The Voice magazine March 2018 edition

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 20. NO. 170 March 2018

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

‘I can motivate kids in Ghana to chase their dreams’ - Akwasi Frimpong

Equatorial Guinea goes to UN over France case at ICJ March 21st 2018: Dutch holds municipal 1 elections www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Contents

24-26

The Voice Magazine Volume 20. No 170 March 2018 Edition

10-16

44-47

ARTICLES 4 - Editorial: Africa needs strong institutions 7- Rwandan visa on arrival for all nations around the world 8 - Zimbabwean opposition leader Tsvangirai buried in rural home at Buhera 9 - My Sun has set-Morgan Tsvangirai 10-11 - Feedback- Page for your letters and opinion Pages 14-16 - A moving story of Akwasi Frimpong (From humble beginning in Ghana to stardom in South Korea) Page 17 - U.S. condemns crackdown in Ethiopia as political crisis deepens Pages 18-19 - Equatorial Guinea defends its sovereignty before the International Court of Justice Pages 24-25 - Fans in Africa react to Black Panther Pages 26-27 - Nigerian music can compete with European or American standards - Don Zubi Page 28 - Doctors of the World helps people without papers to the doctor Page 29 - UCF: New political party in Holland brings racism, afro pain points to local elections in 2018 Pages 34-35 - South Africa: President Ramaphosa is a breath of fresh air but South Africans can’t relax yet...

Pages 38 -39 - Stitching Women Motivation & Integration: Making a difference in the lives of minority women in Amsterdam Page 40 - Tribute to Rev. Dr. Billy Graham…….

Pages 42-45 - I am passionate about reaching out to people in different places says Bishop Amamieye Page 50 - The Gambia in the process of stopping death penalty Page 51 - Police Officer Sidney Mutueel collects his achievers award for 2017.

Pages 54-55 - Against All Odds: Ballerina Michaela DePrince’s Remarkable Journey Pages 58-59 - Other African stories from Winter Olympics 2018 Pages 60-61 – Nigel Ikenna Ogidi Nwankwo: A promising football talent for Nigeria scouts to see in Holland Page 62 – Fortuna Sittard asks Sunday Oliseh to go on nonactive leave

SUBMISSIONS: Articles and photographs for publication are welcome but the publisher while exercising all reasonable ­ caution cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.

Please ensure that all materials are sent by e-mail to our official email.

For other inquiries, e-mail us as well at: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Editorial

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Africa needs strong institutions

ew years ago, former American President, Obama made this statement that Africa no longer needs strongmen rather it needs strong institutions. Years on particularly in 2017 to 2018, we are beginning to see more reason why we need stronger institutions than political leaders. African leaders seem more concerned with staying eternally in power than with ably serving their people. In some cases, democracy “as one election, one time” still prevails according to Hillary Clinton during her bid for America’s Presidency How much do these views correspond with what is taking place in African countries? What patterns emerge in the configuration of political power? And finally, how do we assess Africa’s democratic prospects in light of global developments? I take that of South Africa as an example, the political arrangement does not favour the people or the parliament, and they have to rely on ANC movement to recall the former President Zuma or else nothing changes, it remains business as usual. It is time that true process of change be put in place where the constituted institutions like the parliament has the power to discipline the President or any minister in the country.

In North Africa, the wind of change has finally got to them and after the people uprising in those countries after nearly two decades of political turmoil and change. Today most countries in the region are nominally democratic; that is, they hold regular elections, opposition parties compete for elective offices, and a wide range of opinions can be expressed.

Although still few challenges here and there but moving towards the right direction. We cannot say that of many other countries in Africa.

Cameroon is divided into two parts and nearly on the verge of civil war, with a call from Southern Cameroon to be allowed to become an autonomous state within the federation. The biggest problem is that President Paul Biya according to critics decide everything despite the difference between the French and English speaking parts of the country. Developments in this country is slow and freedom to live and liberty is undermined. The value of democracy is declining in this type of environment and situations are deteriorating very fast that something need to be done about it by creating stronger institutions rather than relying on Yaounde to find solution to these problems.

This is an appropriate moment, therefore, to step back from the volatility and try to understand the deeper dynamics of political change and continuity in Africa. In this exercise, we saw the Prime Minister of Ethiopia resigning after weeks of protests by the citizenry over the difficult changes of life facing the vast majority of the population.

A worrisome situation in Kenya where technically, a rebellion is building up with the opposition leader, Raila Odinga undermining the government by declaring himself the

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Peoples’ President. The current government does not know how to handle the situation, an arrest of him will definitely bring the country closer to war situation as was experienced in 2007. So right now, it is cat and mouse game in Kenya. But what is the genesis of this problem? Lack of respect for constitutional Pastor Elvis Iruh institutions in that country.

Editor-in-Chief There was obvious intimidation of the judiciary to the run-off of the presidential elections which the opposition boycotted. The government in power should learn to respect the constituted authorities like the Judiciary and electoral institutions but in Kenya but those two institutions were compromised by the agents of the government and Kenya is where they are now.

Also a positive development in Zimbabwe where through a palace coup, Mugabe was forced to step down but where is the political power of the people and the constitution. What if the military did not intervene? Mugabe would have still remain in power! It is time for Africa organizations like the African Union to demand accountability of the political institutions from their leaders.

We have to do away with this authoritarianism system of still one party state in disguise. What we have in many countries in Africa are reconfiguration of power rather than a transition to constitutional democracy. Like in Nigeria, all that are disappointed or aggrieved in one party converge to form themselves into another party – PDP to APC. So in the true sense of democracy, nothing has changed except for name.

So we continue to have the same problem that we discovered under the previous regime.

When we speak of autocracy and authoritarianism, we naturally think of the exercise of power. However, the same should be true of democracy, which derives from the Greek word, demokratia, meaning the power of the demos. A struggle to wrest power from autocratic systems and shift it to the people is evidently happening in North Africa but not so in the rest of Africa. Still what do we call the democratic practice in Uganda or Cameroon? When would the voice of the people be heard and true reform takes place in the political system of the countries? I guess we need to encourage people to protect their freedom to demand genuine change via protesters shut down major cities, uprisings and demonstrations over a good period of time and force these leaders to reform the institutions or go for others to come in. They don’t need to accept it because many of them will not but the will of the people will prevail.

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-­ governmental organizations and in­dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af­ filiated to any of these bodies or to any other ­publishing institution or political interest or group.

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT

The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ­ ublished online from 2017 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we ­provide ­objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the ­continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of ­developing c­ ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. TV

Volume 20

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RWANDAN BEGINS VISA ON ARRIVAL FOR ALL NATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

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he Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community of the Republic of Rwanda presents its compliments to the Diplomatic and Consular Missions (Resident and Non Resident) as well as international and Regional organizations accredited to Rwanda, and has the honour to communicate the following NEW VISA Regime of the Republic of Rwanda.

1.

30 days visa upon arrival: Citizens of all countries to get visa upon arrival without prior application starting from 1st January 2018. Before that, only Nationals of African countries and few others were getting visa upon arrival.

2.

COMESA Member states to get 90 days visa upon arrival. Citizens of COMESA Member states to get 90 days visa on arrival (on payment of the prescribed fee) as provided

by Article 4 of the COMESA protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Labour, Services, Right of Establishment and Residence. Rwanda ratified the protocol on 13th July 2016.

Currently citizens of COMESA Member states were getting 30 days on arrival as other holders of African passports.

3.

Rwandans living abroad with dual nationality allowed to use national IDs on entry. Waive visa fee to Rwandans traveling on foreign passports in possession of a Rwandan Identity card for countries that permit dual nationality only. Initially Rwandans traveling on a foreign passport in possession of a valid Rwandan passport were the only granted visa free on arrival.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East Africa Community of the Republic of Rwanda avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Diplomatic and Consular Missions (Resident and Non Resident) as well as international and Regional Organizations accredited to Rwanda the assurances of its highest consideration.

NEW VISA REGIME Reference to Cabinet meeting of 08-11-2017 that approved the establishment of new visa regime for the Republic of Rwanda; the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration would like to inform the public the following New Visa Regime: 1.

Reciprocity: Rwanda will grant visa free of charge with 90 days validity to the following countries on reciprocal

basis: Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles and Sao Tome and Principle. This is in addition to Democratic Republic of Congo, East African Community Partner States, Mauritius, Philippines and Singapore. This takes immediate effect.

2.

Visa waiver for diplomatic and service passports – The Government of Rwanda has entered into Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service passports with; Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, India, Israel, Morocco and Turkey. This take immediate effect.

3.

Visa on arrival to all national: Citizens of all countries

to get visa upon arrival with validity up to 30 days without prior application, starting 01 January 2018. Before that, only nationals of African countries and few others were getting visa upon arrival.

4.

COMESA Member states to get 90 days visa upon arrival- Citizens of COMESA member States to get 90 days visa on arrival (on payment of the prescribed fee) as provided

by Article 4 of the COMESA Protocol for Free Movement of Persons, Labour, Services, Right of Establishment and Residence. Rwanda ratified the protocol on 13th July 2016.

Currently, citizens of COMESA member states were getting 30 days on arrival as other holders of African passports. This take immediate effect.

5. Rwandans living abroad with dual nationality allowed to use national IDs on entry – Waive visa fee to Rwandans traveling on foreign passports in possession of a valid Rwandan passport were the only granted visa free on arrival. This take immediate effect.

6.

Foreign residents to use their Resident ID cards for entry – Returning residents holding valid residence permits with corresponding resident cards will be allowed to use them on entry, including using electronic gates (Automated Passenger Clearance System) at Kigali International Airport.

End.

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Celebration OF LIFE

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Zimbabwean opposition leader Tsvangirai buried in rural home at Buhera

fter solemn memorial in the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare, the mortal remains of veteran Zimbabwean opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai was airlifted to his home village of Buhera where he was buried amidst tears and celebration of a man that his people has come to love and hate at the same time. He is a true African Hero who fought the system to a standstill and former President Mugabe will not forget him in a hurry.

Thousands of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters clad in red thronged the Robert Mugabe Square in the capital Harare to pay their respects to the former leader.

Tsvangirai’s body was returned to Zimbabwe from South Africa where he died at a Johannesburg hospital at the age of 65. He had been battling with colon cancer for the last few years. It was one battle too many for him to bear but still he fought a good fight till the very end.

New president Emmerson Mnangagwa paid homage to the late politician and promised that the government will give him a state-assisted burial despite being a former Prime Minister of the country but his party and followers rejected that; anything short of full state burial was not welcome so they decided to honour him in their own way and style. And colourful send off it was in Harare to his rural home.

In Buhera, Zimbabwe, thousands of people in Zimbabwe

gathered for the burial of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, whose death from cancer exacerbated divisions within a movement preparing for elections just months away.

A hearse carrying Tsvangirai’s body in a white casket drove slowly through the crowds to a school ground near his rural home in eastern Zimbabwe.

