The Voice Magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 20. NO. 175. August 2018

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

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Zimbabwe Election: Hopes for new start after Mugabe dashed

Africa has a new progressive leader in Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia Ebola survivor fighting to protect others

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

1

2

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Contents

12-14 Page 4 - Editorial: Old wine in a new bottle – Irony of Nigeria politics Page 7- Column: Encounter of one’s humanity and God’s divinity.

Pages 8- Feedback/awardees – A page for your letters and opinions Pages 10 – 11 - Dr. Okoli, Ebola survivor fighting to protect others from the deadly disease Page 15 - The World Health Organization declares DRC Ebola Outbreak over Page 20 & 21 - A celebration of Dr. Nelson Mandela Centenary in South Africa Pages 26 & 27 – June 12 Tsunami and the ones who won’t forgive Buhari 28 - Positively Dutch in the Global Village Pages 34 & 35 - ‘Justice done at home or close to home’ Page 37 -38 - Libyan coastguard accused of abandoning three migrants in sea Page 38 - Italian police use water cannon against refugees occupying Rome square Pages 40 – 42 - OPINION: Filling the Gap In 2019 Page 43 - Thai 12 cave rescue mission.

Page 46 -48 - Entertaining people is my passion says DJ Budetee Page 50 - Presidential hopefuls 2019 in Nigeria Page 51- Opinion: Why Restructuring is a Win-Win for All Nigerians Pages 56 & 57 – Profile of Nigeria political new kid for the presidency Page 58- Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed woos Diaspora Ethiopians Page 59 - Ghana president backs prosecution of police who assaulted woman Page 60- Amnesty condemns death sentence handed to Kenyan beauty queen Page 61 - Nigeria’s ex-VP and Buhari ally, Atiku Abubakar declares 2019 presidential bid Page 62 - Liberia concludes Independence Day celebration with a football match against Sierra Leone Pages 64 & 65 - After World Cup victory, France faces reality of its team!

Page 66 - Harmony, humility and respect: this World Cup was Deschamps’ triumph

The Voice Magazine Volume 20. No 175 August 2018 Edition

52-53

54-55

SUBMISSIONS: Articles and photographs for publication are welcome but the publisher while exercising all reasonable ­caution 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 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

3

Editorial

Old wine in a new bottle – Irony of Nigeria politics

We all are scare of politics and yet everything we do in life involves elements of politics all over the world. We have never followed politics as it is right now around the world, be it America, Europe or Africa. Even when you speak of religion now, element of politic is engaged. Yet politics seem to be the biggest challenge for humans to get right. Politics of governance, which is the best model of governance? Party democracy, one State rule, leftist, or Rightist or whatever name we derived for them, the most significant importance of politics is to give people a system of governance that works. We know many governments

around the world are not working well for several reasons; we do not want to bore you with those governments that are not working. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that politics does not become divisive rather a rallying call to work together and build a nation stronger and better than individuals. Former President Obama put it this way – having an election every four years or years does indicate good governance or a good political arrangement. A true fact, we have had several elections in many African countries that have not brought the desire change and growth to the people. We use for instance that of Nigeria where politics consume so much money, it is already been said that over 250 billion naira would be needed to organize an election for 2019 for a population of 180 million people therefore some of the argument that such cash should be shared to the whole citizens and forget about election. The politics of elections does not guarantee a success of a government therefore let us examine our intentions and purposes! Why do you seek for political appointment or participate in an election? Do you want to make a change or join the status quo? Of recent, we have been careful at giving accolades to persons or government.

Before you finish writing or making your statement, they have

4

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

started behaving like former leaders. Rwanda despite all the challenges through its leader have come out of the shadow of negativism to bring prosperity and progress to the people and the nation, it is still a country in transition but it is working and reviving its institutions. It is becoming a model to copy and imitate in Africa. We have seemed it and many people are calling our Pastor Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief attention to it. Similarly is a new kid on the block in Tanzania, also bringing a new lease of life into Tanzania politics. Most recent is the new Prime Minister of Ethiopia, he is rebranding Ethiopia with his politics of forgiveness and inclusiveness, he has extended hands of fellowship to oppositional figures, released those jailed in controversial circumstances, negotiated prisoner exchange with other countries where his citizens and in jail and returned them back home. He is pushing for reforms at every sector of the economy in Ethiopia, signed a peace pact with his Eritrea neighbors that they have engaged in civil war for nearly a decade now. One man has truly brought a new lease of life to the people in the horns of Africa.

It is possible for one man to lead a revolutionary leadership change and the populace will follow. Presently, Nigeria lacks that political figure. The trust in Buhari has ex-military head of State has been misplaced. He is caught in his own hidden agenda and moving the Nigerian State forward. Crucial elections are ahead of Nigeria in February 2019, it could make or break this most populous black nation in the world. All eyes are on the government if they would be able to deliver free, fair and credible elections come 2019. By the time of reading this edition, Zimbabwe would have also elected a new President after Mugabe. Would the country see a new beginning or continuation of the old guards in power! We would update you in the coming edition in September on the outcome of the elections in Zimbabwe.

Enjoy your new edition, it is summer and holiday season in Europe, so we wish you all an enjoyable holiday season and see you in September 2018.

Editor-in-Chief The Voice magazine

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

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine. com Advert Executive Faith Ehanire ehanire4607@gmail.com Project Editor (Nigeria) Chiedu Harris Ify henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Joel Savage (Belgium) juskosave@yahoo.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Nicholas Noghayin Ehioghiren (Madrid, Spain) nicholasmicnita@yahoo.com Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria)

aigimoru@yahoo.com Rev. Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Handy Tims Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Graphic Designers David Banjoko Wil Gomersbach (Web Master) George Adegite Printer: Drukkerij Palteam www.palteam.nl MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

Volume 20

NO 175

August 2018 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

5

Trans Africa Travel • We sell tickets to all destinations • We offer the cheapest and possible fares all year round • SAFE AND RELIABLE CARGO SERVICES • We have professionals to handle your needs • We deliver ACROSS THE WORLD, WE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST AND IN THE HEART OF THE PEOPLE - AMSTERDAM

Your gateway to Africa!!

Accra, Lagos, Abuja, Abidjan, Lome, Tripoli, Cairo, Tunis, other African destinations, European countries, Americans, Asia and the Caribbean countries etc.

New Office Address: Groeneveen 89 1103EE, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost Tel: +31 (0)20-6951202 Mob: +31 -623946878 or 06-12999553 Fax: +31 (0)20-6951760 E-mail: info@transafrica.nl

www.transafrica.nl

Mr. Stephen Osei - Travel Consultant & Managing Director

CALL US FOR YOUR TICKETS TO ENJOY ALL YEAR ROUND OFFERS & LAST MINUTE CHANCES AND BOOKINGS ..... SO FAR SO GOOD IN 2018 6

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Column: Encounter of one’s humanity and God’s divinity.

By Evelyn Amo

A

s a Christian this is our reality of life, on a daily basis. In our times, more visible than ever. We live in countries, societies and cultures that are not aligned with the ways of God. Policies are made to favor whomever is paying the piper and inhabitants are left to dance to their tunes, however bad it may be. Governments allow that which God forbids and make it a law. Breaking these laws also has great consequences. As Christians, we therefore are standing at a very important and interesting time in life, not anything new though but highly challenging. God himself has given mankind two great gifts. The first is the breath of life and then the gift of the free will. God does not force nor coerce anybody into anything.

You are a free person to choose, as you will. So when governments, societies and cultures give options, possibilities and opportunities one is expected even by God to choose. His word and revealed will for humanity are to govern us to choose right. But we all know that’s where the battle is. The will of the flesh and the will of the spirit have nothing in common. As a matter of fact, they are opposite. So now, what will you do? Coming to this crossroad is inevitable for a Christian and that is if you are a true follower of Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus, the master also had to deal with that. He left us a great example to follow. When his humanity stood face to face with God’s divinity he said,” if it’s possible let this cup pass me by”. That is his humanity speaking. This is something or a place we all find ourselves. When we believe that the task ahead or what God is expecting from us is beyond us. When society says we are free to go and God says no you can’t. When your body says I want this and God word says, that’s not for you.

When you know God’s will for your life and your flesh is not willing to follow. Know that whether you understand or agree a choice must always be made. This is the place your humanity seeks a compromise. Nothing is wrong with that too, because you are human. But what you choose to do next, what you do with your will next is very crucial.

Jesus says the most profound thing” NOT MY WILL be done but YOUR WILL BE DONE”. Jesus now submits his will to the will of God, of course at a price. Going through that which he wanted God to remove from him. A very painful process so that God is glorified in him. Jesus chooses God’s will above his own. He does what the world hates and persecutes most, OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD. Dear followers of Jesus Christ, I am reminded of a song we used to sing that says” I am not my own, I was bought with a price.

Purchased with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. His own son paid all my sins; you were bought at a price.

So submit your will to him.

Choose his divinity over your humanity. Go through the process of your calling in life and finish gloriously for him who redeemed your life.

By Evelyn Amo #walkingwithGod

SHORT PROFILE OF EVELYN AMO Evelyn Amo is a Holland based Christian worship leader, preacher and singer songwriter. One of her passions is to encourage people and help them discover their songs in life. She is also the founder of stichting Step by Step, a foundation engaged in family and community development.

As a board member of OSCAR NEDERLAND, she works together with a team of enthusiastic volunteers to bring disease awareness and create the necessary support for sickle cell and thalassemia patients living in The Netherlands.

You can follow her on social media Or email her at evelyn.bamfo@gmail.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

7

FEEDBACK Dear Editor, This is a great surprise to me and I am very much honored to be the winner of African Business Support Award for 2018. I am humbled and accept this awards and thank God for this opportunity to show his plan for me here in Europe to benefit our continent.

I will make plans to be there for the panel participation. Thanks you again for recognizing achievements of our people. May God bless you and your team Joy Zenz AWE & AME Founder and CEO Germany.

Dear Editor, Thank you to you and the team for this prestigious nomination. I am still speechless but super excited to confirm my acceptance of this Nomination. I believe we have much to accomplish as a team for our people. I pray for more greatness in your life, family and that of the people you have blessed. We are looking forward to joining the team in November 2018.

I will miss hosting this year, but I will be on hand for the few days to ensure our guests enjoy both days. I will update you on emails and feedback from Aidpol and Gov. Dickson.

God Bless you Sir. Warm Regards, Dr. Angela Unufe-Kennedy AIDPOL Ltd Commercial Representative Africa

Congratulations to Pastor Elvis Iruh Congratulations Pastor Iruh on being one of the recipients of NIDOE Award.

We give God the glory. It is a well-deserved one. I am very glad for the recognition. You have been recognizing others. It is your own time too to be recognized. May you continue to be of service to God and humanity.

Please don’t thank me for the little donation I made to your organization.

You are most welcomed.

Kind regards Hajara Yusuf Den Haag, The Netherlands.

Editor’s Note Thank you madam and we cannot stop thanking you, as you are one of those who motivate us to do what we do for nearly 19 years now in The Netherlands. On the Award, I dedicate it to all well meaning Nigerians doing their best to see to the betterment of our dear country, Nigeria.

TV

Dear Editor, First of all thank you and the committee for this great honour! Am so humbled to be nominated for such a great event.

I will be glad to be there, so please send me all that which I need to do or know for that day.

Hope to year from you soon.

Best regards Dennis de Almeida Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Dear Editor, I write to ask your management to be sending me the digital Copy of the Voice Magazine. I have missed a few editions now. Thank you very much in advance Yours Faithfully Azuka Osunde Germany NOTE PLEASE!

AWARDEE

Congratulations to our amiable Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh We know you resist every attempt to put you on the spotlight but this recognition coming from an international Nigeria organization, NIDOE EUROPE is a testament and an acknowledgment that you have not allowed the events of the past to define your future.

You have continued to display patriotism in discharge of your duties and responsibilities as a private citizen contributing towards advancement of Nigeria.

You are our Editor-in-Chief in whom we are well pleased Congratulations Pastor Iruh!

Signed: Femi Ikutiyinu (London Editor) who represented Pastor Elvis Iruh at the award ceremony TV Management. ****** Very Important Information Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe Global Diaspora Hall of Fame: Congratulations Sir, the Central Executive Council of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Continental Europe have nominated you, Pastor Ndubuisi Elvis Iruh into the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe (NIDOE) Global Diaspora Hall of Fame. The criteria for nominations are combination of personal/professional achievements, assistance to fellow Nigerians, financial and moral contributions to the Organization, measured by attendance of meetings and contribution of ideas to the Organization’s activities and the support to the Organization in realization of its Objectives. Apologies for the confidential but short notice and medium of transmission.

Thank you for the kind acceptance Kenneth Gbandi (For the Central Executive Council)

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

9

Celebration OF SUCCESS

Dr. Okoli, Ebola survivor fighting to protect others from the deadly disease

D

o we still remember one Dr. Adaora Okoli who survived the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria and today she is in the crusade of helping to prevent infectious diseases including Ebola. According to her, she understands that the disease would make a comeback and we should be prepared to confront it. Her story was that of courage and determination to live. After surviving, she decided to go back to school to prepare her. In her own words, she recollects some of the challenges she had to go through.

