The Voice magazine by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 21. NO. 211 November 2021

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Second term on the agenda

President

Adama Barrow

prepares for elections in

The Gambia 4th Dec. 2021 is D-Day

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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.

Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa

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

Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thenigerianvoice.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com BUREAU CHIEFS Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal

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CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com

ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition)

Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com

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

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

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

Volume 21 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

NO 211 November 2021

Contents

The Voice Magazine Volume 21. No 211 November 2021 Edition

40-43

46-47

58-60 ARTICLES Pages 6 & 7 – Editorial - The Gambia’s democratic transition is facing a test at the Dec 4th polls! Pages 9 -11 – Opinions/Feedbacks Pages 16 & 17 - Dr. Kingsley Moghalu joins ADC ahead 2023 elections in Nigeria Pages 18 & 19 - Artists recognized at Voice Award 2021 Pages 20 & 21 - Malambo takes oath of office and commence duties as chairperson Pages 22-24 - Some Lessons From The 2nd Edition of My Mentoring Session Pages 26 & 27 - Column: Time to promise by By Nicholas Jimmy Pages 30 & 31 - The global tumbling of oil fortunes and the shift to sustainable energy Pages 34 & 35 - Speech for Bridging Economies between (UAE & Africa) presented at the Voice Achievers Award in Dubai, UAE 2021 by Shaikha Dr. Fatimah Tagwai Aji – FCMA, GOOA Pages 36 & 37 - Dutch news in summary Page 39 - Nobel Literature Prize 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah named winner Pages 50 & 51 - How Ugandan pupils are thwarting Covid-19 effects and becoming future entrepreneurs Pages 52-54 - How the government is resurrecting for the public good Page 61 - Your picture of Nigeria is selective and unfair to your readers Pages 62-64 - USD 1.4 trillion fossil fuel build-out jeopardizes Africa’s economies, climate, and communities Sports stories: Pages 65-69 * Luis Ortiz on Anthony Joshua: “He’ll lose again” to Oleksandr Usyk * Rashford receives honorary degree * Tirop murder plot could have been hatched during Tokyo 2020 * Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya working on book * Anthony Joshua ready to fight Deontay Wilder

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Editorial

The Gambia’s democratic transition is facing a test at the Dec 4th polls!

he upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections will be the most consequential in The Gambia’s history. It is almost five years ago, in December 2016, The Gambia brought authoritarian President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year reign to an end through a democratic election. Since then, despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, the West African country has managed to strengthen its democracy and widen its political space significantly. However, The Gambia’s democratic transition will face its toughest test to date on December 4, when the country holds its first presidential and

parliamentary elections since the departure of Jammeh. When current President Adama Barrow came to power, he had promised that he would call for new elections after three years. However, he rescinded that promise in 2019, and announced that he intends to serve a full five-year term as prescribed in the constitution. This led to minor protests, but did not stop Barrow from taking the necessary steps to consolidate his power. In December 2019, Barrow established the National People’s Party (NPP) as a vehicle to seek a second term in the upcoming election. Since then, the new party has managed to garner significant popular support and increased Barrow’s chances of a second term. Last month, Barrow made one last move to expand his support base before the crucial election and announced an alliance between his NPP and Yahya Jammeh’s APRC. The tactical alliance between the two parties has ruffled some feathers in the country. 6

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Many see the move as a sign of Barrow’s inability to leave Jammeh’s repressive legacy behind and open a new democratic chapter in Gambian politics. Moreover, Gambians who had been victimised by Jammeh and his supporters over the last two decades perceived the move as a stab in the back and a denial of Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh their suffering. Editor-in-Chief The NPP-APRC alliance also gives rise to fears that Jammeh, who has been in exile in Equatorial Guinea since January 2017, may soon return to the country and reinsert himself in Gambian politics. The specifics of the deal between the NPP and APRC have not been made public, but many suspect Barrow has agreed to grant Jammeh amnesty for the crimes he committed during his reign in return for political support. There are understandable fears that such an agreement would hinder The Gambia’s efforts for democratisation and transactional justice. Barrow’s apparent desire to hold on to power at any cost, the controversial NPP-APRC alliance and Jammeh’s possible return to the political arena, however, are not the only challenges facing The Gambia’s democratic transition ahead of the December 4 election. In the past five years, The Gambia made significant progress in terms of expanding political representation. Today,