Also many prominent opposition leaders from other countries like Malawi and Kenya, where Raila Odinga declared himself, People’s President was at hand to bid his friend farewell. It was a jamboree send off for Tsvangarai.

Rival leaders have vied for control of the opposition MDC-T party after the death of Tsvangirai, a longtime opponent of former President Robert Mugabe who once entered into a flawed power-sharing arrangement with him after disputed elections.

“Our leaders are going to unite,” Nelson Chamisa, the new head of the opposition party, said at the burial. He said he had a condolence letter from Mugabe but refused the crowd’s calls that he read it and instead handed it to a member of Tsvangirai’s family.

Chamisa’s authority has been

challenged by two other MDC officials, Thokozani Khupe and former Harare mayor Elias Mudzuri. The MDC-T party holds the second-largest number of seats in Zimbabwe’s parliament.

Mugabe resigned after a military takeover in November, and his successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, says elections will be held as scheduled this year.

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE

My Sun has set

Morgan Tsvangirai

“Last day when I shed my earthly body. I will cross over to the spiritual realm.

My physical body had fought so many battles in the past.

Cancer was but one battle too many. I gave it a shot. In fact I gave it plenty.

As the cancer ate my insides I could see the toll on my family.

The despair, the misery and the agony which they tried to hide.

Unfortunately on earth you can only control how you live. No one gets to control how they die. Not even why. Sooner or later our spirits will take to the sky.

Eventually we all fly.

I’ve reflected on my life and I’m proud. I managed to inspire lives. I gave hope to husbands and their wives. It was never a plan or target of mine. I did not do it for high fives. I wanted to stand for workers’ rights. I thought that would be enough but I would be found fighting a bigger battle from 1999. History will judge me but I like to think I did mighty fine.

I made my mistakes. I lived through them and I learned. I was a political blacksmith who tried to forge a new Zimbabwe and you know what they say. I played with fire and I got burnt. I won some hearts. I won enemies too. Some I earned.

There were things I could have done better. There were things I couldn’t and those I don’t regret. Some seeds I planted in hearts of my people to blossom and fruit years later.

I’ve been broken hearted, I’ve broken hearts both alive and now as I depart.

I’ve been human for the most part. I’ve had controversy but I have also given reason to celebrate.

I’ve been expected to dangle at the end of a rope only to turn the gloom into hope. All while living on the international stage under a microscope.

History will judge me. Did I fail to change the status quo? I don’t think so. But it depends what those who judge are looking for. I think I did more.

I opened eyes. I let the people believe they could stare at their tormentors and say no. I would believe I made them believe they could refuse bread crumbs and instead demand more. I didn’t do everything. But sometimes all people need is a start. A sign. I hope that’s what I’m remembered for.

As my sun sets yours rises. Make hay while it shines. Follow your heart, don’t waste your single life conforming, forcing your soul to do what it despises. There’s a race to be run. There is work to be done. Do your best. I will see you when you join me on the other side.”

Morgan Tsvangirai

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FEEDBACK

Summary of Matter:

HERDSMEN ATTACKS - FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP

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he President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria conspired with the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders Association to use genocide and Terrorism against the generality of Nigerians to force them to release large patches of land in their states to the members of the cattle breeders Association for cattle colonies or grazing areas. The leadership of the National Assembly whose duties it is to make laws for the order and good governance of Nigeria conspired with the President and vice President as well as with the Ministers of Interior, Defense, Agriculture, as well as with the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the State Security Service and the National Security Advisor to turn a blind eye while the genocide is being perpetrated against states spread allover Nigeria whose lands are targeted for the diabolical scheme In pursuance of the project thousands of innocent Nigerians have been murdered and maimed all-over Nigeria including Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Ondo, Edo. Benue, Nassarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, whereas the practice all-over the world for cattle breeders is ranching of the cattle, the conspiracy in Nigeria is for States to release large patches of land for strange scheme termed cattle colonies and despite the fact that the cattle breeding business is strictly private business but in the case at hand the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Mohammadu Buhari who himself is a cattle breeder have decided to use instruments of government to employ terrorism and genocide and wanton destruction of properties of farmers to advance the private interests of the cattle breeders against the

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dictates of natural Justice, equity and good conscience.

Therefore it is imperative to use instrumentality of the law in Nigeria, West Africa and the world to compel the President of Nigeria, his Vice, the involved Ministers and security agencies and the collaborating leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives to desist from their evil designs and to compel their punishment under the laws for the crimes against humanity The President and Deputy President of the Senate as well as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives are equally guilty if not even more guilty than the President and his Vice because if the National Assembly had made laws proscribing open grazing and compelling all cattle breeding business in Nigeria to be through ranching as is the practice all over the world, the thousands of innocent lives that have been lost and are still being lost to the genocide and terrorism that the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders Association has been carrying out throughout Nigeria would have been saved Any arguments that the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria does not give the National Assembly the responsibility of making laws to guide cattle breeding in Nigeria cannot hold water because the National Assembly also has the responsibility of amending the Constitution where necessary in collaboration with the state assembly and in this case whereas the National Assembly has been enjoying all entrapments of the office they have totally and completely neglected their responsibility in this regard

By Yahaya Ndu President Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN) Abuja, Nigeria

FEEDBACK

Dear Editor,

Buhari should go after this tenure.

I am shocked to hear people say that Buhari should contest again in 2019. His health not stable, he is not able to deliver on his promises of change. Nigeria is worse than he took it over from the previous administration. Except there is no greater force that superintendents the affairs of mortals, no matter the spin to the tale to have President Muhammadu Buhari continue in office beyond May 29, 2019, the blood of the innocent victims of rampaging herdsmen and his administration’s complicit silence and inaction over the bloodletting will deliver resounding defeat to him in the 2019 Presidential Poll. He should go ahead and try Nigerians.

Enough is enough.

Apostle Maidiga Ameh Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.

*************************************** Dear Editor,

The magazine is richly and timely too.

Congratulations to you all

Happy new year to you and the family of the Voice magazine.

Quite a while I have not written to the magazine but I do receive my copy regularly and it has become very rich in content and enjoyable to read. Hope everyone is well? Thanks for the January issue of the Voice Magazine mail to me again. Just I can’t thank God enough for your good works, updates on world affairs would not be appreciated enough today because of the perilous times.

You’re fabulous and blessed all round seasons.

By Pius Ehiwuogwu

Dear Editor,

President George Weah on a good footing.

God bless our dear country, Liberia. I am once again proud to identify myself as a Liberian after several years of misrule by the elites. I am proud of our President George Weah, yes he does not claim to have solutions to all the problems but he is willing to listen to the ordinary people and identify with their struggles, he few months to his administration he has made visits to the slums to identify areas that need urgent attention. He already set in motion efforts and machineries to make Liberia work again. I appeal for patience from our people to allow him to work.

The country is broke so we need financial aids from the Diaspora.

God bless motherland, Liberia.

Moses Barnes Moronvia, Liberia. *******

On The Voice Achievers Award 2018

Dear Organizers, I have followed your achievers award for some years now and I must confess that it is one of the most prestigious award I have seen in the Diaspora. I have few questions for the organizers. How do you accept nominees for your award? Do you plan to have this award in other countries in Africa or within the Diaspora? I have three names of people I want o nominate for 2018, they are contributing to the advancement of Africa.

Thank you for giving attention to my letter.

God bless you all.

Joseph Boakai Anwerp, Belgium.

Award Committee response…..

First and foremost, you are welcome to send in your nominations, in fact the entry is open now. Send a short CV or profile of the nominees and include their contact details. Secondly, we are working on modalities of hosting the event outside of the Netherlands but we must have local participation through sponsorship in any other country outside of the Netherlands that would be interesting in hosting the Voice Achievers Award. We had offers from Dubai and Equatorial Guinea for 2018 but we are still working on the modalities. But be rest assured that the award will go on in The Netherlands as usual and yearly. Stay tune with us and you will receive details soon.

Thank you for your support.

Award Committee.

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A moving story of Akwasi Frimpong

(From humble beginning in Ghana to stardom in South Korea) This profound that this story is published for many Africans to read and belief that nothing is impossible if you set your mind to do it. For Akwasi Frimpong, his story started back in Ghana where he lived with his mother in a one-room accommodation and never in his wild imagination that he dreamt one day he will be competing on a snow in faraway South Korea but this is the inspiring story of Akwasi and he is happy to tell it all to the world with the intention to inspire one African child that dreams come true.

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et in a freezing Pyeongchang, South Korea, Frimpong did a speed of 90mph per hour on the ice representing his country of birth, Ghana and going into the history book as the first skeleton athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics from Ghana, joining the likes of other athletes from Nigeria and Togo.

The 31 year old’s remarkable journey has taken him from a single five-by-four meter room in Kumasi, Ghana’s second most populous city, to a globe-trotting life of travel and adventure as an international sportsman.

It’s been a journey fraught with setbacks. Along the way, Frimpong has been a 200m sprinter, a bobsled brakeman, a student and an entrepreneur but always a dreamer that refuses to accept defeat.

“I battled for 13 years”, Frimpong tells the press, “giving up was an option, but being patient and persistent nurtured the champion from within me.

And coming to the Games is a message to anyone out there that dreaming of something big is possible”.

Frimpong’s secret past At aged 8, Frimpong followed his mother to The Netherlands in pursuit of a better future, withdrawing books from the local library to learn Dutch and adapting to his new surroundings proved very difficult. “I had never seen a white person in my life, and I was not in my normal comfort zone with friends and family in Ghana,” he says.

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He discovered a talent for sprinting at high school in the summer of 2001 and he was quickly taken under the wing of two-time Surinamese Olympian turned athletics coach, Sammy Monsels. He thrived, and two years later he became the Dutch junior 200m champion.

“Within 18 months, not only was I the best in my city, but I was the best in the country and won my first gold medal,” says Frimpong. “From then on, I knew anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and you want it bad enough.”

But Frimpong was hiding a secret, he had entered the country illegally. Competing internationally was simply not viable. He told his coaches that he had lost his passport and, reluctantly, Frimpong turned down offers to pull on the fabled orange vest of Holland. He was illegal to compete for The Netherlands.

“For being the fastest boy in The Netherlands, I was desperate and sad,” says Frimpong. “I cried every day ... I felt like I was living in an isolated jail. A big part of my youth was taken away.”

His fortunes changed however when he started studying public relations, marketing and communications at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff College in 2004.

Cruyff, one of football’s most progressive thinkers, would visit the college from time to time, giving pep talks and inspiring the students. Frimpong grabbed the opportunity with both hands, earning the International Student of the Year award for his endeavors both on the track and in the classroom.

‘I can motivate kids in Ghana to chase their dreams’

- Akwasi Frimpong

“I was supposed to receive the award from Cruyff in Barcelona, Spain and he found out I couldn’t be there because of my illegal status,” remembers Frimpong, who graduated in 2007.

Instead, Cruyff traveled to Amsterdam to give him the award. The gesture gave Frimpong enormous self-belief.

