The Voice magazine by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advancement

Volume 21. NO. 192. March 2020

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

First Family in Lesotho accused of murder and cover up

First Lady in the dock

Lipolelo killed in June 2017

African Investment conference in Amsterdam 23rd -24th April 2020 You are all invited! www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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The Voice magazine

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM

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

Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa

For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A OR Stichting Paddi Europa Knab Bank Account No: NL77KNAB0725202238 Swift Code: KNABNL2H

Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine. com BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com Project Editor (Nigeria) Rev. Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editors: Handy Tims Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Graphic Designers David Banjoko MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

Volume 21 4

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NO 192

March 2020

Contents GET MORE ADVERTISING VALUE

FROM THE VOICE MAGAZINE Get fast results by advertising with us. Others are doing, join us today. Call us on +31684999548 or +31648519292 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Page 8- Editorial: A fragile word. Now Corona virus - What Next? Pages 11-13 – Letters to the Editor. Pages 14 & 15 - Face to Face with Oluwasegun Page 18 - FedEx makes history, appoints First Ever black woman CEO Page 22 - Kenyans abroad: From toilet cleaning to owning Australian TV Channel Pages 24- 26 - First family in Lesotho accused of murder and cover up Page 27 - Namibian First lady gives away all her 3 million dollars wealth to charity Page 28 - Chinese hotel worker arrested in Kenya Page 29 - Portugal freezes accounts of Africa’s richest woman - AU elects President Paul Kagame to drive Africa 2063 agenda Pages 30 & 31- The Netherlands ranks 4th in Innovation leads Germany, UK and others Pages 32 & 33 – Dutch news in summary Pages 34 & 35 - Aisha Buhari extolls late Maryam Babangida Page 44 - Fallen UBS trader Kweku Adoboli seeks redemption in Ghana Page 45 - Portugal hacker says he exposed African business tycoon, Isabel dos Santos Pages 48-49 - ‘Like I wasn’t there’: Climate activist, Vanessa Nakate on being erased from a movement Page 50 - Former Senegal PM Jason Carter to co-lead Carter center team to Guyana polls - 18th century Ethiopian crown returns home after decades Page 51 - World leaders pay tribute to Kenya’s ex-President Moi Page 54 - Advertorial: The Ngarbuh massacre and a call for UN Fact finding mission on Ambaziona Page 55 - Lack of education made Burnaboy lose Grammy says Naomi Campbell Page 60-Corona virus disease: Advise for the public around the world Page 61 - Appeal for more funds to control locust invasion in East Africa and Asia Pages 64 -67- Sports stories around the world Pages 68 - 70 - Music: Burna Boy: All Rise

The Voice Magazine Volume 21. No 192 March 2020 Edition

BEWARE OF FRAUDSTERS It has been brought to our notice last month that some gangsters tried to take over our website (www.thevoicenewsmagazine. com). Through our Bureau Chief in London, we go to know that we were temporarily short down because some elements were trying to take over our website and post wrong materials and probably demand money via blackmail. They failed in their effort and our web master was able to inform the host and have our website is back in service. Of recent, we have started making money from our website through visitations and advertisement and your sponsorship. I think for that reason, this attempt to break into our website was made but they failed woefully. Please note that we would not ask you for donation, cash gift or contribution through any private account. All donations to The Voice magazine, The Voice Achievers Award or any project we are involved. You must only use Stichting Paddi Europa accounts and no any other account in an individual name(s). Thank you for your support and understanding and kindly ALERT us if you notice any unusual activities on our websites. TV Management

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AFRICA TRADE AND INVESTMENT CONVENTION FROM 23rd TO 24TH APRIL 2020 AT THE ROYAL TROPICAL INSTITUTE (KIT) IN AMSTERDAM. We would like to introduce the speakers at the Africa Trade and Investment Convention coming up on 23rd to 24th April 2020 in Amsterdam. This Africa Trade and Investment Conference is for you, both small and big scale African businesses. If you are here or in Africa, let us come together to exchange ideas on how best to do business with each other and expand, grow our businesses. One thing for sure is NETWORKING. If you don’t have the right network, it does not matter your ideas and investment, you will be like one pouring water in a basket. Africa has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Evidence suggests that Africa has now entered a cycle of strong economic growth. Investors are now positioning themselves to understand the opportunities across the African continent therefore come and share and listen to new ideas. The conference is focused on highlighting Africa’s investment opportunities while creating an opportunity for entrepreneurs, government delegations and business leaders to meet with investors. Over 50 speakers will provide detailed insight into the economic transformation that many parts of Africa are currently experiencing. We expect over 100 investors to 6

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participate in the conference. The conference has special focus on the needs of SMEs who are often forgotten in International conferences targeting Africa. The 2-days event will provide a unique platform to gain strategic knowledge about African investment opportunities and business networking. The convention will discuss economic opportunities such as manufacturing and infrastructural development, Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, Real Estate, transportation, Digital Technology, Tourism, Financing Start Ups and Micro Finance, Women in Business, Healthcare, Telecommunications and Fintech. High-potential projects in Africa will be presented to investors. Featured agenda items will include projects showcase, capacity building workshops, and exhibition and country presentations among others. There will be matchmaking sessions dedicated to making the process of meeting investors and trade partners’ easier, country specific presentations, sector focused sessions and evening networking meetings. This will ensure trade or investment deals are concluded during the convention. Give the organisers a call today, still few space left for you. Contact: John Karegwa (Project Manager) Africa Trade and Investment Convention Email: info@investinginafrica.eu

Website: www.investinginafrica.eu

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EDITORIAL

A fragile world: Now Corona Virus – What next?

ith the recent outbreak of the corona virus in China, it is presents to us again to see how fragile the world we live in today has become and for those who doubt that the human race can be wiped out in matters of seconds through Biblical views are beginning to have a rethink. We have read in the Bible that there would come a time when mysterious diseases would appear on the face of the earth and we would not have human solution for it. This is just one of several plagues that would unfold and challenge mankind to think and rethink that we do not have control over all of these things. Meanwhile China and the rest of the world battle Corona virus, in East Africa and Asia, they are faced with the invasion of locusts like in the time of Moses in Egypt. They seem not to have any solution to the problem and the farm lands are been destroyed and leaving millions of people in hunger and poverty. The weather is also changing rapidly, places are faced with unending dry season or too much rain that is destroying the land. Australia was recently faced with wide bush fire that destroyed many parts of the country; only nature again helped when the rains came down from above. These are some natural challenges that you cannot prepare for like the wide bush fire in Australia and the flood waters that has left many homes ruined and damaged in United Kingdom. In sub-Saharan Africa, conflict and climate change have had a major impact on food security. Communities in Niger, Burundi and Central African Republic are experiencing dangerous levels of hunger and malnutrition. And with the locust invasion, East Africa has joined the list of troubled states in Africa. In 2017, global adult mortality rates decreases plateaued, and, in some cases, mortality rates increased. Alarmingly, conflict and terrorism have become two of the fastest growing causes of death globally (increasing by 118% between 2007 and 2017). The Middle East conflicts, wars in Syria, Yemen and other places around the world and the tension is getting higher each day. Alongside this alarming growth in violence, our world is characterized by epidemics such as opioid dependence, no communicable diseases, depression, and dengue fever. Opioid dependence has Pastor Elvis Iruh grown to an unprecedented scale, Editor-in-Chief

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with 4 million new cases in 2017 and 110 000 deaths as of then. Non-communicable diseases accounted for 73% of all global deaths in 2018 and beyond, with over half of all deaths (28·8 million) attributable to just four risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking, high blood glucose, and high body-mass index. Obesity prevalence has risen in almost every country in the world leading to more than a million deaths from type 2 diabetes, half a million deaths from diabetes-related chronic kidney disease, and 180 000 deaths related to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Our advice to us all is to take care of the earth God has given to us, it is not enough to complain about climate change, the effect is clearly been experienced globally. The advent of diseases like Corona virus, we are not been told the whole truth; it is not a sudden occurrence, even though we do not know how long this virus has been around but it is obvious that it is not NEW. The Chinese authority still have more explanation to give to the world as to how they virus suddenly became a killer disease in their very nose with all the technological knowledge and advancement they have made except there is a cover up somewhere. In one of our pages, we publish the advice of the World Health Organization on how best to protect oneself from this virus and to make quick and urgent report if you notice any symptom on yourself or anyone around you. In this edition are some many interesting stories, a lot has happened in the last month or so to cover for you. The shocking revelation and ongoing trial of the First family in Lesotho after it is revealed that the Prime Minister and his current wife, may be responsible for the killing of the ex-wife of the Prime Minister. It is a shocking story and a nation of just over 2 million people is watching the drama unfold in the court room. We shall be updating you on this special trial, the first time in Africa, an incumbent leader is been put on trial for a murder case. Other interesting stories are covered for your reading please. Once again, thank you for your support to The Voice magazine and we continued to receive good will messages on our 20th anniversary which was last year. Also information on the 2020 The Voice Achievers Award. Let us start preparing for a great celebration this year. Enjoy your month of March and stay safe please TV

ONE EURO A MONTH SUPPORT TO THE VOICE MAGAZINE ..... Since you’re here... Support the Voice magazine so we stay publishing for your reading pleasure….. Happy New month to you our readers and our followers. We have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Voice magazine since we stopped the hard print copy in 2016. We have continued to serve you the magazine in the same format with all production cost covered like editing, page designs, photography and digital distribution via online channels where we have to pay. The Voice magazine has been an independent organisation, we do not receive any form of subsidy except the support of our readers and friends. We made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where you live or what you can afford to pay. Our advertising drive continue to grow. You can support us through that medium as well, promote your businesses and services with us as your way of support. Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. You are free and welcome to contribute both commercial and political independent articles for our reading audience without bias. We want to continue to give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power. We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Voice magazine as little as one EURO and it only takes a minute through your bank account.

For The Netherlands Account Name: Stichting Paddi Europa IBAN: NL29SNSB0908374372 SWIFT CODE: SNSBNL2A (For payment from abroad) Bank: SNS BANK Address: Utrecht, The Netherlands Thank you. TV Management

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Living positive

Lucy

Facts about HIV • People living with HIV can conceive naturally when the virus is suppressed with HIV medication. There is zero risk of HIV transmission to the HIV negative partner. • In an uncomplicated pregnancy there is no risk of HIV transmission inside the womb, when the virus is suppressed. • Children can be born safely with natural delivery, when the right precautions are taken. • Babies born by HIV positive mothers are treated with oral HIV medication for four weeks after birth.

“Maaaaaaaaam” This is the joy of my daughter running to the door when I come back home every single time. Making me smile with her hugs as she proceeds to ask what I have brought her. Then she sits on my lap and we tell each other how our days were, with kisses and more smiles and laughs too. He sits on my side of the bed if he leaves earlier than me in the morning and plants a kiss on me. Rubs my baby hairs as he says bye. Or how he takes me to the bus stop if he’s staying behind that day just because. I love these moments with him. It has been five years now and I could not have asked for a better partner and best friend to go through life with, together with my daughter. I was always scared of families growing up. I used to wonder if that is all there is to a woman, finish high school, get married, have kids, take care of the home, the family, wait for orders from the man, go through violence from someone who claims to love you and do a simple job or business near home, then die. Damn! I preferred being a Nun or just travel the world learning about new religions, languages and cultures than such an empty life. When I got diagnosed, this became even more real of an idea. I mean how were I ever going to start a family ? Those who rejected me made this dream a lot easier and I would leave those who seemed too serious. And then he came, my partner, everything went by fast but it took time before I could say I love him. It took time before I could declare him my partner and in it all he was patient. Young women living with or affected by HIV who are my friends say I am the lucky one. I do not know about luck, I just think I met a man who was ready to make it work and nothing, not even my HIV status, could come in the way of this.

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Not my own insecurities or my own fears. Going through prevention of mother to child transmission was not easy for me, neither was the pregnancy or fear of infecting my partner. Before we knew of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable, meaning you cannot pas on the virus when the virus is suppressed by medication) I was in constant fear. I would not be able to go to the facility for any of her results without him, I would rather reschedule if he was not available. These are the realities most people never talk about, how my friends get scared when pregnant, when there are stock outs of ARVs or prophylaxis for their children, when their partners get a cold and have to worry they have something to do with it. The biggest of monsters though is disclosure. HIV has been one of the most moralised condition and letting your partner know is a process that is most painful. I had already gone public so I just asked him to Google me. This made it easier to discuss it rather than to start the conversation myself. He is HIV negative and so is my daughter, I do not know if this family will get bigger than this but who knows. Even having my little beautiful family is a miracle. Hiv Vereniging The Dutch Association of People Living with HIV (Hiv Vereniging) represents the interests of all people with HIV in the Netherlands, irrespective of background. We provide information about living with HIV and organise all kinds of meet-ups. Servicepunt Our team of expert volunteers can be contacted for any question about living with HIV, by telephone on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 – 22:00 hrs, or by email: servicepunt@hivvereniging.nl. See www.hivvereniging.nl

feedback

Your write up on HIV/Aids as not a ghost, it is a virus article!