18 registered political parties are competing for the support of just over a million eligible voters in the country. But this crowded electoral market is not a net positive for Gambian democracy. These parties have conflicting agendas and some are not hesitating to fuel divisions and conflicts in order to expand their support base. Furthermore, the high number of political parties participating in the election, coupled with The Gambia’s first-pastthe-post electoral system, means that a candidate with just 100,000 votes can become the country’s next president. This is a major threat to the country’s stability, as it paves the way for losing candidates to declare the elections illegitimate, demand reruns and even trigger civil unrest. Another issue that hinders The Gambia’s democratic transition ahead of the election is the ongoing interference with the body politics by the former President, Yahya Jammeh who is encouraging his members and followers to have his name on the ballot and contest the elections on its own party ticket rather than a coalition alliance said to be have been agreed between the ruling party of the President and the APRC of former President Yahya Jammeh. He claims to still be in charge and he has been sending video messages to his followers not to support the incumbent President. Also the involvement of the Diaspora for the first time, the Gambian diaspora would be able to participate in the elections, how it would work is still a total guess work. It is estimated that between 140,000 to 200,000 Gambians are currently living outside the country. The Gambian diaspora played an important role in fuelling the opposition movement that even-

Ministry denies that Moroccan journalist spied for the Netherlands The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contradicts Morocco’s claim that a convicted Moroccan journalist spied for the Netherlands. The department has asked Morocco for clarification via the Moroccan ambassador to the Netherlands, writes outgoing minister Ben Knapen (Foreign Affairs) in a letter to parliament on Thursday. “The cabinet rejects the accusations with regard to espionage and this message was immediately conveyed to the Moroccan ambassador in The Hague at high official level,” said Knapen. Journalist Omar Radi was sentenced to six years in prison in

tually brought Jammeh’s reign to an end. In response, the President Barrow administration attempted to give them a say in the country’s electoral politics through a new constitution. But when the national assembly rejected the draft constitution in 2020, the diaspora’s dream of participating in the 2021 election was shattered. Today, in the eyes of many, the upcoming election is going to be less than democratic, as a significant percentage of Gambians will not have a say in who will lead their country for the next five years. The Gambia has come a long way since the end of Jammeh’s reign of fear and intimidation. Despite the many difficulties the country has faced since the last election, its youthful and dynamic population is looking at the future with hope and positivity. This, however, does not mean its democratic transition is complete. The December 4 election will be the most consequential in the country’s history and determine whether The Gambia will manage to remain on the path to democracy. We would be following the elections closely and we pray that the Electoral commission would ensure a fair and free playing ground for all participants and the best candidates would win and continue the work of building the Gambia. We at the Voice magazine wish the good and smiling people of the Gambia, a successful campaigns and elections free of violence and disturbances. Congratulations The Gambia people in advance. Editor-in-Chief The Voice magazine

July. It was subsequently reported that he was convicted of, among other things, espionage for the Netherlands. Only last week did the ministry gain access to part of the verdict. It states that Radi was also convicted of alleged espionage activities for the Dutch embassy in the Moroccan capital Rabat. Maintaining contact with journalists is part of the embassy’s regular work, emphasizes Knapen. The Moroccan authorities say they will not interfere in the judicial process. The appeal is still pending. Radi has previously called all the allegations “utterly ridiculous”. He conducted research in the North African country into, among other things, corruption and violations of human rights.

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FIFA’s decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar continues to receive mixed reactions!

Opinion

IFA’s decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has caused quite a stir in recent years. Not only is there the humanitarian situation in the country, which does not always take the rights of its guest workers very closely, but the tournament also caused a lot of practical problems. Because it is much too hot to play football in Qatar in the summer, the tournament is exceptionally finished in November and December. That means that the entire European football calendar will be turned upside down and that the tournament will have to be completed quickly between the national competitions, as players will only be released a week before the start of the World Cup. Because of all those practical worries you would think that FIFA has learned its lesson, but nothing turns out to be less true. After all, chairman Gianni Infantino has already offered the organization of the World Cup 2030 to Israel and a few other Gulf countries, the Israeli government reported according to Belgium’s Belga. The United Arab Emirates in particular would be a candidate, after they established diplomatic relations with Israel in September. Within nine years, the same problem threatens to arise again, unless one of the other candidates makes it. The British countries, a group of South American countries, Spain and Portugal, and China have already shown interest. The organization of the 2030 World Cup will be assigned in 2024.

