. Another of her pioneering initiative is WINN. In her burning desire to improve the lots of Nigerian women, Apostle Osagiede established the Women in the New Nigeria and Youth Empowerment Initiative (WINN), a non-governmental not-for-profit interfaith organization that seeks to change the battered image of Nigeria, especially known globally for girl -child trafficking. However now empowering and changing the mind set of women and youth through free trainings, and free skills acquisition.

WINN focused on personal development programs workshops, health care services, advocacy, community responsibility programmes, such as Girl-Child Time-out in schools, sanitation, free healthcare delivery, and many more. Her humanity field work WINN, emphasizes training and re-orientation, as the special means and approach for individual changes in attitude, positively transforming lives even to the world at large. WINN activities are geared

toward celebrating and promoting Nigeria through the years. It equally promotes Nigeria’s future with focus on ‘the change starts with us, the change starts now’.

Women In New Nigeria is her brain child and it collaborates with government agencies such as SMEDAN, BOI, NDE, NEPC, Ministry of Women Affairs, EFCC, INEC, NGOs like IWAYEC, Mother & Child Enhancement Foundation,

Business and Professional Women (BPW) and international such as KAIDO, British Council, to organize programmes that benefits women and youth in Nigeria. This organization was birthed in March 2010 and just barely 9 years after so many lives were impacted and several communities transformed.

In its years of existence, it has over 5,000 members mostly grass root women and youth across the country and well represented in over 20 states in Nigeria. There is also WINN in the Diaspora, such as WINW. UK, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad, Cameroun and South Africa. This is born out of her recognition of the fact that all around the world women and children are the victims of wars, insurgency, earthquakes, abuse which often left them helpless.

She said “we have to take up the challenge as a church, as an organization, as an individual and make a change in the lives of these women/girls”. WINN she asserts stands by this adage “if you empower a woman/girl you empower the whole nation”. Through her instrumentality, free training for empowerment exhibitions are been organized by WINN in several parts of the country including the capital, Abuja. These exhibitions are organized in collaboration with some public sector agencies to show case the women small scale entrepreneurs and farmers from the grassroots becoming manufacturers and producers of goods, both edible and non-edible.

Continued on Page 28 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

27

Continued from Page 27 The exhibition helps to expose the grassroots women to the world and for them to be able to show the world what they can produce if given the chance and the right tools. It also bring the women closer to their market and customers.

From the records of Apostle Eunice Gordon Osagiede’s empowerment programme, her foreign collaborators have

been making donations and contributions to the success of these events across the country in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

2006 (for her indefatigable effort in Championing Evangelism and Winning Souls for Christ). Others are Patriotic Achievers’ Award 2006; Most Outstanding in Ministry 2006, (this award was in the Distinguished Women Gold Award organized by the Destiny Broadcasting Network in Kano); Fellowship Award of Strategic, Finance and Administrative Institute 2006; Distinguished Women God Award, 2006; Award of Excellence for Outstanding Dedication, Commitment and Leadership in Kingdom Assignment of Turning Millions of hearts to Jesus; Pillar of National Development Gold Award, 2006; Star Diamond Award (Restoration) 2006 USA & Canada; Outstanding Global Touch Award 2006 USA & Canada; African Pacesetters Award October 2008 Ghana (Accra); (Acknowledgment of her immense contribution to the building of the African Continent in the field of religion and certificate of honour); Distinguished Award of Excellence 2009 to the President of Youth of Excellence (In recognition of your selfless commitment to advancing the kingdom of God and tireless support to the vision of the Youth of Excellence on the occasion of the 10th Year Anniversary of Youth of Excellence, Worldwide).

Certainly her pioneering efforts speak

Previous award she had received includes: PSR Women of Merit Gold Award 2004, Great African Merit Award (GAMA) 2004, Distinguished Leaders in National Development Gold Award, 2005; The Distinguished Nigerian Woman of Merit Award, 2005, Development in Nigeria Merit Award, 2005; Complete Success Magazine’s Distinguished Nation, Builder’s Merit, 2005; Time News Magazine’s Distinguished Nigerian, Women Merit Award, 2005; Achievers Award Certificate as Best Female Television Preacher of the Gospel and Woman of Prayer 2005; Eminent Nigeria Leadership Diamond Award,

volume and this award is another feather in her cap of great service to humanity. She is being well appreciated within and outside Nigeria. Like one Pastor said on hearing of the news of the award “if the adage that the voice of the people is the voice of God, then God is rewarding her openly through the hands of men”. Nothing can be more revealing than when she said on receiving the award, “my late husband used to call me first lady of global evangelism, I am grateful that today this is being fulfilled.

28

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Congratulations To our Dear Mother & Spiritual Head in the Lord Apostle Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede General Overseer, Spirit & Life Bible Church (SLBC) Worldwide “Apostle Deb’rah, you are a proof that good things come to

those who are willing to sacrifice

to reach a worthwhile goal. Words can’t express how proud we are for you ma!”

On your well-deserved recognition as one of the top 20 Global Women of Excellence for 2019 by 7th Congressional District’s Multi Ethic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) at the 7th Annual International Women’s Day which took place at Waterford Convention Center

933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL60126, Chicago Signed: Bishop Gordon. A. Gordon & wife Pastor Mrs. Gordon On behalf of Spirit & Life Bible Church,Worldwide

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

29

Celebrating my birthday this month

My piece: ‘Owning nothing of worth’

is what makes us human. Not the volume of possessions we have gathered or wish to gather.

Why do say these things? Do you say it is bad or evil to acquire wealth or property, absolutely I do not apply that please? As a person, I get request on daily basis from people, people asking for my assistance, there is this aroma about me that gives people the impression that I am very rich and successful. Yes I am successful depending on your interpretation of success. I love to give and when I cannot give, people don’t belief me or choose not to belief me. I never thought this deep as now – Yes I do have something to give because I own nothing.

O

n the occasion of my birthday coming up on 9th April 2019, that of my daughters, Risper who is on 11th April and my biological mother on 28th April 2019, it is always a month of recounting all my blessings and I am grateful to God for everything.

For me it is a reflective time. This year the question that comes to my mind is “What do I own?” My simple answer is ‘Nothing’. Whatever material possession God has enabled me to acquire does not belong to me, I am just a caretaker. I will give them all up when the times comes and my time is up here. I am not dying yet but I am not afraid because I don’t build a castle here on earth to make me worry. Even my most treasured gifts – my wife and children I will give them up therefore I live every day of my life with gratitude of knowing that I own nothing.

I do not drive the best of cars neither do I live in one of those mansions or finest houses in Europe or in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. I do not own a fat bank account neither do I desire the finest of clothes, shoes, Jewelries, I am simple and content with whatever God has enabled me to have.

I do not delight in seeing others suffer, I share the little I have until sometimes I do not have anything left for myself. This 30

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Owning nothing of worth

I

have moved with people who are assumed they have much, particularly those in politics or government, people expect that they should share their wealth of influence with me but I don’t see it that way. They don’t owe me so what they own belongs to them and them alone. Whatever I am giving, I share with those around me. Many has expected that the yearly award I give out through my organization should have made me rich by now but nobody we have given the award have we asked to pay for it, at least not to my knowledge, if I have ever asked you to pay for the award, you can come forward with your proof. Of course we you appreciate what we do, it is accepted and acknowledged. I never keep such funds for myself or my use because I don’t own anything.