I am a regular reader of your magazine and I have been following your column on ‘Living Positive’. The focus of the write up cut my attention and it is worrying. A development that we need to address in African churches is the subject of HIV/Aids. There is so many theories, one is that HIV/Aids is a punishment from God therefore you are rejected and treated as an outcast. And some forbids their church members infected with the virus not to take any form of drugs or medications? And that they would be healed through miracles, which your writer identified as fake miracles. Both Christians and Muslims are faced with this ordeal in Africa. My question is what way can your organization (HIV Vereniging) engage these churches and spiritual leaders to educate and correct these wrong notions about HIV/Aids? We have recorded many deaths through ignorance. How can we handle this please? Your reply should be published as a follow up to the article so many others can read and learn from it. Thank you for the good magazine. By Zane Kwame Accra, Ghana. Living po sitive

Who is Will iam Matovu? • William is from Ugan da. • William is born with HIV. • He was been an activ ist since 2010 commun ity educator , working as a at Love to • He has been cham Love orga nization. pioning the social med U=U mess ia and mus age via ic. • He’s pass ionate abou t changing affected by lives of child and infec ren ted with HIV.

William

HIV IS N OT A GH OST, IT’S A VIRUS

In Uganda there are Born Agai spreading n Faith Chur a doctrine not true, that HIV ches who HIV is a are virus. Altho is a ghost. Which Christian is of cour ugh I’m also , there is se some churches a Born Agai mislead their thing that needs n to be saying that followers once they who are HIV addressed. Many and havin put their positive by trust in our g faith, they Lord Jesus can get cured Christ from HIV Some of these or AIDS. so-ca lled Men positive them and Wom selves, and en of God are doing are on are hurtful acts medicatio HIV n. But still, losing their to their follo they lives. They wers who number of perform are at risk fake mira the congregat of cles to attra huge sums ion in their ct a large of money. churches, and to make The most shocking part of this truly don’t prob care abou t People Livin lem is that these are just doin people g it for them g With HIV watching selves. And or AIDS, and doin and our g gove nothing regar find very rnment is infuriatin ding this just g. matter. Whic h I How will we end the high rates HIV infec tions when of AIDS relate of shams? as a coun d deaths try we are My fellow and new still seein brothers these heart g these kind and sister less peop stop le, you will for them? They will get sick and falling in traps of continue and beco eventually living. By ming unde die. And taking your tectable it been cured does not medicatio from HIV mean that n can live a you healthy life or AIDS. However it does mean have the virus with HIV to others. and that that you you cann ot pass on

****** Dear Zane Kwame, Thank you for your question and we are happy to read that you’ve been following our column. We share your worry about the negative influence of religious organization within the HIV community and are happy people like William Matovu, but also Pastor Elvis Iruh are willing to speak on these issues. Regarding your question on what our organization can do about this I can say the following. As our organization mainly focuses on people living with HIV in The Netherlands and we don’t have much expertise on religion and religious communities we believe it’s best to support people and organization who are expert on these topics. Such as our beloved writers and partner The Voice News Magazine. In The Netherlands we work together with organizations like Shiva and Stichting Mara. Which are organizations who focus on religion and spirituality. We aren’t the expert here, so that’s why we give people like William and Lucy a platform to speak on these issues. That’s why we work together with Pastor Elvis and The Voice News Magazine. And that’s why we try to learn and extend our services to organizations and people who are more knowledgably on these issues. Regarding the spiritual leaders in countries in Africa we recommend to search for local organizations and partner up with them. They have the knowledge and are able to support to give better information. Work together, and speak up! Hope this answers your question. Thanks again for writing to us. Warm regards, HIV Vereniging 3251 Column

2 - 2020 ISA S1.indd

When you reach that treatment level (Und is effectiv etectable) e but hiding in that mean the reser voirs the virus is still s that your within you stop (bone marr your treat ows and the your body. It’s ment the will start brain virus will attacking become activ ). So once your imm there is a une e again and possibility that the virussystem. This also medicatio mean n, hence will beco leading to failure. me immune s that HIV drug to your resistance or treatment In conclusio n, to keep tellin I call upon all my fellow advo g our gove subject. If cates in Ugan rnment to we won’t da do this, many take action regar will conti ding this nue to lose of our broth their lives ers and sister day by day. s

Hiv Verenigin g The Dutc h Associatio Verenigin n of Peop g) le Living with HIV in the Neth represents the inter (Hiv ests of all erlands, irresp people with We provide ective of HIV informati backgrou organise on about nd. all kinds of meet-ups. living with HIV and Serv icepu nt Our team of expert volunteers question about living can be conta Tuesdays with HIV cted for any and Thursd , by telep hone email: servi ays from 14:00 – 22:00 on Mondays, cepunt@h ivverenigi hrs, or by See www ng.nl. .hivvereni ging.nl

10-01-2020

Friend of murdered Lesotho’s first lady seeks asylum in SA

In an exclusive interview with EWN, Thato Sibolla said the controversial circumstances under which Maesaiah Thabane was granted bail had made her even more afraid. The survivor of the 2017 shooting in which Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s second wife Lipolelo was killed is asking for protection in South Africa. Thato Sibolla said the controversial circumstances under which Maesaiah Thabane was granted bail had made her even more afraid. Police claim they were not allowed to file papers opposing the bail application. Sibolla was in the car with Lipolelo when a gunman opened fire on them three years ago. She is now a key witness in the murder case against Maesaiah and said she was afraid. “I was feeling unsafe because when police confirmed that one of the main suspects is the wife of the prime minister of my country, that spelt danger and fear,” she said. Sibolla said she had attempted to seek help from the Southern

12:43

African Development Community headquarters in Botswana to no avail and was in South Africa to apply for asylum. While Sibolla could not divulge the details of that fateful day, she said her life had changed and she would only go back to Lesotho when her assailants are behind bars.

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YOUR LETTERS ARE WELCOME Write to the Editor - Email: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Kindly follow our policy on letter to the Editor for your letter to stand the chance of being published in our magazine. Your letter must include the writer’s name, address, email and contact number. Also keep your letter short, concise and precise to the point. We are also allowed to edit where necessary. All details will be kept confidential. The views written in the Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the views of our magazine therefore we do not take any responsibility for the views stated by those who write to the Editor. The Voice magazine also reserves the right not to publish letters that we find offensive to others please. Thank you for your usual cooperation. TV Management.

Congratulations bro. More grease to your elbows. His Grace, hard work, belief and tenacity will always get you there. Let us toast to another 20. God bless you and your beautiful family. Greet my dear sister and daughters By Ambrose Nwadike Tottenham, United Kingdom

I am encouraged by your column on Living Positive with HIV/Aids

Dear Editor, I am encouraged by those writing your column on HIV/Aids. I was diagnosed when I was 3 years old and nobody in my family believed I will survived this far. It is tough as I didn’t like taking the medications. This year I turn 24 years and honestly I am beginning to enjoy my life and I know with God on my side, I will live to good old age. Living with HIV is tough in Africa, the stigma from your family and friends, rejection by your peers when they get to know your status. Yet 15 years on ARVS, taking care of myself and loving myself, I am doing much better and my studying is going well. I live positive now with HIV/Aids. I hope someone is encouraged by my short story. Senzo Nkomo Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dear Editor, Once again congratulations on your 20th anniversary last year and unfortunately I could not attend because I was traveling. I received my certificate of appreciation. I am pleasantly surprised at the recognition and I felt so guilt that I have not contributed much to your success story therefore I want to be part of the Voice magazine family from now on. Kindly inform me or any other person interested how we can support the Voice magazine for your continued publication. I receive it each month via my email and on whatsapp, it is highly commended. Thank you to your wonderful team. Kevin Ajuru. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

A word for Randy Stegenga, the upcoming basketball star

Dear Editor, I enjoyed your last edition for February 2020 particularly the story of the young basketball player you featured in your Sports column. His desire to play for Nigeria Basketball team. What a guy with love for a country that he inherited from his mother. I don’t wish him any back luck or kill his vision or ambition but kindly inform him well of how things work in Nigeria or Africa because I am of the opinion that he is better off in Holland or America. Nigeria is not known to treat their sports men and women rightfully and many of our sports men and women are looking for opportunity to play for other countries in Europe or America. I have a whole list of names of athletics and other sports personalities who have choose for other countries outside of Nigeria. I pray and truly wish him success and I pray Nigeria embrace this young talent to help develop the sports. Thank you. Noah Nwakchukwu Abuja, Nigeria Editor’s respond. Dear Mr. Nwachukwu, Thank you for your mail and concern, truly we understand but we should encourage positive talents as Randy and many others who would love to do something to better the image of their motherland, in this case, Nigeria. This is our Diaspora blessings for Nigeria and Africa. Let us encourage them and also let our government know what their responsibility should be towards these talents. I know there are more of them willing to come and participate in sports or business in Nigeria. Thank you for writing to us. Editor

The voice

achievers award

The Voice Achievers Award 2020 - Everything you need to know The 11th edition of the Voice Achievers Award will be held around September 2020 however we are working on the modalities of where it would be hosted as we have interest from at least three African countries to host the event. Also interest to have the event in The Netherlands is top most in our consideration. Therefore we shall keep you posted on the development before the end of this first quarter of the year. People are already sending us emails, and text messages to find out when and where The Voice Achievers Award 2020 would be held so they can start making preparations. We do appreciate your interest and support. SPONSORSHIP The annual event, which takes place during the anniversary of The Voice magazine is looking for sponsorship and partnership who will like to participate in the event through collaboration, we have received request from Fashion business, Arts and Culture but if you are still interested to participate, please make contact with us so we can discuss the possibilities. Never forget, our interest is to showcase what you are doing as Africans or friends of Africans to a global audience. Building networks and bridges definitely helps to grow your influence in the business world. We would love to highlight the achievements of companies/ businesses and individuals that contribute to the transformation and development of Africa.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new? NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDEES 2020 This year the Award committee wants to put an emphasis on nominations of candidates to be considered for the awards. The Voice Achievers Award is not a voting system award where you have runners up and all the rest. If you are nominated, it is the exclusive prerogative of the award committee to pay attention to your profile, accomplishments within your scope of operations and future prospects. We pay greater attention to your personality as well as we do not wish to withdraw the award after you have been given because you supplied us with wrong information. Of course we do our best to verify claims made. AWARDS ARE NOT PAID FOR. People have tried in the past to act on our behalf to connect nominees to us. We do not charge money for our Awards. It is in recognition for what you do, therefore any person recommending you and demanding financial reward ahead should be brought to our attention please. When you want to give financial support, it should directly be given to the organization towards planning and hosting the event which cost us a huge sums of money to execute in the past 10 years.

2020

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC You are free to start sending us names of would be awardees for consideration for 2020 awards in the various categories. The Award committee based on their profile will recommend them for the appropriate awards suitable to them. The nominations are open from this month - March 2020 till July 2020. Once the list shortlisted, we would inform you of the award date and venue. Looking forward to seeing you all in 2020. 1. Send a short profile of the candidate and reason why you have nominated the person. 2. Send us the direct contact via email or telephone to reach the nominated person. 3. Nominations are not automatic guarantee of receiving the award. Let us make The Voice Achievers Award 2020 grand as the opening for a new decade. TV Management. **************************************************

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIVING TO SUPPORT THE VOICE MAGAZINE On behalf of The Publisher of The Voice magazine and the management of the publication, we wish to thank you all who responded to our pledge for financial support to continue with the digital publication of the Voice magazine. With the strategic change from printing hard copy to digital copy was a tough decision in 2016 but it was necessary to flow with the tendency of shift from the media trend in the global market. Our income from advertisement has reduced therefore our income as well but our expenses continue to increase therefore we need extra financial support and for that reason we made the appeal. Your response has surprised and pleasantly delighted our team and we are saying a big thank you. For those who pledge a monthly support, even over a period of one year or more have challenged us to continue the production of the magazine and we shall keep to that promise. Once again, thank you so much and help spread the information to others. The Voice magazine is a legacy we intend to pass on to the now and next generations of African Diaspora. We need to keep our voice on in the affairs of issues concerning us both home and abroad. God bless you all. TV Management.

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FACE to FACE with OLUWASEGUN A musician with a special message

Interview on FACE TO FACE WITH THE VOICE MAGAZINE Promoting African diaspora talents and exposing them to a wider audience is one of our primary goals and when we discover one, we promote him or her to high heaven. This young talented musician has been on the horizon for a while now, he first performed at the Voice Achievers Award several years back and we heard nothing of him again. To our surprise, he was still busy with his music and working on it to make it big. Recently, the Voice magazine Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Elvis Iruh was at an event where this young man was performing. His performance was very impressive and drew the crowd to their dancing feet. He later spoke to him on this chat platform form – Face to Face. He will tell you more about himself and his musical career. Enjoy our chat with him.

