ISSN:2588-8807
ISSN:1571-3466
Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement
Volume 21. NO. 208 August 2021
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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999
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The Voice magazine
THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM
Jimmie Nicks (Kenya)
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.
Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa
Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com Titus Seruga serugatitus@gmail.com Principal Photo Editor: Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com
On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. 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
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@thenigerianvoice.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com BUREAU CHIEFS 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 Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com
PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Magazine Designer David Banjoko davosban@gmail.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare Dare Anako You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)
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The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ublished online since 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. You can support this project now with as much as one euro a month to help keep publishing our digital copy for you. TV MANAGEMENT
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Volume 21 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
NO 208 August 2021
Contents
The Voice Magazine Volume 21. No 208 August 2021 Edition
42-44
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20-23 ARTICLES
Page 9 - Imaging Lagos without the Igbo By Prof Wole Soyinka Page 10 -Editorial: Murder of Peter R. De Vries - There would be no justice for him! Page 11 -Tributes pour in for murdered crime journalist Peter R de Vries Page 13 - Opinion by Tony Elumelu - I believe in luck because I’m a product of it. Pages 24 & 25 - Take charge of your professional life or well by Elizabeth Kameo Pages 26 & 27 - Three Israeli filmmakers under arrest in Nigeria Pages 30 & 31 - Yoruba Strategy Alliance drags Buhari to International Criminal Court Pages 34-36 - Civil Society Organizations in Tanzania join hands to eliminate Child Labour Pages 40 & 41- The blind community health volunteer Page 45 - South African says riots over Zuma jailing preplanned - Cyril Ramaphosa Pages 46 & 47- The young entrepreneur sustaining poultry rearing in Rusinga Page 48 - Ethiopia election: Abiy Ahmed wins with huge majority Page 49 - Amsterdam mayor apologizes for slavery past, as advisory group calls for action Pages 52-54: – Nigeria’s petroleum industry bill: Have the indigenous host communities been shortchanging once more? Page 55 - Confusion at Miss Tanzania as winner is ruled unfit to represent the country at Miss World Pages 56 & 57 - Stories of hope project Page 60 – Page - Tanzania to offer alternative education for school dropouts including pregnant girls –official Page 61 - The Netherlands to go Dark Red on EU map this week, De Jonge says Pages 62-69 - Sports stories
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YOUR COPY NOW.... Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword
BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out…… Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values. Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted. Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;
partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute. He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands. The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage. You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_
• forgive your partner when they make mistakes. Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned. This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that
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image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly. Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com
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FEEDBACK Dear Editor, Racism in the global game of football is massive and people, ardent fans of the beautiful game , people that the game is way more than a religion to, stakeholders of the game don’t wanna talk about it, on one wants to confront the menace and not even subtle. I have experience it in the 90s in Europe, in North America and South America as a player, coach, technical adviser, football analyst, commentator etc. Racism in football is real. When you win, they become colour blind. But when you lose, they talk about the colour of your skin. I give massive respect to all the players who are man enough to represent their country and go through all kinds of pressure to make their country proud. All of you are a billion times better than the people who racially abuse you. Emeka Ezeugo. Ex Super Eagles footballer from Nigeria
Dear Editor, Aftermath of England loss England’s fans are the most disrespectful fans around the world, when you win they becomes colour blind but when you loss they start talking about colours, they forgot that the same Sterling and the rest scored their three goals in three matches to see them go further in the tournament and they were all blacks, the same Bukola Saka helped them to reach the final. Yet for one mistake, they want to crucify him, all their great white players had thrown away penalties; what did they do to them? Nothing but praises. David Beckham and the rest of them. My question is why did the coach picked them if he was not confident in their ability to deliver? They were simply the best in the team; the old folks did not have the heart to step forward. Kudos to the three blacks, we are proud of them. Racism has no place in football of any part of society, I hope the football federation would disciple those socalled fans, they are thugs at best. Prince Ihiale London, UK 8
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Dear Editor, Kindly allows me space to express my disgust over the attacks on the black players who missed penalty for England at the just concluded Euro 2020 competition. Those three players are the best in the squad and the future for them. What a shame that they were expected to bear the weight of 55years of failure where they have not been able to reach any major final of world or European championships. My heart goes out to them and their hard work. This was so unfair. I wish these lads would not honour England call ups again. Dilly Jorna
Zaha was always right Dear Editor, Kindly allow me space to apologize to our star player, Zaha. I was against him when I read his interview in your magazine where he protested against the one kneel protest observed by the British league clubs since last season, his reason was that it does not go far enough to address racism as it is institutionalized. I did not angry with him but after witnessing the attacks on the three black players for the loss of the England national team to Italy, the British government is obviously not doing enough to tackle the problem which is much deeper than a football game. Nearly in all sports in United Kingdom, there are colours of different shape representing them and when there is success, no colour is mentioned except when they suffer defeat. Kneeling down gesture is not adequate to address the problem. A tougher policy on the part of the government is required just the same way they treat terrorism, racism should be in the same class. By Sunday Udjor Liverpool, England.
Dear Editor, The attack on the three players is based on envy, unarguably these three players are bound to shine brighter in the next football league season, they are going to be earning huge amounts of pounds playing football and these racists cannot stand that but there is nothing they can do about that too, the players deserve their wages, they work hard for it and they are proud to sing the country National Anthem and represent it graciously. Who among these racists writing on social media has done anything for England? None. They are butch of nobodies. The England government must protect these players on and off the pitch; no harm must happen to any of them. The world is watching. By Williams Rhema
Imagining Lagos without the Igbo .......
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ut I always find it utterly ludicrous when some scoundrel issues an ultimatum on the Igbo to vacate Yorubaland. And by Yorubaland, they mean Lagos. It is laughable because only a fool who hates the Yoruba will commit such knavery. Not that it will ever happen, but the day the Igbo leave Lagos is the day Lagos moves from being Africa’s most thriving commercial hub to one of the poorest states, not just in Nigeria and Africa, but the world. In case these charlatans haven’t figured it out yet, the Igbo are the main drivers of Lagos. The Igbo have invested in Lagos more than the Yoruba have. They are the workhorses of Lagos. Two weeks every year, the Igbo voluntarily observe a partial vacation of Lagos. December 23 to January 3, when the Igbo travel to Southeast Igboland, is always a mini experiment in Lagos without the Igbo. Lagos is a ghost town during Christmas. The usual heavy and hectic Lagos traffic is gone. You can organize and play football on Lagos highways. There is minimal activity at the Apapa Wharf, the mainstay of Lagos economy. The state is in partial shutdown when the Igbo leave town for two weeks. It loses billions in revenue.
The best residential houses and properties in Lagos are owned and occupied by the Igbo. It’s not just the best, but also most, of the residential properties in Lagos. The Igbo are the only group in Nigeria that go into a valueless swampy bush in Lagos and turn it into an El Dorado overnight. Truth is that Lagos is Lagos because the Igbo live and roll in it. And to know the Igbo is to know that they make home wherever they find themselves. They are a confident and comfortable bunch. They are the only group in Nigeria who will travel with everything they have, including their cultural heritage. From city to city across Nigeria and the world, the Igbo create a sense of community. Eze Ndi Igbo na Lagos, Eze Ndi Igbo na Kano, Eze Ndi Igbo na China, Eze Ndi Igbo na Dallas, Eze Ndi Igbo na Johannesburg, Eze Ndi Igbo na New Delhi, Eze Ndi Igbo na Boston, Eze Ndi Igbo na Malaysia are all efforts by the Igbo, not just to recreate Igbo land and the Igbo cultural experience wherever the Igbo find themselves in the world, but also an effort to foster cordial relationship with their host cultures. Only the Igbo do that. We are a peaceful and peace-loving people. We don’t ask for much. Just sell to us a space to build and live, a space to set up our shops, a space to set up our beer parlors for isi ewu, nkwobi, and egusi soup, a space for our parties and new yam festivals, be fair with property taxes and business regulations, and watch us play. Watch us grow and watch us grow your community. We add value to communities that welcome us, because we are the hardest working group that God has ever created. For the value we add, we don’t ask for much in return. We only ask for respect. We change your communities, but we also charge that you don’t take us for granted. We are a proud, but not prideful people. We celebrate our hardwork and the success that comes with it. And we expect you to be happy for us. Is that too much to ask? That your women run after us is only natural. Success attracts. It should be no reason for xenophobia in Joburg. The Igbo and the Yoruba are good neighbors in Lagos. They have always been. The Igbo are the only people in Nigeria who speak more than one native Nigerian language. They speak Yoruba and Hausa more than the native tongues. They are the only truly detribalized Nigerians. How many Yoruba speak fluent Igbo language? How many Hausa do? Not many, if any. They don’t because they have to live among the native Igbo to do that. Igbo land is a beautiful space with tasteful real estate. But how many of those houses in Enugu, Onitsha, Owerri, and Umuahia are owned by the Yoruba? None. So, you can see why it is easy for some failed nondescript cubicle rat in London to squeeze his fat ass into his 2 by 2-feet kitchen and spew the atrocious shenanigan the fella did. If the Yoruba were as invested in Igboland as do the Igbo in Yorubaland, there would be no incentive to attempt to order the Igbo out of Yorubaland. If you are jealous of the Igbo in Lagos, go build a house in Enugu. Otherwise, shut the hell up! By Prof Wole Soyinka
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Editorial
Murder of Peter R. De Vries There would be no justice for him!
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t is no longer news that Peter R de Vries has died as a result of bullet shoots on his head, at least five times on the street of Amsterdam where he was attacked by a single gun man. His death has widely been condemned and many seen it as an attack on justice for victims of unresolved murders and high crimes in the country. Many are also asking for justice for his untimely death but we are concerned and we can state categorically here in the Netherlands, there would never be justice for Peter de Vries. Reason? What amount of punishment or prison term would bring back his life to his wife, children, families, colleagues and the hundreds of helpless victims he is pursuing their cases. He has fought for many of his clients to secure justice for them where they have lost hope with the Police and the justice system. He has helped many to bring closure on their unresolved criminal cases and bring closure to the families who are victims of these organized criminal gangs. Peter would pursue any case to any length or far to other countries to get justice, he was expert of reviving cold cases or near dead cases and he has had tremendous results. Peter de Vries is a crime journalist; in his journalism career he became tough investigators that criminal gangs hated him with a passion. They feared him so much that they wanted him eliminated. In fact they fear Peter more than they fear the police force. You could call him the ‘Enforcer of the law.’ As the publisher of The Voice magazine, my path did crosses with Peter several years ago, probably in the early 2000. Then when a Nigerian businessman, Kenneth Ehigiene was wrongly arrested and jailed for drug pushing in Holland through German persecutor who forcibly used fake identification procedures to implicate him. I contacted Peter de Vries of behalf of Mr. Ehigiene and after his primary investigations, he saw a lot of wrong doings in the police and judicial process of the case and he decided to take it on. He even went as far as doing a television documentary on the case through his program on television. This was one case that frustrated him, in his conclusion; these are his own words on the case in a televised documentary on Dutch television program called “Misdaadverslaggever” in January 2012. “Wrongly Convicted. An innocent man in prison. Kenneth Ehigiene was wrongly convicted for a crime he never did. For several months, he was kept in a jail in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, as an innocent man. His only offence was being a successful black businessman in Amsterdam” I followed Peter as he investigated the case and we spoke few times, one thing sure was that he is a painstaking investigator, the task the German and Dutch police until they were angry with 10
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him, he stood his grounds when he has his facts in place, he did his job with such professionalism despite the judicial system tried to frustrate him. He could have been a better police officer than many in the profession. My last encounter with him was on 16th December Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh 2016 at the book presentation of Editor-in-Chief “Forgotten conclusion” written by
Kenneth Ehigiene and Barbara Gwanmesia where he wrote the forward of the book to close this ugly chapter in the life of this Nigerian. He is destroyed with the news of his death. (We would ask him for an interview on a later date to share his experience of Peter R. de Vries. Two persons had been arrested on his murder, but knowing the legal system here, if convicted they would probably receive 10 to 15 years in prison and after few years of supposed good conduct, they would be eligible for release. Even though we do not support death penalty; these criminals would be kept in prison with state finance and rehabilitated with public tax payers funds – really where lies justice in all of these. We would be following this case closely and hopefully that Peter de Vries family would receive justice for the life of the justice crusader caught short but even by corona virus but the hands of assassins. Peter de Vries we salute your courage and fight for justice and we pray your soul rest in peace as you played your part to make this world a better place for all to live in. Adieu Peter R. de Vries.
Tributes pour in for murdered crime journalist Peter R de Vries
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he death of crime journalist Peter R. de Vries has dominated the press in the Netherlands after he was reported shut on the street of Amsterdam and for 10 days he battled for his life. Candle vigils and prayers were offered for him but on 15th July 2021, he gave up the ghost and the outpouring of grief enveloped the whole country from politicians, journalists and general public. Major Dutch newspapers like the Telegraaf, AD and Volkskrant featured his pictures and editorials on his life and work. The Telegraaf, where De Vries began his career as a Journalist in 1978, devoted its first four pages to giving friends and colleagues space to share their stories on him. ‘His reserved appearance, the piercing look and the nasal voice; they were a turn-off to some. But the people who knew him better knew that those wrinkles next to his eyes indicated humor and other emotions,’ the paper’s court reporter Saskia Belleman said. talk shows were also devoted to De Vries, who was a frequent guest on many. In total, 4.7 million people watched one of more programmes, according to official figures. Tributes, an online condolence book has also been opened and signed by thousands of well-wishers. ‘Justice that is what you stood for. You were a hero,’ wrote Ibrahim Yaman. ‘Beaten in the battle against injustice. Your life was taken from you in such a cowardly way. You will never be forgotten,’ wrote Sandra de Bruijn. The 64-year-old’s family said they were ‘immeasurably proud, but also inconsolable’ as they confirmed his death in a statement last month. De Vries was shot in the head from close range on
‘Relatives of the victims of crime which De Vries took on, were crazy about him. If Peter got involved in your case, you knew that they would not be forgotten.’ De Vries was perhaps best known for his work on cold cases ensuring that several high profile murders were finally resolved years after the fact. But he also fought for refugee rights and was a staunch critic of racism and far right politics. Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that De Vries was ‘always in search of the truth and justice.’ And that, Rutte said, ‘makes it all the more dramatic that such a great injustice has been done to him.’ In the Lange Leidesdwarstraat in Amsterdam, where De Vries was shot after appearing on a television programme, dozens of people have come to pay tribute and lay flowers. Television
July 6, just after leaving a television studio at around 7.30pm. Two men have been arrested for the murder and have been remanded in custody.
