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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 Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.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 Amb. Patrick McCaffrey Mildred Kleinbussink

Guest Writer: Ms. Albena Jones

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-governmental organizations and in dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way affiliated to any of these bodies or to any other publishing institution or political interest or group. The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination. The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy.. If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address. On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com www.viceversaglobal.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A

Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)

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Volume 22 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

NO 218 JUNE 2022

Contents 12-15

June edition 2022 - Volume 22. No 218 18-23

52-55

ARTICLES

Pages 6 & 7 - A country where leaders are only interested in power and not the people! Pages 26-29 – Protect The Shea Butter Trees! Page 30 – Nigeria Media & Entertainment group collaborates UNP.NL Page 31 - Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed named new President of UAE Pages 32 & 33 - The Devoted Defender of the Silent Cries Pages 34 & 35 - A new musical kid hits Dutch musical scene Pages 38 & 39 - Justina Mutale adopts school in Zambia Page 42 - A sharing by MindBeautySphere, Caroline Omondi - Healing forgiveness Page 43 - African Development Bank is A-A-A Financial institution in the world, first in the developing countries Pages 44 & 45 - International tree planting day Pages 48-51 - The youngster promoting talents in Rwanda Pages 58 & 59 - President Adama Barrow appoints new Cabinet after reelection Pages 60-62 - Sportlighting Nigerian Dubai based music sensation, Sammyoung Page 63 - Mauritius picked as the happiest country in Africa, while Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya are not in the top 10 Pages 64-66 - Tina Nambao, Zambia’s Foremost Clubfoot Awareness and Treatment Advocate Page 68 – Sports – African female referee to officiate Senior World Cup in Qatar

Get fast results by advertising with us. Call us on +31684999548 or +31648519292 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Send all your articles for publication....

REGISTER WITH NIGERIA EMBASSY THE HAGUE On behalf of the Nigerian Embassy in The Hague, this is a general public announcement and appeal to all Nigerians resident in the Netherlands either as Students or full time residents with Dutch Nationality or any other nationality but you have proof of being a Nigerian. We kindly advise you to register your current location address and contact details through the Nigerian Embassy for your safety and accountability purposes in case of an emergency of evacuation or exchange of information. The Russian /Ukraine conflict is a learning curve for us all. We live in a time of uncertainty around the world. Note: Your information is not going to be compromised or used for any other purpose than for documentation and records purpose if you are to be reached. Kindly register yourself, spouse, children or any other family member resident with you even if they are undocumented in the country. The link to follow is below or visits the Nigerian Embassy website at www.nigerianembassythehague.nl Signed: Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Eniola Ajayi The Hague, The Netherlands

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Editorial

A country where leaders are only interested in power and not the people!

‘

There are many leaders in the country who want power at all cost yet they do not have the same passion to serve the people when they are given the chance to govern. This is the sad reality of a country called Nigeria. Right now all hell loose leading towards 2023 selection of candidates for the office of the President of Nigeria. Not a surprise that the Electoral commission is milking them dry, although they cannot be dry because many of them are richer than the country. Our editorial question is if these aspirants have these huge sums of money, why have they not been helping develop their country and the people? Do they have to become President to be able to make impact on the lives of the ordinary citizens? I doubt. Simply put they are all hungry and greed for power and steal the state resources to replenish whatever they are borrowing or wherever they secure the money from. Well, the current President, contested four times previously before he was elected in 2015 and how he has little to show for nearly 8 years in office, many has argued that his administration is worse than that of Goodluck Jonathan that some are even calling for Jonathan to contest again for a return to power. Is this a progressive country or retrogressive country in terms of the quality of candidates wanting to be President? Some as State Governors have not

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been able to improve the living condition of their people, owing salaries and pensions, no motorable roads, health care is not available for the people; shortage of food and nearly everything is in the opposite direction yet they are rushing to pick forms to contest for Presidency. The highest political position is being presented as a carrot for the highest bidder to grab – 100 million naira for a political party form to contest in a primary, which you are not sure of winning! How much more would the candidate and the party spend in the election proper? Unimaginable amount in a country where unemployment has sky rocketed, crime, kidnapping, political assassinations, ritual killings, and you name it has become the order of the day. We now have a ‘Condolence President Buhari”, all the press statement coming out of the State House is on President condolence messages for his citizens being senselessly killed under a helpless government. What is INEC going to do with all of this money collected from collection of forms? Should it not be channel back to the people to help alleviate their suffering before the elections in 2023? In the beginning, the same people who said they were not interested on the job are using so called organizations and interest groups to obtain form. Who are you deceiving,

where would ordinary people get 100 million to donate to a candidate to purchase a political party form? A society of deceit and lies would not progress beyond its fantasy. The two parties (APC & PDP) has brought Nigeria to its knees and yet thy are the same most popular parties where people are queuing up to buy forms to contest, simply saying we don’t care of their failed policies, we just want power at all cost. If Nigerians can’t look beyond these two political arrangements, Nigeria is doom for more disaster come 2023. What would have been a way forward for Nigeria is to form an alliance of third force or parties to kick out these political gangsters who have hijacked

Nigeria for personal gains but unfortunately each of the so called small or opposition parties think they can use social media to gain power and push out these two super-parties in Nigeria (APC & PDP). A joke of the highest order. 2023 is providing an opportunity for Nigerians to prove that they have learnt one lesson and understand that the present political arrangement has no interest of the common man at heart and they truly need to use their God given power through the ballot to make a difference in the next elections. We call on the people to retire these greedy political leaders to archives of history and elect fresh

hands; what is experience with greedy leaders who are been recycled every four years from Senate to Governor, from Governor back to the Senate and now to be President………. We are watching to see how INEC would account for these huge amounts being returned to the hands of the government. Our prayer and hope is that these funds would be channel into recovery plans of the economy and help pay striking Universities lecturers for students to return back to classes. For once, let this government put their priority right, they still can make a little impact with the opportunity they have now to get as much money back from the hands of these greedy individuals. God save Nigeria from the hands of wicked, greedy and over ambitions so called political leaders. We wait to see what happens in their primaries and who emerges to context in the next elections. The world is watching Nigeria. Note: This editorial was written before the parties primaries. Kindly enjoy your June edition of the Voice magazine and remember preparations are on for our mega event in the Gambia comes August 18th to 20th 2022. Join us to celebrate the goodness in us as humanity.

Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief

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

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President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC: Excited to join the EAC

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My journey with an Autistic son Written by Eunice Mwaura

ven though autism has been around for a long time, it has become increasingly frequent in our society in recent years. This is due to improved diagnostic tools and more awareness as compared to before. Although it is a lifelong disorder, early diagnosis should be made to allow for early intervention. Hilda Ng’ang’a, a mother of two, shares her experience with her 10-year-old son who was diagnosed when he was just five years old. ‘It doesn’t have to be International Autism Day to create awareness and the need for inclusion of the people living with autism. As a parent to an autistic child, every day is an awareness day for me,’ Hilda Ng’ang’a begins as she chops carrots in her kitchen at her home located on the outskirts of Nairobi. ‘My son loves it here.’ The quiet and serene environment, surrounded by greenery, is a deliberate choice for her 10-year-old son to live and comfortably thrive in. She informs me that the environment plays a significant role in the coping mechanism and behavioral episodes of an autistic person. Ever since her son was diagnosed with autism, Hilda always purposed to share her son’s story as a means to create awareness. Most importantly, she wants to nurture a culture of acceptance and inclusion of this often overlooked disorder. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Early diagnosis and intervention is essential as this can make a

significant difference in improving the quality of life of a child with autism. Hilda noticed that her son’s behavior was unusual even before he was diagnosed with the disorder. Being in the medical industry helped her spot some developmental challenges in him, though her motherly instincts also constantly told her

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that he was developing differently. She describes him as being socially disengaged from her as a child. As he grew older, he always kept to himself and never wanted to be around his peers. The diagnosis was not simple as the first diagnosis they received was not conclusive. The doctor assured them that their son had global developmental delays, a condition in which a child takes longer to complete certain milestones, compared to other children their age. Because he was their first child, it was assumed that it was not unusual for him to have developmental delays, as many firstborns especially boys “often” do. She was encouraged to seek occupational therapy; treatment used to enhance motor skills, balance, and coordination in children and adults who struggle with everyday tasks like writing or getting dressed, and speech therapy. It was assumed that things would improve over time, but nothing much ch ‘I already knew what my son had, but I needed a medical diagnosis to ascertain my prognosis,’ she says. It is a normal concern for any parent to worry when their child has not achieved any developmental milestone. At the age of three, he still couldn’t speak, and Hilda was now very conscious of the fact that her child was developing quite differently. She felt the need to act on this concern so she

sought a second opinion. She took him to a government hospital in Thika, 40 kilometers east of Nairobi. ‘When we stepped in, the assessor looked at him for a few minutes and verified my suspicions; he was autistic. At the time, he was only 5 years old,’ she recalls. Autism Diagnosis Challenges Autism can be difficult to diagnose because there is no medical test to diagnose it. As such, the doctor must rely solely on the child’s developmental history and behaviors to make a determination. Another factor is that the diagnosis is made by developmental specialists/pediatricians/ psychologists, which is a costly affair that is not affordable to many. The interventions required are equally costly. It also comes back to awareness; while autism awareness has grown, it’s still not yet fully understood and embraced.

