August 2017 edition

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 18. NO. 164 August 2017

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Rwanda Election:

President Paul Kagame wins for continuity Kenyans Decide!

Kenyatta or Odinga?

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Contents

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The Voice Magazine Volume 18. No 164 August 2017 Edition

18-20

40-43

ARTICLES 4 - Editorial: Africa elections: Coin of the same side 10-13 - Presentation Of NFFG Project To His Excellency, CG Mr. D. O. Falowo 17 - Help people living with HIV in Batwa, Burundi says Elaine Becks Nininahazwe 21- Why is the Nigeria Military silent on this?

Killed by Fulani Herdsmen 26-27 - Comrade Sunny Ofehe in consultation travels.

31 - BOOK REVIEW: The Worship Minister: Pleasing God as you fulfill his call 43 - Tight Race Seen in Kenya’s Elections With Opposition Turnout Key 44 - Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill in 2017.

45 - PROFILE: Meet Hrh Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin Consultant in the United Kingdom 48- Aids is not sufficient to develop Africa says President Kagame - Meet Nigerian Finest Cop, ACP Abba Kyari.

49- Congratulations to Bishop & Mrs .Ibeagha 50- 52 - Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria 56- Ghana launches its first satellite into space - Entertainment: Nigerian reggae icon, declares to perform in 2017 58 - Madagascar moving in right direction 59 - Ambitious South Sudan rising fast 68 - The Good News: Almost Everyone Else Knows that Global Warming is Real 69 - Gains of Agriculture: Story of two brothers www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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EDITORIAL

Africa elections: Coin of the same side Political elections are held world over to elect new political leaders at whatever level of governance with the overwhelming expectation of change in the style of governance, deliverance of services and ultimately to better the life of the general population of the country in question.

Africa since Independence from colonial rule, we have witnessed elections from West, East, Central, South and North of Africa, we have engaged in different electoral systems and

held elections but at the end of the whole exercise, it seem it is the same coin of the same side. Whichever party you vote in, they do not deliver change to the people! Apart from few, many are yet to ripe the dividends of elections which of course to note are very expensive to organize. We think the finest dividend of any election is to deliver positive change to whatever was there before the elections particularly when new leaders from different political establishment are voted into power. Our observation and research reveals that in Africa, our politicians are coin of the same side. It does not matter the symbolic items used like party logos, colour of political affiliations, even their political manifesto they present to the public. The change they promise never brings any change for the progress of the people. The new government in matters of months to power hardly could be differentiated from the party they defeated or ‘rigged out’ of

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office. We can mention so many countries who are victims of election frauds, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Mali.

Burkina Faso, Central Africa Republic, Liberia, The Gambia, Zambia to mention a few. We have not included those ‘seat tight or put’ governments or individuals who thinks they own the Pastor Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief tower of knowledge and without them, their country will not survive, time will tell. Like our brothers in Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Angola, Sudan, Chad, Eritrea and Republic of Congo etc.

As we prepare to go to press, Rwanda and Kenya are electing new Presidents; for Rwanda, the incumbent President, Paul Kagame is on the ballot with relatively new politicians, it would probably not be a good test for him but having said

this, he has done relatively well in terms of governance and many expects him to continue in that path of progress. But that could not be said of Kenya where the President, Uhuru Kenyatta is facing very stiff challenge from the veteran politician Raila Amolo Odinga; trice tried but failed. Can he offer the change Kenyans expect? We doubt! Simply, they are the same coin of the same side, turn left or right, there is no difference and that is the problem in elections in Africa.

The masses profit less, corruption continues unchallenged and politicians get richer etc. We want to see the type of revolutionary change in style of leadership brought about with the election of Tanzania President, John Magufuli. This is a coin of different side, offering the people a new style of leadership and delivery of public service, an example in Africa. We hope to add more names to Tanzania after these crucial elections in Africa now and those to come later in the year 2017. Enjoy your new edition of the Voice magazine and looking forward to serving you next month. Stay tune with us…..

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The Voice magazine

The Team

The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-­ governmental organizations and in­dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af­ filiated 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 wan to receive a copy, send us your email address.

On the team are Elvis Iruh, E ­ dward Ogbee, Sandra Iruh-Monsels & Henry Oduenyi supported by an editorial board.

READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) ISSN: 2588- 8807 (Digital Version) Stichting Paddi Europa Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372(SNS Bank) IBAN NO: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A Graphic Designers George Adegite David Banjoko Wil Smile Special Senior Adviser Engr. Barry Igbeare Advert Executive Faith Ehanire Fehanire4607@gmail.com

Publisher: Stichting Paddi E ­ uropa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria O ­ ffice) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Associate Editor Lucky Osahon (London, UK) hlosahon@hotmail.com Associate Editor Etim Thompson London, United Kingdom royalthompson@yahoo.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Project Editor (Nigeria) Chiedu Harris Ify harrisbok4real@gmail.com BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Joel Savage (Belgium) juskosave@yahoo.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Collaboration with National Infinity magazine, Lagos

CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Nicholas Noghayin Ehioghiren (Spain) nicholasmicnita@yahoo.com Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com MEDIA CONSULTANTS Jonathan Mgbejume Bernd Wandkowski Mildred Kleinbussink Adeleke Ogunkoya 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 ISSN: 1571-3466 (Print Version)

SUBMISSIONS: Articles and photographs for publication are welcome but the publisher while exercising all reasonable c­ aution cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all materials are sent by e-mail to our official email. For other inquiries, e-mail us as well at: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ­ ublished online from 2017 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 ­countries problems and bring information to help address those issues. TV

Volume 18

NO 164

August 2017 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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FEEDBACK Letter to the Editor

Thank you for a job well done for the Africans in The Diaspora

Dear Editor, The Voice Magazine is the oldest and widest circulating African magazine in The A good product sells itself – Netherlands. The Publisher and Editor-In-Chief is Pastor Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh who has been a strong inspirator and supporter of my cause on the Niger Delta. He was one of the Kudo to The Voice magazine speakers at the first HNDC conference in 2006 and The Voice magazine gave us the first media platform. I was an award recipient in the 1st Edition of The Voice Award in 2012. A good product sells itself. You are indeed a In this edition two full pages and a headline front page was dedicated to me as “A Man good product, on behalf of Comrade Sunny with a Mission” Please join me in thanking the management of The Voice for a general volunteers worldwide, we thank the voice magazine for this and we want to job well done for the Africans in assure them, that their decision to Diaspora. Long Live The Voice. support your programs is a good True friendship is not those who one that will help humanity. drink with you and celebrate you Lucky Fasa Eghagbevwa when they see you, it is those who Mallow, Ireland make meaningful contribution to your cause even when they are not sure of the outcome. The Voice Magazine you are blessed!

Comrade Sonny Ofehe Rotterdam, The Netherlands

NIGERIA ON MY MIND.

I have been thinking seriously about Nigeria lately. There are so many thought provoking articles making the rounds on social media. The news media are equally churning out troubling facts about the state of the nation. My worry is not that Nigeria will disintegrate or fight another civil war. No. None of the marginalized segments of this nation has the leadership that can lead them to a war of secession.

Moreover, I don’t think secession is the solution to our problems. My worry is that the nation is retrogressing, falling deeper and deeper into tribal and religious intolerance, corruption, crime, abuse of power. General public misconduct, mediocrity etc.

You name it. If it is bad, it is Nigerian. My worry is for how long will we go on like this?

Majority of us will agree that the solution is in restructuring the nation. I.e. redefining our federalism and agreeing on how we want to associate. But the question is; whose responsibility is it to do something about this? It is easy to say it is the responsibility of our leaders, but let’s face it do we truly have leaders? Is the holder of a political office (elected or appointed) a leader of the people in Nigeria?

Leadership is about followership. No man is your leader if you are not following him. A man who gets into an office by his power can only lead by force. What I am saying therefore is that if we did not produce our political office holders then they are not our leaders. They are therefore not responsible for us and we 8

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are not answerable to them. They powered themselves into office to pursue their personal goals and seek their own wellbeing. Up North they may in addition to their personal well-being pursue their sectional and religious interests. Down South there is no such thing. It’s personal interest all the way.

This means that if Nigeria will change it will not be by the efforts of our political class.

There is therefore a leadership vacancy, particularly in Southern Nigeria, from the ward level through LGA level, State level, Regional level to National.

Don’t get me wrong, there are no vacant political offices. They are fully occupied and the occupants intend to perpetrate themselves in the offices.

For the avoidance of doubt, leaders are people who know the problem, know the solution and are able to influence others to join them implement the solution. They do not need to contest an election, be appointed or apply to be engaged. They simply start leading and people start following.......

By Gideon Igho Etireri Accra, Ghana

Feedback (Page for your letters) Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

The worship minister is out

It is just recently I was able to open the Voice magazine on my ipad. What a powerful take on the Chibok girls’ saga!

Truly, the real questions about that whole show are yet to be answered. One day, who no no go know? Thanks for the boldness.

I received with thanks the Voice magazine for June/July 2017.

Thanks for publishing a review of my book. ’The Worship Minister’ Much appreciated.

Blessings, Min. Martin Adu Leiden, The Netherlands.

Dear Editor,

Digital printing is a welcome development Thank you Pastor and your team for the new initiative of digital printing. I concur with your recent editorial on the Chibok girls. Waaw internet is something great. I am here in West Africa reading a whole magazine and not going to the shop to buy a hard copy. Great Keep up the great work.

Hon. Dr. Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay Former Speaker, The Gambia National Assembly Dakar, Senegal.

Apostle Frank Aikins Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Dear Editor,

The builder woman story I must commend your magazine and on your cover story of last issue of the Lebanon woman who intend to establish body building gym in Nigeria. I am impressed to see women who care for their body and health. Also speaking against women being under rated or under estimated for what they are able to do. I am in a woman and I will like to stay fit and support other women. I will ask for your contact from the magazine if that is okay with you. Thank you for the interview and the Voice magazine for publishing.

Regina Adamson Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Dear Editor, How do I receive my copy of The Voice magazine?

Please I have not been receiving copies of your magazine, what I got today was a mail sent on your behalf by We transfer. As I am not sure of the authenticity before downloading hence my trying to get in touch with you. I know you are trying to go digital, is this the new way the magazine will go.? Thanks while I await your reply.

Kind regards Hajara Yusuf The Hague, The Netherlands Editor’s Reply Good day madam, we have officially replied you but for other readers, yes, since the beginning of 2017, the Voice magazine went digital so you will receive copy of the magazine in this way. You are still able to access it online via our website at www.thevoicenewsmagazine. com. Any other inquiry please, send us an email at info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com.