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Opinion by Tony Elumelu
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ONE EURO A MONTH SUPPORT TO THEbecause VOICE believe in luck MAGAZINE .....
I’m a product of it.
When I started my career, I got a job I applied for despite not meeting the advertised criteria. That was luck at play, but I also believed that I was good enough to make a difference, so I offered myself. Luck was what made my boss at the time read my application letter. Leaders must be painstaking. My boss was. He read the application and invited me for the interview even though I did not meet the advertised criteria. Luck! Today, through The Tony Elumelu Foundation, we give a non-refundable seed capital of $5,000 to thousands of entrepreneurs across 54 African countries every year. When you get that funding, that’s luck but the eventual outcome depends on being disciplined, hardworking, committed, passionate, purposeful and laser focused. So, there is indeed luck, but luck on its own does not translate to success because it needs to combine with the qualities mentioned above and more. At the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we are playing our part by democratizing and institutionalizing luck. Dear African entrepreneur, are you prepared to receive and make your luck count? Then do your best all the time.
4Pillars Community Church Almere is based on the fundamental scripture from the book of Acts 2:42. Our vision? Connecting people, families, communities Teaching and leaving them with a legacy for the future with a message of hope and security for eternity through the infallible word of God You can visit us every day of the week, as there is a Resident Pastor available to you. We would like to welcome you to one of our services in the week. Prayer evening on Monday, Studies on Wednesday and Youth Service on Friday. Then Family Service on Sundays from 10am prompt. You are more than welcome Our strength is in our diversity and love for God, through Jesus Christ. Signed: Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastors 4Pillars Community Church Almere Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere The Netherlands. Telephone: +31646890203; Telephone: 036-7505571 E-mail: voalmere@gmail.com ; info@4pcca.nl Website: www.4pcca.nl
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Hon. Wavinya Ndeti speaks on women in leadership in Africa
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ver the last 100 years, Africa has gone through great transformation. From Slavery to Independence, informal to formal systems. Among the greatest changes Africa has experienced is the girl child transformation. Few decades ago, the place of women in Africa society was commonly viewed as ‘THE KITCHEN’ which mainly meant giving birth to children and attending to all home chores. However with realization of the girl potential, education and the push for equity in Africa society, that view has been found not only undermining but backward. Today, women are doing equally well or even better in most spheres of life than most men. The Voice Magazine Columnist on The African Promise (Jimmie Nicks) had a discussion with Hon. Wavinya Ndeti formerly a Member of Parliament and currently the Chief Administrative Secretary -Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in the Kenyan Government. Following is her take on WOMEN and LEADERSHIP in AFRICA. TV: Politics and Public service has many dynamics. How do you view yourself as a Woman in Leadership in Africa? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: People Representative, I have always been more oriented towards development and that is in line with the people 14
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needs. Whether its in political office or public service, I represent the people I serve, what they need to grow economically, education and infrastructure. To represent the people, you talk to them but most important you listen and come up with a plan of action. Public participation is key but always within the limits of the budget given. TV: How is leadership different for women in Africa in comparison to men? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Woman has soft power and that is making
Congratulations to Ambassador Opunimi Akinkugbe as Greece’s Nigeria Envoy them better performers. They talk and listen to people. We have seen how some male chauvinist let their ego rule, some men abuse women especially their political competitors. But we also have amazing Male leaders. My example is His Excellency, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka who supported my Bid to be a governor and that of Hon. Charity Ngilu. I have realized that men who are afraid of women in power try to undermine them. But there is another category of women who let power get in their heads. Women in power should learn to draw a line between office work and family setting where in Africa culture and most important in the Bible-man is the head of the family. But there is no shame in letting the woman support the family in cases where she is the bread winner. I say so because leadership starts from the family setting where the two are partners. I believe that men and women in leadership should partner to achieve growth and peace. TV: Is the affirmative action on gender equity been taken serious by the African Government? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti : I would say Yes, I say yes because when I became an MP in Kenyan government, there were only few of us but today one can see the miles we have walked. Recently we witnessed two important occurrences in our government. As a matter of fact, we now have the 1st Kenya Woman Chief Justice. In addition our senate has met the gender equity as demanded by the constitution. We are a step closer TV: Having served as a politician and now in public service, what
is your contribution in empowering women towards leadership? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Since 2007 when I become the Member of Parliament for Kathiiani constituency, I have done and still do several projects in empowering them not only in helping with education, sports, training and loaning, but also organizing with local institutions like Kenyatta University to aid knowledge to them. As a MP I took women from my community on programs to Rwanda to gain some training and get empowered. Its in record my constituency was awarded in the country as the best in performance during my tenure. And that has to do with empowerment projects for not only women but the entire community TV: What are the main barriers in achieving gender equity in Africa? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Implementation. Currently we have laws in place and more laws are need passed across Africa in national Parliaments. Challenge is now implementing those laws. TV: Are the systems in Africa giving the different genders equal opportunities? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Africa was a dark continent. We are trying. And like I said, the place of girl child in Africa has changed from kitchen to other spheres as men. Girls are now educated, empowered and having equal opportunities to study and take on leadership positions. We are almost there TV: Is the Boy child been neglected in Africa? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: No, Initially girls were trying to make ends meet with fewer opportunities, now that they have the opportunity they are making best use of it. From where l sits, Africa boy child was spoiled. He was allowed to play while the girl work was to carry the ball. While most educated men who could not get a white collar job literally did nothing else, women are used to doing manual home chores and as a result, with education they can do much more in other areas outside their Continued on Page 16 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
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Continued from Page 15 profession. Today, women can inherit land, buy properties and venture into businesses. African boy child need to wake up. TV: If you had the AU or the African government audience, what would you tell them? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Support women. It starts from home, spouses supporting each other without undermining each other. Africa men love but the mentality based on upbringing need to change -a twitch in their thinking. Africa will be built from homes and villages. Women are the backbone of the African society. Support them. TV: Talk to the African girl child looking up to you! Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: Its simple, get education all the way to higher learning if you can, have dignity and self-respect, never undermine yourself and don’t allow anyone to undermine you. Whatever or whoever is negative, stay away. Have a mentor and don’t fear to ask if you don’t know. Its the way to knowledge. Its always important to associate with people who can inspire or build you positively. And whatever you dream of, go for it. TV: Where do you see Africa Woman in 2030? Hon. Wavinya Ndeti: I am a pan African and my desire for Africa woman and man is same. A more unified and dignified
Africa. There is need for equal opportunities for all African people. I see African blocks coming together. Just in recent weeks I chaired East Africa community forum where our focus was on transport and infrastructure. Our air space, marine and roads need to work together, Its a walk towards the Africa I see for the African woman and everyone else in 2030. We will get
there but we need to remind ourselves that the journey of a mile starts with one. TV: Parting shot! Hon. Wavinya Ndeti : Africa will not be great without great women. You educate a woman you educate a whole village. Empowering the African woman is empowering the entire continent. Support the African woman.
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Ambassador Obinna Onowu Interview:
Our focus is to make Nigeria first in our mission
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igeria’s new Ambassador to Belgium, Ambassador Obinna Chiedu Onowu, on 22nd June 2021 presented his Letter of Credence to the Belgian monarch, King Philippe I, at the Royal Palace in Brussels, the country’s capital city to commence his work as Nigeria’s 17th Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium. Ambassador Onowu is formally accredited as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the kingdom of Belgium, the European Union and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The highly intelligent career diplomat is highly experienced in international relations and he had served at the Embassy of Nigeria in The Hague, The Netherlands, and later at the Embassy of Nigeria in Bujumbura, Burundi before his appointment as Ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari last year. Ambassador Onowu is expected to bring his wealth of experience to further strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Belgium. As part of his plan of inclusion of Nigerians in his mission activities, he granted this exclusive interview to The Voice magazine. The anchor for the interview is our media partner, Joy Onoilu (JebiTV). She had this one on one interview with His Excellency, Ambassador Onowu. Below is the ONE ON ONE chat with His Excellency, Ambassador Obinna Onowu Enjoy.... TV: Let’s get to know you sir? Ambassador Onowu: My name is Obinna Chiedu Onowu, currently the Nigerian Ambassador to the kingdom of Belgium. TV: I know you just resume your duties in office sir, but I would love to know your plans for Nigerians here in Belgium. Ambassador Onowu: Actually our focus is to improve delivery of services to Nigerians who come to the Embassy, to improve the positive image of Nigeria and Nigerians here in Belgium. Our slogan is “NIGERIA FIRST” so Nigerians should expect improvement from us in the next 2 years. We plan to improve positively on a daily base. TV: As the Ambassador, what do you expect from Nigerians here in Belgium? Ambassador Onowu: I expect them to be law abiding citizens, abide to the rules and regulations of the host country/Authorities, get their documents registered and updated, avoid problems with the securities and be a positive and brilliant representative of our country, NIGERIA. TV: Let’s talk about immigration/integration sir. What are your plans towards Nigeria immigrants here? Ambassador Onowu: We plan to encourage established organisations here and also Nigerians should learn and be willing to integrate to the system of the host country, know what the local regulations state and see how they can key into it in order to get their documents in order and be able to function properly in the system. And as for we, officials of the Embassy, we are here to help our citizens in any way we can, be it with necessary
documents that is needed in order for them to put their papers in order. Citizens are always welcome at the Embassy. They should be free to come to us and we see how we can help them process what they need at that particular moment of their legalisation procedures. TV: A Nigerian family has accused Belgian medical institution of negligence which has left a Nigerian woman paralyzed. Are you aware of this case and what do you plan to do? Ambassador Onowu: Yes I am actually aware of the case and I was briefed about it by my officials. We got in touch with her and we are currently following up with the case. Although it’s now a legal matter so am mindful of what I am allowed to say on the issue at the moment. But I can assure you, we are on the case and we will see to it that she gets the justice she seeks. TV: How do you plan to use your experience as a legal practitioner to help and improve the rights of Nigerians here? Ambassador Onowu: Is obvious and certain that the right of every Nigerian needs to be respected and acknowledge even as a prisoner, illegal individual or as a citizen of the host country. So we are going to insist as a mission, that the rights of our citizens are respected, protected and put into consideration. We are also going to insist with the host authorities that due process of the law should be followed whenever any Nigerian is arrested for whatever reason or offence. As a lawyer, I do recognise that everyone has rights
and we will see to it that it’s adhered to. TV: Let’s talk about Nigerians here in Belgium in prisons, what is the plan for these individuals by the mission? Seeing to it that majority of them might be falsely accused, due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time or otherwise. Ambassador Onowu: Let me quickly state a point here that most Nigerians are not aware of; We as a mission can only intervene if the person (Nigerian) asks for our assistance. So until they ask officially for our assistance, there is little or nothing we can do in such cases. The Mission can say okay, we will be visiting so and so prison to see how many Nigerians are imprisoned there and even after visiting, we still can’t do much except these Nigerians request for our help or service. And for those who request to see us, we always make it a point of priority to go see them and also see how we can help in such a situation. We have always obliged to do what is best for our citizens here in the Diaspora. But please note, we can only act when the individual has asked us. TV: Nigerians do complain of maltreatment when they visit the Embassy. What is your say on that sir? Ambassador Onowu: I think is a general perception by individuals. Here in Belgium, I haven’t heard of such complains, we are different and cautious to Nigerians. Don’t forget the Embassy staffs are also Nigerians living among you here in Belgium. The Officials are mostly inside in their Continued on Page 22 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
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Continued from Page 21 are certainly going to do that after this pandemic lockdown. TV: Is there any plans by the Mission to sponsor some Nigerian students here in Belgium?
various offices. But for us in Belgium as a mission, is entirely different story. We are actually doing our best to attend to all Nigerians who come to the Embassy. TV: A lot of Individuals are complaining of the shortage of passport booklet at the Embassy. Are you aware of this sir? And what are the steps you are taking to see to the situation? Ambassador Onowu: In Belgium we are actually lucky because we have enough booklets for our citizens who are based here. But let’s not forget that as a Nigerian, you have the right to apply for your Nigeria passport booklet in any Nigeria Embassy, so when Nigerians from other countries apply in our mission, we can’t turn them down, so we attend to them too and in such situations, we are now in shortage of booklets for those in host country. But I can assure you as a Nigerian in Belgium, when you apply for your passport booklet you will definitely get it on time TV: How can Nigerians reach out to you and other officials at the Embassy? Ambassador Onowu: We try to reach out to Nigerians via their associations. But I was earlier informed that some associations are having issues within themselves, so at the moment is a bit difficult to reach them. But as the Ambassador, is part of my program to have time for meetings with Nigerians, reaching out to them and also listen to them. We plan to also go to their various cities and get to know them, ask questions, give answers where needed and see how we can help and also improve the image of Nigeria/Nigerians positively. But the logistic problems now are how to assemble everybody. But we
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Ambassador Onowu: We do not have the resources for that at the moment, but what we can do is to engage the local authorities and to see what opportunities are available and at the same time, as we interact with Nigerians here who are doing well for themselves and have lived here for a long time, they also can advise us on how to go about it and also what is available. We will look into this and concentrate on how to help in our own way. TV: Most foreigners including the host country have this negative mind set about Nigerians here, how do you plan to change this mind set of theirs? Ambassador Onowu: My work here is to build the image of Nigeria/Nigerians, to enhance the visibility of Nigeria. I just submitted my letter of credence to His Royal Majesty in Belgium and this is the opportunity for me to let the king know that Nigerians are doing wonderful jobs here in Belgium and in other parts of the world. The president of USA and even the UK Prime minister have acknowledged this too. We have Nigerians who are capable of making positive impacts in the society; all they need is an opportunity and the right resources. And this is the message we are sending across to every establishment, co-operations, authorities and individuals. During the just concluded WEBINA meeting held in June 2021, I was able to speak with investors who are willing to invest in the development of Nigerians and Nigeria. Hopefully Nigerians will also be willing to join us in enhancing the positive image of our Country here in Belgium. TV: Thank you so much sir for your time. May God make your stay here in Belgium fruitful and positive? Ambassador Onowu: Amen! Thank you so much.