It is assumed that it’s fairly usual for a firstborn child to have developmental delays. Thus, some people go undetected until they are teens or adults, meaning they may not even receive the intervention they deserve. However, the earlier the diagnosis the better because it allows individuals to receive the necessary support to attain their full potential. “It is a costly disorder, especially since many people Continued on Page 14

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement

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Continued from Page 13

cannot afford support services. As a spectrum disorder, the medication required in the treatment of seizures, convulsions, and gastrointestinal disorders is beyond the typical Kenyan’s reach in terms of cost. Government support is required to facilitate the provision of support services for people with autism. This could include the elimination of taxes on medical facilities and services, including drugs, or the reduction of VAT on products required by autistic people. This could be a step in the right

comfortably fit in proved to be an uphill task. ‘We moved from one school to another; public, private, and even religious-based institutions. Most were ill equipped while others out rightly turned us down, even though we were ready to incur extra costs to have our son admitted with his own shadow teacher.’ Inclusion and Awareness Eventually, they got a good school which she admits has been very beneficial in helping her son achieve major milestones in his daily life. They are taught sign language and activities of daily living, in addition to an individualized education plan (IEP); so it is not only theoretical but also practical. ‘Before we took him to this school, he used to attend a regular school, which we noticed wasn’t benefiting him. Along with his classmates, they would all be given the same assignment, yet this is a child who couldn’t even hold a pen (fine motor skills). This prompted us to look for another school which we felt could handle his situation better,’ she tells us. Aside from paying for her son’s school tuition, Hilda must also dig deeper into her pocket to pay for his therapies. ‘We may send children with special needs to special needs schools, but at the end of the day, they will still have to interact with the society in general. This is the reason why there is so much discrimination which stems from a lack of understanding and knowledge of the disorder by the general public. Far more emphasis should be placed on education, awareness, and inclusion.’ ‘As parents, we must not only educate ourselves about autism, its symptoms, ‘We are put in situations to build our character, not to destroy us and interventions but also learn how people view it in order to provide a better future for our children. Personal acceptance of the condition is the first direction towards the realization of long-term step to helping our special kids. My path has not support for people living with and affected by this been easy; I am not only a mom, but I have also disorder.” become a doctor, a nutritionist, and a therapist More schools should also be better equipped to during the course of these years. I can’t complain accommodate children with disabilities. Hilda because every day with him is a learning experience. informs us that getting a school that her son could It’s not always doom and gloom,’ she says. ‘While 14

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being a parent to an autistic child involves patience, compassion, and a lot of support, it can also be a very rewarding experience because they are gifts from God.’ Future Outlook for Neuro-Divergents ‘Some of the greatest successes in contemporary history have been achieved by neuro-divergent people such as Albert Einstein and Bill Gates. They embraced their differences to achieve great things, and I believe that my son will as well. He’s a really hands-on person, especially in the kitchen and I’m sure he’ll become a great chef one day.’ ‘Speech can be difficult at times, but it is not impossible. Aside from his teachers, his younger

sister also helps him a lot with his speech. They are very fond of each other. Apart from helping each other with their social skills and speech, they also run up my water and electricity bill with their cooking,’ she jokingly adds. ‘But I would highlight that we must continue to advocate; autism is still a misunderstood disorder since we still have children who are hidden by their parents. We have heard of cases of autistic children being chained and locked up in their houses, never to see the light of day. People with autism should not be locked away, they are human beings like you and me. And they, just like us, deserve a chance at the same opportunities.’

Hilda and her son - Nothing can be done without hope and confidence

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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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AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION IN BULGARIA

ay is the month of Africa, this is when we annually celebrate Africa Day. On 25th of May 1963, leaders of 30 of the 32 independent African states, at the time, gathered and signed a founding charter of the Organization of African Unity - OAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union (AU). Today the African Union consists of 55 member states and this year commemorates a 20 year anniversary! Annually Africa Day is a celebration of African unity it is celebrated on the African continent and by African Diaspora communities all around the globe. Being proud of Africa - my fatherland, since 2016 I promote the heritage, culture, and development of the green continent in my mother’s country Bulgaria by establishing the Africa Day public celebration event. In 2018 we joined forces with the African foreign missions represented here to create a bigger and better showcase of Africa locally. After a two-year gap, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, we are back with a vibrant and colourful event in the capital Sofia. This year together with the African Embassies and Consulates accredited in Bulgaria, headed by the Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors H.E. Zakia El Midaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, the celebration was outstanding. The participating embassies of Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa, along with the consulates of Seychelles, Ghana, and Sudan presented their national stalls covered with authentic food, souvenirs, and various items representing each country. Besides being the event organizer, I also have the pleasure to be the MC of the event, coordinating, and introducing the acts on stage. This year we managed to fill in two entertainment program segments, showcasing performances by locally based African artists, Bulgarian groups performing African dance, and of course a variety of Bulgarian folk performances, as I’ve created a unique symbiosis in the cultural program to show the similarities and differences between the Bulgarian and African culture. To enhance the event even further there was a bazaar with African crafts, goods, hand-made beads jewellery, scented oils and perfumes, colourful garments and interiors made from African fabrics, and of course delicious sweets and fruit cakes. Some members of the local African community provided services such as afro plaits braiding and henna tattoos which were very popular with the younger visitors to the event in the City Garden. The idea and purpose of commemorating Africa Day in Sofia besides the historical reason, is for the event to serve as a platform for showcasing Africa’s diversity through its art and culture. With the handful of nations represented here my organisation Albena International Limited builds a bridge from Africa to Bulgaria. Ms. Albena A. Jones Guest writer for the African Day for the month of May 2022.

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O penning S tage

P er f ormances on stage

C ountries on stage

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Africa Day Celebration in Bulgaria by Albena International

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The Nigerian Presentation

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BOOKS PRESENTATION By Pastor Michael Umerah John-Mllis 1. BOOK ONE: EVERYMAN WANTS REBECCA by Michael Umerah John-Ellis, Details: “Ten Steps To Successful Marriage Union” Uncovering:- Understanding Marriage. ×How to find and attract your dream spouse, establish true love at first impression, and remain treasured by your spouse. **** 2. BOOK TWO: GOD HATES POVERTY by Michael Umerah John-Ellis The book teaches you ways to banish poverty from your life. It expands for you to understand and take advantage of the God’s provided power for wealth, so you can maximize your life. ***** 3. BOOK THREE: THE RIGHT FAMILY by Michael Umerah JohnEllis It shows ways of rediscovering the marriage Union as was divinely envisaged; in concept, wisdom and beauty of God. ****

4. BOOK FOUR: THE LAST OIL by 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 John-Ellis 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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Protect The Shea Butter Trees! Written by Cynthia Omondi

or generations, Shea butter has been recognized as incredibly nourishing for the skin. For many Northern Ghanaian families, it is also a top income-generating product, as the trees can withstand unpredictable weather. As demand for it increases, since global brands use it for chocolates and creams, the threat of lockdowns and tree felling lurks.

al for all kinds of skincare. And you can even cook with it. It was in great demand on the world market thanks to its wide range of uses: as a replacement for edible vege-

Upon our arrival, we are taken aback by the clean suburban-like streets, colorful yellow-yellows (motorized tricycles), and motorbikes that populate the roads. Welcome to Tamale, Ghana’s third-largest city and an emerging hotspot for investment within West Africa. Many know it as ‘The city of Shea butter and smocks’ – Ghana’s national outfit. ‘Would you please bring me some Shea butter?’ is a common request from friends when traveling to these parts. The beauty products are always in demand, but what exactly is Shea butter? About Shea Butter In a nutshell, it is the fat extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree. It is solid at room temperature, has an ivory or off-white colour and has been used in cosmetics for centuries. Most Shea butter still comes from West Africa, where the trees originated. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, combined with its easy spreadable texture, make it ide-

Inspiring the younger generation table oils and within the beauty industry. This was until the Covid pandemic broke out and the import and export of goods were curtailed. Women from the northern part of Ghana – where Tamale is located – who lived entirely off the production of Shea nuts, were extremely affected. Fortunately, organizations such as the Pure Trust Social Investment Fund (PTSIF) came to their aid. They were trained to turn Shea butter into soap or cosmetics, entirely by themselves, for the local market. According to a report by the Inclusive Business Action Network, Shea butter processing is the main source of income for women in the region, underlining the value of Shea trees. ‘If You Love Women Love Shea Trees’ Campaign

Dombatey Maalin (Right) amidst other women watering the crops 26

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From Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, the threat to Shea trees has become an urgent issue. In Ghana,

we can harvest, whatever the weather. That is why we are really fighting to save them, by creating awareness about them. A loss of Shea trees is a loss of income for hundreds of families, especially for women who depend on them.’ The Pure Trust Social Investment Fund is currently running a campaign christened ‘If you love women, love Shea trees.‘ It believes that protecting the trees is a collective responsibility and if everyone responds to it, women and children will have opportunities to a better livelihood. Equipping the Women with Skills Through PTSIF’s partnership with the PagSung Shea Butter Processors and Shea Nut Pickers Association, womOne of the women shaping the bar soaps made out of Shea at PAGSUNG en groups from different districts of Tamale could be trained in quality the PTSIF has taken the lead in campaigning for their Shea butter production. The partnerprotection. They are regularly cut down by poor cash- ship is a cooperative enterprise that aims to promote fistrapped farmers for charcoal, thus threatening the live- nancially disadvantaged women from the northern part lihood of many women. Many Shea trees are also felled of Ghana, which is already the poorest. for clearing land so that buildings can be constructed. These practices not only harm the women and their fam- ‘In the beginning,’ says Safia Hassan, the 62-year-old ilies but even the national economy. ‘With the advent of Covid-19,’ says Habib Haruna, the managing director of PTSIF, ‘the Shea butter industry faced a drop in demand, due to lockdowns, causing the majority of women to shut down production. A disruption of that magnitude results, economically speaking, in widespread poverty – which can ruin many households. We took the initiative to have outside experts train the women to make different kinds of products: soap, mosquito repellent, and Shea cream for the body, for their own use, and for the local market. In this way, we were able to enable many women to continue supporting themselves. That is how essential Shea trees are.’