We appreciate your patronage.

Dear Editor,

I am pleasantly surprised!

Wow! Man of God, this is a big surprise!!!. My birthday celebration in your esteem magazine! Thanks Rev. Tom Marfo Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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Rwanda Presidential election:

Paul Kagame set to win a third term as President of Rwanda

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y the time the magazine is out, Rwanda presidential elections would be over and the incumbent President, Paul Kagame is expected once again to have a landslide victory, not because the elections would be rigged but his credentials and record success place him above his rivals at the elections. Although two politicians, challenged him for the top job but they stood no chance because of the overwhelming support enjoyed by President Kagame both at home and abroad. He is the darling of the West for his accomplishments after overseeing a nation that was nearly destroyed by communal violence.

The two candidates, Frank Habineza of Greens party and Philippe Mpayimama must have gained good experience contesting against Rwandan ‘big man’, President Paul Kagame. The outcome of the elections were never in doubt, his records speak for itself.

Kagame took up the post of vice president and defense minister.

Opponents Many wants the job from Paul Kagame but may be they stand a chance after his third term in office, the Democratic Green Party leader Habineza was unable to run for president in 2010.

He is a younger player in politics but very determine to make a change, he acknowledges the wonder work the President has done but he feels it is time for him to go and allow the younger generation to take Rwanda to the next level of development . It is the same for his fellow contender for the job, Philippe Mpayimana, relatively new on the political scene.

Habineza is an Environmentalist, also a former assistant to Rwanda’s minister of Lands and Environment. He founded the Democratic Green Party in 2009. While his young party has faced criticism for alleged foreign influence, According to political President Paul Kagame during one of his campaigns they have also been a victim observers, the results for the of numerous threats in recent August 4 elections are already years. The party’s vice-president, Andre Kagwa Rwisereka, was clear and President Paul Kagame boasted about it to supporters murdered shortly before elections in 2010. at one of his several rallies before the elections was cast. He is Rwanda’s most popular candidate, just as in 2010, he garnered “We want to ensure food security, we thank the government 93 percent of the votes. “I am happy that we already know what for security but we want to revamp and bring in new things,” the results are because that decision was made in December Habineza told potential voters, while promoting his “zero hunger” agenda.

2015,” Kagame said.

President Kagame was referring to a constitutional referendum which allowed him to stand for a third term. Unlike in neighboring Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Congo Brazzaville, there were no street riots in response to his third term bid.

Kagame has been in power for 17 years. First as the transitional president and later through a popular vote. He has been in charge since the end of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, when 10

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Meanwhile, Mpayimana ran as an independent candidate but he was well received although a small number of supporters and curious journalists. He talked about his plan to improve on social welfare through tax reduction. “I will put the rights of small scale business people at the forefront because what they are trying to do is to support their families. I cannot for instance ban taxi cyclists when I have nothing to offer to improve their families’ welfare.

Frank Habineza of Greens Party

President Kagame & the First Lady during the campaigns The former history teacher recently joined politics to show Rwandans that they should not fear politics and take them a step further toward democracy and freedom of expression, he told the Rwandan paper, The New Times.

Three other candidates were disqualified from running, including the only woman, rights activist, Diane Shima Rwigara.

Rwandan voices While President Kagame enjoys a great deal of support within the country, a section of Rwandans were not happy with promises made by any of the presidential candidates. They said that no one has the policy to alleviate poverty and that the gap between the rich and poor continues to grow.

“Nobody is happy to live in bad conditions when there’s an alternative,” one woman told the German press.

“You apply for a loan and the bank asks you for collateral. The loans are given to people with houses and the cars. All we want is funding. They should stop giving us empty promises. We are ready to work but there no job opportunities.”

Another resident expressed similar concerns. “I work for so little as someone who carries around other people’s luggage. And I am expected to use that to support an entire family.”

While this year’s election has attracted compliments from far and near, President Paul Kagame is seen by many as a stabilizing figure for the country.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has

a formidable record in office. He led the Rwandan Patriotic Front, which brought an end to the 1994 genocide in which hundreds of thousands of Rwandans were killed by their fellow countrymen.

Since becoming president in 2000, Kagame has overseen economic and social development in the East African country.

Rwanda saw GDP growth at an annual average of 8 percent

Philippe Mpayimana: Ex-teacher between 2001 and 2014 and is on target to meet the majority of its Millennium Development Goals by the end of 2015, according to the World Bank.

The next question would be what lies ahead for Rwanda after President Paul Kagame but for now, elections are over and it is time to go back to work.

Congratulations to President Paul Kagame.

Sylivanus Karemera contributed to this report.

Woman, rights activist, Diane Shima Rwigara disqualified from the polls www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Presentation Of NFFG Project To His Excellency CG Mr. D. O. Falowo

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s it is in Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V culture, the team presented this year’s NFFG & NEGA awards projects to the new Consular General at the consulate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Frankfurt, Germany. This was during a courtesy call on His Excellency CG Mr. D. O. Falowo.

Briefing His Excellency about the upcoming Nollywood – NFFG and NEGA events in general, which is meant to promote Nigeria’s image and integration values in particular in Europe via Nollywood movies produced in Germany by the president of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment Mr. Isaac Izoya – Cultural Ambassador, he appealed to His Excellency CG Mr. D. O. Falowo to continue supporting the Nollywood projects by fully participating in both the planning process and the execution of the events/programme.

He urged His Excellency to endeavour in attending both the movies screening and to personally extend invitations to other Diplomatic Corps to also attend both the screening and the NEGA gala-night like his predecessors, which will go a long way in lifting the image of Nigeria to a greater height in Germany.

The financial burden of this project is enormous and Mr. Izoya, the event Director, reiterated that his organization will appreciate it if His Excellency could use his good office to relieve us that burden by assisting us financially – directly or indirectly for the continuity of this viable project, he requested.

Obviously, this year gala night is going to be special as we are expecting several Diplomatic Corps, VIPs from Abuja, Ghana, UK, USA and His Excellency involvement to make these guests feel at home.

Mr. Izoya requested the Consular General to particularly help him thank members of his team in general and those that came with him whom are Engr. Iyamu – The president of Nigeria Community in Hessen State, Ms Heidi Ivangs-Kariukiour, reliable translator and Mr. Edward Jokolo our welfare officer and to others that are not here today due to their tight schedules.

Without them, the success so far wouldn’t have been possible.

In response, his Excellency, consul General D.O. Falowo said “I can’t wait to witness the event because I heard so much about it

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when I was still in United States of America before coming to Germany. I was aware when Her Excellency Senator Danzilla James from Atlanta Georgia and Dr. Queen Blessing Itua came to receive their awards respectively some years back. They came back to United States then singing praises of the event generally”.

“You could then imagine how I felt when I was posted down to Frankfurt. We are here to support viable projects of this magnitude which is very good for our country’s image”.

Nigerians are making waves in different fields of human endeavours but we lack powerful media platforms like CNN and BBC broadcasting outlets to blow our trumpets which is one of the advantages the West have over us.

“Thanks to Nollywood for serving as our local voice to portray the good image of our country and thanks to Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V for these your noble projects via Nollywood telling our original stories in this part of the world. It’s our duty to support such project and we will support you morally but sadly, not with finance because we are financially handicapped”.

“Kindly keep us posted regularly and we will surely be there for your organization in our little capacity. It’s a promise”, he added.

“Thank God you are here with some of your formidable team members like Engr. Iyamu whom I want to particularly beg to help me organize a meeting between my humble self and the Edo people in this city. I love to meet with them to exchange ideas affecting the image of our beloved country especially, to discuss a hot subject, human trafficking. We must collaboratively fight to stamp it out. Meeting with Edo community is my top priority”, he re-emphasized.

“I am the president of Nigeria Community not Edo community.

I don’t represent a section of Nigeria because I believe in one Nigeria though I am a typical Edo man. Nevertheless, I promised to help arrange a meeting as requested “, Engr Iyamu concluded.

Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, is the organizer of Nollywood film festival Germany – NFFG, a viable platform designed for Nollywood (Nigerian/African) filmmakers to showcase their movies to Europeans and Nollywood fans in the diaspora – (a confirmed educational tools of learning African culture by African children in the diaspora) and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards – NEGA, designed to honour Nollywood stakeholders, stars, comedians, musicians (both in Africa and in the diaspora) which has also been expanded to recognize the artistic bias of outstanding Diplomatic Corps, politicians and businessmen and women both in Africa and beyond but whose actions in the area of culture and tourism sector, have directly or indirectly impacted upon Africans and other continent outside the scope of Africa countries.

The Nollywood Events (NFFG &NEGA) are organized by a consortium of renowned Europe-based African entertainment promotion outfit, Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, in alliance with Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany. Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt (Ministry of Art/Culture – Frankfurt), Hessen State Filmforum Höchst VHSFrankfurt Am Main, The Office for Multicultural Affairs (Amt für multi culturelle Angelegenheiten – AmkA), Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigeria community e.V, Frankfurt, Germany. This year’s event is scheduled for 8th to 9th September, 2017 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

FESTIVAL FEATURE 1) Opening night cocktail attended by Nollywood directors, actors, Germans/Nigerians film makers, Diplomatic Corps, journalists and experts. (Venue: Filmforum Höchst, Emmerich-Josef-Strasse 46a 65929 Frankfurt am Main) Two movies scheduled for premiere this year are DIPLOMATIC STRINGS and DERANGED. Date: 8 September, 2017; 5.30pm: MOVIES Premiere / opening ceremony Time: 6PM; Premiere of – DIPLOMATIC STRINGS (Isaac Izoya) shot in Frankfurt and Lagos and produced by Isaac Izoya.

AFTER PREMIERE – PARTY “NOLLYWOOD SINGLES NIGHT” Date. 08/09/2017 Time: 10 PM Till Dawn.

Venue. NOLLYWOOD EVENTS CENTER BORSIGALLE 35 60388 FRANKFURT AM MAIN

DJs: DJ Don Jokolo & DJ Gagar 2) 9 September, 2017; Time: 2pm prompt: Premiere of – DERANGED (Nadia Buari) shot in Ghana.

One of the outstanding movies to watch out for this year during the festival is CANDLE IN THE WIND by (Abdul Salam Mumuni) shot in Ghana among others.

Date: 9 September, 2017: Time: 9PM Till Dawn!

NOLLYWOOD EUROPE GOLDEN AWARDS – NEGA GALA-NIGHT NEGA GALA – NIGHT AFTER PARTY with live stage performances by Nigerian best comedian KENNY BLAQ and Hip Hop star ZEEZ also from Lagos, Nigeria. Also expected are local based artists Tu-Brain and Shaba among others.