CONTINUATION FROM LAST EDITION ON THE RECEPTION FOR THE NEWLY APPOINTED NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO BELGIUM, AMBASSADOR OBINNA ONOWU. Congratulations sir from The Voice magazine, Holland & JebiTV, Belgium
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Take charge of your professional life or well…..
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t has been a year and a half since I completed my Diploma and become a professional chef. January 2021 marked my one year anniversary at my current job. A post I found three months after leaving school. A post for which I had to pack up and leave a place I had called home for five years, and move to a new town here we knew no one and did not know what awaited us. So there we went moving from one part of France to another. While I was able to accept the change being an adult, and taking into account that change has never bothered me much, this move was rather tough on my son, he had to leave behind friends, leave his rugby team, stop his hip hop dance classes and get used to guitar lessons with a new teacher. For months I had to live with his accusations of having made him leave his “life” behind”. However I have had to deal with a whole different set of challenges professionally, which prompted the subject for this article. It is no hidden fact that women (not all, but many) always put each other down professionally, it had been years since I had experienced this, and a few months into my new post, bang, there it was. Some women also would rather choose to sit and mop about as far as their professional stagnancy goes rather than finding ways to open up doors for opportunities to evolve in the workplace. So there I was after a few months on the job, happy and proud of myself that a female colleague who apparently would have loved to be offered the post came up to me to get answers; “How come you were able to get a chef post as soon as you got here?” she asked. I have been here for nearly 17 years and I asked to have a post as a chef and they said no; that I needed to be qualified and have a professional diploma. I told female colleague I was qualified for the job, having just completed my professional training as a chef. “Well I have been here for so long, and every now and then they would let me take on the post of chef because I had learnt over the years,” she told me, seemingly annoyed. I asked her why she had never returned to school to get the qualifications needed. “I do not have the time to go back to school and I am so old to even consider it, why even bother. I will retire soon”. I insisted and asked again why after 19 years in the same establishment she had never bothered to get her diploma through what they call “Validation des Acquis” translated into validation of prior Experiences. After 19 years I told her she would have easily HAD HER EXPERIENCE recognised with a university diploma or degree. With VPE skills and knowledge gained through prior studies and professional experience are recognised with a degree. This I told her would have enabled her to get
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By Elizabeth Kameo promoted to chef and put her on a higher salary scale as well. In practice VPE is a possibility to partially or completely earn a degree without taking classes, it is also an opportunity to progress professionally or to earn a promotion and get a clarification and validation of personal skills. If female colleague had wanted to go back to school, she would never have paid for her training she would have instead used her CPF (Personal Training Account) which in fact allows anybody either employee or job hunter to benefit from a training in France. It is not only the training that is paid for, anyone that has the points needed for training still gets paid by the Employment Agency for the duration of their training. Like I say, you get paid to get back to school. Female colleague has been working in the same post 19 years now. She is 54 years old and hopes to retire in four years, if according to her “my retirement package is good enough”. Otherwise she just may have to work until 63 to get her retirement package up. In short while she was not happy about my recruitment to the post, she was not even open to the fact that she could easily get her qualification recognised with a university diploma or degree, which would then push her up another grade. Thereby upping her retirement package. Talking to her I got the feeling all she cared about is she will retire soon with enough money to pay her bills. Before I was hire, female colleague used to fill in slots for absent chefs or chefs on leave. She had learnt on the job, she had mastered the basics, not the technicalities such as HACCP, hot and cold chains, heating and cooling
A lesson to learn from Elizabeth example ……….. temperature duration etc. That never bothered her, she worked like a robot. What did bother her however was the fact that someone more qualified had been hired for a post for which they were qualified. While a part of me wanted to shake some sense into her, I realised it was a lost cause. She is not the only female I have come across, who would like to be in a better position professionally, earn more money at the end and have more professional responsibilities ate work without having to get the needed qualification. The women that have come to realise what needs to be done to get up in the professional world have done it, they have jumped hurdles to get where they want to be and they keep raising up no matter what the challenges. Unless more women realise that as far as the professional world goes, nothing will be handed to us on a silver platter. The challenge is for women to realise that there are so many opportunities in place which we can use to our advantage to climb the professional ladder such as personal training accounts in France. Personal training accounts in France were implemented in 2015 and marked an important step for the French professional training system. The personal training account allows all workers or job seekers regardless of status and nationality from the moment one starts works to their retirement to acquire training rights which can be used throughout one’s professional life. It is the only example at the international level of an individual learning account in which training rights
are accumulated over time. Born from a compromise between social partners, the CPF has generated significant improvements in training quality. The law of September 5, 2018 “For the freedom to choose one’s professional future” brought significant changes to the account in order to strengthen the role of the individual in the system, to reduce the role of collective actors – in particular sectors – and to increase that of free competition and market forces. I am a product of this training system. Over three years after working as an apprentice under a professional chef, I was able to automatically accumulate hours that were added to my personal training account. Since I did not work all year round, it took me three years to accumulate the required training hours need to qualify for the training. Otherwise it takes two years if you work all year round. And if female colleague had been open to trainings, she would have moved way higher up the professional ladder over the 19 years she has worked on the same post.
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Three Israeli filmmakers arrested in Nigeria
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hree Israeli filmmakers under arrest in Nigeria last month would face charges in court according to Nigeria authorizes. This statement was confirmed by members of the Jewish community with knowledge of the situation saying that a pro-Israel activist, Rudy Rochman, with almost 95,000 followers on Instagram, filmmaker Andrew Noam Leibman and French-Israeli journalist Edouard David Benaym were arrested last month arrested while shooting a documentary in a separatist region of southeast Nigeria. According to media reports, Nigerian authorities from the Department of State Security Services arrested and interrogated the trio on July 9 on suspicion that they had come in contact with Biafran separatists. That night, members of the Nigerian Jewish community called Rabbi Israel Uzan, the Chabad rabbi in Nigeria, who is in France for the summer. Chabad, as well as expat Jews living in Nigeria, have been providing the three men with kosher food and religious items. “We are here to assist them and assist the parents with connections, with food for the boys, with everything they need for Shabbat, with tefillin,” said Uzan. One of the men entered Nigeria on a French passport, and the other two on American passports. This made it difficult for the Israeli embassy to get involved at the onset, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Making matters more complex, the US embassy reduced its operations last month as a security precaution, without providing further details. The Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday falls within the month, meaning the embassy won’t be operating normally until July 26.
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The families of the three Israelis said that local political elements had “twisted” the gifting of a Torah scroll to a local community to claim it constitutes support for separatist political ambitions. The Torah scroll is currently with the local community. The Israelis were in Nigeria to film “We Were Never Lost,” a documentary exploring Jewish communities in African countries such as Kenya, Madagascar, Uganda and Nigeria. They took off from Ben Gurion Airport on July 5 and landed in Nigeria the next day. According to locals, the crew was detained at a synagogue during Thursday night services in the Igbo village of Ogidi by Nigeria’s secret police and taken to the capital Abuja. The Igbo consider themselves a lost tribe of Israel. In their statement, the families explained that the filmmakers had brought gifts for the communities hosting them. The group met last month with Igbo leader Eze Chukwuemeka Eri and presented him with a framed Shiviti made in Jerusalem. Rochman also presented another Igbo community with a Torah scroll whose cover was designed by British-Israeli street artist Solomon Souza. “The filmmaking crew thought it would be a nice gesture to bring several gifts with cultural symbolism to the communities it planned to visit,” the families said in their statement, adding that one of the gifts was the Torah scroll. “Unfortunately, members of non-state political groups have hijacked for their own purposes images of the filmmakers gifting a Torah to a local community,” the families charged. “These individuals are distorting the intentions of the
filmmakers in an effort to manufacture a connection to local political matters when no such connection exists,” they said. “These politically motivated actors have taken a simple gesture of kindness and twisted it in an attempt to create an alternate meaning.” A relative of one of the men told The Times of Israel on Tuesday that separatist social media accounts had taken advantage of the Israelis’ trip to claim that the three were supporting Biafran separatist groups. The documentary series “is designed to educate viewers about the religious and cultural experiences of lesser-known Jewish communities. Their goal is to interview members of Jewish communities across multiple African countries, along with Jewish communities in China, India, Afghanistan and elsewhere,” the families said. “This documentary is not intended to make any political statements about the countries in which filming will take place, nor does the filmmaking team endorse any political movements. The filmmaking crew acts as a guest visiting the country and its various communities – there are no political overtones,” they said. The filmmakers were aware of the political sensitivity surrounding the filming of the Igbo community. Last Thursday, the “We Were Never Lost” Facebook page stressed: “We do not take any position on political movements as we are not here as politicians nor as a part of any governmental delegations.” One of the detainees, Benaym, was temporarily released from police custody Tuesday evening and handed over to the French Embassy in Abuja for unspecified medical reasons, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman told The Times of Israel on Wednesday. The families confirmed the details, stating that “as a sign of appeasement, the DSS allowed the French Embassy to host Edouard David Benaym on Tuesday night to receive some medical attention, with the intention of having him return to DSS custody the next day to continue the investigation.” While a family friend of one of the detainees told The Times of Israel former Israeli minister Ayoub Kara had flown to Nigeria to assist in the talks, the ministry spokesman said Kara happened to already be in Nigeria and was not involved in the diplomatic effort. Kara did not respond to a request for comment. “We are working diligently with the US, Israeli and French embassies on the matter, and we greatly appreciate the attention they have given to the situation. Their involvement has helped to improve the conditions of the filmmakers while in custody including the delivery of kosher meals prepared by the local Chabad,” the detainees’ families said. “We hope that the DSS will quickly conclude what the facts support that the filmmaking team has no political motives and that the team should be released from custody as soon as
possible,” they concluded. In January, a conflict broke out in southeastern Nigeria between Nigerian forces and the military wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement. The fight is ongoing. A previous unilateral declaration of independence by the Igbo people in 1967 sparked a brutal 30-month civil war that left more than a million people dead. In 2018, fugitive pro-Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu gave a radio broadcast saying he was in Israel and indicating he owed his survival to the Jewish state. Kanu, a former London real estate agent, heads IPOB and the outlawed pirate radio station Radio Biafra. He maintains the Igbo people, who are in the majority in southeast Nigeria, are a lost tribe of Israel and it is his mission to lead them to the promised land of Biafra. Kanu is facing treason charges in his homeland. He was arrested by Interpol in Kenya in June 2021. In 2018, fugitive pro-Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu gave a radio broadcast saying he was in Israel and indicating he owed his survival to the Jewish state. Press time Note: He has been released from detention but still under investigation and could be charged to court. TV
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Yoruba Strategy Alliance drags Buhari to International Criminal Court
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he Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has acknowledged receipt of documents/letters under the preference number - OTP-CR-290/21. According to the press statement, the communication has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office of the Chief Prosecutor. “We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”. Although the press statement noted that the acknowledgment letter does not mean an investigation has been opened, or that the Office of the Prosecutor will open an investigation. But as soon as a decision is reached, it would be communicated in writing, and provide the petitioners with reasons for their decision. This statement was signed by Mark P. Dillon, Head of Information & Evidence Unit of the Office of The Prosecutor What is the content of the letter to the Chief Prosecutor? Mr. Aderemilekun Omojola, Attorney at law based in the United States of America on behalf of Yoruba Strategy Alliance are petitioning the ICC to investigate allegations made against the Nigerian government for complacency in cases of genocide against the Yoruba people in the present structure of Nigeria. According to their statement, ‘Borne of severe ongoing existential violence and insecurity suffered by the Yoruba, at the hands of the Fulani, while the Fulanidominated government, which has become a lever in the hands of would-be Fulani conquistadors, is complicit in this acute and evil ambition, therefore the Yoruba Strategy Alliance is asking for justice under the ROME STATUTE and filed the following requests: 1) TO INITIATE THE COURT’S JURISDICTION TO INVESTIGATE, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 15.3 AND FOR 2) THE COURT TO EXERCISE ITS JURISDICTION, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 13(C), OVER THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA: President Muhammadu Buhari, Hameed Ibrahim Ali, Comptroller-General, Customs Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, Police, Former Inspector General; Mohammed Adamu, Police, Former Inspector General; Usman Alkali Baba, Police, Current Inspector General; 30
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Tukur Yusuf Burutai, Former Chief of Army Staff; Farouk Yahaha, Current Chief of Army Staff; Sadik Abubakar, Air Force, Former Chief of Air Staff; Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Former Commandant General, Security & Civil Defense Corps; Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, Current Commandant General, Security & Civil Defense Corps; Muhammed Babandede, Comptroller General, Immigration
Service Abubakar Malami, Lawyer, Minister of Justice, Attorney General. UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSAL DECLARATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a member of the United Nations, which in 1948 adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which there is an ongoing violation of several articles against the Yoruba, set forth below in relevant part: Article 3- Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of person. Article 5 - No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 7- All are equal before the law and are entitled without
any discrimination to equal protection of the law. Article 8- Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law. Article 13- Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state. Article 17- No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property. Article 23 - Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment… JURISDICTION The Federal Republic of Nigeria (“Nigeria”) signed the Rome Statute on June 1, 2000. Therefore, pursuant to Article 12 of the Rome Statute, Nigeria is a state party and therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, over violations of the following articles against the Yoruba, set forth below in relevant part: Article 6: Genocide (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction in whole or in part. Article 7: Crimes against Humanity (a) Murder; Page 4 of 26 (d) Deportation or forcible transfer of population; (f) Torture; (g) Rape, sexual slavery…and other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity; (h) Persecution against any identifiable group or collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender as defined in paragraph 3, or other grounds that are universally recognized as impermissible under international law, in connection with any act referred to in this paragraph or any crime within the jurisdiction of the Court; (i) Enforced disappearance of persons; (k) Other inhumane acts of similar character intentionally causing great suffering, or serious injury to the body or to mental or physical health.
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Register your film now for the third and final edition of this season!