Safia Hassan demonstrates how Shea nuts are collected

That is precisely why his organization started the campaign to save them. ‘According to researchers, shea trees take ages to grow,’ Haruna explains. ‘If you plant the seedlings, they often fail to reach maturity – and if they do, it takes up to twenty-five years for them to mature. So protecting the existing trees is the absolute best thing to do. They can withstand difficult weather conditions very well; the more of them we have, the more Shea nuts

manager, ‘we did several things, including sewing. But making Shea butter turned out to be the most lucrative, so we put everything into that.’ Safia Hassan demonstrates how Shea nuts are collected During the tour, we see more than fifty women doing all sorts of tasks: some busy with the seedlings, others with Continued on Page 28 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued on Page 27

pieces of soap, but the women cooking the butter stand out the most. It is a scorching hot day and the fact that they are hanging above the pots in the scorching afternoon heat is a sign of great resilience – you could even call it awe-inspiring. Often, it is the women from the village who will col-

due into little balls. So we call them “cakes” and use them instead of charcoal for heating – although it is not enough for the whole cooking session, so we still need some firewood or gas, which is very expensive.’ If the organization could get a decent machine to turn the shea cake into energy, Safia Hassan believes it would be a great, revenue-generating move that adds value to the shea production. The traditional production process requires a lot of energy and creates a lot of organic surplus, which could be put to better use. Witnessing the Impact

Shea products on display at PAGSUNG

lect the nuts and make them into butter: shifting, washing, drying, grinding and boiling; not a step can be missed. And they derive satisfaction and self-esteem from it. ‘After the training, they could make the butter at home,’ says Safia Hassan, ‘but unfortunately they don’t have the right facilities to deliver top quality products. That is why most of them come here. Every time there is a big order, we ask them to add what they have made at home. That way they earn a little more.’ ‘The cooking process is super intense,’ says one of the women. ‘We smear Shea butter on our skin, that way it becomes heat-resistant – and stays soft and smooth underneath,’ she jokes. ‘Well, cooking the butter has become quite a challenge,’ Hassan continues, ‘as the ideal method is lacking. We understand that climate change is becoming a real global problem, so from now on we’re foregoing charcoal and firewood, which are the major culprits, but it does make our work more difficult.’ Shea Cakes Forced to look for alternative forms of energy, the women of PagSung arrived at what they call ‘shea cake.’ ‘After extracting the oil, a residue is left behind which we always keep. It is a tedious job and takes some time, because we do it by hand: desalinating the water and making the resi28

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We hit the road again, this time to a processing site set up by the Pure Trust Social Investment Fund. The sight of round huts with conical thatched roofs along the roadside is a clear indication that we are heading towards a remote village. After two and a half hours on bumpy dirt roads, we arrive at Kilampobile Shea Butter and Processing Centre, in the village that gave it its name. Enthusiastic women provide a warm welcome – most are elderly but still working the land. ‘This piece of land was given to them by the chief of this area, for free,‘ says Alhassan Abdallah, the regional PTSIF leader. ‘They were interested in a group project and ideally they wanted to do some cultivation. It measures one hectare in total and each woman has her own part, where she grows what she wants.’ One of them is Dombatey Maalin-Ere, a 42-year-old mother of three, with one at the university. Thanks to her work at the processing center, she has been able to support her family and pay for school fees. ‘Before I fully immersed myself in this,’ she says, ‘I used to burn charcoal and make local brew. Neither of them was easy, but I had no choice. My life has become so much easier since Pure Trust started this shea nut center because I used to have to walk three kilometers to get my shea processed. We received training and now I can also make other products, such as cosmetics.’ ‘We have learned the importance of trees, not just shea trees. As a women’s group, we are in the front line of protecting them. Look around and you’ll notice that we have included many trees on our farm, especially shea trees. We also impressed upon our chiefs that those who engage in charcoal burning should refrain from cutting down shea trees. If we see anyone cutting them down or destroying them, we report it immediately to the chief. Shea butter production has real value and we call on everyone who

burns charcoal to join us, because together we will be able to do even more.’ Apart from the energy source, lack of capital has also been a major obstacle. ‘We suffer from poor infrastructure and limited resources, which often leads to inferior products. We have many problems, but we are trying to cope with most of them. Capital is what is needed most, to ramp up production and double our income – which will take away many of the problems,’ Dombatey admits. According to Safia Hassan, another issue is the lack of proper certificates, which means they are not yet allowed to export. ‘Getting those papers takes a lot of time and money,’ she says, ‘which we cannot afford at the moment. Our only option is to sell to companies that are certified, to which they put their brand name on it and export it abroad. This makes them a lot of money, but when it comes to paying us, they do it at their own discretion. In the end, we

work hard but earn very little. The support that would help us tremendously right now is to get the certificates so we can export ourselves – and increase the women’s wages and provide more jobs.’ Fuseina Akakpo, who studies Education at West End University College, is a happy young woman and active in the shea business. She is the secretary of one of the women’s groups supported by Pure Trust. ‘It makes me proud to belong to these women,’ she says, ‘who I always think of as my mothers. I provide the secretariat for the Ntereso community and I am the overall spokesperson for all the women groups, because I am the only one who is well-educated among them. I am a native so witnessing their drastic change, because they have been enabled to do so, is wonderful – and motivates me immensely. The people here depended on cultivation but because of the unpredictable weather, this was not a sustainable practice. After the training in making different shea products, I saw many women flourish.’ She has come a long way, having been brought up in a modest home by a fisherman father and a mother who traded the fish he caught. She started earning some extra money at an early age, even before she got her diploma. ‘At first, like all the other women, I could do nothing but make shea butter. But now, I can make several different products, sell them and support myself from that,’ she says with pride. What inspires her most is that the women she works with can now send their children to school with the money they earn from the butter.

Raw Shea butter nuts

While many choose to go to the city and take office jobs, Fuseina Akakpo has found her happiness in the local shea world – and hopes to have her own factory one day. But first she has to finish university and become a ‘renowned teacher’ she says. Until then, she will still maintain her passion in working with women in Shea butter production and protection of their golden treasure – the Shea trees!

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Nigeria Media & Entertainment group collaborates UNP.NL

he Nigerian Media & entertainment group recently formed are in working agreement with the United Nigerian Platform in The Netherlands, the national body for all Nigerians living in The Netherlands. In a meeting held recently in Rotterdam, both bodies agreed to work together for the interest of Nigerians in the Netherlands. The collaboration also has the blessing of the Nigerian Embassy through Her Excellency, Ambassador Eniola Ajayi who has committed herself to working with all well meaning Nigerians in the Netherlands for the advance of the country. Among those who attended this inaugural meeting includes

the newly elected Chairman of UNP, Mr. Donald Okeke, Madam Fester Imoh, Michael Ikpi, Mary Ola Ray Juliet while on the side of the Media and entertainment team, it was led by

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Mr. Taiwo Obude, Madam Preciousflex TV Among these agreed upon are upcoming activities of the United Nigeria Platform which they want the media and entertainment group to collaborate with them, the activities include an opening event most likely on 3rd September 2022; a seminar & workshop with participants where students would hold talks among themselves to be held in October. A smaller event for the students to integrate into all major and different ethnic groups from the country. Topics should be on how best the students may integrate into different cultures. In the plans are also a lecture series to be held among students in (building bridges) i.e., about history and cultures within Nigeria. Of course the Independence day celebration and to close the year, a Gala night to be held 3rd December 2022 with two speakers on different topics • The media and entertainment group would provide adequate media and entertainment coverage for these events.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed named new President of UAE

he United Arab Emirates’ de facto leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan was elected president of the Gulf Arab state by a federal supreme council, solidifying his rule over the OPEC oil producer and key regional player. He becomes president at a time when the UAE’s long-standing ties with the United States have been strained over perceived U.S. disengagement from its Gulf allies’ security concerns and as Western countries seek support from the region to help isolate Russia over the Ukraine conflict. The council, which groups the rulers of the seven emirates of the UAE federation, elected Sheikh Mohammed, known as MbZ, a day after the death of his half-brother, President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who was also ruler of Abu Dhabi. “We congratulate him and pledge allegiance to him as do our people,” said Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also UAE Vice-President and Premier. MbZ, 61, has wielded power behind the scenes for years and led a realignment of the Middle East that created a new anti-Iran axis with Israel. The UAE, a trade and tourism hub, has also deepened ties with Russia and China at a time when Washington’s political capital with Abu Dhabi and Riyadh has been eroded by differences over the Yemen war, Iran and U.S. conditions on arms sales. “Mohammed bin Zayed has set not only the future course for the UAE but for much of the Gulf in his approach to state building and power projection,” said Kristin Diwan, senior resident scholar at Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. “The future direction under him is set and is mirrored in other Gulf leaders adopting state-led and globally-oriented economic diversification.” Vice President Kamala Harris head a U.S. delegation to the UAE last month to offer condolences following Khalifa’s

death and also met with the new President in a move expected to start a new friendly relationship with UAE government says press secretary Kirsten Allen. French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Israeli President Isaac Herzog have all paid courtesy visit to the new President and console the country on the loss of their former Head of State.

MbZ as President would not lead the UAE to break with the United States or other Western partners though he will diversify the country’s international partners, Emirati political scientist Abulkhaleq Abdulla told the press. MbZ has shifted away from a hawkish foreign policy and military adventurism that saw the UAE wade into conflicts from Yemen to Libya, to focus on economic priorities. This has seen the UAE engage with foes like Iran and Turkey after years of animosity, as well as Syria’s president. “MbZ will need to take further steps to cement the UAE’s position as the region’s leading financial, logistics, and trading hub,” James Swanston of Capital Economics said in a note, referring to a push by Gulf states to diversify economies amid a global energy transition away from hydrocarbons.