Nigerian doctor Adaora Okoli said her uncle once asked if she was “nuts” when she mentioned her plan to study infectious diseases at Tulane University, considering that she contracted Ebola while treating

Nigeria’s patient zero in 2014.

The 27-year-old graduate laughed now as she recollects her Uncle remarks as she recalled her uncle saying, “you shouldn’t even be talking about infections because you just almost died.” She enrolled into Tulane University regardless, and her tenacity inspired philanthropist Bill Gates so much so that he recognized her in January 2018 on the list of his “Heroes in the Field.”

According to Bill Gates, he was inspired by the story of this Nigerian female doctor that he decided to focus on a handful of optimistic people who inspire him. With this in mind, Gates 10

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

featured Okoli and four other people in his personal blog as heroes who “are saving the world.”

“I met Ada a few years ago, and heard her harrowing story of survival. She has now dedicated her medical career to the research, treatment, and prevention of future epidemics. Her courage and her optimism are inspiring,” Gates wrote.

Okoli said she was caring for patients in a Lagos hospital in July 2014 when 40-year-old Liberian Patrick Sawyer arrived at their facility, visibly ill. She picked up the intravenous fluid bag from his bed the next day while she was checking his condition, which was undiagnosed Ebola then but you will recalled that Sawyer died in July a few days after the humanitarian group, Doctors Without Borders issued a statement saying West African countries needed international help to contain Ebola.

Dr. Okoli said she learned in August her blood tested positive for Ebola, prompting her colleagues to quarantine her in an isolation center with other Ebola patients.

“When I got sick with Ebola and I was sent into the isolation room with the other people that were ill with me, we only had one infectious disease specialist who was taking care of us the first week and he was a foreigner,” Okoli said.

Dr. Okoli also knew she had to stay hydrated and check her pulse. Six days after she entered the ward, she started to improve.

One morning, a doctor confirmed she no longer tested positive for Ebola. She cut a red ribbon on her way out, symbolizing her re-entry into the world. “I felt like I was reborn,” she says.

“We couldn’t get the experimental therapy, and there was no survivor’s plasma,” she says. “The only thing I knew to do was to talk to God and say, ‘I need you to heal me”.

She remained confident and prayed throughout her ordeal until she was declared Ebola-free after 14 days, she said. She later traveled to New Orleans in November 2014 to share her experience with attendees at the annual conference for the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Public Health.

Gates was the keynote speaker at the event, and Okoli said she felt he would be interested “to hear a survivor’s point of view.”

Tulane faculty encouraged Okoli to apply to the School of Public Health before she returned to Nigeria after the conference, she said. Three weeks after her return home, she said Gates’ office also asked her if he could publish her story online.

Her essay on her experience remains on Bill Gates website to this day.

“I realized it’s so easy to not really know what the patient is feeling,” she said. “So I’m more empathic. It really did open my eyes to the fact that infectious disease is a disease of poverty, and countries that have very limited resources are not able to contain the diseases quickly,” she said.

Determined to return to Nigeria to help prevent future outbreaks of disease, Dr. Okoli said she wants to understand why some people survive diseases while others don’t. She said

Tulane “is one of the best places globally with a focus on developing countries,” which is why she decided to study at the institution.

“We don’t have a lot of infectious disease specialists in Nigeria who know what to do when this sort of thing happens, which is dangerous. I believe that clinical medicine and epidemiology can be married.

I believe that when you see patients and you’re able to treat an infectious disease, you should be able to do research on why it’s happening,” she said.

Dr. Okoli has completed her studies in May. She is a mother of one 2-year-old daughter advised aspiring doctors to enter the infectious disease field only if they want to help people. “Medicine really is service to humanity,” she said. “At the end of the day, you really don’t get as much accolades and thanks as you deserve, but its service to God and service to humanity.”

“It’s not as lucrative in terms of money making as other surgical professions, (so you) go into it because you want to help people,” she added. “Ebola is going to come back. It may not be next year or the next five years. But it will come back,” says Okoli. “I know I was sick for a reason. There’s a lot more I have to do.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

11

I have more to offer my community says Abada Iwuchukwu For many Amsterdamers, they know this face as one behind the DNA Night club bringing African artistes to entertain them on weekly basis but there is more to this gentleman than meets the eyes. He recently contested in municipal elections, although he did not win but the experience has become valuable to him. In this rare interview on Face to Face, he spoke with The Voice magazine Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Elvis Iruh on his aspirations for the future.

Let us enjoy him chat with us.

Excerpts: TV: Kindly introduce yourself to our worldwide readers please?

Mr. Abada: My names are William Abada Iwuchukwu. I am from Onitsha in Anambra State Nigeria. I married with kids. I am a businessman into promoting shows in Europe and also a politician. I have been leaving in Amsterdam The Netherlands for 18 years now.

TV: Congratulations on your new business outfit.

Tell us more about this business?

Mr. Abada: Thanks a lot. I am involved with organizing parties and night life activities in general to provide entertainment for people, very soon we will start a Western Restaurant and Cocktail bar for people to eat fresh food and chill out in a nice atmosphere in Amsterdam. The name of my new business is Good Hangout (GH) under this company; we shall offer 3 different types of ices, which include Good Vibes, Good Food and Good Cocktails. Good Vibes is already up and running while the rest will start full operation this August so we ask our clients to watch out for us, we are coming out in a bigger way.

TV: How long, you were part of the DNA nightclub in Amsterdam, what has happened to that brand and why the change of name?

Mr. Abada: I have been part of DNA for 8 years together with Emmanuel, Smith and Alhaji Mohammed. We have been running this business together for a long time now before Mr. Smith sold his shares and left back to Nigeria for good. The brand is dilapidated and we needed to reorganize few things.

12

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The city council, the Amsterdam police, the party people, and even the shareholders are all tired of the brand DNA. So we thought of doing something fresh and lively for the public.

TV: Apart from what you explained to us, is there any other motivation to start afresh your business?

Mr. Abada: PANTA RHEI this is my short answer. But if I should elaborate a little bit more then I would say that the only constant thing in life is change. I like to face challenges so my partner and I decided to pick up this new adventure of Restaurant/ Cocktail bar/ Nightclub. This allows me to improve the venue to an international standard hopefully more money and more happy people will be the end result.

TV: Recently you got involved in politics of the Netherlands, what motivated that move and what does the future hold for you in Dutch politics Mr. Abada: I was motivated by our political leader Mr. Jude Kehla who told me to use my popularity and good will within the community to assist my people here in Amsterdam through politics. I have political background from my late uncle, Professor Chike Obi and the first President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and my late father Nnayelugo Iwuchukwu who was the spiritual/ Political head of our village at a time but I was waiting for the right time to come and as God would have it, the right time came at the just concluded Amsterdam municipality elections in The Netherlands.

I am still living here in The Netherlands but home is calling me (Nigeria) so I think since I am still living here in Amsterdam anything can happen but I know also that posterity will judge me if I do not contribute anything positively to the community that made me via politics after learning a lot while living here in the Western World. So let us keep our fingers crossed and watch as things unfold for the future.

TV: You are a Nigerian, are you in any way involved in politics in your country of birth now?

Mr. Abada: As I just said home is calling me, the stakeholders of my community are constantly in contact with me requesting that I come down and serve them for the benefit of our people. As for now, I do not carry any membership card of any political party in Nigeria but I am in consultation with my God to hear clearly what next to do and when God tells me to move I will move.

TV: How will you describe the state of the nation, Nigeria now?

Mr. Abada: Nigeria is in a state of shamble, the economy is bad, and the infrastructures are in a sorry state, the security of lives and properties is nothing to write home about. Every day there is this careless loss of lives either by Herdsmen or terrorist attacks or lack of proper medical help, the list goes on and on. The primary goal of every good government is to protect the lives and properties of its citizens and that the government has failed woefully. This Buhari administration has failed Nigerians in these fundamental issues. I was a strong supporter of Buhari based on his campaign promises especially on fighting corruption. I believe that those corrupt politicians that are squandering the wealth of the nation should not go unpunished and Buhari came up with the idea of bringing them to book and that I applaud immensely. But

three years on, nothing much has been accomplished.

TV: Coming back to the Netherlands, how easy for you as a foreigner to do business in the country?

Mr. Abada: It is not bed of roses but as long as you do your business within the confinement of the laws of the country, you will always excel but that does not mean in my own opinion that the authorities in our host nation does not look at our family names and place of birth, nepotism and favoritism cannot be eradicated completely just like racism. So we can to cope with the system in a short word.

TV: Are there challenges and if yes, what type of challenges do you face?

Mr. Abada: In the beginning you will face the challenges of the rules and regulations of the industry you are operating in and of course the language barrier but all will definitely be settled as time goes on.

TV: Which is the most successful of projects you have done so far?

Mr. Abada: I will say that I have been involved with so many projects from bringing in artist from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Jamaica, Uganda etc. I also do humanitarian projects, trying to help where I can, encourage people into politics and other businesses but for now I believe that the most successful project is the transformation of Club DNA to Good Hangout together with my business partner.

TV: Apart from your business, have you been involved in other activities in Europe, can you tell us about other things you do outside of your business?

Mr. Abada: I have been involved in charity works and voluntary supervision of governmental projects in The Netherlands and in Europe at large. I have also dedicated four good years to study in the University here in Holland where I graduated as an international communication expert.

Continued on Page 14 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

13

Continued from Page 13 TV: What do you plan to do in the next few years or where do you expect to see yourself?

Mr. Abada: Since the thought of men are not the thought of God, I will not tell you exactly what the future holds for

but the only remedy from my own point of view will be for the leaders of all countries in Africa to try their best to stabilize their country. Once this is done and people can earn money that is enough for them to leave a comfortable life and where good health facility is available and improved infrastructures and security is guaranteed. I think the children of Africa will not be migrating to a foreign land where they don’t know what to expect. Additionally, we that are residing outside Africa should stand up and tell our African brothers and sisters what the reality is out here.

And the reality is that it is not that easy here as opposed to deceiving them with nice photos and fake life style when we come back home.

TV: Lastly, for people looking up to you, what would be your advice to them?

Mr. Abada: My advice to anyone out there looking up to me will be, learn that all that glitters are not gold. They should

me but I can tell you to watch out by the grace of God for a successful business man and a servant of his people in any capacity as a politician.

TV: You live in Amsterdam, what is your experience like as an immigrant living there?

Mr. Abada: Amsterdam is the only city in the whole wild world that has more than 165 different nationalities leaving side by side in one harmony, so the inhabitants of Amsterdam are tolerant and more open when it comes to cultural differences. I don’t feel pressured as an immigrant here in Amsterdam.

TV: Child exploitation, illegal immigration is two major challenges from Africa to Europe, how do you think as Africans we can help to solve these problems?

Mr. Abada: It is so sad what the children of Africa are going through with Immigration and Child exploitation 14

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

have a clear dream and work hard towards that dreams, don’t do things because others are doing it but do what you love and believe in God, leave a honest life and everything will be alright.

TV: Thank you for this interview and wishing you success in the new venture/ Mr. Abada: Thank you too for having me. May God continue to bless you and the Voice Magazine IJN Amen.

The World Health Organization declares DRC Ebola Outbreak over.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the end of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - the country’s ninth outbreak of the deadly virus after a total of 53 confirmed and probable cases were reported, including 33 deaths in the past few months.

“The outbreak was contained due to the tireless efforts of local teams, the support of partners, the generosity of donors, and the effective leadership of the Ministry of Health. That kind of leadership, allied with strong collaboration between partners, saves lives,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement.

The Ebola outbreak was declared over when there were no further cases reported and two full incubation periods of 21 days had passed after the last person was treated for the virus tested negative for the disease. The last patient was released in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 12, 2018.

The WHO responded rapidly to the Ebola outbreak, which included four separate outbreak locations as well as an urban area near a river that connected to the country’s capital city and other areas with lots of residents. The fear among health workers was that virus would spread to an area with lots of people, and become difficult to contain.

During the 2014 outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, during which more than 11,000 people died, the WHO was criticized for responding too slowly to the public health emergency. This time, when the agency announced there was an Ebola outbreak in the DRC, the WHO immediately released contingency funding for emergencies. In total, the WHO used $4 million from the fund to fight the outbreak.

Other countries provided supportive funding as well.

Health responders also had access to an experimental vaccine during this Ebola outbreak. More than 3,000

President Kabila relieved once again after one problem to another before he leaves office

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus controlling list of infected areas in DRC people were given the vaccine, which is made by the pharmaceutical company, Merck.

Outbreaks of Ebola, which can spread from animals like bats to humans, are not common, but experts think that the large forests in the DRC are what help make it a reservoir for the virus. Scientists are still learning about the virus and how to treat it, and there remain occasional surprises.

In a recent study, doctors reported that a Liberian woman who contracted Ebola in 2014 might have infected three other relatives a year after she was sick. Researchers think prolonged spread is likely very rare, but the new finding underscores the need to continue following and monitoring survivors of the disease.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

15

16

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Living positive Facts about HIV in the Netherlands • 2017: 19.035 people with HIV in care, of whom 3.560 are women.

• 60% originally from the Netherlands, • 40% with different background, • 2.505 from Sub Sahara African descent.

• Estimated that 2.600 are living with HIV without knowing their status.

• Approx. 800 new diagnoses p/y.

Eliane

An introduction This is the first of twelve monthly columns on living with HIV in the Netherlands.