V: For those of our readers who don’t know you. Please introduce yourself to our readers? Oluwasegun: My name is Oluwa Segun aka Segun TV: Tell us what you do for a living? Oluwasegun: I’m a performer, singer, songwriter, producer and dancer, also a dance teacher and business man. TV: You presently live in The Netherlands and how long have you lived there? Oluwasegun: Nearly all my life. I’ve been living in Amsterdam, The Netherlands over 30 years now. TV: And where are you originally from in Africa? Oluwasegun: My root is Nigeria, both of my parents are from Nigeria. TV: You are into music we learnt. Recently you had a performance. Tell us about your musical journey? Oluwasegun: I started playing music since I was a teenager at the age of 15. I started taking it seriously through a friend of mine, he heard me singing while we were just hanging out. He was surprised because nobody knew I could sing. We started as a rap group and singing duo and since then I knew I was made to do this but waiting on God’s time. TV: What type of music are you into? Oluwasegun: I don’t have a specific genre, but my message is inspirational, Urban motivational with Faith and hope.

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TV: Have you release any album yet or is there plan for that soon? Oluwasegun: No I haven’t yet, but this year from 6th of March 2020, I’ll be releasing my first single called ‘Mirror’ TV: What are your plans for 2020 and beyond? Oluwasegun: My plans for 2020 is to bring out more content, because I believe it’s time to showcase what I have been prepared for in all these years of working hard and waiting on God’s direction. With my music, I plan to develop my fan base and build it up so they too can get inspired through my music. TV: How do you fund your musical project? Oluwasegun: I fund this by myself and my team gives me the technical support. Your readers will be hearing more about my team because I have a solid team beside me to make it all work out for good. TV: Do you have a management for your music or you do everything by yourself? Oluwasegun: I have a management team by His grace, because in this business you can’t do it by yourself. TV: Is it tough or difficult to do music in Holland? Oluwasegun: It is very tough if you don’t know the right people and if you think you can do it on your own.

TV: Is it tough or difficult to do music in Holland? Oluwasegun: It is very tough if you don’t know the right people and if you think you can do it on your own. TV: What else motivates you outside of your music? Oluwasegun: My creator and my family motivates me every day. TV: We also learnt that you are a dancer and teaches people how to dance. How is that going with your music career? Oluwasegun: Yes I do, as you can see I love to teach haha. Well at this moment, I put dancing on the low key because

to achieve music you need to invest a lot of time and focus. Because I love both, you’re going to see and experience it whenever I perform. TV: You are a husband and a father, so how do you combine your musical career with your family responsibility?

Oluwasegun: Well that’s a good question. I made the decision to put family/home first. I know it’s not something very common but because of that I have more time for my music. So we do it as a family TV: We crossed path at The Voice magazine anniversary over 18 years ago. How have you moved on with your music since then till now? Oluwasegun: Since then a lot have changed. I went solo and I discovered that my music is for a mission purpose. Throughout the years, I have built a management team around me. I developed my skill as a singer, songwriter and producer and my knowledge about the music industry and the business side of it. I now also play a few instruments. TV: How do people get to listen to your music? Oluwasegun: They can follow me through all the various channels on social media https://www.instagram.com/ oluwasegunmusic/ TV: Do you perform at events or how do you promote your music to the wider world? Oluwasegun: I have media support and social media helps a lot to promote my music. TV: Lastly what would be your advice to those reading your interview right now? Oluwasegun: My advice would be, to never give up on your dream(s). I believe that those desires are stored in you since you we’re a baby. Live to your full potential, truly love yourself inside out and think before you act! TV: Great talking with you and we wish you success with your musical career. Oluwasegun: Most appreciated. Let me hear from you if you want to know more about my music or listen to my music. Oluwasegunmusic Management georgeojanssen@gmail.com Bookings www.gospelagency.eu Label sospirationmusic.com

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Victory Outreach Church Almere is a Pentecostal Church, a 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 in this new year 2020. You can visit us every day of the week as there is a Resident Pastor available to your demand. 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 through the help of the Holy Spirit the exact meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a living faithâ&#x20AC;?. 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

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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 Signed:

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastors Victory Outreach Almere. Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere The Netherlands. Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 036-7505571 E-mail: info@voalmere.nl Website: www.voalmere.nl

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FedEx Makes History, Appoints First Ever Black Woman CEO

amona Hood, the newest CEO at FedEx, is the first Black woman to take the lead in the company’s history. Hood, who was formerly the company’s Vice President of operations, strategy, and planning, has specifically been promoted to both President and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical, which provides same-day and overnight delivery of expedited freight. She started out in 1991 as a receptionist for the company, which at the time was called Roberts Express. She has always shown great potential in leadership and through the years was given various roles in operations, safety, sales, and more. Along the way, she admitted having been “pretty intentional and purposeful with gaining experience” in the company. preventing us from that.” Hood has climbed up the ladder of success from heading subsidiary FedEx Truckload Brokerage before moving to an officer position at FedEx Supply Chain in 2016. She then returned to FedEx Custom Critical for an executive position, a full-circle move after being a receptionist there years ago. She brings more than 28 years of FedEx experience to her role, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Walsh University, as well as an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

Over time, Hood began offering innovative and strategic ideas that distinguished her from her peers. For example, she was the one who initiated the program that allows FedEx Custom Critical employees to work from home in the early 2000s. She said, “At that time, it was not common to have call centers where you would have individuals working from home. I looked at our processes and the technology that we had, and I realized nothing was 18

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Kenyans Abroad: From Toilet Cleaning to Owning Australian TV Channel

nnie Gichuru is an independent content producer and is the founder of True Life Stories TV that airs on Australia’s Foxtel. In an interview with Alex Chamwada, Annie narrated that her journey into the world of media was not an easy one, revealing that she had to work hard to be where she is. She stated that most people would think that a trip abroad is easy, but Annie advised otherwise. “It’s hard. I will not tell you it’s wonderful. I think you got to have a passion and a drive, you have to know why you are doing it. Because there are times you knock on doors and people say ‘no thank you’,” Annie stated. “When I came here I used to clean offices, it involved cleaning toilets, so you have to work hard,” she advised. Annie completed her Form Four education at Loreto Convent High School at Valley Road in Nairobi, before she relocated to Australia to pursue a degree in mass communication with a double major in journalism and public relations at Murdoch University in Perth. She attributed the passion for journalism and the media to her childhood days when she adored personalities on TV, notably her idol, Oprah Winfrey. “I developed a passion for journalism while growing up in Kenya. I drew my inspiration from Oprah Winfrey at the age of 10,” Annie recalled. “I loved it. I felt like I was inching closer to getting into what I always wanted,” she added in reference to the opportunity to pursue journalism abroad. However, upon completion, Annie realised that it did not turn out as she had planned. She was unaware of the hurdles that would later present themselves before her path. She sought an attachment opportunity at a local media station in Perth, Australia but her efforts hit a brick wall. “First and foremost, being the only person of colour when I went to a TV station and did an internship,I thought there was no way I could do it because there was no one who looked or sounded like me,” Annie recounted. “I don’t want to stand out I want to blend in with the Australian culture,” she confessed. Annie was frustrated and opted not to pursue journalism further. She decided to go back to school where she studied a master’s degree in human resource management. She worked in publishing and the real estate sector prior to her feat at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial

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Research Organization as a human resource advisor. Annie later decided to make a comeback in media when an idea to produce positive content crossed her mind while she was on maternity leave with her first daughter. She narrated that at the time, the news was dominated by just negative bulletins. As a result, she began looking for positive material that she would consume and to her frustration, there was not enough.

This is what pushed her into independent content production. “I had always wanted to get into television and that’s what brought me into Australia in the first place,” Annie narrated. “My passion is storytelling, covering stories of people who are particularly doing work that seems to be making a difference, the stories that we don’t hear enough about, the good news stories,” she added. On August 12, 2017, she launched her own production company and out of it, True Life Stories TV was born, focusing on stories of people who have overcome great challenges in life. Her channel has covered events for non-profit organizations and social enterprises with the aim of bringing about change and positivity in society. Annie stated that through the channel, she has been able to broadcast her content to the Aussie locals as well as numerous other Africans. “It has been positive from Australians, Kenyans and also Africans in Australia. They absolutely love it,” Annie stated.

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First Family in Lesotho accused of murder and cover up. Prime Minister & wife indicted for murder of ex-wife

wists and turns as tiny Southern African nation of Lesotho is watching in a shocking drama unfold in their very eyes, what you will normally see in movie script or Nollywood in Nigeria. The whole nation is shocked as the First family of the country, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, 80 and First Lady, Maesaiah Thabane, 42 are dragged to court charged with the murder of the PM ex-wife, Lipolelo. In June 2017, just two days before the PM took the oath of office, his ex-wife who was engaged in bitter divorce with her husband was shot dead in front of her home, in what was obvious assassination to silence her for good as she was hell bent of making life unbearable for the New Prime Minister. After several years, going to 3 years now, the First family, the Prime Minister and the First Lady has been charged with the murder of the ex-wife. The incident as of then shocked the whole nation, the late wife was embroiled in a bitter divorce with the newly elected Prime Minister and one of the bone of contention was that the office of the First Lady should not be occupied until she is properly divorced from the elected Prime Minister.

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Unfortunately, two days to the PM inauguration, his estranged wife was shot dead in her car in front of her home. A tragedy that shook the whole nation to its feet. It was an obvious assassination. The question has been! Who killed her? Who order for her murder? Two months after her death and the inauguration of the Prime Minister, he marries his ex-mistress, who now becomes the First lady of Lesotho. Since then the nation has been trying to resolve the mystery behind her death as her family, children and concerned citizens seek for justice for the deceased. According to media reports, with the marriage of the exmistress to the Prime Minister who is nearly twice her age, and one of the reason why the ex-wife fought bitterly in court, there is an outcry for justice for the late ex-wife and the police has taken on the task in the past three years despite harassments, intimidations and threats to their own personal lives. Finally they got the court to indict the First Lady of the murder of her rival and just recently, the Prime Minister was also charged for the murder of his ex-wife. The first suspect is the First Lady whom is alleged to have master minded the assassination of her rival! Was she acting in the order of Prime Minister or protecting her own interest as the new First Lady? All these need to be proven in court. Although on the crime scene, they recovered the phone of the deceased and the last call she made was traced to her husband, the Prime Minister, this vital call indicates the PM knew her movement or where about on the said day she was murdered. After nearly three years, the Prime Minister is also indicted on the murder of his ex-wife and ordered to appear in court in connection with the case.

As it stands now, the First couple of the nation is in court to answer questions on what they know of the death of late Lipolelo. The implication of all of this chaos, drama is a nation at cross road in total shock. His political opposition wants him to step aside and his party enjoys majority in parliament and they would protect him as much as possible till the end. The people have called for his resignation but he has refused to resign, stating that he will quit in July 2020 when his retirement benefits are properly arranged. He has also made a counter appeal asking the court to set aside charges against him on the ground that he enjoys immunity from persecution while in office as Prime Minister. As of press time, the court is listening to that argument and they would make a ruling if he should stand trial alongside his wife in this case. Lesotho’s high court will rule on whether Prime Minister Thomas Thabane can claim immunity from a charge that he murdered his wife before marrying his present spouse, a lower court decided earlier that he has a case to answer. PM Thabane, who is 80, appeared in court in the capital Maseru last month in a pre-trial hearing alongside his present wife Maesaiah. He is suspected of involvement in the murder of his then wife Lipolelo, who was shot dead in June 2017 two days before he took office for a second stint as premier and two