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The Devoted Defender of the Silent Cries Written by Martha Nalukenge

ranklin saw the ugly face of victimization at a very young age, an ordeal that opened his eyes to the misery that marginalized people go through on a daily basis. Since then, he has made it his life mission to fight for the voiceless and make this world a better place for everyone. He accomplishes this the best way he knows how; through short films and series. Franklin Muregwa is a 33-year-old Ugandan filmmaker with the gift of writing inspirational local dramas that focus on promoting the rights of the marginalized and the voiceless. Born to Salongo Lule Maurice and Annette Nabacwa of Lusaalira Masaka District, now Ssembalule District, the secondary school teacher describes himself as an open ear to the silent cries. Raised by a single mother, Franklin saw his mom toil to put food on the table and make ends meet. In a society that considers women and girls inferior, he saw their high potential and capability in executing set targets easily. This gave him a clear picture of how powerful and patient women are, often masking their agony with a smile. ‘I’m an inspirational writer, who makes movies centered on giving hope to the hopeless, oppressed, and marginalized communities in an effort to advocate for their rights. My first encounter with discrimination was in 1997 when I was 8 years old in P.1 at Mengo Primary School. There was an albino girl who used to be bullied a lot because of her condition. It’s only her younger brother who used to come to her defense against the bullies who would pinch her or poke her with sharp pencils. I decided to step in and give him a helping hand,’ he recalls. Franklin Muregwa He admits that the girl’s harrowing ordeals awakened a benevolent spirit in him. Her cries and tears drove him to want to make the world a better place to live in, regardless of our differences. Of the utmost importance should be our talents and how we can contribute meaningfully to the

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betterment of our communities. ‘It’s unfortunate that many people in society are oblivious to the silent cries of the oppressed. For instance, street kids are often stereotyped as being lawless, runaways, and disgraceful to society. Yet, no one has ever given them the chance to tell their story,’ he asserts. ‘We are ignorant to the burdens they carry or their grievances, and by not giving them an opportunity to prove themselves, we will never know their potential. It is the same case for the millions of people with disabilities who in some societies are still presumed to be bad omens. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, thousands of albinos are abducted annually, murdered, and their body parts used in rituals since witchdoctors consider them as spirits of luck and wealth.’ Future Prospects He plans to establish a skillful training center for vulnerable people, focusing mostly on albinos and street kids. Nurturing their talents will solve the issue of unemployment, and will bridge the gap between what society considers perfect and what really is. Some youth have already resorted to exploiting their talents to save themselves from drowning

in poverty with several talents emerging when given the opportunity. We have Eddy Kenzo, the BET award winner and Pastor Wilson Bugembe as testaments to this. Their life stories act as inspiration to many youngsters

airs on Bukedde2 TV, a leading Ugandan station. It condemns the oppression of orphans by their guardians; ‘The Price’: It denounces the culture of forcing girls into marriages for their bride price, and ‘Jezebel’ (Omuzimu

globally after someone took a leap of faith and gave them a second chance. Franklin and his crew at work ‘Given the opportunity, I want to equip these kids to be productive rather than wasteful. I believe love and care are the powerful tools needed to change them. I plan to organize writing and drama contests that will give them the platform to be judged based on their talent, rather than their status as street kids or their skin complexion. I believe everyone deserves a listening ear devoid of judgment or victimization,’ he affirms. He has managed to accomplish several projects among them the feather in his cap ‘Ndooba’ (The Untold Suffering): It is a hit series that is the darling of many Ugandans, especially the ones in the diaspora which

Gw’obwenzi): It’s about infidelity and the fight against the exploitation of women in marriages. He has also done several other short movies like ‘The Storm of Love’ and ‘Dad’s Affair.’ Challenges ‘The community, including our own government, has failed to fully appreciate not only the film industry but the entire art sector in Uganda. The hiring of film equipment is also very expensive and we lack an established market for our films. Much is invested but less is earned,’ he laments. ‘Bullying is an evil act and is a reflection of how uncouth the perpetrators are. Let’s educate society to understand that albinism is a mere variance in skin tone; the condition doesn’t make any person less fit than the other.’

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A new musical kid hits Dutch musical scene Written by E.N. Iruh

is name is Joshua Olomu, the son of the Nigerian comedian, event host, promoter and Master Ceremony guru, Wally Olomu and the young man is stepping out of his father’s foot steps to make an inch for himself in the music industry. He goes by the stage name JMANI, he is 19 years ago and he is dreaming big with his music to make a difference within Europe and spread it across to Africa and the rest of the world. THE BEGINNING Before he started making music as an artiste, he often heard stories of his father’s musical abilities but he thought to himself, I have a good voice too to sing but he never used it to sing. From the age of 8, he followed his father around as he performed while they lived in Holendrecht in the Bijlmer, Amsterdam Zuid-Oost.

Desiigner - Meek mill - 50 cent, and many more. His goal was to get better and better in what he does. During this early stage of his music career, he was only focus on rap. “I forgot all about my voice, back then it was never cool to sing only to rap”. But everything changed when he saw the African music scene with names like WIZKID - TECKO and TIMAYA. “I saw the African music scene on a whole other level and ways of using your voice” FIRST AFRO SONG

The first Afro song he made was a love song called (come my way) it was a new beginning for him, that’s how he made more and more in the process, but the process was never easy. People did not really accept the new sound then, he got more hate than love from the age 15 till 17. “It is never easy to break through a crowd but despite the stress, I kept going At the age of 13, his father brought me to his first and praying and working hard on my music and studio session, there he started taking music more today God is showing my talent to the Dutch society serious. He started as a rap artiste, first rapping and beyond”. on trap beats, and he was listening to artists like According to him, he has paid his dues and ready

now for the bigger stage and challenges that comes with his brand of music – Afro sound is becoming more popular and the fans loves it and then I went into Afro sound, everything has changed. New chapter This is about the moment that I found my own sound in Afro music, the first song I dropped in this sound is a song named (Wagwan shawdy). After that a few others but the one that rocked everyone was a song titled (ROCK WITH ME). After I dropped it, I knew that this is it, my own lane. After that came (SLIM DADDY) and (ARINGO RIDDIM) and of course many more to come. My goal is to make it internationally and tour Europe and other parts of the world. Jmani says he is very confident that he would become a global brand and we truly belief in him and promotes him. Just as we were going to press, JMANI was nominated for an award from Funx Music Awards 2022 in the category of NEXT BEST, you can vote for JMANI via their website at www.funx.nl Show him so love and vote for as the next best act in The Netherlands

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Justina Mutale adopts school in Zambia

K-based Zambian philanthropist, Justina Mutale has adopted a rural community school, in the Chitebule area of Nangoma in rural Zambia. The area serves 11 villages, with a population of over 6,000 people covering a 40 kilometres radius. Sun-Tree Community School, which only had two classrooms, was blown away by rains over two years ago, leaving the children without space to learn from. “I am a product of President Kaunda’s legacy. His passion and government policy to provide upward social mobility through access to free education for those of us who attained school going age soon after Independence, makes me the person that I am today. I believe it is our moral obligation to reciprocate and pay it forward by helping those generations in need that have come after us”, says Mutale

Justina Mutale with the Children of Chitebule In commemorating the first official Kenneth Kaunda Day, which marked the 98th Birthday of Zambia’s founding father and first Republican President Dr Kenneth Buchizya David Kaunda, on Thursday 28th April 2022, Zambians were called upon to emulate Dr Kaunda’s legacy of love, peace and selfless service to the nation and humanity as a whole. At the time of his death, Dr Kaunda left a legacy of love, unity and patriotism and better life for all. As the first President of Zambia, Dr Kaunda established and built various systems and institutions with a quest to improve the livelihood of the 38

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Zambian people. A number of Zambians have been emulating Dr Kaunda’s legacy, among them is UKbased Zambian Philanthropist, Justina Mutale, Founder and President of the Justina Mutale Foundation. “In any country with rising populations, you will always find exploiters, the exploited and the outcasts, who fall through the cracks and go unnoticed. It is overwhelming for me to see that the children and women of Chitebule have been left with no proper education and no health care, and no one seems to take any notice”, said Justina Mutale Mutale has adopted the school with the aim of rebuilding it to allow the children of Chitebule in Mumbwa District to return to school and gain an education. In addition, Mutale hopes to create a Health Post to service the people of the area, which has many women with HIV/ AIDS. The area is off grid and has no running water and no electricity. “I am so happy and beyond words. Thanks to Justina Mutale for accepting to sponsor and strengthen our community school, which has gone down in the past few years due to lack of support. Justina Mutale’s sponsorship will help bring back the former glory and go a long way to bring back and keep the children in school, especially the girl child who when left at home are at risk of falling pregnant or getting married early. We are happy that the sponsorship will extend to the Health Post, which we would like to be brought near the people of Chitebule”, says Ms Carol Nawina Maimbolwa, Patron of the School. Mutale plans to utilise her networks to help the school to grow to international standards by connecting and affiliating the school with primary schools in cities such as Lusaka the capital city of Zambia, as well as other parts of the world. She hopes to match the school with a school in England and/or the United States of America as a twin school, so that the children of Chitebule can share their learnings and possible cultural exchange programmes with an overseas twin school. Mutale has also adopted the village Football Team, which she hopes to link with international teams to stimulate talent. “On behalf of the other Headmen of Chitebule area, I would like to sincerely thank Madam Justina Mutale for coming to our aid to help revive the school. Our children will now

Justina Mutale have a school nearby, which has been a problem for many especially during the rainy season. May God bless you”, Said Headman Chisule. Through her Foundation, Mutale advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in political leadership and economic empowerment through the provision of leadership and entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and coaching. She advocates for the retention and completion of tertiary education for young women and girls from rural disadvantaged communities in Africa by providing them with university scholarships to access tertiary education around the world. “I believe every child has potential. And it is my hope and prayer that every child, can be given an opportunity to access quality education. I believe the children of Chitebule village should be given an opportunity to access a good education to help them excel and realise their highest potential”, says Justina Mutale A recipient of the MANDELA 100 Prize, Mutale has five times been honoured alongside the first President of the Republic of Zambia Dr Kenneth Kaunda on various platforms around the world, in recognition of her leadership qualities and outstanding service to humanity and to public life. She shares various other accolades with various world leaders and was in 2012 honoured as “African Woman of the Year”. For more information Email: management@justinamutale.com

