The Voice magazine by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 22. NO. 214 February 2022

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Time to shift power to the South says Isooba

Maurice Kirya: Making a difference in the world of entertainment President Barrow takes oath of office for the 2nd term tenure

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Advertorial:

ESA Humanitarian funds brings relief to Kenyan women The pilot project donated by ESA Humanitarian funds of Space Center, Noordwijk in The Netherlands to support 20 women in Kenya on their Agricultural project has commenced and these women are on the path of selfsufficiency and Self-sustainability. According to the organization, Pamoja Kenya Foundation, their aim is to ensure that these women are educated through agricultural procedures. Also to impact the local government and make these beneficiaries financially independent. Their first solar project in collaboration with Perfect Concepts of Mr. John Njeru has also commenced. They are also involved in the Water tank project, which is to enable the rural communities, harvest rainwater and use when there is scarcity. With this water project, the women can grow their own crops and sell their products and have their own businesses. With the operation of the First Solar project, they no longer have need for generators and no high cost of fuel, which has globally become an essential commodity going out of

reach of the ordinary people. The solar panels are installed and already working perfectly well. According to Marion van der Voort, the founder of Pamoja Kenya Foundation, the coordinating organization for all of these projects, she says, ‘we are working with Perfect concept and Optiven Limited which has made additional solar panel available to a family house outside of this project. And these other companies are encouraging partners. There is also the pilot project on Agriculture for women, we have a group of 20 women in the pilot project, the plans for them is to grow crops, to be financially and dependably stable, she added. We also have the rain harvest water project with installed tanks to collect rains and saved for later days and weeks. It is a combination of all 3 partners in one under the Foundation Pamoja Kenya meaning together we can make a difference in our rural communities in Kenya and other places we are called to reach. You can also be part of these projects and support us by donating to Stichting Pamoja Kenya. Transfer to: NL79INGB0005621106/BIC INGBNL2A

info@pamoja-kenya.com Tel: +31654658978

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The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-governmental organizations and in dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way affiliated to any of these bodies or to any other publishing institution or political interest or group. The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination. The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy.. If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address.

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

On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis , Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra IruhMonsels, and Henry Oduenyi

BUREAU CHIEFS Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com

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Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal

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CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com

Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Magazine Designer David Banjoko davosban@gmail.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare Dare Anako You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)

Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ublished online since 2016 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we provide objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of developing c ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. You can support this project now with as much as one euro a month to help keep publishing our digital copy for you. TV MANAGEMENT

Volume 22 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

NO 214 February 2022

Contents

The Voice Magazine Volume 22. No 214 February 2022 Edition

56-58

22-25

60-63 ARTICLES

Page 6 - Editorial: Welcome to another information packed edition of The Voice magazine Pages 10 & 12 - President Barrow sworn-in for a second term in office Pages 12 - 15 - Feedbacks - Opinion of our readers Pages 16 & 17 - The 21-year-old Kenyan actress daring to dream abroad Pages 26 & 27 - On Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman Pages 28 & 29 - Aisha Buhari commissions diabetic center Pages 30 & 31 - Woes of the Wellhead Pages 32-34 - Meet The First Nigerian To Acquire Toyota And Ford Dealerships In USA Pages 40 & 41 - Lux Terra Chaplaincy HSTS holds one-day development session for youths Pages 42 – 45 - Africans in review Pages 46 & 47 - 25 Ways To Build and Support African Startups in 2022 Pages 48& 49- Tony Elumelu foundation commences 2022 entrepreneurship Pages 52& 53 - Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere Pages 54 & 55 - Meet Maurice Kirya: Making a difference in the world of music & business. Page 59 - Nigeria Ambassador best wishes to Nigeria in Holland. Pages 64 & 65 – Mindbeautysphere By Caroline Omondi Page 66 - ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali Pages 68 -71- Sports news

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Editorial

Welcome to another information packed edition of The Voice Magazine

ritically relevant events have been unfolding in rapid succession across Africa, new political space developing with many African countries preparing for elections or already held one, we recall the successful elections in the Gambia and the continuation of progress gained after the electoral removal of Yahya Jammeh at the polls in 2016 and his initial refusal to vacate office until he was forcefully sent on exile and return the small African country to a stable democratic rule. One curious election to watch out for in 2022 is that of Kenya where in the past 16 years had always had conflicts with their elections and that of 2022 is building up towards such a crescendo with the main players like Dep-

uty President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga already in the forefront and many more are joining the race. Kenyans should realize that whatever happens at the polls, the peace and stability of the country cannot be compromised for political gains. Countries like Libya is still battling to put together a peaceful election after years of conflicts and fighting since the death of late former leader, Muammar Gaddafi. An attempt to hold presidential elections in December last year failed and since then efforts to hold new elections are on. Angola is also expected to hold legislative elections this year around December 2022. Still a long time but observers are watching closely. On health matters, Africa is still lacking behind with the vaccination program for their citizens however the impact of the Corona virus and its variants has had no significant impact on the people and their economic as compared to the rest of the world, a surprise to western experts who were projecting ‘dooms day’ on Africa. However Africa still need to trend with caution as these same westerners would spread the variants more easily during their visit to many African countries. Some of them tried to lock Africans out but we think Africa should do the same to 6

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these western countries who are yet to put the corona virus under control. While climate change continue to be a challenge to the global community, Nigeria is still fighting to get the multi-national companies clear the pollution the oil and gas companies has caused in Nigeria particularly the Niger-Delta areas. Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief While the world strives to digest the import of the damning climate change report, Nigeria got a brand new Petroleum Industry Act that took over a decade to enact. We see the law as a gift to the polluting oil and gas companies. Related to that is the gale of divestment plans by international oil companies operating in Nigeria’s Niger Delta area. No, they aren’t leaving Nigeria, neither are they divesting for the dirty energy sector. The oil majors are attempting to sell their “assets” to Nigerian companies and swim into deeper offshore waters, hoping to shirk responsibility for their dastardly ecological misbehaviours in the poor communities onshore. We insist that they must clean up their mess, restore our ecosystems and compensate impacted persons before slithering into the deep. IMPROVEMENT ON OUR WEBSITE If you visit our official website – www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com, you would notice it has drastically undergone a full restructure and organization to serve you better. You can place our advertisement, goods, services, events, just anything publishable on our website. Therefore visit our site and leave a comment for us, if there anything you want to see that you miss, kindly let us know as we would ensure it is available for your reading please. In this publication, we bring you interesting articles and reports from around the world that will spur you to take deliberate actions. As ever, we bring you variety of stories, you must find something interesting to read and remember to share with your network and contacts. Your support has sustained us over the past few years and we continue to count on your support kindly. We hope to challenge you to question the current economic and development models and instigate you into acting to save the planet and our collective existence. Let your voice be heard. Thank you and God bless you all. Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief

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Michael Umerah John-Ellis It is about how to start divine or circular assignments and see them to successful completion. The book uncovers how to properly enter your calling or dream assignments, and the importance of preparatory trading for a successful and fulfilling practice of assignments. **** 5. BOOK FIVE: SPIRIT OF PROPHECY by Michael Umerah JohnEllis It is a complete topical compendium for the Christian empowerment. The book expounds to teach on what Prophecy is and not, the levels of Prophecy, how prophecies come for the advantage believers, and proper ministerial representation of God as his/her mouthpiece and employer. All books are published on www.amazon.com For your reading pleasure as hard copy or Kindle edition and downloads, Contact +2348032265077 or +2347086368336. E-Mail: michaeljohnellis@gmail.com

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Pastor Roel & Ida Van Rooij Senior Pastor 4Pillars Community Church Almere

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Get Your Vaccine A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer. Try to observe the rules and regulations

Protect yourself & others PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST COVID & OTHER VARIANTS A COVID booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity from the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer. Try to observe the rules and regulations and kindly share this essential information with your families, friends, and love ones so we can beat Covid and associated variants together. Let us have a safe and healthy 2022. Your safety starts with taking responsible actions – Get vaccination and if you have done that, get your booster.

GET YOUR BOOSTER JAB TODAY MAKE 2022 YOUR BEST YEAR ................

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President Barrow sworn-in for a second term in office

resident Adama Barrow has been sworn in as The Gambia’s president for a second 5 years term after securing his peoples’ mandate at the polls. His reelection was challenged at the Supreme Court by the Opposition party, United Democratic Party (UDP) but the court rejected the request for the election to be annulled as they did not present any evidence to warrant such decision. Therefore clearance was given and the swearing in ceremony went ahead as scheduled on 19th January 2022 in Banjul, The Gambia. His Excellency, President Barrow received several of his counterparts from the African continent at the ceremony, those who attended included the following Head of States; The President of the Republic of GuineaBissau, His Excellency Umaru Sissoco Embalò; H.E. Faure Essozimma Gnassingbé of the Republic of Togo; H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazoauni of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; H.E. Julius Maada Bio of the Republic of Sierra Leone; H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana; H.E. Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal; H.E. Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. George Manneh Weah of the Republic of

Liberia among other dignitaries including representatives of the President of United States of America, Joe Biden and the European Union. It was the second time he had taken the oath after his

formal inauguration was delayed by the reluctance of his predecessor to leave office. “This is a victory for democracy,” he told a full stadium of his countrymen and women at the Independence Stadium in Bakau near the capital Banjul. “Few people would have thought that I’d be standing here today,” he said. He told the crowd that Gambian people now had the power to control their own destiny and that he was going to free political prisoners and improve press freedom. “For 22 years, the Gambian people yearned to live in a country where our diverse tribes will be bridged by tolerance and our determination to work together for the common good,” he said. “One Gambia, one nation, one people.” President Barrow talked of pressing economic challenges left over from the rule of his predecessor, Yahya Jammeh. “We have inherited an economy in decline,” the new president said, and promised to attract investment in the technology sector, introduce free primary education and strengthen the judiciary. “Gambia has changed forever. The people are fully conscious that they can put a government in office as well as remove it.” The president’s first swearing-in was at a lowkey event at the country’s embassy in Senegal after the lengthy power struggle which forced his predecessor to flee into exile. This time around, it was a mode of celebration, the Brass bands began playing ahead of the event and flags waved and the stadium was packed full of the people to see their President take oath of office for the second time and in a more proper ceremony. President Barrow is only the third president in the history of The Gambia, and the celebrations also mark 52 years of the country’s independence. It would be recalled the President was declared winner with 53% of the votes cast beating the rest of the Opposition parties in the elections on 4th December 2021.

Text & photos from Communication Unit office of the President of The Gambia

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PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS UN DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, AMINA MOHAMMED ON REAPPOINTMENT

resident Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with UN Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, on her re-appointment for a second term, assuring of the prayers and support of Nigerians, especially the Federal Executive Council, where she served for some years. The President sends deepest appreciation to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for the confidence reposed on the former Minister of the Environment, giving her another opportunity to serve the global body and humanity, which further enhances the voice and presence of Nigeria. President Buhari notes that Mohammed’s dedication to duty has always been exceptional, and her interest in improving the livelihood of people, through personal and institutional efforts, continues to stand her out, affirming that the UN Deputy Secretary General remains an inspiration to many women in Nigeria, Africa and the global community. The President joins family, friends and associates of the renowned technocrat and diplomat in celebrating

the well-deserved re-appointment, wishing her all the best on the next rung of the leadership ladder. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President

We have lift off

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More young suicides in lockdown months: New figures show in The Netherlands

uicides rose significantly amongst Dutch people up to the age of 30 last year, particularly during the lockdown months of January, February and December. Figures published by a new body, the Commissie Actuele Nederlandse Suïcideregistratie, showed that an average of more than 20 young adults took their own lives each month last year, reports the Parool. But in January, February and December, the totals were more than 30 every month. According to a Cans breakdown provided to DutchNews.nl, suicides amongst people up to the age of 30 were classed statistically as ‘worrying’ in these three months, compared with the baseline rates measured between 2013 and 2019. Renske Gilissen, chair of Cans and head researcher at the helpline 113 Suicide prevention, which was asked to compile the figures, said that the statistics were ‘sad and worrying’ and an indication of even more extensive social suffering. For some people the hard lockdowns, including a curfew, could have been the last straw, she said. ‘There is rarely just one cause, and often people are dealing with several factors piled on top of one another,’ she told the Parool. ‘But the strict corona rules in January, February and December could certainly have played a role. Normally the number of suicides each month is relatively constant, although we often see a peak in January.

But in those months, the numbers were markedly higher than in the same months in the years before.’ She added that 14

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young adults could be particularly vulnerable if deprived of social contact. ‘Social contact with their peers, going out, discovering the world are so important for young people,’ she reportedly added. ‘If all that is impossible, or hardly possible, it can lead to loneliness and depressive thoughts.’ Problems Elnathan Prinsen, chair of the Dutch psychiatrists association NVvP, who has repeatedly drawn attention to the damage to young people and adolescents when education is shut, told the Parool that while adults can recover mentally from the effects of lockdown, it is harder for young people at an important stage of their development. ‘During the first lockdown, they reported twice as many mental complaints as before,’ he reportedly said. ‘A few months later it was still one and a half times as high, while in older groups you saw complaints return again to a normal level. If young people go into the next lockdown with more problems, they will all pile up.’ Although figures last August suggested that there was no overall increase in suicides up to July, the new breakdown looks at different groups month by month since the pandemic started in March 2020. If a rate is higher than 95% of the other months from 2013 to 2019, it is red-lighted, and this is case for young people in the lockdown periods last year. ‘Reconsider’ In the overall population, there were relatively more suicides than in the previous years in June 2021 – orange lighted – and at ‘yellow’ concern levels in several other months. Health minister Ernst Kuipers said the increase of suicides in young people was partly related to the closure of educational institutions to stop the spread of coronavirus, and called it ‘truly awful’. The head of Cans made an appeal to the government to reconsider the current lockdown rules, with the mental effects on young people in mind. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can talk or chat anonymously with the helpline 113.nl or call 113 or the free number 0800-0113

“I was born in Africa, raised in Africa, studied in Africa, worked in Africa, and have achieved success in Africa. Beyond business success, one must always look for ways not only to give back, but also to empower the generation coming behind us so that they can go even further than we have. That is how we can enact this social and economic change that we are all seeking in our continent and in our world today.” - Tony O. Elumelu, C.O.N.

OPINION

About AFRICA

Richard Smith

have been asked many times what I think of Africans, here is what I think of Africans, without language and without taboos. They sell everything to the highest bidder, even the land. Then they poison themselves with everything that is available. Their pastors or so called men of God. They rob their congregations and become billionaires in their very poor nations. They made the churches to become family inheritance... the father, the mother, children and other business interests. “I am not racist because I do not believe for a single second that I am superior to a Black man”. The difference with them is that, “we think of our descendants”, we are calculators, we protect our interests and we’ll kill for that if need be”. “We are not emotional, we have passed this stage”. If the Lion has pity on the Gazelle, it is he who will die of hunger. “They

have lions at home, but they do not understand the laws of nature”!!!. “For everything, they confide in Superstition and Religion”. The difference between the others and Blacks is, “while others reflect, Blacks do not think, they do not use their intellectual capacity and very few Blacks are analytical”. And when a few Black people pierce through, we admit them to our side or eliminate them in one way or another, most often, with the hand of other Blacks. “We brought them our God and continuously invent fuzzy concepts to confuse them more”. In a hundred years, their descendants will be more slaves than they are now!!! “They are already more unhappy than the generation of their parents”, and they naively believe that numbers will be their strength. “Just watch how they drown at sea to come over to Europe”. We conquered them with a few tens of ours and the active help of theirs leaders (Blacks selling their own for fake jobs and prostitution). We forced them to speak and write in our languages! They even judge each other by how much one can speak like us. We will control their descendants more than we control them right now. (Happening already!) lf given opportunity they are ready to abandon their land to come over as willing slaves, rather than with determination and commitment build their land. Other people understood our game, (like the Chinese, Indians, Koreans etc.) they started to use the same technical knowledge as us to protect and dissuade, but the Blacks did not understand anything. “I’m sorry to be so brutal in my submission. Nothing personal, I’m just plain.” Africans must wake up to the truth and fight the good fight. Unity and love each other and protect what is left of Africa. By Richard Smith. He is a famous British guitarist

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Old age is not a taboo.

ld age should be celebrated; it is the gift of God. Many are praying for long life and good health. But, why is Bola Tinubu lying about his real age? Recently, his information on Wikipedia was edited over 4 times to accommodate the lies about his age. Few hours ago, his daughter’s age was edited as well. Anyone who can lie about his/her age has failed the integrity test needed for leadership. Lying portrays lack of moral capacity to lead. Leadership is a moral duty. Leadership is the display of personal integrity and role modelling. Lying is a factor that impedes moral actions, once you are a liar, you can never have the moral courage to execute a sound judgement. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no leadership capacity. Lying about something that is as basic and important as age is a red flag. Tinubu’s “long life ambition” is an insult on our collective intelligence. Someone should tell Tinubu that Nigeria is not for sale!