Rialto stands for innovation and so we want to offer new undiscovered talent a chance to present their films. Are you such a talent, do you make films, video clips, commercials, or whatever? And would you like to see your own film on the big screen? Then submit it for Rialto for Short, a program that gives budding filmmakers the opportunity to show their work to the public and to film professionals. An expert jury of film professionals judges the films. This season they are Hesdy Lonwijk, Sacha Gertsik and Gwyneth Sleutel. From all submitted films, they select three films to be shown on the big screen. The screening will take place on Tuesday 21 September, at 19:30 in Rialto. Because this is the third and final edition of the season, the participants will also hear whom the winner of the season is, and go home with a stuffed knapsack for their next film project. You can register until Friday 13 August 2021. Send on those movies! Contact This is how you can reach us Rialto Ceintuurbaan 338 1072 GN Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 676 87 00 (theatre) Tel: +31 (0)20 662 34 88 (office) info@rialtofilm.nl | www.rialtofilm.nl 32 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
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Civil Society Organizations in Tanzania join hands to eliminate Child Labour
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021 was declared as the International Year of the Elimination of Child Labor by the UN. To mark this event for the first time ever in Tanzania, several NGOs came together in accord. Our very own Cynthia Omondi was an invited guest and she travelled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to join in the proceeding. Text and pictures: Cynthia Omondi The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution declaring 2021 as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. Subject to the theme; Act now: end child labor! UNGA asked the International Labor Organization (ILO) to take the lead in its implementation. It would also encourage legislative and practical actions to eradicate the vice worldwide. In Tanzania, the first ever commemoration of World Day against Child Labor event was held by Tanzania Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s). It’s a coalition that was formed by over 40 organizations from different parts of the country. The event was held at Watoto Wetu Tanzania Children’s Home, located in Mbezi, Dar es Salaam (‘Watoto Wetu’ is Swahili for ‘Our Children’). “Seeing children toil away from a very tender age in slave-like conditions is robbing them of their childhood and no child deserves that. Despite families being caught between a rock and a hard place, school should be the only workplace for all children,” said Winnie Nyandiga during her opening remarks. She is the East African coordinator of 100 Million Campaign organization. Child labor in Tanzania continues to affect an estimated 4.2 million children aged 5–17 years, about 29 percent of the age group. Performances There were moving performances from the children who were present during the occasion, majority being from the children’s home. Breathtaking renditions from the talented children filled the air as they sang their hearts out with emotional songs that brought many to tears. They sang about the struggles that street and orphaned children go through. They highlighted the pain, discrimination and frustrations they go through when they are neglected by the society and subjected to harsh conditions. One of the choruses that still lingers in my mind is; “They are
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restless, suffering from lack of aid. Others are destroyed in this world, who will listen to their plea?” Watoto Wetu Tanzania is an independent civil society organization committed to providing relief to orphans and vulnerable children regardless of race or religious belief. This is done through provision of quality education, awareness raising, capacity building and other basic needs. They do this in collaboration with government institutions, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations and individuals. Many children have benefitted from this program after they were rescued either from the streets or harsh working environments. On this day, they stood tall to tell their painful stories. It was the perfect choice of venue for the event as stakeholders and all attendees were able to listen as to why child labor should be eliminated, from the children’s perspective. The girls from Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment
Development Organization (WEEDO) proved to us that indeed style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. They cat walked on the runway with their colorful garments in different designs made out of locally produced kitenge fabric and organic cotton. These are girls that never made it through secondary school with others having been rescued from child labor cases. They have been given a second chance to help them realize their full potential through various trainings. Interestingly, all the garments showcased on this event, down to the sewing, were done by them. On a year where we intend
to eliminate child labor, these girls had only one message, ‘we can only grow, if given a chance!’ Testimonials Teresia, a fourteen-year-old survivor and a victim of child trafficking, shared her woeful story on how her mother was duped to release her to the hands of strangers. She was ferried to the city of Dar es Salaam from Morogoro. “The lady told
my mother that she was taking me to the city for a better life and education. I couldn’t refuse to go with her because my mother had already agreed. We traveled to another stranger’s place in Mbagala and I was told that would be my new home. I had expected to be taken to school but that was just but a dream. I later learnt that I was there to work as a house help. The lady that took me from my mother kept moving me from one house and one town to another as she got paid through my toil. Later, a Good Samaritan who noticed my miseries came to my rescue and it was a police case. That is how I was rescued,” she narrated dolefully. Debora, a beneficiary of WEEDO, began child labor at the tender age of 10. To make it worse she began it right at her home. “My mother was a fishmonger and every day after school, I was forced to help her take fish to the market to sell. This was my life from the age of ten ‘til the time I cleared my standard seven. The long hours in the market affected my performance and in my final exam, I scored way below
average. I was scolded for failing and since I couldn’t continue with secondary education, my mother insisted that I should join my brother in the city and look for a job. For one and a half years I worked as a house help with overwhelming duties. I used to sleep for only four to five hours. I felt enslaved. For a long time, I cursed my life and wondered why I was born. Was I meant to just work from the age of 10 yet kids my age enjoyed playing and going to school? I joined WEEDO in 2019 and ever since, I’ve gained a lot of skills. No child deserves to undergo what I went through, it is simply not right!” she testified and concluded with teary eyes. Other children spoke on how being orphaned at a very young age forced them into child labor. They had to drop out of school since they had to fend for themselves. “When we talk of child labor many people think of children working in the mines, big farms and factories. We forget about the young girls that have been ferried to the cities to work as house helps. People prefer cheap labor at the expense of infringing on children’s rights. Action needs to be taken now,” said Scholastica Pembe. She was a key organizer of the event and the founder of New Hope New Winners Foundation, an organization that focuses on saving street children in Dar es Salaam. Speeches This was a very significant day in Tanzania. This was evident
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that had a chance to speak. The children and survivors painted a clear picture of just how bad child labor is, with the guests echoing the same. “According to the scripture, Jesus says let the children come to me. I want to acknowledge, in a very special way, all the organizations here that are working to ensure children have a normal life and are well taken care of. You have stood in place of Jesus and I thank you so much for standing with
these children,” said Jeffery Nyaigesha, the mayor of Ubungo Municipal who was the chief guest for the day. The event was just the first step as the organizations plan to work together in more upcoming activities. They will involve individuals, the government and event international organizations to ensure that Tanzania is free from child labor and children enjoy the rights they deserve. Plans are underway to bring stakeholders on board and come up with policies that safeguard children and prohibit employers from employing underage children. “Advocacy and activism work is very expensive but we have committed ourselves to ensure we walk this journey together and
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achieve our ultimate goal. Even for this event, it took a lot of sacrifice as we had to dig deep into our pockets and do some contributions to ensure the day is a success. We still have a long way to go but this very first step was very important. We hope that more people will join us and by 2022 the rate of child labor will have dropped tremendously. Not only in Tanzania but also hopefully, across the globe. The goal is to eliminate it completely,” Scholastica Pembe told me. Guy Ryder, the ILO Director-General states; “There is no place for child labor in society. It robs children of their future and keeps families in poverty.” Let us all join hands in eliminating child labor. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please....... It is a well known fact that Nigerian Christians are under severe persecution particularly in the Northern part of the country. They continued to be attacked, properties destroyed, thousands of people dead, many more displaced, farm lands destroyed, children left homeless, orphans and desolate in a nation of plenty of resources. A government unable to protect his people. We have received a request from an organization helping these persecuted Christians to get some type or relief. They are calling on us on the Diaspora to support and help through our kind donations. The organization is coordinating assistances, see the flyers published below for details of how you can support their efforts. We approve the flyers so you can send support directly or contact them for clarification or more information. God bless you all. TV Management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg52LK6cJlw&feature=youtu.be
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Meet the blind community health volunteer
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osing your eye sight can be devastating even at old age. People who were close to you distance themselves and even family members might treat you differently because they see you as a burden. After losing her eyesight Angela Nzilani went through an extremely difficult time trying to accept the fact that she would never see light again. The only people who came to her rescue were Community Health Volunteers. Now she is one of them herself and has a clear message to the world: “If you see a person living with disability, don’t see the disability but see their ability. We are normal people. Stop referring to us by our disability.” Text and Pictures: Nicera Wanjiru Covid-19 resulted in strict restrictions from the Ministry of Health and the government. The most common and basic being wearing of masks, social distancing, washing hands with running water, sanitizing regularly and in some counties, a night curfew and total lockdown. Try and imagine that you are totally blind, like Angela, and you have to follow all these measures. Doesn’t look easy does it? So the question is, how have the blind been coping during this pandemic? To answer this question, I set out to visit Angela Nzilani who despite being blind, is a community health volunteer. She is not only beautiful, but also knowledgeable and vocal in her community. Before I even got there, she called to tell me that she had gone to visit a household, but we were still meeting later on. As I slowed down my pace, I couldn’t help but marvel at her dedication and hard work. Angela’s Background “My name is Angela Mailu Nzilani. I am a community health volunteer, mother of two kids and grandmother of one,” she began. “I am totally blind, though I wasn’t born so. At the age of 23, on the 18th of August 2005 to be exact, I had a very severe headache. Within two days I had become partially blind. I was left with one eye which wasn’t seeing properly. It took me one month to see a doctor because I was in the village and had to be brought to Nairobi for treatment. Unfortunately it was too late by then, the doctor said nothing could be done. Three years later I was involved in an accident and became totally blind. That same year I underwent an operation and my left eye was completely removed.” She told
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me that during this period she faced rejection and discrimination from people she knew very well because she was like a burden to them. She was left alone in her own world. How I Became A Community Health Volunteer. “Community volunteer didn’t have any meaning for me. Before I became blind my friend had requested me to attend a training session to become a community health volunteer. I rejected the offer since there was no pay. It never crossed my mind that I would one day become one.” Angela is charming and she explains it laughing. “When I became totally blind it is the community health volunteers who used to visit me. They not only consoled me, but they also encouraged and assured me of support. Many were the times they came to my rescue whenever they came to my house and found me helpless with no food. They kept on telling me that it’s not the end of the world and disability is not inability. At times I felt like it was a punishment from God. They are the ones who helped me to accept myself though I never wanted to associate with them when I was not blind. I was very much interested so I was trained to be a community health worker myself. Later, I felt the need to volunteer. I have 100 households that I visit and I love my job. I love interacting with people though I can’t see them. This is a calling. When I’m doing this work, I always think about my trying moments, losing eyesight is no joke. This always makes me work harder to help others,” she told me with a big smile. My Role during the Pandemic
“With the Covid-19 guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the government, you find that in our communities it’s somehow difficult to follow them. Not because you don’t want to but the situation can’t allow you. As a community health volunteer I always remind my community about Covid-19 measures. If they get the virus, I am also at risk. I also teach them on how they can make their own washing stations with what they have in their houses though for this I usually have someone to help me. I have also been doing demonstrations, for instance how to properly wash your hands.” “Aside from that, I also train young mothers and married women on the importance of family planning. Those who have small babies, up to the age of five, I make sure I remind them to attend clinics every month. At times it’s hard and I thank my guide for she has to check some things for me. I also do mentorship to people in my community who have various disabilities. For instance, in the current situation, mental health is very important. Somehow, we feel neglected and as the disabled, we must take extra care of ourselves. With the harsh economy people are more worried about what they will eat than with catching the virus. I have to be there for my people and to encourage them. I really appreciate all the organizations and individuals who have been
at the forefront in helping people living with disabilities during this pandemic,” she said. Being Blind, Covid Times and Experiences. “There are three questions blind people normally ask themselves. Where are you? Where do you want to go? How will you arrive there? This simply means you must have a guide. You might find one who doesn’t know exactly where you are going and so you have to explain. My guide is my eye and explaining this is sometimes difficult.” Angela is with her daughter Mercy who was her guide in the morning hours. Mercy tells me if you don’t have patience and a good heart you cannot be a guide to a person with disability. “When it starts raining you can’t run, so you get rained on. Some people think you are not
supposed to be walking because you are wasting their time on the road. Those with vehicles, motorbikes and tuk-tuk can be so irritating and they will insult you, though a few of them are very nice. My mother is beautiful and has a beautiful heart. When I see her facing this challenges I feel really bad. Even the police don’t care whether you are disabled or not. I think the president should come up with different rules on Covid for people like my mother,” she told me with a sad face as she stared at her mum who couldn’t see the grief written on her face. “In my community, especially during this pandemic, I feel ashamed of asking someone whether they are wearing a mask or not. Even my guide might not be wearing a mask but I won’t know so I have to be strict with them. In meetings and gatherings I may not know if social distancing is being observed so at times I’m forced to stretch my hand in a polite way so as not to offend the people around me,” Angela told me. “In my work I have faced horrible people who think I’m not supposed to be walking on the road or volunteering in my community. I was knocked by a handcart yet the person got furious instead of apologizing. He started insulting me and I was worried he might beat me even in my condition. Some people go to the extent of pushing you just to see your reaction.” For the first time I saw a sad expression on her face. What Message Do You Have Out There? “If you see a person living with disability, don’t see the disability but see their ability. We are normal people. Stop referring to us by our disability.” Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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TouChY STORY:
The epilepsy awareness champion pulling down the walls of stigma
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hen Fredrick Beuchi Boya learnt that his sister was suffering from epilepsy, he deplored the reality she would face since in his community it is associated with a curse. The love he had for her made him research more on the condition and now he is spreading
awareness about epilepsy, not only in Kenya, but all over the globe through various drives. Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low and middle income countries. It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure free if properly diagnosed 42