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A sharing by MindBeautySphere, Caroline Omondi Healing forgiveness

ust before leaving Kenya for the Netherlands, a big misunderstanding happened between me and some friends that had been close and dear to me for many years. We didn’t part on good terms. I couldn’t understand what they held against me. It stuck and bothered me for a very long time. Then, I took a conscious decision to let it go, to let them go. By giving them wings, I gave myself space, in a way, I gave myself life again. Shortly after, I got pregnant. Something I wished and earnestly prayed for ,because the pregnancy didn’t come easily as i had hoped. Unrelated as these two stories seem, in retrospect, I believe they are not. Our bodies want to be healthy, free of pain. Yet, many of us experience ‘dis-ease’ because we hold on to, in grudge almost to past experiences, unresolved issues, and hurtful practices that translate back to us physically and mentally. After a while, the root causes of our ‘dis-comfort’ disappear from our consciousness, but symptoms talk and bother us, in bodily and psychological pain. Painkillers may numb the symptoms, but what we should be doing really, is opening up to what the pain is trying to tell us. We better find ways to relax and pay attention to what is disabling us. The way back to a healthy, full life is to start listening to our hidden, covered-up stories, silenced and muffled away deep inside us. Because what lives in the shadows, in the corners of our existence, is desperate to be seen, and that is why it is so eager to show its power over us every time we think we conquered it, pulling us back into old habits, robbing us from deserved success and happiness. Like a child that is throwing a tantrum, our unresolved pain demands attention, and punishing it has the opposite effect. It demands to be seen, acknowledged, and embraced in full daylight. Not looked away from, certainly not belittled or worse being roughed up. You must meet them, those ghosts of your past, those unresolved pains, acknowledge their strength – over you – and only when you allow them to be, in your light, only then their energies will make peace with you. Some might be waiting for apologies from the ones that hurt us, willingly or as collateral damage to their own suffering, but where such awareness and apologies may be beneficial for healing of the perpetrators, your own healing is not dependent on that. The power to heal, to embrace life afresh and whole again, is yours and has always been so. The cure lies in acknowledging what pains you, and in forgiving yourself for punishing yourself again and again for feeling hurt. Feeling ‘dis-ease’, powerless, struggling to the point of drowning, these are matters of the heart, not to be boxed in terms of right or wrong – that’s surface stuff, not very useful 42

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at a deeper, existential level. What most of us want, is a h e a l t h y, harmonious, and happy life. To achieve this requires a wholesome, gratifying, g r a c e f u l relationship with ourselves Caroline Omondi and the world: in essence people, things, and relationships that we chose to be meaningful. I have learned, often the hard way that the only way towards a healthy and full life, is to let reason go. As a matter of fact, I had to let go of a lot more. It was only through forgiveness that I found a state of grace. In letting go of hurt, feeling wronged, betrayed, shame and anger. I always knew I will be a mum. I wanted children more than anything else. I knew I could get pregnant, but chances were against me in this part of my life that I was so ready for. Yet, I believed, and I prayed, I prayed, oh God how I prayed, and I made, literally a pact with God. I pledged to be of service, to be his instrument for the good, but it was only when I was able to forgive and let go of the hurt that I was blessed, in abundance, with not one but with two beautiful boys. Habits have histories, hard to unlearn, it takes will and (self) love to unshackle hurt, fear and anger. Yet GRACE cannot just be the absence of pain. It has to be more, and it can be, if only we find it in ourselves to make space for something better. Like our bodies, we have a deep and righteous longing to be whole. Reaching this state of wholeness is experiencing grace, which cannot be achieved without the self-healing power of forgiveness. For this, I have learned to actively choose NOT to stay angry. Why? Because I need me, whole, full. I have to or it kills me. I used to comfort my pain, instead of dealing with it and leaving it behind. Life taught me that the answer is to stop punishing myself, by repeating guilt, shame, and anger, instead of setting it free. In forgiving what hurts us, we cleanse ‘dis-ease’ and create space to move on.

African Development Bank is A-A-A Financial institution in the world, first in the developing countries

he African Development Bank was ranked by Global Finance as the Best multilateral financial institution in the world in 2021. The African Development Fund was ranked by CGD as second best in the world, ahead of all 28 concessional financing institutions in developed countries. We are a AAA-rated financial institution, the only one in Africa. We have consistently maintained

our stellar AAA credit ratings by all major global credit rating agencies, who consistently praise our excellent risk management at the Bank. We have an excellent and robust management and governance system. We deliver great value for our clients in Africa. Over the past six years, through our High 5 programs, our work has impacted on 335 million people. We deliver great value. When COVID-19 struck, our Board, based on rigorous risk assessments, approved a crisis response facility of up to $10 billion. We launched a $3 billion fight Covid-19 social

bond on the global capital markets, the highest ever US dollar denominated social bond in world history. Our rapid COVID-19 response facility helped towards stabilizing African economies. It trained 130,000 health workers. It provided social protection for about 30 million vulnerable households. It provided advisory support for 300,000 small and medium sized businesses. To tackle the food crisis from the RussianUkraine crisis, our Board of Directors approved last week a $1.5 billion African Emergency Food Production Facility, to support 20 million farmers to produce 38 million metric tons of food. The Bank partnered globally. We delivered! To help Africa adapt to climate change, the Bank is partnering globally. Together with Global Center on Adaptation, with former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, we are mobilizing $25 billion in support of Africa. With support of President Emmanuel Macron and G-7, our Affirmative Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) is raising $5 billion for women businesses. In 2021, we paid out $483 million to financial institutions to lend to women businesses. We will lend $500 million for women in 2022. Independently conducted survey by a global HR firm found 85% of staff are happy with the Bank, an exceptionally high level for any institution globally. Despite COVID-19 and challenges of working from home, 97% of staff were pleased with IT services support provided by the Bank. Our achievements, exceptional management, good governance systems, and delivery of the Bank cannot be denied or misrepresented based on externally fabricated lies, distortions, misinformation, and deliberately orchestrated campaign of calumny to attempt to tarnish our image. We will tell our story. We will not be defined by mischief makers, lies and biases. We are proudly African. We will continue to make Africa proud as Africa’s only AAA-rated financial institution. As we start the Bank’s Annual Meetings for 2022, I wish to commend the Board of Governors, Board of Directors, Management and all the hard working staff of the Bank for their relentless work. I thank all our 81 shareholder countries for their incredible confidence and support. By Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina President, African Development Bank

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International tree planting day

former journalist and political activist Antonio Kalyango is a man on a mission. Having witnessed the environmental degradation in his country, and being mindful of the effects of climate change, he decided to take a stand. He joined forces with two of his colleagues and started a conservation foundation that seeks to conserve the environment and increase Uganda’s green coverage. International Tree Planting Day is an annual day of observance whose date varies depending on the climate and suitable planting season. This year, the planting season in Uganda was delayed due to a lack of rain in the month of March, coming later in April. Originally set for March 24th, this year’s celebration will be held today, the 30th of April. 28-year-old Antonio Kalyango, is an environmental activist who hails from Kyotera District, Lwankoni sub-county, Kisunku Village. He is a retired professional journalist, practicing it for five years with Vision Group and Centenary

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Radio, a catholic founded radio station in Masaka. He is also a former political activist who was a member of the Democratic Party and former L.C.V Councilor for Lwankoni at Kyotera District Council. He is currently a researcher attached to the Parliament of Uganda. Atonio Kalyango Planting A tree at Ssaza Together with two of his colleagues, he founded Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BCF) in 2019 in the Greater Masaka. It was instituted to advance the voices that advocate for effective policies of environmental conservation and climate change mitigation in Uganda. The foundation assists individuals who want to volunteer and plant trees in order to increase the vegetation coverage in the region. It also pushes for petitions that seek to save the already existing green flora. Ssebuufu Matia Watering some of the planted trees

In their course of work, they have witnessed the ongoing reckless management of the environment. In turn, this instigates climate change whose effects are always negative and destructive. Through the media, they have tried their level best to expose such impunity. Nevertheless, the response from concerned agencies has remained unsatisfactory, so they decided to boost these efforts as civilians. They also discovered that people lacked the knowledge about their scope of work, an issue that they solved through awareness campaigns, one of the components of their work. The Foundation recently came into a partnership with the Buddu Ssaza leadership to plant trees at its headquarters and other Magombolola (sub-counties) in a bid to boost

green coverage in Masaka.

“Acting now is the only way to secure a green space for future generations.” Written by Martha Nalukenge

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Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please.......

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The youngster promoting talents in Rwanda

Written by Cynthia Omondi

wanda has risen tremendously from the ashes of its dark past and is now a country of equal opportunities for all. Fully cognizant of this fact, JeanPaul Nduwimana, famously known as NOOJPA, saw an opening and grabbed it. At only 35 years of age, he is now the proprietor of the country’s leading recording studio and a radio station; and is still gunning for more. So, how did such a young person climb to such great heights? Right behind Nyamirambo stadium in Nyakabanda Sector in the beautiful city of Kigali, stands a beautiful gated compound with a bungalow. You will be forgiven for assuming that this is someone’s home. Inside, the ambiance is simply spectacular. Beautiful pictures of African heroes and music legends in black and white adorn the walls. This is the infamous Country Records recording studio, with an encrypted, tall, standing logo on the wall affirming this. After the pleasantries, Nduwimana Jean-Paul – the founder and owner – gives us a tour of the studio. We can’t help but wonder how long it took to put up such a beautiful structure 48

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full of high-end computers and recording equipment by such a young person. There is a conspicuous portrait of gorillas, Rwanda’s main tourist attraction, hanging on the wall with bold writings ‘Heretocreate’. The inside wall is stunningly furnished with blue and white soundproof material. Jean-Paul, known by his stage name NOOPJA, is a thirty-five-year-old talented and retired Rwandan artist. He chose to focus on promoting talent through his recording studio and a radio station. Starting from Scratch JeanPaul cleared his secondary education with an already established fan base. He discovered his singing talent at a tender age and never looked back, participating in all the music festivals while at school. ‘After secondary school, I had already composed my own songs. In 2005, I had the golden opportunity of performing during a genocide commemoration event. It was in my hometown of Rusizi, located in the Western Province of Rwanda, and everyone was moved by it. The government officials present noticed

my talent and supported me in producing my first album,’ he recalls. This was his first bold step towards success as two of his songs went viral, garnering him more fame and financial support. Thanks to this he was able to start a local charitable organization, his way of giving back to the community. After the genocide orphaned many children, most Rwandese took it upon themselves to contribute to the healing journey and towards the rebirth of a new Rwanda. He informs us that has been his biggest drive. Just like many others, he believes that greener pastures can only be found in the cities which force growth, though they can be murky at times. ‘I traveled to Kigali to look for a studio where I could record my first album. I had no idea how long it would take but I did not expect it to take too long, at least not more than a month. To my surprise, I ended up waiting for a whole year for my album to be ready. This was disappointing and I felt there was a lot of what I

whatsoever, I began saving. The first thing I bought was this table you see right here,’ he points out.