People try to compare me with others, you don’t

measure up with their standard or you will always fall short of their standard. You are sometimes an embarrassment to them. Are you surprise why the rich do not befriend the poor? Or the wealthy given her daughter in marriage to a commoner? They don’t share the same platform with under privileged.

Now I am recognized as “Ambassador of Hope”. I appreciate the honor and recognition, I don’t need a tittle or position to be reminded that I am human created by God for a purpose on earth. Always as I think of myself, I think of others.

Yes, there are too many needs in the world, even that you wonder where do I start from? It is not an option not to do anything but to start today in a small way to affect lives of those around you, first and then extend to other people and places.

I don’t need birthday gifts, I need you to care for someone else in need today and always and you would have made my birthday a special one.

Remember those suffering in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia which has been affected by the storm.

God bless you all and help me shout happy birthday to my daughter, Risper and mom, Mama Titi.

Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

31

Tribute to a falling colleague and hero of our time: Professor Pius Adesanmi

L

ike many of you, I never met Pius Adesanmi in person during his life time but it seem I knew him. I read his articles and columns, comments on Facebook, his family life and openness despite knowing that he faces threat to his personal life. He just believed that the truth must be said no matter how much it hurts.

So it seems his death has hurt too many people. So sudden, so quick and left many people asking questions. A fellow Christian Pastor called me and asked why should God allow such a man to die at his prime? Why God didn’t allowed him to live longer, or missed that flight or do a miracle? I simply told him that only God has answers to his questions and that is the mystery of life that is not given to us After all he has cheated death once after a motor accident in Nigeria where he bleed for over 4 hours before he could get help, it was enough time to have die but he didn’t because his mission was not accomplished yet.

I am one who does not belief and support celebrating life after death, how I wish many of the comments I read now was said to him while he was alive. The outpouring of love and grief, we never shared with him.

Across the world, in his adopted new home, Canada, they celebrate him as one of them, in Nigeria where he was hated by some for his hardline comments on issues affecting the ordinary people, they celebrated him as one of their own.

It was a sober gathering — tributes, poetry and candlelight procession from Ibadan to Abuja, hundreds

32

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

of people gathered in honour of Pius Adesanmi, the Nigerian postcolonial scholar and poet who died in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 plane crash on March 10. There were no survivors.

Adesanmi often expressed his frustration with Nigeria’s almost rudderless leadership and passive citizenship. And like many who stand consistently on the side of the weak and oppressed, the propensity of losing hope is high. Reading the concluding paragraph of Adesanmi’s “An Archaeology of Nigeria,” which he wrote a day before he died, it seems that he might have reached that stage.

But Adesanmi was wrong. The global outpouring of grief

has shown that he did not fight in vain. His work influenced and continues to impact the lives of so many, and his legacy will thrive because his ideas resonate with so many in African academic and literary circles as well as internationally: The only way and best way to mourn a man like this is to live out his legacy, let us stand up for what is right and do was is just for our society; we don’t have all the time in this world, even if we live up to 90 and we do not impact peoples; lives, it is a waste of God precious gift of life. He lived 47 years of fulfillment. In his last writing on his Facebook page, he seem to have understood that the end was not far away.

His last post on Facebook sounded prophetic: “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me— Psalm 139:9-10.”

Professor Pius Adesanmi is Nigerian-born Canadian professor, poet, literary critic and columnist was among the 157 passengers aboard the Ethiopia Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 that crashed on March 10, 2019, just outside of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, with no survivors. Adesanmi was on his way to Nairobi as a guest speaker at the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

Adesanmi joined Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, in 2006 as a professor of literature and African studies and until his death served as Carleton’s director of the Institute of African Studies.

In July last year, Adesanmi survived a car accident while on a visit to Nigeria. He told SaharaReporters that “It was a miracle I survived. I nearly bled to death.

No help for over four hours.”

His last post on Facebook sounded prophetic: “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me— Psalm 139:9-10.”

Adesanmi, one of Nigeria’s – nay Africa’s – finest public intellectuals, started his academic journey at Nigeria University in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he earned a firstclass degree in French in 1992. He moved to the University of Ibadan for a Masters degree in French (1998) and the University of British Colombia for a doctorate in French studies (2002).

He traced his love for French back to his childhood when in 1978 his father became the principal of Saint Augustine’s College — a prominent Catholic secondary school in Kabba, old Kwara State.

Most of the Catholic missionaries hailed from Quebec, the French-speaking province of Canada. According

to Adesanmi: “These priests detected my aptitude for language and learning and I went to live with them as an altar boy. … [T]he language around them was French and that was the beginning of my journey into the French world. …”

Professor Adesanmi was a towering scholar in postcolonial research. His book, “You’re Not a Country, Africa,” was the winner of the 2010 inaugural Penguin Prize for African writing in nonfiction. He engaged prolifically with Nigeria’s political story through his weekly columns — an affront to those in power and a consistent voice that spoke harsh and bitter truth to power.

Adesanmi held no hostages.

Adesanmi bridged the gap between literature and political commentary in his book “Naija No Dey Carry Last” (2015). This essay collection brimmed “full of questions, on which every Nigerian must reflect in order to end the endless repetitions of horror in Nigeria’s history,” Echezonnachukwu Ndukain explained. He employed “satire to create political awareness and national memory,” writer Udo OkoronkwoChukwu said.

As a public intellectual, Adesanmi had an ambidextrous gift for turning scholarship and creative writing into service for the common good. He used all his media platforms — Facebook, Twitter (@pius_ adesanmi) timeline and his newspaper column — to engage issues arising from Nigeria’s murky socio-political milieu.

Nigerians mourn the loss of Professor Adesanmi with thoughts and memories pouring in via Twitter:

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

33

Mozambique in mourning after thousands killed in Cyclone Idai

T

he country of Mozambique has been mourning since last month after one of the most destructive storms to strike Southern Africa in decades killed thousands of people. In fact the true figures may not be known as some villages had been completely wiped out by the storm.

The storm called Cyclone Idai, packing sustained winds of up to 170 kilometers per hour, hit Mozambique’s port city of Beira first and spread quickly to other parts of the country and into two neighboring countries of Zimbabwe and Malawi. These three countries are already stressed in their domestic issues including hunger, poverty and diseases.

Forecasters predict more torrential rains are expected so efforts are been made to move rescued people to higher grounds while they battle to provide relief for those stranded aftermath of the flood waters. Aid groups are trying to transport essential goods to desperate survivors.

President Filipe Nyusi described Idai which has killed hundreds of people as the worst disaster in recent memory of the country and appeal for calm as he does all he could to bring help to the people. His priority is to get as many people stranded to safety. Of course they are also busy finding bodies of the dead to avoid wide spread of disease because of decaying bodies. It is a tough time for Mozambique. After flying over affected areas, President Nyusi said he expected

34

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

the death toll to exceed 1,000. The confirmed death toll are still not clear but it could be in its thousands, an official said to the press.

Aid agencies said they prepared for the cyclone but not for the massive floods that followed. Mozambique was hardest hit as a result of rivers flowing downstream from its neighbors. The agencies said they were struggling to reach many survivors stranded in badly damaged remote areas of Mozambique. The roads are completely damaged and cut off, the only accessible means is by air or through boats on the rough waters. Many people were found on trees’ top or roof tops of few buildings still standing.