Over a year different subjects will be discussed, starting with an introduction.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eliane Becks Nininahazwe. I am from Burundi. Before I came to the Netherlands I lived in Burundi like any other girl. I fell in love and accidentally got pregnant. My boyfriend did not want to be a father and left me. So, at the age of 24 I was a single mom.

My luck was that I just finished my secondary education and I happened to be good at languages. I got a job at the African peace keeping mission, where I worked as a translator and secretary. In the weekends I performed in different events, as a singer and dancer. That was my other source of income as well as my passion.

When my daughter was five months old, I met Michel. He was working for an NGO in Burundi. We were in love and he accepted to be a father to my daughter. A year later we got married and went to live in Angola, where Michel was working for Oxfam. After a year and a half we moved to Pretoria, because he got a job at the head office.

In 2006 our first son was born. I continued working as translator with the Australian Embassy and UNAIDS. And in the weekends I was performing with my Indonongo, a Burundian cow horn instrument. In 2007 we moved to the Netherlands, again for work reasons.

I started my integration, building up my social network, performing my music and dance within the Burundian community. I even joined a choir to learn the Dutch language faster through music. In 2008 our second son was born. I was feeling good, being a mom of three children and doing my artistic performances!

It is now twelve years that I am here. I am a partner, a mother, a friend and an artist. And I am also HIV positive. I am not ashamed of it, I am loved by my family and friends. My choir accepted me as I am and loved my honesty from the moment I decided to disclose my status. I have a good relationship with my neighbours and the parents from school. I am a proud and beautiful African woman, an artist and an activist against stigma. Nice to meet you.

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

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

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

See www.hivvereniging.nl

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

17

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.

18

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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

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

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

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

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

UNIC MULTISERVICE, Bijlmerdreef 1127A

Now on offer:

Send telephone credit to loved ones in Nigeria Fast and cheap

Amsterdam Zuid-Oost Tel. No: 06-46056199

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

19

A celebration of Dr. Nelson Mandela Centenary in South Africa

N

elson Mandela’s legacy lives on five years after his death. The global icon is celebrated for having led South Africa in the quest to overcome the oppressive apartheid regime and return the country to regime of change and inclusiveness in South Africa. All of his vision has not been accomplished but looking back, the people of South Africa and the rest of the world has reason to celebrate this icon of hope for the future. We salute Nelson Mandela and that even in death he continues to inspire billions of people around the world.

In 1994, the fight against white-minority rule was won as South Africa gained independence and democracy. Dr. Nelson Mandela became its first black president. He could have remained president for life as President Obama observed.

Who would have contested against him in South Africa?

Nobody, the presidency was for him for life but he chooses to do one term and step down. Very unusual of African leaders, only few have stepped down except when they are forced to quit.

When Nelson Mandela passed on in December 2013, the world all over eulogized him as a selfless leader who stood in the face of great injustices for the freedom, peace and unity of his people.

His passion and commitment to cause continues to touch the hearts of many globally. Songs, books, art exhibitions and even charity causes have been started to keep the memories of the great leader alive. Every year on July 18, the world joins South Africa in marking the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

This year, South Africa celebrated the 100th anniversary of 20

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Nelson Mandela’s birthday. What a befitting way to remember the memory of the great Nelson Mandela.

Various activities were lined up to mark the Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations, which included the former US President Barrack Obama’s public address lecture at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on the eve of Nelson Mandela Day. President Obama paid tribute to the late Mandela for being an example and inspiration of hope. “And now an entire generation has now grown up in a world that by most measures has gotten steadily freer, healthier, wealthier,

less violent and more tolerant during the course of their lifetimes. It should make us hopeful for the future.”

Former US President Barack Obama paid outstanding tributes to Mandela but also used the occasion to challenge genuine change among other African leaders and world leaders saying organizing elections merely is not a guarantee of democracy.

A showcase of the Madiba T-shirt by designer Sonwabile Ndamase at the 100 Years Centenary Nelson Mandela Fashion experience also took place in Pretoria, South Africa. Sonwabile redesigned the T-shirt to fit in the latest trend and resonate with the youths of South African.

There was also the launch of a sanitary pads production machine at Mandela’s birthplace in Mvezo, Eastern Cape. The founder of Beauty with a Purpose, Julia Molley alongside the current Miss World South Africa led the event. The machine has a capacity to produce 2,500 pads per day and will go a long way in empowering women and schoolgirls in the area.

Mvezo is the rural home of Nelson Mandela where he was born and he proudly spoke about his ancestral home to the media.

Melrose Gallery’s had on display “The Mandela 100 exhibition” in Melrose Arch and it has been opened to the public since on July 11, 2018 and it will run throughout the celebration period. The exhibition features a variety of artwork including sculptures, paintings, caricatures, photography et cetera. It aims at portraying various elements of Nelson Mandela’s legacy and also his journey as a world icon. The exhibition is curated by Zanele Mashumi.

Another highlight of the celebration was the “Trek4Mandela” which is a journey embarked upon which is to reach the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Trek4Mandela is an initiative aimed at bringing together inspired individuals to assist in raising funds and creating awareness on empowering girls.

Innovative social entrepreneur and humanitarian Richard Mabaso established it.

To round up the celebration is a great concert in honour of Mandela’s 100th birthday, which is being scheduled to take place on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg bringing the Nelson Mandela Centenary to a close. According to vine sources, singer Beyoncé and Jay-Z will headline the starstudded concert that will also feature Wizkid, D’banj, Femi Kuti, Chris Martin, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Pharrell Williams and Usher among others.

22

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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 : Fortuinlaan 39 , 1561JB, Krommenie www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

23

Man Vastgoed: Two ladies helping you to engage in Real Estate without stress After their own successful investments in real estate, the ladies decided to turn their passion into their profession more than a year ago. They offer their clients, including the smaller investors, the possibility to invest in real estate.

Anuschka Wiebers was formerly a tax adviser at the PwC office in Amsterdam-Sloterdijk. Johanna Held worked for years as a traffic advisor at the municipality of Amsterdam.

Johanna explains the change: “We are passionate about real estate and have made good investment properties ourselves in recent years. We have, among other things, a number of buildings and a building plot in Purmerend. Apart from passion, we also have a feeling for real estate and we really enjoy sharing this with others. Our own successful investments and the pleasure we have in searching for new projects gives us so much energy that we have opted for a career in real estate. “Johanna adds:” Real estate is there for everyone, not just for the big ones. It is precisely the little man who has the

opportunity to invest with us. We issue certificates for this, which are notarized. Investors receive a five percent return and a 10 percent redemption premium. That is something else than hardly any interest from a bank. “ Property management

24

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Investing in real estate can be very lucrative, but it also takes time to manage it.

“That’s why it’s nice and easy for owners to hand over the management.

The owner / investor can enjoy his return without worries, unburdens Man Vastgoed through administrative management, financial management and technical management, “says Johanna.

Rental office units and flexible workspaces The ladies are now active throughout the North Holland region, but their office is located in Slenkstraat 201, in the office area of Purmerend. Although they were looking for their own small office, the entire top floor is now the ladies. Their own office is located there and the other units are for rental to (smaller) companies and for flexplaces. The tenants can jointly use the beautiful meeting room, the kitchen and toilet facilities.

There are still two office units and 6 flex workstations available.

Anuschka: “Working from home is not ideal for many entrepreneurs and anything but productive. The distraction is great, it is difficult to receive customers and you can not spar with other entrepreneurs.

We offer a total package for entrepreneurs: a good workplace with fast Wi-Fi, for a fixed amount per month, in the center of Purmerend. The entrepreneur can work in peace and meets other entrepreneurs in the hallway. This is a beautiful location. “ Feel free to contact Man Vastgoed, Slenkstraat 201, 1441 MN Purmerend.

Tel: 0299-770980, 06-12678583 or 06-21171080. www.man-vastgoed.nl e-mail: info@man-vastgoed.nl

Congratulations, your first step to real estate has been taken!

BUY YOUR VOUCHER TO EARN FREE ONE YEAR ACCOMMODATION Dear Customer, Thank you for purchasing the Man Vastgoed promotion package. In your package you will find a piggy bank and one or more voucher (s). With this voucher (s) you receive a discount on one of the services of Man Vastgoed and you have a chance to win one of our great prizes.

Your free ticket number can be found on your voucher. We wish you good luck with your raffle (s).

Man Vastgoed for everyone If you choose to save in the piggy bank, you can hand over your filled piggy bank to Man Vastgoed. You will receive 5% interest per year and 10% redemption premium on your savings balance respectively. The savings balance remains fixed for a maximum period of 28 months. By handing in your savings, you enable us to invest in real estate projects. You can return your filled piggy bank to us by 31 December 2018.

Calculation example: If you invest €100, you will receive €122, 10 after 28 months. Your total interest on your invested capital then comes to 12.10 percent. €100.00 + 5% = €105.00 per 12 months (1-12months) €105.00 + 5% = €110.25 per 12 months (13-24 months) €110.25 + 5% = €112.10 per 4 months (25-28 months) Redemption premium 10% is 10.00 Payout is €112.10 + 10 is then €122.10 With this savings campaign, we at Man Vastgoed hope to make it possible for everyone to invest in Real Estate.

ManVastgoed, * The services that can receive a discount are: Housing support and workshops info@man-vastgoed.nl Slenkstraat 201, 1441MN, Purmerend,The Netherlands Kvk: 67719171; BTW: 857147.511 Account: NL22ABNA0246322934; Tel: 0299-770980

Free living for a year. We pay your rent or mortgage for a year Because of its one-year existence, Man Vastgoed is holding a promotional campaign to allow you enter easily into real estate business. As a customer, you can buy a voucher for €5, - which entitles you to a 20% discount on the services provided by Man Vastgoed. The voucher is also a ticket for you to enter a raffle draw.

The winners have the chance to win (3) iphones X, (2) IPad and as a first prize, you have free accommodation rent a year. There are (10) other sets as a consolation prizes.

Order your voucher (s) now By transferring the amount of (numbers x €5) to the following account NL22ABNA0246322934 of Man Vastgoed. You can qualified To submit your vouchers, log in to the promotional page on www.man-vastgoed.nl Limited number of tickets (20,000) are available because of this big win opportunity. Get yours today…..

For terms and conditions see: www.man-vastgoed.nl I am a reseller of this promotion. If you want to order, please mention code D with your payment.

Thanks in advance.

President Buhari visit to The Netherlands President Muhammadu Buhari was in The Netherlands last month on the invitation of the International Criminal court, The Hague as a Special Guest of honour to address them on their 20th anniversary celebration which he successfully did despite pockets of unorganized protest against his presence in The Netherlands despite the insecurity challenges back in Nigeria with killings of innocent citizens in some sections of the country.

On the sideline, Mr. President met with Judge Chile EboeOsuji and congratulated him on his election as President of the International Criminal Court, and also thanked the judges of the court for electing him, a cherished son of Nigeria to the esteem position. “Nigeria has cooperated with, and supported the Court at all times. This, we have demonstrated by our full and transparent cooperation on matters on which we are being investigated and also in our several Country statements at the sessions of the Court. Our cooperation with the Court is borne out of our strong belief in the respect for the rule of law and human rights, and in our firm commitment to the sanctity of fundamental freedoms at international and domestic levels, as ingrained in the objectives for establishing the Court�, according to President Buhari.

He concluded by assuring the ICC that all hands are on deck to ensure that Nigeria witness the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.

At a meeting with the embassy staff and their families of the Nigerian Embassy under Ambassador Orji Ngofor, the President thanked them for being worthy ambassadors.

President Buhari, was accompanied by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State; Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman and other top government officials, toured the Port of Rotterdam and the Shell Refinery Pernis, Hoogvliet, a borough of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

He also met with Shell CEO and discussions focused on

26

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

investments in deep water and gas projects in Nigeria.

At the Binnenhof on Monday, July 17, 2018, the President met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and the two leaders restated their commitment to growing trade partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

During the talks, Rutte described Nigeria as the Netherlands’

most important trading partner, noting that in the field of modern agriculture there are opportunities for Dutch companies and knowledge institutes.

The two leaders also discussed issues related to the fight against insurgency in the North East, climate change, particularly the shrinkage of Lake Chad, economic cooperation, the fight against corruption and a range of other issues of mutual interest.

President Buhari welcomed the interest of the Dutch Prime Minister on Lake Chad and commitment to establish a technical committee to work with the Nigerian side on the best approach to address the issue of the receding Lake.

In pursuit of one of the cardinal themes of his administration, President Buhari also met with over 20 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Dutch-owned companies. The President assured them of a secure Nigeria, where their investments would be safe, and yield handsome returns.

“Stability was the first thing in our campaigns. You have to secure a country first, before you can efficiently manage it. Before businesses can thrive, security is paramount. That is why we lay so much emphasis on securing the country.

“After security, our next emphasis is reviving the economy, and then, fighting corruption,” the President said.

He commended the many Dutch-owned companies operating in Nigeria for dealing fairly, noting that with many of them, “the relationship dates back more than two generations, and it is now

almost a blood relationship rather than commercial.”

In the course of his three-day Official Visit, the President on Monday, July 16, 2018, met with members of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), the Netherlands Chapter.

He lauded them for their professional and intellectual achievements and contributions to the development of their motherland.