“He fought for me in the media to tell my story ... he saw me as a person and not just a number like the Dutch immigration officials did,” says Frimpong.

Near misses After finally being granted a Dutch citizenship and a passport in 2008, Frimpong concentrated on his training, becoming one of the best sprinters in the Netherlands. Then the London 2012 Olympics beckoned - an inconceivable dream for the boy who had once been elated with a full bottle of Coca-Cola for Christmas but a tendon injury robbed him of his dream and he didn’t make the final team to the Olympics in London.

What could have been the end of the road was just the beginning. He refused to give up, Frimpong traded the athletics track for the ice -- becoming a brakeman on the Dutch national bobsled team under the tutelage of former world champion Nicola Minichiello.

His sprinting prowess served him well, but once again he fell just short, only making it as a reserve for the Sochi Winter Games in 2014. “I was down for almost two years,” Frimpong admits. “I had put so much money, time and sacrifice into the sport; I decided to give up and focus on my career and use my degree.

“But something was itching. I felt there was an unfinished business and that was to make it to the Olympic Games.”

‘Leaving a legacy’ It was time to go it alone and rediscover his African roots.

With his wife, Erica joking she didn’t want him “whining about his Olympic dreams at aged 99,” Frimpong set up the Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation of Ghana in 2016 to give something back to his country of birth and “challenge the unknown.”

“In life, sometimes our disappointments lead us to where we need to be,” he says. “If I’d made it to the Olympics in track and field or bobsled, it would have been a personal achievement. With skeleton, I’m writing history for my country and helping kids chase their wildest dreams.

“This way I’m leaving a legacy behind. Something that will outlive me - far more important than just a personal goal. This journey is bigger than me.”

‘Boxing with ice and concrete’ Frimpong, subject of Dutch documentary ‘The Rabbit Theory,’ is the first to acknowledge how terrifying sliding down a narrow ice chute can be.

“I have to push, dive on the sled and navigate a mile of ice track at 80-90 mph with my chin three inches from the ice,” he explains.

It can also be deadly - Georgian luge competitor Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed during a training run crash at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Accurately navigating the first few corners is essential.

According to Frimpong, the G-forces are comparable to the weight of “five friends lying on top of you,” while making the slightest mistake feels like “boxing with ice and concrete.”

Sliding is a rhythm, the Ghanaian says, and once you find that rhythm “it’s like dancing with the stars.”

It takes four to six years to be competitive and his natural acceleration can only help him so much.

But as he puts it: “If going to the Olympics was easy, everyone would be doing it.”

Frimpong needed make it into the top 60 of the sport’s official world rankings, completing five races on three tracks around the world, in order to qualify for PyeongChang.

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Continued from Page 14 Just to fund that endeavor he has sold his car and flogged vacuum cleaners door-to-door near his American training base in Utah. It has all been worth it he says now.

After a series of personal-best performances in St. Moritz and Lake Placid in the New Year, Frimpong’s place at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics was made official on January 15th - just two years after he started racing.

At times like this, the words of his grandmother sitting in that single room in Kumasi come rushing back to him.

“She always said, ‘Akwasi, what you need for success is already in you; it’s a matter of believing in yourself and never giving up,’” Frimpong remembers.

“I hope I can motivate kids in Ghana to chase their dreams.”

That dream did not only came to past, Akwasi Frimpong proudly flout the flag of Ghana at the opening ceremony and looked forward to competing with other athletes from around the world.

A young kid who never saw ice in his life, now on the ice track.

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He has become the first West African to compete in skeleton, the hair-raising, head-first sliding sport where competitors power down an icy track with their chins just centimeters off the ice.

He says his target is still to compete in four years’ time in Beijing, China where he hopes that he would have more Africans participating in the Winter Olympic Games.

“My goal is always 2022 but with my hard work and support of my family and sponsors I thought I would gear up for 2018” And true to his dream, yes, he made it to 2018 Olympic Games and participated. Even though he came in last, but he received a standing ovation from the crowd who cheered him on.

Now he can focus on 2022 because he says his goal is to win a medal for Africa and that would be a real big breakthrough”.

Design and development by Brad Yendle and Byron Manley. Photography courtesy of Akwasi Frimpong and Getty Images

U.S. condemns crackdown in Ethiopia as political crisis deepens

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thiopia, a key U.S. ally in the fight against terrorism in North Africa, is again on the brink of chaos following the outbreak of large-scale protests that erupted in the past weeks. The demonstrations prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to submit his resignation amid the worst political crisis the country has faced in years.

Thousands of Ethiopians have taken to the streets to protest exclusion from the country’s political system and economic growth. The government’s declaration of a state of emergency effectively bans protests, leading the U.S. Embassy to call for “greater freedom, not less.”

“The question is, whether the ruling party decides to bring in someone who is more capable of bringing people together - a more inclusive government or doubles down under influence from the military and says, ‘No, let’s crack down even harder to solve this problem,’” Alex Kliment of GZERO Media said in an interview. “They’ve been cracking down for three years, and it has only gotten worse.”

In the last decade, Ethiopia’s booming economy has grown to become the fifth-largest in Africa.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the country has averaged annual GDP growth of roughly 10 percent over

the last 10 years, largely due to public infrastructure and agriculture investments. The poverty rate fell from 44 percent in 2000 to 23.5 percent in 2016.

With more than 70 percent of the country’s population dependent on agriculture for employment, concerns about climate change are paramount. A recent drought, falling agricultural prices and political upheaval have tempered

growth and investment.

On the political front, Ethiopia’s government has long been accused of arresting critical journalists and opposition leaders. Similar protests have taken place across the country since late 2015, leading the government to declare a previous state of emergency in October 2016 after hundreds of people reportedly had been killed. A stampede at a religious event

southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, that month claimed the lives of several dozen people. That state of emergency led to the arrest of more than 22,000 people and severely affected business.

The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia objected to the declaration of a state of emergency. “The challenges facing Ethiopia, whether to democratic reform, economic growth, or lasting stability, are best addressed through inclusive discourse and political processes, rather than through the imposition of restrictions,” the embassy said in a statement. “Restrictions on the ability of the Ethiopian people to express themselves peacefully sends a message that they are not being heard.”

But experts question how far the U.S. is willing to push such long-term reforms at the expense of potential short-term instability in the region.

“There is an intelligence relationship with the Ethiopians that goes back the better part of two decades, and not an unfamiliar story in which backing for counter-terrorism enables a government to crack down on its own citizens,” Kliment said.

“So the United States is having to kind of dance this dance again. Do we want stability in the name of counter-terrorism or do we want a sort of more democratic outcome that may undermine stability in the short term?”

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Equatorial Guinea defends its sovereignty before the International Court of Justice

he International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest judicial body of the United Nations has been holding in February 2018 on the case brought before it by the Government of Equatorial Guinea challenging the decision of France to persecute the country’s Vice President in a French court thereby violating the sovereignty of an independence country. According to Equatorial Guinea the French has violated the diplomatic immunity of Vice President Teodoro Obiang Mangue.

It would be recalled that the French court opened a suit in 2016 against the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, for which he was sentenced last October to three years in prison and 30 million euros in fines, in a case called “ill-gotten property”. Of course the charges has been denied by the Vice-President and the country through their legal institutions and the Embassy in Brussels.

With this court hearing the Equatorial Guinea government demand and condemn France for not respecting the Vienna Convention that confers diplomatic immunity on Teodoro Obiang as Vice-President of his country, but also that France has not respected the diplomatic status of the building that houses the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in Paris and that

France had tried to forcefully seize it and invaded on the privacy of the country.

In this regard, the Ambassador to the Netherlands has stated

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that “there is no doubt as to who owns the building of the Avenue Foch number 42 in Paris. I would like to remind the French delegation that Equatorial Guinea is a country that enjoys total independence. That is precisely why we buy our goods with our money: to have the legitimate right over them. ” In this second round of defense, France brought allegations before the ICJ that the Court does not have jurisdiction in the case on the basis of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. “France has not accepted the jurisdiction of this Court to consider the facts on which Equatorial Guinea seeks the Court to be competent,” French representative Francois Alabrune said during the court hearing.

The Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to the Netherlands, Ambassador Carmelo Nvono-Ncá has continued to defend the Vice-president calling the case against him as flagrant violation of international law and it has caused real outrage in his country, and this injustice cannot be allowed to continue”.

Ambassador Carmelo Nvono-Ncá, made it clear that “Equatorial Guinea does not criticize France, but accuses it directly of not respecting International Law”. Ambassador Nvono-Ncá reminds the International Court of Justice that Equatorial Guinea enjoys total and not partial independence therefore the behavior of France is hindering the ability of Equatorial Guinea to manage its international relations, with all the right and all the legitimacy that our total Independence gives us.”

Equatorial Guinea slams France for ‘violating’ its sovereignty.

Also, the Equatoguinean diplomat has assured that Equatorial Guinea has tried, and continues to do so, “resolve the dispute bilaterally through political contacts with the French authorities.” However, as he added, “hitherto we systematically hit the same wall. They tell us that the Executive cannot intervene even when the French courts misinterpret international law. ” Such an injustice cannot be allowed. The indifference shown by France to our sovereign rights has had important repercussions,” he told the International Court of Justice.

This was “undermining” his country’s “ability to manage its international relations,” he argued.

Malabo’s case “involves fundamental principles of international law, principles that are essential to order the relations between states,” added lawyer Michael Wood.

“Principles that are even more essential in today’s troubled world.”

Equatorial Guinea had urged the ICJ in 2016 to order the French courts to suspend the proceedings against Obiang, but the tribunal refused to intervene.

However, France called on the tribunal, set up by the United Nations to rule in disputes between nations, to throw out the case, arguing the judges had no competence to hear the matter.

Paris accused Malabo of seeking to “paralyse” French criminal procedures in the top-level corruption probe, which

came after nearly a decade of lobbying by Transparency International and another group, Sherpa.

France delegation member Alain Pellet said that Equatorial Guinea was attempting to “slow down, or even paralyse the criminal procedure launched in France.”

The decision to take the matter to the ICJ was a bid “to give their case more prominence” argued Pellet.

The hearing continues as we went to press but we would keep you our readers updated on the outcome of the ruling of the ICJ on the matter. It is worthy of note that Equatorial Guinea enjoy the support of his African counterparts who feels that France is trying to recolonize Africa by acting as a bully on their former colonies and other African countries like they try to do with Equatorial Guinea but the Ambassador declare that his government is ready to defend itself against this aggression against the Vice-President and the country in general.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks in advance. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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

What would you like to know? Our vision?

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

You may have been a believer for many years already.

Or you might still be searching for the meaning of life and asking yourself whether or not there is God. Within Victory Outreach Almere we would like to help you find the answer. We will gladly teach you the exact meaning of “a living faith�. With us you will truly see and experience the supernatural power of the living God. You can always count on love and comfort when you need it.

You will discover that we have a wonderful diversity of people with lots of different backgrounds, characters and personalities. But there is one thing we have in common.