Late Lipolelo Thabane killed in June 2017 months before he married Maesaiah. Maesaiah Thabane, 42, has been charged with the murder, and police suspect her of ordering assassins to do the job. Both deny any involvement. Crowds of supporters packed the magistrate’s court and gathered outside for the court hearing. Thabane, wearing a blue striped suit and a powder blue shirt, looked tense. Maesaiah Thabane sat beside him in a floral dress and bucket hat. No charges were read out and his lawyer said the case should be referred to the high court to answer a question of possible immunity, which magistrate Phethise Motanyane granted. If Thabane is allowed to plead immunity it would likely raise doubts over how willing he is to step down, further fanning the

political crisis in the mountain territory of 2-million people. Thabane has said he will resign at the end of July. The ruling All Basotho Convention (ABC) party, however, wants him to step aside immediately, with Chairman Samuel Rapapa ready to take over, the party spokesperson told the media last month. ABC spokesperson Montoeli Masoetsa said by telephone that the party’s National Executive Council had agreed on Rapapa in discussions and delivered his name to parliament. Thabane’s private secretary did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In theory, since the ABC’s governing coalition in parliament has a majority, and its allies also want Thabane out, it does not need to put the nomination to a vote. But it is unclear what would happen if he refuses to go. Police had initially intended to charge PM Thabane but he left the country for a medical appointment in South Africa as they await his return to the country. Anther question is why does not simply resign since he is not in good health rather than seeking immunity from prosecution in the court of law. His lawyer, Qhalehang Letsika, argued that the murder charge against a sitting Prime Minister raised a significant constitutional issue that needed to be resolved before charges could be read against his client. The magistrate, Phethise Motanyane, agreed to refer the case to a higher court for consideration of the request for immunity for the Prime Minister. Lipolelo Thabane, 58, was shot several times at close range as she sat in a car near her home, two days before husband’s inauguration in 2017. She had reportedly refused a divorce and won a court battle to retain her privileges as first lady until any formal separation. Thomas Thabane remarried two months after her death. His current wife, Maesaiah, 42, was charged with murder last month after briefly fleeing the country. Both deny any wrongdoing and sat impassively through the hearing. His spokesman, Thabo Thakalekoala, said: “The prime minister is protected by the constitution although he is not above the law. This whole exercise is just meant to embarrass him and nothing else.” The case has plunged Lesotho into a political crisis. Thabane has said he will resign at the end of July, and several members of his All Basotho Convention (ABC) party have been pressuring him to go sooner to avert a political crisis. Lesotho has a history of coups and political instability. Lesotho is one of the least developed countries in southern Africa. A recent survey by the World Bank found some improvement over a 15-year period but said nearly half of its 3 million residents lived in poverty. Aid agencies have said more than 500,000 people face severe food shortages in the coming months after a protracted drought. In recent years, Lesotho has tried to generate income through the cultivation of medical marijuana and tourism. Continued on Page 26 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 25 The case was brought back into the spotlight in January after a letter from Lesotho’s police chief emerged claiming communication records showed that someone at the murder scene had called Thabane’s mobile phone on the day of the crime. The killing was initially blamed on unknown criminals. Lesotho has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Investigators have since said they believe professional hit men, possibly hired in South Africa, carried out the attack. Maesaiah has been a controversial figure. Since the wedding she has been accused of interfering in political appointments. A fund she set up to help reduce poverty has been the focus of allegations of fraud and money laundering. She denies any wrongdoing. The affair has been followed closely in South Africa, which surrounds Lesotho and has intervened before to maintain stability. Last month South Africa’s finance minister, Tito Mboweni, suggested Lesotho could become part of his country under a federal arrangement. “While Thabane’s departure promises progress in reforming the political quagmire of Lesotho politics and security issues, it also holds danger,” said Gary

van Staden, a political analyst at NKC Research, a South Africa-based economics forecasting company. In 2014, Thabane fled Lesotho for South Africa after the army surrounded his residence and police stations in Maseru. He returned under South African police escort. In 1998 at least 58 locals and eight South African soldiers

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died during a political standoff and subsequent fighting. UPDATE AS AT PRESS TIME Lesotho police have issued warrants of arrest for three more accused persons for the murder of Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s estranged wife Lipolelo. The trio include legendary traditional music icon Rethabile Chakela Sello, Seabata Sello and Molefi Matima. This brings the number of accused persons to five, including

First Lady Maesaiah Thabane and the Prime Minister. The name of Chakela is synonymous with traditional music turf wars in Lesotho and South Africa. He has been linked to Lipolelo Thabane’s murder by people including Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s daughter. But police have now put the South Africanb a s e d musician on their wanted list with two other suspects. First lady Maesaiah Thabane has been charged but the constitutional court is yet to decide if Prime Minister Tom Thabane can be charged while still in office.

Namibian First Lady gives away all her $3m Wealth to Charity

onica Geingos is on a mission to change the image of African First Ladies and tackle sexism and inequality in Namibia, the world’s second most unequal country Promising to give away all her wealth estimated at $3 million to charity when she dies, Monica Geingos is on a mission to change the image of African first ladies and tackle sexism and inequality in Namibia, the world’s second most unequal country. Geingos married Hage Geingob on Valentine’s Day in 2015, a month before he was sworn in as President of the Southern African desert nation, which gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 but remains starkly unequal. The couple then voluntarily declared their combined assets of some 110 million Namibian dollars ($7.44 million), a popular move in a continent where politicians and their wives, like Zimbabwe’s Grace Mugabe, grab headlines over unexplained riches. “I strongly believe that inheritance is one of the biggest drivers of inequality,” the 43-year-old lawyer and former head of Namibia’s first and largest private equity fund, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview at State House. “If I’m telling poor children that they must be well educated, have the right attitude, and they must stay away from self-destructive behaviour and they’ll be fine, then surely that message should apply to my kids too?” About 6% of Namibia’s 2.5 million people are white. They dominate businesses and land ownership, a legacy of German and South African colonial rule, along with a growing black elite. Her veteran politician husband, who is about 30 years her senior, both have children from previous marriages. Geingob faced criticism last year over the ‘fishrot’ scandal involving allegations that two ministers received kickbacks from an Icelandic fishing company in exchange for fishing quotas. Both men were arrested. While Presidents’ wives are often portrayed as promiscuous, materialistic or political meddlers, said Geingos, her contemporaries are in reality doctors, economists and academics “who ran very productive lives before they became first ladies”. Geingos has thrown her weight as First Lady behind the One Economy Foundation, which she founded in 2016, and

plans to leave all her money to it when she dies. “Of all my achievements, the title of First Lady resonates the least with me because it’s the one title that I have really done nothing to deserve, that I got by virtue of marriage,” said Geingos, whose husband won a second and final term in November. “It is, to me, a form of unearned privilege but it has changed a lot of my views on socio-economic issues in the country,” she said, adding that it felt “schizophrenic” to witness both wealth and poverty in her life and work. Geingos’ parents were only allowed a basic primary education under Namibia’s racially segregated regime – an injustice which she said drives her to make the most of her life. Her charity lends money to entrepreneurs, gives grants to students and supports victims of gender-based violence. Its board members include a security guard and a domestic worker. Geingos offered free legal and psychosocial support to victims of sexual harassment last year when Namibia’s own #MeToo movement went viral on social media, with hundreds of women naming and shaming sexual predators. Namibia ranked 12 out of 153 surveyed countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap, beating Denmark and France. But Geingos said sexism remains common in Namibia’s private sector and media, which is quick to tear down prominent women like Isabel Dos Santos, Africa’s richest woman and daughter of Angola’s former president, recently accused of corruption. “I am not saying she isn’t guilty. But there is a lack of consistency in media coverage”, Geingos said adding that she and Geingos will soon update their wealth declaration. “You will always be accused of everything under the sun in these kind of roles. But what you can do is put the information out there and let people decide themselves.” She denied rumours of her presidential ambitions. “I am not available for any executive political function. I am very convinced that you do not need to be a politician to effect change,” she said. “But I do feel this deep need that I can and I must do more.”

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Chinese hotel workers arrested in Kenya after caning video prompts demands for action

ne Chinese national under investigation for allegedly assaulting Kenyan colleague; he and three others questioned over work permit and visa lapses and Chinese embassy in Nairobi says ‘whoever is violating the law will face the legal consequences’ Kenyan police have arrested four Chinese nationals after a video appeared online allegedly of one of the men caning a waiter at the hotel where they worked. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations raided Chez Wou Restaurant in Kileleshwa, a suburb in Nairobi, on Sunday, and arrested Deng Hailan – the suspect who appeared to be caning a colleague for starting work late. Police said Deng worked at the restaurant as a chef but did not have a valid permit. He faced charges of assault and could be deported. Police arrested two other hotel workers, Chang Yueping and Ou Qiang, who held expired visas, for questioning. “Chang holds a work permit, but his compatriot doesn’t,” the police said. Yu Ling, a hotel cashier who held a visitor’s visa but no work permit, was also arrested. Eight Kenyan workers were taken to Kilimani Police Station as part of the investigation. The video, which appeared online on the weekend, prompted calls for action to be taken against the man behind the alleged assault. In the footage, the waiter is asked what

part of his body he would prefer to have caned. The waiter pleads for the caning to be done quickly. The Chinese embassy in Nairobi asked police to investigate. 28

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“We support the Kenyan police to investigate the whole issue thoroughly, according to Kenyan laws. Whoever is violating the law will face the legal consequences,” a statement said. Last year, four Chinese were deported from Kenyan for engaging in business activities including merchandising and hawking without work visas. In 2018, Kenyan authorities arrested and deported a Chinese national after a video circulated of him calling Kenyans,

including President Uhuru Kenyatta, “monkeys”. Like many African countries, Kenya has embraced China, and in return has received billions of dollars in infrastructure investments. Thousands of Chinese work in many of the projects funded by Beijing through its flagship Belt and Road Initiative. Jevans Nyabiage He is Kenyan journalist working for South China Morning Post’s first Africa correspondent. Based in Nairobi, Jevans keeps an eye on China-Africa relations and also Chinese investments, ranging from infrastructure to energy and metal, on the continent. Annie stated that through the channel, she has been able to broadcast her content to the Aussie locals as well as numerous other Africans. “It has been positive from Australians, Kenyans and also Africans in Australia. They absolutely love it,” Annie stated.

‘She will flee to Russia’: Portugal freezes accounts of Africa’s Richest Woman Portugal has frozen the bank accounts of Africa’s richest woman, Isabel dos Santos, who claims Russian citizenship by birth and is suspected of fraud in her native Angola. Dos Santos, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2 billion, was born in Azerbaijan 46 years ago when it was still part of the Soviet Union. The daughter of Angola’s former president, dos Santos told Russian media last month that she “always kept” her Russian citizenship. Portugal’s public prosecutor said it had ordered the seizure of dos Santos’ Portuguese bank accounts in response to Angola’s request. Last month, Angola named dos Santos a formal suspect over allegations of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds during her time as chairwoman of state oil company Sonangol. Angolan authorities froze her assets in the African country in December 2019. Dos Santos has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Experts noted that dos Santos could take advantage of her Soviet-era birthright to avoid prosecution in either Portugal or its former colony of Angola.

AU elects Kagame to drive Africa 2063 Agenda The African Union (AU) has unanimously elected President Paul Kagame as the new chairperson of one its new agencies that will drive the continent towards vision 2063. Kagame was last month elected chairperson of African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s

Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC). The AUDA-NEPAD is an integral component of the AU which brings both institutions together to work effectively, and

“Once the international pressure gets too big, many experts in Angola believe she will flee to Russia,” Angolan journalist Rafael Marques told the press recently. Some outlets have questioned the accuracy of dos Santos’ citizenship claim, saying she would have had to exchange her Soviet passport for a Russian passport in order to retain citizenship there.

Kagame said it’s everyone’s duty to make it happen. The election that was held at the 37th HSGOC session also came with the launch of Africa Innovation Outlook III and launch of Agenda 2063 report which was presented by the President of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara. This was alongside the ongoing High-Level Forum at the AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where several African heads of state will draw security plans and negotiate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). President Kagame will start his two year term as chairperson of HSGOC from 2020-2022, a job that he is familiar with as a former chairman of the AU. “The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD looks forward to his great leadership and guidance,” NEPAD said in a statement. In his acceptance remarks Kagame said the transformation of the NEPAD Planning & Coordinating Agency into AUDANEPAD is affirmation that NEPAD is the right vehicle to drive transformation on the continent. “I can only pledge to do my best, in concert with all of you, to uphold this organ’s founding principles,” President Kagame said. The Africa Agenda 2063 has seven aspirations and overall continent aspirations stand at 33%. The seven aspirations include: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development; politically integrated continent on ideals of Pan-Africanism and Africa renaissance; governance, democracy, respect of human rights and rule of the law; peaceful secure; strong cultural identity, reliance on an African potential; drive Africa as a strong and influential global partner. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The Netherlands ranks 4th in innovation, leads Germany, UK and others

nnovation is the key to success in the current competitive world wherein there are several hundreds and thousands of businesses in every industry. Only the innovative ones are here to last and leave an impression in the global startup ecosystem. The Global Innovation Index (GII) provides an insight into the multi-dimensional facets growth that is driven by innovation. It provides numerous detailed metrics for 120 economies and is one of the leading references to measure the innovative performance of various. Detailing on the top 10 innovative economies in the world, of the top 10 countries, Europe dominates the market with just a few places for the others. And, in Europe, the Netherlands ranks fourth in the ranking thereby leading other European markets such as Germany, the UK, and the Nordics among others.

the top non-European country ranked for its innovation. The country maintains its status as the global leader in terms of investment markets, R&D-intensive global companies, highquality scientific universities, and publications. Notably, the

U.S. has the greatest number of science and technology clusters in comparison to the other global countries with 26 of them in the top 100. The popular tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Uber, etc. are based in the United States. The Netherlands The Netherlands with the fourth rank in terms of innovation performs pretty well across all industries, especially the Switzerland Switzerland tops the innovative index for the ninth consecutive time. The notable factors that have contributed to the success of the Swiss startup ecosystem in GII are attributed to the excellent innovation outcomes such as IP receipts, patent applications, and high-tech manufacturing processes. The country is a world leader in terms of environmental performance and intellectual property. Some popular Swiss startups Roivant Sciences, Dfinity, and Ethereum among others. Sweden Ranked second in terms of innovation, Sweden has a developed infrastructure, efficient knowledge diffusion methods, and an innovative business sector. The country is known for important improvements in terms of innovation and maintains a leading position in patent applications filed by WIPOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Sweden is home to successful brands such as NA-KD, Klarna, Hedvig, etc. United States The United States has secured the third rank globally and

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regulatory quality and IP payments. Notably, the Netherlands is a successful tech startup ecosystem with 12 unicorns across industries for now. And, this has been possible due to many factors such as immense levels of innovation, support from the government, expat community, and more. The notably Dutch unicorns such as Adyen, Booking.com, Coolblue, TomTom, etc.