Disclaimer: Statement from Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina’s office on his endorsement of Bola Tinubu for President in 2023 He is not a politician and it is absolutely wrong to credit him with what he has not said. Please leave him out of this. The task before him is about assisting Africa and ensuring that the interventions of the Bank have meaningful impact on the population of Africa. That is what has earned him the nickname of “Africa’s Optimist-In-Chief”. AAA is much focused and will not allow himself to be distracted from his mandate. Thank you for your understanding. By Lola Visser-Mabogunje, MSc, MCMI, FCAI (Consultant) Chief Executive Officer GMKONSULT Ltd 16

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Rubbish By Honourable Henry Obinna Onwuachu Amsterdam, The Netherlands Editor’s Note. This is one question that Tinubu himself and his campaigners do not have an answer for and they would get upset when you ask this simple question. How old is Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu? I am 57 years old so why is this so difficult for him to tell Nigerians? If he does not know, let him admit that there was no birthday certificate or registration at the time of his birth! Then it is understandable. We have a current President Buhari who also does not know his age; he claims to be in his 70s but acts like 100 years old man with memory loss!

Her Majesty recognizes Marcia Dixon with MBE in England Marcia Dixon has received her royal recognition as an MBE from Windsor Castle recently. The recognition was presented to her by the future King of England, Prince Williams on behalf of Her Majesty. Although it has been a journey but one that Marcia is grateful to God for enabling her to serve her community with her best efforts. Her works are well known with the Britain’s black Christian community. “I never expected when I started out as a young journalist, writing the Soul Stirrings column for iconic black publication, The Voice newspaper, that years later I’d receive an MBE”. In her words, “I’m grateful and appreciative

that I am a child of Windrush Generation parents, Rupert and Doreen Dixon, and also that I am a child of God, sweetly saved and sanctified”. She went on further to add, “I feel proud that I have received an award for my work – I’d like to think that my award is also in recognition of the black Christian community and the Black Pentecostal church that I have served through my work”. According to her she is full of praises to the black church community in United Kingdom. “I have said it before, and I’ll say it again, the black church is one of the greatest success stories of the Windrush Generation. It is a life transformation centre through the gospel message that it preaches and the services and support it provides for the vulnerable, disadvantaged, hurt and the lost. I’m proud to be a part of it, proud to serve it and thank God for my award”. Finally she also wishes thank those who nominated her to be recognized by Her Majesty. “Only God deserves all the glory, she concluded.

Nigeria to lift ban on Twitter

igeria’s decision to scrap the seven-month long ban on Twitter is good news for Nigerian citizens, the social media giant and the government itself. The decision to ban Twitter was made in haste in June 2021 after the platform removed a contentious tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari. The action of the Nigerian government attracted international fury and prevented millions of Nigerians from accessing a legitimate platform of communication and commerce.

For its part, the Nigerian government may feel that the ban has served its purpose and vindicated its decision to play hardball with the company. Twitter reportedly agreed but has not publicly confirmed that it will meet several government conditions including the establishment of an office in the country and the payment of domestic taxes. That is welcome news - social media giants must contribute more to the countries from which they draw increasing revenues. Yet much of this could probably have been achieved without recourse to a draconian ban which drew the ire of the US and Europe and disadvantaged many lawabiding Nigerians. As more Africans come online and seek the freedoms and commercial opportunities of the internet, African governments and social media companies will have to find ways to work together. Dialogue rather than arbitrary bans is the way forward.

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The 21 year old Kenyan actress daring to dream abroad

t just 21 years of age, Janet Kilonzo is a budding actress in one of the greatest cities in the world. Despite the numerous stereotypes she has encountered so far, she has made it her mission to break the mould of what Hollywood perceives ‘African’ to be. Following in the footsteps of her fellow country folk Lupita Nyong’o, she also hopes to make it in Hollywood and star in her own hit show or blockbuster film one day. When Janet Kilonzo informs me that she is just 21 years old, I cannot conceal the expression of astonishment on my face. However, she gently brushes it off with a smile, stating that it is a response she has grown accustomed to whenever she introduces herself. Janet was born and raised in Kenya, but moved to New York City three years ago to pursue both education and a career in acting. She describes herself over our Zoom chat as always wanting to be on stage from a very young age, notably for her love of dance. “When I was a child back in Kenya, my friends and I used to put on choreographic plays of popular songs and perform them during assembly,” she recalls. This was even before she realized acting was the professional path she intended to take. Her first acting role came when she was offered the role of Mary in a nativity scene during a Christmas concert. It was the connection with the audience’s reaction and the sense of vitality onstage that drew her to acting. Even so, this part was insufficiently engaging to inspire her to pursue an acting career. When another opportunity presented itself, she seized it with both hands. “I had the opportunity to play “James and the Giant Peach” in high school, but it came about when the main lead became ill. Due to the fact that

I knew the lines, our theatre instructor assigned the role to me. This is when my mind was made up beyond a shadow of a doubt that acting was what I desired to do,” she tells 18

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Text: Eunice Mwaura

me. Janet is now a graduate of the America Academy of Dramatic Arts and is embarking on a promising career in theatre, television, and film. However, like with every other professional path, huddles are inevitable. What is it like for Janet as a budding actress away from her native nation? Q: As an international actress what are your key areas of focus or interest? What kind of actress are you?

Janet Kilonzo: I am keenly interested in the theatre and TV/film area of the entertainment industry. My strong suits have always been bold, dramatic, thought provoking characters. I am the kind of actress who takes on characters who have a fiery/vulnerable aura to them because they’re the ones I feel most connected to. Q: What roles have you recently done and how do you select the roles you act in? Janet Kilonzo: Most recently I was ‘Fatima’ in the play ‘Appointment with God’ by Asiimwe Deborah Kawe. It’s a play about a group of nervous visa applicants in an unnamed country who are seated in a waiting room, trading stories and tips on how to best present themselves before US consuls - the Gods. Whenever I receive a script, first thing I do is read it as I would a book, and not as an actor. If I feel connected to it and I can see myself adding my own flavour and personality to it, then I know it’s something I want to do. Other times, it could be that I have worked with the director/producer before. As such, I trust myself to work with them without reading it as much as I would if I wasn’t familiar with who was behind the scenes. Q: As an aspiring African actress working and living in New York what are the challenges you’ve found in the acting sphere? Janet Kilonzo: Despite the privilege of living and working in New York, one challenge I face for example, are

stereotypes and having to break the mould of what they think ‘African’ is. You will be asked for odd demands such as ‘make it more African.’ With such stipulations, you need to stand your ground, not in a rude way, but in a professional manner. This is because when you ask them what that means, you often find that they themselves do not have an answer. That being said, the positive rewards I get back as an actress always supersede the challenges faced. Q: The acting industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with many opportunities. As a woman of colour do you feel you have equal opportunities in this industry? Janet Kilonzo: I think women of colour have come a long way in an industry that hasn’t been kind to them. I don’t think I have equal opportunities as a woman of colour, let alone being a person of colour. However, in the past couple of decades we have seen women of colour such as Viola Davis, Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling creating their own paths in this industry and not settling for less than what they feel they deserve. They inspire generations of young women including myself to kick down the door and create our own table and I hope that I too can one day lead a path that inspires other young Africans to do the same. Q: Various social media platforms have created overnight actresses. Do you feel easy accessibility into the industry will help or hurt it? Janet Kilonzo: Social media has most definitely become an advantage in creating how you say ‘overnight actors.’ But I don’t believe for the majority of them it was overnight success. When you look at the actors who blew up on social media and are currently having a steady career you find that they too have years of hard work, and for some, training behind them. There is no one way to enter and become successful in the entertainment industry, social media is simply one of the ways. So, I do not see it as a threat but more so a means to an end. Q: For young women who might be interested, one might want to know how you become an actress. What kind of training is required? Janet Kilonzo: To be an actress, no compulsory training

is required though it would be a massive advantage if you had one. If you’re young, you can start by joining your local theatre or taking drama as a subject if your school offers it. There are also masterclasses by different directors/trainers. When you’ve graduated high school, you can then apply and audition to drama universities. The kind of training I went through involved movement work, voice, speech etc. which I believe strongly aided me in becoming the actress I am today. The best part of being an actor is that you have to watch a lot of TV/ film and theatre- through this you get inspiration and you learn about how actors go through the process and this helps a lot. Q: As an African actress, do you feel that there are opportunities on the continent for you? Janet Kilonzo: I think that African cinema is evolving every day, from Nollywood to the hit TV shows coming out of South Africa. With the growing intrigue for African culture and the African diaspora finding their way back to their roots, there’s also more want for African entertainment. That creates opportunity in TV/film, music, media etc. Q: Which female actress best embodies the actress you would like to become? Janet Kilonzo: Viola Davis. She has been a long term inspiration of mine. Her aura and strength on camera has been one I felt like connects with me the most and I am in constant awe of how she shifts and naturally portrays characters. I admire her discipline and ethics. Q: Janet, 10years from now what would you have liked to achieve? Janet Kilonzo: In 10 years’ time, there are 3 main things; I would like to be the main role in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, I would like to have taught and continue teaching masterclasses back home in Nairobi and I would like to have had a main role in a Broadway show. Q: As we wind up, any advice or words of encouragement for young people? Janet Kilonzo: Never accept a ‘no’ as a whole sentence. That no does not dictate your future or the amount of work you have invested in something. Of course you will get numerous rejections, but you must persevere and put your best foot forward.

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YOUR COPY NOW.... Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword

BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out…… Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values. Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted. Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;

partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute. He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands. The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage. You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes. Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned. This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that

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image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly. Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com

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Abubakary Jawara – A man with the heart of gold making a huge difference in The Gambia The Gambia is rated as one of the poorest countries on the continent of Africa yet his successful citizens are making the difference in the lives of the common people of The Gambia. One of such persons is Mr. Abubakary Jawara, a successful businessman and a recipient of the Voice Achievers Award 2021 in Dubai. UAE on 19th September 2021. During a chat with the Voice magazine, he said. His intention is to make life more meaningful for the ordinary people of his country. “God has only blessed me so I could be a blessing to my fellow human beings and I am just doing the little I can to make life more easy for our people” He hails from Gambissara Village of Jimara, Upper River Region of The Gambia. Mr Abubacarr Jawara was born to Alhaji Bajaija Jawara and AJA Fatou Kabba on the 10th of February, 1974. After his basic primary and secondary education, he step off to look for greener pasture which took him to Nigeria in 1994 and after a while he travelled further to Congo Brazzaville with the sole purpose to look forward for a greener pasture.

nowing how burdensome it was to live in The Gambia especially in the rural areas, in 1995, he undertook another fruitful journey to Angola and stayed with his brother and accumulated vast experience in business domain. He later returned to The Gambia and reignited the family love and genuine pleasure of friendship in Gambissara Village. In his quest to achieve excellence, the pragmatic and business minded Abubakary Jawara paved his way to Hong Kong in 2001 and later onto China in 2003 with enthusiasm and commitment in all frontiers as well as in mind that China has wider discoveries for start-up businesses. He defied all the odds and his life as a successful entrepreneur then began in China. During his stay in these foreign countries, he developed interest in entrepreneurship and diplomatic services. Abubakary Jawara has never engaged in dubious actions detrimental to the lives of the people around him, nor has he been found wanting. In 2007, he returned to the Gambia, now prepared to see the new realities of doing business in Africa with the experiences he has gathered in his sojourn. He started his company now as Gambia, Angola and China Global Company (GACH). He runs offices in the Gambia and China concurrently. After gaining public confidence, trust and recognition, Mr. Jawara served as the Council General of The republic of The 22

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Gambia to China from 2006 till now. Mr. Jawara successes and fortune GACH Company led to the establishment of multi million dollar Tomato Paste factory which he inaugurated in 2018 as the first and only Tomato Paste factory in The Gambia. Mr. Jawara has successfully made business turnover from Angola to China and Hong Kong from 2007 to 2009 and generated sixty seven million dollars $67M banking with HSBC Bank in Hong Kong and provides sufficient jobs along the way with efficient remuneration for his employees. Discovering that the majority of the Gambian population were youths, he decided to render assistance to the young people. Mr. Jawara extends his support to the growing youthful exuberance by establishing GACH Mining and Construction Company in 2017 as well as GACH Security Company and GAM Hajj Posts in 2018 to create more job opportunities for this young population. Mr. Jawara even though he lives his life as an ordinary citizen who was blessed to travel abroad, he did not settled abroad as many of his fellow country men and women, he decided to bring back his business network and contacts to the Gambia to develop the country. According to him, it has not been easy as there are many obstacles including people who deliberately want to pull you down and or make you fail but through it all, he continues to strive and move forward and support his people.

He has supported hundreds of low scale projects that are too numerous recall in this publication, we would just mention a few and he has promised the Voice magazine a tour during our visit to the country later in the year 2022. It would be recalled that during his village to village tour, he had promised the youths of Gambisara to help fence their football pitch which often it is encroached upon by roaming animals, true to his promise he donated cash and bags of cements for the fencing of their football field and the youths are indeed happy to find a man with interest and hearts for sports particularly the development of football in the Gambia. The National team qualified for the African Cup of Nations which took place recently in Cameroon. In another development, 137 organizations in Basse URR has selected the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gach Global trading company, H o n o r a b l e Abubakary Jawara as their father, (leader). This honour is bestowed on him due to his position of trust, admiration, love, and solidarity for all that he is doing for the Gambians. Due to the fact that he cannot meet each and every one of them now, he made a handsome donation of 500,000.00 dalasis towards the victory celebration or any other form of refreshments or cultural activities towards appreciating the reelection of the President of the Republic of the Gambia. “Many of them sacrificed and gave it all to support the reelection of our President therefore I am supporting back in return”. “I want to assure them that I got their backs. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of them”, Mr. Jawara added. Honorable Aboubakary Jawara, the CEO of Gach Global trading company also has extended generosity to people of

Sanyang village where he donated a big bull worth ten thousand dalasis (10000) in cash towards the victory celebration of President Barrow. The donation was received by the VDC of Sanyang. Mr. Jawara although not a government official continue to support the President and ensure that his victory is well celebrated by the people who campaigned hard to ensure the election went in favour of the President. He has this message for the people of Sanyang. “You all have a place in my and the sky is the limit to what support you would receive from me”. Not too long ago, he sponsored K.M.C. Regional Football tournament to promote football at the grassroot levels, in that tournament 26 football teams participated which the local people attended. He provided the trophies and gifts for the participating teams. Bakoteh football team won the trophy which was presented on behalf of Mr. Jawara and his company, GACH Group. According to the message of Mr. Jawara delivered on his behalf; he told all the participating teams that they are all winners because the spirit is that of togetherness to build football in the Gambia. The resultant effect is that many youths are taking to football rather than idling around at the beaches. From 2013 to date, Mr Jawara helps women groups around the Gambia through sponsoring their agricultural projects, donates millions of dalasi in the youth advancement programs and built mosques, schools as well as community development initiative programs. During the year 2017 to 2019, he provided partnership support for Soninkara Sporting Association (SSA) that gathers all the Soninkara Communities to a single football platform annually, Mr. Jawara donated $20 thousands to this. From 2007-2020, Hon Jawara CEO of GACH was declared Continued on Page 24 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 23 the youngest Multimillionaire who has managed more than (1) one Hundred Million Dollars which he uses for National and International developments. In 2020, CEO Abubakary Jawara also donated $15 thousands (Gambian dalasis D750.000 to FISO for the Festival. 2015. CEO Jawara under the leadership of GACH donated items worth $75.000 to support blood transfusion services in The Gambia under the leadership of the minister Omar Sey 2007 CEO Jawara gives Motor-bikes and some other items $85.000 To IGP Gambia police 2013, Mr Jawara paid the ticket for child abandoned by his parents from China to The Gambia, the same year a Gambian man was stabbed with a knife by the Chinese people Mr. Jawara take care of his hospital bails and also pay his tickets back to The Gambia which he have also done for many Gambians in China. Thanks to CEO Jawara, nearly 200 people were taken to HAJJI In March 2020 CEO Abubakary Jawara joined world to fight COVID-19 Pandemic by donating and distribution of Items and goods. His company has presented hand sanitizers, posters, Liquids soaps, kettles Eau de Javel and tissues hand over to URR GOVERNOR Fanta Bojang Samateh.