Mozambique and South Africa are conducting aerial rescue and aid distribution missions. The U.N. World Food Program said it was transporting enough aid for 600,000 people.

The U.N. said it had allocated $20 million from its central emergency response fund, and it urged other donors to contribute.

The European Union announced an initial aid package for the storm-stricken countries valued at nearly $4 million. Britain and the United Arab Emirates have also promised aid.

The U.S. State Department said the U.S. is supporting relief efforts “in coordination with our partners.”

Africa

UN Calls Cyclone Idai One of Southern Hemisphere’s Worst Storms

in very slowly, because the city of Beira had been cut off of all communication lines and still is, and has also been cut off physically because the roads to Beira are destroyed.”

Timme says UNICEF is appealing to international donors for more than $20 million to support its response in the three affected countries.

“We are at the same time actually preparing to supply people with the most urgent things. What is very important in such situations is the supply of safe drinking water, so we will be supplying water purification pills.”

South Africa sent a military force to People taking refuge on roof top of few houses left standing after the Cyclone Idai Mozambique to help with the rescue and struck Beira city in Mozambique recovery. International relations spokesman, Ndivhuwo Mabaya, told the press as South Africa plead to do more to help the country.

Cyclone Idai may be one of the worst weather disasters ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, U.N. experts say, with “We have also called on South African companies to donate for humanitarian assistance and following this assessment, Mozambique suffering the brunt of the storm.

Idai tore across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe late we’ll make a further announcement for how we’ll assist last month, leaving behind a trail of devastation, including going forward,” he said. more than 1000 people killed, hundreds missing, and In Zimbabwe, the death toll stood at 100. One local government official says bodies from Zambia have been hundreds of thousands homeless.

Mozambique’s death toll exceeded 1000, President Filipe flowing on the river into neighboring Mozambique.

Nyusi said, after saying earlier the final number of dead Malawi’s government put the death toll in that country at 56 with nearly 600 people suffering from storm-related injuries. could top 1,000.

Officials say the cyclone created an “inland ocean” across The European Union announced it is sending an initial $4 million in aid to the three devastated countries. Britain has the country.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent also pledged a separate aid package and the U.S. embassy Societies called the damage to the coastal city of Beira in Zimbabwe said it is “mobilizing to provide support,” “massive and horrifying.” They estimate 90 percent of the without giving any details.

Anita Powell contributed to this report. city was destroyed.

Rescue workers were dropping food, fresh water, and blankets to flood victims stranded on roofs, treetops, and any high piece of land. Airdrops are the only way to help most people in Beria, where roads are under water and communications gone.

Mozambique-based UNICEF spokesman Daniel Timme told the press via Skype that officials are still getting details on the impact of the storm.

“At the moment, we still don’t have the full picture of the situation, but we agree with the assessment of the government that the disaster is of a dimension which is much, much bigger than we thought in the beginning,” he said. “This is due to the fact that information was coming

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

35

36

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

37

Jeffangs Beauty

This is a one-stop shopping center for all your hair and body products.

We have sections for all beauty and body care products for men and women at Jeffangs Beauty Supply & Salon in Rotterdam We offer you the latest hair and skin products with fantastic prices.......

You are Welcome always & happy New Year

38

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Supply & Salon

We specialize in Afro & European hair styles

J E F

Weaving, Braiding, Lace wig fixing, Trimming of hair, Washing of hair, Relaxing of hair, Colouring of hair, Barbering of all men styles etc.

A

Contact:

F

1st Middellandstraat 132B

N G S

3021BJ, Rotterdam Centrum

We have many more products for you to select from....

You can purchase Retail or Wholesale

E-mail: jeffang2002@yahoo.com jeffangs@jeffangs.com Tel: +31(0)10-4776062 Mob: +31614471508

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

39

PureCare Sal

Looking for a classic place for your Hair do (For a Woman or a Man)?

Look no further than PURECARE Salon in Almere Buiten We offer the latest hair and skin products and our services are world class.

YOU ARE WELCOME & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018 !!!!

40

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

lon & Shop Wimper extensions stylist • Mary Kay Consultant • Skin and hair analysis with digital microscope • For appointments Only: 0686495901 •

P U R E C A R E

We have eye for beauty

Contact: Reykjavikstraat 13 1334KG, Almere Buiten Centrum Near Trekpleister E-mail: info@purecare.nl Tel: +31(0)36-5212618 www.purecare.nl Opening times: Monday: 1.00pm – 6.00pm Tuesday: 9.30am – 6.00pm Wednesday: 9.30am- 6.00pm Thursday: 9.30am – 6.00pm Friday: 9.30am – 6.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 6.00pm

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

41

42

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

43

‘Why American social media never support African tragedies?

Africans react to rapper Meek Mill’s question:

Several Southern African towns were ravaged by a tropical cyclone in the past month killing over 500 people, some of whom are still struggling to survive after losing their homes and livelihood.

Cyclone Idai swept coastal towns in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi with flash floods and ferocious winds 10 days ago

with the number of casualties rising to 446, 259 and at least 56 dead in the three countries respectively.

Unlike other disasters outside the continent, the cyclone is receiving little attention on social media which is not helping in getting relief for the thousands affected and those still trapped in the flood waters.

Only a few countries and humanitarian agencies including Tanzania, the United States, Red Cross, United Nations among others are in the three affected countries offering support and relief to victims.

The seeming silence on social media got American rapper and activist Meek Mill to ask on Twitter: “#PrayForMozambique” I wonder why social media in America never support African tragedies!”

This question received thousands of retweets and replies with many of the Twitter users from Africa blaming Africans for being silent on their own tragedies but pays too much attention to the West.

“Social media Africa itself has been a huge disappointment. Even African Union itself. The

44

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

silence around big tragedies in Africa is unfortunately globally.

Those people are in dire need of help, some haven’t had a meal in a week,” says Twitter user @DCalyn.

This attracted more reactions from other Africans who supported his claims while others stuck to Meek Mill’s views stating that Americans “don’t care” about Africans.

“Because they don’t really care about us,” tweeted a follower.

“They also make movies to make Africa look like WAR ZONE…..I love Africa…. LORD IS WITH US” tweeted another.

“They have no lucrative investments in it…no reason to care from that standpoint,” another follower of Meek Mill claimed.

The arguments were made by mostly Africans who also blamed African media for not doing enough to cover the continent’s tragedies while relying on Western media to do so.

While the debate goes on, there was an attack in Mali where armed men reportedly dressed as traditional hunters killed 134 villagers including women and children. This too has not trended on social media.

In early March, social media discussions were saturated with the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max-8 plane that took off from the Ethiopian capital to Nairobi killing all 157 people on board including eight crew. The victims were from 32 countries globally and the world paid attention. Bottom line is that more attention need to be given to Africa by Africans themselves on these developing stories of tragedy and give support where necessary, enough of blame game on the west.

President Weah signs Press Freedom Act and Act to name Roads and Bridges

T

he President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, has signed into law two major legal instruments, the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom and the Act to name certain Roads and Bridges within the Republic of Liberia.