United Kingdom

government online services in the country. Denmarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital city, Copenhagen bustles with business activities and is home to big names in the tech startup sector such as Templafy, Too Good To Go, Peakon, and Lunar Way among others. Singapore Singapore, which ranks eighth in the innovation index has carved a niche for itself in the medtech industry besides the rest. It seems to have a medical innovation landscape in plan and seems to eye at how medical innovation will transform the delivery of healthcare services across the world. Singapore continues to lead the whole of Asia in this aspect. Lazada, Garena, and Grab are some successful Singaporean startups.

Despite the implementation of Brexit that continues to have its effect over the British economy and politics, the United Kingdom seems to exhibit an innovative performance with the many superior quality universities and scientific publications. And, the United Kingdom continues to produce innovative startups including Revolut, TransferWise, etc. Finland Ranking sixth, Finland has improved in terms of innovation

Germany Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is mainly due to the automotive and mechanical engineering companies in the country. Even the medtech industry and optical devices sector are getting popular in Germany. The capital city of Germany, Berlin has

as compared to the last year. It is the global leader when it comes to patent families, ease of resolving insolvency, and rule of law. The economy of Finland is based on electronics, engineering, and metal products. The leading Finnish tech startups include ICEYE, Zadaa, Happeo, etc. Denmark Apart from Finland, another country in the Nordics to a few unicorns already with additional ones joining the status soon. The leading and innovative German tech startups include Semalytix, Ottonova, Movinga, Inveox, and more. Israel For the first time, Israel has found its way into the top 10 rankings of the innovation index. It has been possible with its status of being a global leader in app creation, its knowledge and technology outputs, and business sophistication. There is an innovative business sector in the country with some common names being Fabric, Gett, Fiverr, and more. have gained enough success is Denmark. It has ranked seven in terms of innovation, thanks to the information and communication technology and supporting infrastructure and www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Amsterdam to crack down on weed tourism and coffee shops

msterdam is exploring how to make cannabis less of a tourist attraction and, at the same time, crack down on the illegal supply chain, according to a briefing from Mayor Femke Halsema.

The city has published new research by Amsterdam’s statistics service on the extent to which young tourists are motivated to visit the Dutch capital by cannabis, window brothels and budget flights. It found that a large proportion would be less likely to come to Amsterdam if they had to pay to enter the red light district or if only local residents were allowed into cannabis cafes (coffee shops). The study which targeted 1,161 foreign visitors between 18 and 35 suggested that coffee shops were a major factor in encouraging their trip, with two-thirds visiting them to use cannabis. This age group, and particularly young men, have previously been identified as the major cause of nuisance in Amsterdam, which is struggling to control the negative effects of 17.4 million overnight visitors a year. Halsema said in her briefing that the latest survey would be used to investigate policies that could ‘reduce the pulling power of cannabis on tourism’ and crack down on the illegal supply chain that feeds coffee shops because growing cannabis commercially is illegal. 32

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National rules Although national laws already mean that any municipality can require visitors to coffee shops to show proof that they live in the Netherlands, this rule is not enforced in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Banning non-residents was suggested by the authors of a report last year which damned Amsterdam’s failure to control drug related criminality. Sebastiaan Meijer, spokesman for the Mayor, told the press that the city does not have any plans to ban foreign residents from coffee shops but is researching policies that could make them less attractive and reduce tourist nuisance. ‘It’s going to take some time to go to the next steps, and there is no real clear majority [in the city council] for solutions,’ he said. ‘Nuisance’ the survey showed that a third of the tourists questioned said that if they were no longer allowed into coffee shops, they would visit Amsterdam less frequently and 11% would not come at all. One third of the British tourists said that coffee shops were their main reason to come to Amsterdam and they were more likely (42%) to say they would come less frequently if only local residents could buy cannabis. Just under a third of the interviewees would never enter the red light district area if there were an entry fee – a form of control planned to start in Venice in July 2020 and 44% would come less frequently. For Britons who were prepared to pay, half said they would be motivated by coffee shops in the area.

Sharp rise in British nationals moving to The Netherlands in 2019

he number of British citizens moving from the UK to the Netherlands increased sharply in 2019 ahead of the Brexit deadline, according to new figures from Dutch national statistics agency CBS. Emigration from Britain has been going up steadily since before the Brexit vote in June 2016, the CBS said. At the same time, fewer Dutch nationals are moving to the UK. In 2019, 2,600 Dutch nationals moved across the Channel to Britain, the lowest total in 20 years. Taking returnees into account, the net increase in Dutch people moving to the UK amounted to just a few hundred, the CBS said. By contrast, 6,700 British nationals moved to the Netherlands, a 60% rise on 2015. There was also an increase in the number of British people returning to the UK, taking the net increase in the British population of the Netherlands to 3,600. In total over 90,000 first and second generation British nationals now live in the Netherlands. There was also a rise in the number

Another Amsterdam school closing over teacher shortage The education crisis claimed another victim in Amsterdam with the announcement that the primary education provider Linnaeusschool will shut down at the end of the school year. The Amsterdam Oost School will close because of a combination of too few teachers on staff, and too few pupils in the classrooms, the parent organization STAIJ told the Parool. The decision means parents will have to find new schools for the 76 students in attendance. STAIJ board chair Arnold Jonk said that it becomes increasingly challenging to recruit teachers when the number of students falls. Likewise, several parents “saw it coming,” Jonk said.

of other migrants moving from Britain to the Netherlands – mainly Polish, Spanish, Italian and French nationals. In terms of other nationals moving from the Netherlands to the UK, Somalis were the largest group, the CBS said.

“In a large number of schools, the breaking point has been reached, and the consequences for the pupils and current teachers, as well as the school management, can be clearly felt,” the STAIJ board wrote to Education Minister Arie Slob. The statement was part of the emergency plan presented by the organization for dealing with the teacher shortage impacting the entire Netherlands. STAIJ runs 20 schools across Amsterdam Oost. All students at Linnaeusschool who will transition from group seven to eight, the last year of primary school, will be allowed to remain together as one class at another school nearby. The remaining students will select their preferences for a new school, and will find out their placement by April 10, Parool reported. Since last June, Amsterdam schools De Waaier, 16de Montessorischool, and De Avonturijn all announced they were shutting their doors.

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Aisha Buhari extolls late Maryam Babangida

ormer First Lady, late Mrs. Maryam Babangida has been commended for being a trailblazer for First Ladies in Nigeria. She was openly identified for her Better Life Programme for Rural Women, which served to awaken the consciousness of women. The commendation came from the First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari during an event organized to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Mrs. Babangida, on 30th January 2020 at Abuja. The event with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mothers of the Nationâ&#x20AC;?: History Revived 2020 was well attended by former First Ladies. Mrs. Buhari commended Mrs. Babangida for initiating the National Women Commission as the first institutionalized machinery for women development in the country, which led to the concept of women in development becoming a permanent feature in development planning. She added that all first ladies that came after her initiated programmes in order to add value to the work of their husbands. Speaking on the future assured programme, which she initiated, Mrs. Buhari said it focuses on the challenges of women as captured by the various development goals including health and well being of women and children, empowerment of women and youth, equitable quality education for women and girls, as well as protection of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights. Mrs. Buhari expressed concerns on the reoccurring challenges of gender-based violence and drug abuse in the Nigerian society and called for concerted effort to find

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solutions to end the menace. Mrs. Buhari commended Her Excellency, Ms. Aisha Babangida for upholding the ideals of her late mother whom she described as one of the champions of women right in Nigeria in modern time. Her Excellency, Mrs. Uche Azikwe observed and commended the various initiatives and programs by the Nigerian First Lady and advised her to shun any negative criticism while she continue to be strong for the Nigerian Women. Mrs. Azikwe recounting her experience, she remarked that as First Ladies, they were advisors and co-pilots to their husbands and not passengers, and this was the tradition till date. The well attended event witnessed a video of goodwill message from former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and panel discussions featuring the former first ladies and gender specialists. The First Lady was accompanied by the Wife of the Vice President, Her Excellency, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, Dr. Hajo Sani, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Administration & Women Affairs to the President, Her Excellency, Dr. Mairo Tanko Almakura, Special Assistant to the President on African Peace Keeping Mission, among others. By Aliyu Abdullah Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity (Office of the First Lady)

Aisha Buhari remembers Maryam Babangida

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VICTORY OUTREACH

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InspirationMonth Month Inspiration

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well deserved

Waheed Centre for Humanity & Humanitarian Development - WCHHD recognizes Rev. Tammy Clarizza Abusi The multi Awards winning institution, WAHEED CENTRE FOR HUMANITY AND HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENT (WCHHD) established on 3rd October, 2014 as a think tank that provides comprehensive strategies, services and solutions to solve the most pressing problems facing Humanity in the 21st century and beyond recently recognized one outstanding and extra ordinary woman who happens to be part of our organization, The Voice magazine fraternity, Rev. Tammy Clarizza Abusi. She was recognized as Goodwill Ambassador to this Humanitarian foundation for her work to humanity through her various projects based in Nigeria. She is the President and founder of MESSY MS MYSTERIES Nigeria organizer of Miss Blossom Beauty Services encouraging young women to embrace beauty and brain while discovering their God given talents; She has continued to introduce new projects, all towards promoting youth involvement in development of society. Congratulations to Her Excellency Rev. Tammy Clarizza Abusi for accepting the position of the Waheed Centre for Humanity and Humanitarian Development (WCHHD) Goodwill Ambassador to stimulate the growth and development of Humanity to enable the centre solve the most pressing problems facing the Human Race in the 21st Century and beyond. Congratulations once again.

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Fallen UBS Trader Kweku Adoboli Seeks Redemption in Ghana

ormer UBS Group AG trader Kweku Adoboli fought to avoid deportation from the U.K. to the nation of his birth after his conviction for a $2.3 billion loss at the Swiss bank. Now, he is seeking a comeback in Ghana with a plan to kick-start its mortgage-backed bond market. The 39-year-old was extradited to the West African country in November 2018 after being jailed in 2012. He spent the first nine months mostly indoors as he struggled with

depression. Support from family and friends helped him shake ambitions of returning to England, his home since the age of 12, and to make peace with a new life in Tema, a port city east of the capital, Accra, teaming with industrial plants and the nation’s only oil refinery. Nowadays, Adoboli speaks -- albeit in a British accent -like he never set foot out of Ghana as he talks about the gaps in the country’s mortgage-financing market. “Our job now is look for ways to expand banks’ balance sheet, to create a mortgage market that would allow us to increase demand-side funding for housing,” Adoboli said during an interview in the lounge area of a five-star hotel in Accra. “What are you going to do in 30 years’ time when our population doubles?” The former banker, who left Ghana when he was four, was convicted for covering up bad bets during July and August 2011 amid a market sell-off. For the trades, Adoboli served about half of a seven-year sentence, getting out in 2015, in a case that rippled through Zürich-based UBS and London’s City financial center. Small Market Adoboli estimates that the platform he plans to develop could accumulate $100 million in mortgage-backed securities after the first year of starting operations. Banks would also be asked to join as shareholders, he said. It won’t be easy going. Ghana has a low uptake in mortgages, nascent capital markets, high interest rates and a banking industry that has just emerged from a crisis. Most people 44

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buy a plot of land with their savings and then slowly build their homes, often completing them by retirement, without ever taking a mortgage. The government estimates there’s a shortage of 2 million homes in the country of 30 million. With an average economic-growth rate of 7% over the past three years though, the middle class is expanding. There are about 9 million Ghanaians earning more than $11 a day, which could increase to 14 million by 2030, according to data compiled by World Data Lab. Adoboli is confident it can be done. A study done by him and his business partners found that there are 2.5 million households that can afford a $50,000 home loan, he said, declining to identify who is working with. Packaging existing and new mortgages into securities that are then sold to investors could also free up banks to boost lending, helping to expand the market. Rapid Growth The value of home loans increased almost 10% in the nine months through September to 4.5 billion cedis ($796 million). That’s not even 1% of mortgages in South Africa, an economy five times bigger and where there is an active securitization market, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Adoboli is trying to raise $6 million from investors to fund the accreditation of the business, its licensing as well as the financing of the software needed to create a mortgagesyndication platform. He plans to launch the venture at a finance conference in Ghana in May, he said. “The long-term goal is to make a sustainable platform that will grow the economy,” Adoboli said. Adoboli now sports a thick, shaped beard that his therapist suggest he grow. When he first started coming out in public, he would disguise himself with a hat and sunglasses. “The deportation made it hard to accept being recognized,” he said. “But now that I have done so much healing, the beard is a reminder of how important it is to be proud of how far we’ve come,” he said, “and how proud I am to be a black African.” The University of Nottingham graduate acknowledges he has a long way to go to win back trust, and is still under the constant supervision of family and friends. “I took responsibility because basically nobody else wanted to,” he said of the UBS conviction, adding that he was acquitted on charges of seeking personal gain. “I’m still at the beginning of a journey. The day when I deliver my first profit to someone, that will be a good day.”