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and treated. However, there are so many myths and misconceptions that revolve around the disease which have led to exclusion and stigmatization of people living with it. It is one of the most dreaded disease as some associate it with witchcraft while others think it is contagious. Beuchi began fighting stigmatization as he sought to establish an accommodative environment for his sister and other people living with epilepsy. “I have handled countless cases, people I’ve had to go to their companies with, simply because they were being laid of for having a seizure at the work place. Epilepsy isn’t a barrier to physical achievement, neither is having a seizure a limitation to one’s ability to deliver,” he argued. He stressed on the need to defend the rights of persons living with epilepsy stating that, just like any other normal people, they can handle anything life throws at them. Fredrick Beuchi Boya, was born and raised in Mazeras, Kwale County in the Coastal part of Kenya. He traces his origin to Malawi since his grandfather was Malawian. The 31 year old is the first born in a family of five children. His last born sister’s condition forced him to take a different path in life. “My sister was diagnosed with epilepsy at the tender age of two. Her condition kept on worsening by the day since we were clueless on how best to take care of her. She would have seizures after every twenty minutes, her head was deformed and she had injuries all over,” he told me during our interview. Seeking Help Having studied Shipping Management at the Mombasa Aviation College, Beuchi secured a job at Linear East Africa Shipping Agency where he worked for more than a year. Later, he was forced to quit his well-paying job in order to go assist his distressed mother take care of his younger sister who had just been diagnosed with epilepsy. Little did he know that this would change his career as he strived to be his sister’s knight in shining armour. “It was in 2012 when I decided to quit my job and go home to help my mum take care of my sister. By then, the reality of her not being normal had really hit home. My mum was really getting depressed by the whole situation. I really tried looking for means and ways of helping my sister. There is this one day when I turned on the TV and saw an advertisement about the first ever epilepsy open day. It was being held in Nairobi and was organized by the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee. I had no idea
whatsoever what to expect but I decided to go with the hopes of understanding the condition more. I travelled from Mombasa to Nairobi and stood in the long queue for hours. Lucky enough, I managed to see a doctor, Dr. Chengo, who coincidently was also from Mombasa. Moved by my sister’s story, he booked an appointment for her once he got back to his hospital the following week. After conducting a fresh diagnosis he was able to deduce that the cause of her epilepsy was cerebral malaria that she once suffered from,” narrated Beuchi extensively. His sister began getting the right treatment from Dr. Chengo and as days went by, there were significant changes. “My sister’s epilepsy condition has been progressive. She has not experienced the general seizures where she falls down, jerking, and foam coming out of her mouth. Neither has she endured drop attacks where she suddenly drops and bangs her head, or getting absence seizures and being violent and unrestful. I have witnessed her walk through this painful journey with progressive changes to where she is right now, about five years seizure free,” he attested. In the process of caring for his sister, Beuchi came to understand epilepsy better and gained a deeper understanding of it that he began creating awareness. He even went back to college to pursue a course in Theology and Counselling to help him reach out to people and do epilepsy counselling. Learning through Experience It may sound like a cliché but experience is indeed the best teacher. Beuchi gained a lot of experience by caring for his sister since he had to do a lot of research. He mastered the art of normalizing his sister’s life by integrating her back to social life through organizing concerts for children and sensitizing the community about epilepsy. “My sister was not interacting with other children. So, I thought of taking her to an environment with lots of children just to try and build her social life. That is how the idea of having a concert was born. When I took her
to that first festival, she was so jovial and I quickly learnt that the distraction she had there even reduced the seizures that she would experience in a day.” “It was such a great impact on her that I turned it to an annual kids’ festival, focusing on epilepsy awareness, and it still happens up to date,” he pointed out. All it takes is acceptance, care and the correct treatment because seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with the appropriate use of anti-seizure medicines. Creating Awareness through Expeditions Passion and dedication towards creating awareness and helping families and people living with epilepsy landed Beuchi at the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee as one of the board members. “As a board member of NECC, I realized that there was very little attention being given to epilepsy. I began having crazy ideas on how to bring epilepsy awareness to the limelight. There was an existing campaign dubbed ‘Angaza Kifafa’ Swahili for ‘Shine light on Epilepsy’. In 2018, I decided to publicize it through a walk from Nairobi to Mombasa in a bid to create awareness on the condition. I was flagged off in Nairobi and it took me around 12 days of trekking to get to Mombasa. In the first five days I covered an average of 40 to 45 kilometers but as days went by, I got weaker. I covered a total of 482 Kilometers and by the time I was done, I had really bad blisters on my feet. I had invited a couple of friends to join me but they thought it was a crazy idea so I ended up doing it alone.” According to Beuchi, that walk became the talk of town
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as he made many appearances in media houses just to talk about epilepsy. This was mission accomplished. Two years down the line, the excitement had already died down so he decided to have a comeback. Under the same campaign of shining light on epilepsy, he decided to do a hike challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain of about 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). As if this wasn’t enough, he combined the hike with cycling from Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha in Tanzania, all in a bid to create awareness on epilepsy. “The whole Mt. Kilimanjaro experience was scary. I had watched clips on YouTube on how icy it was and I couldn’t imagine that is what I was going to subject myself to. Walking for kilometers on ice and the high altitude was challenging and it got tougher as we got higher. We were a team of twenty people but out of those,
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only five made it to the peak. The resilience and passion kept me going and I was more than ready for any eventuality that would have come my way,” he indicated. According to him, this expedition’s goal was to create epilepsy awareness not only in Kenya but in Africa and he believes the message got home. Plans for his next expedition are underway as he takes his epilepsy awareness global. Beuchi will be competing in the Boston Marathon in 2022, not for the gold, but to spread the gospel of epilepsy. Awards Immediately he got back from the hike, he was awarded by the Epilepsy Alliance Africa for his dedication in creating awareness about epilepsy in Africa. He confessed to me that this came as a surprise to him. It goes without saying that indeed good deeds never go unrewarded. To add on to that, he has also been shortlisted for the Golden Light award by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), a global platform that advocates for epilepsy. He is looking forward to traveling to Paris to receive this prestigious award. “My parting shot won’t focus on epilepsy as a condition but as a great life lesson. It has enlightened me to appreciate other intellectual conditions revolving around mental health,” he concluded. By Cynthia Omondi Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
COLUMN
South African says riots over Zuma jailing pre-planned - Cyril Ramaphosa By Shingai Nyoka
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outh Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the violence that has rocked the country was preplanned, describing it as an assault on democracy. Riots were sparked by the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma. The death toll has risen to 212, up by almost 100 since Thursday, the government said. Police officers have been protecting deliveries of food to supermarkets after days of widespread looting led to shortages. An estimated $1bn (£720m) worth of stock was stolen in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 800 retail shops looted, a mayor in the province said. “It is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated - there were people who planned it and co-ordinated it,” President Ramaphosa said in a visit to KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Zuma’s home province and the epicenter of the violence. The president said the riots were an attempt to hijack South Africa’s democracy. He told supporters that instigators had
been identified, but didn’t elaborate. “We are going after them,” he added. In KwaZulu-Natal, many have been queuing for food, sometimes from the early hours of the morning just to get a few items.
People waiting told the press that they were concerned about feeding their families, getting formula and nappies for their babies, and even food for their pets. The week of violence in the province has left roads damaged or blocked by rioters and the government wants to make sure the food supply is not disrupted, said Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, an acting minister. Soldiers have been deployed to potential flashpoints and police are providing escorts for the transportation of oxygen, medicines and other key goods, she said. In a 30-minute televised address last month, President Ramaphosa said there was no shortage of food or supplies and urged people against panic buying. He said more than 2,500 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest and urged South Africans to come together. “If we stand together, no insurrection or violence in this country will succeed,” he said. “We are engaged in a struggle to defend our democracy, our Constitution, our livelihoods and our safety. “This is not a battle that we can afford to lose.” Protests began last month after Zuma handed himself in to police to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court. Zuma’s supporters reacted furiously to his imprisonment, blockading major roads and calling for a shutdown to demand his release. The protests descended into riots on a scale rarely seen in South Africa. Businesses in every sector were looted, burnt and petrol-bombed in cities and towns across KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Gauteng, which surrounds the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg. Another report reaching us said there are underlining factors that has helped the rioters, the wide imagine of poverty in those areas – the lack of job opportunities and discriminations from the rich white folks, in fact many of the white businesses are alleged to have raise up their own defense structures to prevent these raiders and even some blacks are reported killed. The police are investigating such allegations.
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The young entrepreneur sustaining poultry rearing in Rusinga
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ice Versa Global’s Eunice Mwaura talks to Alphonse Odhiambo. The 32 year old man runs poultry feed processing unit that has saved the residents of Rusinga Island from a cumbersome 105 km tour, to the nearby city, in order to purchase feed for their poultry. About a mile away from Rusinga Feeds Centre, we can already hear the rumble of a machine whose gears are grinding together. Alphonse Odhiambo, the proprietor of the poultry processing unit, meets us with a vibrant smile as soon as we walk in. It’s 8am and he is already consumed in his daily routine of mixing feeds for the already piled up orders of the day. The 32 year old was
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it can no longer accommodate all of them, especially at this time when overfishing has caused a depletion of fish in the lake. Alphonse in his poultry feed processing unit “We had no option but to be creative. We saw a gap in Rusinga and came together to bridge it. Not only to empower ourselves financially and others through employment, but to also take charge in providing solutions for the society we live in. The people of Rusinga are now motivated to keep poultry because a poultry feeds centre is just but a stone throw away.”
born and raised in Rusinga Island, arguably the most prominent island on Lake Victoria. Before he opened the poultry feed processing unit, poultry farmers had to cover more than 105 km to Kisumu, a neighbouring town, to buy feeds for their poultry. So what does the processing unit mean for the people of Rusinga?
Kevin, his colleague and a statistics graduate from the University of Nairobi, peruses a book to show us all the orders they have had the previous months and the preorders of the current one. He is in charge of bookkeeping for the feeds since he is an expert in the book balancing and accounting field. “The business has been quite profitable for the last three years since we started. However just like with so many other businesses, the pandemic has been a bolt from the blue. We are not as financially well off now as we were before,” he tells us. When the lockdown was implemented Kevin laments that they were locked out of accessing the supplies they rely on to make the feed. Most of their clientele couldn’t afford to purchase the feed for their poultry as well, for the quality of life had significantly deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. “It’s getting a little better at the moment so we are hoping to stabilise in the near future,” he says.
Bridging a Gap
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
“It is quite unique because poultry farmers don’t have to walk all the way to Kisumu to buy feed for their poultry”, he responds enthusiastically. The drive to start the processing unit arose because, just like in many other parts of the country, youth unemployment is quite a challenge on the island as well. The lake has also turned out to be an unreliable source of income as
“Our other agenda was to steer young people from the lake.” Alphonse chips in. “As you know we are a fishing community. But this time honoured economic activity has had a lot of people thinking that no nonfishing related business can thrive within the island.” He recalls how this pursuit raised a lot of scepticism for most did not see the poultry processing unit operating
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for more than a year. Ironically, it has been three years now, and counting. This has seen so many people come to see the idea behind this processing unit, especially the youth. He can confidently say that most are fully convinced that it is possible, within the island, to start a business not related to fish. This customer can comfortably rear chicken now without worrying about the cumbersome tour to Kisumu to purchase poultry feed.
to serve the whole of Nyanza and western region of Kenya which comprises of 6 counties. Our initiative has encouraged so many other young people to start businesses. We hope this will spark competition so that better ideas that will benefit our people can be born.” Alphonse message to young people is to act on whatever innovative ideas they may have. “The hardest part is starting, but once you get that out of the way you will find that the rest of the journey is much easier. Think and act,” he concludes.
As I continue talking to Alphonse, a young man walks in with a white non-woven bag to purchase some of the feed for his chicken. On his way out, he asks me follow him so that I can see where he is rearing the chicken. The young man was previously a fisherman, but now that there is a poultry feed processing unit in Rusinga, he can comfortably rear chicken without worrying about the cumbersome tour to Kisumu to purchase poultry feed. His barn is just opposite the processing unit. When we walk in he proceeds to feed the birds, 10 by my count, which he tells me will soon start laying eggs that he will sell within the island.
Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
“Our dream is to expand regionally,” Alphonse says. “We hope that one day we shall get the opportunity
By Eunice Mwaura
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Ethiopia election: Abiy Ahmed wins with huge majority
thiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has won the country’s delayed elections with an overwhelming majority, the election board said last month. The board said Mr. Abiy’s Prosperity Party won 410 out of 436 seats, giving him another five-year term in office. Polls were not held in the war-torn Tigray region, where many thousands are living in famine conditions. In all, a fifth of the country failed to take part in voting owing to insecurity and logistical problems. Another round of elections has been provisionally scheduled for 6th September 2021 in the affected areas, but there is no date for a vote in Tigray. The election had already been delayed due to the pandemic. Mr. Abiy was winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, described the vote as a “historically inclusive election” in a statement on Twitter. A new government is expected to be formed in October. However, there are concerns about the election’s integrity. Opposition parties had complained that a government crackdown against their officials had disrupted their plans to prepare. Berhanu Nega said his party, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice, had filed more than 200 complaints after observers in a number of regions were blocked by local officials and militiamen. Securing a parliamentary majority gives Prime Minister Abiy a governing mandate, but instead of celebration, the focus will quickly turn to how he will deal with mounting challenges. The ruinous war in Tigray, in which he prematurely declared victory, has killed thousands of Ethiopians, displaced millions, and left hundreds of thousands facing famine. His government has also been accused of cutting power and blocking phone lines across the region, leaving hospitals to run on generators.
His unilateral declaration of a ceasefire has not been heeded by the Tigray rebel forces, who continue to fight Eritrean soldiers
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and Amhara militias. This election win will do little to improve Mr Abiy’s reputation in the eyes of the international community. His next moves will be closely watched at home and abroad. The state-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said there were “no serious or widespread human rights violations” in stations it observed. However, in a preliminary report the EHRC said that some constituencies experienced “improper arrests”, voter intimidation and “harassment” of observers and journalists.
It also said it had observed several killings in the days leading up to the vote in the regional state of Oromia. In May, the EU accused Ethiopia of failing to guarantee the independence of its election. The election was Mr. Abiy’s first electoral test since coming to power in 2018. He has clamped down on corruption, released political prisoners, appointed more women to the cabinet and made peace with neighbouring Eritrea, following a 1998-2000 border war that left tens of thousands of people dead. He won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, but just a year later, he waged a military operation in his own country - deploying troops to Tigray to oust the TPLF as the region’s ruling party after it seized military bases in what Mr Abiy saw as a bid to overthrow him. Last month, for the first time in two weeks, the UN World Food Programme began moving aid into Tigray. Different sides in the conflict have been accusing each other of blocking much-needed shipments. The UN said that humanitarian operations were being constrained by the absence of essential services including fuel, telecommunications and electricity.