Music: DJ Stone and DJ Gagar VENUE: FRIESSTRASS 20 60388 FRANKFURT AM MAIN As hallmarked since its inception, may we re-assure our Nollywood fans and followers that their presence at this year NFFG & NEGA awards ceremonies will be in company of distinguished personalities in all fields of human endeavour from Nigeria, Africa, UK, USA and beyond, are invited to grace the occasions. Nollywood’s personalities nominated for 2017 special edition are Hon. Barrister Solomon Dalong, Minister for Youth and Sport, His Excellency Amb, Abdul Bin Rimdap retd, His Excellency Ambassador Habib Baba Habu, Hon Barr Rita Orji – Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Emeka Ike – CEO of Nollywood Television Abuja and the President of the Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Holland-based Chief Editor of The Voice magazine Mr. Elvis Iruh, Ghana movies icon Nadia Buari, Ghana based producers, Sunshine Olawore and Abdul Salam Mumuni, Mr. Abidemi Dairo – Channels Television broadcaster – Lagos, Nigerian best comedian – Kenny Blaq, Nigerian Hip Hop star DJ Zeez.

We are pleased to inform you that they have all agreed to join us in Frankfurt, in a beautiful and colourful ceremony with special musical performances by Nigerian Hip Hop star DJ Zeez and Kenny Blaq – stand-up comedian among other side attractions by Tu-Brain and Shaba etc.

If history is anything to go by, this year’s event is a must attend event one cannot afford to miss. It’s going to be fun unlimited that will light up the city of Frankfurt once again with African culture in the name of Nollywood. See you when you get there because – “The Show Must Go On!” Source: Ehizoya Entertainment e.V. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR HELP Help people living with HIV in Batwa, Burundi says Elaine Becks Nininahazwe

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n the Netherlands, much has been done and achieved in the area of testing and treatment of HIV Aids. Most people with HIV are familiar with their status and they receive the right medications needed to live. With a good treatment, it is easier to live with HIV. How different is it in Burundi. Still, 3,000 people die every year of an HIV/Aids infections. Often people do not even know how to prevent the transmission of the virus, or do not know they live with the virus. In addition, they often do not know that good treatment is possible, which will allow you to live longer

Eliane Becks-Nininahazwe

and healthier.

Although the situation in some parts of Burundi has slowly improved through good information and access to medication but there are still groups in Burundi that have an increased risk of HIV infections because of lack of information at this period and not access to treatment. Such group is the Batwa people of Burundi, even in some places they are called the forgotten people. The Batwa, a group of pygmies, they have lived long in isolation in Burundi’s rainforests. Therefore many of them are illiterates and do not have the knowledge to protect themselves from HIV/Aids and do not know that it is vital to seek timely help now.

I have happily experienced how important it is to be treated in a timely manner. Because of proper information and medication, I am healthy and I can lead a normal life. That’s what you all do? And we can extend that to these people.

In the Netherlands, I already give active information about my living with HIV and now I asked for your support to help me reach this group of people (40,000 Batwa in Burundi).

In October 2017, I will go to Burundi to run along with the Batwa campaign and bring HIV/Aids to the attention of the Batwa people in Burundi, thus launching an information campaign to change their lives and attitude.

In order to kick start this campaign; I’m looking for people or organizations who want to help me to enable me to make this trip to Burundi. My goal is to collect a total of at least 2,000 euros to cater for my flight, accommodation and upkeep during my stay over there for this campaign. You can offer me a flight ticket and the payment of my accommodation costs.

Help me in any way possible, nothing is too little to support a campaign today. Help me to give a voice and hope to the Batwa people. Help sponsor to my trip.

Any amount can be transferred to: E Becks Nininahazwe NL05 SNSB 8828 3648 58 Please indicate your name and if possible send me an email so I could have you on my contact list and keep you posted on my progress when I am in Burundi.

During my trip, I will report on my findings via various social media. If you are interested in following my trip, please send me a message at indonongo@hotmail.com.

If you have any questions about my campaign for the Batwa or ideas to enrich this venture, I would like to hear from you.

Thank you for your love and compassion.

And if you want to know me better, for example, the work I have in the Netherlands around HIV/Aids. Please click on the link below: https://www.hivuitdekast.nl/portfolio/eliane/ Thank you very much for your contribution.

By Eliane Becks-Nininahazwe

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Power of forgiveness: Terry Gobanga: ‘I was gang-raped on my wedding day’

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hen Terry Gobanga - then Terry Apudo - didn’t show up to her wedding, nobody could have guessed that she had been abducted, raped and left for dead by the roadside. It was the first of two tragedies to hit the young Nairobi pastor in quick succession. But she is a survivor.

It was going to be a very big wedding. I was a pastor, so all our church members were coming, as well as all our relatives.

My fiance, Harry, and I were very excited - we were getting married in All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi and I had rented a beautiful dress.

But the night before the wedding I realised that I had some of Harry’s clothes, including his cravat. He couldn’t show up without a tie, so a friend who had stayed the night offered to take it to him first thing in the morning. We got up at dawn and I walked her to the bus station.

As I was making my way back home, I walked past a guy sitting on the bonnet of a car - suddenly he grabbed me from behind and dumped me in the back seat. There were two more men inside, and they drove off. It all happened in a fraction of a second.

A piece of cloth was stuffed in my mouth. I was kicking and hitting out and trying to scream. When I managed to push the gag out, I screamed: “It’s my wedding day!” That was when I got the first blow. One of the men told me to “co-operate or you will die” The men took turns to rape me. I felt sure I was going to die, but I was still fighting for my life, so when one of the men took the gag out of my mouth I bit his manhood. He screamed in pain and one of them stabbed me in the stomach. Then they opened the door and threw me out of the moving car.

I was miles from home, outside Nairobi. More than six hours had passed since I had been abducted.

A child saw me being thrown out and called her grandmother.

People came running. When the police came they tried to get a pulse, but no-one could. Thinking I was dead, they wrapped me in a blanket and started to take me to the mortuary. But on the way there, I choked on the blanket and coughed. The policeman said: “She’s alive?” And he turned the car around and drove me to the biggest government hospital in Kenya.

I arrived in great shock, murmuring incoherently. I was halfnaked and covered in blood, and my face was swollen from being punched. But something must have alerted the matron, because she guessed I was a bride. “Let’s go around the churches to see if they’re missing a bride,” she told the nurses.

By coincidence, the first church they called at was All Saints Cathedral. “Are you missing a bride?” the nurse asked.

The minister said: “Yes, there was a wedding at 10 o’clock

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and she didn’t come.”

When I didn’t show up to the church, my parents were panicking. People were sent out to search for me. Rumours flew. Some wondered: “Did she change her mind?” Others said: “No, it’s so unlike her, what happened?”

After a few hours, they had to take down the decorations to make room for the next ceremony. Harry had been put in the vestry to wait.

When they heard where I was, my parents came to the hospital with the whole entourage. Harry was actually carrying my wedding gown. But the media had also got wind of the story so there were reporters too.

I was moved to another hospital where I’d have more privacy.

That was where the doctors stitched me up and gave me some devastating news: “The stab wound went deep into your womb, so you won’t be able to carry any children.”

I was given the morning-after pill, as well as antiretroviral drugs to protect me from HIV and Aids. My mind shut down, it refused to accept what had happened.

A few days later, when I was less sedated, I was able to look him in the eye. I kept saying sorry.

I felt like I had let him down. Some people said it was my own fault for leaving the house in the morning. It was really hurtful, but my family and Harry supported me.

The police never caught the rapists. I went to lineup after line-up but I didn’t recognise any of the men, and it hurt me each time I went. It set back my recovery - it was 10 steps forward, 20 back. In the end I went back to the police station and said: “You know what, I’m done. I just want to leave it.”

Three months after the attack I was told I was HIVnegative and got really excited, but they told me I had to wait three more months to be sure. Still, Harry and I began to plan our second wedding.

Although I had been very angry at the press intrusion, somebody read my story and asked to meet me. Her name was Vip Ogolla, and she was also a rape survivor. We spoke, and she told me she and her friends wanted to give me a free wedding.

“Go wild, have whatever you want,” she said.

I was ecstatic. I went for a different type of cake, much more expensive. Instead of a rented gown, now I could have one that was totally mine.

In July 2005, seven months after our first planned wedding, Harry and I got married and went on a honeymoon.

Twenty-nine days later, we were at home on a very cold night. Harry lit a charcoal burner and took it to the bedroom. After dinner, he removed it because the room was really warm. I got under the covers as he locked up the house. When he came to bed he said he was feeling dizzy, but we thought nothing of it.

It was so cold we couldn’t sleep, so I suggested getting another duvet. But Harry said he couldn’t get it as he didn’t have enough strength. Strangely, I couldn’t stand up either.

We realised something was very wrong. He passed out. I passed out. I remember coming to. I would call him. At times he would respond, at other times he wouldn’t. I pushed myself out of bed and threw up, which gave me some strength. I started crawling to the phone. I called my neighbour and said: “Something is wrong, Harry is not responding.”

She came over immediately but it took me ages to crawl to the front door to let her in as I kept passing out. I saw an avalanche of people coming in, screaming. And I passed out again.

I woke up in hospital and asked where my husband was.

They said they were working on him in the next room. I said: “I’m a pastor, I’ve seen quite a lot in my life, I need you to be very straight with me.” The doctor looked at me and said: “I’m sorry, your husband did not make it.”

I couldn’t believe it.

Going back to church for the funeral was terrible. Just a month earlier I had been there in my white dress, with Harry standing at the front looking handsome in his suit.

Now, I was in black and he was being wheeled in, in a casket.

People thought I was cursed and held back their children from me. “There’s a bad omen hanging over her,” they said. At one point, I actually believed it myself.

Others accused me of killing my husband. That really got me down - I was grieving.

The post-mortem showed what really happened: as the carbon monoxide filled his system, he started choking and suffocated.

I had a terrible breakdown. I felt let down by God, I felt let down by everybody. I couldn’t believe that people could be laughing, going out and just going about life. I crashed.

Continued on Page 20

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Continued from Page 19 One day I was sitting on the balcony looking at the birds chirping away and I said: “God, how can you take care of the birds and not me?” In that instant I remembered there are 24 hours a day - sitting in depression with your curtains closed, no-one’s going to give you back those 24 hours. Before you know, it’s a week, a month, a year wasted away. That was a tough reality.