We all follow the same God, Jesus Christ.

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

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

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

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastor Victory Outreach Almere. Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 0367505571 info@voalmere.nl www.voalmere.nl

INVITING NEW MEMBERS!!

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

Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm YOU ARE ALL WELCOME. For details, Call: 06-87510616, 06-87508082, 0655516057 Address : Fortuinlaan 39 , 1561JB, Krommenie 23

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Fans in Africa react to Black Panther

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ans in Africa are lauding “Black Panther” for its positive portrayal of the continent, particularly after the unfortunate remarks about Africa by President Donald Trump. African moviegoers said they’re proud of the way “Black Panther” shows off their heritage.

At the red carpet in South Africa swirled with stunning outfits and exclamations in the local isiXhosa language used in the film’s Wakanda kingdom, cast member John Kani laughed at the U.S. president’s views, which several African nations have openly scorned. (Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o said simply: “No comment.”)

social media.

“The African culture highlighted in the movie is so rich that it makes me feel proud of being black. I totally love it,” said Liz Muthoni after a screening in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. “I can watch it again and again.”

“Black Panther” screened a few days ago in Kenya’s western city of Kisumu, where Nyong’o’s father, Anyang, is the County Governor.

“Sometimes we think that we have two choices to make in Africa,” he wrote this month in The Star newspaper.

“Choice one: We maintain our traditions and cultures and

The South African actor Kani, like many at the Johannesburg premiere, expressed pride at seeing an Afrofuturistic society that celebrates traditional cultures and dreams of what the world’s second most populous continent can be.

“This time the sun now is shining on Africa,” he said.

“This movie came at the right time. We’re struggling to find leaders that are exemplary and role models ... so when you see the Black Panther as a young boy and he takes off that mask you think, ‘Oh my God, he looks like me. He is African and I am African. Now we can look up to some person who is African.’”

Added actress Danai Gurira, who grew up mostly in Zimbabwe: “To bring this film home is everything.”

The film has opened in other top economic powers across Africa, where a growing middle class flocked to IMAX showings and shared vibrant opening-night images on

stay backward forever. Choice two: We modernize by becoming westernized and forgetting our cultural traditions which, by their very nature so we think, are stuck in the past. The experience of the Wakanda people teaches us otherwise.”

In Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, “Black Panther” has been selling out its five-times-a-day screenings at the only theater showing the film.

“Moviegoers are enjoying the African heritage part of the film. This is also unique for us because Ethiopia is often mentioned alongside the black power and black movements as the only nation not colonized by Western powers,” said Elias Abraha, the cinema’s operations chief.

“There are people who changed their flight plans just to watch the movie.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Some Ethiopian fans quickly changed their Facebook profile pictures and expressed their adoration.

“Tears stream down my face as I write this,” said one Facebook user who goes

by LadyRock Maranatha. “Black Panther was basically an enormous roller coaster of emotions, adventure and most of all the affirmation of what I had felt since I left my country for Cambridge and came back. I cried for my people and felt immense pride in being Ethiopian and most importantly AFRICAN. We are truly resilient and beautiful.”

As the audience poured out of the Johannesburg screening, spirits were high.

“Totally blown away. I got emotional,” said reality TV star Blue Mbombo, who admitted that going into the film she thought the expectations had been “hype.” But she praised its use of cultural touches like Basotho blankets and called the use of the isiXhosa language “very humbling.”

Others considered the American side of the story. “An African-American coming back to Africa, it’s a nice reminder of their heritage as well,” said Ayanda Sidzatane. She called the film awesome. “We knew it would be cool but not like this.”

Some anticipated a flood of interest from African-Americans, even cheekily. “Now I know Black Panther makes Africa look cool ... But please don’t come to Lagos ... It’s overcrowded,” Nigerian artist Arinze Stanley tweeted of the continent’s most populous city.

As Ghanaian celebrity blogger Ameyaw Debrah put it on social media: “What will #BlackPanther make the world think of Africa now?”

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Nigerian music can compete with European or American standards - Don Zubi

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are to dream and that is exactly what this young intelligent, ambition and hardworking Nigerian born lady, Jebi Love is doing and definitely the sky is her foundation. She is turning her hobby and passion into reality by starting a radio talk show, reality interaction with her fans through her Facebook page and now it has taken a whole new dimension. Now she is a motivational speaker, event show host, counselor for people who needs advice on issues of life and being a wonderful mother to her daughter.

She is our guest on face to face in this New Year edition of The Voice magazine. The Voice Publisher/Editor-in-Chief had this special interview with her to talk about her life and ambition for the future. She did not disappoint.

Excerpts from our chat with her.

Happy reading: TV: Kindly introduce of yourself to our readers?

Don Zubi: My name is Kingsley Azubike Osabeyi Aka (DONZUBI). I am a promoter, Producer, Song Writer, CEO/ President Donzubi Entertainment Lagos Nigeria and The Netherlands, also CEO/ President of DONZUBI Casual 78 (FASHION) TV: What is your educational background?

Don Zubi: I am graduate from Lagos States University Ojo (LASU) Class of 2000. I studied Social Science.

TV: How did you come into music production?

Don Zubi: Back in my days at school, both in primary and up to university level, I was a poem writer and I have passion for MUSIC as well, it came to my knowledge after my NYSC service to my nation and I had the opportunity to travel abroad. I ended up in the Netherlands

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where I turned the talent I had in writing poems into writing music. In 2009, I made my decision to finally step in the circle where I know my talent was useful, and I signed an artiste by name NG. TV: We know you also promote artists! How did you come into music promotion?

Don Zubi: Signing an artiste definitely you need promotion to promote your audio and your video, it is the nature of the business anybody that wants to go into it needs to abide with in the entertainment industry.

TV: Can you give us some names of those artists you have managed and what is your experiences?

Don Zubi: I have managed several artistes including the likes of NG, Blackseed, Nelson Brown, Raymond king. I also managed Olamide as well when he was still with ID Cabassa.

My experiences with these artistes has given me more knowledge and understanding how to deal with musicians and to move forward in accomplishing my mission to the highest level in the entertainment industry around the world.

TV: How will you describe the music scene in Europe compared to Nigeria or America?

Don Zubi: When it comes to the European or American music scene, it is well organized to be compared with our own in Nigeria. The strategy of selling Audio CD and DVD Video in Europe and America are more professional compared to the way the business is done in Nigeria and I know with time everything will be re-structured and it will be well organized. We are moving in the right direction now with our music industry.

TV: Is our music advancing in the right direction?

Don Zubi: Yes, of course The Nigeria Afro-beat music scene today has taking over the world with a storm and there is a great acknowledgment to this development.

TV: Sometimes, I read your comments on politics! Are you interested in politics and what is your take on the situation of things in Nigeria?

Don Zubi: I am not interested in politics for now. I am just disappointed with our leaders who are destroying our country.

They promised the Nigerian people change both all we see is the opposite of change – death, poverty and unemployment is the order of the day. We have a country where graduates cannot find a job on graduation. A country where corruption has killed the country and it has become order of the day. No rules and regulation; death has b e c o m e nothing in the eyes of the Fulani herdsmen, the poor are dying, no food, no money, no good hospitals/

Don Zubi: These awards mean a lot to me and I want to thank the organizer and presenter of the Voice Achievers Award, it was very special to me because it is an honour given to me due to the effort I had put in the music industry both at home and abroad.

It has given me the courage to put more effort and work harder.

TV: For those who look up to you as successful, what will be your advice to them?

Don Zubi: Put prayers to GOD First. Then have passion for what you do. Be focus; be determined and don’t hate even when people disappointment you. Kindly show more love and move your head forward to accomplish your goals so that you don’t lose your dreams.

TV: Thank you for your time and this interview Don Zubi: Thank you my boss. I appreciate this interview and your time sir.

‘ I am not interested in politics for now.

I am just disappointed with our leaders who are destroying our country. They promised the Nigerian people change both all we see is the opposite of change.’

equipment to safe lives when needed, no fuel, bad roads, no light and many times I feel this pain and so I make my voice to be heard on social media with the hope that someone would inform them or they would hear my voice. It is terrible with Nigeria now.

TV: You live in Holland, so how does your music business fair in the country, bringing artists from abroad to perform in The Netherlands?

Don Zubi: Yes, I live in The Netherlands and it is the best country to live in the world to my own understanding. It is good enough for now to bring artistes to perform in The Netherlands and across Europe. It is a link to other European countries so I enjoy living here and doing my business.

TV: You are a philanthropist, what motives you to support charity work you do?

Don Zubi: I love given and given is life to help others who are less privileged than myself. There is so many people in need around the world, you can only do the little you can.

TV: Two years ago, you were recognized by the Voice Achievers Award. And you have received other awards. What does these awards mean to you? www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Doctors of the World helps people without papers to the doctor

ou are sick, but you don’t have a health insurance. What can you do? You receive a high bill from the hospital, but you don’t have papers and no health insurance. What can you do? Many migrants in the Netherlands without a residence permit don’t know that they have the right to visit the doctor for a medical consult and that their safety is guaranteed.

Everyone is entitled to medical care, with or without papers, with or without an insurance, with or without money. Doctors of the World helps people without a residence permit to gain access to healthcare because we believe that everybody, regardless of their background, is entitled to physical and mental wellbeing.

How does Doctors of the World help people without a residence permit?

1. Consultation hours in Amsterdam and The Hague We help with health care-related questions, such as enrollment with a General Practitioner (‘huisarts”) or midwife. We will also contact other institutions when there are any problems in your way to healthcare.

Where can you find us?

Four days a week our healthcare bus, the mobile office of Doctors of the World, runs in Amsterdam and The Hague.

On our website you can see where this bus is located and at which time. and on what day.

Website: www.doktersvandewereld.org/need-help-2/ 2. Giving group presentations at various locations (churches, mosques, community houses) about healthcare and how to get care without a residence permit Would you like to host a group presentation of Doctors of the World for your own organization and ‘followers’ ?

Please contact our Outreach coordinator Carola Leering at: 020—4652866 or 06-28444803 (Monday, Wednesday or Thursday) Email: zorgrecht@doktersvandewereld.org 3. Provide information via our telephone help-desk.

We provide information about rights and obligations and answer questions of people without a residence permit.

Healthcare providers, support organizations and other stakeholders can also make use of our help-desk service for advice on access to health care for migrants without a residence permit.

Phone helpdesk: 020-4083424 Email: zorgrecht@doktersvandewereld.org

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UCF: New political party in Holland brings racism, afro pain points to local elections in 2018 The Netherlands is richer in a national political party. U-Buntu Connected Front (UCF), led by politician Iwan Leeuwin has launched its offensive to participate in the municipal elections on 21st March 2018 for seats in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

In a press release, the party states that the perspective for its political actions is based on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa that U-BUNTU has as a starting point for the “new national umbrella norms and values after the abolition of the apartheid system.”