In March 2020, GACH CEO Abubakary Jawara inaugurated borehole for Sanyang Schools. The borehole cost a sum of 500,000 dalasis. School administrators, students and community members welcomed the gesture as “timely and benevolent” as it will help the school ease water challenges. Fatoumata Jawara-Dukureh, who inaugurated the new

borehole on behalf of GACH CEO, Abubacarr Jawara, said: “We are very happy for helping the school with a new borehole because we are committed to helping Gambian communities.” GACH also held a community sensitization on Coronavirus by doling out tissue papers, soaps, sanitisers and bleach to school children, mosques, car parks, and other public communities, amounting to about 150, 000 dalasi. In December 2020, CEO Abubakary Jawara also donated 1000 bags to community of Sanyang and D100, 000 to the women of Sanyang Kombo KOMBO South. In October 2020, CEO Abubakary Jawara donated 37 worth over 1.5 million dalasis of motorbikes to needy ceremony held at his office Fatima Plaza along Berth Harding Highway. In December 2020, CEO Abubakary Jawara build mosques worth over 2 million for one Islamic scholar in Diabugu Batapa URR. In March 2021, CEO Abubakary Jawara build Sanyang police station after set fire by mob worth over 2.2 million Dallasis project with full furnish including computers. Mr. Jawara’s mantra is that, we can all make it happen towards development initiative undertakings when we are conscious of the fact that dedication and commitment geared Known for his ambitious nature, courageous efforts and perseverance, Jawara received numerous awards for his humanitarian work and philanthropic gestures such as The Goodwill Ambassador’s award from Operation Save The Children Foundation, National Blood Transfusion Award in 2019, Chinese Construction Award for his benevolent support and 2017 staff of the year by Sufeng Group’s Annual Best Partner Award, Gambian Iconic Award from the People’s 24

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Choice Magazine in 2019, African Leadership Award from France in 2019 and the prestigious Businessman of the year from the Gambia Soninkara Namansanou (GSN) in the year of 2019, FIKA Annual Award night in Kaolack, Senegal as the Most Innovative Entrepreneur on the 10th of February 2019 which coincided with his birthday and Ambassadorial Diploma as The African Leadership Award (ALA) in 2019. In 2021 he was recognized again in Dubai through the Voice Achievers Award with African Personality Award alongside the First Lady of the Gambia, Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Abubakay Jawara CEO of Gach Global trading company told the media that his goal is to empower small business communities and support his country’s government via his support to the President, President Adama Barrow to succeed. In his closing remarks, this is the first leader taking after our founding father, Late President Sir Dawda Jawara whose objective was to make life better for the citizenry. “President Barrow is following in the same foot steps to bring Gambians first in development policies of his government and for that I am willing to contribute to the advancement of my

Book Review on Late Dr. Dora Akunyili ‘I Am Because We Are’ An African Mother’s Fight for the Soul of a Nation Written by: Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr The African edition of the book - ‘I Am Because We Are’ hits shelves across Nigeria early this month and it is selling fast This great compilation of the life and times of late Dora Akunyili is the work of her daughter, Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr. She expressed her gratitude for the reception the book is enjoying and thanking her late mother that she can share her story with the rest of the world. Stories matter, they are a critical way through which we understand ourselves and the world around us. This is one

country”. of such stories. I trust its inspiration will find you. In this innovative and intimate memoir, a daughter tells the story of her mother, a pan-African hero who faced down misogyny and battled corruption in Nigeria. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu — the importance of community over the individual — and outraged by injustice, Dora Akunyili took on fraudulent drug manufacturers whose products killed millions, including her sister. A woman in a man’s world, she was elected and became a cabinet minister, but she had to deal with political manoeuvrings, death threats, and an assassination attempt for defending the voiceless. She suffered for it, as did her marriage and six children. I Am Because We Are illuminates the role of kinship, family, and the individual’s place in society, while revealing a life of courage, how community shaped it, and the web of humanity that binds us all. Below is a handy link to purchasing globally: https://lnkd.in/ewqACkEn www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

On Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman

n 1961, a quarter century before he became Africa’s first winner of a Nobel Prize for literature, a young Wole Soyinka performed in a radio play version of Things Fall Apart. A year later, he attended the conference at Makerere University College in Uganda where Achebe gave his address on the African writer and the English language. In Death and the King’s Horseman (1975), Soyinka brings many of Achebe’s themes to the stage, developing them for the rapidly globalizing postcolonial world of the 1970s. The play’s global footprint is increasing today in a newly expanding mediascape. A Netflix film version of the play was announced in June 2020, together with a series based on a Nigerian woman’s debut novel. In a news release about the production, Soyinka was quoted as expressing his pleasure that the producer is a woman: “In a creative industry which, even in pioneering countries, is so male dominated, it is always a delight to see robust challenges offered by the female gender, and of attestable quality. Mo Abudu’s incursion into this arena as film and television producer has been especially stimulating. It becomes part of one’s sense of achievement, if one has contributed, however minutely, to the creation of an enabling environment.” Like Things Fall Apart, Soyinka’s play centers on a powerful but flawed hero who comes into conflict with a colonial administration hostile to local religious customs, and the hero’s patriarchal obsessions run counter to the perspectives of the women around him. The play also dramatizes a clash of generations as well as of cultures, hinging on a son’s shocking death. Yet Death and the King’s Horseman combines many different literary strands, and it is based on an actual event. In 1946, when a Yoruba king died, the king’s companion and counselor Elesin, known as the Horseman of the King, prepared to commit suicide as commanded by tradition, in order to accompany his king into the afterlife. Nigeria was still a British colony, and the colonial District Officer placed Elesin under arrest in order to prevent the ritual suicide from taking place. This act of mercy backfired when Elesin’s eldest son committed suicide in his father’s place. Death and the King’s Horseman combines many different literary strands, and it is based on an actual event. A friend of Soyinka, Duro Ladipo, had already written a play

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on this theme in Yoruba under the title Oba Waja, “The King Is Dead.” This short, polemical play unambiguously blames the tragedy on the English imperialists who have denied Elesin his proper role in the immemorial social and cosmic order. As he laments in sexualized language, “My charms were rendered impotent / By the European; / My medicines have gone stale in their calabash.” Soyinka developed a far more complex play, drawing on traditional Yoruba drama, in which music, song, and dance convey much of a work’s meaning. Soyinka also builds on the traditions of Greek tragedy, with a group of market women, led by the feisty Iyaloja, serving as his version of a Greek chorus. Two years earlier, Soyinka had published an adaptation of Euripides, The Bacchae: A Communion Rite, in which he boldly associated Greek tragedy and Christian sacrifice: the tearing apart of King Pentheus by the ecstatic Bacchantes becomes a version of the sacrament of communion. Soyinka’s Elesin has much in common with Sophocles’ Oedipus. Both are faced with the need to carry through an ancestral pattern that other characters—Oedipus’s wife, Jocasta, District Officer Pilkings in Soyinka—wish to relegate to ancient history. In both plays, the life of the community requires the hero’s self-sacrifice. Death and the King’s Horseman also ends with a Sophoclean combination of reversal and recognition, complete with dialogue concerning vision and blindness. Elesin’s son Olunde is deeply disappointed when he discovers that his father hasn’t committed suicide as he should have. Elesin reacts to Olunde’s palpable disgust by crying, “Oh son, don’t let the sight of your father turn you blind!” The son’s blinding insight into his father’s failure is doubled

with the father’s reciprocal, devastating vision of his son’s success, when Olunde’s body is displayed to him in the final scene. Soyinka’s play can also be compared to Shakespeare’s tragedies. Unable to free himself from earthly attachments, Elesin has delayed his suicide in order to consummate a lastminute marriage, much as King Lear tries to retain a sizeable retinue even after giving the kingdom over to his three daughters. Echoes of Hamlet can be heard as well. Soyinka has Olunde returning from medical school in England—a modern equivalent to Hamlet’s philosophy studies in Germany—to

try to heal the murderous disorder he finds at home. Like the young Hamlet, Olunde loses his own life in the process. Soyinka takes further Conrad’s overlaying of Africa and England. In Heart of Darkness Marlow connects the Congo River and the Thames; now, one of the market women asks: “Is it not the same ocean that washes this land and the white man’s land?” Soyinka complicates the theme of the intertwining of civilization and barbarism by shifting the story from its occurrence in 1946 back into the midst of World War II. When Jane expresses her horror at the prospect of Elesin’s ritual suicide, Olunde retorts, “Is that worse than mass suicide? Mrs. Pilkings, what do you call what those young men are sent to do by their generals in this war?” Like Things Fall Apart, Soyinka’s play portrays the tragedy of a community struggling to uphold its traditions in the face of colonial domination. Yet Nigeria’s situation in 1975 was very different from 1958, when Achebe was writing on the cusp of independence. A parliamentary government was established in 1960, but it was overthrown in a military coup in 1966, and growing ethnic and economic conflicts led to the Nigerian–

Biafran civil war of 1967–70. Soyinka suffered two years of imprisonment on charges of aiding the Biafran cause, then went into exile in England, where he wrote his play. Though Soyinka set the action back in the colonial period, Elesin’s attempt to satisfy his personal desires by evoking traditional customs echoes comparable efforts by Nigeria’s military leaders in the 1970s—a similarity we’ll see in Georges Ngal’s work as well. Building on Achebe’s call for African writers to reinvent the English language, Soyinka uses English as both a resource and a weapon. Pilkings and his fellow administrators use blunt language with their African subordinates, who often speak in a creolized English (“Mista Pirinkin, sir”) that registers their lower status in the colonial hierarchy. But Soyinka plays with the politics of language among his African characters as well. When the Nigerian Sergeant Amusa goes to arrest Elesin to prevent his suicide, the market women block his path. After mocking him sexually, they take on British accents: “What a cheek! What impertinence!” They then stage a little play within the play, acting the roles of selfsatisfied colonialists: “I have a rather faithful ox called Amusa”; “Never known a native to tell the truth.” Amusa is reduced to a stammering pidgin: “We dey go now, but make you no say we no warn you.” Yet even though he is working for the colonists, Amusa retains a deep-seated respect for his culture’s traditional values, and he is horrified when Pilkings and his wife, Jane, don Yoruba egungun costumes for a costume ball. The egungun are the spirits of the dead, full of uncanny power. Amusa pleads with Pilkings, “I beg you sir, what you think you do with that dress? It belong to dead cult, not for human being.” Pilkings only mocks Amusa for giving credence to such “mumbo-jumbo.” The position of Jane Pilkings is particularly interesting in this war of races, genders, and words. Though she is loyal to her often obtuse husband, she makes genuine efforts to understand what’s really going on, and she gradually becomes aware of parallels between the natives and herself as a woman within a patriarchal society. As she and Pilkings prepare to head off to the costume ball, hearing the ominous sound of drumming in the distance, she hints that he may not have been handling the problem of Elesin “with your usual brilliance—to begin with that is.” Pilkings impatiently replies: “Shut up woman and get your things on,” to which she responds in the language of a native servant: “Alright boss, coming.” From Around the World in 80 Books by David Damrosch, to be published by Penguin Press, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. Copyright © 2021 by David Damrosch. By David Damrosch Relates the Play to Other Great Works

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Aisha Buhari Commissions Diabetic Center First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has urged well-meaning Nigerians and private sector organizations to complement government efforts especially on projects that seek to improve the health and wellbeing of the citizens of the country. She was speaking during the commissioning of the Prof. Felicia Onumah Diabetic and Endocrine Center at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital on 9th December 2021. Mrs. Buhari expressed happiness with the development of the center, which is the first stand-alone diabetic and endocrine center in Nigeria, and “because it tallies with her concern and passion for the health and well-being of the citizens of the country.” She commended the partnership that made the establishment of the center possible. She spoke on the need for more awareness campaigns on diabetes and a mandatory diabetes screening for women especially during pregnancy; she also urged for the screening of infants within 72hours of birth. Mrs. Buhari congratulated Professor Felicia Onumah, who initiated the process of the establishment of the center and after whom it was named. In a welcome remark, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Bisallah Ekele said the center shall provide specialist clinical care to patients with endocrine disorders; offer teaching and training opportunities to undergraduates, resident doctors, and other health care practitioners, and shall become a hub for research activities.

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Also speaking during the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP SDG), Princess Adejoke Adefulire, said the center is the first of its kind constructed and fully equipped by her Office (OSSAP-SDGs). She also noted that with the COVID-19 pandemic challenging the healthcare system, strategic interventions, such as this Endocrine Centre, have become imperative. She added that the primary and secondary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could reverse decades of human development gains and undermines the achievement of the SDGs, unless immediate action is taken and sustained. This, she said, is what such interventions are trying to achieve. She informed the gathering that the SDG-3.4.1, aims to reduce the ‘mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease’, and from official statistics, diabetes affects an estimated 5.7 percent or 6 million Nigerians. The center came equipped with a dual 120 Seater Lecture Theatre/Seminar Room; 4-Bed Male and Female Private Wards; Treatment rooms; In-house Pharmacy; Endocrine Laboratory; consulting rooms; Hybrid Electronic Laboratory; and fully computerized facilities. The highlight of the event, which was attended by the Minister of Health, Prof. Osagie Ehanire among other dignitaries in the health sector, was the commissioning of the center. By Aliyu Abdullahi Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity (Office of the First Lady)

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ENVIRONMENTAL:

Woes of the Wellhead

Hundreds of well blowouts have been reported during the history of the oil and gas drilling activities globally. These undesired events have led to loss of lives and utter destruction of environments. Oil or Gas well blowouts are not unexpected occurrences in this industry due to a number of factors, including the fact that the extraction and burning of fossil fuels constitute inherently volatile business. The oil well blowout at Aiteo’s well 1 on its Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 in the Santa Barbara River, Nembe Local Government, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, has attracted attention as its unending spewing has caused much harm and misery over the months since it ruptured on 1 November 2021. A blowout occurs whenever there is the release of uncontrollable oil and gas from an oil well or gas well after all pressure control systems fail. It can occur during the drilling phase, well testing, well completion, during production, or during work over activities. Mounted pressures due to the presence of highly pressurized oil or gases in the well, either over time or within a short period of time on the wellhead, usually cause well blowouts. They can also happen due to defective equipment and structural failures. There are three types of well blowouts. They are: • Underground blowout: This type of blowout is very uncommon – it occurs where fluid from deep high -pressurized formations flow upwards to a shallow, low,

-pressurized formation and can occur where casing has not been set. 30

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• Subsea blowouts or underwater blowout: This type of blowout occurs offshore. An example is the BP Macondo Rig blowout in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. There are two main causes of a subsea or underwater blowout- they are equipment failures and imbalances with encountered subsurface reservoir pressure. This type of blowout is extremely difficult to control. • Surface blowouts: This is the most common type of blowout- the damage is visibly seen on the rig or well head- spilling gallons of oil into the environment and can cause grave damage. The force of the escaping fluid can be strong enough to damage the drilling rig. In addition to oil, the output of a well blowout might include natural gas,

water, drilling fluid, mud, sand, rocks, and other substances Occasionally blowouts can be so forceful that it is difficult if not impossible to control them directly from the surface, particularly if there is so much energy in the flowing zone that it does not deplete significantly over time. This appears to be the case of the OML29, Well 1 blowout in Nembe, Bayelsa state, Nigeria. In such cases, if the well cannot be capped or contained, other wells (called relief wells) may be drilled to intersect the well or pocket, to allow kill-weight fluids to be introduced at depth. The incidences of pollution from well blowouts, oil spills and other oil exploration related activities have brought the Niger Delta region to the league of the most polluted places on the earth. Generally, oil companies have become adept at avoiding blame over oil spills and well blowouts in the Niger

“

“What has never been disputed is that no matter the cause of pollution in the oil fields the companies have a responsibility to effect a thorough clean-up of impacted areas.”