‘I did it’: Portugal hacker says he exposed African business tycoon, Isabel dos Santos

Portuguese hacker is claiming responsibility for leaking confidential documents implicating the billionaire daughter of a former prominent African leader in alleged murky international business deals. Lawyers for Rui Pinto, who is in a Lisbon jail awaiting trial in a separate case, said in a statement that he gave the information about Isabel dos Santos to the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, an advocacy group based in Paris, in 2018. Dos Santos is a daughter of Angola’s former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos and is reputedly Africa’s richest woman after holding top jobs in Angola and a highprofile international career. The document trove was investigated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and its affiliates, which produced an explosive report over a month ago. The report incriminates not only Dos Santos, her husband and her close associates but also banks and businesses in Europe and the Middle East. Angolan authorities suspect Dos Santos of moneylaundering, embezzlement, mismanagement, influencepeddling, forgery. They are demanding she repay at least $1.1 billion. Dos Santos has denied any wrongdoing. The more than 715,000 documents leaked by the Portuguese hacker detail allegedly unscrupulous deals by Dos Santos to build her estimated $2 billion fortune. Portugal is the Southwest African country’s former

colonial ruler, and many of the documents were written in Portuguese. Pinto’s lawyers, William Bourdon and Francisco Teixeira

da Mota, said in a statement their client acted out of “a duty of citizenship” and received no financial reward. Gerard Ryle, director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, said on its website about the said leaked documents: “The documents came from a concerned citizen - someone doing the right thing by the public.” Pinto, however, has been in jail for almost a year after Portugal extradited him from Hungary. He is charged with publishing internal documents that embarrassed soccer clubs and officials in the Football Leaks case. Pinto denies wrongdoing in that case, saying he is a whistleblower who acted in the public interest.

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‘Like I wasn’t there’: Climate activist Vanessa Nakate on being erased from a movement

akate was cropped from a photo with white activists. Now she’s battling for diversity in environmental activism. When Vanessa Nakate addressed a tweet to the Associated Press asking why she had been cropped out of a photo, it was out of curiosity. She didn’t think her question would ignite a firestorm of criticism and spark an international conversation on erasure and diversity within the environmental movement. “When I saw the photo, I only saw part of my jacket. I was not on the list of participants. None of my comments from the press conference were included,” she said. “It was like I wasn’t even there.” The 23-year-old Ugandan activist had appeared at a joint press conference in Davos with other prominent climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, Loukina Tille, Luisa Neubauer and Isabelle Axelsson. But when the news agency published a picture of the event, Nakate had been cropped off from the image which showed only the four white activists. Speaking up catapulted Nakate into an unfamiliar territory of social activism: calling out anti-black discrimination and racism. After experiencing “the definition of the word” for the first time in her life, she received messages of support. She said she now felt a greater responsibility to “amplify their voices”. “Climate activists of color are erased,” she said. “I [had] activists who messaged me to tell me that the same thing happened to them before but they didn’t have the courage to say anything.” After a wave of outcry, the cropped photo was replaced on the AP wire, and the agency apologized to Nakate, both publicly and in person. “We train our journalists to be sensitive to issues of inclusion and omission. We have spoken internally with our journalists and we will learn from this error in judgment,” said Sally Buzbee, the AP’s executive editor, in a statement. The agency said that the crop was an honest mistake with no ill intent, but Nakate was skeptical. 48

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“They changed the photo to where I was in the middle. That means they had other photos and chose to use that one,” she said. “So no, I don’t believe their statement or their apology.” And what some dismiss as an error, she said, reflects the constant silencing of diverse voices in climate action groups. Nakate was among dozens of youth activists globally who convened for a weekend of workshops and panels. But media coverage of the event didn’t show the diversity of those who attended. Nakate only learned of the crop after struggling to find images that included her. Jamie Margolin, founder of the climate action group Zero Hero, said this exclusion of activists of color was part of a culture of silencing marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. “Racism, classism and the erasure of marginalized voices isn’t new,” she said. “A photo crop-out is an easy way to describe it but it’s really a metaphorical crop-out from the narrative of climate science in general.” Margolin recalled instances when activists were left out of clips, transcripts and other coverage of events even those they had organized. While Margolin was initially surprised to hear it was Nakate’s first experience with racism, she said growing up in Uganda may have shielded her from the discrimination minority activists often face elsewhere.

“Many of us haven’t spoken out because it isn’t unusual to us,” she said. “Environmental activism has been framed as Europe influencing the world – not the other way around. We’ve become used to our perspectives being excluded.”

Climate researchers say that poor, mostly minority communities will face the brunt of the climate crisis, making their presence and power within activist circles vital. “It’s disgraceful that not only is Africa ignored, it’s also deliberately removed from the picture,” said Theo CullenMouze, a 17-year-old Irish climate activist. “Africa has contributed the least [carbon emissions] but will suffer the most from climate breakdown.” Dr Robert Bullard is widely considered the “father of environmental justice”, introducing the discipline in the early 1980s to “dispel the myth or misconception that African

Angélique Kidjo dedicated her ‘Best World Music’ Grammy to Burna Boy

“The new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm, and the time has come” said Kidjo during her acceptance speech. Angélique Kidjo picked up the Grammy award for ‘Best World Music’ for her album ‘Celia,’ and she used the opportunity to shout out fellow artist Burna Boy, who was also up for the award. While accepting her award, the singer took the time to praise the wealth of new talent coming from the continent. “The new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm and the time has come.” Though the World Music category remains a dubious one, Burna Boy’s nomination was a major milestone for contemporary African music and the significance was not lost on Kidjo. “This is for Burna Boy, [he] is among those young artists [who] came from Africa [who] are changing the way our continent is perceived, and the way African music has been the bed rock for every [type] of music,” she remarked. Kidjo and Burna Boy collaborated on the track “Different”

Americans and other people of color” don’t care about climate science. He said the cropping incident was “a symptom of a larger pathology” that isn’t “unique to climate or environmental fields”. “Climate activism among youth is perceived by the larger society as a ‘white thing’. The un-cropped photo didn’t fit the model,” he said. “Racism has the intended purpose of making people of color invisible.” A Kampala native, Nakate is the founder of the climate action groups Youth for Future Africa and the Rise Up Movement. She drew inspiration from Thunberg in leading a strike outside the Ugandan parliament to protest against climate inaction and rising temperatures. Nakate has also campaigned for climate initiatives across the continent, including protecting rainforests in Congo. Her Twitter question prompted responses from other black, Latinx and indigenous activists, all expressing their own frustrations at being erased in favor of white counterparts. “As much as this incident has hurt me personally, I’m glad because it has brought more attention to activists in Africa,” she said. “Maybe media will start paying attention to us not just when we’re the victims of climate tragedies.” As a white Latina, Margolin said she understood she had often toed a line between inclusion and exclusion. She recalled instances when she was both “the white girl left in” a photo or “the Latina left out”. “[Nakate’s] experience made me reflect on the conferences where the picture didn’t include the dark-skinned activists next to me and I realize now I should have spoken up,” she said.

a standout from his hit album African Giant that also features Damian Marley. Burna Boy has expressed being a major fan of the celebrated artist on several occasions. This marks Kidjo’s fourth Grammy win. Her album Celia pays homage to the late Afro-Cuban singer Celia Cruz, who Kidjo described as someone who “never shied away from her African heritage,” in an interview with OkayAfrica last year.

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Former Senegal PM, Jason Carter to Co-Lead Carter Center team to Guyana polls

minata Touré, former prime minister of Senegal, and Jason J. Carter, chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, will co-lead the Carter Center’s international election observation team in Guyana. “The Carter Center and my grandfather, President Carter, care deeply about democratic governance in Guyana,” Carter said, in a release from the Center today. “This election is an important opportunity for all Guyanese to rise above political divisions, respect democratic principles, and move together toward a brighter future. I look forward to returning to Guyana to observe this important election”, he added. Touré said that she is honoured to co-lead the mission: “We hope the election will help move Guyana forward in the spirit of inclusive governance.” The release noted that the Carter Center has had a core team and group of long-term observers in Guyana since early January. Carter and Touré will arrive in the days leading up to the polls to meet with key stakeholders - including political party candidates, civil society organizations, government officials, and other international election observer missions, before observing voting, counting, and tabulation on March 2.The Carter Center is observing Guyana’s elections at the invitation of the government of Guyana.

18th-century Ethiopian crown returns home after decades

national of Ethiopian origin. Last year, Asfaw got in touch with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the mediation of art detective Arthur Brand, to discuss how to return this

ast month, the Dutch government returned an important religious crown, the property of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, to Ethiopia. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag, were present at the festive handing over ceremony in Addis Ababa. The 18th-century crown, which disappeared from the Holy Trinity Church in the village of Cheleqot 21 years ago, turned out to have been in the Dutch port of Rotterdam for many years, in the custody of Sirak Asfaw, a Dutch

important cultural artefact to Ethiopia. From that point on, all parties worked together on the best way to restore the crown to its rightful owner. Following a meeting between Ms Kaag and Prime Minister Abiy, the crown was officially handed over at a special ceremony. Mr Asfaw himself was also present. ‘We’re honoured and delighted to have been able to facilitate the rightful return,’ said Ms Kaag. ‘This is the crowning achievement of returning this heritage to its rightful place.’

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World leaders pay tribute to Kenya’s exPresident Moi as he is laid to rest

everal world leaders including African heads of state commiserated with the Kenyan people following the death of its longest-serving president Daniel Arap Moi, who passed on at the Nairobi Hospital last month and he has since been buried in Kenya. President Moi, a former school teacher who ruled Kenya for 24 years, becoming the country’s longest-serving president had been in hospital for over a month. “It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of a great man of an African state,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement. He ordered a period of national mourning until a state funeral was held in his memory. The former president died “in the early morning of February 4 at Nairobi hospital in the presence of his family,” Kenyatta said. Presidents from the East African region including Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Tanzania’s John Pombe Magufuli were among those who took to social media to eulogise President Moi. A military procession bearing the coffin of Kenya’s former President Daniel arap Moi got underway in Nairobi with

military bands marched ahead of his coffin, draped in the black, red and green colours of the Kenyan flag, as it made its way through the streets of the capital. The coffin was brought ahead of the funeral to the national stadium for a state memorial ceremony. 12th February 2020, President Arap Moi was laid to rest in Kabarak, northwest of his country’s capital Nairobi. About 30,000 people packed the Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, for the state funeral. Rather than mourning, many in the crowd celebrated President Moi’s life. President Uhuru Kenyatta led those who paid tribute to former President Moi. Among the sitting African Heads of State present at Nyayo Stadium for President Daniel Moi’s farewell bid ceremony included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda; President Salva Kirr of South Sudan; President John Magufuli of Tanzania; President Sahle Zewde of Ethiopia; President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC, and President Ismail Guelleh of Djibouti

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Advertorial: The Ngarbuh Massacre and a call for UN Fact-Finding Mission on Ambaziona

ince declaring war against the people of Ambazonia in November 2017, President Paul Biya of French Cameroun has overseen the brutal killings of over 10,000 civilians and the destruction of more than 280 towns and villages by soldiers loyal to him. Over 3,000 innocent Ambazonians remain in illegal detention without access to legal representation and over 1,5 million have been internally and externally displaced. On Friday 14th February 2020, at about 4:00 West African Time (WAT), French Cameroon soldiers attacked sleeping children and pregnant women in the village of Ngarbuh, Donga Mantung County in the Northern Zone of Ambazonia, brutally killing 35 of them (several women and children are still missing) and burning down their homes. Among the victims found so far are 14 children, 11 of whom are girls and 9 under the age of 5, and 2 pregnant women. A third pregnant woman who survived the attack but lost her baby is in critical condition at a local hospital. We strongly condemn these acts of barbarity, which have become commonplace in this genocidal war that French Cameroun is waging against the people of Ambazonia. It is particularly

disturbing that French Cameroun, being a signatory to many international conventions that are meant to protect human rights, is determinedly persecuting with impunity a genocidal campaign in Ambazonia while the rest of the world looks on with indifference. For 58 years, French Cameroun has pursued a policy of sociopolitical and cultural domination, assimilation and annihilation of the people of Ambazonia. This agenda was ideologically birthed and has been unconditionally sponsored by France for her own imperialistic objectives. The time has come for France to live up to its international obligations to protect life and uphold human rights and dignity. It is time for France to recognise that the life of an Ambazonian is as valuable as that of any French citizen. France must recognise that liberty, equality and fraternity are human values, not just French values, and that Ambazonians are human beings too. We, the people of Ambazonia are peace-loving. We are opposed 54