Amsterdam mayor apologizes for slavery past, as advisory group calls for action
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he Netherlands should apologise for its slavery past and recognize slavery and the slave trade as crimes against humanity, a commission set up by the home affairs ministry said last month. The advisory group Adviescollege Dialooggroep Slavernijverleden also recommends July 1, the day when slavery was abolished in 1863, become a national
day of remembrance with a ceremony attended by both the king and the cabinet. The report comes as Amsterdam’s mayor Femke Halsema made a formal apology for the city’s role in the slave trade during the annual Keti Koti ceremony which marks the end of the slavery era. Keti Koti: what you need to know ‘On behalf of the city’s administration, I apologise for the active involvement of the Amsterdam city council in the commercial system of colonial slavery and the worldwide trade in enslaved people,’ Halsema
said. ‘It is time to embed the great injustice of colonial slavery into the identity of our city, through broad and unconditional recognition.’ The city council voted last year make a formal apology. Halsema’s statement is in line with that urged by home affairs ministry commission which said an apology is not about individuals, but about the state as a whole. As the legal successor to the former Netherlands, it is up to the current cabinet to apologise for ‘directly or indirectly allowing’ slavery and the slave trade, the advisory board said. ‘It is not about designating individuals as guilty, but about recognition by the state of the Netherlands of the suffering caused by slavery.’ Germany, Belgium, France, the United Kingdom and the United States have already made similar gestures. Museum in addition, the commission suggests the establishment of a national museum of slavery and that a broader look at the country’s slavery past is included in the national curriculum. Money also needs to be set aside for projects to help eliminate the consequences of the slave trade via a recovery fund, the commission said. However, there is no legal basis for any reparations on a personal level, the commission concluded. Home affairs minister Kajsa Ollongren described the report as an ‘important first step towards broader recognition and embedding of our shared past’. What decisions are eventually taken will be up to the next cabinet, she said.
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Rainwater Harvest project
Do you give people water? You turn on the tap at home and at work when you need water. For us the most normal thing in the world. For millions of people in the world this is not normal at all. They have no access to WATER . With our foundation Pamoja Kenya we have been making the world aware of this for years. We have carried out 16 projects in rural areas of Kenya, which means that approximately 23,000 people now have WATER and sanitation facilities. In this way we contribute to a better world. You can do that too! By joining our new Rainwater Harvest project, which we are running in the Matsangoni area of Kenya. You can participate as an individual or with your company. Donate € 500 for a water tank and give water to 200-250 people . You can also donate a smaller amount for a smaller tank. Or share the amount of € 500 with other people or companies. With this you give 100 people WATER. The water tank is your 'own' project Your name or the name of your company will appear on the tank. A very nice way of corporate social responsibility. You give the people in Matsangoni a future with it. They will be forever grateful to you. The tank is installed on a concrete platform at a house. Gutters are made on the roof of the house so that rainwater runs into the tank. People can tap water through a tap on the tank. You become a partner of the Pamoja Kenya Foundation That means FREE advertising. Your logo will appear on the partner page of the Pamoja Kenya website, with a short description of your company. Your logo will appear in the bar with other donors at the bottom of the page. You also hitch a ride with all the publicity Pamoja Kenya generates.
Let’s make this world a better place! Join the Rainwater Harvest project of Foundation Pamoja Kenya!
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Marion van de Voort +31654658978
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NIGERIA’S PETROLEUM INDUSTRY BILL: HAVE THE INDIGENOUS HOST COMMUNITIES BEEN SHORTCHANGING ONCE MORE?
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he passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by both houses of Nigeria National Assembly, on the 1st of July 2021, after almost two decades of efforts at crafting a legislation that would rationalize and put into proper context Nigeria’s otherwise mostly unchartered Petroleum industry environment, where any and everything goes, was heralded with a sigh of relief by diverse stakeholders:
For International petroleum investors - they now have a one-stop document where the rules of engagement in the petroleum industry was adequately enunciated; For operators (downstream and upstream alike), there was now detailed rules for their operations and for engagement with their host communities (indigenous owners of the lands where crude oil was sourced from); and the Host Communities – despite their initial demands to be accorded 10% of operational costs of the operators, they appeared to be at least, for the very first time, assured of a definite percentage of operators operational costs as their entitlements. It thus appeared that the perennial elusive search for a peaceful environment for our petroleum sector to thrive and maximize its potentials has finally come to an end. Is that truly the situation? We shall now venture to inquire into the PIB from the perspective of the Host Communities, to gauge if indeed the indigenous communities, the ‘geese that lay the golden egg’ of the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, have been well accommodated and their interests addressed by the PIB, which is currently awaiting the signature of the President of the Federal Republic to become law. 1. The definition of Host Community A host Community is defined under Sec. 318 of the PIB as: “any community situated in or appurtenant to the area of operation of a settlor, and any other community as a settlor may determine 52
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pursuant to Chapter Three of this Act”. The emboldened later part of the definition of Host Community (HC), which gives latitude to the Settlor (an Operator in the petroleum industry) to virtually do as it wishes with regards to deciding which community can be described as a ‘Host Community’ is quite worrisome and subject to abuse. Under the PIB, at par with communities where oil prospecting, extraction and refining activities are undertaken, communities over which petroleum pipeline traverse are now deemed as HC’s, and likewise ‘any other community as a Settlor may determine’. In a nutshell, a Settlor can decide that a community anywhere, no matter how detached it is from its area of core operations, is a HC! A situation that provides for such loose definition of ‘Host Community’, allowing wide discretion to the Settlor to determine which community so qualifies, is not well thought through and could give rise to further crisis during the implementation of the PIB. 2. The Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) The recognition of the need to allocate a specific percentage of total operational costs to Host Communities is a most welcome development towards attainment of harmonious working, living conditions and existence in our oil producing areas. The rationale behind whittling down the funds accruing to the Host Communities from 10% to its current 3% of operational costs, considering that the betterment of Host Communities is a fundamental objective of efforts at a Petroleum Industry Law, remains shrouded in mystery. {Section 240(2) PIB}. The allocation of a meagre 3% of operational costs for the needs of the Host Communities appears to be where Host Community benefits terminate in the PIB. Under the PIB, the funds due to any Host Community, the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) are paid into the custody of a Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), an entity that will be “set up by the Settlor, who shall determine its membership and the criteria for their appointment” {Section 242(1) PIB}. The Settlor will also determine the membership of the Board of Trustees {Section 242(2)}, (a)the selection process, procedure for meeting, financial regulations and administrative procedures of the Board of Trustees (b)the remuneration, discipline, qualification, disqualification, suspension and removal of members of the Board of Trustees; and (c) other matters other than the above relating to the operation and activities of the Board of Trustees{Section 242(4)}, and also appoint the
Secretary to the Board{Section 242(5)}. In other words, the meagre 3% of the operational costs which is ostensibly meant for the Host Communities, will not be given/ presented to the Host Communities, but would rather be given to an entity created, staffed and under the purview of the Settlors. A Settlor is defined in Section 318 of the PIB as “a holder of an interest in a petroleum prospecting license or petroleum mining lease whose area of operations is located in or appurtenant to any community or communities”. Incredulous as it may sound, under the PIB and in real terms, the 3% meant for the Host Communities will be under the full control of the Operators! 3. Only 75% of the 3% HCDTF will get to the HCDT Despite the meagre percentage (3% of operating costs of Operators) accorded for development of the Host Communities, under the PIB as passed by the National Assembly, only 75% of the 3% is assured
to the HC’s in any given year. Section 244(a) of the PIB clearly stipulates that the HCDT will allocate 75% of the sum available to the HCDT to a Capital Fund from which it will execute projects that have been approved. 244(a) of the PIB oddly enough, has an awkward proviso: “provided that any sums not utilised in a given financial year shall be rolled over and utilized in subsequent year” – making it expressly clear that not all the 75% of 3% may be utilized during a current accounting year. There is the likelihood that, even where the funds are released to the HCDT, factors may occur which will ordinarily make it impossible to use any portion of the said sum in any given year. 244(b) of the PIB Provides for 20% of the 3% to be reserved as ‘Reserve Fund’ for use in years “whenever there is a cessation in the contribution payable by the settlor”. This means that ordinarily, this sum will not be ordinarily available for HC developmental needs, save for when there is a ‘cessation’. More worrisome is the provision of Sec 234(4)[b] of the PIB, which allows the Settlor to, without any reasons being advanced for such refusal, refuse to fund this 20% of the 3% ‘Reserve Fund’ at the Settlors discretion. 244(c) of the PIB Allows for a further deduction of the sums due to the HC, by allocating the remainder 5% of the 3% for ‘Administrative Costs’ To further muddle up matters with regards to the deployment
of HCDT Funds, the 75% that appears guaranteed for the HC is described as ‘Capital Fund’, which in Nigerian parlance means funds for capital projects. It appears that the funds received by the HC’s cannot be deployed for human capacity development projects such as Scholarships and Skills acquisition endeavors. This is however debatable. 4. Host Communities can forfeit their entitlements In what can be termed a sinister plot to deprive the HC’s of even this meagre 3% of operating cost allocation, the funds available to the HC’s will be forfeited in the event of “an act of vandalism, sabotage or other civil unrest occurs that causes damage to petroleum and designated facilities or disrupts production activities within the host community” {Sec 257(2) of the PIB}. Innocuous as this provision appears, when it is realized that the HCDT is comprised by nominees of the Settlor and that in most instances of spills and damages to pipelines and other facilities of Operators, the HC’s have always argued that the aged equipment’s of the operators and the lack of maintenance, it becomes clear that the HC’s will always bear the brunt of accusations for vandalism, sabotage and damages to petroleum facilities – and may thus be compelled to forfeit whatsoever was their entitlements under the PIB. If the PIB becomes Law in its present state, the likelihood of HC’s not receiving a dime in the course of any one calendar year, is quite high. 5. Overbearing control by the Settlor Under the PIB, overwhelming control of the funding, funds, management, operations and structure of the HCDTF is accorded to the Settlor. The Settlor decides how, when, where and who can attend meetings of the HCDT {Sec 234 of the PIB}; the Settlor also provides the sharing formula of HCDT Funds amongst the various HC’s within its operational area {Sec 245 of the PIB}, this could be despite the fact that the HC’s being oftentimes contiguous communities, might have traditional means of sharing joint assets; the Settlor shall decide on what the HC’s need and what can be funded under the HCDTF {Sec 251 (1) and (4) of the PIB}; when the foregoing is added to the powers of the Settlor to determine what constitutes the HC’s entitlements under the PIB; incorporate the HCDT; decide who is appointed a Trustee of the HCDT; decide who can be appointed as a Member of the HCDT Board of Trustees; decide who will be appointed as Secretary of the HCDT and decide who will be appointed Fund Manager to the HCDT; it becomes clear that the communities themselves have very nominal roles to play in the HCDT – the powers, the funds, the staffing, the management of the HCDT are all under the control of the Settlor, and whosoever the Settlor decides to favor. The entity the PIB, as is, protects, empowers and enriches is not the indigenous communities where crude oil operations are conducted/ executed, rather it is the Settlor, “a holder of an interest in a petroleum prospecting license or petroleum mining lease whose area of operations is located in or appurtenant to any community or communities”, that turns out to be the primary and sole beneficiary of the PIB 6. Implicit denial of HC’s access to courts to address/resolve disagreements Under the PIB, HC’s have a maximum of 3 months “after the
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accrual of any cause of action in respect of any such act, neglect or default and provided such act or omission was not done in good faith” to commence any action arising from the implementation of the PIB {Section 307(2) of the PIB}. In addition, HC’s or aggrieved entities can only commence actions under the PIB after the expiry of a 1-month “written notice of the intention to commence the suit” {Section 308(1) of the PIB}. The combined import of Sections 307(2) and 308(1) of the PIB, is that from the time an issue arises between the HC and the Settlor or the NNPC Ltd., the HC has just 2 months to notify the Settlor of their greviance/disagreements, enter into relevant correspondences, hold meetings, retain a Counsel and then issue the statutory 1-month notice of intention to commence action! When it is realized that the Sec 307(2) gives the 3-month period as commencing from ‘the accrual of any cause of action’, and not necessary when the HC becomes aware that they have a cause of action, then it is clear that the 3-month period can actually lapse long before the HC realizes that they have a cause of action. The framers of the PIB could have overreached themselves when they also try to muzzle the Judicial system by inserting provisions which compels Courts to give the Settlor or the NNPC Ltd ‘a 3 months’ notice of the intention to commence execution process’ {Section 308(4) of the PIB}. The provisions geared towards denying HC’s access to courts to enforce their claims or rights is mean-spirited, dubious and likely unconstitutional and void. 7. Vesting on Lands The Nigerian Constitution vests all lands in any State of Nigeria in the State Governors (for lands in urban areas) and in the Local Government authorities (for lands in rural areas) {Section 1 of the Land Use Act, which by Section 315(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, is an integral aspect of the Constitution of the Federal Republic} The PIB commences with a proclamation in its very first section to the effect that “The property and ownership of petroleum within Nigeria and its territorial waters, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone is vested in the Government of the Federation of Nigeria” {Section 1 of the PIB}. The Constitution of Nigeria provides that any other law in conflict with constitutional provisions, is deemed void to the extent of such inconsistency. To the extent that it vests lands in an authority distinct from where the Constitution vests lands, Sec. 1 of the PIB is deemed void. In reality, all Licenses or authorizations to Settlors and Oil companies, issued to such third parties by the Government
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By Eze Eluchie, Esq. of the Federation of Nigeria can actually be deemed as unconstitutional and void. 8. Conclusion: From the description of what constitutes a HC, to the meager sum allowable to HC’s, and further depletion of the said meagre sum to enable HC’s access only 75% of the said 3% in any given financial year, to provisions which empower the Settlor entities powers to control and manage the HCDTF’s, it is clear that the Host Communities have been terribly shortchanged by the PIB as passed by the National Assembly. The PIB, if signed into law, will merely give legal backing to an instrument that is geared to further destabilize the Host Communities, create friction in the oil producing region and very likely foster a cantankerous environment that will not be suitable for meaningful, peaceful petroleum industry operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas rich territories. The President of the Federal Republic is humbly urged to veto the PIB, return same to the National Assembly and urge for more respect and representation from the Host Communities towards ensuring that their needs are met in line with the global best practices in the oil and gas sector regarding addressing the interests and needs of Host Communities.
FEEDBACK
Reaction from His Excellency, Dr. h.c. Raphael Nagel on him featured in The Voice magazine Thank you, The Voice Magazine, for featuring me on your latest cover and for the kind and loving article. It’s a privilege to be featured on this fantastic platform and news media. Giving back and supporting communities in need have been essential throughout all my life. As an investor and philanthropist, I always try to find balance in all life and business scopes and give back as much as I receive. Special thanks to Pastor Elvis Iruh, Editor-in-Chief at The Voice magazine, and H.E LAILA Rahhal EL ATFANI for making this possible.