Dear Editor, I saw The voice Achievers Awards on social media I ran into the Voice magazine on social media. Kindly share details and process to be a part of this interesting and growing magazine please. My name is Dr. Dipti R Bhadoriya, Chancellor of Virtual University for international relationship, Vice Chancellor of ITMUT Institute, founder and chairperson of Videv Tejaswini Foundation based in India. I am also from India. Editor’s reply Dear Dr. Bhadoriya, We are an African oriented magazine with a global appeal, we have been publishing since August 1999. I have replied to you via the same channel you contacted us. We look forward to communicating further and working together. Thank you once again.

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Editor

Dear Editor, The Voice is rich in everything. The contents are superb. The layout is professionally handled. The graphics are very pleasing to the eyes. The aesthetics are second to none. I am very proud to be associated with the work. Do keep it up. By Owolabi Adeola Lagos, Nigeria

FEEDBACK

IF I HAD A BILLION DOLLARS I WOULD.... I would give all of the 250million Nigerians in my country 1million each..... and instantly encourage a different none violet life for at least a year....in the hindsight that crime rate will drop and lives of the present a future as well as the education would improve dramatically. Id expect a whole lot of criminals to find stealing far below them for a long time....even reform themselves. Yup...I’d do that. Really. Just hand me 500million and I would, encouraging the 17 sustainable development goals as a landmark for the entire world and it’s rich men/women to follow. I expect my name to merge into the list of world changers and past and future Martyrs of the globe. By John Olugbenga Johnson Abuja, Nigeria

British ministry considers extra police security for all MPs British Home Secretary Priti Patel is considering having British MPs temporarily protected by the police at meetings with voters, The Guardian wrote on Sunday. In addition, the overall security of British MPs is under scrutiny after the assassination attempt on David Amess. According to Patel, the government wants to “close all security holes”. For example, the police have approached all MPs to advise them on their personal safety, and an investigation is underway into what could be further improved. On Sunday it became clear that 25-year-old Ali Harbi Ali, a British man with a background in Somalia, would be

behind the assassination attempt. He is said to be the son of a former adviser to the Prime Minister of Somalia. Harbi Ali is officially being prosecuted under British terrorism law. Authorities previously assumed an act of terrorism, with a motive related to Islamic extremism. Harbi Ali had been given up on an anti-radicalisation program a few years ago, but is said to have left shortly after the program started and was not on the radar of British intelligence services. Amess was stabbed to death Friday during a meeting at a church for residents of his constituency. He had reported online that it would take place and his killer would have made an appointment.

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Rotterdam’s Zalmhaven tower is the Netherlands’ highestbuilding Rotterdam is again officially home to the highest residential building in the Netherlands – the waterside Zalmhaven tower that reached its maximum height of 215 metres during the construction process this week. The tower, due for completion in 2022, has 60 floors primarily devoted to 256 housing units, as well as offices, a restaurant, roof garden, car park and fitness centre. The skyscraper knocks the previous record holder, the 165 metres Maastoren from the top of list of highest buildings in the Netherlands. The Maastoren is also in Rotterdam, as are the rest of the top five tallest buildings

in the country. Rents in the Zalmhaven tower will start at around €1,700 a month for a three room apartment but several dozen large flats are for sale, at a price well above €1m. There are some 200 buildings in the Netherlands, which are at least 70 metres high, and dozens more are at the planning stage, particularly in The Hague and in Amsterdam. In Utrecht there is an unwritten rule that no building in the city may exceed the height of the Dom tower, which measures slightly over 112 metres and is still the tallest church in the country. However, plans are underway to build three high-rise blocks, one of which will be 140 metres tall, on the outskirts of the city

4Pillars Community Church Almere is based on the fundamental scripture from the book of Acts 2:42. Our vision? Connecting people, families, communities Teaching and leaving them with a legacy for the future with a message of hope and security for eternity through the infallible word of God You can visit us every day of the week, as there is a Resident Pastor available to you. We would like to welcome you to one of our services in the week. Prayer evening on Monday, Studies on Wednesday and Youth Service on Friday. Then Family Service on Sundays from 10am prompt. You are more than welcome Our strength is in our diversity and love for God, through Jesus Christ. Signed: Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastors 4Pillars Community Church Almere Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere The Netherlands. Telephone: +31646890203; Telephone: 036-7505571 E-mail: voalmere@gmail.com ; info@4pcca.nl Website: www.4pcca.nl

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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….. Welcome to you our readers and our followers. We have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Voice News magazine since we stopped the hard copy print 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. The Voice News magazine has been an independent organization, we do not receive any form of subsidy except the support of our advertisers, 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 this medium by promoting us among your friends, colleagues and clients as well,. You can 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, exploited or turn away. We continue to rigorously challenge those in power to do what is right and just. We hope you will consider supporting us from now on. 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 News magazine as little as one EURO and it only takes a minute through your bank account.