“I am pleased with the quality of people I am seeing. You are high

quality people. Congratulations on your personal achievements,” he said.

Among those who met President Buhari were Julius Nnamdi Nwankpa, Chairman NIDO, Dr Mustapha Gidado, a specialist in

tuberculosis, having oversight over management of the disease in 22 countries, Lola Visser Mabogunje, a performance monitoring expert, Dr Peter Ngene, a research scientist and Assistant Professor at Utrecht University, Engineer Cornelius Obot, a software expert, and Toyin Loyo, an artist and culture enthusiast of international repute.

On the sidelines of the President’s visit, the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama and his Dutch Counterpart, Stef Blok signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations at Schedeldoekshaven, The Hague.

The MOU aims to promote and facilitate relations between Nigeria and the Netherlands, in the key thematic areas of security, trade, investment, agriculture, political dialogue and education.

With the signing of the MOU, Nigeria and Netherlands have agreed to deepen and expand bilateral cooperation in these areas; and senior officials from both countries will meet at least once every year to assess the progress on mutual benefits.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh led a presidential delegation on a visit to Greenhouse Horticulture in Bleiswijk, one of the experimental greenhouses of Wageningen University and Research (WUR), the Netherlands.

Some of the Dutch most advanced greenhouses are in Bleiswijk and operated by WUR widely regarded as the world’s top agricultural research institution.

The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of food, second only to the United States.

Other members of the Presidential delegation that visited the Research center are Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, the Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar and the National Security Adviser, MajorGeneral Babagana Monguno (retd).

In the course of the visit, the Nigerian delegation interacted with Nigerian postgraduate students studying in WUR. Out of 5,900 MSc students studying at Wageningen University, 106 are from Africa of which 9 are from Nigeria.

Wageningen University has 13 Nigerian Ph.D. candidates, out of 2,200 candidates, 300 of them from Africa.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

27

Congratulations to Dr. Angela Unufe-Kennedy (Mrs) on your doctorate confirmation by University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom.

We rejoice with you and your family.

TV Management.

GET MORE ADVERTISING VALUE

PRESIDENT BUHARI TAKE

FROM THE VOICE MAGAZINE

ACTION AND STOP THE

With over 800,000 hits, we go online with The Voice magazine. There is reduction in our prices.

Get fast results by advertising with us.

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

KILLINGS OF INNOCENT

28

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

CITIZENS OF NIGERIA. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. ICC AWAITS YOU AND YOUR CONSPIRATORS.......

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

29

Jeffangs Beauty

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

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

You are Welcome always & happy New Year

Supply & Salon We specialize in Afro & European hair styles

J E

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

F F

Contact:

A

1st Middellandstraat 132B

N G S

3021BJ, Rotterdam Centrum E-mail: jeffang2002@yahoo.com

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

jeffangs@jeffangs.com

You can purchase Retail or Wholesale

Mob: +31614471508

Tel: +31(0)10-4776062

Zimbabwe Election:

Hopes for new start after Mugabe dashed as Emmerson Mnangagwa ia declared President-elect - Opposition rejects the result - Electoral Commission calls for calm......

Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s President and the leader of the ruling Zanu-PF party, has won the country’s historic and hotly contested presidential election according to the results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) early on Friday, 3rd August 2018 after days of anxious waiting by the people of Zimbabwe. The result declared says President Mnangagwa had received 2.46m votes or 50.8% of the 4.8m votes cast. While Nelson Chamisa, the candidate of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), won 2.14m votes and 44.3% of the overall. By law, Mr. Mnangagwa needed to win by more than 50% to avoid a run-off vote which he was able to gathered.

The ZEC chair person, Priscilla Chigumba urged the country to “move on” with the hopeful spirit of election day and beyond the “blemishes” of Wednesday’s chaos:

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is declared winner of the election in Zimbabwe.

“May God bless this nation and its people,” she said.

On Wednesday, the people in support of the opposition took to the streets of Harare to protest and they were met with brutal force of the military and police, live bullets were used and several persons were killed reminding Zimbabweans that so much has not changed from the ear of Mugabe to the new President. Although the excessive use of force had been condemned internationally but the mode in the country is still unpredictable as the miliatry and the police are on the streets to force people to stay away and stay home. There is no real celebration that has in the past greeted victory of this magnitude.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday afternoon, the army had moved through the city’s streets to break up opposition protesters claiming the result of the historic election on Monday, the first following the end of almost four decades of rule by Robert Mugabe last year, was being rigged.

For several hours, the sound of automatic gunfire, shattering glass and screaming had filled the city centre. By the time calm was restored, six people had been killed and dozens injured.

For many in Zimbabwe, the violence came as a visceral shock.

“We never thought this would happen. We thought this had gone away. It is terrifying,” said one woman who had been sent home by her employers for fear of further clashes. The 23-year-old hairdresser said she did not want to be named for fear of government reprisals.

Only nine months ago, the streets of Harare were the scene of joyful celebrations as the news of the resignation Nelson Chamisa insist that the election was rigged against of Mugabe, 94, spread. Though he had been removed in him and the people of Zimbabwe who wanted a change! what was effectively a palace coup backed by the army and though the ruling Zanu-PF party remained in power, many Zimbabweans hoped for a better future.

32

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Overseas, too, there had been optimism that Emmerson Mnangagwa, the dour 75-year-old spy chief and former vice-president who succeeded Mugabe, would lead the country in a different direction, bringing reforms, democracy and a reintegration into the international community.

Early signs were good. The election campaign was peaceful, in stark contrast to previous polls. International monitors were accredited. The opposition was allowed to campaign unhindered, even if Zanu-PF benefited from what observers described as a “playing field that was far from level”. On Monday the polls went smoothly, with millions queuing in soft winter sunshine to cast their ballots.

Then came the clashes on Wednesday, blamed by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC) on the government and, inevitably, by the government on the MDC. Well after midnight on Friday morning, Mnangagwa was declared winner with 50.8%, just over six points ahead of Chamisa.

“We are in a new era of uncertainty. But at least we know what kind of government this is. It is a government that calls itself liberal and democratic, [but] unleashed soldiers on unarmed civilians,” Ernest Mudzengi, 43, a media manager, said as he stopped to buy a newspaper from Chakutamazi’s pavement store.

Others – far fewer in number in this opposition stronghold – described the protesters as “thugs”.

“These are stupid people. They should wait for the results and respect them,” said Jake Jugaja, a 28-year-old plumber.

Analysts in Harare say the clashes and deaths on Wednesday are a huge setback to the government’s hopes for international rehabilitation – and to its chances of receiving a desperately needed multibillion-dollar bailout package to prevent economic meltdown.

It will also make readmission to the Commonwealth, a

key government objective, much harder, and is likely to undermine efforts by Zanu-PF to improve its poor image in Washington.

Much depends on the coming days, and how both Mnangagwa and the opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, react to the result. “ T h e Zimbabwe we hoped for is not dead, at least not yet, but I am not feeling hopeful any more. It is in God’s hands,” said a businesswoman from the satellite city of Chitungwiza as she hurried to retrieve paperwork from her office near the locked, empty and heavily guarded MDC headquarters.

The new era that many in this impoverished country of 16 million dreamed of when Mugabe was ousted was defined economically as much as politically.

The ageing dictator left a nation with unemployment rates approaching 90%, shattered services and a crumbling infrastructure. There is no national currency.

Chakutamazi, the newspaper seller, said he had seen no improvement in recent months and did not anticipate any “good news” soon.

“I am worried about more violence,” he said. “I am not a rich man. I just try to get by. It was bad under Mugabe. But now it is just the same.”

Ten minutes later, trucks loaded with soldiers drove past shouting “go home, get moving”. Chakutamazi hurriedly cleared his pavement display and joined the stream of men and women rushing to obey the order. A short while later, the streets of the city centre were almost empty.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

33

‘Justice done at home or close to home’ ‘Justice done at home or close to home’, was the recurring theme in the latest of a series of stakeholders’ consultations, convened by Africa Legal Aid (AFLA), in cooperation with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. The meeting on ‘emerging trends on complementarity,’ and a commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the ICC Statute- courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was held in Kampala, Uganda, from 4-5 July 2018.

The dialogue was designed for stakeholders from Central and Eastern African countries. Participants attended from Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. They included members of the judiciary, prosecutors, civil societies, legal fraternities, academics, and representatives of

intergovernmental organizations.

The meeting concluded with a panel discussion on the ‘Bemba Acquittal, and What it Means for International Criminal Justice’.

We share some reflections and pictures from the event.

A Report on AFLA’s Consultations on emerging trends on complementarity in Africa will be published soon. You can become a fan of Africa Legal Aid on Facebook, connect with them on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter and invite your friends to join AFLA as it’s a worldwide community of supporters.

Panel on Situations in Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Gabon, and Kenya.

H.E. Judge Kimberly Prost gives her keynote

Evelyn A. Ankumah makes her presentation on ‘Justice Done at Home or Close to Home’

34

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Left to right: H.E. Judge Kimberly Prost of the ICC; Hon. William Byaruhanga, Attorney General of Uganda; and Evelyn A. Ankumah, Executive Director of AFLA.

Dr. Carla Ferstman, and Chris Muthuri of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute.

Justice Elizabeth Nahamya and Evelyn A. Ankumah, Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa and Amb. Mirjam Blaak-Sow share a light moment.

Hon. William Byaruhanga opening the conference.

Panel on Creating Political Will in the Pursuit of International Justice.

Panel on Building Legislative, Investigative, Prosecutorial and Judicial Capacity in Uganda.

Panel on The Victim in Focus.

Panel on The Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic and the Proposed Hybrid Court for South Sudan.

Judge Kimberly Prost addresses the gathering at the reception as H.E. Amb. Henk Jan Bakker looks on. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

35

Italy/Libya deal on migration is unworkable

T

he deaths at sea of a mother and child last month have further exposed the flaws in a pact between Italy and Libya that has led to thousands of migrants being forcibly returned to the chaotic North African country on the sea.

Their bodies were found in the drifting wreckage of a boat off the Libyan coast by rescuers from the Spanish ship, Proactiva Open Arms. A woman from Cameroon was also found clinging to a piece of wood.

Sharing harrowing images of the bodies and the terrified survivor, the NGO accused the Libyan coastguard of abandoning the trio after they refused to be taken back to Libya, the main point of departure for migrants attempting the perilous crossing to Europe with the rest of the intercepted migration: the number of migrants group. landing on Italy’s southern shores in the Libya’s coastguard first half of 2018 was down 81% on the has been patrolling same period last year. the Mediterranean As politicians celebrated, testimony Sea since striking recounted to the Guardian by migrants a deal with Italy who have arrived in Sicily in recent in February 2017 months reflected the human implications that empowered it of an agreement that has caused death, to bring migrants severe suffering and torn families apart. back to a country “Libya is the worst place on earth,” where aid agencies said Ibrahim Diallo, a 20-year-old man say they suffer from The Gambia. “If you are a black torture and abuse.

African they automatically consider Marco Minniti Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Salvini, has reinforced a you a slave.” made the deal, deal empowering Libya’s coastguard to forcibly return Diallo was detained in a camp where he which entailed migrants to Libya. was forced to work and clean the streets Italy providing at gunpoint. “I saw Africans getting funds and shot in the legs just because [the armed gangs] wanted to equipment, the former interior minister from the centre-left check if their weapons worked.”

Democratic Party, in an attempt to stem the migrant flow.

Italy’s new far-right interior minister, Matteo Salvini, who A migrant from Nigeria, who asked not to be named, said he travelled to Tripoli in June “to help Libya as well as Italy suffered serious burns after being set on fire by his captors for failing to raise ransom money. He had been in a detention block migration”, recently reinforced the agreement.

“The Italy deal is really unconscionable at a time when the camp for two years, where he recalled often “waking up world needs leadership and compassion,” Iverna McGowan, with a dead man next to me”. the director of Amnesty International’s European institutions Chica Kamara, from Sierra Leone, has had no news of his son since the pair got separated at sea and the 10-year-old office, told the press.

“To blindly sign a deal like that and close your eyes to the boy was taken back to Libya.

“We left Sierra Leone because of war, Ebola and human consequences are very chilling.”

In January 2017, the EU unveiled a €200m plan aimed at dictatorship,” said Kamara, who had fallen into the sea stopping migration from Libya, including €32m to expand when the Libyan coastguard intercepted a boat with his son on board. “I wanted a better life for my son. When I realized its training programme for the Libyan coastguard.

The simultaneous plans have proved successful at reducing he was being taken away I started to scream and cry.”

36

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Libyan coastguard accused of abandoning three migrants in sea Women tell of being repeatedly raped in Libya, where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates there are 662,000 migrants. The number of people detained in appalling conditions in official camps has almost doubled to 9,300 within the last three months, the UN agency said earlier this week, although that doesn’t include the many held in camps run by warlords or people smugglers. Within the first five months of 2018, more than 40% of migrants who left

Shocking picture of a Cameroonian mother who drown before she could get help on the Mediterranean sea.

Libya were sent back.

Carlo Parini, a chief inspector in the Sicilian port of Syracuse, said his team gathered as much information as possible from migrants. “It’s hard to hear their stories,” he added. “Especially when you have pregnant women telling you they have been beaten or tortured.”