would term as ‘unprofessionalism’ in the whole process. I felt challenged and a desire to own a studio that would serve artists better started mounting in me,’ he narrates. ‘The desire turned into a dream, growing with each passing day. In the year 2017, with no budget or financial support

raise the rent.’ He believes that consistency in practicing something, without necessarily any formal schooling on it, may make you an expert. He had an ear for music and could always tell the right pitches and soundtracks. He discovered that he had great ideas on how to create beats

The Struggles Despite his determination to set up a recording studio, the journey proved to be more difficult since he lacked financial support. ‘Everything began at my house since I could not afford to rent space. I bought one thing at a time; from speakers, to sound cards and eventually computers which were the most expensive. I really wanted to realize my dream so I chose to take it one step at a time, regardless of how long it would take.’ ‘I brought together a group of fellow talented youngsters, shared my idea with them and we agreed to work together to actualize our dream. I constantly reminded them that it was up to us to make it a reality. We managed to hire a space, though we struggled during our first year trying to

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and sounds. Together with his team, they came up with a 6-month-plan to train on good music production, one artist at a time. Before they knew it, they were attracting more and more artists. ‘The artist that brought Country Records to the limelight was Bruce Melody. After working with him, many doors opened.’ Currently, Country Records has some of the big-name producers like Element Eleeeh who at only twenty-one years of age, is already a renowned producer. He has worked with Nigerian international megastar Wizkid, among many others. Expanding Wings In 2020, Country Records was doing exemplary well and JeanPaul dreamt of further growth. ‘I realized that 80% of the music being played on most radio stations in Kigali, were Country Records production. I desired to have my community back in Rusizi experience this. In my village, we mostly listened to international radio stations so I thought of opening a radio station which would impact a multitude of people,’ he tells us. Owning a radio station had been his initial dream. In fact, had he gotten the necessary finance, he would have opened one first, then the recording studio would have followed.

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Finally, he could realize his life-long dream since his fastrising recording studio was doing exceptionally well. ‘I began my research in 2019 by applying for the required documents and licenses from the government, reassuring myself that no matter the duration, I would eventually have a radio station. My prayers were answered pretty fast because after the great breakthrough with my recording studio in 2020, I had a fully equipped and registered Country FM Radio Station up and running in the same year,’ he states proudly. Creating Employment With youth unemployment being a major concern across Africa, JeanPaul has bridged a huge gap by creating employment for young people. ‘In my recording studio, I have five permanent employees on a monthly salary, while the rest work on a contract basis. I also have fifteen employees back in Rusizi working at the radio station.’ His plan is to make Country FM a national radio station that will employ more journalists. With each district having a correspondent in every sector, the number of employees will increase to around 60. The goal is to ensure the listeners receive top unbiased news from all corners of Rwanda and be informed on all current affairs. Out of curiosity, we inquire just how young people can

experience such tremendous growth and achieve so much in Rwanda. ‘I must admit, it is peculiar seeing a young person having big projects not only in Rwanda but across Africa. However, I feel that after the genocide we learned quite a lot from the older generation which was corrupt

and prejudiced. We are currently in a country where equal opportunity is available for all so if you work hard you will make it.’ He argues that we are in an era where technology has played a key role in expanding opportunities for young people, which they should take advantage of. He feels that communication and access to information has been made easier thanks to smart phones, and as we all know; information is power. Through hard work and savings, he continues to build and expand his empire. He urges young people to exploit new opportunities by using what they have, without necessarily having to rely on anyone or anything.

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Friends of Zoka saving Mother Nature

oka forest in Uganda faces imminent danger from illegal loggers and charcoal burners. Its destruction has also led to unpredictable weather patterns being experienced in the northern district of Adjumani. In the end, it is the local subsistence farmers who suffer the most from either the excess heat or the destructive rainfall. Friends of Zoka, a community-based organization arose out of the need to get to the bottom of it and find a viable solution. Led by William Leslie Amanzuru, they are gradually winning the fight. A seven-hour journey by bus from the capital Kampala takes us into a moderately urbanized town. It’s midmorning and the sun is already scorching hot you’d assume it was mid-afternoon. We’re at the tail end of the first quarter of the year, yet Uganda’s northern district of Adjumani has barely received any rains. Ten years back the inhabitants of this district, who are mainly subsistence farmers, would be weeding their gardens having planted crops the previous month. However, this is no longer the case. ‘The temperatures have been extremely high and when the rains come, the damage they cause is immeasurable,’ notes William Leslie Amanzuru. He is a resident and the team leader at ‘Friends of Zoka’, a community-based organization in the district. He is also the 2019 recipient of the European Union Human Rights Defenders’ Award. The question of what could have gone wrong is one that has been lingering in the minds of the residents of this district for a while. Consequently, a group of concerned residents suspected that the cause of this unprecedented weather pattern could have been as a result of the depletion of Zoka Forest, the only forest reserve within the district. ‘We witnessed massive destruction inside the central forest reserve and approached the concerned authorities but received no response from them,’ William states. He further notes that truckloads of charcoal continued exiting 52

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the forest, on a daily basis, amidst heavy militarization of the forest reserve as they helplessly looked on. An Unexpected Beginning In 2016, as more uncertainty grew around the depletion of the forest, William and his colleagues formed a WhatsApp group and added officials from the local authorities. They later included some of the perpetrators they had identified so as to generate discussion around the rampant and questionable activities in the central forest reserve. Soon Ministers, Members of Parliament and security personnel from the local to a national level were part of the group. As the initiators, they played the role of intermediary between the locals and the authorities. This was the beginning of ‘Friends of Zoka’. Their interest was purely advocacy and to connect the dots as the ‘official’ custodians of the forest. William In the beginning, William and his colleagues were clueless about how to go about their new idea. They were both mentally and structurally unprepared, making them doubt themselves. However, their first meeting with community members gave them assurance and momentum to confront the local authorities. This would later create a big rift between them and the local leaders since the perception was that ‘Friends of Zoka’ were exposing their failures. On numerous occasions, they confronted some of the perpetrators, who had military protection and openly bragged off. These same perpetrators had also bribed most

of the district officials who readily defended them. Yet all these were just a prelude to what awaited them. The Tragedy ‘Having been involved in the issues of Zoka Forest for about 6 years now, we are better placed to understand the challenges there,’ notes John Unzima, the Communications and Documentations Officer at ‘Friends of Zoka’. He opines that the question of Zoka Forest is one of interplay amongst the stakeholders who are supposed to safeguard it. ‘Our forefathers ably safeguarded the forest using traditional knowledge. It is therefore incumbent upon the current generation to emulate them or even do better. Unfortunately, we have not lived up to these expectations.’ Currently, there are illegal loggers in the forest and commercial charcoal producers inside and outside the buffers of the forest. There is also rampant poaching in the forest, making it unsafe. Some of the perpetrators are original inhabitants of the district while others are hired from other districts. The majority of the perpetrators are backed by powerful individuals in the corridors of power. However, the concerned government agencies like National Forestry Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, National Environment Management Authority, and other

William

local authorities have failed to exercise their mandate in regard to the forest’s protection. Having fallen short of what is expected of them, ‘Friends of Zoka’ emerged to rectify this. As earlier noted, the majority of the communities around the forest are subsistence farmers. The unusual weather changes could be directly linked to the depletion of the forest reserve as the rain cycle has been disrupted due to limited vegetation cover. There has been too much rain which destroys both crops and human dwellings. There are also instances of excessive sunshine and heat. ‘The only answer you can give the locals is that they are currently not living in harmony with nature. However, we encourage them to protect the forest in order to minimize the unpredictable weather patterns,’ William states. Journey to Recovery ‘The nature of our interventions is based on the problem that we have. As ‘Friends of Zoka’ our interest is to conserve our beloved forest,’ Henry Onzimai, the Programs Officer at ‘Friends of Zoka’ states. ‘Having identified all these challenges, we developed interventions to address them.’ They started by raising awareness among the communities about the benefits of conserving the forest and directly linked it to their survival. Secondly, they also considered the Continued on Page 54 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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role of the central government as it is mandated to protect the forest and keep it in trust for the benefit of the public. Therefore, the public has a right to hold them accountable. They brought this to the attention of the local community as a way of instilling a sense of civic responsiveness amongst them. They engaged local media through radio talk shows and announcements. At the national level, they engaged seasoned journalists to do thorough investigative work to get to the root of this problem. The dialogue was also used by engaging church leaders, senior government officials, and local authorities on issues of Zoka forest. They also initiated a campaign aimed at raising awareness about climate change in the local communities. They were educated on what climate change means, its triggers, mitigation, and how they can adapt to changing weather patterns. Most importantly, they had a strategy of creating a platform where people could freely interact and share their thoughts. They embarked on capacity building as well to enable the community to comprehend issues and ways of addressing them. Henry notes that having informed the local communities that it’s their primary role to protect the forest, the surrounding communities have recently realized that there is a need for them to act. The communities have been able to link the health of the forest to their day-to-day survival. The harsh realities of climate change have also become more apparent to the communities upon educating them. This has made them aware that it is very important for them to defend the forest. Interestingly, their advocacy has led to the arrest of highranking officials like District Police Commanders, transfer of officials of Resident District Commissioners, and officials of the National Forestry Authority, as well as many others involved in the syndicate. Ideally, a transfer isn’t adequate, prosecution should be the best course of action. In any case, the transfers show the message is reaching the intended recipients. Uncountable Challenges They have reported quite a number of cases to the police which has led to court arraignments. Unfortunately, over 70% of the cases end up dying prematurely at the hands of the police. Upon making follow-ups they are informed that the files are lost. The district officials seem to be reluctant to follow these cases because the ‘godfathers’ of the perpetrators are high-ranking government officials and influential members of society. 54