Confusion at Miss Tanzania as winner is ruled unfit to represent the country at Miss World
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iss Tanzania, Rose Manfere, has arrived at the National Arts Council (Basata: ‘Baraza la Sanaa Tanzania’) seeking to know her fate following Miss Tanzania’s decision to strip her of the right to represent the country at Miss World later year. Rose arrived at Basata offices in Dar es Salaam last month at the council offices located in the Kivukoni area. The move comes after the Miss Tanzania Organizing Committee yesterday announced the first runner-up, Julianna Rugumisa will instead represent the country at the World’s beauty pageant in December that will take place in Puerto Rico. Following many comments from different people asking why the runner up was selected and not the winner. Writing on her Instagram account Rose said she was not aware of the decision and explained that she was awaiting Basata’s guidance. “I have seen through the internet that the first runner up of Miss Tanzania is the one who will represent the country at Miss World pageant,” wrote Rose and added; “I as a Miss Tanzania of 2020/21 have no information, the
issue is in hands of Basata. Let’s wait for the information and guidance from Basata,” wrote the beauty queen. In an interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi Miss Tanzania organizers through their representative Azama Masango, said that there are mistakes that Rose made which are against the contract and therefore lacking qualifications to represent the country at Miss World but she will remain with her crown as Miss Tanzania until her term expires. “Rose is still a miss Tanzania she will remain with her crown , there are mistakes she made but the committee’s decision has seen that she should not be Tanzania’s representative at Miss World this year,” “Juliana Rugumisa (first runner up), will go as Miss World Tanzania representative as the agreement says that in the event that the first winner fails to fulfill her responsibilities as per the contract then the second winner will be the representative, but she (Rose) is still Miss Tanzania, “he said. By Bethsheba Wambura www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
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Advertorial: Stories of Hope Project – Living positive and fight stigmatization of people living with HIV/Aids
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s an African artist living with HIV in The Netherlands, I continue to experience a lot of stigma and discrimination based on me being open about my HIV status and my beautiful colour. Having lived in the Netherlands for over 15 years, I realized that for many people with a migrant background stigma, which comes in many ugly forms, is still a major issue. So, I decided to start an initiative called Stories of Hope which aims to inspire people to share their talents as a positive way to deal with and raise awareness about stigma. I was lucky to follow training as an HIV activist this year. So when I was asked if I had an idea for a social project in my community, it did not take me long to create my community project - Stories of Hope to fight stigma by using our talents. In April this year (2021) I received some
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support after which I started, together with my local community, to collect diverse stories on stigma. In this short period I worked with a group of people on stories related to HIV, depression and vitiligo. At the end, we now have eight stories and already many requests from all over the world to become part of our community. So, since then, our by Stories of Hope has grown into a platform where people facing stigma are able to share their unique experiences on how stigma can be overcome through their talents, I chose Mandela Day to officially present it to the public which is 18th July. On this day we organised an exposition about Stories of Hope and reach out beyond my community to the world. There is simply no better moment to bring Stories of Hope to the public attention than on Dr. Nelson Mandela’s. Even in death, he continues to be a big inspiration to me and the world. I have learned a lot from his life experiences as a freedom fighter, reconciler, unifier and inspirer. In the spirit of Mandela’s legacy, I truly believe that Stories of Hope will give people inspiration to fight stigma and bring positive change in our communities. Stories of Hope is now available online at www.storiesofhope.nl. My dream is that our collection will continue to grow in The Netherlands and also beyond. Please visit our website and feel free to connect with me or connect me to people that would like to share their inspiring stories with us. We believe in your talents and let’s fight stigma together! Peace, Eliane
Stories of Hope Project.........
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Congratulations to Dr. Bishop George Kennedy & Mama Kennedy moving forward after 23 years as Pastors of Dominion Chapel International churches East Africa
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Dr. Bishop George Kennedy and his wife, Dr. Mrs Elizabeth Kennedy has in the past 23 years as married couple pioneered and revolutionized the Dominion Chapel International ministry rising up churches and pastors who are proudly carrying on the touch of faith. Last month, (July 2021), they were officially released as from their responsibilities with the Dominion Chapel international ministry and they also handed over the DCIC East African Churches to newly elected and ordained Bishop, Bishop Adams Ability Daniel and his pastoral team of leaders. Dr. Bishop George Kennedy thanked everyone who has been part of their journey this far and wishing his successor all the grace to carry on from where he step down from. “After serving for 23 years as the senior Pastor of DOMINION CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL CHURCHES in Kenya, the Lord gave my wife and I a different assignment in Nairobi and our spiritual authority, His Eminence, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel have gracefully released us after handing over all the church documents and titles! He has also blessed us as a spiritual father and wishing us God’s mercy and peace as we solider on in the kingdom of God. When pressed to know what the future plans holds for him and his wife, he simply said, God is moving us on to a new direction; Mamlaka Ministry is on the pipeline, it is going to be God’s power/Authority to take dominion and rule. They request their friends and colleagues to stay in contact with them and pray along with them as God onfold his plans in Jesus Christ name. Congratulations my Bishop and mama Kennedy, In Swahili we say umefanya vizuri – well done.
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Tanzania to offer alternative education for school dropouts including pregnant girls –official
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econdary school drop-outs in Tanzania will be offered the opportunity to resume studies in alternative colleges, the government last month, part of a shift away from a disputed policy under which pregnant girls were expelled from school. Such expulsions had increased under the tenure of maverick President John Magufuli, who died in March, according to human rights groups who accused his government of discriminating against female students based on a policy that dated back to 1961. “We are offering an alternative path to education to all children who missed their education for any reason, including those girls who got pregnant while in school, through our Folk Development Colleges (FDCs),” Leonard Akwilapo, a senior official at the Ministry of Education, told the press via telephone interview. New President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was Magufuli’s deputy, has acted quickly to reverse some of his most controversial policies including his dismissal of the COVID-19 pandemic as a supposed hoax and conspiracy. Last month, she stressed the importance of Tanzanians wearing face masks against the virus. Last month, the World Health Organisation said Tanzania was working to join the COVAX global vaccine-sharing facility, which Magufuli boycotted. Tanzania is one of only four African nations that have not begun vaccinating their people against COVID-19. Regarding the new schools policy, Akwilapo said the education ministry wants all 54 of its FDC colleges to be able by January next year to provide secondary education to former school dropouts keen to resume their studies. He said the move was part of Tanzania’s implementation of a $500 million World Bank project launched last year that
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aims to broaden access to education. Around 5,500 girls drop out of school per year in Tanzania due to pregnancy, according to the World Bank. Asked when pregnant girls who were forced to drop out will be allowed to return to mainstream schools, Akwilapo said a decision will be announced after an analysis is completed. He did not say how long the analysis would take. The World Bank said it had dedicated two-thirds of the project’s funds to better and safer learning environments for girls who face greater barriers to learning than boys in many developing countries. Reporting by Nuzulack Dausen Writing by Omar Mohammed Editing by Maggie Fick and Mark Heinrich
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The Netherlands to go Dark Red on EU map this month, De Jonge says
he sharp increase in coronavirus infections this past month means the Netherlands will be categorized at Dark Red by the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said Health Minister Hugo de Jonge. That is the most serious risk level out of four classifications from the ECDC.
When De Jonge and Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the withdrawal of coronavirus measures, 100 contagious
Putting the entire country at Dark Red increases the possibility that more countries require people traveling from the Netherlands to quarantine on arrival. It can also result in stricter coronavirus testing policies against those departing from the Netherlands. “We will discuss this with countries, whether this is really necessary, but in the end it is up to the countries themselves,” De Jonge told reporters gathered for a short press conference. Belgium, France and Germany all tightened up restrictions for people arriving from the Netherlands just when the Netherlands was placed at the Red level. The ECDC updates its map weekly on Fridays. In its last update on July 15, it moved all of the Netherlands to the second most serious level, Red, except for Groningen. That province jumped from Green, indicating no risk, to red dark. The Cabinet eliminated most coronavirus restrictions in the Netherlands on June 26. Since the start of the month, the average number of daily coronavirus infections ballooned from 608 on June 30 to 10,101 on July 18. It was expected to edge higher in the new month with summer in and people gathering more together freely.
people were infecting about 80 others with the SARSCoV-2 coronavirus. By last month, it was estimated that the same number of people were passing the infection on to 291 others, placing the basic reproduction (R) number at 2.91, a record high since the pandemic began. The Cabinet reintroduced some restrictions related to the hospitality and events sectors, and has asked people to work from home as much as possible. It now also advises people to ventilate indoor spaces on a daily basis. efore the August house to deliberate and vote on it.
Hon Kennedy Nyarko Osei visits Ghana House of Assembly Speaker Honorable Kennedy Osei had a meeting with Prof. Kwaku Asare (aka Prof. Kwaku Azar), the speaker of Ghana’s Parliament to discuss a private members bill he has sponsored to amend both Article 8(2) and 94 (2a) of the 1992 constitution to allow their brothers, sisters and friends in the Diaspora with dual citizenship to be able to contest and also hold key political positions in the country which the constitution currently frowns on it without any constitutional restrictions. This bill if it goes through will allow Ghanaians abroad with dual citizenship to contest for elections without renunciation of their foreign citizenships. According to Augustina Osei who accompanied the Honorable said the meeting was fruitful and hoping to have a broader stakeholder consultations to move this critical amendment forward before it is presented before the August house to deliberate and vote on it. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com
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Uganda athlete deported from Japan detained
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he Ugandan weightlifter who vanished in Japan after he failed in his bid to compete in the Tokyo Olympics was few days later arrested and deported back to Uganda. The news has it that on arrival back home, he was instantly detained and since then no charges has been brought against despite pleads from members of the public to have him abandoned. Julius Ssekitoleko, 20, made headlines last month for the wrong reasons after it was reported that he had disappeared from the Ugandan team’s training site in Izumisano, a city in Osaka. It is still unclear how exactly Ssekitoleko made it to the training camp in the first place, given that he had failed to qualify for the Olympics trial back in Uganda. Probably this is part of the investigations as someone may have planned this with him within the team itself to escape in Japan. Once it became clear that he could not participate, he had been expected to return to Uganda. Instead, he fled, and police tracked him down a few days later, according to Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate. Upon his return to Uganda, Ssekitoleko was taken into police custody, where he remains, even though no charges have been filed, his legal team told the press and they are worried for his safety. Mr. Anthony Wameli, founder and managing partner at Wameli & Co., the legal agency representing Ssekitoleko, said an application has been filed in court for Ssekitoleko’s unconditional release. “This is an unreasonable detention. He is being detained illegally,” Wameli said. Wameli said Ssekitoleko could face charges. However, he said, he has yet to be made aware of any potential charges. The government and the Uganda Police Force did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Addressing reporters at a news conference, Mr. Charles Twiine,
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the spokesperson for the Uganda Police Force, said officials were investigating how Ssekitoleko made it to Japan.
“What is visibly clear here is that there is a probable fraud of airlifting a person with full knowledge that he had not qualified,” Twiine was reported to have said. “Now the fundamental question is: Was he part of the fraud as a conspirator?” Twiine said Ssekitoleko had explained his actions by telling authorities that he had been left “totally frustrated” after he learned that he would be unable to participate in Tokyo. Ssekitoleko, who has competed in the 56-kilogram weightlifting division and has previously represented Uganda in competitions, including in Australia, said, “his hopes were shattered,” Twiine said. Wameli said Ssekitoleko has been left “distraught” as he waits to find out whether he will be released. His family has been able to visit, but pleas from Ssekitoleko’s loved ones for his release has so far gone unanswered, Wameli said. Many Twitter have joined calls for Ssekitoleko’s release, using the hashtag “#StandWithSsekitoleko” to show their support. A move, which may anger the President of the Republic who has frown on interference in the affairs of Uganda by social media. Henry Tumukunde, a presidential candidate in Uganda’s elections in January, said on Twitter that he believes Ssekitoleko should be given “a second chance.” “How many people can stand up & say they’ve been good enough to represent the country at a major sports event? Talent needs guidance & the right environment to be fully realised,” he said.
Olympic legend Usain Bolt slams ‘unfair, laughable’ advances in spike technology World 100 meters record holder, Usain Bolt has said advances in spike technology that could help wipe out his world records are laughable and that the new shoes also give an unfair advantage over any athletes not wearing them. After athletes ripped through the record books in distance running with carbon-plated, thick-soled shoes, the technology has now moved into sprint spikes, where although there is less time in a race for the advantage to make an impact it is still enough to make a difference. “When I was told about it I couldn’t believe that this is what we have gone to, you know what I mean, that we are really adjusting the spikes to a level where it’s now giving athletes an advantage to run even faster,” Bolt told the press in an interview from Kingston, Jamaica The 100m and 200m world record holder competed in Puma spikes throughout his career. “It’s weird and unfair for a lot of athletes because I know that in the past they [shoe companies] actually tried and the governing body said ‘No, you can’t change the spikes,’ so to know that now they are actually doing it, it’s laughable,” the eighttime Olympic Champion added. American Trayvon Bromell is favourite to take Bolt’s 100m title in Tokyo. He is the fastest in the world over the distance this year with 9.77 secs, but the 2015 world 100m bronze medalist is less convinced about the impact of the shoes. “I don’t think there’s a lot of data to show that they’re having such a big improvement,” Bromell, who runs for New Balance, told reporters last month. “I know we [New Balance] are constantly building onto what we have to make the perfect spike, but for me personally as a runner I still feel like it’s not enough data to really show.” While other companies now have similar shoe models, Nike looks set to dominate and is priding itself on being a leader in the technology. “We’re just smarter about how we engineer and assemble them,” Nike said in an email to the press. The company added that it works to keep its athletes on the cutting edge while staying within the rules. Weighing in on developments in shoe technology, World Athletics said: “The current regulations [July 2020] were designed to give certainty to athletes preparing for the
postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, to preserve the integrity of elite competition and to limit technological development to the current level until after the Olympic Games in Tokyo, across all events.” It said a working group on shoes aimed to set parameters to achieve a balance between innovation, competitive advantage and availability of the products. Performing in the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly, Jamaican two-time Olympic gold medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce clocked the fastest 100m time in 33 years on June 5 in Kingston with a career-best 10.63 seconds. Only American world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner has gone faster, with 10.49 seconds in Indianapolis in 1988. But Fraser-Pryce was unwilling to discount the work she has done to become the fastest woman alive, even as she trains and competes in the spike. “You can give the spikes to somebody else and they’ll probably not do the same things that I’ve done, so I’m not counting myself out of the hard work me and my coach has put in,” the four-time 100m world champion told the press. “Maybe the combination of both -having good products and good runners combined makes for a very good endproduct. So for me, I can’t single-handedly point to the spikes.” American Sha’Carri Richardson, who lost her spot in the 100m in Tokyo after receiving a onemonth suspension for using marijuana, moved up to No. 6 on the all-time list with 10.72 seconds in April using the shoe. Veteran Jamaican sprint coach Stephen Francis admitted that faster times are being run in Nike’s new sprint spikes. “Based on anecdotal evidence and based on the fact that you have people who never would have run as fast as they are running, I suspect that there may be a point, but there is no scientific basis to make that point,” Francis told Reuters from Kingston. Whatever the advantage, he said, anyone can benefit from Nike’s technology based on the rules set by World Athletics.