An official at the Italian ministry of interior said the country was forced to make the deal with its former colony after several pleas to the EU to share the migrant burden failed to yield a response. “Our main contribution is supplying boats and equipment to the Libyan coastguard,” he said. “In June last year, some 18,000 people landed within a week, and the EU did nothing to help.”

But the agreement is also a consequence of the EU’s Dublin regulation, which allows member states to send migrants back to the EU country they arrived in, usually Italy or Greece. In 2016, almost 35,000 people were returned to Italy from other EU states, predominantly France.

“At the same time, southern Italy was also dealing with thousands of arrivals from Libya,” said Fulvio Vassallo, an asylum law professor at the University of Palermo. “On top of

this, countries in Europe rejected [a plan] to relocate migrants.”

By being complicit in returning people to countries where they could be subjected to torture, the EU is violating international law, say experts. In March, the Proactiva Open Arms ship was seized by Sicilian authorities and three of its crew accused of facilitating illegal immigration for refusing to hand over migrants to Libya. Upon releasing the vessel in April, a

Refugee camps in Libya for unsafe for those seeking better opportunity in Europe

judge recognized that Libya was not a safe place and that the migrants could not have been taken back.

A looming election campaign dominated by immigration also encouraged Minniti to collaborate with Libya, although the Democratic Party was eventually ousted in the ballot in early March. Italy’s new populist administration has since used virulent tactics to fulfill its anti-immigration pledge, including denying docking rights to rescue ships, while trying to push an inharmonious EU into sharing responsibility. However, a proposal by Italy to create reception and identification centers in Africa received a blow last month when it was rejected by Libya.

But as the EU battles, traffickers continue to make all the gains out of migrant suffering.

“Traffickers are having an easy life,” said Alfonso Giordano, a politics professor at Luiss University in Rome. “If we don’t resolve this in a shared, structured way over the long-term, there’ll continue to be massive problems and countries like Libya will continue to use blackmail.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

37

Italian police use water cannon against refugees occupying Rome square Police in riot gear clash with refugees near main train station after about 800 were evicted from office buildings last month in Rome. The illegal immigrants who have been living on the streets took laws into their hands to occupy any available office space in the city center thereby forcing the police to take action.

Police using water cannon and batons clashed with the refugees who had occupied a square in Rome in defiance of an order to leave a building where they had been squatting.

Television images from the dawn operation showed people screaming and trying to hit police, who were dressed in riot gear, with sticks. The square, one block from Rome’s main train station, was strewn with mattresses, overturned rubbish bins and broken plastic chairs.

Hung on the building was a sheet made into a banner saying: “We are refugees, not terrorists,” in Italian. A small fire burned on the pavement and a sheet hanging from a first-floor window was set alight by squatters inside.

Witnesses who arrived at the square after the clearance operation described a scene of carnage. “When I arrived at about 9am, trash was scattered all over the place. About 50 people were still in the square, which had been partially closed down to traffic in the meantime. They were sad, frustrated and with no idea where to go,” said Francesco Conte, founder of Termini TV, an online channel based in Rome’s Termini train station.

About 100 people had occupied the square over a period of time, when most of about 800 squatters were evicted from an adjacent office building they had occupied for about five years.

Police said the refugees had refused to accept lodging offered by the city and that the operation was also necessitated by the risk presented by the presence of cooking gas canisters and other flammable materials in the square, which is surrounded by apartment buildings.

Most of the squatters are Eritreans and Ethiopians who had been granted asylum but have not received accommodation.

38

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Many have been in the country for up to a decade.

They ran the building as a selfregulating commune that outsiders were not permitted to enter.

The refugees have previously complained that the accommodation offered to them elsewhere is not of a permanent nature, and that moving would result in the community they have established being split up. The area around the square is full of shops owned by the refugees’ compatriots.

In a statement, the police said the refugees had gas canisters, some of which they had opened, and rocks, bottles and pepper spray had hit officers. Two people were arrested.

The vast majority of refugees and migrants reaching Europe this year have landed in Italy, according to the International Organization for Migration putting more pressure on Italian government, which already indicated that it could no longer take in more refugees.

Public opinion is increasingly turning against newcomers as well as those who have been in the country for a number of years.

“The authorities need to urgently find appropriate, alternative housing, and investigate the use of force by the police during the eviction,” said Judith Sunderland, associate director for Europe at Human Rights Watch. “It’s hard to see how the use of water cannon on people was necessary or proportionate d u r i n g eviction” she said.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

39

OPINION: Filling the Gap In 2019 Georges Benjamin Clemenceau came to power in France in whom Mao did not trust. Immediately after the coming of the 1917. That was when the First World War was full blown. But communist system, China wasn’t growing. Famine was the lot how did the world war start? Very simple! Archduke Franz of the Chinese. Ruling China was horrible and outlandish. The Ferdinand of Austria was murdered and that was all.

People’s Committee had to continually use brute force to quell Some events that led to world wars actually had gestation riots in the world’s biggest population. China passed through periods. Acute nationalism was the debacle of Europe then the various strata of the revolutionary leadership yet remained which ignited steep industrial competitions. All the European the same: crude and backward. The last trouble China wanted super powers had military pacts scattered haphazardly. You was the problems at home. As a whipping child of the West she could have a pact with your friend’s enemy in which case lived in perpetual fear for a friendship between USA and USSR. you are required to attack Such a friendship your friend if she goes to would effectively war with the enemy. All sink her. She also these happened pre-1914. wanted a slice of It was a transitory period gullible and poor of Europe transitioning countries in Africa, from the royalty to Latin America, the democracy.

Hatred Asian minors and and acute nationalism the Middle-East, was blowing across the and perhaps Eastern continent. Again, the Europe. She had to Berlin Conference in spare money and 1885 created abiding weapons for her discontent.

Some dictators without countries like France ignoring hunger and were a major beneficiary underdevelopment of that conference at home. She was in the sense that her buffeted all around colonies were huge, her. America was President Buhari taking his oath of office over three years ago. many and prosperous in making incursions Many are after his job now in 2019 raw materials. Prussia in her backyard (Germany) and Italy had in Vietnam and Taiwan, the little or nothing. That introduced deep-seated hatred in the future European Union. latter that she has always seen as her territory. Communist War broke out in 1914. France was mortified. She blamed conservatives came to the conclusion that a centrist and a Germany for causing the war. She blamed Germany for un- realist must lead China or else… That was the strength in hatched eggs in France, delay in rain, less fat in pork hide and which Deng Xiaoping came to power. In the annals of post everything. Her number one desire was for Germany to be 1949, he was reputed to be Mao II because of his successes in annihilated. That was the build-up for Baron Clemenceau to China. Anyway, the present President Xi Xinping probably has come to power in 1917. The French observed in him that he dwarfed that position of Deng Xiaoping to be Mao II for being had the ideal anger for the Germans. He was brought to power made the eternal leader of China. Deng Xiaoping was reputed to “kill the Kaiser”. The kernel of it is that the French people to have ‘opened China’. A personality the Chinese followed went for someone who could do the job. because he led Communism differently from her traditional Deng Xiaoping was a product of the revolution and a Mao beliefs. protégé. He was however one of the radical revolutionaries

40

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Now let us also see the wrong choice of a people and how it affected them. When Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Vice President Andrew Johnson took over from him. The latter ran into trouble immediately. The American civil war had just ended. Lincoln was already walking out of its shadows and was providing exemplary leadership of healing across the states. He was assassinated by a confederate veteran that typifies the bitterness in the southern states. The Proclamation Act by America’s saint president, Lincoln, of freeing all slaves in America was not completely received and it needed the federal might to impose it on every state in the Union. Another burden confronting America was the civil war that destroyed the south completely. In the north, life was normal. Washington DC needed to get money from the north to develop the south, something quite unpopular with the northern states. Andrew Johnson, a southerner from Tennessee, a major state that fought hard to break from the Union was generous in squeezing the north to pay the south.

In the same vein, he abandoned the rave of the moment and in fact the cause of the civil war, the slave question in America. The Congress, however, towed the line of Lincoln and rallied the country in a united front. Andrew Johnson footdragged. America was trapped and clogged at the very moment they needed the right leadership.

What a lesson for Nigeria. The Congress, sympathetic to the cause of slaves, and determined to move America forward had a lot of issues to grind with the president. The House of Representatives headed by an anti-slave campaigner, a big believer in the Proclamation Act, galvanized support and impeached the president. That episode shook America to her foundations. The country wobbled and lurched painfully. The country suffered needlessly from a man they brought to power albeit circumstantially.

America brought the right man after Andrew Johnson, and that was Ulysses Grant. He was Lincoln’s commander of the Armies and later appointed as the commander of the Union.

Lincoln, with a sharp eye for talents and ability to use the right people for the job even if they were his enemies began to relate with Ulysses Grant. He got a rapid promotion until he became the commander of the Union. Immediately he was appointed, he short-circuited the general staff office which revel in academic war tactics and are full of procedure. Ulysses Grant quickly reversed the fortunes of the confederates and gave America the much needed victory. As the president of the country, he gave America the following: tangible institutional and economic stability and healing from the shadows of the social unrest. That is the kind of leader Nigeria is groping for

right now.

In the days of Germany inordinate ambition to annex and redraw the map of Europe as were being advocated by the Nazi, Neville Chamberlain downplayed and spoke in moderation to Britain’s counter military policy.

In his opinion, Britain was a good guy and had Hon. Omekwe, a former a responsibility not to member of Bayelsa State overheat Europe. Winston Churchill had a contrary House of Assembly and writes from Abuja. opinion. Nazi Germany had severally crossed the red line. British interest and responsibility was being undermined daily by the military build-up in Germany. He wants Britain without delay to call Germany to order. His message made Britain to substitute him with Neville Chamberlain.

He understood the language of “Der Fuhrer” more than anybody.

He played a significant role in the defeat of Hitler.

Donald Trump is one of the wealthiest persons on the planet.

He is consistently mentioned in Forbes magazine as a man owning blue chip properties and money spinning casinos. He is also known to be dispassionate and probably the most ruthless man on earth — all the qualities the Americans hated seeing in her political leaders. He was never known in politics. Like a tradition Americans pooled their presidents mostly from among senators and governors. They even tolerated military chiefs. They don’t go after business men. But they went for Trump. Why? They were fed up with idealists, liberal people, constitution chauvinists, world charters and those who send dollars and people abroad to protect democracy while foreign and domestic debts increase; internal insecurity, unemployment rise, education and standard of living drop, etc. America’s imports were increasing and her goods abroad are expensive.

Her presidents pursued a deterrent policy on nuke production while other nations who don’t mind lend them money. They voted for a ruthless non-politician in negation to his opponent who is a super diplomat and is at home with throwing bombs and rolling tanks on less fancied countries.

Continued on Page 42

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

41

42

Continued from Page 41 Donald Trump is not bothered about frivolities. He also doesn’t mind controversy. After all he hardly talks about Lincoln like Obama did, nor rights and laws. America is not making money enough as he did as a private man, period. He has even never claimed to be a good man. All he knows is he has billions of dollars and activism does not bring that. He wants America and all Americans to be rich like him. He declared economic war on her close allies China, Canada, European Union, etc. He has upped his accusation of Mexico and has put the world on notice. America is now interested in where her money enters. If Iran owns a nuke, the Middle East is in immediate trouble and not America. What would ever trouble America would trouble Europe more. He accused Qatar of unspeakable evil only to sign a military pact with her a month later and at the same time arming the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She is pursuing military

reminding us that silence is golden as many Nigerians are sent to their graves without let. The IDP camps are swelling by the day with churches and mosques and other NGOs overstretched in catering for them. In fact, Nigeria is so overwhelmed that Chibok, Sharibu and the likes are becoming an antiquity.

We ourselves are becoming insecure not to talk about them.

There is hatred in Nigeria while major multi-nationals are fast disappearing. Nigeria no doubt is troubled. We are obviously in an interregnum. Other countries have been there before and they quickly proffered a panacea to the ills. Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta was first coined not by a common man but a national cry by nations in deep problems.

Within Nigeria we have a Clemenceau, Deng Xiaoping, Winston Churchill and the cripple, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

We have them now. These present packs who would desecrate the names of our heroes past for us to forget insecurity by

drills in Korean peninsula with a clear message: America’s interest. He has stirred a lot of controversy at home and carved an image of the bad boy. The effect? He runs America like a business and where America was not getting money, he would go for the jugular. Presently, the world is watching feverishly as America and China are in a major trade war. It seems now to Americans that the war was supposed to have been declared two decades ago.

In Nigeria, the situation is pathetic. We are at crossroads like America, Britain, China, and France once were. Presently, Abuja is a dispenser of life in Nigeria. It is being successfully clogged. It is clear she is becoming weaker by the day. We now know that apart from Lagos no state is economically viable.

As at last count, 30 states are owing salaries and almost same number are now military zones due to insecurity. In spite of military presence agents of death especially killer herdsmen are still doing their business unperturbed. They have submerged Boko Haram. They know how to strike with or without the military. Ethnic groups are now talking tough yet the referee, a government headed by Buhari, maintains a golden silence

honoring them as grand commanders need to be changed.