“In the explanation of Madhiba Nelson Mandela: if people are treated well and equally, if they have equal opportunities and the room to develop and develop their talents, if they are not constantly criminalized, considered inferior, or become racist approached, they will undoubtedly perform better at all levels of society, “says the new political party.

The message indicates that the main goal of UCF is to engage in active politics in the broadest sense of the word, but also emphasizes that it will work to reduce racism and afro Afro bias and to raise awareness of the effect of slavery of the Netherlands.

“If it is up to UCF, all racist phenomena that refer to the objectionable D u t c h slavery and colonialism

will disappear altogether.

There must be a ban on all (cultural and historical) traditions that contain racist elements. Starting with an approach aimed at the public spaces in the Cities where UCF is part of the City Council.

UCF party leader, Iwan Leeuwin, who is currently chairman of the FIL (Iwan Leeuwin Group) in the Amsterdam Zuidoost district, says that Amsterdam and Rotterdam serve as indicators for the next national elections, in 2021, for a national Parliament. For the municipal elections of March 21st, 2018, he is the party leader for UCF in Amsterdam. In Rotterdam UCF is represented by other members.

He also said this about the name of the party: “That’s a good thought. We have not gone ice in one night. A survey was held among key persons from the constituency.

Experts have also been consulted at home and abroad. We also told the story about the position of Dutch citizens in particular of African origin in the Dutch national political party structures and the political governing bodies.

Also about the ineligible places on the various lists of the participating parties in the elections for the Second Chamber of the State’s General held in March 2017. The deprived position of citizens with an indigenous background is also worrying. UCF wants to change this in such a way that their visibility is promoted and the opportunities are increased.

This will also be implemented on the candidate list. “ Read more about the main lines of UCF here.

VOTE UCF ON 21ST MARCH 2018 LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN AMSTERDAM & ROTTERDAM www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa is a breath of fresh air but South Africans can’t relax yet...

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Analysis By Lawrence Hamilton he first task of new President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa was to deliver the state of the Nation Address which many ANC members did not want Zuma to deliver before he resigned from office. The new South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa did not disappoint. He heralds a new dawn for the country. After a decade of maladministration, venal politics, corruption and the wrecking of a number of important state institutions, any alternative would have filled South Africans with optimism.

There is little doubt that, even if they are dealing with the same party, the leadership, determination and discipline that President Ramaphosa will bring to their politics will be very different to the last decade under former leader, Jacob Zuma.

Although South Africans should be thankful for the persistence and courage of opposition parties, civil society, courts and the media, an obvious fact shouldn’t be forgotten.

Ultimately it was the ANC itself that was the agent of change. The ANC, not the Constitutional Court, nor the vocal opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), nor the media, nor South Africa’s citizens, brought Zuma’s calamitous and corrupt reign to an end as he was forced to

step down or removed by constitutional means.

Laying aside the ecstatic optimism that’s marked the end of the Zuma era, and looking at the detail of President 34

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Ramaphosa’s speech in parliament, the question that comes to minds is: what does it promise?

No ordinary speech First, this was not any old ordinary state of the nation address. It was the speech of an incoming president laying out his vision, not really a programme of what government hopes to achieve over the coming year. The hope, sense of renewal and determination was evident throughout: to root out corruption; rebuild state capacity; enable jobs; support education; re-industrialize the economy.

President Ramaphosa said he would personally drive and ensure throughput. What a breath of fresh air on a number of levels: responsible leadership; concrete ideas; and, finally, a speech actually written by a leader.

Second, this state of the nation address promises serious action to stabilize the state as well as to spur South Africa’s depressed economy. But growth, development, reducing inequality and turning the tide on rampant unemployment requires a capable state. President Ramaphosa clearly understands this. He has a mammoth task ahead of him.

Fortunately, he’s not short of ideas. He focused at length on making 2018 the year of turning the tide on corruption.

He had specific points on how to intervene decisively to sort out the parlous state of state owned enterprises. In particular, he accepts that many of the problems at the state owned enterprises are structural. For example, he said that it was vital to remove directors from having any role in procurement.

Insisted on reviewing the size of the state bureaucracy; he hinted that nonperforming ministers will lose their jobs; and stressed the need for government to lead in creating an environment of stability and certainty.

Third, the speech was carefully balanced to keep the markets happy, but also with an eye on rectifying South Africa’s past injustices. For example, he talked about the need to expropriate land without compensation. But he was careful in his wording, adding that it had to be done in a way that “increases agricultural production and ensures food security”.

South Africans produced a collective sigh of relief. A tumultuous era has ended and there’s a silver lining to the cloud that has been hanging over the country.

Need for vigilance South Africans shouldn’t relax. Politicians must be held accountable. But for this to truly work, the country needs to change its electoral system. The current balance of power means that citizens aren’t able to hold their political representatives accountable, including their president. It is no accident that the executive, and Zuma in particular, were able to use parliament to make a mockery of citizens’ concerns and the constitution.

The party-list proportional representation system means that South Africans elect representatives who don’t have any real link to their needs and interests in the areas in which they live and work. Instead, candidates are nominated and elected on party lists. This has rendered parliament a lame-duck. Decisions in parliament aren’t made by the people’s representatives - they’re made by the party in power. That needs to be reviewed and change for true democracy in South Africa..

This also means that parliament, not the people, elects the president. This needs to be rectified.

The events of the last two months only prove a depressing reality: the only way citizens can really get rid of a ‘ rouge President’ as Zuma was accused and a ‘constitutional delinquent’ is via the strange process of the liberation party undertaking a ‘recall’ of one of its ‘deployees’.

South Africans have come a long way since 1994, but the country’s constitutional and political institutions are products of their time - a time of real, and understandable fear about ensuring that the country never returned to the horrors of apartheid. The ironic result is that ordinary citizens - especially as represented in parliament don’t have the means to affect change.

The democratic miracle is stillborn. The country cannot mature into a full-blown democracy until major reforms are undertaken.

If President Ramaphosa really wants to seize this new dawn, if he really wants to change the course of South Africa’s democratic history, he needs to think even more boldly.

The reconstruction of South Africa’s shattered state is vital.

But as he does so he could also reconfigure it. It needs deep, structural change to properly empower the people to hold political representatives accountable. Acting in this way would trigger two further developments: the ANC would, finally, have to transform itself from being a liberation movement into a political party; and citizens could start to realize that the party is not equivalent to the state. Finally, late Nelson Mandela would turn in his grave to see that the man he anointed to possible successor to him is now in charge of his beloved country, South Africa. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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EVENTS LISTING, INVITATION AND TICKETING WEBSITE DEBUTS A new website designed for event organizers and users has launched. Inviterite is the next-generation platform intended to assist event organizers with the creation of stunning listings and sending email invitations to the attendees at the press of a button.

Public, private and business events can all be listed, as well as sending bespoke invitation notes and sale of tickets. All these are built in to the platform, complemented by a user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing 3-step process with features that are easy to navigate.

Inviterite aims to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with existing providers of service in this sector, by creating a niche market with added values and a platform that is backed by a vibrant digital media and marketing outlet. It will consistently improve upon both the mechanisms and dynamics of its operations without disruption to the users.

Franklyn Frantos, Co-Founder of Feferity Media Group Limited, owners of Inviterite said: “We have in Inviterite an all-encompassing event listing, invitation and ticketing portal where no facet of celebration or social activities are ignored. Grand celebrations, small group private events, formal ceremonies and social get-togethers are all allowed on our platform. Users of this website will be treated warmly as clients, and not just as some obscure website visitors logged on somewhere. This way, we aim to build a community of client-users who will have at their disposal functional data sets built up from constant patronage and which can then be used to assist in planning future events.”

We also have a vast understanding of the nuances of events organizing among the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups. These would be brought to the fore and used to the fullest advantage to ensure events are completed to perfection.

Inviterite will massively deploy social networking media promos for more visibility of users’ events prior to its holding.

What’s more, we are allowing users free access to this platform, so no commissions or charges are incurred whether organizers list free-of-fees or fee-based events.

Event organizers are enjoined to register on our platform and upload current and future events. It doesn’t matter if they are listed elsewhere already. It would simply increase the events’ visibility.

Visit https://inviterite.co.uk to register and use this exciting new service. And, remember.... It’s FREE! -EndsNotes to editors * Inviterite is the first event listing website designed to consider, specifically Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in its provisions. * The portal has both the capability and the resources to fully engage the vast array of social and formal events, specific to these groups, thereby making the most success of events listed on the site. * The services are being provided free as neither fee nor commission is charged for the usage. * Inviterite is powered by Feferity Media Group Ltd, a consolidated media outfit, publishers of Feferity magazine (online/ digital and print editions). The online edition is due to go live early in October while the preview (print) edition will be on the newsstand 1st week in December. * Feferity will offer event organizers who use Inviterite the requisite pre-and post-event media support to make their events exceed expectations in terms of success.

(Public, Private and Business Event Listings, Invitation & Tickets) Feferity Media Group Ltd Kemp House, 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX United Kingdom Tel: 03330 110 781 Web: inviterite.co.uk Facebook: Inviterite; Twitter: @inviteriteuk Pinterest: Inviterite; LinkedIn: Inviterite

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Stitching Women Motivation & Integration: Making a

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titching Women Motivation & Integration: Making a difference in the lives of minority women in Amsterdam Agartha Frimpong is becoming a famous woman within the African community and beyond but she does not enjoy the fame as her aim in life is not to be popular or known but to make impact in other peoples’ lives and that is exactly what she is doing within the community in Amsterdam Zuid-Oost where she is based.

After receiving the Voice Achievers Award 2017 for her community service, the team of the Voice magazine including Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Elvis Iruh and madam Ify Ezeagabu paid the organization a courtesy visit to see the empowerment center she is running with other women in Amsterdam.

The 63 year Ghanaian woman is touching lives in Amsterdam for over a decade. She equip women all of backgrounds with skills they can earn a living from and improve upon their physical health by learning how to ride a bicycle.

She is the founder of Stichting women motivation and Integration. During our Thursday visit, the women were busy working on different crafts, sewing, hand waving, ironing and it truly a lively environment of women working hard to learn a skill.

How did she start this whole program? “It started in April of 2014 after I came back from Germany where I was given an award. I decided to start this women empowerment training to get women out of boredom of just staying at home doing nothing or being depressed so women can get out of their homes and come to place like this to be trained in various skills, we train them in sewing, hair dressing, crafts and we want to do more as we have bigger space”.

Presently she has 45 women from any different

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backgrounds coming at different times of the week but she has capacity to take more, as more of her sewing machines are locked away because of lack of space to display them.

According to Mama Agartha, every one willing to learn are welcome.

“All you need is to come into our office and register yourself in. There is no fee charged whatsoever. It is free”.

How do you finance this project? “We get support from the Amsterdam Zuid-Oost Gemeente, they pay our rent and meet our other needs but we need more as I mentioned earlier, we have to make use of beamer to screen some of our trainings to the students, we need computers to document our work and registration so we are open to support please” Some of the trainees are sent to them through social organizations or through the social networks. Having such a number women, I asked how she controls them. “Self-discipline is key, they are all matured women and they are hardworking, the principle is self-respect for each other and I stamp my feet on the ground where necessary”.