I told everybody I would never ever get married again. God took my husband, and the thought of ever going through such a loss again was too much. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on anybody. The pain is so intense, you feel it in your nails.

But there was one man - Tonny Gobanga - who kept visiting.

He would encourage me to talk about my husband and think about the good times. One time he didn’t call for three days and I was so angry. That’s when it hit me that I had fallen for him.

Tonny proposed marriage but I told him to buy a magazine, read my story and tell me if he still loved me. He came back and said he still wanted to marry me.

But I said: “Listen, there’s another thing - I can’t have children, so I cannot get married to you.”

“Children are a gift from God,” he said. “If we get them,

Pastor Mrs. Gobanga helping other women with her story Amen. If not, I will have more time to love you.”

I thought: “Wow, what a line!” So I said Yes. Tonny went home to tell his parents, who were very excited, until they heard my story. “You can’t marry her - she is cursed,” they said. My father-in-law refused to attend the wedding, but we went ahead anyway. We had 800 guests - many came out of curiosity.

It was three years after my first wedding, and I was very scared.

When we were exchanging vows, I thought: “Here I am again Father, please don’t let him die.” As the congregation prayed for us I cried uncontrollably.

A year into our marriage, I felt unwell and went to the doctor and to my great surprise he told me that I was pregnant.

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Pastor Mrs. Terry Gobanga with her husband As the months progressed I was put on total bed rest, because of the stab wound to my womb. But all went well, and we had a baby girl who we called Tehille. Four years later, we had another baby girl named Towdah.

Today, I am the best of friends with my father-in-law.

I wrote a book, Crawling out of Darkness, about my ordeal, to give people hope of rising again. I also started an organisation called Kara Olmurani. We work with rape survivors, as I call them - not rape victims. We offer counselling and support.

We are looking to start a halfway house for them where they can come and find their footing before going back to face the world.

I have forgiven my attackers. It wasn’t easy but I realised I was getting a raw deal by being upset with people who probably don’t care. My faith also encourages me to forgive and not repay evil with evil but with good.

The most important thing is to mourn. Go through every step of it. Get upset until you are willing to do something about your situation. You have to keep moving, crawl if you have to.

But move towards your destiny because it’s waiting, and you have to go and get it.

WHY IS THE NIGERIA MILITARY SILENT ON THIS? KILLED BY FULANI HERDSMEN.

Juniors got promoted, his crime was being a minority and Southerner.

AT a time the Nation needed his Services he was cut Short

by Fulani herdsmen stationed in the Bush with AK 47, just to commiserate with a friend that lost his father, along Lagos/ Ibadan express Road his tyre got punctured, while he was changing the tyre they came out from their habitat and shot him point blank, while citizens have reported the gathering of these criminal Gang Fulani herdsmen in the Bush because citizens have previously been Slaughtered the authority were helpless to find them and get them arrested and prosecuted.

Behold is the Photo Image of Brigadier Gen Sylvester Iruh of Army records. Born into a humble family were excellence, Courage, diligence, and forthrightness was the other of the Day, like others before him Brigadier Sylvester Iruh had a dream and a path to follow to live his Dreams, his parents told him of one Nigeria, the hopes and Aspiration that goes with it and Services needed to keep Nigerians Safe, so was this idea of joining the Army became a fashion and a dream for the young man, according to memoirs left behind, his Before the authority could act Brigadier Gen Sylvester met dad was the influence on his life to join Nigeria Army, his end in the hands of the same Fulani herdsmen that has based on experience his been terrorizing Nigerians dad encountered during the sad thing here was that Nigeria baseless Civil they were arrested that Day War they supported and were taken to Abeokuta, Nigeria federation against the next Day the Police Biafra, not minding their commissioner and some Support for the federal faceless Hausa / Fulani troops, some of his family ordered for their Release, members were massacred reasons they gave was that

by Nigeria troops , the they couldn’t speak English. pains, humiliation , and distress suffered over Exposing his death is to loss of family member expose inner working of subdued him in between Nigeria Army, how could Biafra and Nigeria. That it be that Nigeria Army was the promise that his chose to be silent on the son must join Nigeria death of Brigadier Gen Army.

Sylvester Iruh, why did Then in Nigeria there they not arrest the Police was no Quota System commissioner that ordered or federal character, for their Release? Why did writing NDA exams was they Release the culprit to strictly based on merit go on killing Nigerians? and intelligence, System Late Brigadier Gen Sylvester Iruh Burantai should tell Nigerians for admittance wasn’t as the circumstances that led to rotten as it is today were the death of Brigadier General tribe, Religious influence in Promotion, admittance and Iruh, that all are equal before the law is to the gullible, appointment were the Order of the Day. Gen Iruh was Nigerians are not Safe if a Brigadier General could be Sound , academically fit above average that he was called by denied, betrayed for a rag Tag Fulani herdsmen, that those University of Nsukka, Ibadan, and Ife to read medicine, same calling for Separation has a reason for that, like many whose time NDA called him, his dad told him that both Profession death has never been discovered the death of Brigadier Gen saves lives so was his choice.

Iruh is a litmus test, now that it’s before the public domain Nigeria Army became his Mantra, he dedicated his life in Nigerians are watching to See how Nigeria Army will tell Service of his Mother Land, he loved Nigeria and had his own Nigerians How A General was betrayed and denied and his life sworn to die for her anytime duty demands, he shown family abandoned. and glistered like a Star, he was noticed by superiors and Please whether you are a Nigeria, Oduduwa, and Biafra, peers alike, his Training Made him humble and discipline, Niger Delta share this to reach Nigeria Military. Everybody People gets attracted to him by his civility and gentility, and is a victim. Without raising our voices we are going to this Made him friends and won him accolades. He taught be doomed by the System were life has no guarantee and his superiors how to keep records of Military invectures, He meaning. was a Star in Military knowledge, and expert in his field, Ehiwario Azubuike writes in from Lagos Nigeria. he defended and fought for One Nigeria, spoke all Nigeria Major languages, denied Promotion many times whilst his www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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

What would you like to know? Our vision?

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

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

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

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

God bless you as you come in Jesus Christ name. Amen

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastor of the church Victory Outreach Almere. Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 036-7505571 info@voalmere.nl ...................http://www.voalmere.nl

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INVITING NEW MEMBERS!!

Join Ika speaking people of Delta State every last Saturday of the month for our regular meeting where we discuss issues affecting our State of origin, homeland, future of Nigeria and our wellbeing in The Netherlands It is open to every sons and daughters of Ika Kingdom

Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm YOU ARE ALL WELCOME. For details, Call: 06-87510616, 06-87508082, 0655516057 Address : EGOLI 9A , 1103AC, Amsterdam 24

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BERND WANDKOWSKI

COMPANY NAME: NETFREIGHT SCHIFFAHRTS- & SPEDITIONS GMBH YEAR OF INCORPORATION: 1986 STATUS: PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY SHAREHOLDER AND FOUNDER: BERND WANDKOWSKI HEAD OFFICE: HAMBURG GERMANY KEY GLOBAL BUSINESSES ACTIVITIES IMPORT & EXPORT TURN KEY LOGISTICS, CONTAINER SHIPPING, RORO SHIPPING, PROJECT SHIPPING, LOCAL TRANSPORT BY ROAD, RAIL AND BARGE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE, WAREHOUSING KEY TRADING AREAS MIDDLE EAST, MEDITERRANEAN, THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON WEST AND EAST AFRICA. KEY RELATIONSHIPS CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL MAJOR LINER SERVICES SERVING OUR KEY TRADE LANES NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS WITH RENOWN COMPANIES IN ALL EUROPEAN AND ALL AFRICAN PORTS SERVED. MISSION STATEMENT THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WORLDWIDE FREIGHT SOLUTIONS BY LAND, SEA OR AIR TO CUSTOMERS BASED IN GERMANY AND OVERSEAS. PROVIDING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH A PERSONALIZED, EFFICIENT AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE BASED ON THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AIMED AT BUILDING LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS, STABILITY AND MUTUAL GROWTH.

SERVICES GLOBAL SERVICE PROVISION TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY STUDIES RO RO SERVICES CONTAINER SERVICE FCL/LCL BULK AND BREAKBULK SHIPMENTS HEAVY LIFT AND OVERSIZE CARGO TRANSPORTATION TRUCKING, RAIL AND BARGE MOVEMENTS WAREHOUSING, PACKING AND STORAGE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FORMALITIES FULL EXPORT DOCUMENTATION CARGO TRACKING-INFORMATION SYSTEM WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES BY CHOOSING NETFREIGHT AS YOUR PARTNER? FIRST CLASS REPUTATION EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD AND REFERENCES A ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR SHIPPING AND LOGISTIC SERVICES A COMPREHENSIVE GLOBAL SUPPORT NETWORK COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE EXCEEDING 100 YEARS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING TURN KEY PROJECTS LOGISTICS WAREHOUSING AND PACKING CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DISTRIBUTION

VISION FOR THE FUTURE MAINTAIN OUR POSITION AS ONE OF THE LEADING PROVIDERS OF SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS SERVICES BASED IN GERMANY. CONTINUE TO EXPAND OUR NETWORK AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE LEADERS IN THE SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS INDUSTRY STRENGTHEN OUR BASE IN THE REGION CONTINUE TO OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BY CONTINUING TO ADAPT TO CHANGES IN GLOBAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA NETFREIGHT SCHIFFAHRTS- & SPEDITIONS GMBH KURZE MUEHREN 20 20095 HAMBURG TEL. +49 40 307047-11 FAX. +49 40 307047-47 E-MAIL: WANDKOWSKI@NETFREIGHT.DE WWW.NETFREIGHT.DE

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Comrade Sunny Ofehe in consultation travels.

I

n recent times, Comrade Sunny Ofehe has been traveling around the country of Nigeria for what he calls consultation visit to stakeholders as he consider his future plans in politics in Nigeria. Such travels took him to various personalities in Nigeria starting with a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the ruling Nigerian political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. John Odigie Oyegun at the APC Headquarters in Abuja where he spoke on National and State issues. The need for good governance and sanity in the electoral process. It was a privilege for him to meet with this technocrat and administrator who was the youngest man at 36 to become the first Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry before voluntarily retiring into Comrade Ofehe with All Progressive Congress politics and became the Executive Governor of Edo State in (APC) Chairman, Dr. John Odigie Oyegun at the 1992. His tenure was cut short by the military led by Late APC Headquarters in Abuja Gen. Sanni Abacha.