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They are also being secretly tracked and their phone conversations tapped, without any regard to their right to privacy. There are also physical threats to them, their close friends, and family members. Their private property has been broken into and destroyed on many occasions. Then there are the trumped-up charges. William states that he has been arrested on more than three occasions. There was also a time when two of the team members were held at gun point when they visited an illegal logging site. Sadly, key security personnel were the ones behind this. One of their informers was brutally murdered but the perpetrators are yet to be brought to book. Police officers have deliberately refused to allow any of the team members to make statements that would lead to meaningful investigations. Lastly the non-ending blackmail, especially on social media platforms, has led to some of the local organizations within the district distancing themselves from them for fear of having their licenses revoked by the authorities. Spreading Wings Further Regardless of the challenges, ‘Friends of Zoka’ have been able to acquire many allies along the way. They have networks of women in the neighboring district of Yumbe working with the Shea Nut Movement; and the Elders Forum where they are educated in order to empower them on conservation issues. They have also held talk shows to discuss the conservation of Barifa forest in the West Nile City of Arua, bringing them even more partners. In the Acoli sub-region, they are partnering with a movement called ‘Our Trees, We Need Answers’. William notes that this kind of grouping enables them to get a coordinated response and also a foundation for documentation purposes. ‘Growing up we were told that we came from nature and to nature, we shall return,’ William states. He notes that the phrase places an obligation on him to keep his natural surroundings in good shape.

Henry states that he derives his satisfaction from the endless compliments they receive from the communities around the forest; and from the fact that the community members have become actively involved in the preservation of their environment as a result of their interventions. ‘Being a native of this area, there are instances when my

neutrality as a journalist ceases especially with regards to environmental protection issues. I cannot watch the environment that raised me to go to waste. So, the motivation to defend it is a natural one,’ John concludes.

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THE GAMBIA NEW CABINET

President Adama Barrow appoints new Cabinet after reelection

he public is hereby informed that his Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia, acting under sections 70 (5) (a) and 71(4) (b) of the Republic of the Gambia, hereby relieves Her Excellency the Vice President and all ministers in the cabinet from their positions with immediate effect. His Excellency the president thanks them for their service to the nation and wishes them the best in their future endeavors. The public is further informed that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia acting on under sections 70(3) and 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia is pleased to make the following appointments to his cabinet, with effect from Wednesday 4th of May 2022. Honourable Seedy Keita will continue to oversee the ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment until the formalisation of the appointment of the ministerdesignate. His Excellency the President acting under section 71 (1) of the constitution has created a new ministerial portfolio in charge of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery. The new minister of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery will have general oversight over the public service and shall work towards the formulation of policy geared towards institutionalising a culture of discipline, excellence, and accountability in the public service. Furthermore, the minister shall continuously review the inner workings of the administrative machinery of the government and make proposals for reform to reduce inefficiency and

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increase output. Finally, the minister shall be charged with developing frameworks for monitoring the implementation of government policy and for ensuring effective communication and horizontal coordination between ministries. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, his Excellency, the President is pleased to appoint Mr. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as minister in charge of the Public Service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery with effect from the 4th of May 2022. In light of the new changes, His Excellency the President hereby makes the following administrative changes to the public service and the office of the president.

1. With effect from the 4th of May 2022, the Secretary-General and Head of the civil service shall be the titular head of the personnel Management Office with the sole mandate of supervising the civil service and answerable to the minister. His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mrs. Salimata E.T Touray as Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service in accordance with section 168 subsection 1 of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, 1997. 2. Furthermore, the role of the SecretaryGeneral as the administrative head of the office of the president shall be taken over by the Chief of Staff who shall be appointed by the President. His Excellency is therefore pleased to appoint Mr. Mod Ceesay as Chief of Staff. All correspondences for the President shall henceforth be addressed to the chief of staff. 3. Furthermore, his Excellency, the president has decided to decouple the ministry of information and communication

infrastructure (MoICI) into two separate ministries namely (!) Ministry of Information and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. The existing departments and their manpower under the old MoICI will now stand as sectorspecific departments. In this regard: 1) The Department of Information Services will now serve as the technical arm of the government charged with the implementation of policy initiatives for visibility, public 1. Vice president Mr. Badara Alieu Joof 2. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mr. Dawda A. Jallow relations, and access to information under the new ministry of information. Gambia Radio 3. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and and Television Services (GRTS) will continue Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara to be the media conduit for the dissemination 4. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Seedy Keita of information and public programming. 2) The Directorate of Information and 5. Minister of Defence Serign Modou Njie Communication Technology (ICT) under the 6. Minister of Interior Mr. Seyaka Sonko old MoICI will be transformed into a stand7. Minister of Tourism and Culture Mr. Hamat N.K Bah 8. Minister of Lands and Regional Government and Religious alone department under the new ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, with Affairs Mr. Abba Sanyang the primary objective of increasing internet 9. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Demba Sabally access and driving innovation geared towards 10. Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ebrima unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation, and Sillah technological advancement. 11. Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh 12. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Mrs. Claudiana These departmental structures already exist under the old MoICI with the necessary Cole manpower, and under separate budget 13. Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare Mrs. Fatou headings. Kinteh Accordingly, and acting under section 71 14. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Abdoulie Jobe (3) of the constitution of the Republic of 15. Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources Mr. Musa S. the Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Lamin Queen Jammeh as Drammeh 16. Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology Minister of Information. Honourable Ebrima Sillah will continue to Prof Pierre Gomez oversee the new Ministry of Communication 17. Minister of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources and Digital Economy until the formalisation Rohey John Manjang of the appointment of the minister-designate.

NEW CABINET IN THE GAMBIA

18. Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Bakary Badgie

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SPOTLIGHTING NIGERIAN DUBAI-BASED MUSIC SENSATION, SAMMYOUNG By Our Correspondent

ammyoung is requires little introduction as in the past few years, he has made Afro music vibes a near must in any major event in United Arab Emirates where he has made his home in recent years. He is a renowned multi-award-winning music producer and artist, SammYoung living outside Nigeria and making music is one he has described as an awesome experience and pivotal for his career. He recently concluded his United Kingdom tour where he performed in major arenas in London and

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Manchester, he did few collaborations and conducted international interviews for global media. The artist and producer is renowned for his sounds that draw roots from Africa and his impact in the music space, positioning himself as a mentor, leader, and guide for many up and coming African artists from Nigeria, Europe, The UAE, America, and Asia. SammYoung is very passionate about the growth of many artists globally. In this interview, SammYoung speaks about himself and his musical journey so far and what influences his fashion sense, which is also unique with very high standard and taste. Q: Who is SammYoung? SammYoung: I am a musician, a producer, a director, composer; just everything concerning music is my life. SammYoung is a brand name, my stage name. I’ve enjoyed the grace of SammYoung for a long time; even my father calls me that name. I’ve been bearing that name for a long time and now everybody knows that it’s SammYoung even here in the UAE. Q: Has it always been music for you or are there other things that you tried out before? SammYoung: Yeah, it has always been music. I was popular on campus, just because I was a producer, a multi-instrumentalist who played for shows, events, for fellowship, and produced artists, so I’ve always been about music. After I graduated from school, I went straight into music. Q: What inspires you or who are the people that inspire you to do the music you do? SammYoung: I don’t have any inspiration from humans, only from God. God is the only one who inspires me to do anything and that’s been my way from day one. I don’t wait for anybody to inspire me, nobody. It’s just God. Q: In the process of putting out sound, putting out your music, is there a process you go through personally? SammYoung: Well, I believe I am in a calmer environment so it is much easier for me to do music. I don’t stress much, I just go into my swimming pool directly, sip a couple of glasses of wine, sit down and think for a while then head to the studio and I spend most of my time in the studio either working on my project or helping other up coming artistes. Q: Being based in Dubai, how do you tap into that Afro

music roots that are in your sound? SammYoung: Yeah, basically, from Nigeria, it has always been the Afro thing. Afro is from Africa and we are all from Africa. Since I started doing music, it has been afro but because Dubai is an Arab land, they have their style of music, so finding a blend was very important. So what I did is: I have my afro – which is the original sound – plus a little bit of Arab sound here and there to give it the right feel. Q: Have you had any major collaboration in the past? SammYoung: Yeah, I did a song with one of the guys from East Africa, the guy is doing very well in East Africa, his name is “Masauti”, we did a collaboration last year and we released the song in January, and trust me, the song is doing well. The song became one of the most played songs in East Africa in less than two weeks. I’ve had another collaboration with a Tanzanian artiste; the song is yet to be out though. Q: Your song with the DJ Nicki Nicol, “Shine Your Light”, do you want to talk about that briefly? SammYoung: Yeah, She’s an American DJ but based in Dubai. And it was an incredible collaboration. I think the whole city was amazed to see a DJ doing well. The song is amazing and is being played everywhere. Clubs are playing it around here so you know, it’s that good. Also, we worked on a video for it and it is ready and out there. Q: Okay, you would like to work with in the future? SammYoung: In my case, it’s going to be very different because I am not only an artist but also a producer. I work with almost everybody who is good and blend with my type of music; I don’t have a specific person I want to mention as long as you are good at what you do. Q: Let’s talk about your fashion sense, what inspires your looks when going out for shows or events or general outing? SammYoung: Basically, this is how I operate; I always operate very differently from most people. My fashion sense goes straight into “Sammy, do this different from any other person”. Q: If you can give your fans a name, what will it be? SammYoung: I’ve never thought about it, but sometime in the future, we’ll visit that topic. Q: If you could change anything in the world right now, what would it be? SammYoung: If I could make the whole world love each other right now, I’ll do it. I just want a world where there is peace and love, no racism, no cultural background thing, just let love reign.