Delta. Their game has been to blame the victims, the poor community people whose livelihoods are tied to the quality of their environment and who have the least incentive to tamper with oil facilities. Even though oil corporations regularly attempt to use the claim of sabotage as a means of escaping responsibility for operational failures, the widely held view that oil companies are completely excused from responsibility when pollution is caused by sabotage is not backed by law. What has never been disputed is that no matter the cause of pollution in the oil fields the companies have a responsibility to effect a thorough clean-up of impacted areas. And they have routinely failed to do this. In a report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in July 6, 2021, then Minister of Environment, Mohammad Abubakar, disclosed in a town hall meeting that Nigeria recorded 4,919 oil spills between 2015 to March 2021 and that the nation has lost 4.5 trillion barrels of oil to theft

in four years. In his statement, he blamed majority of the spills on community sabotage while a meagre portion of the blame was accorded the oil corporations. According to him, “the operational maintenance is 106, while sabotage is 3,628 and yet to be determined 70, giving the total volume of oil spilled into the environment as 235,206 barrels. His assertion overlooked the fact that every aspect of oil extraction and production contributes a significant level of pollution to the immediate environment. The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) also recorded a total of 1,300 oil spill incidents between 2018 and 2019, averaging 5 oil spills a day. As far as we are concerned, the government and these oil corporations need to take responsibility for the damages caused by oil spill to these vulnerable communities in the Niger-Delta of Nigeria. TV By HOMEF

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Meet The First Nigerian To Acquire Toyota And Ford Dealerships In USA

aith Toyota and Ford Franchise/Dealership in Westminster, State of Vermont, United States of America is a unique and historical car dealership shop. It is a legacy investment in the automobile industry in the United States of America because there are only 1,500 Toyota and Lexus dealerships in United States of America. Out of which 30 are owned and operated by African Americans (blacks). This multimillion dollar automobile shop is owned by a Nigerian diaspora from Imo State, Southeast of Nigeria. Mr. Faith Mba is a Nigerian who emigrated to United States of America barely seventeen years ago. He left the shores of Nigeria in 2002 to The Netherlands. After two years stay in The Netherlands, he relocated to The United States of America where he has made a success of his life and career. According to Autonew.com , (the leading source of news about the global automotive industry), Mr. Faith Mba’s journey to owning a Toyota-Ford dealerships in Vermont

spanned three continents, beginning at a street market in Nigeria where he hawked women’s clothing with his 32

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Mr. Faith Mba (Founder/President, Faith Toyota-Ford Vermont, USA)

mother. He worked for two years in The Netherlands, where he had his first stint in automobile industry, customer service and public relations. Mr. Mba also utilized the opportunity while in Holland to develop his proficiency in

both Dutch and German languages. In 2004, he relocated to the North-Eastern town of Spofford, New Hampshire to join his wife. His inherent abilities enhanced his adaptability in his new environment. It was here that Mba, knowing where his passion lies, secured a job in a Kia and Ford dealership shop in the town as a trainee paid salesman. His venture into the automotive industry as a trainee staff was greeted with skepticism at least from his new American family. However, he was focused and convinced that he was in the right occupational environment. He reminisces on his mother’s prophetic counsel that if he pursued a career in sales, life will go well for him which fired up his conviction. In addition, his Nigerian ethnic groups, ‘Igbo’ are exceptionally gifted in making a living out of trade and commerce. Equipped with his inner assurances, he started to develop a vision to become a prominent player someday in the automotive industry. Faith was eventually promoted to a manager within few years of working in the company due to his prodigy on the job. Mba continued to work his way up, eventually working as finance director at Toyota and Ford in Greenfield, Mass. He later accepted a position as finance director at a car dealership in Boston, commuting 228 miles (367 Kilometers) a day, before deciding to open his own business. “America is a wonderful place, and if you work hard and stay focused you will reap success,” said Mba. “You don’t have to own a business, but you must have a good work ethic with whatever you do.” His growth in the automotive industry was not a smooth ride

being a black immigrant with strong accent, not everyone wanted to do business with him. He faced the tough reality as he recalled one instance while working at a Ford store in Brattleboro, Vermont, when a man came to check out a pickup. The man brought his mother to co-sign, Mba said, so he was ready to buy. Mba greeted them and retrieved the vehicle, but after a test drive, they abruptly left. The manager was upset, thinking Mba had blown the deal. Then the phone rang. The man said he wanted the truck but didn’t want to buy from “the Black guy.” Instead of turning him away, the store had another salesperson to handle the deal. The buyer’s wife apologized, as did Mba’s manager. The unpleasant experience instead of being an impediment to his vision, invigorated, stimulated and emboldened him to stay focused. “The issue of acceptance was there at the beginning,” he said, “but you have to find a way to fight through.” In 2016, Mba acquired Ford motor Company dealership in Brattleboro near New Hampshire. In 2018, he acquired a dualed Toyota-Ford showroom Westminster, Vermont

and sold his single-point Ford store. He is currently constructing a 40,000-square-foot (12,200 square meters) facility to comfortably house his Ford and Toyota franchises. Mr. Mba is happily married and grooming his 14-year-old son, who works in the office twice a week, to take over the business in the future. “Don’t look for that perfect dealership, don’t look for that perfect city,” Mba said. “We cannot have everything at the same time. You can grow to make it perfect; you can grow to make it your home. Take that faith and run with it. Follow your instincts and look for a place where you can grow.” Faith advises prospective automotive industry investors Continued on Page 34 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 33

especially from the minority communities. Faith Toyota and Ford dealerships in Westminster have severally surpassed its sales projection. With staff strength of 100 permanent workers and about 50 parttime workers, Faith Toyota and Ford is an ‘American dream’ come true. Remarkably, Mba is giving back to the Community that welcomed him and gave him the opportunity to be what he is today. He has created numerous jobs for the community and established window of job opportunities for them. “The people are very friendly and very nice, and the community has been great,” said Mba. “I’ve made sure that all of our employees are locals that live in Vermont or New Hampshire. We are still

looking for more p e o p l e because sales are so impressive, and service is so busy that we need more mechanics.” Mba has gone out of his way to engage with the community by volunteering Faith’s Toyota-Ford as a United Way sponsor, and has been welcomed by the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce. Back in Nigeria, he is constructing a public primary school in his village in Imo State to provide basic education for the upcoming generation with modern facilities and good teachers and materials. He has other outreach projects he intends to execute in Nigeria in the coming years as God provides him life. His story is truly an encouragement to many in the Diaspora who thinks they cannot make it because they don’t have the financial base or support from the start. Hard work pays as in the case of Mr. Faith Mba.

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A Great Man Has Fallen: Consul General Bert Plusquin

s I sit before the laptop this morning my thoughts are with the Plusquin family, as I learned that our dear friend, Consul General Bert Plusquin had left this world to a place beyond and I didn’t even know about it. I called his office and his secretary gave me this very sad news. In September 2021, I was in Dubai and I was passionately telling the First Lady of The Gambia about Mr. Plusquin and the great works he has done in the Gambia over the years as Consul General of the Gambia in Amsterdam and how he has helped in development of every area of life for the people of the Gambia. She was very kin and interested and she told me, please encourage him to come back to support her husband who is now the President of the country. I didn’t know why I was talking about him; he was lying on his sick bed. Just this past month I got to know my big brother, Bert Plusquin passed away on 28th October 2021. Due to the Covid crisis, everything was kept silent and he was buried quietly. He had heart conditions and nothing to do with Covid but according to his wishes, he was buried with few friends and family around. His life was too great to go so quietly. With the permission of his children, I am using this medium, The Voice magazine, a project he gladly supported for many years to pay tribute to him for his humanitarian spirit and kindness to humanity. I still cannot remember how I came to meet him but our relationship was cordial from the start to the end and he went beyond professional engagements, he would invite me out and ask me to bring my wife along, he took us to the best restaurants in Amsterdam and paid all the cost of food and drinks, not one time but on several occasions. He took personal interest in me and my journalism work. He talked me into loving the Gambia as a new home, he took me along with his foundation on many of his diplomatic visits to the Gambia, he organises interviews for me with any person of importance in the Gambia government as of then to interview them and promote the Gambia. He wanted the Gambia to develop so rapidly like the Netherlands where he comes from; he spends both personal and collective funds on the Gambia. He made sure all his friends fell in love with the Gambia. On our trips to the Gambia, he would leave his seat on the plane to come to me to discuss what we would be doing in the Gambia, he gives me tips on how I should write my stories and he didn’t shy away when he was not pleased with my 38

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write up. We truly became friends, although that got separated when I informed him of my intention to move to Kenya for a couple of years as a Missionary Pastor. “Elvis you need to do what you have to do which makes you happy”, he told me. I introduced my colleague who took over from me, Mr. Henry Oduenyi and they both connected and worked together for several more years before I returned back to the Netherlands. On my return, we re-established contact and I could call him any time I so wished. He engaged me even in his private life; I got to meet his son and daughter. I am still in good contact with his son, Matthijs Plusquin. Twice we tried to recognized him with The Voice Achievers Award, he shy away using his traveling as an excuse. One time he allowed his foundation to accept the award in 2012 but he deserved more. What will people say about you when you leave this walk of life? Will they be able to say he or she was a great man or woman? Have you made a difference in your world that is a lasting difference? I hope you have, but it starts with the right motives – his was that of serving humanity and that he did with his entire hearth. I have told his son, Matthijs Plusquin, the award he did not received in person, he would receive it on his behalf to encourage that it is good to be good and they should continue his legacy of serving humanity. I am sorry Bert I could not say goodbye to you but you remain my big brother friend in my heart. Miss you greatly. Thank you for all you did for humanity, far beyond the Gambia.

Tribute to Pastor Jofrey Leito: A true soldier of the Faith

astor Jofrey Leito greatness was rooted in his love for Christ: it shaped his integrity, his love of excellence, and his service for others. He lived and loved Amsterdam, a city he made his home from the beginning to the end. Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Pastor Jofrey Leito was a great man because he loved his Lord Christ with all his heart and mind and strength. He was great because he stood upright with integrity and a desire for excellence. He was great because he cared for and served the needs of others. During the testimonial service to celebrate his life, every person that spoke recount their personal experience with Pastor Jofrey Leito has he touched their lives in a special way and that his memory and legacy would live with them until their own deaths. It was a moving service despite the sad situation; the atmosphere was that of celebration for that is what he wanted – his life to be a celebration after he is gone. For many of us, he is our Pastor even though we moved on to other churches, ministries, fulfilling our callings, most of the immigrant Pastors in Amsterdam and beyond passed through the hands of Pastor Jofrey Leito. He was the lead Pastor and Regional Pastor of Victory Outreach Amsterdam for over 3 decades. He was an educator, preacher, scholar, mentor, leader and trainer. He loved music and made sure it was an integral part of his ministry. Few will approach his diversity of interest and the quality

of excellence that followed his efforts. His presence was remarkable; you cannot but notice him when he is around, his unique voice stood out of the crowd; his frame was huge enough to carry the task before him. He is always giving assuring words that not is impossible for God to do with your life and his work. He would also be remembered for his looks – apart from being handsome, he had an authoritative glance which was enough to quiet a restless person. He preached with so much passion and always emphasizing on focus and the goal. “What is your vision of wanting to be a Pastor? He asked me during my interview with the elders of the church in 2005. Simple but a shocking question to me then, I needed to take a deep breath before I could answer him but after my answer he gave his assuring words – “I would support you, if you need anything on the mission field, let me know”. Pastor Jofrey Leito was viewed by many as a leading statesman of the Christian faith. Outside his church, he was helpful to so many. A Pastor and his wife now based in the United Kingdom remembers with nostalgia how Pastor Jofrey received them and helped them while they were in search of a building in Amsterdam, and eventually to buy a property. His character, breadth and social concern influenced leaders and non-leaders around him. The most important fact of his life was Jesus Christ. It was rooted in a deep sense of reality about who Jesus Christ is-Lord of life and history. That was his starting point; here it was he would begin his day. According to his wife and children, so he lived till the very end, holding on to Jesus Christ- the author and finisher of his faith. I thank God that I passed through him, he married me, he allowed me to become a leader, he prayed for me when I was sent out as a Missionary Pastor to Kenya; he stood by us when my Pastor, Roel van Rooij was very sick and his comforting words remains with me. I was able to acknowledge him in my book – Getting to Know which I gave him a copy in 2020. I don’t know if he had time to read it but one thing is that I am not praising him because he is no longer here, I did when he was here physically with us. Truly a great champion of the faith in Jesus Christ. His wife, Ludrid, the 3 children JJ, Lynn and Jephthah could hold your heads high and strong and knowing your father was truly a great man. Adieu my Pastor – Jofrey Leonard Leito

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Lux Terra Chaplaincy HSTS holds one-day development session for youths As part of its pursuit to instill purpose and meaning in the lives of young Nigerians in the Netherlands, the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation held a workshop for the youths of the Lux Terra Chaplaincy on 29th of December 2021. The workshop was the Foundation’s effort to nurture their personal growth and be of positive influence to the young people. The group included recent graduates, undergraduates, and those who recently finished secondary education and are awaiting admission, all of who returned home for the Christmas holiday with their parents and families. In the introductory session, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani spoke to the group about personal effectiveness. He discussed the importance of discovering one’s purpose and meaning, highlighting significant growth points that are only nurtured by the continual giving of oneself. He reminded the participants to reflect on how passions can grow into callings with self-discipline and commitment. In one wisdom nugget that stuck with the majority of the participants, Fr. Ehusani reminded them that, “You live out, in the second part of your life, the habits you form in the first part of your life.”

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Rev. Fr. George Ehusani

In a separate session, Rev. Fr. Richard Ehusani dived into the concept of self-awareness and self-consciousness. He noted how crucial it is to discover and rectify blind spots and hidden parts of oneself whenever the opportunities arise. He explained that committing to selfimprovement is one of the first steps towards holistic success and peace. The group actively engaged in the session, debating and sharing their thoughts on different theories of self-knowledge such as the Johari Window and how they can implement these to achieve personal development. They were walked through practical examples of how distorted cognitive thinking affects one’s performance and the techniques to counter

those thoughts. In the final impactful segment, the youths shared their thoughts on the direction and influence of today’s mainstream culture and the threats it poses to living out their faith. Fr. George encouraged them to remember that actions have consequences and urged them to jealously guard their purity, no matter the cost. Finally, Fr. George shared his vision to continue leading the group to ensure they persist in shining their light in the world. Courtesy of Madam Fester Imoh

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Ethiopia announces pardons for high-profile political prisoners

overnment says it will release several leading TPLF members and opposition leaders from the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups. The Ethiopian government has announced it would pardon and release some of the country’s most high-profile political detainees, including opposition figure Jawar Mohammed and senior Tigray party officials. The announcement came after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a statement calling for “national reconciliation” as Ethiopia celebrated Orthodox Christmas. It listed several leading members of the TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front), whose forces have been locked in a brutal conflict with government forces in northern Ethiopia since November 2020, as well as prominent opposition leaders from the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups. It was not immediately clear how many of those granted amnesty had yet been freed. It was the most dramatic move yet by the government after the country’s deadly Tigray war entered a new phase in late December, when Tigray forces retreated into their region amid a military offensive and Ethiopian forces said they would not advance further there. Ethiopia’s state broadcaster, EBC, named both Jawar and Eskinder Nega, who were detained in July 2020 following deadly unrest over the killing of popular ethnic Oromo artist Hachalu Hundessa, as those granted amnesty. Eskinder, leader of the Balderas party, left a detention centre last month according to media reports. But Tuli Bayis, a lawyer for Jawar of the Oromo Federalist Congress party and others, told the Press news that they refused to leave the prison facility as the order for their release came late in the said day.

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“They have security risks, so they preferred to exit the correction facility in day time,” Tuli said, adding he was not sure why the order for their release came now. “We heard it is an amnesty, that’s what we know for now.” Ethiopia’s Ministry of Justice said the amnesty for Jawar and Nega was granted “to make the upcoming national dialogue successful and inclusive”. Ethiopian lawmakers on December 29 approved a bill to establish a commission for national dialogue amid international pressure for negotiations to end the war. The state broadcaster also named several senior officials with Tigray’s governing Tigray People’s Liberation Front party as being granted amnesty and said they will be released soon. They include Sebhat Nega, Kidusan Nega, Abay Woldu, Abadi Zemu, Mulu Gebregziabher and Kiros Hagos. They were arrested in late 2020 when government forces captured most of the Tigray region shortly after war erupted between Tigray forces and Ethiopian armed forces. The Ministry of Justice said the TPLF detainees “were granted amnesty taking into consideration their age and health condition”. Last month announcement came a day after the United States said its outgoing special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, met Ethiopia’s prime minister to again press for a negotiated end to the war.