He also met with Prof. Julius Ihonvbere at his country voluntarily withdrew his services to return to Nigeria. Our home. A two time Governorship Aspirant of Edo State and discussion was of immense benefit to me. A rare gem with former Secretary to Edo State Government under Adams deep knowledge of Nigerian politics.

Oshiomhole. A Special Senior With his team, Comrade Ofehe were Assistant and Speech Writer to hosted at the country home of the former Nigerian President Olusegun former Delta State Governorship Obasanjo. A pro-democracy activist aspirant under PDP Chief Anthony who was forced into self-exile in Chuks Obuh in Asaba, Delta State.

1990 and returned to the University A soft spoken technocrat and devout of Toronto as Visiting Professor of Christian who retired from Civil African Politics. In 1991 he moved Service to serve his beloved State. to the University of Texas at Austin He entertained them and fed them where he taught African and Third with his political experience in a World Politics as well as courses private meeting that lasted more on US-Africa Relations. In 1997, than an hour. According to Ofehe, he joined the Ford Foundation “it was a joy to listen to this man in New York as Program Officer of great wisdom and at the end I in the Peace and Social Justice couldn’t leave without asking him Program and was responsible for Comrade Ofehe being blessed by former President to pray for me. He didn’t hesitate as the portfolio on “Pluralism and Obasanjo he held my hands in agreement with Governance” until 2002 when he others in the room to seek God’s face and direction in all we do”. Lessons are best learnt from those who made attempts and not succeed because they will always reflect back on what may have gone wrong while those who succeed mostly focus on the challenges after victory.

Comrade Sunny Ofehe also made a visit to his bosom friend and brother, human rights lawyer Barrister Festus Keyamo.

Keyamo ran for the Senate by-elections to replace Late Senator Pius Ewherido under the APC party in Delta State.

He shared his bitter experience with Ofehe and his team. He nevertheless told him that it’s God that appoints Kings.

Comrade Ofehe to Chief Anthony Chuks Obuh in Asaba, Delta State 26

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the journey, Mr. Ofehe said “I am indeed honored to get this fatherly blessings”. In attendance with him was his wife, Dorothy Faluy-Ofehe and a friend of his, Mr. Barry Erezi Urefe.

Recently, Comrade Ofene was invited as a guest speaker at a conference in Vienna, Austria organized by NDIA where he spoke on the need for youths to participate in Nigerian electoral process and compel the National Assembly to pass into law the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill. If the law allows you to vote then you can be voted for. Age should not be a barrier to elective office says Comrade Sunny Ofehe. He has also taken his consultation to the European Union Community in Brussels, Belgium where he met with senior officials and policy advisers and consultants for both private and close door meetings. The significance of a Community with 28 Member European countries cannot be underestimated and therefore Comrade Ofehe took advantage of his good relationships to share ideas that would help his interest in Nigerian politics come 2019. According to him, the process continues and he would keep the public inform through media reports of this nature.

“Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” - Danny

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere received Comrade Ofehe in his home in Nigeria It was great to listen to this dogged fighter and legal luminary who singlehandedly built his career from a humble beginning to become an international household name within and outside Nigeria.

The highest continuation so far is a private meeting the comrade held with the former Nigerian President Rtd. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo in Dublin, Ireland. He had a very intense discussion with the former Head of State on his experience on ruling Nigeria first as a Military Head of State and then as a democratic Civilian President. They also discussed about the politics of Delta State and according to Comrade Ofehe, he was amazed at how much the former president knew about Delta State. Obasanjo didn’t hide his desire for young Nigerians to engage in active politics and promised him he will talk to the current Vice President to strengthen the Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) organization, umbrella organization for Nigerians.

Finally in the most passionate gift, Pa Obasanjo accepted Comrade Sunny Ofehe as a son and said he anointed him with prayers to guide him in any future endeavor. He covered him with his warm hands and prayed for him. Kneeling before the former Presidentm he said “you have proven yourself in your quest for a better Niger Delta region, go and achieve your God’s given mandate.”

The Octogenarian is still vibrant and strong! At the end of

Comrade Sunny Ofehe with youth leaders during one of his visits to Nigeria.

Thomas Note: Comrade Ofehe continues to his journey of consultations meeting with many other stake holders in Nigeria as we make this report https://www.facebook.com/comrade.ofehe Skype ID: Comrade.Sunny.Ofehe www.ofehe.com www.sunnyofehefoundation.org www.nigerdeltacampaign.com www.insidenigerdelta.com www.sunnyofeheshow.com

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BOOK REVIEW The Worship Minister: Pleasing God As You Fulfil His Call

By Niyi Adeoshun and Martin Adu, Rev Chris Tunde Joda (Foreword) The worship ministry is a priestly one but too often the ministers take their eyes off the object of their worship and turn the church platform into a pride-promoting pedestal.

Are you a Worship Leader or Church Musician?

Are you involved in any part of the worship ministry?

If yes, please pay attention: The worship ministry is a priestly one but too often the ministers take their eyes off the object of their worship and turn the church platform into a pride-promoting pedestal.

Worship Leader, Martin Adu, teams up with Niyi Adeoshun, a Music Director, to produce this book of practical advice and instructions for the worship minister who wants to be challenged to consciously aim to please God as he lead others to worship Him. This book, though meant to be read by pastors, worship leaders and worship teams, will be of huge benefit to all church leaders and anyone else interested in deepening their understanding and experience of worship.

Chapter 1: Singing vs Ministering Chapter 2: The Worship Ministry Chapter 3: Qualifications and Qualities of a Worship Minister Chapter 4: Roles and Responsibility of Worship Leaders Chapter 5: Challenges Faced by Worship Ministers Chapter 6: The Worship Musicians Chapter 7: The Worship

Team Chapter 8: Pleasing God In Ministry “ ... A Holy Spirit-inspired ‘manual’ for worship ministers!”

- Victor Kenny Macarthy “ It will lift you up to a new level of awareness in the worship ministry ...” - Rev. (Dr.) Chris Tunde Joda Martin Adu: He is an international singer, songwriter, worship leader and conference speaker. He is currently a worship leader at Power City, Leiderdorp in The Netherlands Niyi Adeoshun: He is a band leader, seasoned musician, speaker and author. He is currently the music Director at New Life Bible Church, Bethnal Green, London United Kingdom.

ISBN – 13:978-1541337206 ISBN-10: 1541337204 Publisher: Nukan Publications First printed by: CreateSpace (2017) PS: Book available on Amazon.com as Paperback and Kindle downloadable version https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=searchalias%3Daps&field-keywords=worship+minister Amazon.co.uk: worship minister www.amazon.co.uk Amazon.co.uk: worship minister

Minister Martin Adu

Niyi Adeoshun www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Jeffangs Beauty

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Kenyan Elections: Coin of the same side: How the presidential election may play out in Kenya in 2017.

President Uhuru Kenyatta in the race This month, the nation of Kenya is concluding their elections and have a new President installed, it could be the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta being reelected for a second term or a new President in the person of the old politician and opposition leader, Honorable Raila Odinga.

These two families’, Kenyatta and Odinga are as old as the country, they have dominated the country’s politics from the beginning. The pre-independence era, at independence and today they are still talked about in Kenyan politics. They were the first President and Vice President of the Republic of Kenya. These two names are on the ballot again, this time, it is their two sons of the founding fathers of the country on the ballot box again. The rivalry is severe and fearsome when it comes to the people. Both of them are seen as symbol of tribes in Kenya, the Kikuyus and the Luos and all the other tribes fall in within.

August 8th 2017, Kenya will hold a General Election at all levels of government. The national-level elections will include races for President, members of the National Assembly, and the Senate. At County-level, races will include those vying for governorship (47) and members of County Assemblies (in 1450 wards).

For six years, I lived in Kenya from 2005 to 2011, I witnessed the elections of 2006-2007, where President Kibaki and Raila Odinga slugged it out at the polls, and an election popularly believed that Raila won but President Kibaki refused to concede defeat and they ended up with power sharing government agreement. The violence that greeted that election is still remembered in Kenya today and brings fear even as they prepare for this elections that the polls will not generate another violence along tribal lines. The Presidential election will in many ways decide how the other elections

would take shape in Kenya. All attention is on the presidency of Kenya. It is politics of winner take it all. It is either the Presidency or nothing else matters. This write up will try to examine this election and the exciting gubernatorial races and senatorial elections and what implications are there on the outcome of the election. The cry right now is that all the political parties should ensure that there is no violence before and after the elections.

The International community particularly the International Criminal Court in The Hague is closely monitoring the elections as Kenya’s case of election violence’s in 2007 brought the country in a headlong confrontation with the international organization. again Like in 2013, the contest will be a two-horse race between President Uhuru Kenyatta (with William Ruto as his running mate) and Hon. Raila Odinga (with Kalonzo Musyoka). The same peer that contested, it is could be called a rematch. Uhuru leads 1-0 but how would this contest be on 8th August? On both sides, there has been a new rearrangements in the structures of their political alliance but nothing much has changed in the drive and vision of the two camps. The Kenya’s electoral law under the Constitution requires the winning presidential candidate to gain more than half of the votes cast and at least 25 percent of the votes in at least 24 counties. In 2013, Kenyatta edged out Odinga in a squeaker that was decided at the Supreme Court. Depending on how you look at it, Kenyatta crossed the constitutional threshold of 50 precent plus one required to avoid a runoff by a mere 8,632 votes (if you include spoilt ballots) or 63, 115 (if you only include valid votes cast). In affirming Kenyatta’s victory, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the latter approach.

President Kenyatta & his deputy William Ruto

some of the analysis that have been made but again, I want to warn that this does not in any way determine the outcome of the elections except the actual voting and counting.

A. As former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has a bigger coalition now: The third candidate in 2013, Musalia Mudavadi, has joined forces with Odinga this time round – as part of the National Super Alliance (NASA). Mudavadi managed to get just under 4% last time and will provide a much-needed boost to Odinga’s chances in Western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley.

B. Kenyatta has had a mixed record in office: On the other hand, Kenyan economy has grown at more than 5% over the last four years. The same period saw massive investments in infrastructure — including a doubling of the share of the population connected to the grid and a brand new $4b railway line connecting Nairobi to the coast. However, these impressive achievements have been offset by incredible levels of corruption in government – with senior government officials caught literally carrying cash in sacks. Kenyatta is also stumbling towards August 8th elections plagued with bad headlines of layoffs and the ever-rising cost of living.

Less than a month to the election, the country is in the middle of a food crisis occasioned by a failure to plan and a botched response that appears to have been designed to channel funds to cronies of well-connected officials.