Mama Agartha vision is to develop this training program now to a Vocational center where all form of training can be provided for these women. In addition, they also want to give back to society so some of materials they produced are given out as donations to Old peoples’ homes in Amsterdam. She also wish to expand this project to Africa where there is high unemployment of youths; “if they cannot go to school, they should be able to learn skills that can guarantee them a future and help others”.

We cannot agree more with her. You can support this project by supporting them in whatever way you – it is about empowerment of women – to do something for themselves instead of seating at home depressed and sick.

For donations; please make contact with them via Agartha Frimpong on +31623282828 E-mail: agafi2008@live.nl Facebook: Agartha A Frimpong Linkedln: Agartha Frimpong

difference in the lives of minority women in Amsterdam Story by Ify Ezeagabu

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Celebration OF LIFE

Tribute to Rev. Dr. Billy Graham…

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hen God called me to do the work of an evangelist in 1984, I didn’t know what it meant and I didn’t know anyone locally who was. Thank God for Dr. Billy Graham whose life and ministry modeled what an evangelist meant. Although he was totally not within my reach, somehow God used him to mentor me from a distance. With almost no support locally, I stepped out in faith to reach nations with the gospel of Christ.

My first time at an embassy to go to Europe, I was denied the visa. I emailed the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They contacted the embassy and then the embassy invited me and gave me the visa. The BGEA office sent me a plane ticket. That was my open door to the 64 nations I have taken the gospel of Christ to. I remember my first trip to Canada. I asked the BGEA office to give me a letter. At the Canadian consulate, the man said this letter is from the U.S. I asked him, don’t you know Billy Graham. Billy Graham can invite you to any country and his Invitation will be honored. He went inside and spoke with a superior and I was given an appointment date.

On my appointment date, the interviewer said but this

letter is from the U.S. I asked her, don’t you know Billy Graham? She went inside to her superior and when she came back and she gave me the visa.

That is the legacy my mentor and role model, the legendary Dr. During my visit to the States, I was interviewed for Decision magazine with a readership of 1.9 billion people 40

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and on Decision Today radio broadcast coast to coast across North America several years ago at the BGEA headquarters then in Minneapolis. Both of them are owned by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

One of the last questions Julie Hazer, then Producer of Decision Today radio broadcast asked me was, Michael, why are you in America?

My answer was simple. I told her and my listening audience that I was visiting America for three reasons. One of which is that though I recognize the fact that Dr. Billy Graham is the greatest Evangelist of all times, there are still many unsaved people in America some of them will never get saved until they hear the gospel from me.

This is the fact, everyone God saves, He saves not just to take them to heaven. He saves them so that through them He can save others. Each saved person has the awesome responsibility to save others.

For the Evangelist who got Billy Graham saved at 16, Billy was his assignment. Even if he never did any other record breaking project, he fulfilled his assignment. For Billy Graham, he was assigned to 215 million people in 185 countries. He fulfilled his assignment over a 60 years’ time frame of public ministry. For me, there are 30 million souls in 50 nations whose salvation is tied to me. That’s why I must reach them and give them the opportunity to decide their eternal destinies.

Billy Graham finished his course. Now that he has gone, let there arise from every corner of the world fire brand and passionate Evangelists who will take the gospel to the 3.5 billion people who have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel one time. You are the one anointed by God to reach them. You must reach them before they are totally and eternally lost.

My name is Michael O. Amamieye.

I am an Evangelist. www.aggressivefaith.org #30millionsouls #50nations

Adieu Lucky Osahon (a.k.a Oscar) We are still in shock over your death but your sweet memories remain with us forever.

We continue to pray for your children and family.

We would always remember you.

Not even your death will take your place or change that ....

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I am passionate about reaching out to people in different places says Bishop Amamieye Michael O. Amamieye is an evangelist by calling with a mandate to take the gospel and miracle power of the risen Christ to the nations - impacting lives and destinies with the Word. Brother Mike was called by God to world evangelism in 1984. Since then, this gospel has taken him to several parts of the world preaching and teaching with signs following.

He is the founder and president of Michael Amamieye Word Outreach, International also known as Aggressive Faith Ministries with headquarters in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Bishop Amamieye was consecrated to the office of a bishop in 2006. Recently he celebrated 28 years serving in ministry. The Voice magazine Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Elvis Iruh conducted this interview with him. It is more revealing of his life and passion. So read along with us.

TV: Tell us about yourself sir?

Bishop Amamieye: My name is Michael O. Amamieye. I am an evangelist by calling since 1984. I have had the privilege of taking this gospel and miracle power of the risen Christ to many in 64 nations. I have authored 24 books, devotionals, etc. I am married to the amiable Princess Monivi and we have two daughters.

TV: When did you encounter Jesus Christ and what was the experience like?

Bishop Amamieye: My father, Joel P. Amamieye, former Personnel Manager of WAHUM Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria was one of those who were killed by firing squad alongside with Oyenusi after the Nigerian civil war. Having seen that as a child, it really destroyed me inside. I grew up with strong rage and vengeance against the society because he was innocent. I was rough and rugged. It happened that the night before I was going to cut a covenant with a cult group that would have empowered me to disappear after robbery or killing, it was that night I had a real encounter with Jesus. I didn’t know anything about Him. He showed Himself to me as He suffered and died because of me.

His love so overwhelmed me that night that I fell on my knees and begged God to have mercy on me. I really didn’t know how to pray but those few words were just enough to give God access into my life. When Jesus came into my life, I was totally transformed. It’s almost forty years now.

TV: You are an Evangelist! What makes you an Evangelist or what does an Evangelist do as a Christian?

Bishop Amamieye: I had a clear call from God in April 1984 to do the work of an evangelist. I didn’t even know what that meant then. However, I knew about great Evangelists like Dr. Billy Graham, T. L. Osborn and Oral Roberts. So I thought since I was called by God to do the work of an evangelist, I was supposed to have my name Evangelistic Association like Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. That was how I started Michael Amamieye Evangelistic Association in 1984. I got a team of young people like me and we preached

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from street to street, village to village. I had some open air crusades. The Evangelist has a unique gift to reach a mass of people through public proclamation of God’s word. I advise your readers to get my book titled: Who Is An Evangelist?

My friend, Rev. Keith Cook wrote the foreword. Dr. David

Jones and Rev. Canon J. John endorsed it. These are frontline Evangelists like me.

TV: Recently you celebrated 28 years as an Evangelist and running an Evangelical ministry? Tell us how it all started?

Bishop Amamieye: It’s 28 years of full time itinerant evangelistic ministry with no church support base. Like I stated earlier, I started in 1984 with no intention of doing it as a full time work. However, towards the end of 1989, the call to full time itinerant evangelistic ministry became so strong. I left the last church I pastored in August 1989. I relocated from Warri to Port Harcourt January 15, 1990 to begin a ministry that I knew little about. It began as a joke. But today, we have seen many saved, healed, delivered, blessed and equipped in hundreds of churches and communities in 64 countries.

TV: If I may ask, why are you not having a church of your own despite all the years you have been serving the lord?

Bishop Amamieye: God gave me a clear instruction when I waited on Him for 19 days in December 1989. Part of that instruction did not include a church base. If God tells me to have a church base, I won’t need to consult with any human being before starting one.

I am obedient to my Master’s command.

TV: You have traveled a lot around the world. Do you count how many countries you have visited to Evangelize?

Bishop Amamieye: Only 64 so far. I am looking forward to more open doors to the nations.

TV: What is your experiences on the mission field?

Bishop Amamieye: Every field is different because people are unique. However, the message is constant.

People are suffering.

People are going to hell in millions. My intervention go a long way to change the eternal destinies of many. That’s why I am passionate about reaching out to people in different places. I believe strongly that there are at least 30 million souls in 50 nations whose salvation is tied to the message I carry. Unless I get to them and they listen to me, they will end in eternal damnation. I am on a rescue mission.

TV: Since you don’t have a church or congregation, how do you finance your ministry?

Bishop Amamieye: God use my family, friends and followers to support me. People who are touched by God give generously to support me. If God touches your heart by reading this or hearing me, it means that He wants to use you to help me reach someone who will be eternally damned if you don’t help me reach them.

So I count on your support and that of your readers too.

TV: Can you remember probably what has been the greatest challenge as an Evangelist traveling around the world?

Bishop Amamieye: There are several challenges apart from money. Money is the mobile force that moves the gospel from place to place and person to person. The greatest challenge is when people who have the resources to help you deliberately hold it back.

TV: Coming back to your homeland, Nigeria. There is a lot of crisis affecting your people, the church, particularly killings by herdsmen now.

What is your response to these challenges?

Bishop Amamieye: My response to all these is the gospel. If I can get that potential terrorist or killer saved, I won’t need a political party or propaganda or prison.

The gospel of Christ is the only force that can transform the human heart from it’s wicked and deceitful state to a heart flooded with love. I wish that the government will support churches to change more lives before those lives become a living nightmare. Any man without a real encounter with Jesus Christ is no different from a beast. Only Christ can change wicked and deceitful people.

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Continued from Page 43 TV: What is your advice to the body of Christ and the church as a whole?

Bishop Amamieye: Let us get more passionate and practical about reaching the lost. Instead of advertising what the Devil is doing, let’s preach Jesus. Talk about what He did for man on the cross.

Preach Christ crucified and glorified.

Talk about what He has done in your life since you encountered Him. He is so real. Let’s paint the face of Jesus on the canvas of every human mind.

TV: And also for the political leadership of Nigeria?

Bishop Amamieye: I think that this present government led by President Buhari has failed woefully. The most honorable thing Buhari can do now is to apologize to Nigerians and resign. If resignation is too harsh, he can begin the restructuring of the entire system. I will personally advise Buhari to banish the thought of a second term. He has so disappointed the mass majority of the entire population that he would be more honorable for his person just like Nelson Mandela did, to step aside after one tenure.

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TV: Few years ago, the Voice magazine recognized you for your spiritual leadership, what impact does such awards has on you as a person?

Bishop Amamieye: It was a boost to me as a person. It is encouraging to be recognized and celebrated from time to time.

Awards are energizers. They energize the recipients to do more.

TV: After 28 years, do you intend to slow down on your traveling and do you have other plans?

Bishop Amamieye: No plans for retirement soon. We have plans to build a legacy center for posterity. This year, we pray for investors to connect with us.

TV: What is your expectation with your ministry in another decade?

Bishop Amamieye: In another decade, I really want to win 30 million souls in 50 nations as well as build our international headquarters here in Port Harcourt.

TV: What will you want to be remembered for after all of these is over?

Bishop Amamieye: I want to be remembered as the son of Joel Amamieye who was killed by firing squad for a crime he didn’t commit. More than that, I want to be remembered as an evangelist who obeyed God in spite of what people said.