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Euro 2020 racism: Soccer players accuse government of ‘stoking the fire’
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n the hours after England lost in the final of the Euro 2020 soccer championship and Black players were subjected to a flood of racist comments, officials condemned the abuse almost as fast as the offensive comments had rolled in. But athletes and others have lashed out and accused senior politicians of helping create the conditions that allowed for the open expressions of bigotry. Home Secretary Priti Patel, in particular, came under attack after she tweeted that she was “disgusted” by the abuse faced by three Black players -Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho who missed decisive penalty kicks on that final at Webley stadium. “You don’t get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ‘Gesture Politics’ and then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we’re campaigning against, happens,” tweeted English soccer player Tyrone Mings. Last month Patel said in an interview with GB News that she didn’t support people participating in what she called “gesture politics,” referring to players taking the knee before a game. She also said that fans booing players “is a choice for them.” In a request for comment on Mings’ criticism, the Home Office referred back to Patel’s original tweet, which said that racism “has no place in our country,” and said that her comment about the booing fans expressed her belief that people have the right to express themselves. Other former players joined Mings in calling out the government for hypocrisy, singling out Patel in particular. “You can’t make this stuff up…. How dare you write this message when you and your peers said it’s OK for people to boo the taking of the knee,” tweeted former soccer player Anton Ferdinand in response to Patel’s tweet. Saka, Rashford and Sancho have received an outpouring of support from players, fans and school children both on social media and in real life. A mural of Rashford that was defaced in Manchester was quickly covered
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in paper hearts and letters to the player. In a message on Twitter, Rashford apologized for missing his penalty kick, but said he “will never apologize for who I am and where I come from.” Last year, the Manchester United player became known for more than his soccer skills after he forced the government to an embarrassing reversal on providing free school meals for kids in low income households. The pushback against the government is no surprise given the ethnic makeup of Britain and the direction society is moving in, according to Sathnam Sanghera, author of “Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern
Britain.” “We are as a nation getting more diverse, tolerant and progressive,” said Sanghera, who was a spectator at the match. “The fact that players are taking on the government shows you that things are beginning to change. There’s a long way to go, there’s a long bloody way to go.” ‘If you blow dog whistles’ It’s not only athletes criticizing the government for stoking a culture war in the U.K. Manchester Mayor Andy
Burnham, a member of the opposition Labour Party, said Mings was right to call out politicians. “If you blow dog whistles, the dogs start barking,” Burnham said on GB News, adding that the government has been stoking culture wars. “Over the last decade, we’ve had leaders, particularly in the U.S. and here to a degree, that have just allowed stuff to happen when they shouldn’t have.” Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, has also come under fire for his condemnation of the racist abuse, with some saying that he should have been more supportive of his sister-in-law Meghan, after she complained of racism during her time as a senior royal. “Prince William if you had led by being sickened, vocally and visibly against racist abuse at your sister-in-law #MeghanMarkle, for years, your words would have legitimate credibility right now,” wrote Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, the author of “This Is Why I Resist: Don’t Define My Black Identity.” Britain’s notorious tabloids are also being targeted for playing a role in fueling the racism that the players faced. The hashtag #dontbuythesun, one of the U.K.’s most popular papers, was trending on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon. The paper’s front page on Tuesday read, “We’ve got your back,” and featured photos of the three Black players who faced abuse. But some on the social media platform pointed out the paper’s previous front pages, which have at times criticized Black soccer players for their tattoos or spending habits. The furor over the racist abuse, as well as the comments of political leaders, has highlighted the ugly culture war going on in British society and the need to find a new way forward, according to Patrick Vernon, a social commentator, cultural historian and the co-author of “100 Great Black Britons.” “It raises the big issues of ongoing systemic racism, what Britain will do about it, and what politicians are going to do about it, especially if they were in denial about it in the first place,” he said. “Football is the No. 1 premier sport in Britain, and sports bring people together, irrespective of who you are. By Rachel Elbaum
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‘I promise to do more’ - Chelsea keeper Mendy elated after winning big at Ghana awards
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he custodian helped the Blues to win the Uefa Champions fourth in the Premier League, as well as reach the FA Cup final League last season, and has established himself as where they fell to Leicester City. arguably Africa’s best goalkeeper and contesting to The Senegal shot-stopper played 31 league matches and 12 be among the best in the world. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Champions League games which clearly confirmed his position Mendy has thanked all those involved to ensure his “incredible as Chelsea’s number one ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga. year” ends on a high note. The Senegal international won the Best African International Award from the Ghana Football Awards Board in a ceremony held few months ago. The West African has promised to give his best to ensure he does not disappoint in the new campaign for the next football season. “Hi everyone, I am happy and grateful to receive this award from the Ghana Football Awards Board,” Mendy said in a short video sent to the organizers. “It has been an incredible year for me and winning the Champions League remains one of the best achievements in my life. I thank the Ghanaians and all Africans across the world for their support and prayer. “I appreciate the recognition as the best African international player and promise to do more to make Africa proud, thank you.” The goalkeeper helped the Blues to Mendy: Trusted goalkeeper for Chelsea football club win the Uefa Champions League trophy after a 1-0 win over Manchester The 29-year-old, who also helped the Lions of Teranga to qualify for Afcon to be held in Cameroon, will now be aiming at inspiring the Thomas Tuchel led Chelsea to the Premier League title next season. Ex-Swansea City forward Andre Ayew was another big winner in the annual event. The Black Stars skipper had a good season with the Welsh outfit in the just-concluded Championship season and went on to win the Ghana Footballer of the Year award. The 31-year-old was directly involved in 21 goals the Swans scored in the league, finding the back of the net 17 times and providing four assists. He was also on target for the team in the promotion playoffs, scoring the only goal in the 2-1 aggregate loss to Brentford. Ayew also played a vital role to ensure Ghana made it to the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The striker beat Great Olympics City in the final. captain Gladson Awako and Ajax attacker Kudus Mohammed The custodian, who was in his debut season in English football to the title. He succeeded Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, with the Blues, also played a key role as the Londoners finished who had won the award the previous two times.
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Dutch Airline KLM in Hot Water after Five Olympic Athletes on the Same Flight to Tokyo Test Positive for COVID-19 The hope of Olympic glory for five Dutch athletes has been dashed after they tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Tokyo, disqualifying them from taking part in the Olympic Games and sending them straight into isolation. But the matter of just where and when these five athletes were infected has left Dutch flag carrier KLM facing awkward questions and insisting it didn’t happen on one of its flights. All five athletes travelled to Tokyo on July 17 on the same flight. The entire team had to take pre-departure COVID-19 tests, which had come back negative, and they were escorted through Amsterdam’s Schipol airport in a secure ‘bubble’ away from other passengers and anyone else who might infect them. But Dutch media claim the bubble burst as soon as they stepped foot on board KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight KL861. The athletes and support team were spread around the plane; they sat around normal passengers and even
athletes from other countries that had been routed through Schipol including teams from India, Ecuador and Chile. Reshmie Oogink, a Dutch taekwondo athlete, says she heard someone coughing on board the flight. She tested positive four days after arriving in Tokyo. At 31 years old, she fears Tokyo will be her last Olympic Games. She had even overcome major knee injuries to compete in the Games. The focus has fallen on flight KL861 and whether asymptomatic cabin crew might be the cause of so many infections. Unlike passengers, the Japanese authorities don’t require flight crew to take a COVID-19 test before departure. They are, however, subject to routine temperature testing. A spokesperson for KLM has strongly refuted that flight
KL861 was the reason why so many athletes in Team NL have had their Olympic dreams ripped away from them. Describing the recent positive cases amongst the team as “very regrettable” a spokesperson maintained that “there are no indications that this happened on board the aircraft”. “Research by the WHO and IATA shows that the risk of being infected with a virus on board an aircraft is low. This was also recently confirmed by a study by the Dutch Royal NLR together with RIVM (Dutch Health Authority),” the airline explained in an emailed statement. KLM said that “inquiries” made after the return of the crew revealed that they weren’t infected with COVID-19. “KLM always takes the safety and health of passengers and crew very seriously and takes extra measures on board to reduce the risk of contamination,” the statement continued. The Dutch sport’s governing body NOC has also jumped to KLM’s defence with technical director Maurits Hendriks saying there were a number of places the athletes could have been infected. One theory is that they were infected while waiting in long lines for COVID-19 testing at Tokyo’s Narita airport. Some in the Netherlands say Team NL should have travelled to Tokyo on a charter flight without normal passengers to avoid the risk of mid-flight transmission. That, however, hasn’t worked out well for the Czech team who flew to Tokyo on a specially arranged charter flight but is now battling a major COVID-19 cluster. Local media claim an unvaccinated team doctor who was using mouthwash to combat the risk of Coronavirus infection may be the cause of the outbreak.
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How do Nigerians identify with England soccer hero, Bukayo Saka?
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ukayo Saka was one of the breakout stars of the European soccer championships. Although he wears an England jersey, he is also increasingly popular in Nigeria. But devastatingly, he missed the crucial penalty kick to lose the final, and hand the trophy to Italy for this; he has faced racial abuse on social media. The 19-year-old’s exciting, efficient performances were crucial in the Three Lions’ unprecedented journey to the final. A photo of him grinning on an inflatable unicorn in the pool became the stuff of internet memes, and his teammates speak highly of his personality and influence. He was also an A-grade student at school. Saka was born and raised in west London to Nigerian parents. He played for England in various age groups, but naturally, his talent also caught the attention of Nigerian fans and soccer administrators. It didn’t hurt that he was playing for Arsenal, a club that already has a strong Nigerian following because of the legendary Nwankwo Kanu. Many dreamed of Saka one day donning Nigeria’s white and green. But it was not to be. In what was dubbed “Independence Day heartbreak”, the versatile attacker announced his decision to represent England on October 1, 2020 — the 60th anniversary of the West African nation’s independence from Great Britain. There was a mixed reaction. Some wondered what could have been if he’d chosen Nigeria; others hailed him for picking a country that offers greater stability than Nigeria’s uncertain soccer environment. Europe’s African-origin superstars
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Given the diversity of its major cities and the number of immigrants that settle in the UK, England has numerous young players, many of African origin, who could play for more than one country. This also applies to many other European countries, where some of the best French, Portuguese, and even German players have roots in Africa. The Chelsea duo of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori had already joined the list of players that could have chosen Nigeria over their birthplace, England. Nigeria’s soccer boss, Amaju Pinnick, who had developed a penchant for hunting dual-nationality players across Europe, failed in his overtures to Abraham, with his methods drawing criticism from the media. Where it failed with Saka, Abraham, and Tomori, Nigeria has succeeded in luring other dual-national Londoners: Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses have made the switch in recent years. Dual-national players who choose Nigeria either claim a strong Nigerian connection, or hint at the Super Eagles being their second choice. It’s a tricky dilemma, because family roots can be a powerful force. But unfortunately, Nigeria’s soccer development is miles away from England’s, and its national team isn’t the catch it once was; a third-place finish at the last African championship is an isolated bright spot. Nigerian or English? Both, actually Identity is a tricky thing. Though he has Nigerian parents and was no doubt raised in a household with strong influences from their home country, Saka is also English through and through, having grown up in London. He has never even visited Nigeria. “I feel like I’m really, really proud of my Nigerian heritage,” Saka said when he chose England. “I always still watch Nigeria’s games where I can, and I wish them all the best and support them all the way. “But I’ve seen the process of how England is transforming and I think in the future they’re going to do great stuff. I feel like it was right for me to choose England.” Nigerian media outlets covered Saka’s feats, and the fans reveled in the fact that a young Nigerian ran the best defenders in the world ragged, doing so much to help England nearly win its first European trophy. It is something they can identify with, but with a tinge of regret.
The Netherlands-born Gyasi seeking first Ghana call-up under Akonnor
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he 29-year-old has set his sights on winning back a spot in the Black Stars squad, having last featured some four years ago. Ghana attacker Edwin Gyasi is holding out for a return to international duty after some time out in the wilderness. The Boluspor winger is yet to earn a call-up to the four-time African champions since current coach CK Akonnor assumed duty last year. Born in the Netherlands to Ghanaian parents, Gyasi made his Ghana debut in a Fifa World Cup qualification win over Congo in September 2017. “I have been talking to Thomas Partey, Alfred Duncan among other players but on different issues anytime we are in touch,” Gyasi told the media. “This is my country and I opted to play for and for me, I
am ready to make a return anytime because it is always an honour to play for your national team. “My doors are always open and anytime CK Akonnor calls me, I am ready to show up and play for the national team.” Gyasi made his Ghana bow as a 77th-minute substitute in a 5-1 away triumph over Congo. On his second appearance, he was on target as the Black Stars and Egypt settled for a 1-1 draw, and he went on to make three more appearances. ”I’m happy with a call-up to the Black Stars team; it’s really a dream come true invitation. It was my junior brother Raymond Gyasi of Stabaek who heard the news first and called me,” Gyasi told the press after receiving his first Ghana call-up in 2017. “My family and I were very excited when they broke the news to me that I have been named in the Black Stars squad. “I will make sure I don’t let Ghana down. One thing I can promise all Ghanaians is hard work. I will do my possible best when given the chance to prove my worth and make them happy.” As the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon beckons, Gyasi will be looking to make an impression on Akonnor when the European league season resumes this summer. The next Black Stars squad is expected to be announced just ahead of matches against Ethiopia and South Africa in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September. By Prince Narkortu Teye
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