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to war and we are also opposed neo-colonial influences in all its forms. We are the sole owners of our land and its resources. We are proud of our cultural heritage and will not tolerate any attempts by anyone, whoever they may be, to assimilate and destroy this heritage. We are a progressive and forward-looking people and we are going to be the sole determiners of our destiny. To Ambazonians all over the world, this yet another senseless and heartless attack on innocent babies and pregnant mothers reminds us of the depravity of the enemy we face. An enemy that is neither guided by any moral compass nor inhibited by legal injunctions. An enemy that will spare no resource or effort to continue their brutal and vicious economic exploitation of our land and its resources. This is the true face of the enemy who seeks to make himself lord over us. The same enemy who want us to entrust our lives and destiny, and those of our children and grandchildren, into his cold hands. This travesty of reason and justice cannot be allowed to continue uninhibited. Even if the rest of the world stands by and watch, we Ambazonians do not have the luxury to be indifferent. If we must defeat this enemy, we must also spare no resources or effort at driving them out of our territory. We must all stand up with the strong and resilient people of Ngarbuh, and the suffering masses of Ambazonians at home and elsewhere. The time has come for us to unite and rededicate ourselves to funding our restoration project. Buy your Amba Freedom Bonds now and give us the means to protect our vulnerable civilians in our march to freedom. We have heard calls for French Cameroonians residing in Ambazonia to leave immediately or face mob justice. The Ambazonian Interim Government under the leadership of Sisiku Julius AyukTabe categorically rejects such sentiments. We shall not fight evil with evil as this does not represent the ethos of our nation. We call on all Ambazonians to exercise restraint in the midst of these provocations. The Ambazonia we plan to build will be an open society founded on the rule of law. We counsel all within our boarders to respect the rights and liberties of all aliens living in Ambazonia. We call on the United Nations to immediately commission a fact-finding mission on Ambazonia to probe the Ngarbuh and other massacres, which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The recent call by the United Nations for the government of French Cameroun to investigate the Ngarbuh killings defies logic as that government cannot be trusted to unbiasedly investigate itself. The international community must pressure French Cameroun to immediately end all its genocidal operations in Ambazonia and withdraw its armies of occupation. We are still open to genuine negotiations to bring about a peaceful resolution of this crisis. Dabney Yerima, Vice-President, Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

Lack of Education made Burnaboy lose Grammy – Naomi Campbell sends Open Letter to Organizers

By Adebiyi Chioma

amous celebrity model Naomi Campbell has taken to her Instagram page to write a passionate letter to the organizers of the Grammys. According to her, it was due to lack of education that made the singer lose the award he truly deserved. She stressed that the Grammys are yet to recognize in full the beauty and impact of the African music and when they do, it won’t be difficult for artistes like Burnaboy to bag a Grammy award. Her letter read here!! “First, I want to say deepest congratulations to @ angeliquekidjo for her award and thank you for spreading light and opening minds through your music… • It takes more than one album to become the standard for World Music… ‘I love you forever Kidjo’ -Burna Boy appreciates… And to our AFRICAN GIANT, @burnaboygram… it is only due to lack of education that you have not been honored with the accolades you so truly deserve. You are always a winner in our hearts. ALWAYS. • And to The @RecordingAcademy,

There is something that brings joy, strength and happiness

to myself, and to so many people that hear it, and it is called Afrobeats. Afrobeats is a musical genre played on mainstream and primetime radio not only across the continent of Africa, but across the world… • Recently, the genre was categorized into your ‘World Music’ category at the 2020 Grammys. This misrepresentation diminishes an entire genre in which such a high standard of talent has emerged; a genre that has been a force of hope and positivity for many, and a vehicle for artistry on the continent of Africa. • Please take the next 363 days to reassess and reflect on your perspective of ‘World Music.’ Did the world get to vote for this award, or was it only the people in the United States a part of The Recording Academy? What will this neglectful categorization of music mean to individual cultures? Cultures who contribute their blood, sweat and tears, and every level of their creativity and work ethic into making music for YOU and for all of us. • Please get up to speed on the state of all popular music today, and include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves – just as any other respected and recognized musical genre. • This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve. ️ #ForTheCulture #NAOMIAFRICA #grammys”

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New African Restaurant in Almere Jollof PLACE, Almere Epifany Unlimited have just started the first and (at this point) only African restaurant in Almere. The Jollof Place located at Zadelmakerstraat 18, 1315 AP Almere, intends to spread the love for African foods to the world. Starting with West African cuisine, including the popular Jollof rice, fried plantain, yam and fish, with different swallows as Banku or Garri. The plan is to expose the rich and tasty cuisine and highlight another less talked about part of Africa which is our food. For this we need your support, in advice, encouragement, prayers and actual visits and purchases at the restaurant. We also hope that you will serve as our ambassadors to inform and invite your family and friends to start or continue to enjoy lovely tastes made with love from Africa. To enable the above you are being sent the inaugural taste and eat

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promotion ticket below. Simply, you can come in and taste any of our different foods on the menu and have a meal at 9.99 Euros per person. You are free to forward the attached ticket to anyone to use, however this ticket will only be used for one person per time. The promo is expected to last through the months of March, April and May 2020. The Tickets can be reused as more than once within these months. The additional point to note is that for every purchase made with the ticket, The Jollof Place would request to know the original ticket owner from the person paying, if we can trace it back to you then you get a â&#x20AC;&#x153;jollof pointâ&#x20AC;? 10 of these leads to a meal at 50% price, 20 jollof points leads to a meal on the house! So visit, eat, invite, The Jollof Place is here! Announcer Ginika Ibeagha. Managing Director

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GLOBAL ADVICE: Coronavirus

disease (COVID-19) advice for the public around the world

asic protective measures against the new coronavirus Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following: Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and 60

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other infections. Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority

or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves. Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading • Follow the guidance outlined above. • Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. • If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. Protect yourself and others from getting sick.

Appeal for more funds to control locusts invasion of East Africa 7 Asia. The UN has made an appeal for more funds to tackle the unprecedented invasions of locusts threatening crops in parts of East Africa and Asia. So what’s needed and do affected countries have the resources to cope? The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says a food crisis could be looming in East Africa if more resources are not forthcoming, and has appealed to donors for an additional $62m (£48m). Director general Qu Dongyu says the next few weeks will be critical. Control operations against locusts are under way in 13 countries, from India in the east, all the way across to Mauritania in West Africa. The main threats are in East Africa and Yemen, as well the Gulf states, Iran, Pakistan and India. Most recently, locusts have been seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and swarms have arrived in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, and along the coast of Iran. The FAO has told us that in three of the worst affected countries, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, they estimate that at least 100,000 hectares in each one needs to be sprayed with insecticide. By the end of January, they were substantially short of this target in those countries in East Africa. • Ethiopia 22,550 hectares • Kenya 20,000 hectares (estimated) • Somalia 15,000 hectares (estimated) In January, FAO appealed for $76m. That figure has now risen to $138m. So far, only $52m has been received, $10m of which has this week come from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The UN wants this money to help countries control the locusts by spraying on the ground or from the air, and to improve cross-border co-ordination. • How a single locust becomes a plague But funds are also being used to provide immediate and longer-term assistance for farmers whose livelihoods have been affected by locust swarms. The insects, which eat their own body weight in food every day, are breeding so fast that numbers could grow 400 times by June. Equipment and personnel for controlling the locusts are key resources that are currently in short supply. Vehicles, planes, personal safety equipment, radios, GPS units and camping equipment are badly needed. Aerial and ground spraying combined with constant tracking of the swarms - which are constantly on the move are viewed as the most effective strategies.

Stephen Njoka, head of the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa, the regional body co-ordinating the fight against the locusts, told us: “We have a challenge in the number of aircraft available - there are not enough. Pesticides are also in short supply.” He says currently Ethiopia is using five aircraft, and Kenya, six for spraying, and four for surveying. The Kenyan government says it needs 20 planes to tackle the crisis. It also needs a continuous supply of the pesticide Fenitrothion for spraying. Peter Munya, of the Kenyan Agriculture Ministry, says they are having to source pesticides from Japan A month ago, the Kenyan government said it had distributed 4,700 litres of pesticide to affected areas and wanted to distribute 20,000 litres more. Mr Munya said earlier last week the government had received a first consignment of 7,500 litres from abroad, but that is only just over a third of what’s needed. Somalia is not currently carrying out spraying. The government there - along with the FAO in Somalia - has called for an urgent upscaling of surveillance and control operations in the country. The FAO also says that in Yemen, there’ve so far been limited surveys of the situation and control operations could not be carried out. The FAO says this is a key issue at the moment due to the sheer size of the locust problem. “Many of these countries haven’t dealt with a locust situation like this in 25 or 70 years, so there isn’t a huge community of experts in the region with first-hand experience in locust control,” the FAO told the press. There are training programmes under way in countries affected, and Kenya has trained more than 240 personnel from affected counties in effective monitoring of locust swarms. Severe as the situation is already, it’s likely to get significantly worse before it improves. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Pele depressed, reclusive because of poor health – Son

ootball legend Pele is experiencing “a kind of depression” and barely leaves home anymore because of health problems have left him unable to walk normally, his son said in an interview published recently. In recent time, there has been rumours and denial of the failing health of the football superstar globally acclaimed as the King of Soccer. Even his fans refused to acknowledge the fact that he has had series of health challenges with hip operations, kidney transplant and the rest issues pertaining to his health. Finally, his son has spoken and gives a clear situational report on his beloved Dad. “He’s pretty fragile in terms of his mobility and that makes him suffer a kind of depression,” Edinho said of his 79-year-old father, who has had a series of health problems in recent years. “Just imagine, he’s the ‘King,’ he was always such an imposing figure, and now he can’t walk normally. He gets very shy, very embarrassed about that,” his son said in an interview

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published on the sports news site Globoesporte.com. Pele, the pride of Brazilian football and the only player to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), is considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time. He has been in and out of the hospital in recent years for

various health issues. He never fully recovered from one of his hip operations, leaving him dependent on a walker, Edinho said. “He’s doing a bit better than when he was in a wheelchair recently, but he still has a hard time getting around,” said Edinho, 49. Pele’s public appearances have grown increasingly rare with age. Last April, he travelled to Paris for a promotional appearance with French rising star Kylian Mbappe but had to be hospitalized shortly after for kidney problems. In 2014, he was placed in intensive care for dialysis after contracting a severe urinary infection. The Brazilian great, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, has only one kidney, after a broken rib during a match forced doctors to remove the other. He has also suffered a series of hip problems. Edinho said despite those issues his father is “doing well” physically. We wish the football legend good healthy and stay stronger within the football global family.

Giving back to society – A lesson from Sadio Mane

adio Mane, The Liverpool Star from Senegal (earning approximately 10.2 million dollars annually), recently gave the world a lesson in modesty after some fans spotted him carrying a cracked iPhone. His response is legendary: “Why would I want ten Ferraris, 20 diamond watches and two jet planes? What would that do for the world? I starved, I worked in the fields, I played barefoot, and I didn’t go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. I have built schools [and] a stadium; we provide clothes, shoes, and food for people in extreme poverty. In addition, I give 70 euros per month to all people from a very poor Senegalese region in order to contribute to their family economy. I do not need to display luxury cars, luxury homes, trips, and even planes. I prefer that my people receive a little of what life has given me,” Mane said.