Nigeria needs a face lift. Nigeria needs a renovation. Nigeria needs restructuring. It is no longer going to be an appeal for good governance but a matter of individual and/or group initiative to spend what they can afford and attract investment in what they can do. Surely there are things different people can do in Nigeria even cattle rearing. We need a ‘computer program’ template and of course, a programmer. The Chinese, contrary to modern fashion, have identified Xi Jinping and have pronounced him Mao II and have made him a life president.

We, as a country, have identified Atiku Abubakar. We can vote for him, not as a life president, but as a president that will bring Nigeria to life. Some politicians should tell us what they can do. But Nigeria should do likewise what other nations did.

America has a working ‘bad boy’, the Chinese a working king; we can have our own outlook personae. Like other countries did in their dying times, why don’t we bring in Atiku Abubakar to fill the interregnum?

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Thai 12 cave rescue mission.

12 + 1 coach survived and thankful to the world rescue mission

According to the U.S. Air Force major involved in the rescue operation told Thai officials he’d deem the operation a success if just one of the 12 boys made it out alive however miracle occurred that all 12 and their local football coach made it out alive and well. They have all been given clean bill of health and could return to normal life again.

Here’s more of what we learned about the impossible rescue: • A rescue planner says that they “didn’t think any would survive” the journey out of the cave.

• The Thai government had hoped to wait out the monsoon or drill a rescue shaft from above in hope of having a “zero risk” option.

• British rescue divers, Australian doctors and the USAF special ops planners said that if they waited for the monsoons to end or waited the six to eight weeks to drill a rescue shaft, the boys would die.

• The oxygen level had reportedly dipped to just over 15 percent in the cave at that time, which was very dangerous, and the cave was filling with carbon dioxide.

• Officials got the go ahead for the rescue on Saturday, July 7, and the mission started Sunday morning, July 8.

• The U.S. major in charge, Maj. Charlie Hodges, said that just one child coming out alive would be a success.

• The Thai Navy seal commander told ABC News that they didn’t expect any of the children to survive and that 50 percent would have been good.

• British cave divers reportedly said that the boys had to be completely unconscious for the rescue or they wouldn’t go ahead with it. There was one diver per boy. Ketamine was administered to sedate the boys, so they felt and saw nothing during the rescue.

• On the first dive, just a few hundred meters in, rescuer Jason Mallinson said the boy he was rescuing regained consciousness, so he had to pin him to the cave wall while he grabbed a syringe to sedate him.

• The last boy out was reportedly hypothermic. He would have been the second to last out, but his diver lost the guideline and became lost.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

43

44

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

45

Entertaining people is my passion says DJ Budetee True to our promise to bring you personality interviews, as you have demanded from the community, one name has stood out in the entertainment industry over the years, he started acting, then to promoting music and now he is DJ of international repute. He has won all the awards available in the diaspora for this category. Recently, we caught up with Mr. Taiwo Obude popularly known as DJ BUDETEE. He sat down with us to speak about himself and his illustrious career in music and entertainment.

Enjoy this interview with him.

TV: Introduce yourself to our worldwide readers please?

Mr. Obude: I am Taiwo Obude by name, popularly known as Djbudetee, I have a twin sister, my dad is Chief Alex Obude and my mum is Mrs. Omosede Igbinoba Obude. I am from Uselu, in Edo State of Nigeria.

TV: We know you live in the Netherlands and how long have you lived in this country?

Mr. Obude: I have lived in Holland now close to 24 years.

TV: What do you do? We know you are a man of many parts; you used to be an actor? Do you still act and if not what do you do now?

Mr. Obude: It might surprise you that I have a normal job. I work with Jumbo Company in Holland. I also work for myself as a deejay and Internet radio executive. I created Budetee Afro Hour Radio, and yes I still act in movies, that is one passion I can never give up, beside that I also produce music and collaborate with Artists here in Europe and in Nigeria.

TV: You love music, are you a musician as well or a promoter of music?

Mr. Obude: Yes I love music. I am not a musician, I am a deejay, who loves to promote music especially Afro beat music, and I also love to promote shows that include the European and Nigerian based artists.

TV: You perform as a DJ, so how do you combine all of these activities with your work life schedule?

Mr. Obude: It’s all about proper planning and the understanding of my family that makes it easier for me to do things, besides my work is very understanding also and they keep up with my busy work schedule.

TV: How is life in The Netherlands, compared to your home country, Nigeria?

Mr. Obude: Life in the Netherlands is good, but when it comes to music it’s very difficult to break through, because of the type of commercial music they are used to. In Nigeria I have not really focused on doing things there because I feel I live in Europe I want to break ground here first, then start thinking of Nigeria. I also believe that things might be easier in Nigeria but then you have to the cash to move around in other to get things done.

46

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

TV: Do you stay in contact with Nigeria or travel there and how often is your traveling to the country of your birth?

Mr. Obude: I do travel to Nigeria, though not regularly and that is also due to my job, I cannot afford to travel every time it’s not because of the money but because of the free hours you get from the job, and I am in contact with Nigeria and some of my close friends in the music industry every day, especially when it comes to music, beside most of the productions I work on are both from Nigeria and Europe .

DJ Budetee on the deck doing what he loves most - to entertain viewers with good music.

Budetee AFRO hour.....

TV: Few years now you started an organization for DJs in Europe, tell us about it and what motivated you to start such an organization Mr. Obude: Yes some years ago we started an organization called the coalition of Entertainers in Europe that included the deejays, Artists, Comedians and promoters, the aim was to bring everyone together, so that we all can work in unity, because looking at how things were going on in Europe everyone was working on their individual merit, with no recognition from the government.

I felt the need to let the government know what we are doing, in helping to bring Afro beat music to the world, and maybe get some help from them, but it has not been easy, there has always been some logistical hitch till date, but we are not giving up.

The good news is that we have finally been able to bring the deejays under one umbrella with the name ADJS, and we are working on our first show that will be taking place in Berlin this year.

TV: Is there any form of collaboration with your counterparts from Nigeria or any other African country?

Mr. Obude: Yes, I have collaborated with some known deejays in Nigeria and in music also, and I have had the opportunity to also work with other deejays from other countries, such as Liberia, Sierra-Leone.

TV: What has been your experience working with these

DJs in Europe?

Mr. Obude: I have had a very beautiful experience working with various deejays, we all know who we are and we respect ourselves also, if there is need to learn and correct each other we do so without shame, because deejaying is constant learning process, new things come up every day.

Continued on Page 48

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

47

Continued from Page 47 TV: What are your plans for the future?

Mr. Obude: My plan for the future is to have the biggest radio station in Europe where both Afro and European based Artists can promote their music to the world, build an empire and a deejay school where kids can come in and test their skills for free, because not everyone has the money to pay.

TV: Apart from your performing travels, have you been involved in other activities and if yes, like what please?

Mr. Obude: I have been involved in a lot of activities the last year such as singlehandedly promoting a great musician from Edo state, Chief Arala Osula, I also organized an EU stars Night for the European based Artists, I also featured in a movie called unpredictable journey, and another movie Osenunamien which was shot in Madrid Spain.

TV: What do you plan to do in the next few years or where do you expect to see yourself?

Mr. Obude: In the next few years I will be concentrating on expanding my Budetee Afro Hour and Tafia world News outlet because that is where I plan to retire to, and maybe have an office in Nigeria, that is what I see myself doing and helping the upcoming artists.

TV: You have received several awards for your work, is there any particular one that stood out for you and why?

Mr. Obude: Yes I have received many awards, and I am grateful to God for that, but the one that stood out among them is the voice Achievers award.

TV: Lastly what would be your advice readers and followers?

48

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Mr. Obude: I would want to thank my follower for supporting me all through the years, and I want to advice them to keep following and supporting me because without them there would not be djbudetee, follow me on Instagram, Facebook and don’t forget to keep listening to budetee Afro hour every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm thank you.

TV: Thank you for the interview and looking forward to seeing you at the awards for 2018.

Mr. Obude: Yes are always ready and at your service.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

49

Presidential hopefuls 2019 in Nigeria

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke is also eying the Presidency of Nigeria.

Former Minister Kabir Tanimu-Turaki thinks he is the best man for the job to rule Nigeria in 2019

Economic Expert & former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu is hunting for the President job in 2019

50

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The VOICE will profile each of them in coming issues of the magazine. Stay tune with us.

Sahara Reporters Publisher and Human Rights Activist; Mr. Omoyele Sowore thinks he can do the job better come 2019

Opinion: Why Restructuring is a Win-Win for All Nigerians

W

hen the former Vice President and presidential hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, recently addressed the London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), on the importance of strengthening the economic management system of the federating states in Nigeria, the major takeaway was that we have lived on a dangerous structural fault line for too long and pretended all was well.

Though the former vice president used the auspicious opportunity of his speech at the Chatham House to harp on some of his economic programmes and policies as a presidential candidate, the emphasis was heavily on the ills of our defective federal system of government.

First, we can no longer afford to keep promoting, or rather tolerating a defective political structure as it has become obvious that the federalism we practice is at best not smart and at worst a complete negation of what it should be. How long can we continue to deceive ourselves that the present relationship between the centre and the federating state are sustainable?

After nineteen years of uninterrupted democracy, it is now an indisputable fact that today’s Nigerian states have essentially been reduced to parastatals of the Federal Government and have become dangerously addicted to the monthly “handouts” (allocation) they receive from Abuja.

We politicized the creation of states and local governments over the years. States and local governments became too weak to meet their constitutional responsibilities and consequently the Federal Government emasculated them and took away those responsibilities which belong to them. It is therefore very attractive for these states and local governments to become addicted to revenues from federation accounts and to care less about their internal revenue opportunities.

If we accept the wisdom behind calls for a restructuring of the economy, we must be ready to build a foundation for its success: we must, in other words restructure the polity.

True federalism ensures that a strong federal government guarantees national unity while allowing various parts of the country or the federating units to set their own priorities.

As a consequence, the Federal Government appropriates, along with these responsibilities, huge resources. For example, in the allocation of revenue from the Federation Account, the Federal Government is unduly favoured at the expense of the States and Local Governments. Out of every Naira in the Federation Account, 56k will go to the Federal Government and four other ‘special accounts’ which it manages! This is neither efficient nor equitable.

We can no longer afford to keep promoting, or rather tolerating a defective political structure as it has become obvious that the federalism we practice is at best not smart and at worst a complete turnaround of what it should be.

Beyond the healthy competition among the federating units which a restructured Nigeria would engender is the unique opportunity

for the retooling of the leadership recruitment process in the country. Governance would be elevated to a serious business manned by equally serious-minded people. The attraction to power would no longer be a chance to stumble upon privileges not worked for. But a carefully calibrated move to demonstrate ingenuity and quality in creating wealth for the country.

The restructured Nigeria is a Nigeria that will not only provide opportunities for everyone to work but even more specifically is one that will challenge the leadership to demonstrate capacity to create wealth for every layer of governance.

Does anybody dispute that it is time for serious-minded people to get involved and take the lead in making our country work? It is time for citizens to demand from people aspiring to lead them as a matter of right, a plan on not just how to manage their wealth but most fundamentally how the wealth is going to be created.

We should not continue to allow political slogans take the place of cogent plans and propagandas substitute clear-cut agenda.

For long, our leadership has been pampered. They work into managing a wealth they have little input into how it is created. And because they are not involved in the creation, they rarely appreciate it. Hence, they turn out as either bad managers or killers of the greater Nigerian dream. How long can we continue like that?

Nigeria needs a leadership that can create wealth for the country and make it work. Every part of Nigeria has enough wealth to sustain it. What is lacking is the leadership with the required capacity and vision to tap and manage the wealth on behalf of all. Anybody who cannot tell Nigerians at the State level how, he/she is going to generate the required resources to run the State he/she is aspiring to govern is not worthy of the electorates’ votes.

Restructuring is not just about the devolution of powers to the states, it is about transforming the role of the federal government.

In matters of territorial governance, the federal authorities must learn to cooperate with, and in some instances defer to state authorities; in matters of economic governance, the federal authorities must learn to cooperate with, rather than displace or ignore, the private sector.

We need a Nigeria that challenges our leadership to create wealth in every layer of government and make it work for our citizens.

Only restructuring can make that happen and any skeptic of restructuring Nigeria is merely submitting to continued leadership indolence we have in our country today. Was this not the takeaway in what Atiku said at the Chatham House London? God bless Nigeria!

By Ifeanyi Izeze. HE writes from Port Harcourt and can be reached via iizeze@yahoo.com or 234-8033043009

Young Africans must stay and transform Africa: Obama speaks on brain drain

F

ormer U.S. president Barack Obama advised talented young Africans to drive change at home rather than emigrating, and urged their governments to do more to curb a brain drain. Obama, whose Kenyan-born father studied in the United States but later returned home to work as an economist, described the phenomenon of the best minds leaving for global centres abroad as “a real issue”.

“More and more not only are we seeing concentrations of wealth, we are seeing concentrations of talent in various global centres, whether it is Shanghai or Dubai,” said Obama, who came on his first visit to Africa since leaving office in January 2017. He visited Kenya and South Africa where he performed major functions.

Obama told young African business people and activists at a gathering in Johannesburg that opportunities could be greater in their own countries.

“Precisely because there may be less of a concentration of talent, … your chances of being transformative are going to be higher,” he said.

His non-profit organization, The Obama Foundation, runs a leadership programme aimed at helping aspiring Africans to solve pressing problems on the continent. Its membership has attracted many talents across Africa but his intention is to keep the talents in developing Africa.