TV: Global Evangelism seem not

as active as before with all the social media stuff. What will be your advice sir to Christians?

Bishop Amamieye: Become more passionate about reaching the lost and saving as many souls as possible before you leave this world.

TV: What will be your advice for the Voice magazine team and their readers?

Bishop Amamieye: You are doing a great job. Keep on keeping on.

Never ever relax or relent or retire.

You never know what difference you are making until you get to the end.

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The Gambia in the process of stopping death penalty

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he Gambia wants to get rid of the death penalty. According to President Adama Barrow, he announced this during the country’s 53rd Independence celebration and he also announced a suspension of possible executions in the country until further notice.

The West African country is in the process of regaining its international reputation after last year finally saying goodbye to the authoritarian leader Yahya Jammeh, who was in power for 23 years before he was forcefully removed after he had refused to concede defeat in an election he was defeated.

One of Jammeh’s weapon of war against his people was using the death penalty to eliminate any opposition against his rule. Nobody can for sure give the figures of those who had been killed in the Gambia.

The death penalty is declining all over Africa.

According to Amnesty International, only 22 executions were implemented in that judgment in 2016, against 43 in the previous year.

In Gambia, 27 death sentences were executed in 2012. This came to the country with severe international criticism. The death penalty can already be given in the African country for the possession of 250 grams of cocaine. “I take the opportunity to proclaim a moratorium on the death penalty in The Gambia as a first step towards abolition says President Barrow. It is hoped that this decision would be table before the parliament and make into a law to prohibit the death penalty in The Gambia.

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Police Officer Sidney Mutueel collects his achievers award for 2017.

He could not attend the ceremony because of bereavement but yesterday at the Police Academy in Apeldoorn, he received his award in a short ceremony with some of his colleagues as witnesses. He was overwhelmed and closed to tears. He dedicated his award to his colleagues in the Dutch Police force. Congratulations to Sidney Mutueel.

30th January 2018:– After much planning and arrangement, the Voice magazine publisher, Pastor Elvis Iruh accompanied by Ms. Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu where at the Police Academy in Apeldoorn where Police officer Sidney Mutueel received the Voice Achievers Award as African Diaspora community Award winner for his contribution in inspiring cordial relationship with the African communities in The Netherlands particularly in Amsterdam.

In the presence of his colleagues which included Peter Gieling, Gerdo Elzinga and Maureen Bellmann, Police Officer Mutueel received his award.

According to him, he expressed his apology for not being able to attend the award ceremony in November of 2017. It was due to unforeseen circumstances in his family.

In his words of appreciation, he said, “on behalf of the Dutch police force, I thank you and your team very much for this award and the trust you have in me. Thank you for being a partner with us in this mission of police/community relationship building.

Thank you for being here with us at our office and that we as police, we are very proud of this award and we will continue the good job. Thank you very much again”.

Pastor Elvis Iruh thank the police force for the good community work and the opportunity given for the Voice magazine team to visit their office to present the award.

He also said the African community are proud of officer Mutueel and his colleagues for the good job they are doing with policing the community.

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Africa’s ‘City of Innovation’ to Host Conference on ‘Uniting Africa’

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ext year Rwanda, one of Africa’s most technologically ambitious countries, will take over the Chairmanship of the African Union. It will also play host to eLearning Africa and the organisers are predicting that it will be the biggest conference in the event’s 13-year history. They believe it could play a significant role in pushing forward the African Union’s 2063 Agenda.

The conference, which is being jointly organised by ICWE GmbH and the Rwanda Convention Bureau under the patronage of the Rwandan Government, usually attracts well over 1,000 participants from all over the world. They are not only teachers, academics and learning experts, but political leaders, policy makers, investors, technologists, business leaders and entrepreneurs too. The conference is also the occasion for an annual round table meeting of African education and technology ministers.

In Rwanda, participants in eLearning Africa will have

a chance to see for themselves the achievements of an African Government, which has set about using technology to transform education. In 2014, the Government signed an agreement to incorporate information and communication technology into the country’s schools and colleges. The benefits of “a new system of teaching that emphasises the use of computers and internet to impart knowledge” are already starting to be felt across the country. And now the Government is confident that by 2020 all schools in the country will have at least two smart classrooms and all subjects will have been digitised. eLearning Africa 2018 will take place from 26 - 28 September in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, which has gained a reputation for its ICT-based initiatives in a variety of sectors. So great is its apparent enthusiasm for new technological solutions that some observers have referred to it as the “Innovation City of Africa.”

In addition to its technological prowess, Kigali is also one of Africa’s most attractive cities - eLearning Africa participants will be able to take advantage of its bustling streets, ridges, valleys, and lush hillsides, not to mention Rwanda’s world renowned Gorilla trekking tours, only a short journey away.

“It is wonderful that Rwanda is now setting a real example for other countries in technology-assisted learning and hosting a conference whose theme is „Uniting Africa“, says conference organiser, Rebecca Stromeyer. „I am confident that eLearning Africa 2018 in Rwanda will be the biggest and most exciting eLA yet.”

Under the overall theme of „Uniting Africa,“ conference participants will discuss how the benefits of technology can be shared and help to improve education across Africa, making a reality of the African Union’s 2063 Vision of a “transformed continent.” A call for papers has been issued and will remain open until 30 January 2018. The organisers are looking for contributions on subjects including “creating opportunities through education,” “boosting competitiveness and ICT-centric growth,” “matching skills demand and supply,” and “overcoming barriers.” eLearning Africa 2018 - 13th International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Skills When: September 26 – 28, 2018 Where: Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda Contact: ICWE GmbH, Ms Rebecca Stromeyer, info@elearningafrica.com, www.eLearning-africa.com, Tel.: +49 (0)30 310 18 18-0

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Against All Odds: Ballerina Michaela DePrince’s Remarkable Journey

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ichaela DePrince is the first to tell you her life isn’t a fairy tale. But it sure might seem that way. Her story is a journey of perseverance, dedication and survival.

“The only way I could survive was… to prove everybody wrong,” she says.

She was born in 1995, originally named Mabinty Bangura.

Little Mabinty came into the world in the midst of a brutal civil war in the African nation of Sierra Leone. Her father was killed by rebels. Her mother died of illness and starvation in the bed she shared with Mabinty.

“I can’t remember what my biological parents looked like,” she says. “I can’t really remember any happy moments.”

After losing her parents at age three, Mabinty was abandoned at an orphanage. And because she has a skin pigmentation condition called vitiligo, the women who ran the orphanage gave her a label—“the Devil’s Child.”

They believed the white spots on her dark skin were evil or a curse.

“They kept saying, ‘Why would somebody want to adopt the Devil’s Child,” DePrince says now.

“So they ranked us, like number one was the favorite child and number 27 was the least favorite… I was number 27.”

That meant she was the last child to get food at dinner, the last to receive clothing. She got rags.

She had only one friend at the orphanage — number 26, also named Mabinty. She was way down in the pecking order, simply because she was lefthanded and wet the bed. The two looked out for each other and comforted each other.

Mabinty number 26 would sing songs when number 27 struggled to fall asleep at night.

“She was at fault for almost everything in the orphanage,” number 26 says. “So instead of having her be timed-out by herself, we decided that we would both take the blame for it.”

It was a bleak existence. But one day, Mabinty number 27 made a discovery that would change her life. A gust of wind blew an old magazine up against the gate outside the orphanage and she found it. It was a magazine called 54

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“Dance Magazine” with a photo on the cover of a white ballerina in a pink tutu, standing on her toes. Mabinty had never seen anything like it before.

“It was not just the fact that she’s a ballerina. It’s that she looks happy. And I wanted to be happy,” DePrince says. “If what she was doing made her happy, that’s what I wanted to do… So I took the cover off and I put it in my underwear, because that was the only… safe space.”

She showed the magazine to a beloved teacher who explained that what the woman was doing was called “ballet” and she was a “ballerina.” For the first time in her life, Mabinty Bangura had something to dream about. But first she had to withstand a few nightmares.

Outside the orphanage, a group of rebels attacked that favorite teacher of hers. The teacher was pregnant.

Mabinty ran out to try and intervene but she couldn’t stop the horror.

“They cut her stomach open because… they had a bet—they wanted to know if it was a girl or boy. And so they decided to find out,” DePrince says.

Then a rebel boy turned on Mabinty, slicing her stomach with a machete.

She was spared only because a night watchman at the orphanage begged for her life.

“When I got stabbed, I was really hoping — I felt very much alone,” DePrince recounts through tears. “I really wanted to die.

I didn’t see the point. I didn’t think I would have anything good in my life at all. I think it’s really sad that a child at three years old already wants to die…I mean, the ballerina on the front of the magazine gave me hope, but it didn’t mean that it’d be a reality at all.”

Shortly after that, she learned that Americans were coming to adopt the orphans. Her best friend—number 26—was one of the lucky ones, chosen by a family who sent a book of photos. But no one was coming for number 27.

At least, not at first.

Thousands of miles away, in New Jersey, Elaine DePrince and her husband Charles had sent that photo book to number 26. Elaine and her husband Charles had adopted before — three American boys. Tragically, they all would

die of AIDS from contaminated blood. After the first two deaths, Elaine was heartbroken, but she wasn’t going to let that stop her from living and loving. One of the sons who had died had urged them to adopt from a war-torn country in Africa.

“And then i got a call from the adoption agency,” Elaine DePrince says. They asked her, “Which Mabinty are you adopting? We have two of them.”

Elaine was told that twelve families had refused to take the other Mabinty — Number 27 — because of her vitiligo. Elaine’s answer was immediate.

“I said, ‘We’ll take her.’ I said ‘I really don’t have a problem with spots, after dealing with AIDS.’” When Elaine arrived in Africa to adopt both 4-year-olds, she was the one who broke the unexpectedly good news to Number 27.

“She was standing there with her arms folded really angry. I think… she just thought there was gonna be more rejection ahead of her,” Elaine says.

Michaela finishes the story: “Then she takes our hands and she says ‘I’m your new mama.’”

Because it would be hard to have two Mabintys, Elaine re-named both girls after her son Michael, the one who had encouraged them to adopt in Africa. Number 26 became Mia Mabinty DePrince and Number 27: Michaela Mabinty DePrince.

One of the first things Michaela did was show her new mom that treasured magazine cover.

“I couldn’t believe that I had adopted an orphan from Africa who wanted pointe shoes!” Elaine laughs. “I had to promise her…she would dance.”

Elaine kept that promise. She signed both Mia and Michaela up for ballet lessons. Michaela took it seriously from day

one. Even at that young age, she was laser-focused on becoming a professional ballerina. But first, she had to get over her insecurities about the way she looked.

“I remember my first show. I was terrified because I thought, OK, well, if people could see my spots… that meant I could not become the ballerina I wanted to be.”

She asked Elaine to tell her if she could see her “spots” from the audience. Elaine reported back that she couldn’t really see the vitiligo and that it just looked like pixie dust.