‘Ugly’ Kenya Olympics kit angers Kenyans

he National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) on February 6 unveiled the official kit to be used by Kenyan athletes taking part in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Designed by Nike, the kit features a conspicuous honeycomb pattern, a break from iconic past kits, which simply laid out the red, black and green colors of the flag. The official kit includes Team Kenya running tops, armbands, shorts, track pants and hoodies. Kenyans’ reactions to the new kit were mixed, but, judging from online responses, many were not impressed. “Miss, what’s with the fit? He’d run/look better in a store bought kit,” wrote one Benedictiō Lé Mūnus. “The good part is that we

will win with that ugly kit!” shared Moses Festo Dembele. “What’s this now? The designer must have been asleep. Who does it represent now?” posed Caroline Gichuru. “Miss. I hope it won’t interfere with their performance,” wrote Kipkeleny Tulwo. Other citizens, however, appreciated the design, which they perceived as fresh and stunning. “Love it! Modern. Vibrant. Stands out,” Kamal Kaur wrote on Twitter. “Hit...its unique and different,” Kelvin Musyimi shared. “This kit is tops. Looks great when tight,” Teddy Kalya argued. Another section of Kenyans, however, remained indifferent as they exuded confidence that Kenya would dominate the global showpiece and bring home the medals, as has been the norm. According to Nock, the official launch for the kit will take place in April in Nairobi. Among those who will lead Kenya’s hunt for gold are world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Koskei. The games are slated to take place between July 24 and August 9, 2020 if the coronavirus spread is stopped before then. The world wait for decision would be taken if the world-sporting event will go ahead or not. By Martin Siele

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Nike, NFF Unveil New Super Eagles Jersey with reactions from the public.

merican sportswear designers, NIKE and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have unveiled the new kit for the Nigerian football team, the Super Eagles and the Female team, the Super Falcons but not everyone is celebrating the new outfits. Still basking in the accolades from the previous jersey, which was adjudged the best of the world cup tournament although the Nigerian team did not perform well, the jersey recorded a sold out performance around the world. But Nike’s latest design is fashioned after the popular Nigerian ceremonial outfit locally called ‘Agbada’ has not been received with much enthusiasm. The NFF shared images of the New Jersey via social media last month probably to sample the reaction of the Nigerian fans and many Nigerians seem to love it while others simply rejected the design. These are some reactions we captioned for your reading pleasure. “You people will be making New jerseys but we don’t stay long enough in the world cup for people to admire the jerseys wrote Danie Ibeh on Twitter in reaction to the New Jersey. Shehu Tanko joins in unison and says, ‘Please this isn’t cool, just don’t disgrace us. From the best jersey in FIFA world cup

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the last time, to a faded looking second hand Jersey. Are you people smoking something?’ According to Emeka based in Lagos, Nigeria, “So dull, can’t

@nikefootball give us something bright. The 1994 Jersey is even better”, he concluded. While others simply said the jersey is beautiful and colourful to the eyes. I guess it depends on who is viewing the jersey, the important discussion should be, let the Super Eagles and Super Falcons perform well in these jerseys and bring back the football glory of Nigeria.

Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran table tennis player Funke Oshonaike qualifies for the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan.

f the Tokyo 2020 Olympics taking place in June 2020 goes ahead, one name sure to feature from Nigeria, Africa is Funke Oshonaike. This Nigerian veteran Table Tennis player has made it to the global championship for the 7th time and making it a world record for any athlete to represent her country and participate in 7 Olympic games. Funke Oshonaike now 44 years old is the first woman and African sports personality to achieve this fame. She recently took part in the qualification games in where she played herself into the world tournament. Funke Oshonaike has made history and she is not only going to make a number at the tournament but she wants to end her professional career on a high note to do her best to enter into the medal table at the games. Funke Oshonaike to qualify defeated Cameroonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sarah Hannfou 4 - 1 in the deciding match to make it to the table tennis event of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Fellow Nigerian Offiong Edem, who became the first Nigerian table tennis player to qualify for the Olympics, joins her. Edem and Oshonaike will be training hard to represent their country well at the Olympics. It would be recalled that Funke participated first in the Olympics in Atlanta, USA in 1996 and ever since she has remained a figure to be reckoned with in African table Tennis circle. Two years ago, she was recognized by our publication, The Voice Achievers Award as Sports personality of the year. We are still trying to get an interview from her.

CONGRATULATIONS ...... In the past month, two more persons were recognized by The Voice magazine for their amazing support to this publication. From left to right, Ms. Jerusha Absolom, the Dispora Manager of Optiven in Kenya. She visited our office to receive her certificate of APPRECIATION during her holiday to Europe. Thank you with your company for the support. Second is Madam Hajara Yusuf, a mother figure and always supportive to The Voice magazine and my person. Thank you ma. Pastor Elvis Iruh on behalf of the Voice magazine team. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Burna Boy: All Rise Words by: Kemi Alemoru

here are some shows that feel like just another date in an artist’s tour diary. But Burna Boy’s sold out Wembley show last November felt more like an inauguration. Somewhere between bursting out of the mouth of a supersized gorilla, drifting down in a harness to perform to a mostly-black crowd of dedicated fans – many of whom knew every word and Pidgin inflection – and the high energy appearances of peers-slash-collaborators Wizkid, Stormzy and Dave, one thing became clear: African Giant is more than an album name. It is the title Burna Boy is taking as he’s sworn into office as Nigeria’s global superstar. In keeping with the ceremonial atmosphere, there were even speeches honouring his chieftaincy. One was made by his mother, Bose Ongulu, as she unexpectedly presented him with his MTV EMA award mid-performance, and the other when he was handed a commemorative plaque for being the first Nigerian artist to sell out Wembley Arena. Weeks after the show, as the decade drew to a close, he racked up another impressive accolade: a much-coveted Grammy nomination. “That’s something I’ve basically spoken into existence,” Burna Boy, real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, says reflecting on the moment he knew he was in the running for Best World Music Album. In this case he actually sang it into existence, in the title track of African Giant: “Can’t nobody do it better‚ check am and see/ I know say one day e go better‚ I go carry grammy.” Perhaps that’s why during the aforementioned frenzy of affection and awards at his concert his expression was full of joy, tinged with a little humility – but certainly not shock. He’s exactly where he told himself he’d be. “Everything in this world, including you, was an idea. It was either your idea or somebody else’s idea, but before it became a reality that’s what it was.” His assured voice deepens as he expands on his personal philosophy, one which certainly seems to be working. “It depends on who

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is speaking and how much the person believes in what they’re saying. That’s the real power of the tongue. Do you understand?” It’s a question he asks a few times throughout our conversation. Mostly because he makes a lot of analytical statements – his own little Burna-isms that span how he looks at life, his identity, and the diaspora at large. Even over the phone, I can tell he’s exhausted, speaking in a low voice after performing back-to-back shows during December, Nigeria’s busiest party season. Despite this, the 28-year-old musician seems to possess the wisdom and conviction of someone much older. Perhaps you could attribute this to the years of hard graft that preceded his success, a success that an international audience might mistake as sudden when it was anything but. “Performing has always been a part of me,” Burna Boy says, revealing that he used to dance on restaurant tables during Sunday lunch with his family. “But I wasn’t really professional until 2010.” Born in the seaport city of Port Harcourt, the majority of Burna Boy’s childhood was spent in Lagos State before moving to London to complete his studies. A resident until the age of 20, he calls London his “second home” despite having his visa rejected when he tried to re-enter years later; something that was only restored as late as 2016. “London taught me to be realistic,” he laughs. “It taught me patience.” Throughout his youth, it was his tight-knit family that laid the foundations for the artist he was to become. “I was exposed to a lot of different sounds in my childhood,” he recalls. His mum, a lecturer, would listen to French music, Ivorian music group Magic System and Anita Baker. His father, who ran a welding business, was into reggae. His uncle would listen to Naughty by Nature and “rap stuff”. “My grandad was Fela [Kuti]’s manager,” he adds. The Afrobeat pioneer is one of the most influential Nigerian musicians in history, an artist who used his music to take aim at the country’s corrupt elite and spread messages of African unity, socialism and resistance. “He was all about African pride,” he concludes, clearly relishing the familial connection to an icon.

It’s not hard to see how these experiences have moulded Ogulu into Burna Boy. His 2013 studio debut L.I.F.E., released on Lagos label Aristokrat, was heavily influenced by panAfrican sounds and marked him out as one to watch in Nigeria. Subsequent releases have continued to build on his distinctive musical identity, a blend of Nigerian music, dancehall, rap and R&B, sung in English, Pidgin, Igbo and Yoruba. Indeed, while almost all of the music coming out of Nigeria is erroneously dubbed Afrobeats by outsiders – whether that be Tiwa Savage’s R&Btinged sound, the sunny melodies of Afropop, or the slightly more underground alté scene – Burna coined his own term for his output: Afrofusion. It’s a term that embodies and honours Burna Boy’s rich mix of musical influences. As an interest in African music began to spread beyond the continent’s borders, Burna Boy’s clear vision caught the attention of the right people. He jumped on tracks for UK and US artists as diverse as Fall Out Boy – a band he says he listened to as a teen – to J Hus, Jorja Smith and Future. Own It, a collaboration with Stormzy and Ed Sheeran released at the tail end of last year, went on to become the UK’s first No. 1 of 2020. He even got the Beyoncé seal of approval when she tapped him for a song on The Lion King: The Gift, which she curated and executively produced. Still, the most potent expression of Ogulu on his own terms is, of course, African Giant, his colossal fourth studio album and Grammy-nominated global breakthrough. Released in July 2019, it shot to Top 20 in the UK charts and was ranked as one of Billboard’s Top 50 albums of the year. The album bounces between club-ready bangers with infectious beats like Killin Dem and Gbona, and love songs for your Netflix and chill playlist like Gum Body and cheaters’ anthem Secret. He also demonstrates his own curatorial ability by cherry-picking collaborators from across the globe, inviting the likes of Jeremih, Damian Marley and fast-rising Nigerian rapper Zlatan to the project. Most importantly, African Giant is an album with a marked sense of purpose. The record has moments of evoking his musical hero – and his granddad’s old friend – Fela Kuti, most notably through Afrobeat rhythms and narratives of inner city struggle on Wetin Man Go Do. Elsewhere, Dangote details his hunger to work towards success in the same way as Nigeria’s richest man Aliko Dangote. He even uses the music video – over 10 million YouTube views and counting – to disseminate a stat about Nigeria’s 23.1 percent unemployment rate, stating

that it should be “a priority for any government” to empower the workforce. The outro on Spiritual includes a sample of the acceptance speech his mother gave at the BET Awards when he won Best International Act. “And the message from Burna, I believe,” Mama Burner said, addressing the crowd in LA. “Would be that every person should please remember that you were Africans before you were anything else.” “Every time I go on any stage it feels like I’ve gotten just a little bit closer to achieving unity” “I feel like a lot of my people don’t really understand the situation we’re in right now. We must go back to the beginning and understand how we started as a people,” he explains. “Nigerians are the kings of suffering and smiling but everybody is going through their own things. These things are caused by our situations, by the hand we’ve been dealt, and our inability and unwillingness to change it.” For Burna Boy, who spends his spare time watching historical documentaries, music is a tool to educate his fans. Take the brief history lesson that introduces Another Story, which details the potted history of modern Nigeria. The opening sample, which is orated by director Jide Olanrewaju and lifted from his documentary A History of Nigeria, traces how, in 1899, Britain bought the country’s territory from The Royal Niger Company for £865,000. “Actually, there’s one additional detail that bears mentioning,” Olanrewaju declares on the track. “So let’s establish a simple truth: the British didn’t travel halfway across the world just to spread democracy. Nigeria started off as a business deal for them.” As the song’s jangly guitar and mellow percussion swells into the fore, Burna Boy’s melodic coos directly acknowledge the wilful deception of British colonialism: “They wanna tell you another story/ Since 1960 them dey play us.” Continued on page 70

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Continued from page 69 Burna Boy’s message of African solidarity comes at a time when Nigeria is assuming its position as a cultural heavyweight on the continent. Its music industry generated $39 million in 2016, according to a PwC report. This is expected to grow to $73 million by next year. A new generation of artists are riding the wave of Afrobeats. Their influence in the UK can be read in emerging interest in genres like Afroswing, Afrowave and Afrobashment. Burna’s response to this development? Of course, pride. “The world finally gets to experience the greatness – and this is just the beginning. There are so many

incredible new artists and producers coming out. You lot aren’t ready!” When I ask where he sees himself within Nigeria’s growing music scene, he says that it’s for us to assess. So here it goes: what Burna Boy offers is a rock star energy, writ large in his style and the pageantry of his shows (“where I’m happiest, I morph into an adrenaline junkie,” he admits). Compared to other Nigerian crossover success stories, say Afrobeats hero Wizkid or pop superstar Davido, Burna’s effortlessly cool demeanour and unfiltered opinions furnish him with a harder edge. The Coachella organisers got a taste of just that in January last year, when he took to Instagram to berate the size of his name on the poster. “I really appreciate you. But I don’t appreciate the way my name is written so small in your bill,” he wrote, in a post that was later deleted. “I am an AFRICAN GIANT and will not be reduced to whatever that tiny writing 70

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means. Fix tings quick please.” The subtext to the US industry was clear: widen your Anglocentric gaze. “The world finally gets to experience Nigeria’s greatness – and this is just the beginning” But for all of Burna Boy’s rapidly growing recognition beyond Nigeria, it’s his home continent that occupies his mind the most. “I hope Africa [feels united like] a country one day. For me that’s the most important thing that has given me motivation,” he reflects. “You know, when people go to work every day and hope they can get a new car or something, this is what I hope. Do you understand?” Spend any amount of time with Burna Boy and it becomes clear

that he’s an artist looking at the bigger picture of connecting black people to our shared culture and ancestral homes, and making Africa a united entity, culturally and politically. I’m reminded of something he said at his Wembley show, back in November, when he told the crowd to research their history because “any tree without roots will fall”. “Every time I go on any stage it feels like I’ve gotten just a little bit closer to achieving unity,” he explains. “The greatest achievement is, and always will be, the lives you’re able to touch while you’re on this Earth.” Photography: Michelle Helena Janssen Photography Assistant: Zoi Pahtalias Styling: Ade Udoma Styling Assistant: Isaac Luutu Grooming: Lai Zakaria