In the early days of his first year, President Weah resubmitted to the 54th National Legislature with few changes the two Legislations that were earlier submitted to the 53rd Legislature by the administration of former President, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to the 54th National Legislature.

Some of the changes included titling the Press Freedom Act after the deceased former President of the Press Union of Liberia and veteran journalist Kamara Abdullah Kamara.

It amends Chapter 11 of the Penal Law of 1978, repealing Sections 11.11 on criminal libel against the President; 11.12 on Sedition and 11.14 on criminal malevolence.

Free speech and media freedom advocates have hailed the President for demonstrating genuine commitment to protecting the basic tenets of Liberia’s fledgling democracy. The KAK Act of Press Freedom also strengthens and actualizes Liberia’s commitment to several legal instruments signed onto, such as Freedom of Information Act, the Table Mountain Declaration and many others.

President Weah has also signed into law the Act to name Certain Roads and Bridges in the country.

The road stretching from Red Light in Monrovia, Montserrado County to Ganta, Nimba County shall be known “Madam Suakoko Highway.” The reconstructed highway from the Freeport of Monrovia to Red Light in Paynesville shall also be referred to as “Japan Freeway”. The road from Cotton Tree, Margibi County to the Port of Buchanan, Grand

Bassa County is known as ‘Diahn-Blae Gbehzhon’ Highway.

Under the same Act, the Bridge over the Stockton Creek connecting Bushrod Island to Caldwell is now known as the Jacob Samuel Milton Bridge; the Bridge that connects Waterside to Bushrod Island is also the King Zulu Doma Bridge while the St. John River Bridge within Grand Bassa County connecting Buchanan is known as Abba G. Karnga Bridge.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

45

The woman bringing Mandarin to Uganda

W

Courtesy of Catherine Byaruhanga, BBC Africa, Kampala

ang Li Hong Sooma, who moved to East Africa from China more than two decades ago, is determined to teach Ugandans how to speak

Mandarin.

She and her Ugandan husband, Ayub Sooma, are organizing nine-month intensive courses for secondary school teachers to learn China’s dominant language.

The first 30 teachers have now completed their training and have started holding Mandarin classes in schools across the country.

The couple, who own their own secondary school on the outskirts of the capital, Kampala, can be seen as the perfect symbol of blossoming ChinaUganda relations.

Together they can chat in a mixture of English, Mandarin and some of the local language Luganda.

They met 26 years ago in Beijing, when Mr Sooma was studying at Tsinghua University. Though at first, Mrs Wang says, it was not easy for them to be together.

“It was a war! At that time, they thought was a very I loose girl to date a black boy. But I knew he is very honest and has a good heart to help other people.”

They now have three children and Uganda has been their home since 1996.

New frontier In that time, the economic relationship between China and Uganda has grown tremendously and the couple are in a perfect position to capitalize on that.

They want to turn their school into a new frontier for

46

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Mandarin and Chinese culture.

Their teacher-training programme is being paid for by the government in Beijing - though it is not clear how much is being stumped up for the initiative.

“They are funding these Chinese teachers [from China], their salary and their accommodation.

They also help the trainees - providing their food, their accommodation and some allowance,” says Mrs Wang.

Most Mandarin lessons in Africa are taught through Chinese government-run Confucius Institutes. The first opened in Kenya in 2005 and there are now nearly 60 across the continent.

Some schools in Zambia and Tanzania also offer the subject, and the scheme in Uganda is sub-contracted to Mrs. Wang by the Confucius Institute.

Forty more teachers are now enrolled and classes start at 08:00 and finish at 22:00 from Monday to Friday.

To become fluent and be able to teach a language within nine months is a huge undertaking, though Pavin Mulokwa, a teacher from the western district of Mbarara, sees it as an opportunity to broaden her job prospects.

Another trainee, Praise Twebaze, agrees and hopes it will enable him to travel too.

“We can go beyond lands where they use English but as well to lands where they use Chinese,” he says.

For 13-year-old Denis Mulungi, the Mandarin lessons he has just started at Lubiri Secondary School in central Kampala could shape his future career.

“Learning Chinese, it can help me get good jobs in future. Learning Chinese can help me go abroad. It could be easy for me to communicate with other people who know Chinese, if I go to China.”

Chinese imperialism?

It is not just the Ugandans who see this course as a lifechanging opportunity.

Gao Ya Hui, who has been teaching Mandarin in Uganda for a year, says it has changed her perceptions of Africa.

From Xian city in central China, the 39-year-old left her husband and child behind to come and teach but was warned by family and friends not to because of “diseases and war”.

“When I came here, it changed my stereotypes about African people. When I go back to China, I will introduce the real Africa to the people in China and change their way of looking at Africa.”

But some, like Fred Muhumuza - a Ugandan economist who has followed the growth of trade between China and Uganda - says questions have been raised about China’s motives for funding such a scheme and whether the initiative has been forced on the Ugandan government.

He lists some the concerns he has heard: “Is this Chinese imperialism? Taking over Africa’s resources, taking over even Africa’s cultures and languages and wiping out everybody else?”

Narrowing the trade gap Aggrey David Kibenge, Uganda’s education ministry spokesman, dismissed such apprehension, saying it was not political and that it was not unusual for a foreign government or organization to support the teaching of a particular language.

Supporters of Mandarin lessons point to the benefits for Uganda from economics and trade: Giving young Ugandans a better chance at

competing on the global stage and an opportunity to narrow a massive trade gap.

According to the World Bank data, Uganda’s imports from China were $622m (£474m) in 2013 and rose to $985m in 2017.

These are mainly consumer goods, machiner y, electronics and textiles.

However, exports of Ugandan products to China reduced over the same period from $71.9m in 2013 to $33.4m in 2017.

Mrs. Wang’s goal is to have 100 teachers trained up and teaching Mandarin in 50 Ugandan schools - both those that are privately and government run - by 2021.

She sees it as a win-win situation, giving the example of how Chinese students have benefited from learning English in their understanding of America.

“We learnt their language, we understand them. We learnt their language, we learnt their technology. We learnt their skills and then we developed.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

47

48

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Son of ex-Liberian leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrested over missing $100m

A

son of former Liberian leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has been charged in connection with the unlawful overprinting of local currency worth millions of U.S. dollars.

Charles Sirleaf, alongside another colleague at Liberia’s Central Bank, was arrested last month following a probe into reports of missing banknotes and alleged malpractices at the bank.

Sirleaf, who was deputy governor of the central bank, is suspected of pocketing some of the proceeds in 2016 to 2018. A charge sheet cited by the press states that Sirleaf, and three other bank officials, were last month charged with economic sabotage, the misuse of public money and criminal conspiracy.

The accused, who are yet to comment on the development, have been taken to Monrovia Central Prison pending their court appearance.

The 61-year-old Sirleaf and his colleagues were detained last month just hours after independent U.S. investigators released a report into the missing millions.

Last October, scores of protestors hit the streets of Monrovia following rumours of disappearance of $100 million (about $15 billion Liberian dollars) worth of newly printed banknotes destined for the central bank.

The cash was said to have been shipped from Sweden late 2017, in the midst of Liberia’s elections to choose a

50

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The incident sparked off blame games and travel bans, as well as, public outrage in one of the poorest countries in the world. Critics of the government pointed accusing fingers at President George Weah for the missing money while others blamed the former leader, Sirleaf.