“If we have African leaders, governments and institutions

which are creating a platform for success and opportunity, then

52

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

you will increasingly get more talent wanting to stay,” Obama said. “Once you reach a tipping point, not only will you stop the brain drain, then it will start reversing.”

He used a lecture marking 100 years since the birth of South Africa’s first post-apartheid president Nelson Mandela to urge world leaders to resist cynicism over the rise of strongmen – pointed comments which many interpreted as a reference to his successor, Donald Trump, among others.

Earlier that same week, former President Obama called on Kenya’s leaders to turn their backs on divisive ethnic politics and clamp down on corruption. On his arrival in Kenya, although low key this time around he had private meetings with President Kenyatta and Opposition leader, Raila Omolo Odinga Obama’s visit is his fifth as a private citizen.

Obama attended a meeting at State House in Nairobi with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto and his half-sister Dr Auma Obama.

He has also held talks with opposition leader Raila Odinga who recently agreed to work with Kenyatta after a prolonged and highly contested election period in 2017. He inaugurated the Sauti Kuu Foundation’s project, which comprises a sport, resource and vocational training centre in Kogelo, Siaya County created by his half-sister in honour of their late father.

Opening the school in his father’s home village of Kogelo in western Kenya, Obama praised a rapprochement between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga but said they must do more to heal the rifts between Kenya’s 40-odd ethnic groups.

In the worst recent outbreak of ethnic conflict, 1,200 people were killed in fighting that followed disputed elections involving Odinga and Kenyatta in 2007.

“It means no longer seeing different ethnicities as enemies or rivals but rather as allies; in seeing the diversity of tribes not as a weakness but as a strength,” Obama, whose father was Kenyan, said.

America’s first black president, whose eight years in office preceded Donald Trump’s election in November 2016, was in Kenya to open the centre, which is run by his half-sister Auma through her charity, the Sauti Kuu Foundation.

He made his first visit in 1987, a journey he chronicled in his book “Dreams From My Father”, followed by a 2006 visit as a senator and then in 2015 as president.

During his visit, Obama avoided any public mention of his successor and the divisive politics that have taken root in the United States since Trump’s victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Obama also noted the corruption scandals that have blighted Kenyatta’s administration, saying graft held back economic development and undermined public faith in the government.

Kenyan media have reported dozens of graft scandals since Kenyatta was re-elected last year. In May, 54 people, mostly civil servants, were charged in an investigation into the theft of nearly $100 million of public funds from the state-run

National Youth Service.

After Kenya and South Africa visits, President Obama has returned back home to his family in United States of America where he concentrates on his foundation.

Obama scores praise for hope-filled 2018 annual Mandela lecture Former president of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, has advocated that the world must continue to exude the legacy of anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela.

Obama, delivering his first big speech since leaving office, stressed the impact that Mandela made in the lives of people that lived far away from South Africa.

As guest speaker at the 16th Annual Nelson Mandela lecture (the 2018 edition marking the centennial of Madiba’s birth), which took place in Johannesburg, Obama tracked the enormous social and democratic progress the world has made in the 100 years between Mandela’s 1918 birth and 2018.

Obama said: “Madiba’s light shone so brightly … that in the late seventies he could inspire a young college student on the

other side of the world to re-examine my own priorities – to reconsider the small role that I might play in bending the arc towards justice.

“And now an entire generation has now grown up in a world that by most measures has gotten steadily freer, healthier, wealthier, less violent and more tolerant during the course of their lifetimes. It should make us hopeful.

“Let me tell you what I believe. I believe in Nelson Mandela’s vision, I believe in a vision shared by Ghandhi and King. I believe in justice and in the premise that all of us are created equal.”

He went on to outline how the world has changed from one just emerging from a devastating war and in which most of what is now the developing world was under colonial rule.

He stressed that since the end of colonialism, the world had embraced a new vision for humanity, based on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, civil rights and the inherent dignity of every individual.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

53

I

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed’s has a pass mark for his first 100 days in charge

n March 2018, the days leading up to the appointment of a new Prime Minister in Ethiopia were heady – political reforms had been announced and there was an unprecedented prisoner release.

Then a state of emergency supposedly to curb rising insecurity.

The then PM, Hailemariam Desalegn, had resigned and the ruling coalition was going through an elaborate process to replace him.

The name of Abiy Ahmed came up as Desalegn’s successor and on April 2, 2018 he took his oath of office in the legislature. The rest they say is history …. history in a matter of 100 days.

History at home, history across the Horn of Africa region and beyond and the biggest mark of history this far under his watch, rapprochement with neighbouring Eritrea.

July 10, 2018 marked 100 days of Abiy’s tenure, and it has been one success story to another. He is called a reformist and transformative leader handling the affairs from Addis Ababa with perception and purpose.

Ethiopia’s political and economic reforms have raised confidence in the ‘hard currency’ market, helping to close a once yawning gap between the official and black market exchange rates for its birr currency.

As cash – in some cases briefcases full of dollars – pours into banks, local businesses say they are finally feeling relief from a foreign exchange crunch that

had seen some segments of the economy grind to a halt.

Businesses and analysts in the capital Addis Ababa told the press the birr was trading on the parallel market around 28 to the dollar, close to parity with the official rate and 25 percent firmer than three months ago.

“All of a sudden this is happening,” said one real estate agent 54

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

whose business had come to a standstill over the past year because the construction sector could not access dollars to import building materials.

“I’m not sure of the source of the foreign exchange, but psychologically the scarcity mentality has changed overnight,” the woman, who asked not to be named told the media. The Prime Minister has brought something new to the table.

In a televised address earlier last month, 41-year-old reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called upon those hoarding hard

currency to deposit it in banks. The call, which has come to be known locally as a “hard currency amnesty”, came with a warning: those who refused would be tracked down.

The government also opened a diaspora fund bank account and is asking Ethiopians abroad to contribute.

And the United Arab Emirates last month agreed to deposit $1 billion in Ethiopia’s central bank.

Though it’s among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Ethiopia’s export sector – mainly garment manufacturing and agricultural produce has struggled to take off, and the economy is not generating enough dollars to pay for imports.

A decade-long infrastructure push aimed at industrializing the overwhelmingly agrarian nation to create jobs has as a side effect exacerbated the dollar shortage.

Since earlier this year, essential items including insulin, blood pressure medication and infant formula have become scarce.

The dollar shortage has also dissuaded international firms from investing out of fear they will struggle to repatriate profits.

That could now change.

Since taking office in April, Abiy has turned politics and the economy on its head in the nation of 100 million people.

His moves to liberalize the economy by opening up lucrative state-owned assets to foreign investment have been cheered by his people as well as outside investors keen to enter one of Africa’s last untapped markets.

Abiy’s newly appointed central bank governor, Yinager Dessie, pledged to meet the business community regularly and pledged that their main concerns scant access to credit and foreign exchange – were government priorities.

Businesses in the capital said their letters of credit, which banks had declined to honour for months, were finally being

approved.

It remains to be seen if the government is now willing to loosen its grip on foreign exchange access and the exchange rate itself.

Some remain skeptical, but at least for now Ethiopians are breathing a sigh of relief.

“This morning I was talking to a manager at Commercial Bank of Ethiopia who told me ‘we are very liquid right now.

Let me show you an example’,” said Zemedeneh Negatu, chairman of Fairfax, a United States-based, Africa-focused investment firm.

Nearby, three bank employees were counting bills from a briefcase packed with $1 million in cash that a client had brought in earlier in the day.

However, the opposition groups in Ethiopia have tasked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to make electoral reforms a key plank of wider political reforms he is undertaking since coming into office. Over fifty parties were represented at a meeting with the Prime Minister in Addis Ababa.

According to Fitsum Arega, the parties indicated their appreciation for amongst others the mass release of political prisoners and efforts at reconciliation at home and across the wider Horn of Africa region.

This is not the first time the PM is meeting with opposition groups, months into his reign Abiy met with leading opposition members at the presidential palace.

He has also met with an exiled opposition group – the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF), which has since returned to the country to pursue peaceful political struggle.

The issue of regional reconciliation comes weeks after a historic peace deal was signed between Ethiopia and neighbouring Eritrea. The Asmara declaration signed by Abiy and Eritrean leader Isaias Afwerki ended two decades of war and restored all friendly ties between the two nations.

Ethiopia is expected to go to the polls in 2020.

The last vote was in May 2015 with the ruling Ethiopia People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) winning in a landslide. Opposition parties slammed the outcome as a sham.

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) organizes elections and the party with the highest number of seats in the legislature ends up nominating the Prime Minister – i.e. leader of government business.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

55

Profile of Nigeria political new kid for the presidency FELA DUROTOYE He is a consulting guru, leadership coach and public speaker; Fela Durotoye has declared his intention to run in the 2019 presidential election. He confirmed this through a statement he released to the press dating back to February this year and since then he has hit the ground with his plans for a new Nigeria.

Duro said he has committed his life to building Nigeria, listing a number of projects he has executed without the help of the government.

According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, cannot save Nigeria from her problem with the spirit of ‘godfatherism’ that follows both parties.

His full declaration speech: “As you may already know, over the last 13 years, I have committed my life and resources to doing all I can to build a New Nigeria that would be the most desirable Nation to live in by December 31, 2025.

From nation building projects like Mushin Makeover (which was recorded as the largest non-governmental urban renewal project in Africa’s history), to raising the standard of education in our schools and higher institutions through projects & initiatives, to helping our young people across our nation Deliver The Future to corporate transformation projects and most importantly championing the largest non-governmental Values Infusion project through the 10 lifestyle personal creed that we share together on this network that has now been endorsed and actively promoted by a multitude of Nigerians across all gender, tribe, social class or religious affirmation.

As I have stated severally on this platform & in public, I have come to the conclusion that Good Governance is critical for any nation to accomplish its full potential. In fact, without good governance every other good work carried out by its citizens would ultimately be like pouring water into a basket 56

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

and is therefore not sustainable.

This is why it became important for us to set up the RUNNING FOR A NEW NIGERIA platform, where we galvanize a critical mass of people who would participate in the governance process either by VOTING or BEING VOTED FOR at the 2019 General Elections & beyond.

In line with our Values one of which is to “BE A ROLE MODEL WORTHY OF EMULATION”, I had to decide to get involved in the political arena rather than staying on the sidelines and only challenging others to go in.

It is my hope that as I step unto the political scene, many more of our brightest & best will arise to heed our nation’s clarion call to contest for elective offices, win the elections, and most importantly collectively deliver good governance to our nation.

Therefore, to be clear, I am aspiring to contest as a Presidential Candidate in the 2019 General Elections.

A lot of people have asked me “FD, what party will you be running on? Is it APC or PDP”?

Whilst it is true that these parties may have formidable grassroots structures, I strongly doubt that these old parties with their old ideology (of God-Fatherism also known as Selectocracy, Rulership, Money Politricks etc) would be able to deliver to us a New Nigeria.

And so, over the last few months, I have researched into several political parties to determine if their ideologies, vision and values resonate with those we share together on this Network.

I am glad to announce that one party has resonated more with me than others in Ideology, principles & a truly democratic internal political process that is open to all to aspire & provides a level playing field for the best candidates to emerge at all levels for Legislative & Executive offices.

Osi Samuels, a Medical Doctor & a Renowned Public Health Practitioner respected globally.

As I move further on this noble cause, I’d like you to pray with me for divine wisdom, grace, favor, courage, strength & discernment.

Secondly, it is my desire that you will like I have done decide to step in the political arena & go beyond just registering to vote but also becoming a member of a Political Party where you would have voting rights, ability to choose your own candidates amongst those aspiring for office and where your potential aspirations cannot be stifled by any god father.

I strongly believe that your involvement in the political arena either as a member or aspirant within a political party would strongly enhance our ability to deliver good governance for the New Nigeria.

As you thoroughly consider the various political parties, I’ll like to recommend for your favorable consideration the Alliance for a New Nigeria. I want you to join ANN not just because I asked you to, but only if the Party Ideology resonates with yours as it does with mine.”

This is the man, Fela Durotoye. You can follow him on all his social media outlets and if in Nigeria, join him on one of his trips around the country.

Next month, we shall feature another candidate with interest of becoming Nigeria’s Next President by May 2019.

I believe it is safe to say that I have found my political home, which I truly believe would be a HOME FOR ALL NATION BUILDERS. I have formalized my membership with the ALLIANCE FOR A NEW NIGERIA (ANN) & formally joined the party.

ANN is a party founded by Professionals & technocrats with great political insight & wisdom required to build a formidable nationwide grassroot movement within the next months & beyond. The National Chairman is Dr. Jay

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

57

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed woos Diaspora Ethiopians Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently traveled to the United States where he engaged members of the diaspora on how best to move their country forward with the ideas of reforms that he has introduced in the country in the past few months.

His visit was well received and signs of Ethiopians embracing there new Prime Minister is encouraging according to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

The ministry explained that Abiy’s visit is aimed at boosting the involvement of all Ethiopian Diaspora living in the US in the ongoing reforms, development, and democratization in their country of birth.

As part of ongoing reforms, cabinet recently approved the Amnesty Law that grants amnesty for individuals and groups, either under investigation or convicted on treason, crimes against the constitutional order and armed struggle.