C. The Rift Valley: In 2013 much of the Rift Valley was a lock for Kenyatta (it is William Ruto’s political back yard).

This time, it will be different. Parts of Ruto’s coalition in the Rift Valley, particularly in Kericho and Bomet counties, Opposition Leader Raila Odinga of Kenya may swing towards Odinga this year. All Odinga needs is about a third of the votes in these counties. Both campaigns have spent a lot of time trying to sway the small pockets of But despite the court’s ruling, a significant section of Kenyans persuadable voters in these two counties. still believe that Kenyatta rigged his way into office, and that Odinga should have won. That is history now, 2013 is gone Continued on Page 42 and 2017 offers another chance for Raila to be President at the fourth attempt. Many believed he did not fought for the Presidency in 2013, also the fact that he lost one of his close ally, Deputy President William Ruto to President Uhuru was a major blow to his ambition to the Presidency. Nobody expected that split from Raila Odinga but he abandoned Raila after the post-election violence where he was then implicated and Raila did not come to his defense. It was a vote of revenge or protest against Raila Odinga whom they thought he profited from the political violence that saw him settled for Prime Minister ship.

Again, Hon. Odinga did not cross the 50 percent plus one threshold required to avoid a runoff. No one is sure how the runoff would have gone if Riala Odinga could have defeated President Kenyatta so 2013 is behind us now. I think that the result of that election was fair and reflected the will of the people who bothered to vote but a lot of things has changed since that election till now.

Raila Odinga and running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka of Analysis is saying this election would even be closer than any National Super Alliance (NASA) other election in Kenyan history. I will try to make sense of

Continued from Page 41 D. The Kenyatta Succession in 2022: In 2013 Kenyatta was elected as the head of an alliance, not a party. In 2017, he is running atop a party, the Jubilee Party (JP). It is common knowledge that JP is William Ruto’s project. Because he plans to succeed Kenyatta in 2022, he desperately needs credible commitment from Kenyatta and his allies that they will support his bid when the time comes. JP is an installment towards this goal, and is designed to allow Ruto to whip party members in line during Kenyatta’s second term (on a side note, Ruto needs to read up on the history of political parties in Kenya). But by forcing everyone into one boat, JP may actually end up suppressing turnout in key regions of the country, the last thing that Kenyatta needs in a close election.

E. The ICC factor (or lack thereof): Because of their respective cases at the ICC, 2013 was a do or die for Kenyatta and Ruto (and their most fervent supporters). This time is different. Both politicians are no longer on trial at the ICC, and so cannot use their cases to rally voters. The lack of such a strong focal rallying point will be a test for Kenyatta’s turnout efforts.

Nearly all of the above factors sound like they favor Odinga.

Yet Kenyatta is still the runaway favorite in this year’s election. And the reason for that is turnout. In the past elections, the turnout rates were uniformly high (above 80%) in nearly all of the 135/290 constituencies that Kenyatta won in 2013. Pro-Odinga constituencies had more spread, with the end result being that the candidate left a lot more votes on the table.

The same dynamics obtained at the county level. In 2013 Odinga beat Kenyatta in 27 of the 47 counties. The counties that Odinga won had a total of 8,373,840 voters, compared to

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5,977,056 in the 20 counties won by Kenyatta. The difference was turnout. The counties won by Odinga averaged a turnout rate of 83.3%. The comparable figure for counties won by Kenyatta was 89.7%. At the same time, where Kenyatta won, he won big — averaging 86% of the vote share. Odinga’s average vote share in the 27 counties was a mere 70%.

The same patterns may hold in 2017. The counties won

by Odinga currently have 10,547,913 registered voters, compared to 7,556,609 in counties where Kenyatta prevailed.

This means that Odinga still has a chance, but in order to win he will have to run up the numbers in his strongholds, while at the same time getting more of his voters to the polls.

Given the 2017 registration numbers, and if the turnout and vote share patterns witnessed in 2013 were to hold this year, then Kenyatta would still win with 8,000,936 votes (51.5%) against Odinga’s 7,392,439 votes (47.6%).

The slim hypothetical margin should worry Kenyatta and his campaign team. For instance, with an 89% turnout rate and an average of 85% vote share in the 27 counties Odinga won, and holding Kenyatta’s performance constant, the NASA coalition could best Jubilee this August by garnering 8,921,050 votes (55.4%) vs 7,191,975 (44.6%).

Kenyatta is the favorite to win this August on account of incumbency and Jubilee’s turnout advantage. But it is also the case that the election will be close, and that even a small slip up such as a 3 point swing away from Jubilee between now and August 8th could result in an Odinga victory.

Tight Race Seen in Kenya’s Elections With Opposition Turn-out Key

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he outcome of Kenya’s election pitting President Uhuru Kenyatta against a former prime minister will be close and may involve a run-off vote if turnout in opposition strongholds is high, according to analysts Verisk Maplecroft.

While opposition support is seen as depressed due to “disillusionment” with main candidate Raila Odinga, the ex-

premier who failed in three previous presidential bids, he can still force a run-off if enough supporters are mobilized to cast ballots, Emma Gordon, senior analyst at the Bath, England-based risk consultancy, said in a report.

Kenyatta and Odinga have near-equal support among ethnic voting blocs, Gordon said, and if opposition supporters defy expectations and raise turnout in swing counties by 10 percent on Aug. 8, that would spur a follow-up vote.

“Kenyatta is unlikely to win by more than 10 percent,” according to Gordon. “This explains why the race appears so tight.”

Violence surrounding Kenyan elections make them fractious times for investors. The International Monetary Fund has warned the vote may result in slower growth in the $69.4 billion economy this year. The Washingtonbased lender cut its 2017 growth forecast to 5.3 percent from 6.1 percent, citing heightened political instability during elections. Contested results from an election

a decade ago sparked two months of ethnic violence that left at least 1,100 people dead.

Kenyatta, 55, won 50.07 percent of the vote in the 2013 election, beating Odinga, who also came second to former President Mwai Kibaki in 2007. The opposition alleged both votes were rigged. Gordon said a Kenyatta victory will probably “spark urban rioting in key opposition hot spots,” albeit at “levels only slightly higher than seen in 2013.”

‘Pretty Close’ Pollster Ipsos Kenya said Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have been unable to expand their support base to more than 50 percent since 2013. That points to an outcome that “will be pretty close if voting is based on ethnicity,” Tomas Wolf, an Ipsos researcher, said in a May 19 interview.

Ahmed Salim, an analyst with Dubai-based Teneo Strategy, said earlier this month that public discontent over rising cost of living in Kenya, which is currently seeing shortages of milled corn, a staple, could help Odinga’s five-party alliance make electoral gains and force a run-off.

“There is still scope for Odinga to eat into Kenyatta’s vote,” Gordon said. “However, turnout and the massive Jubilee mobilization in swing counties are most likely to allow Kenyatta to win a narrow victory in the first round.”

Appreciation to the Presidency for signing the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017 (NIDCOM Bill): Please set up the Commission Now!

Nigeria Senate President: Dr. Bukola Saraki Excellency, We appreciate your gracious assent to Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017. NIDOE Leadership and indeed the Global Nigerian Diaspora community is encouraged, and revitalized. The assent to the Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017 has rekindle once again the Diaspora indomitable spirit, to repositioning NIDO and the Nigerian Global community as a well ordered and dependable group, promoting national development, business, trade & investment opportunities, providing a professional resource pool from where the Diaspora and National developmental interests could be managed in a transparent but secure, respectful but fair manner to induce growth in the areas of economic, social, Natalia weds Frank in Ghanaian cultural ceremony.

On Saturday, 19th of August 2017, Natalia & Frank will be celebrating their love in a Ghanaian tradition marriage ceremony at Almere Poort in The Netherlands.

While on Saturday 26th of August 2017, the matrimonial ceremony will take place in Leeuwarden. Afterwards a festive reception will be held in Kollum.

Invitation had already been sent out to families and friend of the bride and groom with more details on the wedding ceremony. If you are yet to get an invitation card by post, they would appreciate your contact them via email at bruiloft@frankleystra.nl.

Signed: Natalia & Frank

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academic, political, entertainment and all areas where our people seek to position themselves.

Excellency, with the gracious assent to the Bill, we are of high expectation that the Commission will take off without delay.

This is because the Bill was passed by the NIDOE Europe Chairman: NASS after the 2017 Hon. Kenneth Gbandi Budget appropriation was sent to the NASS. We hereby respectfully implore your Excellency to utilise your discretionary budget expenditure to set up the Commission to enable the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work together to set up the Commission, appoint its executive officers, provide office, recruit staff, and all the necessary and needful logistics.

Our warm appreciation to the Buhari Administration, through the Acting President, and the 8th NASS and Legislators, past leaderships of NIDO Worldwide, all Nigerians stakeholders, institutions and individual that worked for the establishment of Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017.

Thank you Excellency, for assenting to Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Bill 2017 in fulfilment of the yearnings of over 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora.

Princess Moradeun is a Broadcaster & Media Consultant; A real ‘Princess’ of the Adedoyin Anoko Royal Lineage; she is the granddaughter of HRM Oba William Christopher Adedoyin II, The Akarigbo Anoko of Sagamu, Remo-land, Nigeria.

She sits on the board as Operational Director for Media and Communications of the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN) & African Women of Essence International (AWEI), Chair Board of Trustees & Official Global Spokesperson

for Girl Child Network Worldwide (GCNW). Her roles cover Community Development, Nation Building, Communication & Media, Training, Delivering Lectures on Pan-Yoruba & Pan-African Matters, Leadership, Mentorship, Empowerment, Royal Protocol, Social Ethics & Etiquette etc within the UK

PROFILE: Meet Hrh Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin Consultant in the United Kingdom Community & the wider Global Society.

A Graduate of Journalism and Communication Arts, with over 40 years’ experience in the Print & Electronic Media plus over 25 years in the Entertainment & Music Industries.

She is an articulate Talk-Show Host, Public Speaker, Master of Ceremonies, Project Manager, Events Consultant with vast experience as a seasoned and veteran Broadcast Journalist. Her debut as a young Broadcaster was with the Nigerian Television Authority at the tender age of 17yrs, where her career started in 1975.

She Created, Produced & Hosted her cutting-edge Talk-Show ‘Princess of Arize!’ where she puts the Spotlight on People, Organisations & Businesses, who want to indeed ‘Arize!’ and make a Difference as Positive ‘Agents of Change’ in the 21 Century. She has a keen interest to Showcase Women & Young Girls, whose Inventive, Innovative & Exceptionally Creative efforts as Thought Leaders, Professionals, Entrepreneurs & Achievers gets overlooked, because they do not get the much deserved exposure for their hard work & efforts.