Since assuming office, corruption has also been a hard nut to crack for President Weah. Following protests about the alleged missing cash, U.S. then intervened at the request of the Liberian government and civil society groups, and sponsored an inquiry by Kroll Associates, an investigative auditing firm.

Kroll said contrary to local reports that a container of banknotes went missing, its investigations “found no information to support allegations.”

It said that it rather found that Liberia’s Central Bank had acted unilaterally and unlawfully by printing and importing into the country three times the amount of banknotes it had been authorized to do.

Kroll added that the new banknotes all arrived from a Swedish company but the Central Bank failed to properly track what was done with them. Most of the bank notes are believed to have been put into circulation without authorities removing and destroying the old bills they were designed to replace, the Kroll report cited by the press noted.

Media reports state that officials at the central bank have also not been forthcoming in explaining who authorized the injection of new banknotes without removing the old ones.

Anderson Miamen, executive director of CENTAL in Liberia believes that the money went into the pockets of individuals. “…If the money isn’t available and there is no record of the money being infused into the economy, it means it has to be somewhere.

“And that somewhere would be in it private accounts of individuals connected to the process,” he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Sirleaf, who was a deputy governor at the central bank when the bank notes were unlawfully ordered, has denied any wrongdoing.

This is not the first time that members of the Sirleaf family have been the source of scandal. Robert Sirleaf, another son of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, was also implicated in some corrupt practices, said a Liberian journalist, Mark Dahen.

Robert Sirleaf was the chairman of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) that reportedly went bankrupt under his chairmanship in 2016. According to Dahen, 30 million to 40 million US Dollar disappeared under Robert Sirleaf’s watch.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was also recently accused of being one of the African leaders that had stashed their monies in offshore havens.

Sirleaf was elected as the world’s first elected black female president and Africa’s first elected female head of state in

2005.

She took over power in Liberia when it was completely destroyed by civil war and led a process of reconciliation that was based on democracy.

Ellen Johnson stayed in office until 2018 handing over the presidency to George Weah, the former international footballer.

When Weah assumed power in Liberia in January 2018, he promised to reform the economy that has been struggling to recover following the 2014-15 Ebola crisis, to fight corruption and nepotism and bring in a new era for the West African country.

But after over a year in office, critics say that the 51-year-old’s administration has been faced with some challenges including slip-ups with some appointments he made.

By Mildred Europa Taylor She is a writer and content creator. She loves writing about health and women’s issues in Africa and the African diaspora.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

51

PRESS RELEASE: Enrollment of All Nigerians in the National Identity Database (NIDB) Commences:Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Worldwide (NIDOWW), in collaboration with various Nigerian organizations in the Diaspora, will commence the mobilization of all Nigerians for enrollment into the National Identity Database (NIDB) starting from the 30 March 2019.

52

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Teacher from Kenyan village, Peter Tabichi Wins World’s Best, $1m A Kenyan, Tabichi, a 36-year-old Mathematics and Physics teacher from a secondary school in a remote village in Kenya’s Rift Valley, who organizers say gives away 80 percent of his monthly salary to the poor has won this year’s prize at a ceremony organized by Global Education and Skills Forum / AFP on March 24, 2019 The Maths and Physics teacher won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for 2019 according to the organizers.

He received the prize at a ceremony in Dubai hosted by The Global Education and Skills Forum, an initiative of the Varkey Foundation, shows Kenyan teacher Peter Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.

“Every day in Africa we turn a new page and a new Tabichi (C) holding up the Global Teacher Prize (GTP) chapter… This prize does not recognize me but recognizes trophy after winning the US$ 1 million award during an official ceremony in Dubai presented by Australian actor this great continent’s young people. I am only here because Hugh Jackman (L) and attended by the Dubai Crown of what my students have achieved,” Tabichi said.

Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum (R).

“This prize gives them a chance. It tells the world that they can do anything,” he added after beating nine finalists from around the world to claim the award.

“Drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, dropping out early from The Dubai-based Varkey Foundation, which organizes the event and handed out the prize for the fifth time, praised Tabichi’s “dedication, hard work and passionate belief in his students’ talent”.

All this combined, it said in a statement, “has led his poorly-resource school in remote rural Kenya to emerge victorious after taking on the country’s best schools in national science competitions”.

Tabichi, 36, teaches at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Pwani village, in a remote, semi-arid part of Kenya’s Rift Valley, where drought and famine are frequent.

Around 95 percent of the school’s pupils “hail from poor families, almost a third are orphans or have only one parent, and many go without food at home,” the statement added. school, young marriages and suicide are common.”

To get to school, some students have to walk seven kilometres (four miles) along roads that become impassable during the rainy season.

The school, with a student-teacher ratio of 58 to 1, has only one desktop computer for the pupils and poor internet, but despite that Tabichi “uses ICT in 80 percent of his lessons to engage students”, the foundation said.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated Tabichi in a video message, saying “your story is the story of Africa, a young continent bursting with talent”.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

53

Special effects: How a movie could reduce corruption WATER OF GOLD: Working on clearer image of corruption in Nigeria A film and testing campaign can increase anti-corruption reports from citizens, study shows.

They don’t give an Academy Award for this, but a Nigerian feature film, “Water of Gold,” made viewers significantly more likely to report corruption, according to a new paper co-authored by an MIT researcher.

That’s the main outcome of an innovative experiment designed to investigate whether media, such as films, can shift social norms and combat corruption. In the case of “Water of Gold,” in Nigeria, the film clearly can change behavior. Or at least one version of the film.

As it happens, “Water of Gold” is a “Nollywood” film (a loose term referring to the Nigerian film industry, the world’s third-largest), commissioned for the purposes of this experiment. The movie, set in the Niger Delta, is a sibling story about two brothers. One brother, Natufe, is a poor fisherman. But Natufe’s brother, Priye, leaves the Niger Delta, gets rich in business, returns home, and becomes a corrupt politician — to the dismay of Natufe, who becomes outspoken about endemic local corruption.

In one version of “Water of Gold,” Natufe and another local activist set up a number for corruption reporting via text message and report instances of it, in scenes lasting five minutes. The other version does not contain those scenes.

As the researchers discovered, “Water of Gold” does boost corruption reporting among viewers — but only when it contains the extra 17 minutes showing the movie characters reporting corruption themselves.

“When we added the extra scenes in the film, we found we did get more people reporting,” says Rebecca Littman, now a postdoc at MIT and co-author of a new paper detailing the study’s findings.

Indeed, the movie, and an accompanying mass text message, spurred 240 people in 106 small communities to send in

concrete, specific reports of corruption over a seven-month period, a marked improvement compared to two national campaigns that generated 140 reports per year, in a country of 174 million people.

By combining texting with the film, it becomes “less costly, and psychologically easier, to try this new thing,” Littman says about corruption reporting.

The paper summarizing the results, “Motivating the adoption of new community-minded behaviors: An empirical test in Nigeria,” is being published today in Science Advances. The authors are Graeme Blair, of the University of California at Los Angeles; Littman, a researcher at the MIT Sloan School of Management; and Elizabeth Levy Paluck of the department of psychology at the Woodrow Wilson School of Princeton University. Littman worked on the study as a graduate student at Princeton and is now a researcher in the Human Cooperation Laboratory, run by David Rand, an MIT Sloan professor.