Michaela’s response? “Oh good. Now I can be a professional ballerina.”

But while Michaela got more comfortable with her skin condition, she faced other obstacles because of the color of her skin. People said shocking things to her.

“When I was eight years old, this teacher said, ‘You know, we don’t put a lot of effort into the black ballerinas because they all end up getting fat and having big boobs.’” DePrince says.

Still, she persevered. And it paid off.

By 17, Michaela DePrince was performing with the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York City. She was the youngest in the company.

The following year, she was hired by the prestigious Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. At 18, she was supporting herself and living out her unlikely dream. Ballet director Ted Brandsen not only hired Michaela but recently promoted her to soloist. He says Michaela’s biggest strength is her “will to succeed.”

At age 22, she’s only one level below the top-ranked ballerinas in the company. And last year, she had her brush with superstardom. Beyonce hand-picked Michaela to choreograph her own dance solo in the “Freedom” music video from “Lemonade.”

“I was like, ‘That’s Michaela!

That’s Michaela!’” her sister Mia says. “She’s sitting kinda close to Beyoncé, but, you know, it’s not a big deal.

It’s not a big deal right? No, it was not at all,” she says with a laugh.

Another sign of how far she’s come — Michaela is the new face of Jockey’s “Show ‘Em What’s Underneath” campaign.

Elaine DePrince says she would like Michaela’s birth mother to see how far she’s come in this world.

“She saw her child as looked down upon… This child has risen from that.”

“It’s not a fairy tale, you know. You have to work hard,” Michaela DePrince says. “There is a lot of loss, a lot of pain. But you know performing? I love it.” www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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More Africans join Municipal elections in The Netherlands.

For the first time in Dutch municipal election history, more Africans have put up themselves for elective position as councilors in the various municipalities across the country.

According to The Voice magazine investigation, with the emergence of small political parties demanding inclusion of minority groups, it has open up a new chance for participation and they are taking hold of it. The two major cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam has the highest number of newcomers into politics and they are vying for elective position.

It would be a test for the Africans to come out in their large numbers to vote for these candidates who promise to out their interest first.

One of those parties include Platform

Amsterdam Lijst 10 with the slogan, “Amsterdam is van ons allemal” meaning, “Amsterdam is for all of us”. The party is under the leadership of Cameroonian born Dutch politician, Jude Mr. Jude Kehla Wirnkar.

Among those on the list for elective position includes Bonsu Daniel (No 2), Mr. Iwuchukwu (Abada) No 4, Aduful, Prince (No 5), Adesida Johnson, (No 9) and Ms. Among Christine (No 15) among others. They have 18 candidates on the ballot for the 21st March elections for the municipal elections 2018 in The Netherlands.

According to the party, Platform Amsterdam is a voice for all people of the city of Amsterdam.

If you truly want to see things change in the direction that you want the city of Amsterdam to go then you need to get involved by participating through your vote on 21st March 2018. You vote matters and it

counts, so use it wisely.

Another new party in this election is Ubuntu Connected Front (UCF). The leader of the party is Iwan Wilfred Leeuwin. They would be vying for seats in Rotterdam and Amsterdam and in subsequent elections, they will offer themselves to other cities; they have some Africans as well on their ballot. On 21st March, they would be on the ballot as Amsterdam list 15 and Rotterdam list 17. In Rotterdam, you have, Simao Miguel on UCF No 1, Madam Joyce Ovunda-Osi on UCF No 4, Lambert Igbonugo UCF No 5. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Other African stories from

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ore Africans participated in this year’s winter Olympics Games, one of them is Togolese cross-country skier Mathilde-Amivi Petitjean.

The 24-year-old athlete failed to qualify for the women’s sprint classic final by finishing 83rd in the 10km free in Pyeongchang, South Korea but for Africa and Togo, it is more than a victory to see an athlete from this West African nation compete in the Winter Olympics.

This is her second Winter Olympics, Petitjean made her Olympic debut for Togo at Sochi in 2014 and she is one of 12 athletes who competed for African nations, but she would like to encourage more.

“It’s great to have more and more African countries participating in the Games,” said Petitjean.

“It’s not because there’s no snow in my country that there shouldn’t be any skiing - I hope there will be more,

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increasingly more in the next games”.

Following her footstep is the pair of Nigerian female Winter Olympics athletes, Seun Adigun and Akuoma Omeoga made history by becoming the first to represent an African country, Nigeria in bobsleigh.

No African nation has won a winter medal and after the first two heats the pair were last, 3.5sec behind the German leaders in a sport that measures success and defeat in hundredths of a second.

But that was not the victory they were looking for. “I don’t think it’s hit us how impactful this whole process will be in the long run,” Adigun, the pilot, said after the race. “You don’t have to quantify things by just the result of first place, second place or any time. You can actually quantify it by your ability to be selfless, your ability to drive and your ability to be innovative. This was just meant to be.”

Waiting at the finish line was a small group of Nigeria supporters.

The Nigerians were not the only women making history, the Jamaica women’s bobsled team came in third from last.

Their time was an improvement from their training runs but still left them 1.53sec behind the leading Germans.

m Winter Olympics 2018 The Jamaica pair’s debut was thrown into chaos when their coach unexpectedly quit and said she was taking the sled with her. That led to an offer from the beer company Red Stripe to buy a new ride. In the end, there was no new sled.

The team purchased the same one they had rented from a club in Winterberg, Germany, after Red Stripe provided £35,000, according to the Jamaica bobsleigh team spokeswoman, Kathleen Pulito.

It has turned a story of two firsts in women’s bobsled into

Omeoga was honoured by the comparisons to the film Cool Runnings, which portrayed a fictional account of Jamaica’s bobsleigh debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

“That’s the legacy that we hope to have in 30 years to come,” she said.

two almost unrecognizable stories. The Nigeria pair are a grassroots effort and started a crowd funding campaign that ended up securing the $75,000 needed, with Nigeria’s government following their lead by establishing a bobsleigh federation.

“The Olympic experience is really unique, it’s an experience you can’t really articulate,” said Omeoga, the brakeman.

“Nigerians are incredibly proud and I think one of our goals was to present Nigeria in a positive light. It gives people a reason to celebrate something.”

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Sports

Nigel Ikenna Ogidi Nwankwo: A promising football talent for Nigeria scouts to see in Holland

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igel is a young talented footballer with roots to Nigeria and he is on the radial of national scouts for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria as he promise football career begins to blossom in The Netherlands. Who is this young lad? The Voice sports went after searching for this young lad and to speak to him about his promising footballer career.

This is a short profile of Nigel.

TV: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Nigel: My name is Nigel Ikenna Ogidi Nwankwo. I am 19 years old. My parents are from Nigeria and Suriname. My Dad is a Nigerian and my mother is a Surinamese.

I am born in The Netherlands.

TV: How long have you been playing football?

Nigel: I started playing football at the age of four. Quite young here to start this early if you want to make a head way as a footballer. Thanks to the sacrifice of my parents who take me for training every time I needed to be on the pitch.

TV: What wing do you play on the football pitch?

Nigel: I am left-footed player so I prefer to play left full back position and as a central defender as it suits my team.

TV: What about your education?

Nigel: Last year, I completed my secondary school education and now I want to focus on football career and

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combine it with my studies. That is possible here with our educational system in The Netherlands.

TV: We are sure you follow football games. Do you have a favourite player? And who would that player be?

Nigel: The player I look up to the most is David Olatokunbo Alaba of Bayern MĂźnchen. His mother emigrated from the Philippines to work as a nurse in Austria where she met his Yoruba Nigerian father. I learnt he is a prince from Ogere in Nigeria. I love his style of play and his hard work on the pitch.

“My dream is to play for Nigeria National team” - NIGEL

TV: Is that why you like him so much?

Nigel: Yes, I am proud to say that we have the same roots.

TV: What is your future ambition as a footballer?

Nigel: My future ambition is to be a professional football player.

TV: And if you have the offer to play for Nigeria, will you accept the call?

Nigel: Yes I will accept such offer. My dream of playing for the Nigerian national team is intact and I will do my best to bring honour to the country of my father’s birth and my country as well.

TV: What is your immediate ambition now?

Nigel: In the nearest future I hope to see myself making the first team of my club ADO Den Haag. I am currently playing in the second tier of the club, our youth team and I am progressing well for the senior team.

TV: Nigel, we wish you success with your football career and we would be checking on your progress.

Nigel: Thank you for this interview.

For details on Nigel, you can visit the website of his football club at: www.adodenhaag.nl

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Fortuna Sittard asks Sunday Oliseh to go on non-active leave

Fortuna Sittard has technically put coach Sunday Oliseh on non-active leave. The club management made this decision as a result of repeatedly culpable actions for a longer period of time by the trainer towards several persons in the organization.

According to the club management, several attempts by the club to make the trainer to change his behavior towards other staff unfortunately did not yield positive result.

The management says the situation is an unworkable one.

The board of Fortuna Sittard emphasizes that the decision to relief Coach Sunday Oliseh of his job as chief coach was not motivated by the current performance of the team in the 1st division.

Their action is based on his inadmissible actions, the coach has made the cooperation with many people within the organization impossible and that includes players and employees.

Fortuna Sittard regrets the decision, but states that the club interest goes above all else. Yet, Coach Sunday Oliseh is fighting back, he says his removal as coach is club politics and he does not accept it. According to him, he cannot be part of any shady deals which some foreign investors of the club wants him to be involved as the chief coach.

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a sports commission of inquiry in the Netherlands.

According to coach Oliseh, he has contract till 2019 and he intends to honour his contract to the end.

We hope they find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

It would be recalled that Oliseh helped the club to avoid relegation last season and it has brought them to a reputable position in the league before a run of poor performances which saw them lose four matches in a roll.

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Announcing the nominations open for 2018 The Voice achievers Award The Voice Achievers Award committee for 2018 is delighted to announce that nomination is open for each category of the 9th edition of the award and it is open to Africans and non-Africans. (See flyer for criteria please) This new nomination process includes, for the first time, naming the two nominees for the Voice Achievers Award Person of the year. (One from Africa and the other from the Europe Diaspora). The awardees for 2018 and the awardees in all categories, will be announced by end of July 2018 in a press statement in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

O u r mission as a foundation is to connect the world to the stories of these awardees and how they are making impact on

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Africa as a continent. We believe the best way to inspire others by letting them to see and appreciate what others are doing in their own way to advance the course of Africa.

On demand, the award committee is going to starting a HALL OF FAME for all its past awardees and inducting them into ambassadorial status. The foundation will continue to play the role of a bridge builder among people.

The award committee will ensure the best among the best will be recognized this year and we would also identify a project to request our worthy past awardees to support to make a direct impact on the lives of people in Africa.

The great awardees you will see in 2018 edition of our awards will help fulfill our purpose as a global platform connecting professionals and audiences through trustworthy awards to tell the African stories.

Pastor Elvis Iruh President The Voice Achievers Award Committee

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