H.E. FATIMA MAADA BIO APPOINTED TO SERVE AS MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR TRAINING AND RESEARCH

er Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone has been appointed to serve a two year term as a member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) division for Multilateral Diplomacy. According to UNITAR “The primary purpose of the Advisory Board is to provide guidance and leadership that would enable the Division to deliver on its mandate and overcome the major multilateral challenges facing the United Nations. The Advisory Board will also provide critical analysis of the activities of the Division for Multilateral Diplomacy to ensure the respect of quality standards in compliance with the UNITAR mandate and UN

Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio First Lady of Sierra Leone

guidelines” The President and First Lady have worked strategically towards making Sierra Leone a major player in the International community at all levels. Sustainable development strategy must take globalization into consideration. The government’s strategy of placing Sierra Leone as a major player in the global stage, has led to recognition within the MANO River Union, West Africa, the African Union and the world at large. First Lady in promoting the “Hands off our Girls” campaign, made it clear that it was not just to solve the problem in Sierra Leone, but an international movement with a flexible template that could be domesticated in different communities around the world. First Lady in accepting the role, says she is honoured and will ensure she does what is necessary to ensure she works effectively with other great members of the board to work towards UNITAR achieving its goals. Strategic Communications Division Office of The First Lady Info@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl +232 303 68273

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Africa CDC says severe lockdowns no longer tool to contain COVID-19

frica’s top public health official has said that severe lockdowns were no longer the best way to contain COVID-19, praising South Africa for adopting that approach when responding to its latest infection wave driven by the Omicron variant. “We are very encouraged with what we saw in South Africa during this period where they look at the data in terms of severity (of infections),” John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), told a news conference. “The period where we are using severe lockdowns as a tool is over. We should actually be looking at how we use public health and social measures more carefully and in a balanced way as the vaccination increases.” South Africa experienced a steep rise in COVID-19 infections from late November last year, around the time it alerted the world to Omicron, with new infections Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centres for peaking in mid-December at an all-time record. But Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)

new cases have since fallen back, and the government did not resort to strict restrictions as it did during previous infection waves given early signs that the bulk of Omicron 44

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infections had been mild. It even loosened rules before New Year’s Eve. Nkengasong added that he feared that COVID-19 could become endemic on the continent given the slow pace of vaccination - a prospect many global scientists already talk of as a given. “Unless ... by the end of this year the continent actually scales up its vaccination to above 70 percent or 80 percent, my worry is that we might be into a scenario where COVID becomes endemic,” he said. Experts believe COVID-19 cannot be eliminated and will likely become endemic, meaning it will always be present in the population to some degree, such as the flu or chickenpox. Less than 10 percent of Africa’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the latest Africa CDC figures show, with many countries initially struggling to access sufficient shots and later battling to get them into arms. And those who received the vaccination jabs, it arrived late that many are expired and needed to be destroyed to prevent its usage anyhow. There has been a 36 percent average increase in new cases reported in Africa over the last 4 weeks, with an 8 percent average increase in new deaths. It is not troubling as in many European countries and the weather is also a contributing factor. The warmth weather in Africa seems to have helped to reduce the impact of the variant on the continent.

Meet and Congratulate the FOUNDER and CHAIRPERSON of LOTUS Bank Limited. Mrs Hajara Adeola

he is also the founder and Managing Director of Lotus Capital Limited, a Nigerian pioneer in Islamic asset management, private wealth management advisory services and financial advisory services. Prior to founding Lotus Capital, she was the Director, CCT Islamic Finance at UBS Warburg heading their London Islamic Finance Desk. Prior to joining UBS, she was a Convertible Bond Research Analyst at BNP Paribas, London. She is a seasoned professional with 25 years of international experience in research & analysis, investment management, corporate finance and Islamic finance. She holds a B.Sc. in Pharmacology from King’s College, London, an M.Sc. in Finance from Durham University where she specialized in Islamic Finance and an MBA in International Management from Exeter University, UK. Mrs. Adeola was the first President of the Fund Manager’s Association of Nigeria and is a West African Fellow of the Aspen Leadership Initiative.

She is also the Chairperson of the Securities & Exchange Commission’s non-interest capital market 10-year Master Plan Committee and a Director at The Aliko Dangote Foundation. Lotus Bank is a non-interest (Islamic Bank) committed to deepening financial inclusion and broadening the array of non-interest products available to the banked, unbanked, and under-banked population.

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25 Ways To Build and Support African Startups in 2022 “When old people speak it is not because of the sweetness of words in our mouths; it is because we see something which you do not see.” - Chinua Achebe.

hese words are many times key to help Africans continue to grow as businesses leaders. Entrepreneurs are growing in Africa, creating sustainable small and medium businesses that are beneficial to the communities, villages, and cities they are in. Africa is the youngest continent in the global economy and is gradually influencing global markets where Africans are benefiting from the successes of Startups, collaborations, cooperation’s and partnerships. “Africa is closely watched as the next big growth market” Harvard Business Review https:// hbr.org/2019/ so the potential is there to continue this growth, but there needs to be increased mentorship, guidance and investments. As professional educators, professors, mentors, business owners and influencers, my wife and I are proud to share gifts of knowledge for young African Startups that may need guidance, encouragement and inspiration. The explosion of business ideas, interests and support of startups that are exploding across Africa is growing into 2022 and will build Africa into a global leader where Africans can determine their journey to greatness not because of other nations influence, but by the greatness that is within Africa. Digital technologies and access to mobile digital devices are helping Africans to be connected to each other and on broader digital and global platforms for collaborations and networking. Here are 25 suggestions for business success for young Africans. 1. Write as if all of Africa is going to read your content and

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By Williams Jackson be inspired to support you and take hold of your vision for a better Africa. When people see your passion for Africa they should be inspired to help. 2. When creating business content take the time to read, review, rewrite, revise, what you have written. Your ability to communicate is key to your business growth. 3. Don’t rely on anyone that tells you, you are too passionate or too invested in Africa. Always invest in yourself and your home first. 4. Don’t try to be famous, don’t try to be rich, be sure to share your life and ideas across Africa and encourage collaboration and cooperation. *Read writers like Achebe, Addiche, Soyinka and others for guidance. 5. Embrace the diversity of Africa. Your business should represent the diversity of Africa not just one segment or one section. Prepare your business to reach out to diverse audiences. 6. Don’t expect support from your neighbors; sometimes those close to you are your biggest critiques. 7. Build your ability to write by reading what other writers have written about business startup and growth. Write down your ideas so you can see your potential future. Chinua Achebe and others were able to blend stories for success and vision. 8. Build relationships; building is important, building a relationship brings connectivity and trust. Never burn your bridges, always leave quietly and with pride.

9. Read other business about others business owners success and failures to learn from and inspire you. 10. Storytelling even in business paints a picture, so use words that encourage the imagination and creativity for your employees to inspire them and see your goals. 11. Use music to inspire and excite yourself and your employees. Different music moves emotions differently; experiment with beats and sounds around the business environment. 12. When writing your business plans determine if there are challenges and conflicts that need to be overcome. What challenges your intellect and imagination? 13. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re scared, use that energy to inspire and motivate. Take the opportunity to spread your wings to fly. 14. Keep your passion and excitement about your startup during good and bad times. Your passion is an extension of who you are.

22. As you travel take the time to meet some of your customers. Speak to the elder business owners to seek the spirit of Africa and future guidance. 23. Mentor someone every day. 24. Use YouTube to provide resources for growth for your employees. Your business will only be as strong and resilient as your weakest, youngest, older employees. 25. When someone decides to leave your business, celebrate their growth for the future and wish them well. Listening in Clubhouse, in rooms like TECH NEWS -TECH AFRICA Horizon & Predictions for African Startups in 2022. African startups need to continue to grow, they need to inspire and excite the young people of Africa to be the best they can be. The need for self-manage, self-regulate and self-inspire is key to continued growth. Not relying on foreign interests and foreign investments, but local, national and the continental investments that are vital and important for Africa.

15. Write your authentic kinds of stories to motivate other business owners. There are millions of stories just as there are millions of Africans, share your story with them to inspire others. 16. Read, Read, Read and Read some more fall in love with reading. Develop your comprehension for understanding and applying to achieving your goals. 17. Encourage your employees to read, write and be creative. You want people to think, dreams, have vision and inspirations in multiple ways that benefit your business. 18. Use technology to make a vision for your Brand. Remember that not all Africans have high-speed Internet access. Adjust to those with slower connections and little data. 19. Volunteer in your African community if it is safe to do so. Help others to see the beauty in people of diversity. Never judge those that have less or even more than you do. 20. Running a business is a life-long journey and should be a life-long adventure. Make sure your business is a part of something bigger than you. 21. Take time to meditate and listen to the African ancestors. What stories are they telling you to write and how to move? They still inspire and motive in wonderful ways.

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OPEN TO ALL IN AFRICA.....

TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION COMMENCES 2022 ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

he Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, has opened applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on www. TEFConnect.com. African entrepreneurs with business ideas or existing businesses under five years, are encouraged to apply now for $5,000 seed capital, mentorship, business management training and more on the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme.

Commenting on the launch of the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, said: “We are constantly blown away by the quality of businesses that come from Africa every year. This motivates us to scale our efforts

Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme – the only African-funded entrepreneurship catalyst of its kind – has empowered 15,847 African entrepreneurs with non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 each; twelve weeks of business management training; access to experienced mentors; and membership to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2021, the Tony Elumelu Foundation disbursed USD$24.75 million to 5,000 African entrepreneurs across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme. The Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of the largest private sector responses to driving the economic recovery of African youth, women and SMEs given the effects of the covid19 pandemic across Africa. Across Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme beneficiaries are starting and growing trailblazing businesses that have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. According to 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur, Hauwa Liman, female business owner and Founder of Afrik Abaya, “I am always proud to say that I am from the inaugural cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. My business is located in Kaduna, in northern Nigeria. I benefitted from this Programme in 2015, and it opened up lots of doors and opportunities. It is not just about the seed capital, but what really fascinates me about the Programme is the knowledge. I call it a mini-MBA programme, because from the ideation stage it teaches you how to really articulate your business, and it gave me my first business plan. The network, visibility and opportunities are endless. My entrepreneurship experience cannot be complete without the Tony Elumelu Foundation. I will start exporting to other countries soon courtesy of the Foundation. We now employ ten permanent staff and an additional eight staff on a commission basis.” 48

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to empower even more entrepreneurs on continent. The innovation, knowledge and resilience of African entrepreneurs is central to charting Africa’s socio-economic transformation and meet the continent’s development objectives. We are also proud of the increase in female participation on our Programme, especially with the 2021 cohort where we witnessed a record 68% selection of women entrepreneurs.” Founding Trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. A V. Elumelu stated: “Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, we seek to democratise luck. Hard work plays an important and undeniable part in success, but one must not discount the role of luck – someone being willing to take a chance on you or business idea by empowering you through training, mentorship or funding. Our hope is that, through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, we would help the next business leader or captain of industry be whom they are meant to be. This is our own way to give back and also to empower the generation coming behind us so that they can go even further than we have. As a parent, one’s desire is for your children to do better than you and so you will provide the resources and materials that they need to ensure that they go far in life. Similarly, at the Foundation we are equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.” As the foremost champion of entrepreneurship in Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is empowering women and

men across the African continent through entrepreneurship to catalyse economic growth, drive poverty eradication and ensure job creation. The Foundation’s mission is rooted in the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the key enabler of economic and social wealth creation in Africa. Through TEFConnect, the Foundation’s proprietary digital platform, it has provided capacity-building support, advisory and market linkages, to over 1.5 million Africans.

is open to entrepreneurs across Africa: new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector. Prospective applicants should apply now on the digital networking hub for African entrepreneurs.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

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End of Covid pandemic is ‘in sight’ but ‘difficult months ahead’ – senior WHO doctor says

pandemic will continue until all countries have what they need to bring the pandemic under control. We are one world, interconnected as this pandemic has clearly shown us. “It has also shown all countries weaknesses in health care systems, society – the impoverished, politics, the economy and the need to get out of this together. So, it is up to all of us to bring that light at the end closer into view and to build back stronger as a global community.” David Heymann, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said countries will likely arrive at the end of the pandemic at different times, depending on their level of population immunity, and then be susceptible to periodic resurgence as occurs with the four other endemic coronaviruses that have increased transmission in the winter months to cause symptoms of the common cold. “If the WHO announces the end of the pandemic it will likely be when all countries reach a high level of population immunity as measured by the seriousness of illness, hospital admissions and death,” he said. Dr Nabarro predicted more Covid surges following the arrival of the Omicron variant and that living with Covid means countries being able to prepare for them and to react and “really quickly” when they occur. “Life can go on, we can get the economy going again in many countries, but we just have to be really respectful of the virus and that means having really good plans in place for dealing with the surges,” he said.

David Nabarro compared the situation to a long-distance race which the world is slowly moving through but suggested most counties are well past the half-way mark. The end of the coronavirus pandemic is “in sight” according to the World Health Organisation’s special envoy on Covid-19 who acknowledged a “difficult” few months lay ahead first. Dr David Nabarro compared the situation to a long-distance race which the world is slowly moving through but suggested most counties are well past the half-way mark. He said: “I’m afraid we are moving through the marathon but there’s no actual way to say that we’re at the end – we can see the end in sight, but we’re not there. And there’s going to be some bumps before we get there. And I can’t tell you how bad they’re going to be, but I can at least tell you what I’m expecting. “First of all, this virus is continuing to evolve – we have Omicron but we’ll get more variants. Secondly, it really is affecting the whole world. And, whilst health services in Western Europe are just about coping, in many other parts of the world, they are completely overwhelmed. And thirdly, it’s really clear that there’s no scope for major restrictions in any country, particularly poor countries. “People have just got to keep working and so there are some very tough choices for politicians right now. It’s going to be difficult for the next three months at least.” However, UK-based scientists were sceptical that such a prediction could be made. Dr Gail Carson, deputy chair of the Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network at the University of Oxford, said: “This

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Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please....... It is a well known fact that Nigerian Christians are under severe persecution particularly in the Northern part of the country. They continued to be attacked, properties destroyed, thousands of people dead, many more displaced, farm lands destroyed, children left homeless, orphans and desolate in a nation of plenty of resources. A government unable to protect his people. We have received a request from an organization helping these persecuted Christians to get some type or relief. They are calling on us on the Diaspora to support and help through our kind donations. The organization is coordinating assistances, see the flyers published below for details of how you can support their efforts. We approve the flyers so you can send support directly or contact them for clarification or more information. God bless you all. TV Management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg52LK6cJlw&feature=youtu.be

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Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere By Our Reporter The Floriade year has started and work is ongoing until the opening of Floriade Expo 2022 on April 14 with a large countdown clock in the center of Almere. From April 14 to October 9, 2022, Almere will be the stage for the world horticultural exhibition Floriade Expo 2022. Here, Dutch horticulture, together with national and international partners, will present innovations and solutions for sustainable and liveable cities. The theme “Growing Green Cities” is central on the 60-hectare site. The year 2022 will be a year full of spectacle, green inspiration and experiences in Almere: the Floriade year. Green living in the city. Sustainably grown food. Clean energy. A healthy living environment. Themes that are occupying more and more people’s minds and trying to apply them in their daily lives. Themes with undiscovered opportunities and possibilities. Urgent themes when you consider that by 2050, 68% of the world population will live in cities. Floriade shows a hopeful future. It offers a stage to national and international big thinkers and innovators who demonstrate green solutions that make cities more fun, liveable and sustainable.

During the kick-off of the Floriade year on January 4, a large art installation in the form of a countdown clock was 52

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unveiled on the Esplanade in Almere Centrum. Hilde van Garderen, Deputy Mayor and Alderman for Public Space, Art & Culture and Urban Renewal at the Municipality of Almere and Hans Bakker, General Director of Floriade Expo 2022 were interviewed for the occasion by pioneer green living environment and television presenter Lodewijk Hoekstra. How do they view the developments of the World Horticultural Exhibition, one hundred days before the opening? “Floriade suits Almere. We are a green city with a lot of

space, in a literal a n d figurative sense. The theme of Floriade, Growing Green Cities, is a theme of today. We all know that cities around the world are getting bigger and bigger. We have a real challenge in the area of climate change. How are we going to feed all those people in a responsible way, what does it mean for the animals, how are we going to continue to live in a nice balance with each other? The whole world is thinking about this and that comes together at Floriade. The Expo provides insight into what you can do as a city and as a resident in a sustainable, circular way while preserving biodiversity, because we have to take better care of our planet.’ says Hilde van Garderen. The Art and Culture program of the Expo and in the city is also something she is proud of. ‘It has never been as big as at this Floriade. Many Almere and Flevoland gems show what they have to offer. I am extremely proud of my city and eager to show all the beautiful things to everyone at home and abroad.’ Hans Bakker reflects on the state of affairs a hundred days before opening: ‘The Arboretum has been completed. This permanent greenery forms the green structure of the Expo and of the Hortus urban district that will subsequently

arise on the site. It is an alphabetically ordered tree and plant library that visitors will literally walk through. What makes this arboretum extra unique is that all trees and plants contribute to a healthy, green city. The construction of the green city district and the layout of the Expo will go hand in hand, which makes this project even more interesting!’ Floriade has been open for six months and expects two million visitors, of which 72 percent from the Netherlands and 28 percent from neighboring countries. ‘It is a special project for the sector, but also for visitors. Families in particular experience an educational and enjoyable day out, walk from country to country; enjoy an extensive art and culture program, ornamental gardens, circular pavilions and an experience greenhouse. The cable car, a form of sustainable mobility in the city, offers a beautiful view over the bio based bridges, the arboretum and the country pavilions. Floriade shows visitors that living in a green city are the good life: The Green Life. Floriade is a green and inspiring day out.’ ‘An important part of the Expo is the permanent use of the new green city district. Aeres Hogeschool Almere is already a healthy and inspiring learning and working environment for students and employees. The Flevoland Food Forum pavilion is a meeting place where producers, students and researchers, among others, work together on innovations for the sustainable food supply of the future. Flores, an eye-catcher during the Expo, fulfills various commercial functions and will be converted into a residential tower after the Expo.’ Countdown clock in Almere Centrum The countdown clock is on the Esplanade and looks out over the Weerwater towards the Floriade site. This large art installation is a concept of art producer Mothership, who wants everyone to experience the value of art through special experiences. It is the mission of founder Jeroen Everaert to make art a natural part of public space and to allow art to emerge from and re-anchored in the DNA

of the environment. From January 4, the Floriade clock will count down 100 days together with the residents and entrepreneurs and Almere will be bustling with activities. You can participate by claiming one of the 100 days via almerecentrum.nl. Hans Bakker: ‘We would like to count down 100 days together with the city of Almere until the opening of Floriade on April 14. Residents, associations and

organizations are called upon to claim their day to manually adjust this clock in their own playful way and thus be part of the 100-day countdown. They can share their experiences, dreams, hopes, news or other stories associated with the number of that day.” Floriade Expo 2022 From April 14 to October 9, 2022, Almere will be the stage for the world horticultural exhibition Floriade Expo 2022. Dutch horticulture will then, together with national and international partners, present innovations and solutions for sustainable and liveable cities. The theme “Growing Green Cities” is central on the 60-hectare site. The exhibition site is a short travel distance from Amsterdam and directly on the A6 with a view of the skyline of Almere. For more information: Zdenka Fieggen, PR Manager Floriade Expo 2022 www.floriade.com E: pressoffice@floriade.com M: 06 82057152

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Meet Maurice Kirya: Making a difference in the world of music & business.