To conduct the study, the researchers both commissioned “Water of Gold” and then rolled it out in careful fashion.

Among the 106 places where the film was available, in 2013 and 2014, it was randomly determined whether viewers would see the “treatment” version of the film, with the corruption-reporting scenes, or the “placebo” version, which lacks them.

Both versions of the movie were also accompanied by a new system for reporting corruption via text message, which was displayed on the film’s packaging and at the beginning, middle, and end of the film. Soon after handing out the films, the researchers then sent out a mass text message blast in each community, to all subscribers of the major mobile phone provider, so people simply had to reply in order to report corruption.

In the paper, the researchers term the film a “norms intervention,” designed to shift public opinion about civic standards. The texts are what they term a “nudge intervention,” intended to reduce the perceived logistical difficulties

routine part of being a good citizen. In case people have not encountered others in their community who speak out against corruption, the film steps in to provide an example of reporting malfeasance.

“If we can’t show them their neighbor doing it, we can

of reporting corruption.

The alteration of norms generated by the film involves m a k i n g people feel that reporting corruption is a

show them these influential, famous people doing it too,” Littman says.

Nigeria would seem to provide a setting where anticorruption campaigns have room to grow. In a publicopinion survey conducted as part of the research project, just under 80 percent of Nigerians said they thought the police, civil servants, and state governments were corrupt.

About 83 percent of respondents said they were “angry” about having to pay bribes to conduct business, with 60 percent being “very angry” about it.

It is also no accident that the study focused on the Niger Delta region, where massive amounts of oil production have not been accompanied by an equivalently substantial investment in services and infrastructure for citizens.

Even so, the number of corruption reports the research experiment generated was significant compared to two four-year campaigns, running from 2011 to 2015, conducted by a pair of organizations, Integrity Nigeria and BribeNigeria.com, which combined to collect 385 reports.

“I think people were surprised that the campaign actually worked,” Littman says.

Funding for the project was received from an anonymous private donor as well as the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

55

56

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

JUSTINA MUTALE WINS 2019 DANNY GLOVER AWARD New York: Zambian Philanthropist, Justina Mutale, who is the Founder & President of the Justina Mutale Foundation has been honoured with the 2019 Power of A Dream Award from legendary Hollywood Actor and Humanitarian, Danny Glover.

The Award, presented to Ms Mutale at the conclusion of the United Nations 63rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW63) held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, is in recognition and celebration of Ms Mutale’s tenacity in ‘following her dreams, and in so doing, contributing to the uplifting and improvement of other people’s lives’.

“I am honoured to receive this prestigious Award and heartened to see that my work is acknowledged overseas at such high level”, says Justina Mutale

“When individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the edification and emulation of others”, States a Proclamation signed by Kevin S. Parker, New York State Senator.

On the same date, Ms Mutale received the “My Daughter Your Daughter 2019 Award” for advocating for human rights, empowerment of women, and the liberation of young women and girls around the world.

“The City of East Orange is proud to acknowledge and honour the remarkable legacy and leadership of Dr Justina Mutale in advancing the mission of “My Daughter Your Daughter”, States a proclamation signed

by Ted R. Green.

Mayor of the City of East Orange, New Jersey.

Ms Mutale has won the praise of the House of Representatives, Congress, the State In December 2018, Ms Mutale was Senate and the State Assembly. She has been listed as Africa’s Best Female honoured with an official Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Philanthropist by Tropics Magazine of South Africa. the U.S. House of Representatives and a Citation from the New York State Assembly. in addition to For more information: Proclamations from the New York State Senate and the Email: management@justinamutale.com Mayor of the City of East Orange in New Jersey. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

57

8-year-old homeless refugee from Nigeria crowned Chess Champion in New York

A

n 8-year-old Nigerian refugee was just crowned a chess champion in New York’s statewide competition.

His name is Tanitoluwa Adewumi. He lives in a Manhattan homeless shelter with his family, he won the kindergartener through third grade category in New York’s Chess championship last month with an undefeated performance, according to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.

Tanitoluwa, known as “Tani,” learned to play chess just one year ago, and now tells the Times that he wants to be “the youngest grandmaster in the world.” Why not, he has started the dream already.

The Adewumis, including Tani, his parents and older brother, reportedly arrived in New York after fleeing Nigeria in 2017 due to fear of terror attacks from the group Boko Haram.

Tani learned Chess with his classmates at New York’s P.S. 116, and joined the school’s Chess club. The club’s organizer waived the fees for Tani because of his family’s financial situation. Though he started out as the lowest-rated member of the club, he quickly improved and is now bringing his school statewide recognition, according to the publication.

P.S. 116’s principal, Jane Hsu, told the Times that Tani’s win is “an inspiring example of how life’s challenges do not define a person,” and credited the third-grader’s supportive parents despite being homeless.

58

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Tani, as he is known to family and friends, plays chess at the elementary school he attends and practices every night in the shelter. His father Kayode drives for Uber and is also a real estate broker. The family moved to the US to escape Boko Haram, a terrorist group responsible for atrocious attacks against Nigerians.

Because they are devout Christians, they feared they would be targeted. Tani and his sibling became enrolled in local elementary schools not long after they arrived and he discovered the chess club .His mother, Oluwatoyin emailed the event organizers to say that while they could not afford to pay the fees attached, he was eager to participate.

After the mail, the club waived the fees to encourage him.

Not only does Tani play with them, but he also attends a free, three-hour practice session in Harlem every Saturday to master his game. At night, he uses his father’s laptop to practice. Russ Makofsy, who runs the chess club in which Tani plays, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the boy’s family.

He said it was astonishing how much Tani had improved in just a year. ‘One year to get to this level, to climb a mountain and be the best of the best, without family resources.

‘I’ve never seen it,’ he told The Times. The Adewumis have applied for asylum, and are reportedly set for an immigration hearing in August. The hearing will take place just three months after Tani competes at the elementary national chess championship.

Tani’s father Kayode drives for Uber and is also a real estate broker. They are pictured with his mother Oluwatoyin and older sibling “I feel American already,” Tani told the Times. Time would tell of what becomes of this promising young lad from Nigeria on American soil to master Chess.

Tanitoluwa Adewumi won the state tournament for kindergarten through third grade last month.

He is pictured with his trophy www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

59

African Cultural Heritage - Marriages Africa, the cradle of civilization and continent of sun shine is a land of many nations and tribes, rich and divers in traditions.

These traditions which are the life style of the inhabitants of this great continent is passed on from one generation to another.

African cultural heritage covers a vast majority of tradition like marriage, child birth, family relationship, recreational entertainment, burial rites and religion. These are often expressed through many different art forms, such as music, dance, drawings, sculpture and beadwork.

In this episode, we shall be looking at the African cultural heritage in relation to the diversity in marriage.

Marriage in Africa is as old as mankind on the beautiful continent. An old African proverb says, “A man without a wife is like a vase without flowers.” In view of this we start with Egypt the land of the Pharos.