Abiy has championed several economic, political and diplomatic reforms including the liberalization of the economy, release of political prisoners and expressing willingness to end a bitter border dispute with Eritrea that has kept the two countries at loggerheads for over two decades.

The initiative which is to be approved by parliament this week is part of efforts to engage with Ethiopians that fled

58

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

the country and have been living in exile for fear of political persecution by the previous administration.

Abiy, who took office in April this year, has called on all opposition groups to return home and engage in peaceful struggles, pledging to work with all to unite and transform the country.

Several prominent figures including former senior Derg official Ambassador Dr Kassa Kebede, journalist and Oromo activist Mohammed Ademo, leaders of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Oromo Democratic Front (ODF) have heeded the call and returned to Ethiopia after several years of exile.

The US trip was held under the theme ‘demolishing the wall, let‘s build the bridge’. He met with citizens in Washington, DC as well as in Los Angeles.

The Ministry invited all Ethiopians to participate in the meeting, regardless of their political ideology, religion, and ethnic background. And they are pleased at the approach of the people to welcome and support the Prime Minister in his reconciliation moves around the world.

Ghana president backs prosecution of police who assaulted woman No room for rascals in Ghana Police force... President declares

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has publicly commented on a police assault that caused outrage across the country and internationally both on the main and social media.

The president said he fully backed the Ghana police service in disciplinary measures that they had taken against the erring officer. “I want to say it here, police men are meant to protect citizens, not to assault citizens. So the measures that the Inspector General of police (IGP) has taken to sanction the erring policeman and to try and make sure that these things don’t happen again, they have my complete support.

“I support a 100% the measures that he has taken, so that we can stop these incidents from proliferating,” he told a gathering in the capital, Accra.

The officer identified as Lance Corporal Godzi Frederick Amanor was filmed assaulting a nursing mother who had gone to a savings and loans bank to withdraw money.

Reports indicate that she had arrived at a time the bank had closed and the officer used slaps, blows and shoves to kick her out of the premises he was guarding at the time.

The viral video of the encounter led to social media outrage

and calls for the arrest and prosecution of the officer. The police service acknowledged the incident and opened a probe.

An update on the matter said the Police Administration has identified the officer as No. 50260 Lance Corporal Godzi Frederick Amanor with registration no 50260. He is currently in police custody and being processed for Court on all applicable criminal charges.

He has also been interdicted and his uniform and all other police accouterments taken from him, pending internal disciplinary proceedings.

Investigation has also commenced into the conduct of officials of the Midland Savings and Loans Limited, where the incident happened and all persons who are implicated would face the full rigours of the law.

In another development, the woman has continued to receive support from

the public as they have made financial donations to support her and the child she was carrying when the assault took place. Her offense was simply trying to cash her saving to use for purchase of food for her family.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

59

Amnesty condemns death sentence handed to Kenyan beauty queen

T

he Kenyan branch of Amnesty International on Friday denounced the death sentence handed down on a young woman for the murder in 2015 of her boyfriend in a country where no executions have been carried out for 30 years.

A Kenyan court on July 19, 2018 has sentenced the 24-year-old Ruth Kamande for murdering her boyfriend by stabbing him 25 times, drawing criticism from rights groups who called the punishment “inhumane”.

“We are concerned that Kenya “This sentence is a reversal of judicial practice in Kenya, where death sentences are commuted to prison terms,” the NGO added, hoping the young woman would benefit from this commutation.

At sentencing, Justice Jessie Lesiit found that Ruth Kamande had shown no remorse during the trial.

The young woman’s lawyer, who had sought clemency from the court by pointing out that the accused had just been received at the university, announced that she would appeal the judgment.

continues to use this cruel, inhuman and outdated form of punishment,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International in Kenya, in a statement.

Ruth Kamande, who won a prison beauty pageant while awaiting trial, slashed her partner Farid Mohammed, 24, to death in 2015 and was convicted in May 2018.

The death penalty continues to be imposed in Kenya but has not been applied since 1987. In October 2016, President Uhuru Kenyatta had commuted the death sentences of some 2,700 prisoners to life imprisonment.

60

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Nigeria’s ex-VP and Buhari ally, Atiku Abubakar declares 2019 Presidential bid

A

tiku Abubakar, a former vice-president of Nigeria has declared his bid to become president of Nigeria when elections are held in 2019.

Atiku is seeking to run on the ticket of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party he rejoined earlier this year.

His declaration was during a rally in his home state of Adamawa – located in Nigeria’s northeast. He touched on insecurity and division in Nigeria and rising unemployment as part of his motivation to contest.

“Today, we are witnessing the most insecure atmosphere. More people died under APC than people killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, we are more divided than at any other time in Nigeria’s history.

“Today, we have the highest unemployment rate in history of this country, more than one million of our youth are unemployed,” Mr Abubakar is quoted to have said.

He left the PDP to join the ruling All Progressives congress (APC) that brought Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015.

His support was seen as critical to Buhari’s victory over the then PDP candidate, Goodluck Jonathan.

Given the nature of Nigeria’s politics where presidential candidates are picked from a particular political zone, if Atiku wins the PDP candidature, it will effectively mean that the two major candidates in 2019 will be from the north.

Both parties have an unwritten rule where the presidential ticket oscillates between the north and south. In 2015, the race was between Buhari a northerner and Jonathan a southerner.

Buhari’s biggest headache with months to the elections is however in the central belt of the country where clashes between farmers and herdsmen continue to claim lives and properties.

Political watchers say the situation could affect Buhari’s vote in regions that are seen as swing regions.

Liberia concludes Independence Day celebration with a football match against Sierra Leone Liberia has been celebrating its 171st Independence Day under the leadership of President George Weah and as an exfootball international, his country’s national football team, the Lone Star of Liberia played an international friendly with their neighboring country of Sierra Leone. The match took on Sunday, July 22nd at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

It would be recalled that both countries once engaged in bitter civil war that led to the death of thousands of people but the healing continue and no surprise President George Weah used football to draw the two countries together again and he played a center role in the whole celebration. It would be recalled that in 2001, George Weah scored the only goal to help Liberia beat

62

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Sierra Leone during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers but he still missed out of the world tournament. He was among thousands of fans who watch Liberia play.

Before the match between Liberia and Sierra Leone, the president took to the pitch by playing more than 180 minutes for three teams at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.

The former FIFA World Player of the Year played 90 minutes and scored once to help the executive branch of government beat the legislative branch in the day’s first match before playing for both the Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven in the second match which moved to the extra time of play to decide the winner.

President Weah played for Mighty Barrolle between 1985 and 1986 before moving to Invincible Eleven, captained the Rollers team to defeat Invincible Eleven 2-1 in the first half of the match. Weah then joined Invincible Eleven as captain to overturn the 2-1 score line to reach a 4-4 draw in the full 90 minutes. The winner was decided in the extra 30 minutes of play where the President got the game winning goal 10 minutes into the first half of the extra time.

The final result meant that the president won all three of the games he played with the executive branch of government and the former players of Mighty Barrolle and Invincible Eleven.

The President played alongside old ally on the football pitch, Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast.

The Ex-Chelsea legend and former skipper of Elephants of Cote ‘d’Ivoire, Didier Drogba was a special guest to President George Opong Weah of Liberia who celebrated the 171st independence anniversary of his country with his compatriots and friends across the globe.

Weah took out time for his first love before politics, which is football. He played in an exhibition game with an all-star team where he paired with Drogba in the attack against a Liberia selected side. It was a game to launch FOOTBALL FOR PEACE which Weah embraced. It was an interesting show of football as Weah revived and relished his glorious era on the pitch.

The power of football was once again showcased as the “low and common” had fun with high and mighty courtesy of President Weah’s hosting of the players shortly after.

It was truly “Football For Peace” Exhibition in Liberia.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

63

After World Cup victory, France faces reality of its team!

What could have unity France with their World Cup victory in Russia is generating all of sorts of controversy back at home and around the world.

France has not shaken off its domestic racial and religious politics and it is put on full display for the world to see.

President Marcon has tried to put a good French face to the world cup victory but it has not changed the mode and feeling of people particularly blacks who are short changed at every given opportunity to define how ‘French they are’ It would be recalled that they hoisted the trophy for the first time in 1998, when Zinedine Zidane led a racially and religiously diverse team that was celebrated by President Jacques Chirac as a symbol of French “unity”.

His xenophobic rival, Jean-Marie Le Pen, condemned the champions as “unworthy” representatives who (he claimed) did not know the words of La Marseillaise. For Le Pen, and his rising nativist base, color meant everything and

64

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

the pointedly Arab, Amazigh, black and ethnic minority composition of the team was a national affront, not a symbol of national pride.

In France today, this split remains: a rapidly emerging movement in which color and race mean everything, represented by the Front National, now the Rassemblement National, and an establishment that clings tightly to its fixation on colorblindness, a world view that sees race as non-existent.

Colorblindness is more than just a myth in France. It is law, whereby the words “race” and “racism” were recently removed from the constitution and the collection of racial, ethnic or religious demographic data is restricted. Both aspirational and absurd, French colorblindness says national identity trumps and supplants race and ancestry, deeming the latter two irrelevant.

One is simply and exclusively French, not French-Algerian or French-Cameroonian, the whole enterprise of hyphenated identities an affront to the national ethos.

From 1998, the conversation around colorblindness in France, and the hyphenated identities of the footballers whose faces were illuminated on the Arc de Triomphe, became a topic of national and global concern.

The 2018 team, led by its talisman, Paul Pogba, and its electric and emergent star, Kylian Mbappé, is even more black and brown than the breakthrough 1998 team. It emerged during renewed racial and xenophobic hostilities in France, manifested most vividly by the rise of Marine Le Pen, the new head of the Rassemblement National, who took nearly 34% of the vote in the 2017 Presidential election.

It does not matter how the French takes the 23 players both on and off the field players, the world cup has been won for France by panAfrican all-star selection. Muslims were also prominently represented; stars like Pogba and N’golo Kanté regularly prayed before matches.

After claiming victory in Russia, they dropped to their knees again. This was the French team the world saw at Russia 2018. It was predominantly black, overwhelmingly African and unapologetically Christians and Muslims alike. And simultaneously, still French.

A reader had twitted this on her page; Congratulations on winning the #WorldCup. France.

80% of your team is African, cut out the racism and xenophobia. 50% of your team is Muslims, cut out the Islamophobia. Africans and Muslims delivered you a second World Cup, now deliver them justice.

The tweet went ballistic. Within an hour, it was retweeted 50,000 times; today it has been retweeted 218,000 times

and liked more than half a million times. It resonated deeply within and beyond France. Trevor Noah, on The Daily Show, referenced the tweet and quipped that “Africa won the World Cup”, drawing the ire of the French ambassador. He wrote: “Unlike the United States of America, France does not refer to its citizens based on its race, religion, or origin. To us, there is no hyphenated identity.”

The ambassador doubled down on French commitment to colorblindness. Noah, who is from South Africa, pointed out that race and racism are realities that cannot be set aside.

When they win, they’re black, white, Arab, and when they lose, they’re lowlifes from the ghetto The French football legend Eric Cantona poignantly summarized the sentiment among voices that reject the notion that “France is an African team” and lauds them when victorious as exclusively French, stating: “When they win, they’re black, white, Arab, and when they lose, they’re lowlifes from the ghetto.” Cantona’s words echoed those of Karim Benzema, the world-class forward who has been blacklisted from the French team since 2015, who said before the 2014 World Cup: “If I score, I’m French. If I don’t, I’m Arab.”

Football reveals that racial transcendence in France, and the realization of colorblindness, is situational, only had when black or African, Arab or Muslim players excel on the pitch and claim glory for a country where race is illegal but institutional racism and Islamophobia ubiquitous. For the likes of Le Pen and her nativist backers who zealously hold that France is a white nation, World Cup glory isn’t enough. Echoing her father, Le Pen – and her rising base – views the 2018 team as a symbol of French societal decline.

“According to a study from last June,” writes Myriam Francois, “66% [of French people] believe traditional values are not protected enough in France, 60% think there are too many immigrants in France and 48% believe Islam and Muslims have too many rights in France today.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

65

Harmony, humility and respect: this World Cup was Deschamps’ triumph Didier Deschamps has joined the list of elite individuals who have won the world cup as a player and a National coach and for him the victory for France is more important than all the discussion of whose credit it is.

One ex-French intentional of Ghana background, Marcel Desailly has paid great tribute to the Manager who was focused all through the tournament despite heavy pressure he was under. He was criticized of his choice of players which obvious including many black players of African descent. His decision paid off and France is happier for it today.

According to him, he does not mind that some claim he won the world cup for Africa, as many of the players had their African roots and they joined us in celebrating our victory. “I am happy and pleased”, Didier said to the press.

The French national team, which captured its second World Cup and the support of fans everywhere, embodies what France can one day become, if only its political gatekeepers move aside and see their people for who they truly are: both French and African, black, Arab, Amazigh, Muslim and so much more. The whole world saw the diverse and vibrant colors of the French football team at this world. It is high time that the French government did so too.

France should pray to have a coach in the future who is strong enough as Didier-Deschamps to stand his grounds no matter what pressure and do what is best for the nation.

66

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

68

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

69

70

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

71

72

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com