Q: What do you think is the next best thing for Sammyoung and what should your fans be expecting next from you? SammYoung: Well, my album is on the way. I will continue to drop singles for my fans across the world. I just concluded my tour of the United Kingdom, Corona crisis slow us down but we are back on you feet and we would be doing more in the coming months. We still plan to do our European tour, America and Asia; and we are probably

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making a trip to the Gambia so just be on the look out for details. I am excited about these and I think fans would be too. Q: Last year, last year you participated at the Voice Achievers Award in Dubai. What was your experience? SammYoung: I think it is a great innovation to recognize people contributing to the advancement of Africa. I was able to entertain the guests and met with the First Lady of the Gambia and former Vice President of Kenya among other dignitaries. I did collaboration with South African born Dubai based artiste, Tazmin; the audience loved it. As we do this interview we have received invitation again from the organizers to be part of the Gambia show in August. We are seriously considering the invitation despite my very tight schedule and engagement. Q: Thank you for your time SammYoung: Thank you for the interview. Kindly ask your followers to follow me on my social media handles. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Follow me @sammyoung_official on Instagram

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Mauritius picked as the happiest country in Africa, while Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya are not in the top 10 Witten by Nsima Nyo

ccording to the report, Africa is the unhappiest region worldwide • Zimbabwe is the most unhappy country in Africa, as it struggles with high poverty levels. • Nigeria is not in the top 10, but ranking 21st in Africa behind Ghana but ahead of Kenya. The 10th edition of the World Happiness Report, a publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, has used statistical analysis to determine the world’s happiest countries. The report ranks 146 countries in their overall happiness and highlights which countries are the happiest or unhappiest. “The World Happiness Report is changing the conversation about progress and wellbeing. It provides important snapshots of how people around the world feel about the overall quality of their lives,” Christopher Barrington-Leigh, professor at McGill University in Quebec and a researcher involved in the report, said in a statement. With a regional score of 4.5, Africa ranks as the unhappiest region worldwide. Mauritius remains the happiest country in the region, likely because of its relatively high-income levels. In contrast, Zimbabwe remains the most unhappy country in the region, as it struggles with poverty levels. In 2021, approximately 6.1 million people were living below the international poverty line. Top 10 happiest countries in Africa Using the Gallup World Poll results, Mauritius was ranked first in Africa: It had an overall score of 6.071 out of 10, which was “significantly ahead” of all other countries. It’s worth noting that Mauritius became a High-Income country in July 2020, but slipped back to its Upper-Middle-Income status in 2021 because of the global pandemic. Here are the top 10 countries and their score: 1. Mauritius - 6.071 2. Libya - 5.330

3. Ivory Coast - 5.235 4. South Africa - 5.194 5. Gambia - 5.164 6. Algeria - 5.122 7. Liberia - 5.122 8. Congo - 5.075 9. Morocco - 5.060 10. Mozambique - 5.048 The 10 least happiest countries in Africa Here are the 10 countries ranked at the bottom along with their score: The unhappiest country in Africa, according to the rankings, was Zimbabwe, with a score of 2.995. 1. Zimbabwe - 2.995 2. Rwanda - 3.268 3. Botswana - 3.471 4. Lesotho - 3.512 5. Sierra Leone - 3.574 6. Tanzania - 3.502 7. Malawi - 3.750 8. Zambia - 3.760 9. Togo - 4.112 10. Mauritania - 4.152 What about Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya? Nigeria may not be in the top 10, but it’s not that far off, ranking 118th globally and 21st in Africa with a score of 4.552, just behind Ghana (4.872) but ahead of Kenya (4.543). By Victor Oluwole

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Tina Nambao, Zambia’s Foremost Clubfoot Awareness and Treatment Advocate Written by Cynthia Omondi

lubfoot is a common rectifiable birth defect that affects the feet. If not treated early, it can leave a child with a lifelong disability. It is rather unfortunate that many children born with the condition in most low-income countries are unable to access treatment due to a lack of funds and misconceptions about it. Tina Nambao, a living testament that it is treatable, has made it her life mission to ensure that children born with clubfoot walk perfectly, asserting that a treatable condition should not keep a child from walking. Born and raised in Mambwe, in the Northern part of Zambia, twenty-six-year-old Tina Nambao grew up aspiring to become a doctor. As she grew older, an intense desire to advocate for human rights started

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developing within her. Eventually, this pushed her toward studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Law. She graduated in 2018 and since then, has been working with UP Zambia – Undikumbukire Project Zambia – which supports juveniles in conflict with the law through legal representation, social support, and advocacy for a restorative juvenile justice system in Zambia. In the course of her judicial work, she found herself being drawn toward advocating for children born with clubfoot conditions. The condition describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth in which a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. ‘I was born with clubfoot condition but I thank God it was treated early. My mother often reminds me how it was the most difficult moment of her life as many people in the community where we lived then associated it with witchcraft. Many said it was taboo and that my mother had probably done something that had

“ ‘In Zambia, about 700 children are born with clubfoot condition every year. Unfortunately, not all the affected families know about its treatment or are even aware that the condition is treatable”. offended the ‘gods’. To them, it was a curse!’ She tells me. Tina’s first encounter with clubfoot work was at a church, United Church of Zambia, where fundraising had been organized to help children with the condition. ‘There is an organization known as Hope Walks that visited our church for fundraising for clubfoot victims. I felt like this was an opportunity for me to fully delve into advocacy work by joining this organization,’ she says. ‘I approached Loice Chipere, the Program Manager in charge of the project countrywide, and asked for a chance to volunteer. My request was accepted almost immediately.’ ‘In Zambia, about 700 children are born with clubfoot condition every year. Unfortunately, not all the affected families know about its treatment or are even aware that the condition is treatable. Most communities have stereotyped it as a taboo and associate it with witchcraft. I am now mandated to sensitize them that it is just a health condition that is treatable. My duty at Hope Walks is purely sensitization and creating awareness about clubfoot’. Motivated by their hope in Christ, the organization works with local healthcare providers in 16 low and middleincome countries to provide treatment for children born with clubfoot. For less than $500, the condition can be treated and corrected with simple casts and braces. Freedom from Clubfoot Hope Walks offers a cost-effective and relatively simple

treatment, freeing the families from their physical, emotional, and economic burdens. ‘When it comes to healthcare facilities in Zambia, the majority of health workers are not competent enough to treat the condition. Hope Walks eased the burden by setting up seven centers in five of Zambia’s ten provinces. There is still a huge gap that needs to be filled in the remaining provinces since children are born every day in the country,’ she affirms. Even with the existence of the centers, she informs me that a majority of the people within those communities are unaware of their existence. That is why she readily volunteered to sensitize and make them aware of the centers and the affordable medical treatment of clubfoot. According to Hope Walks, clubfoot adheres to treatment through the Ponseti method, the gold standard of clubfoot treatment. The initial step is weekly casting, in which a plaster cast is applied after each weekly session to maintain the degree of correction and soften the ligaments, allowing the misaligned bones to gradually Continued on Page 66 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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realign. Depending on the child’s response to this corrective treatment, the process can last four, six, or eight weeks. . In some cases, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon is performed. After this, in the maintenance phase, children wear a foot abduction brace for 23 hours a day for three months, and thereafter at night and nap time until the age of five. Children born with clubfoot can take their first steps on completely normal feet thanks to early intervention and this relatively simple, cost-effective treatment method.

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Tina’s School of Thought Having worked with Hope Walks for about three years now, Tina acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. She calls upon the relevant stakeholders and the Zambian government to join hands and not only improve but also increase clubfoot health care facilities in the country. ‘I feel like the Ministry of Community Development and Social Work needs to play a major role in sensitization of clubfoot as a health condition that can be treated and demystify the notion that it is a curse or a result of witchcraft. Through Hope Walks, 4000 children have benefitted and if the government and different stakeholders come on board, then many more will benefit. This will ensure that many children who would have grown up disabled get to live a normal life.’ A child wearing an abduction brace ‘My joy is seeing children born with clubfoot able to walk perfectly and families reuniting as a result of our advocacy work. I believe that this is my purpose in life. We are all created for a purpose; each person is a solution to a certain problem, and it is upon one to identify it and work towards it. Whatever you do, do it to your best for the next generation, not for your own purpose,’ she concludes.

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African female referee to officiate Senior World Cup in Qatar

Rwandan female referee official has been named as one of the first female referees in history to officiate at the men’s FIFA World Cup later this year in Qatar. For the first time in history, a select group of female referees has been chosen to officiate matches at a FIFA Soccer World Cup. This year’s international sporting event will be hosted by the Middle Eastern country Qatar and runs from November 21st to December 18 later this year. Among the history-making female cohort is Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga, who made headlines earlier this year after becoming the first female referee to a match in the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. In total, three female referees and three female assistant referees, have been chosen to oversee the men’s sporting event. The female refs making history alongside Mukansanga are France’s Stephanie Frappart and Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita. A total of 129 officials will preside over the

emphasize it is quality that counts for us, and not gender. I would hope that in the future, the selection of elite women’s match officials for important men’s competitions will be perceived as something normal and no longer as sensational.” No truer words have been spoken. Mukansanga made history earlier this year when she became the first female referee to officiate a game in the African Cup of Nations, in Yaounde, Cameroon. In its 65-year-long run, AFCON had never had a women-led team of referring officials.

games -36 referees, 69 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials. Chairman of FIFA’s referee committee Pierluigi Collina said of the decision, “As always, the criteria we have used is ‘quality first’, and the selected match officials represent the highest level of refereeing worldwide. This concludes a long process that began several years ago with the deployment of female referees at FIFA men’s junior and senior tournaments.” “In this way,” Collina continues, “We clearly

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