Princess Moradeun is also a very talented Producer & Actress of Stage, Television & Film and is currently working on the Production of her 1 UK Nollywood Movie/TV Series Titled ‘MADAM PRESIDENT’ Directed by Renowned Ruke Amata and Nelson Spyk. The Movie and TV Series will be released later in the year.

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Aids is not sufficient to develop Africa says President Kagame “We are on the same page that traditional aid, while useful, is never going to be enough to bring about sustainable development. We are at the limit of what government-togovernment action alone can achieve. The time is right to put commercial and investment relations at the centre of our joint agenda.

Ultimately, we share the same aspiration for our peoples. Our task as leaders is to build secure, fair, and inclusive societies,

I

Meet Nigerian Finest Cop, ACP Abba Kyari.

n advance countries, you probably do not commonly see one officer single out for praise in resolving a crime but in Nigeria, it is unique and special to see an outstanding officer among the Police force where they have been accused of aiding and abating crime in Nigeria. One officer stood out with the arrest of the most wanted kidnapper in Nigeria. This police officer is ACP Abba Kyari. As we write now, criminals and gangsters shiver at the mention of his name and the reason is not farfetched: Abba Kyari is the finest cop in this country at the moment. He risk his life to get result and he is going to where many have compromised.

Abba Kyari is the head of InspectorGeneral of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and under his watch, the deadly criminal Vampire terrorizing people in the east was traced to his hide out and killed by Abba and his men just few months ago.

Abba led his men again to arrest the most wanted richest Kidnapper and criminal Evans on his mansion hideout in Lagos without any causality.

If not for Abba and his men, Evans had perfected plans to escape to South Africa having send his wife and children to Ghana but he was traced to his palatial bedroom at Magado GRA where he was hiding through signals from his phones. Evans was smart, having six different telephone lines 48

in which both citizens and migrants can reach their full potential as human beings.

We bring a shared purpose to this initiative. That is why it is critically important for something concrete to come from it which we can build on in the years ahead.

We have been here before. Let’s challenge ourselves to do things differently and more quickly this time. Endless rounds of discussion won’t solve our problems, or yours. The sooner we arrive at clarity about the way forward, the better.”

- President Kagame speaking at the G20 Africa Partnership on the need for investment to play a central role in achieving sustainable development

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but he was beaten to his own game.

Apart from his success as the head of Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Abba Kyari led the team that helped when the mother of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, then finance minister was abducted in Ogwuashi-Uku in Delta State. Jide Ojo, better known as Marvelous, Buhari Hamadola, Hassan Oseni, Micheal Ojeabulu,Endurance Eke and Ibrahim Abubakar were all arrested from that operation.

As a result of his hard work and brilliance, Abba was promoted to the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the beginning of this year and he is the youngest ACP currently in active service.

At 41, Abba Kyari is not just the youngest high-ranking police officer in Nigeria, but one of the most hardworking. According to those that knows him well, they said he is very competent.

Kyari, a 1997 Geography graduate of the University of Maiduguri has many reasons to be grateful and one of them is that he is the new face of Nigerian police force.

Many Nigerians have given on police institution in Nigeria and their reasons for giving up on them are valid but because Abba choose to be different and inspire us, our hope is rekindled that Nigerian police is not finished and that all hope is not lost.

Keep inspiring sir!

Congratulations to Bishop & Mrs Ibeagha * 10 years Episcopacy * 30 years Priestly ordination *40 years of wedding anniversary.

People from all works of life came to celebrate and rejoice with The Rt. Rev. Prof. Evans Jonathan & Professor Mrs. P.N. Ibeagha, Bishop of Nike Diocese, Anglican Communion on these landmark achievements and accomplishments in life.

The thanks giving were held at The cathedral Church of St. Cyprian in Enugu.

On behalf of The Voice magazine Publisher, Pastor Elvis Iruh and his family and staff, we salute and congratulate our spiritual Dad and mom on this special occasions in their lives.

God will continue to celebrate them before men so men can appreciate their loves.

Congratulations Papa & Mama Ibeagha.

Signed: Pastor Elvis Iruh For: The Voice magazine

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It is interesting to note that an overwhelming proportion of today’s and past world billionaires made their fortunes through real estate and in most cases, the journey to wealth starts from just one property and the portfolio keep growing.

Have you ever wonder why property owners were called “lords”, or as now more colloquially known as “landlords”? It’s because owning properties gives power and financial freedom. There must be a reason why every rich person you know owns multiple properties. Even Donald Trump today remains a billionaire thanks to his real estate fortunes as most of his other businesses have declared bankruptcy.

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with current or prospective values and good transportation.

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THE PLAN IS EASY TO REACH” Why you must consider investment in Real Estate.

Other reasons why you must consider investment in real estate includes: • Hedge against inflation. You only hate inflation if you don’t have an asset that is inflating. Inflation is increasing the values of your properties hopefully faster than any input costs and the costs to operate the asset. Some people used to think back in 1996 how ridiculous it was for anyone to pay N50,000 to purchase a plot of land in the Ajah area of Lagos State. Today, the same one plot of land is over N50M. Inflation is a powerful economic force that’s difficult to stop. You would rather want to own inflating assets than always be a price taker.

• Rise on growing economy. When times are good, assets tend to inflate quicker due to higher employment, rising wages, and rising corporate profits leading to more demands on properties. Real estate tends to be a major beneficiary during a bull market. Forget about protecting yourself against inflation, owning real estate is a gainful opportunity to make

money with inflation. If there happens to be hyperinflation, your cash is devaluing rapidly whereas your real assets start surging in nominal value. When economic tightness returns sooner or later, it causes another surge in property prices.

• Generational asset. You can pass on property from generation to generation, conceivably making your family and loved ones lives a little bit better. Think about our university graduates nowadays who are complaining they might never be able to afford owning a home like their parents due to exorbitant prices. Now think how much worse it will be for their children.

Everybody has heard a story of some grandparent buying a home for just N20, 000 that is now worth millions of Naira.

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• Little effort to build wealth. The whole idea is to invest in assets that work for you, and not the other way around. Real estate is a relatively easy business to understand compared to investing in stocks. For instance, on a rental property, good location, good tenants, manageable maintenance, and rental growth are all it basically takes to make for a solid real estate investment, whereas stocks have so many more variables to deal with, including: management credibility, industry growth, competition, politics, regulation, tax policies, inventory turns, margin analysis, operating profit growth, and more. Meanwhile, to turn N100, 000 into N500, 000 through equity investing is no easy feat, neither is making an interest of another N400,000 on the deposit into a Bank over 7-8 years.

• Paying on installment with no interest. For people paying on a property over a period of time on installment, the rate is fixed and the payments never change. 3-4 years from now you might be paying the same amount that aren’t worth as much as when you first took out the subscription for the property on installment. As your net worth grows, the amount you pay monthly or so becomes a smaller part of your overall net worth, thereby reducing any feelings of stress associated with paying for the property.

• Collateral asset. Unlike cash, which serves no utility function, property addresses not only a fundamental human need, shelter but can also serve as collateral material against loans. If our financial system goes to hell, at least you will have an asset you can actually utilize. Remember, cash is just an ordinary paper and worthless unless it’s turned into a tangible asset!

Continued on Page 52

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Own property is in the best location in NIGERIA Continued from Page 51 • Tangible asset. Real estate is a tangible asset that will continue to add measurable value and enduring impact to everyday life and a valuable financial portfolio. It is an investment you can see, feel and touch, giving you a sense of accomplishment and success.

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Ghana launches its first satellite into space G

hana has successfully launched its first satellite into space. GhanaSat-1, which was developed by students at All Nations University in Koforidua, was sent into orbit from the International Space Centre. Cheers erupted as 400 people, including the engineers, gathered in the southern Ghanaian city to watch live pictures of the launch. The first signal was received shortly afterwards.

It is the culmination of a two-year project, costing $50,000 (£40,000).

It received support from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The satellite will be used to monitor Ghana’s coastline for mapping purposes, and to build capacity in space science and technology.

Project coordinator Dr Richard Damoah said it marked a new beginning for the country.

“It has opened the door for us to do a lot of activities from space,” he told the BBC. Entertainment: Nigerian reggae icon, declares to perform in 2017 Afrima music award All Africa Music Awards ( AFRIMA) is designed to promote the distinct rich African music worldwide, engaging millions of fans by propelling African music to glorious pinnacles beyond the borders of Africa. . For the very first time the Nigerian most wanted Reggae musician, multiple award winner for charity songs, Mr Big man, Mr Cock, Mr Coat of many colour crooner popularly known by his stage name Winning Jah, the VPAL music artist, who innovated a national style of Reggae “Emababa Beat” is set to blow the minds of listeners of 2017 All Africa Music Award, as fans are eager to receive the King of West Africa reggae.

Winning Jah, is a Kano state born Reggae star, his real names are Kingsley Eno Osagie, a prof in Percussions his song”Deep Sea” has landed him in several top Nigeria charts and international charts, recently nominated for best freedom song by Amnesty International Italy music award powered by “VOCIPERLALIBERTA” the restless Reggae icon with his several evergreen songs will be sharing stage with one of most respected Jamaica singer “Luciano the Messenger” in Torino on the 15th of July 2017 at Bunkers, to warm up as his management hope 56

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He said it would “also help us train the upcoming generation on how to apply satellites in different activities around our region.

“For instance, [monitoring] illegal mining is one of the things we are looking to accomplish.”

to meet hardworking artist like Winning Jah on deck.

AFRIMA is a combined effort to recognize, award, promote and preserve Africa’s rich music culture. In partnership with the African Union, AU, it is expected to be the biggest music event in Africa.

1 KVA 1 battery 1 Solar panel • Lights • Fans • TVs • Decoder • DVD 330,000. 00 50% upfront 50% 3 months 1.5 KVA 1.5 KVA 2 batteries 4 Solar panels • Small Fridge • Lights • Fans • TVs • General Electronics 630,000. 00 50% upfront 50% 3 months

2.5 KVA 2.5 KVA 2 batteries 4 Solar panels • Small Deep • Freezer • Lights • Fans • D.V.D. • General Electronics 810,000. 00 50% upfront 50% 3 months

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Madagascar moving in right direction This year has been one to remember so far for Madagascar, a tiny island in Africa with their progress in football. The Barea have racked up four consecutive victories and qualified for the group stage of the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, during which they will face Senegal, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

To accomplish this, they defeated Sao Tome e Principe home (3-2) and away (1-0) in the preliminary round of Cameroon 2019 qualifying. In addition, they overcame Malawi over two legs (1-0; 1-0) in the first round of qualifiers for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is scheduled to take place in Kenya in 2018.