EGYPT The written history of Africa begins in the 4th millennium BCE with the rise of Egyptian civilization. Marriage in Egypt are often arranged. During the engagement a groomto-be gives his bride-to-be money known as Mahr. Mahr is used to buy Shabka which is jewelry, other things including furniture are also bought. The groom gives the bride a ring which she wears on her right hand. Before the wedding ceremony, tattoos called henna are applied on the bride’s feet and hands.

The wedding starts with the performance of Zaffa music which involves traditional bendir drums, bagpipes, horns and many more musical instruments. In Egypt, the wedding ceremony is usually performed in mosque or church with a feast. The happy couple sits on Kosha chairs raised on a platform and Kofta meatballs together with Sharpat (a rose water drink) are served as the wedding meal. It is customary for women to pinch the bride on her wedding day to wish her a happy and successful married life.

NIGER 60

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

In the Wodabee nation of Niger, Polygamous marriages are common. Marriages called “coogal” are arranged by parents during the couple’s infancy. This does not mean that marriages as result of love does not exist. Such marriages are called “teegal”. The Groom’s family offers a price to the bride’s family and if it is accepted the bride and groom are married. A bride lives with her husband until her pregnancy.

Then she returns to her mother’s home, where she will remain for the next three to four years.

The birth of a baby transform the woman to a “boofeydo”.

Boofeydo literally mean “someone who has made an error.”

Being a boofeydo implies that she cannot see or speak with her husband and her husband cannot express any interest in her or the baby for about two to three years. After these periods the woman will be able to visit her husband, but not live with him. Finally, when the woman’s mother buys everything that is needed for the bride’s home, she and the baby return to the husband, the father of the baby.

TANZANIA In Tanzania, marriage is an important part of life. Before the start of a wedding ceremony, every bride gets a Sumo. The Sumo is the best friend of the bride’s mother.

The Sumo will accompany the bride wherever she goes.

The importance of the Sumo on the wedding day cannot be over emphasized as she performs the beauty treatment of the bride’s hair, skin and nails. Special mixture made of sugar and lime juice by the Sumo is used to cover the bride’s body.

This mixture is used to remove all of her body hair except those on the head. The bride’s hands and feet are decorated with “mehdi” or “henna” tattoos with the application of Special oils on the bride’s hair. Her make-up is applied and a perfumed oil is smeared on her body. Finally, she gets her jewelry and a veil. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the sumo prepares a bed for the happy couple.

Some aromatic petals are usually placed on the bed. This brings to an end the sumo’s duties and the groom pays her an agreed fee.

Being a virgin until the first wedding night is very important among Tanzanian Muslims, this earns the bride the deep respect of the groom’s family. On the first wedding night, stains of blood on the bed sheet are expected as a proof of the bride’s virginity. In the case that there are no stains, then she has to return all the wedding presents she got. After this test of virginity it is time for the wedding reception to start. Such parties usually last between three and seven days.

MOZAMBIQUE The Shona people live in southern Mozambique. Dowry which is known as “roora” is part of their marriage. It is paid to the bride’s family as a sign of respect. The bride decides when she will go to her groom.

She can arrive at night with her female cousins escorting her. The bride’s arrival during the day is to surprise her future husband. She then wears white from head to toe. It is believed that by doing so nobody can see her.

As soon as members of the groom’s family notice her they start dancing, making a long

loud joyful cry. At this juncture, the groom’s family begins preparations for a party. This usually takes some time, so the bride is encouraged to keep walking through the

village. People are very happy as her arrival and giving birth to babies is going to enlarge their community.

The procession ends when the mother-in-law escorts the bride to her new home. There the bride is presented with gifts and is pleaded to remove her veil. It is a sign for the party to begin. Such parties last all through the night.

NIGERIA Nigeria, the “giant in the sun” is the most populous nation in Africa with over 250 ethnic groups and languages.

The Yoruba people originally lives in south-western part of Nigeria but have settlement in some parts of West Africa. Outside Africa, the Yoruba communities also exist in Brazil, the USA, Jamaica, and Haiti. One of the ceremonies held at the Yoruba weddings is tasting. In this ceremony the bride and groom taste for bitterness with peppercorns, happiness with honey and dried fish for nourishment.

A very important character at the Yoruba wedding is the Alaga Iduro meaning “Standing Chairperson”. She is a professional, hired and paid by the bride’s and groom’s family. She is a combination of singer, poet, comedian, spokesperson and priest.

In the next episode we shall consider more African marriages. Africa is truly a world heritage center. Let us continue to preserve this gift of nature.

Written by: Julius .O. Samuel.

He writes in from Lagos, Nigeria. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

61

Ivorian football star who lost everything in UK to Belgian ex-wife remarries in home country Former Ivorian international and Arsenal defender, Emmanuel Eboue, who was in the news two years ago for being broke after a bitter divorce, has remarried in his home country Cote d’Ivoire.

Eboue is reported to have married his ex-fiancée, Stephanie Boedé, whom he left behind after moving from local team ASEC Mimosas to Europe and Turkey where he played with top clubs such as Galatasaray, Sunderland, and Arsenal.

Ivorian media reported that his new marriage to Boede, who is from the western part of the country, was held privately on March 2, 2019, at the Hotel Communal de Cocody in Abidjan.

Photos shared from the ceremony showed a happy Eboue with his new wife in matching traditional outfits dancing as a couple and also cutting a cake amid family and close friends.

The turn of events was never imagined two years ago when the former English premier league star revealed in an interview with British tabloid newspaper Sunday Mirror in December 2017 that he was so broke he sometimes slept on the floor in a friend’s living room after several years of earning millions of dollars from playing football.

62

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The 34-year-old said the divorce drove him to the brink of suicide after his former wife, Aurelie, allegedly took everything he had including their three children, mansion, cars and their first house in North London where he was ordered by a court to surrender ownership.

“I can’t afford the money to continue to have any lawyer or barrister. I am in the house but I am scared. Because I don’t know what time the police will come. Sometimes I shut off the lights because I don’t want people to know that I am inside. I put everything behind the door.

“My own house. I suffered to buy my house but I am now scared. I am not going to sell my clothes or sell what I have. I will fight until the end because it is not fair,” Eboue was quoted by the Sunday Mirror.

He narrated his plight as part of the Sunday Mirror’s Time to Change campaign that seeks to fight the stigma associated with mental illness.

He said he was on the brink of suicide as he hasn’t heard from his children since June of that year, he disguises himself to use public transport and uses his hands to wash since he doesn’t even have a washing machine again.

He blamed “naivety” for his plight saying he entrusted his finances to his wife and she managed all the contracts he signed which left him vulnerable in her hands.

“I look back and say ¬‘Emmanuel, you have been naive… why didn’t you think about that before?’ It is hard. Very, very hard. The money I earned, I sent it to my wife for our children. In Turkey, I earned eight million euros. I sent seven million back home. Whatever she tells me to sign, I sign.

“She is my wife. The problems with FIFA were because of people advising me. People who are supposed to care.

But it was because of them FIFA banned me,” Eboue said, referring to his recently served 12-month ban

by FIFA for failing to pay a reported €1million owed to his former agent Sebastien Boisseau.

After the ban, the Ivorian player was signed by Cypriot side Turk Ocagi Limassol where he didn’t go beyond the medicals due to undisclosed “medical problems”.