Maurice Kirya: More to come from him this year

aurice Kirya is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, actor, based in The Netherlands. Maurice Kirya is credited as the pioneer of Ugandan soul music – a style he’s aptly dubbed ‘’Mwooyo’’ blending Ugandan Folk with western soul, jazz and R&B. His buttery yet edgy vocals that give off an almost nasal tone sit comfortably on the low end and sore quite well on the falsetto, usually accompanied by Ugandan drum rhythms, vibrant yet controlled bass lines, a blend of jazzy soul chords on the piano, and a guitar rhythm section. Maurice Kirya’s latest major role in ‘’The Girl In The Yellow Jumper’’ on NETFLIX has received amazing reviews worldwide, he has featured in Hollywood movies such as ‘’The Queen Of Katwe’ as ‘Theo’ (alongside Lupita Nyongo & David

This face: Maurice Kirya is a global brand 54

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his community, farmers, and those in the arts industry.

Maurice Kirya: making a name for himself in business Oyelowo, he has also acted in The Last King of Scotland as himself (Not credited) starring Forest Whitaker, Kerry Washington & David Oyelowo. Kirya is a youth & health activist who is also collaborating with UNHCR in the efforts to protect the lives and rights of refugees. Due to his passion for wildlife conservation, Kirya was named as a WILD AID ambassador alongside powerful names such as actor Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa & Li Bing Bing. He is the Founder/C.E.O of The Sound Cup Coffee, A coffee brand based in The Netherlands. https://mauricekirya.com/pages/bio MORE ABOUT THE SOUND CUP The Sound Cup was founded in 2013 by Ugandan singer, actor, and coffee enthusiast Maurice Kirya. Their product is a traded premium quality coffee from countries such as Uganda, Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia. “We are proud to be a Coffee Brand that is part of a fair trade chain network. We only buy fairly traded coffee from farmer’s cooperatives and our certified dealers”. For every order made by our clients, the coffee is roasted upon order to guarantee freshness in taste and aroma. As a teenager, Maurice Kirya grew up in a humble family that was passionate about music and food. As a family, they cooked and catered to communities in Kampala, Uganda. It was during this time that Maurice fell in love with coffee, and vowed to not only dig deeper into its taste and science, but to also use coffee to impact the lives of

Since 2013, The Sound Cup has used its platform to raise funds for various community outreaches, health awareness and research programmes, creating employment for the youth and supporting music and arts initiatives. It is called The Sound Cup coffee for many reasons, the obvious being that the expression ‘’to be sound’’ is to be in a great mood, a great space or being in a fresh state of mind. We at The Sound Cup love the sound of happy people, the sound of music and of course a great cup of coffee always sounds good. The Sound Cup is based both in the Netherlands and Uganda. https://thesoundcupcoffee.com instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauricekirya/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/mauricekirya Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauriceKiryaMusic/

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Sex is not child’s play, so take all young people seriously

ccess to sex education and condoms, and making your own family planning decisions: often it still depends on sex, race, mobility, location, money and gender norms. The new generation of women activists wants to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). They are demanding change – in the bedroom and in the boardroom. We took a look at the situation in Rwanda and Zambia. Around the age of fifteen she began to notice something. From one day to the next, students would be missing from school. Always girls. ‘I was looking at an empty chair where Jeanette had always sat. Gone! A week later, Immaculee had also disappeared.’ Marie-Ange Raissa Uwamungu soon realised what was going on, she tells me on a Zoom call from Kigali. Like youngsters everywhere, young people in Rwanda fall in love, feel their hormones racing, and experience the urge to kiss and make love. But comprehensive, youth-friendly sex education is virtually non-existent in Rwandan schools. There’s no point turning to your parents for information on the birds and the bees, so many young people are more or less in the dark. ‘Girls suffer disproportionate restrictions when it comes to SRHR,’ says Uwamungu. ‘The more vulnerable their situation, the less access they have to knowledge and information about their body. But if a girl in Rwanda becomes pregnant, she shames her family. She becomes the teenage mother who has to drop out of school. She is the empty chair in class.’ According to MP Suzanne Mukayijori, whose brief is population and development, the Rwandan culture of silence is a big factor in the teenage pregnancy problem in the East African nation. In an interview with Rwandan newspaper The New Times she said: ‘Generally the community knows who made the girl pregnant, but no one says anything. The family keep it quiet, and so do the neighbours. This creates a world in which the perpetrators take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever and the girls suffer in silence.’ Fortunately, not every girl suffers this cruel fate. Uwamungu, now 27, was born in a suburb of the capital Kigali, where she lived with her younger sister, mother and grandmother. Determined to ensure that her little sister did not end up having to swap her school bag for a nappy bag, in 2016 she launched the Impanuro Girls Initiative, an NGO that focuses on gender equality and preventing teenage pregnancy. ‘I wanted to tackle the status quo,’ she says, ‘and help the girls around me access sex education and contraception. We also

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tackle the underlying problem, harmful gender norms, so we talk to boys, men and parents too.’ On this planet, where 24% of the population is aged between 10 and 24, it is absurd that young people are not taken

seriously, and their voice is not heard by organisations and institutions, Uwamungu believes. Absurd? ‘Yes! The way they navigate puberty will determine what the world is like in a few decades. It might sound dramatic, but access to SRHR is often literally a question of life or death. Thanks to my personal struggle, however, I do understand better now why young people are not listened to enough.’ Uwamungu explains that it is not only her sex, but also her age that makes it difficult for her to have any influence in society. In her world, the idea that young people must obey the older generation is very strong. As a newcomer, it was difficult for her to find her place among established organisations. ‘As a newbie, I was often told I was not capable enough to run an organisation. I’ve seen other young people abandon their projects because they didn’t feel they were taken seriously. This is highly counterproductive, she thinks, particularly when it comes to informing and educating young people about intimate matters like love and sex. ‘Under Rwandan law,’ she explains, ‘anyone under the age of 18 must get a parent’s permission to buy contraceptives! If you do manage to overcome that barrier, the employee at the service centre will often advise against any sexual activity – not to mention that condoms are unaffordable for the average teenager here.’ This catch-22 situation makes it almost impossible for young people to have safe sex. This made her even more

determined to focus on inclusion and representation. ‘To make *SRHR more accessible, young people need role models their own age to inform them and help them find solutions in a friendly and respectful manner, without shame or discrimination.’ Civil society organisations should play a role in changing young people’s situation, Marie-Ange Raissa Uwamungu believes. ‘We all have to roll up our sleeves,’ she says. ‘If you are campaigning for youth-friendly services, such as comprehensive sex education and provision of contraceptives, make sure you have young people in your team.’ She says the main thing that is needed is capacity building to make new organisations strong and resilient. Since she launched her organisation in 2017, her views on SRHR have changed, she explains. ‘I now have a better idea of how different types of exclusion impact on young people. A girl living in the countryside will have more gender inequality problems. Men tend to be the breadwinners there, and if as a woman you have no money, the only thing you have to offer is your body in exchange for food or shelter.’ Women and girls in conflict situations, or with a disability or HIV, find it more difficult to access information and care. To ensure no one is left behind, Uwamungu plans to shift her training and activities to rural areas over the next few years, and to make sure that the most marginalised young people are also taught how to get through puberty in a youth-friendly and respectful way. ‘Of course I focus on things that need improving, but at the same time my country has made huge strides in terms of gender equality. In 2008 Rwanda became the first country in the world with a majority of female MPs. I’m lucky that my grandma guided me through the minefield of shame and taboos once I reached puberty. I realise we still have a long way to go, but we have also come a long way. In her day what I do would have been impossible.’ She would like to say something to the older generation. ‘Accept that the life you led fifty years ago is not the life we live today. The world is constantly changing, and your children and grandchildren are changing with it. ‘Old people try to change young people, but change comes from within. Or, as we say in Kinyarwanda: “Amaraso mashya”, our blood is still fresh. Today’s world needs our fresh ideas, and that is why you need to trust us.’ Over 2000 kilometres south of Kigali lies Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, where Nsofwa Petronella Sampa lives. She says it was ‘inevitable’ that she would become an activist. Her lived reality left her no choice. ‘I was born with HIV. Due to poor medical treatment in 2009 I contracted meningitis, which left me blind and with impaired hearing in my right ear. That is why I am now campaigning with my new organisation Positive Movement for an inclusive society for young people with HIV or a disability – or both, like me.’

She would have liked to have had a role model as an adolescent, someone facing the same problems. Instead, it was a question of survival, and grabbing any opportunities

Marie-Ange Raissa Uwamungu that presented themselves with both hands. ‘When I lost my sight,’ she says, ‘I was halfway through high school. I had to find a blind-friendly school. There are hardly any in Zambia. I ended up at a government institution in Lusaka. The teachers there still used sticks to point to words on the board, in full knowledge of the fact that there were one blind and two visually-impaired students in class.’ Life was not easy, because she always dependent on others to help her. What kept her going? ‘My family gives me lots of love and support. When I could still see, I saw with my own eyes what happens in my society to people who have a disability. I did everything in my power not to end up that way, as an outcast, a vagrant, begging for charity in the streets. I would not wish such a fate on anybody. That’s why I will never give up.’ While most people need around three years to learn braille, Sampa managed it in three months. This was a huge achievement, and testament to her perseverance. Despite Continued on Page 58 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 57 all the obstacles, she passed her school exams and went on to study clinical counselling of vulnerable people. After graduation she worked in the community, teaching people about things like HIV and AIDS, SRHR and gender-related violence. What will it take to change the situation for people with disabilities or HIV in Zambia? Sampa believes it all starts with attitude. ‘I remember when I was a little girl,’ she says, ‘if an albino walked by, we would have to spit on our T-shirt to prevent ourselves from becoming like that. That’s what we believed! There’s this ingrained idea about people with disabilities that we have no added value, that we’re not part of society. Sometimes disabled children are locked away at home because their parents are ashamed. Those ideas, they need to be tackled.’ The only thing Sampa is asking for is a fair chance for all. Her concern is to get people who are usually excluded back on board. ‘Give someone a wheelchair, build wheelchair-friendly libraries and shops, ensure that teachers at schools for the blind can also read braille, that there is someone working at the hospital who knows sign language so that a deaf patient does not always need to communicate through a third person, but gets the privacy they need.’ Positive Movement is about representation. Like Uwamungu in Rwanda, Sampa sees that the youth-friendly services that are available in Zambia are generally run by adults. But conversations between young people themselves are often more meaningful. They prefer to talk to each other. ‘It’s good if young people with disabilities are also trained to provide services,’ she says. ‘They are role models, and are in the best position to understand other young people in the same boat.’ Sampa is currently negotiating on behalf of her organisation with legislators, hospitals and schools to explore how they can work together to make institutions more inclusive, so that no one is left standing on the sidelines. And she plans to join forces with civil society organisations to identify where children and young people with HIV or disabilities are, and how many of them there are. ‘There are no figures. These people have often been shut out of public life, and are therefore very difficult to reach. We want them – and their families – to realise that they have rights, just like everyone else on the planet. Many have never heard of SRHR, even though they too have a right to honest and accessible information about bodily autonomy, a place they can turn to if they fall victim to gender-related violence or if they have complications during pregnancy. It is precisely these vulnerable people who suffer the most terrible injustices, and they in particular need our help.’ To Sampa, a well-known African proverb expresses perfectly what her organisation is all about: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ She now says: ‘I was born in a country where adults have divided themselves into 58

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different ethnic and political groups. And where everyone has their own vision: either women’s rights, or climate. But we have to realise that everything is related to everything else, and that we are not so different from each other. We have to stand strong together, even young people, and we need everyone for that – young and old, disabled or able-bodied.’ The Make Way programme Uwamungu and Sampa are not just two random young women. Thanks to their shared passion for taking an intersectional view of SRHR for and by young people, over the next five years they will join the Make Way programme – a five-year intersectional consortium subsidised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – where they will receive counselling and training and have opportunities to network. The focus of the programme is ensuring that everyone, including the most marginalised groups, gains access to SRHR. It is being run by Akina Mama wa Afrika, the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians Kenya, the Forum for African Women Educationalists, the Liliane Fund, VSO and Wemos. This story previously appeared in the youth special of Vice Versa. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. By Marlies Pilon Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/

Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi best wishes to fellow Nigerian citizens in The Netherlands

igeria’s Ambassador to The Netherlands, Her Excellency, Dr. Eniola Ajayi send a special New year 2022 message to his fellow Nigerians through a video message which has done viral via the social media. Since it was not possible to physically hold a New Year reception or other engagements, she has resolved into using the available social media platforms like the zoom to meet with Nigerians. Excerpts from her best wishes: Distinguished Nigerian Citizens, Dear Patriots, On the behalf of the President and the People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I felicitate with all Nigerians in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and beyond on this auspicious occasion of the New Year, 2022. We are truly grateful for the grace to have been counted worthy to witness this New Year and new beginning. The year 2021 was remarkable in many ways. The most prominent is the scourge of COVID-19 and its variants. I, therefore, seize this opportunity to join our community in condoling with those who lost their loved ones since the advent of the pandemic and wish those undergoing treatment for COVID and all other ailments quick recovery. Upon my assumption of duty in May 2021, I highlighted Inclusion, Image Building, Innovation and Investment drive as my Four-squared Creed. The Mission has since been guided in the pursuit of our onerous assignments by the aforementioned pillars. I am happy to inform that our Mission has improved considerably in the areas of effective service delivery and image building. A visit to the Embassy will confirm the veracity of my assertion. I can also confirm that the Nigeria-Dutch relations experienced positive developments in the outgoing year starting with the Bilateral Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting in Abuja in June; the high-level visits of the Governor of Jigawa State in August, for technical partnership exploration and that of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November for Bilateral Consultations in the Kingdom of

the Netherlands. Furthermore, Mission successfully held the first edition of Multi-stakeholders Trade and Investment Meeting on 17th November, 2021 and the Virtual Town Hall Meeting attended by over 160 participants on Saturday, 18th December, 2021. Follow up on plans and strategies to consolidate on the modest achievements of 2021 and embark on result-oriented programmes and activities in 2022 are on-going. Additionally, Mission has continued to provide quality representation on behalf of Nigeria at the multilateral institutions such as, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC). In a related manner, we have sustained improvements in our Consular Section on the issue of passports. We also hope that Mission will enjoy steady supply of passport booklets in the New Year. Meanwhile, Mission has prioritised this service for our citizens in the Netherlands to whom we have primary responsibility. While wishing you all a prosperous New Year (2022), please, be assured of the Mission’s unwavering commitment to sustained improvement of service delivery, citizens’ welfare, business/investments exploration, as well as government-togovernment engagement, in the best interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Accordingly, I solicit the full co-operation of all Nigerians in the Netherlands in the realization of the afore-mentioned goals of scaled-up performance and robust relationship management in 2022. God bless you, God bless the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you all and Happy New Year. Her Excellency,Dr Eniola Ajayi Ambassador/Head of Mission Embassy of Nigeria, The Hague. The Netherlands www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Interview Moses Isooba: Time to shift power to the South During the new edition of the World Café which took place on 20th January 2022, a number of practitioners and leaders in the NGO and the development arena were present to discuss two main subjects; shifting power at work and the need for Northern Organizations to adapt policies and practices to support equal partnerships with their Southern Partners. One of the panelists was Dr. Moses Isooba, with over two decades of work experience in the NGO world as well as in the donor circles. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF), an organization that unites national and international NGOs operating in the country. Our Vice Versa contributor, Emmanuel Mandebo caught up with Dr. Moses and the two had a candid conversation about Shift the Power movement and power relations between Northern and Southern organizations.