These four positive results saw Madagascar rise nine places to 111th in the May edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, their loftiest position since 2002, when they climbed to 101st. The Africans’ best-ever placing (89th) dates back to 1993.

Newly installed coach Nicolas Dupuis, the man behind this fine run, has become something of a hero on the island since masterminding the two-legged triumph over Sao Tome e Principe in March this year.

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“I first arrived in Madagascar in March 2016,” recalled the Frenchman. “For the first few days, Lionel Charbonnier showed me around and I discovered a very welcoming country and some talented players. For 11 months, I stayed in contact with the players and officials. I followed how the clubs were doing, and some players who earn their living abroad.

“And when the President of the Malagasy Football Federation, Ahmad Ahmad, offered me the job, I accepted without a moment’s hesitation. Fans here have waited many years to celebrate the national team’s performances. I need to pay tribute to the Federation President, the supporters, the players and all of the Malagasy people.”

Madagascar kick off their Group A qualifiers for Cameroon 2019 with a trip to Sudan, where they defeated Sudan 3-1, a hopeful and solid start that they dreamed of. Subsequently, all eyes will turn to another qualifying campaign, this time for the 2018 African Nations Championship in Kenya, the second round of which sees the Malagasy face Mozambique over two legs in July.

Ambitious South Sudan rising fast South Sudan scored the first win in their history against Equatorial Guinea in 2015 but since then their football profile has continued to grow.

South Sudan take on Burundi in their opening match in June as one of the youngest nations in world football. South Sudan came into existence following the partition of Sudan in 2011, at which point the new country’s football chiefs got down to the task of putting a national team together. Following an uncertain start, the South Sudanese registered their very first competitive win against Equatorial Guinea in CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on 5 September 2015, and since then, the entire nation has been dreaming of seeing their side qualify for Africa’s showpiece event.

The continent’s new boys have followed up that maiden

triumph by reaching the group phase of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competition for a second time. They booked their place with a 6-2 aggregate win over Djibouti, with the second leg at the Juba Stadium ending in a 6-0

victory to the South Sudanese, a result that has helped propel them up eight places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World ranking to 146th, ahead of the likes of Sudan and Gambia.

Speaking exclusively to the press, defender Athir Thomas discussed the hard road South Sudan have had to take to get this far: “It was a struggle for us to put together a competitive side to begin with, but with time and the presence of players who play for professional clubs like Al Merreikh and Al Hilal, we’ve been able to progress. Thanks to them, we’re on the right track.”

Turning his attention to the team’s progress in the global hierarchy, Thomas, who plays for Kuwaiti club Al Fahaheel, said: “We’ve jumped up the world thanks to those players and the progress the team’s made. It’s all very encouraging for South Sudan and its supporters, who’ve always been behind us. We’re going to dedicate our big wins of the future to them and I hope we can qualify for the Cup of Nations for the first time.”

Anything is possible in football, and South Sudan’s defensive mainstay believes they have every right to dream of a place in the continental finals: “After our historic qualification against Djibouti, our aim is to be there in the finals in 2019.

The whole country is thinking about nothing else. We’ve got a match against Burundi in June and we’ll do all we can to win it and move closer to qualifying.”

Though two years have gone by since that landmark win over Equatorial Guinea, memories of it are still fresh in Thomas’s mind: “It was a big thing for us. Our rise up the ranking is a fantastic achievement for South Sudan. We’re a new team that’s just a few years old and we feel we’ve made a good start. Now, we want to go and get some better results.”

Wrapping things up, Thomas had a message for all the national team’s fans: “After the separation and all the political problems we’ve been through, we’ve managed to put a smile back on people’s faces. We’ve delivered a positive message through football, one that has nothing to do with politics.”

Sports

8. Liverpool 1, 33 million euros 9. Juventus 1.12 million euros World riches club sides, Manchester 10.Tothenham 0, 94 millions million euros United takes over from Real Madrid after Real Madrid relieved numero uno spot as it drops consecutive five years lead to third behind Manchester United and Barcelona.

English Premier League (EPL) teams dominate top Incidentally Real Madrid had better chance to ten richest team with seven declared Forbes increase his savings and bounce back to number 1. Manchester United 3, 29 million euros one spot if they could beat Manchester United and 2. Barcelona 3, 25 million euros Barcelona in both Supercoals España and Europa 3. Real Madrid 3.19 million euros. respectively.

4. Bayern Munich 2.42 million euros

By Tunde Oyekunle Oyeleke 5. Manchester City 1, 85 million euros Barcelona, Spain 6. Arsenal 1.72 million euros 7. Chelsea 1, 65 million euros www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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+ The legacy continues........Welcome to 2017 !!

MARK YOUR AGENDA AND RESERVE THE DATES 17TH & 18TH NOVEMBER 2017 IS

The Voice Achievers Award 2017

For sponsorship and participation Contact Details: Stichting Paddi Europa inz The Voice magazine Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82, 1318HH, Almere, The Netherlands E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Phone: +31368801341 +31684999548 or +31648519292 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Be Part of The Voice Achievers Award 2017 This is where achievers are recognized and honour. It can be you .......

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The Good News: Almost Everyone Else Knows that Global Warming is Real

P

resident Trump’s decision to abandon the Paris Agreement on global warming is a short-sighted mistake. There’s no doubt it will impose big costs here at home, from our leadership in the clean energy revolution to our standing on the world stage.

Yet will the decision unravel the entire agreement, leading to disastrous increases in carbon dioxide emissions, temperature, sea level rise and rainfall anomalies for the planet? The jury is still out.

President Obama’s pledge to reduce U.S. emissions 26-28 percent by 2025 was very aggressive. Without support from the federal government, we can’t get there. But the good news is that we can still make significant progress.

There are plenty of reasons for encouragement. Cheap natural gas is rapidly replacing coal in the power sector. Numerous states are adopting policies to require ever increasing amounts of renewable energy in electric generation and clean cars.

Innovations in battery storage are dramatically reducing costs and allowing wind and solar to be integrated into the power grid with more reliability. And shareholders and consumers are forcing big companies to get it right—just this week, Exxon Mobil shareholders voted for greater transparency in how the company is responding to climate change.

There has been a clamor from the business sector over the past few days urging President Trump to stick with the treaty. Consumerfacing companies will not abandon their leadership on climate change if the U.S. withdraws from the accord. There’s a reason Google and Walmart and Apple and Amazon have committed to achieving total reliance on 100 percent renewable energy in the next few years. These companies are planning for the long haul. They want the certainty of fixed-price energy, which can’t be delivered by natural gas or oil. They want federal-level action versus more costly and inefficient regulation by 50 separate state governments.

And they want to reduce their business risks associated with impacts of climate change.

Look beyond the U.S., and the picture continues to get brighter.

Along with the U.S., China, India and the E.U. account for about half of global greenhouse gas emissions. If the rest of these countries do their part, we can make good progress.

The rest of the world will follow their lead and adopt their strategies and technologies.

Take the E.U., which has always overachieved on its pledges.

We can continue to expect it to do so. The great leadership we’re seeing from countries like Germany should give us all hope.

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Or look at China and India, which have their own very good reasons to show strong leadership on climate change. While their Paris Agreement pledges were modest, we’re now seeing these countries adopt much more aggressive goals in their five-year plans. The coal-fired power plants that produce global warming pollutants also create sulfur and nitrous oxide pollution that threatens public health. The rising middle class in each country that is forced to wear a face mask whenever outdoors will no longer tolerate these public health threats.

When the U.S. faced these same public health issues from coal-fired power plants, global warming from CO2 pollution was not on the radar, and wind, solar and energy storage technologies were in their infancy. So, we retrofitted our power plants at great expense with pollution control technologies to scrub out the pollutants that were threatening our health.

China and India are squaring up on these public health problems in a whole new era—one in which CO2 is an equally concerning air pollutant and renewable energy technologies that can protect health and our climate simultaneously are fully cost competitive. They will skip over the scrubber option and go straight to low carbon energy.

It’s highly unlikely that all of these players—our best companies, our most progressive cities and states, the nations of the E.U. that have led on wind and solar technology and governments in the developing world who can protect the health of their people from air pollution while simultaneously protecting the climate—will shrink from the challenge just because the United States has abandoned its role as a leader among nations. But they will often say to all of us who meet them in the public square, and with good reason, “Shame on you.”

The problem isn’t that the world isn’t going to step up to the plate without us. The problem is that they will, and they will leave us behind. Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement will make us late to the game. And when we come to our senses and ask to rejoin, we’ll pay a heavy price for our tardiness.

We could do our part much more cheaply if we acknowledged the science now and harvested the low hanging fruit. Waiting while other nations leap forward with new energy technologies is a significant threat to our economy.

Global warming caused by carbon dioxide pollution is a very real and very urgent threat. Eventually all nations, even the United States, will need to act to protect our planet. When we are finally forced into a race to catch up, we will pay dearly for the mistake that President Trump has made.

Mark Tercek is the president and CEO of the Nature Conservancy and author of Nature’s Fortune.

Inspiring Story: Gains of Agriculture: Story of two brothers These two young farmers are brothers, they are both from Benin Republic; they own over 10 hectares of cassava farm in Nigeria, they sell their cassava around November/December and take the money to their country for other investments; annually they sell cassava running into millions of Naira. The younger one is 18 years old while the older should not be older than

They came into Nigeria clearing land themselves to farm, according to him but now, they pay Nigerian youths in the villages to clear land for them at N1000 daily per person.

Their story is simple: Benin Republic doesn’t have sufficient land and good market for cassava, but Nigeria does! They moved into Nigeria to farm, got village land on lease at ridiculous amount and here they are dictating market price to us. Again, I must say their work is inspiring!

While some Nigerians keep condemning this nation and we think there’s nothing Nigeria can offer, some foreigners are able to see Nigeria as a land of treasures, a land filled with milk and honey, all you just have to do is settle down and identify the gold-

Mr. Rotimi admiring their farm produce

25 years (not sure).

You can do it if you set your mind to do it say Rotimi

en opportunities in this country. Nigeria is not the problem, your perspective is the problem. Change your perspective and you will see the treasures in this nation.

By Olawale Rotimi Lagos, Nigeria I am inspired by what they do, I spent some time moving round their farm, it is a big cultivation, very neat and maintained! They took me to another large land they just cleared for more cassava plantation. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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