The once glorious footballer who is known for his impeccable performance with the Ivory Coast national team, Sunderland, Galatasaray and Arsenal cannot do what he knows best – play football – and cannot do another job due

to limited education and “shame” of his situation which is driving him to death.

“I want God to help me. Only he can help take these thoughts from my mind. I continue to thank God. I have my life. I didn’t want what has happened. I don’t wish it on anybody,” he said.

“I would accept help from anywhere but if my previous club wants to help me then I would be very, very happy. Maybe

I could help the young players? … Maybe I’d see some of the people I played with or against and I’d feel embarrassed.

But I would cope,” he hinted.

Days after he shared his story, he was offered a coaching job by his former Turkish club Galatasaray. Manager of Galatasaray Fatish Terim told CNN Turk that he would give Eboue the job of assistant coach of the club’s under-14 team. “We heard news about Eboue in the dressing room, I was informed there, we will do whatever we can to help my friend.”

Here are more videos and photos from Emmanuel Eboue’s marriage ceremony in Abidjan.

By Ismail Akwei www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

63

Nigerian football legend Emmanuel Amunike makes history as he qualifies Tanzania for AFCON after 39 years

N

igerian football legend, Emmanuel Amunike who is the coach of Tanzania national team has guided them to the next Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1980 after a 3-0 win over Uganda.

The Tafia Stars defeated the Cranes of Uganda 3-0 at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam to claim a spot in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years.

Goals from Simon Msuwa, Erasto Nyoni, and Aggrey Morris secured the win for the hosts.

Amunike won the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1994 and the Olympic gold with the Super Eagles two years later, signed a two-year deal with the Tanzania national team to replace former coach Salum Mayanga in August 2018.

He was a former Assistant Coach with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The President of Tanzania John Magufuli has received and rewarded the national team at the State House, giving the players cash and land rewards after their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years.

President Magufuli thanked the team for their excellent performance as they beat Uganda 3-0 in a Group L tie on Sunday to seal qualification.

“You have done Tanzania proud and you deserve to be rewarded,” said the President.

The squad of 25 players and seven coaching will each receive US$5,000 and a piece of land in the capital city Dodoma.

The President of Tanzania also rewarded the coach with

64

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

landed property among many promises ahead of his team playing at the Nation’s cup in Egypt later in the month.

Tanzania finished second with eight points behind Uganda who topped the group L with 13 points. The team will know their group opponents for the tournament finals on April 12 when the draw will be made.

Amunike was appointed head coach of the Tanzania national team in August 2018 with the immediate task of ensuring their qualification to the 2019 AFCON. On 24th March he delivered on that, with an emphatic win over Uganda on the final match day inside a packed National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

With the Taifa Stars tied on points with Lesotho; it was a fight to the finish for second place in group L and it was the former who eventually delivered.

Lesotho couldn’t break Cape Verde, though the latter had nothing but pride to play for.

Tanzania have only once made an appearance in the competition; back in 1980, where they also couldn’t get past the first round.

Thus it seems the next task for the former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amunike will be to ensure the Taifa Stars play beyond the group stage.

The 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be the first hosted in June and this edition will see 24 teams participate.

Caster Semenya: United Nations criticizes ‘humiliating’ IAAF rule Plans to classify female athletes by their testosterone levels “contravene international human rights” says the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya, 28, is challenging the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) over its bid to restrict levels of testosterone in female runners.

The UN called the plans “unnecessary, humiliating and harmful”.

The IAAF said the motion given to the UN contained “inaccurate statements”.

Under the IAAF rules, female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels would have to race against men or change events unless they took medication to reduce those levels.

The regulations will apply to women in track events from 400m up to one mile and require that athletes have to keep their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount “for at least six months prior to competing”.

The issue was discussed at the UN Human Rights Council’s 40th session in March, at which delegates asked for a detailed report to be put together for a future meeting.

In the meantime, the body put on record its “concerns” with the IAAF proposals.

The council said it wanted governing bodies “to refrain from developing and enforcing policies and practices that force, coerce or otherwise pressure women and girl athletes into undergoing unnecessary, humiliating and harmful medical

procedures in order to participate in women’s events in competitive sports”.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, experts recently

c l a i m e d the IAAF’s regulations r i s k e d “setting an unscientif ic precedent for other cases of genetic advantage”.

Speaking in June, twotime Olympic champion and threetime world champion Semenya called the rule “unfair”, adding: “I just want to run naturally, the way I was born.”

The IAAF intended to bring in new rules on 1 November 2018 but the subsequent legal challenge prompted that to be delayed until the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) had ruled on the matter.

That ruling was due on 26 March but Cas has postponed it until next month.

A win for Semenya would see her free to continue competing the way she has always done, but a loss means the South African athlete could end up not competing altogether, competing against men or having to take medicine to lower her hormone levels.

Semenya has previously been asked to undertake gender testing by athletics chiefs, but no results have officially been made public.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance.

How has the IAAF responded to the UN’s motion?

In a statement provided to BBC Sport, the IAAF said “It is clear that the author is not across the details of the IAAF regulations nor the facts presented recently at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“There are many generic and inaccurate statements contained in the motion presented to the UN Human Rights Council so it is difficult to work out where to start.

“The common ground is that we both believe it is important to preserve fair competition in female sport so women are free to compete in national and international sport.“To do this it is necessary to ensure the female category in sport is a protected category, which requires rules and regulations to protect it, otherwise we risk losing the next generation of female athletes, since they will see no path to success in female sport.” www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

65

66

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

67

About this Event It is our privilege to specially invite you to the Great Nigerians Global Diaspora Development Summit 2019, taking place in “The Royal Event Centre”, Transistorstraat 60, 322CG, Almere/Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The conference is a strategic intent of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe (NIDOE), partner organizations whose focus is to develop the common welfare and economic aspirations of all Nigerians.

The Diaspora summit this year is themed “Mobilizing Diaspora Human Capital & Providing Policy Framework for a United Homeland Engagement-Post Diaspora Commission”.

This is a follow-up to the Nigerian Global strategic development conference held in London, the UK in 2018.

The conference will provide an opportunity for NIDOE and leading Diaspora stakeholders to help optimize the needed framework and synergy for a United Nigerian Global Diaspora cooperation and sustainable networking, for effective mobilization of Diaspora Groups, Diaspora Human Capital towards inclusive participation and contributions in homeland development post-Nigerian Diaspora Commission.

Activities during the 3-day event will cover key 68

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Diaspora considerations geared towards achieving the goal of the summit include but not limited to: - Nigerian Global Data mapping (Diaspora Registration), Diaspora Investment Models (Diaspora remittance Investment & development Fund, Diaspora Housing Scheme), double taxation, Diaspora participation in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, Diaspora participation and representation among other issues.

The 3-day event will also be addressing good governance and development challenges in Nigeria and will also examine best Diaspora Models in the areas of viable partnerships, knowledge, and experience, training and transfer of skills, finance, and mentorship within the pool of global diaspora human capital.

The focus of this year´s summit exhibition will be investment, processing, and manufacturing for export.

The Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority and Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission are expected as main partner Agencies.

The Great Nigerians Global Diaspora Development Summit 2019 is expected to attract leaders of various Diaspora groups; Professionals, business leaders, NGOs and government officials across the Diaspora and Nigeria.

www.nidoeurope.org

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

69

70

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

71

72

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com