t is a sunny afternoon and the streets are buzzing with activity as traffic flows steadily. We are in Kabalagala, one of the suburbs of the Ugandan capital Kampala, where the offices of Uganda National NGO Forum are located. In his office we meet Dr. Isooba for a talk about more equal relations between donors and recipients. Q: What is your general overview of Shift the Power Movement? Dr. Isooba: As Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF), we are a platform that brings together national and international NGOs in the country so as to influence democracy and governance processes in the country. The conversation about challenging power or asking difficult questions not only to donors but also to international NGOs started in the Rustlers Valley in South Africa around 2017. A number of INGOs leaders like Oxfam, Action Aid, etc., started having some critical reflection on what the role of the NGO was, especially for the northern INGOs.” From the time I started being part of this conversation, a number of questions started bubbling in my mind; for example, are we using the right language? Because, language is the human basis for being, for thinking and for communication. Language shapes relational engagement. Now, when we talk about shifting the power, first of all is that the right language? Should we be talking about shifting power, like we are shifting it from the north to the south? Should we talk about sharing power? Some people will contend that power is a zero sum game and therefore there is not enough of it to be shared. If it is shared one is losing while the other gains. It’s in our nature to accumulate power rather than lose it. This has sparked even more conversation where people are wondering whether they should be talking about shifting power, sharing it or they should perhaps be talking about transforming it. The conversation continues and indeed it has gained currency. The challenge is that we are talking about shifting the power from the north. Ironically, the greatest number of voices talking about shifting the power is from the north. That is a bit challenging because one then

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wonders; are they talking about it because they feel there is an existential threat? Or, are they genuine in that we can actually sit with them on the same table and be able to challenge the dominant narratives and shape the discourse? I have been on panels of these conversations where I am the only one from the global south. This makes me wonder whether they’re genuinely interested in shifting power, knowing very well that many of them feed off this power. Many have risen in careers and got privilege because of it. Is this just a good conversation so they feel the need to simply get involved in it? That in itself is the problem. Q: Talking about the issue of language and for purposes of uniformity, what do you think is the most appropriate phrase for this movement? Dr. Isooba: I don’t think we need uniformity of language because we experience things differently in the Global North, East and South. Therefore, uniformity of language is in itself a problem. When we have people from the north sometimes coming and fixing us in the south with demands like they want things done in a certain way. Or, they want a results matrix which has got such and such results/outcomes without necessarily taking into consideration the contextual differences, then we have a problem. I think development needs a contextual flavor. We need to understand that these words/ terms mean different things in different locations. Therefore, in the shift the power movement, one important thing that we need to agree on is that for a long time the Global South has suffered from the fact that the North treats it with the mindset of control and mistrust as opposed to the desirable mindset of trust and courtesy. We need a deliberate departure from that mindset. We also need to educate our northern counterparts that whenever they come to the south, they often come, unconsciously (hopefully), with power and privilege. Some of them know this while others don’t, but it is important they should remain firmly wedded to the subsidiarity principle; the people closest to the problem will often have the right answer. They may not be able to articulate it in English or even put it

in the development jargon, but if you take the time to be with them they would be able to tell you what needs to be done. Therefore, there is need for contextual understanding. Q: You previously stated that majority of the proponents of Shift the Power movement are from the Global North and these are the same people who have had the power for a long time. Could this be another move by them to actually accumulate more power and control? Dr. Isooba: I know that within the northern INGO and the donor industrial complex there are many people who are wellintentioned. But, I also know that there are those who want to concentrate and retain the power where it is. When I get into these conversations, I want to be able to get a sense of confidence that the people I’m talking to are coming to the table genuinely. Otherwise, I don’t want a situation where my goat is stolen at night and in the morning the very thief who stole it comes to help me search for it. I just want a bit of genuineness. Yes you’ve come to the table and you fully understand and appreciate the constraints in which the current system is constricting development. You also understand that the current system cannot take us where we want to go. You genuinely understand all the deficits of the current partnership arrangement and how they can’t deliver us. After you’ve taken all that into consideration, then we can sit on the same table. I’m also acutely alive to the fact that it is not about the color of the skin, but the fact that the people on the table are the right ones who are genuinely interested in deconstructing the power dynamics and are willing to let go of what they have been holding. Let us not be naïve, there are people that have fed off this system for a very long time. They have actually grown their career in the NGO industrial complex and the aid industry. They are part of the problems that we see in architecture of aid and it is not easy for them to let go. Therefore, we know that there is going to be some push and pull hence you want the people you’re working with to be the genuine forces of change.”

Q: As the Executive Director of Uganda National NGO Forum, you’re privileged to have access to leaders of many INGOs in Uganda. From your interactions and observations, how willing and prepared are they to being part of Shift the Power movement? Dr. Isooba: What is happening is that a wind is currently blowing irrespective of where it started from. There is a conversation that has almost emerged from the north. People have been challenging and questioning the INGO and its relevance in the south. People have been questioning donors and whether the development aid they have been giving us is actually enabling us to develop. The INGOs in this country are fully aware of that wind that is blowing and they are willing to work on it. Right now the Country Directors Network, a network of directors of INGOs, are addressing themselves to the issue of racism at work. More often than not, when you go to an INGO you will find that there is both local and international staff. The latter are treated in a special way, different from the former. I was actually invited to facilitate the process of ending racism at work. I informed them that if they really wanted to bring genuine change, then they needed someone who would ask them difficult, weird and challenging questions. There is a sense of willingness of the INGOs in Uganda to start addressing such issues. There is an existential threat so they either change or they will be changed. Their options are limited. Q: How about the national NGOs? Dr. Isooba: They have been at the receiving end. For a long time the Northern NGOs have been the decision makers while the ones in the south have been decision takers. We have been ‘invaded’ by all manners of control and mistrust. They will slap you with all manners of information requests. The national NGOs are fully aware that something needs to change and that development cannot be delivered like that and have actually started responding. One aspect that is gaining traction is the subject of community led philanthropy and resource mobilization because they are fully aware that development is not going to be delivered by the INGOs in their country. They are also aware that the resources in the north are getting limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic that destabilized them. Another factor is the rise of nationalist populist leaders, the ‘cousins’ of Donald Trump scattered all over who are inward looking, defining what development should look like. That means that less development aid will come to the South. We need to start mobilizing resources, therefore redefining what development Continued on Page 62 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 61 should look like and getting a sense of ownership of development. We are tired of reporting matrices that are imposed on the Southern NGOs even when they don’t make sense. Increasingly the national NGOs and CSO leaders are getting a civic consciousness that can actually be able to challenge the power and privilege with which our counterparts from the North bear. Therefore, we are able to start sitting with them, asking why things should be this way. This is the kind of energy we need in challenging the INGO, the donor industrial complex and the current aid architecture. Q: Is it possible to have a division of roles between the Northern and Southern NGOs? Dr. Isooba: Honestly, despite the criticism directed towards the Northern INGOS, they are going to remain useful and relevant. There is a huge body of knowledge that they come with to the South. They remain critical in terms of harnessing resources from the north. They help in terms of transfer of knowledge and that is not contested. What needs to change is how that is transferred to the south, taking a conscious and deliberate departure from the control and mistrust mindset to that of trust and courtesy. They should be able to have discussions around certain pertinent issues like institutional overhead costs and other services. Organizations in the South have to pay for such services instead of simply expecting the Northern organizations to deliver a certain project, thereby assigning funds for only that project. At the moment what is critical is not even division of roles since there are certain roles that the respective organizations perform better. Q: What bottlenecks do Southern NGOs encounter while relating with their Northern Partners? Are they forced to focus on certain topics/areas? Dr. Isooba: I don’t think the northern partners are forcing or imposing themselves on their southern counterparts. Of course there are a number of challenges, sometimes subtle while others are quite noticeable. For example, when a southern organization conceptualizes an idea, this idea is sent to their northern partner. By the time the concept note is returned, it has been completely mutilated. It is unfortunate that most Southern organizations are not involved in the process of making adjustments to their original concepts. This needs to change. A number of INGOs in the country are also grappling with the issue of racism at work. Racism at work is the elephant in the room which nobody wants to speak about yet it plays out and manifests in different ways. This is all brought about by the colonial mindset which needs to be addressed immediately. Q: How then can we make the southern organizations less

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dependent on the northern organizations? Dr. Isooba: Covid-19 was a blessing in disguise. Restrictions on movement resulted in global south organizations receiving fewer visitors from the north yet the former’s development projects continued. As the narrative of shifting power is increasingly gaining currency, the other that’s steadily gaining momentum is the idea of community led philanthropy. This stems from the fact that Africans are givers as seen by our acts of fundraising communally for burials, community wells, marriage, etc. This same attitude can be channeled to fundraising for development. If we are able to put in place a law that governs philanthropy then we can actually be able to raise resources from the global south. We can be able to raise resources from individuals, including those with a high net worth not only from within the country but also regionally. The earlier we liberate ourselves from the north, the better. This is because the resources in the north are increasingly decreasing. Q: What are some of the anticipated practical challenges in the journey of shifting power? Dr. Isooba: To be a prophet of hope, Shifting Power is a

huge tornado that is sweeping across the north. Therefore there is an increasing realization that there needs to be change. Right now we are having conversations with our global north partners where the terms are very favorable. Uganda National NGO Forum has got a very good agreement with Wilde Ganzen. This agreement gives us latitude, creativity, innovation and leg room to be able to maneuver around and effect change without having our hands or feet tied. I think this is a result of the northern partners realizing that there is need to let go of certain traits. Groups like Re-imagine INGOs (RINGO) and others have been actively involved in the movement. We are hopeful that there is going to be a positive response from all stakeholders and we are soon going to be talking as equal partners. There is also going to be a deliberate departure from funding relationships to partnerships. Q: How achievable is the goal of shift the power movement? Dr. Isooba: Change takes time it doesn’t happen overnight. We are talking about changing the mindsets of people who have been with this power and privilege for many years. It would therefore be too presumptuous to start putting timelines on this journey. What is important for now is that it has started and some gains have already been made.

Q: How do we then maintain a healthy relationship between the southern and northern organization while pushing the agenda of Shift the power movement? Dr. Isooba: Both sides need each other. Because of this, there is going to be need for cordial respect and mutuality from either side. I therefore do not anticipate an adversarial relationship. Q: Assuming you had an opportunity of meeting a representative of the Dutch government, for example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, what advice would you give him? Also, how can the Dutch government support Shift the Power Movement? Dr. Isooba: I would begin by expressing my sincere sympathies to him because I feel that at times they seem to be working under very difficult conditions. You will find that the Minister is a very good and well-intentioned person but he is working in a bureaucratic system. Many people understand that bureaucracy is the scaffolding on which we implement many great and innovative ideas. But once the idea has been implemented, remove it. Unfortunately, most times the bureaucracy won’t permit removal of the scaffolding. There needs to be proper cooperation and coordination so that the minister or the Dutch government is able to fully understand and appreciate what development ought to look like. That, together we can define the trajectory of development and also be able to agree on the results and outcomes of the different project funds. Q: What are the next steps in Shift the Power Movement? Dr. Isooba: Right now, the language and conversation around the movement seems to be an elitist one. The most important people that are not involved in these conversations is where development actually takes place, that is, the people at the grass root level. Therefore we need to find out how we can harness those voices. We can be academic about shifting the power but the people that are on the discussion table need to come with the knowledge that they have accumulated from the grass roots. We need to move from the ink on the paper to the actual implementation.”

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Mindbeautysphere

By Caroline Omondi

Lioness Moms

sharing from the MindBeautySphere by Caroline Omondi February is the month of Love. We all cherish and celebrate our Valentines, but for us, women of Africa, it’s our children that we most of all derive meaning from, the ones we feed daily ‘ugali and sukuma wiki with love’ and project our hopes for the future on. Our children are the centerpieces of our existence and make up the main storyline of our lives. Becoming a mom has been the rite of passage for the African woman for generations. That’s the moment you are counted in as someone that contributes, someone that is fully looked up to. You are expected to be central in the upbringing of your kids, instilling values: God fearing, respecting the elderly, doing good at school, make them accomplish. You keep them clean and healthy, building to the outside world the perfect family picture. Doing all this of course, in addition to all the household chores, and if any of your kids happens to go astray– behold, we all know who is to be blamed, you, mom! That’s why we take all this mothering very seriously, we are doing exams every single day, and we better succeed, even if 64

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we must threaten our kids into doing the right thing! ‘If you ever do that…I will cut off your legs!”: I still recall my mum saying. You may be familiar with the Asian ‘Tiger mom’. Those formidable women drive their offspring into becoming big achievers. Always being ahead of the pack, sacrificing almost everything to make a success of oneself, even at the expense of the child’s personal happiness and wellbeing. Here, and in contrast, I give you the iconic role model of African motherhood, which I baptize the “Lioness mom’. She is as strong, present, and as much a defining persona in the lives and successes of her children, but way more protective, more giving, and a lot more physical, more tactile to her offspring: hugging, holding, and possibly like myself, inclined to breastfeed till it makes people wonder. The lion may have swag, but it is the lioness that does most of the hunting, keeps everyone fed, and guarantees the pack survives. African mothers are pivotal in raising children, yet the scope of their care and responsibilities expands seldom the children they mothered themselves. Children of sisters, brothers often are taken into their care and are cared for as their own. And all children have loving aunties, brothers, and sisters in most of their lives that are not biologically theirs, not a family in the strict sense, but are an important socializing presence, nevertheless. Raising children in Africa is a communal achievement. Fathers are expected to provide, mothers, sisters, and aunties are the final responsible, heavy lifters in raising children into respecting and accountable grown-ups. How African motherhood is preserved, challenged, and changing when bringing kids up in the Diaspora? Culture is thicker than water. Most of us tend to be culturally conservative, by which I mean that we try holding onto what we know and value. We do our best to preserve, to breathe life into what we value. But the circumstances in which we mother in the Diaspora are vastly different from what we left behind. We may have moved out of love, for career goals, and me like most of you, choose daily for hope: faith that our leap

in the unfamiliar will eventually enhance opportunities for ourselves and our children: born or yet to be born. How we raise children is strongly culturally defined. We take our own experience as the first reference, naturally, but back in Africa, raising kids was a communal affair in which extended family, neighbors, and the local community all took part. Here, in this individualistic society, by contrast, you are doing it alone, with your partner. Your idea of motherhood, your expectations, unconscious often, the examples you bring, the communal support network, all of these are simply not there in the country of arrival. Like this, all these taken-for-granted ways of mothering become heavier when having to manifest it while living abroad, because what is lacking is all the means of cooperation necessary to make it real. This doesn’t mean that the dream of motherhood loses its luster, but living it becomes a path full of challenges. Life is no longer just about being a good mom, it’s about balancing a lot more: fitting in with your partner and new family, dealing with language barriers, the school system, educational and career ambitions, and…essential for mental resilience, finding like-minded individuals. Despite the challenges facing your ambitions for African ‘Lioness-style’ motherhood, you are still hoping to instill your standards and raise your children in a way that helps them appreciate both their European and African roots. Other kids will undoubtedly influence yours, so will school, and so will what they watch on television and online. For you and your partner there is no break in dropping off your kids with an auntie that you know and can be rest assured upon that she shares your values and will bring up your kids in the same values that you uphold. The best you can hope for is finding

‘your tribe’, Africans like you, that share common ground: speak your language, prepare, share, and enjoy the same food, talk, and laugh loud like you and know how to move on the rhythm of the latest African hits. I am fortunate to have found my tribe and cherish my friendships, my sisters, and their families that I am able to visit regularly. It’s a new country, so let’s do it together! I have learned the importance of friendships with sisters and brothers that are culturally near to me. They constitute a happy, welcoming space in which I can find out what I want

to keep and pass on to my children: core values of respect, how to behave towards the elderly and friends, religion, African spices, how we move dancing, working hard, learn

to be independent because life can throw you anywhere and you will be forced to fit in. Of course, motherhood in the Diaspora comes also with hope and great opportunities. Exactly because one can’t fly on automatic pilot in unchartered territory, mothers make conscious choices and like this give chances to themselves as moms, wives, and individuals, and to their children as well, in ways that was not open to them before. Choices that do fit best their personal situation, values, and hopes. We live and grow in a much more open and diverse society than we grew up in, and so do our children. This gives us the wealth of choice and chances for real personal growth. Communicating with African moms like me, makes me realize that I am not alone in facing the challenges of being an African mom in Europe. Each of my sisters is an echo board to me and as such their experiences help to make sense of mine. African moms in the Diaspora are to each other a filter to find out what one wishes to maintain, foster, cultivate, and what one sees open for amelioration. We, Lioness Moms never fail to support each other in fostering what works best for the wellbeing of ourselves and our children. That’s why I have pride in being an African mom. She could be reached or followed via @mindbeautysphere @fashionhightea E-mail: info@fashionhightea.eu`

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ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali

eaders in sub-region of West Africa have shown commitment to good governance, democratic enterprises, says Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo immediately after the meeting with ECOWAS Head of States where he represented President Buhari. The Vice President added that there is clear evidence international community will no longer accept unconstitutional takeover of government in any country within the region and in the continent at large. With its latest stand against unconstitutional seizure of power, leaders of member states in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have shown strong resolve and commitment to issues of good governance and democracy in the sub-region. At the Summit, ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali, withdraw all ECOWAS

Ambassadors in the country, and also close land and air borders between ECOWAS Member States and Mali. The Vice President disclosed that there is a strong resolve by ECOWAS Member States to stand against coup d’états in the subregion. Speaking to journalists after the Summit, Prof. Osinbajo said: “what is being done is unprecedented. In the years gone by, the African Union, then known as OAU and ECOWAS, never came down heavily on Coups de’tats; but there is evidence now that there is a very strong resolve that ECOWAS and, indeed, AU and the international community will not accept unconstitutional takeover of government.” Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “it’s very evident that there is very strong resolve, which is why we are here today. We expect that the actions that will be taken will point the junta in Mali in the right direction.” “I think ECOWAS has shown that it has not lost its bite where there are concerns about issues of good governance and democratic enterprises in the sub-region, which is why sanctions against Guinea and Mali were imposed. After reviewing the situation in Mali at the Extraordinary Summit, the sub-regional leaders rejected the transition schedule proposed by the Malian military junta, noting that “the proposed chronogram for a transition is totally unacceptable”. The body also imposed additional sanctions on the junta, including the following: 66

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a) Withdrawal of all ECOWAS Ambassadors in Mali; b) Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Mali; c) Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali, with the exception of the following products: essential consumer goods; pharmaceutical products; medical supplies and equipment, including materials for the control of COVID-19 products, and electricity d) Freeze of assets of the Republic of Mali in ECOWAS Central Banks; e) Freeze of assets of the Malian State and the State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks f) Suspension of Mali from all financial assistance and transactions from financial institutions. The communique also disclosed that the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government “instructs all Community institutions to take steps to implement these sanctions with immediate effect.” Noting that the sanctions will only be gradually lifted “after an acceptable and agreed transition chronogram is finalised and monitored-satisfactory progress is realised in the implementation of the chronogram for the elections.” Regarding Guinea, ECOWAS noted that it remained concerned about the slow progress of the transition process four months after the coup. ” Earlier in his remarks at the opening session of the Summit, Chairman of ECOWAS, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, praised the commitment and support of West African leaders to the progress and prosperity of the sub-region. Recalling the efforts of the leaders in resolving the crisis in parts of the sub-region, President Akufo-Addo said, “as you did through the entire year of 2021, you continue to demonstrate your commitment to responding to urgent and critical evolving situations in the region. “This is the 6th Extraordinary Summit since I assumed the chair of the Authority that Your Excellencies have participated in concerning the vexed issues of Mali and Guinea. It is a strong testimony to your leadership and concern to the progress of ECOWAS.” Aside from Vice President Osinbajo and the Ghanaian President - who presided at the Summit, other West African leaders present at the Summit were Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal; George Weah of Liberia; Patrice Talon of Benin Republic; Roch Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso, and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire,Umaro Embalò of the Republic of Guinea Bissau; Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic; Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and the Vice President of The Gambia, Isatou Touray. The session was also attended by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the ECOWAS Mediator for Mali; the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Kassi Brou; among other representatives of international organisations. By Laolu Akande Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity in the office of the Vice President

Courtesy visit to Nigeria Ambassador to Holland.

t the start of the New Year 2022, I was privileged to have a short interaction as I was received in audience by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Eniola Ajayi at her office with the deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Oluremi Oliyide, Minister Plenipotentiary (Trade, Investment and Economic Affairs). We held very fruitful discussions on Nigeria, Nigerians living in the Netherlands as well as encouraging business participation from Nigerian

Connecting cultures in Almere from 27th to 28th August 2022

diaspora with our home country, Nigeria. She clearly stated that her mission is to ensure that we all contribute to make Nigeria a better country and that begins at all levels of life including supporting our families, loved ones, colleagues to start off small scale enterprises back at home. She appeals to all Nigerians to join forces with the Nigerian Embassy to attract investment at all levels back to our home country, Nigeria. According to her, the mission is open to all Nigerians first and foremost and despite the corona pandemic, they continue to render diplomatic services to Nigerians as well as friends of Nigeria. The Embassy could be reach on this number or visit the website of the Nigerian Embassy in the Hague for any inquiry you may still have or want clarifications. Embassy of Nigeria Wagenaarweg 5, 2597 LL Den Haag The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 703 501 703

Visit www.almerecentrum.nl for details

Connecting cultures by food, dance, music, clothing and literature. Almere is home to over 145 nationalities, of which many make an appearance with their culture and products in cooking theaters and regional markets. Each square in Almere Centrum will represent another world continent like Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Oceania. Each area will have its own specific regional market, music program, cooking theater and an activity theatre. Come enjoy the taste, culture and music of every part of the world! Do you want to let visitors of Connecting Cultures enjoy your culture?

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Anthony Joshua Training With Lawrence Okolie, Working On Mobility

nthony Joshua worked out with WBO cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie on Tuesday, focusing on mobility and throwing body shots on the inside. Interestingly, Joshua’s trainer Rob McCracken hasn’t been seen in any of his recent video clips from Dubai. Has Joshua already cast McCracken adrift? You would think that Joshua, out of loyalty, would keep McCracken on as the captain of his sinking ship until the bitter end. If Usyk had any questions about what strategy Joshua will use in their rematch, all he needs to do was take one look at his workout today with Okolie to find out what his plan will be for their match next April. AJ will be targeting Usyk’s breadbasket with a hit & run approach to the fight, with a lot of clinching to keep him from getting his punches off. It’s a spoiling game plan to watch and a real turnoff for the boxing fans. With Joshua trying desperately to save his career, I don’t think he cares one bit how ugly he makes it. He needs to win, and he’s beyond caring if it’s pretty or not. Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is trying hard to come up with the winning formula to avenge his loss to Oleksandr Usyk to win back his IBF, WBA, and WBO heavyweight titles in April. The Joshua vs. Usyk rematch is still yet to be announced by Matchroom Boxing, but it’s all but certain to be taking place in April, likely in the UK. Joshua, 32, has already decided that he wants the second fight with the unbeaten 2012 Olympic gold medalist Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) and activated the rematch clause months ago. Working out with the lanky 68

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6’5″ Okolie (17-0, 14 KOs) is an odd move by Joshua, as his size, reach, and fighting style is nothing like that of the 6’3″ Usyk. Charles Brun couldn’t pick a more different heavyweight than Usyk for Joshua to train with if he tried. It’s just a strange choice for Joshua to work out with Okolie to prepare for the Usyk fight, but of course, AJ is frantic at this point, reaching for ANYTHING in hopes of coming up with the magic elixir that will lead him to a

career-saving victory. All this movement and mauling that Joshua is planning on using against Usyk could ultimately lead to his demise in the fight because to fight like that; you need stamina. As we already know, Joshua’s gas tank is one that routinely runs out after four rounds, and sometimes even faster than that if he’s forced to fight hard. Joshua’s decision to implement movement against Usyk is a wrong-headed plan because it can only work for fighters with the required stamina. That plan won’t work for fighters like Joshua, who are have a bodybuilder’s physique. By Charles Brun:

Rwandan woman referee creates AFCON history Rwandan Salima Mukansanga became the first woman to referee an Africa Cup of Nations match when she oversaw the Group B clash between Guinea and Zimbabwe in Yaounde during the tournament which recently ended in Cameroon. Confederation of African Football (CAF) gave Mukansanga the chance to officiate the match alongside two female assistant referees, Carine Atemzabong of Cameroon and Fatiha Jermoumi of Morocco. However, when the officials entered the pitch for the match at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in the Cameroonian capital, both assistant referees were males. CAF did not immediately explain why the assistant referees were changed. Mukansanga created history after the previous 32 editions of the flagship African tournament from 1957 were refereed exclusively by men. Previously the Rwandan was the fourth official when Guinea defeated Malawi on January 10 in Bafoussam. “We are super proud of Salima because she has had to work exceptionally hard to be where she is today,” said Confederation of African Football (CAF) referees’ boss Eddy Maillet from the Seychelles.

“We know that as a woman she had to overcome serious obstacles to reach this level and she deserves a lot of credit. “This moment is not just for Salima, but every young girl in Africa who has passion for football and who sees herself as a referee in the future.” Back in her home country, Rwanda who failed to qualify for the tournament but they were overjoyed with her inclusion as a referee in the tournament and eventually having the chance to officiate a football match of this high magnitude. They expect that she would feature more prominently in the game on the continent and at the global scene with the world cup fast approaching in Qatar.

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Tyson Fury losing patience with Joshua on step aside situation

By William Lloyd

BC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wants Anthony Joshua to decide already whether he’s going to take a step aside payment or go ahead with his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury (31-0-1, 22 KOs) would like to be the one that takes care of IBF, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion Usyk (190, 13 KOs) next so that he can collect all four belts. Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) said last week that he’s willing to step aside if it makes business sense, which can be construed to be code for, ‘I’m not confident about the Usyk fight.’ Tyson wants Joshua to make a decision already so he can get ramped up to smash Usyk’s face in for him. Ideally, Fury wants to ensure that Joshua doesn’t lose again before facing

him in their long-awaited fight. “What I say to that is you have to ask my advisor on what is going on with people’s step aside money and other people’s businesses because I don’t get involved at all,” said Fury. “I am not a businessman. I’m a Spartan, and I’m only interested in knocking mother f***** out. “So, I don’t get involved in money, money, money, cash, cash, cash. I’m a warrior, not a businessman. I don’t care about money, fame, or fortune. I care about fighting,” said Fury. “I’ve heard a particular person AJ talking about being a businessman and all that lately. Let’s get it straight, I ain’t a businessman. I’m a fu**** Spartan, mate. Fight until the end. “No retreat and no surrender, that’s what Spartans say. No business at all. There’s no business in this. When I fight someone, you can’t pay me 200 billion to lose a fight because I want that mother f**** heart. “Whoever I’m fighting, I want to eat it up for breakfast and then spit it back out again because I don’t do losing it for money or anything for money because I value it. “It doesn’t mean that much for me because whether I live in a

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castle or a council flat, I’m still Tyson Fury the Gypsy King,” Fury said. Tyson Wants Joshua To Decide Already If Joshua is serious about wanting $40 million for his step aside, then it’s clear that he wants to fight his rematch with Usyk because he’s not going to get that kind of crazy money. Joshua would be putting his career on the line in the rematch with Usyk, but he can afford to make a foolish move like that because his net worth is $80 million. He’s not like someone with an empty bank account who can’t afford to make unwise gambles. “I’m not going to give an opinion on that because he’s going to end up seeing this interview and not stepping aside,” said Fury on Joshua, saying he possibly could make sense for him to step aside if it makes sense for him. “I want him to step aside so that I can absolutely batter Oleksandr Usyk,” said Fury. “But if he does, he does, and if he doesn’t, he does. “One thing I will say is get the f*** on with it. Either take your money and f*** off or fight the man [Usyk]. Either way, one or the other,” said a frustrated-sounding Fury. “Why do I need to focus on opponents? I just won the biggest trilogy in the history of mankind. I’m not interested in thinking about opponents at the minute. “And I’m not thinking about fighting and all that sort of stuff. I’m thinking about enjoying what I’ve done,” Fury said. It’s clear that Fury has lost his ambition at this point and wants to enjoy the fruits of his labor. It’ll be interesting to see how long it’ll take before Fury gets bored outside of the ring and will return. Tyson Not Thinking Of The Next Opponent Yet It’s still too early for Fury to know who he’ll be fighting next because if Dillian Whyte’s arbitration case ends soon, he may wind up facing him. Of course, Fury can permanently vacate his WBC title and ask to be elevated to Franchise champion, which in that case, it won’t matter what happens with his WBC belt. Whyte would either be elevated to the new WBC champion or more likely be ordered to fight the highest-ranked contender for it in the World Boxing Council’s top 10 rankings. “People are always saying, ‘Who are you fighting next?’ I’ve just come out of the ring,” Fury said. “Give me a break; I’ve just beaten somebody. It was a tough man, and I think one of the toughest men I’m ever going to face in the history of boxing. “A man that was willing to go out on his shield, a man that was willing to die in the ring that night. A lot of people talk a good fight about going out on their shield and surviving until the end, but they don’t show it. Deontay Wilder did so big credit to that. “I get lucky sometimes, 31 times in a row,” Fury said in

trying to sound modest. I remember when I was fat as f*** at 28 stone, Joshua sent me a message, ‘Get fit, you fat f***’ or something like that. He also said to me, ‘Let’s see who loses first, fat boy.’ “I was like, ‘Game on.’ He sent me a message saying that. ‘We’ll see who loses first,’ and I think he’s lost twice, and I still have that big fat zero, baby. I always said it’s easy to beat someone like me. You’ve got to nail me to the f*** canvas,” Fury said. Fury To Retire After Two More Fights There are arguably three well-paying fights left for Fury against Dillian Whyte, Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua. If Fury only takes two of them, you can’t blame him because he’s already set for life, and he’ll make a ton of money in those two fights. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Fury’s net worth is currently $30 million. Once Fury faces Joshua and Joshua, his net worth will swell to well over $100 million, and he’ll have a nice chunk of change to retire with. “My day is almost over. A 33-year-old and I’ve been through hell and back,” said Fury. “I don’t have a 40-year career in me. I’ve got maybe another year left, and that’s it. Another couple of fights, and I’m out. I’ve got nothing to prove and nothing to finalize with anybody. “All I want to do is enjoy what I’ve done, and that’s it. Have a couple of more fights. “I know my dad will be glad to see me walk away after a couple of more fights. “I’ve got a couple of fights left in me. Win, lose, or draw, you’re going to see a good fight. That’s guaranteed!” Fury

said. There’s no reason for Fury to continue with his career after two

more fights. With the money he’ll make from those two fights, he won’t need to continue unless he’s still looking impressive to the point where it’s worth it to prolong his career. Fury Willing To Fight Dillian Whyte Tyson says he’s willing to fight Dillian Whyte if the WBC orders him to take the fight, but he’d also be willing to be elevated to Franchise champion if that opportunity arose. “Dillian Whyte has his own problems with the WBC, and it has nothing to do with me,” said Tyson.”I’d fight Dillian Whyte at the drop of a hat. It has nothing to do with, ‘Tyson won’t fight.’ “He’s been mandatory for 200 million days or whatever, but he’s not been my mandatory one time. He’s never been mandatory for my belts ever. When he is, I’ll smash the c*** face right in. “Listen, when they make him my mandatory challenger, I will defend my belt and butcher him, no problem. If he can beat me, I’ll shake his hand. If not, I’ll move on to the next one. “Let me clarify on that; he hasn’t been my mandatory for a hundred million days,” said Fury about Whyte. “He hasn’t been my mandatory for zero. He isn’t my mandatory today because I’d be fighting him if he was. “At the minute, I’d say, ‘no’ because it hasn’t arisen, but if the opportunity arises, I’ll see,” said Fury when asked if he’d be interested in vacating his WBC title and becoming Franchise champion so that he doesn’t have to fight Whyte. “But I don’t want to avoid anybody; I avoid no man. I’ll fight them all. I’m the WBC heavyweight champion, and all roads lead to me. If you’re not five million percent, then you will not beat me. “I said a long time ago that I was heading towards the stars, and here I am, reaping the rewards, baby. So here’s a massive message to all my haters out there,” said Fury as he flips the bird at the camera.