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

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Kingsley Moghalu joins ADC ahead of 2023 elections in Nigeria Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the CBN has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to pursue his presidential ambition in 2023. “I am pleased to announce to you that I have joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which I feel ideologically aligned with. I am honored to become a card-carrying member of the party. “In doing so, I restate my public announcement on June 1, 2021, making myself available to lead our country as a competent, 21st-century President and my intention to contest in the 2023 presidential election. “I look forward to closing collaboration with the party’s chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, Alhaji Said Abdullahi, the ADC National Secretary, and the National Executive Committee and Chair of its Board of Trustees among others,’’ he told a news conference. He added that his desire was to take Nigeria higher and make her the envy of other nations if he becomes the president. Dr. Moghalu noted that since its founding, in 2005 to date, including in the 2019 general election in which the ADC presented the late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia as its presidential candidate, the party had remained consistent. He said the ADC had remained consistent in its commitment to the emergence of true democracy in Nigeria and to the role of belief,

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passion, and idea in nation building. “The party has shunned `food-is-ready’ and divisive ethnocentric politics,’’ Dr. Moghalu stressed. According to him, Nigeria’s big political parties have failed Nigerians, and voting for them again in 2023 will amount to a waste of votes. Dr. Moghalu said the ADC remained a key player in the efforts to create a new and bigger platform through the merger of several political parties to take over power in 2023 to begin the work of rebuilding the country. He said he had been part of a group of individuals and political parties working towards the emergence of a “Third Force’’ in the country’s political space.

He added that Nigerians were tired of the failure of traditional politics and were waiting eagerly for the emergence of such a platform. “For the party’s growth and expansion in the months ahead, he asked all his political supporters, including those aspiring to be elected to gubernatorial positions and the national and state legislatures to join the ADC’’. According to him, there is room for everyone who has something positive to contribute to the desire change we all yearn for in Nigeria. While welcoming Dr. Kingsley Moghalu to the party, the chairman of ADC, Chief Nwosu said he had returned to where he truly belonged. “He has found his way to where he truly belongs; our handshake as a party cuts across regions and sentiments and we will together build a better Nigeria for all. “We welcome you proudly because you are a distinguished Nigerian. We need servants and dedicated leaders like you to lead this country’’ the ADC chairman said. He added that the ADC had been working with other political parties and institutions to achieve its desire of enthroning a better Nigeria. Newsmen report that Dr. Moghalu, a lawyer and political economist was a presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2019 presidential election. He left the YPP in October 2019 and did not join any other party since then. Dr. Moghalu confessed he has received several invitations including that of the APC and PDP, however he remained determined to join progressive voices where he could add his influential voice on national issues, including the economy, nationbuilding, and governance. He was recently identified as one of the leaders of an emerging “Third Force’’. He recently served as the Special Envoy of the UN on PostCOVID Development Finance for Africa. Dr. Moghalu’s new party fielded Prof. Pat Utomi as its candidate in the 2007 presidential election. Before going to press, the African Democratic Congress Diaspora Network (ADC-DN) in collaboration with Friends of Moghalu (FOM) organized a meet and greet with Professor Dr. Kingsley Moghalu via zoom where he met and interacted with Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora. Details of that meeting would form part of our December 2021 edition. (Look forward to the statement of Dr. Moghalu to Nigerians on his vision for a new Nigeria.

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Artists recognized at Voice Award 2021

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Arts exhibition at The Voice Achievers Award 2021 in Dubai The Voice Achievers Award 2021 took place at the @ Intercontinental Festival City Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 19th September 2021 with the theme“Bridging Cultures UAE & Africa”. The celebration was hosted for the first time in an Arab country by The Voice News Magazine and I am Africa, with the kind support of KPMG Lower Gulf. The Voice Achievers Award collaborated with ‘I am Africa’ under the leadership of Her Excellency, Ambassador Laila Rahhal to foster culture and business relationships between UAE and Africa. Jesno Rengi, Founder of Art4you Gallery helped to organized a sideshow of great artists based in Dubai to have their works on display. Art4ugallery were glad to organize the Art exhibition titled “Bridge to UAE and

Africa” curated by @jesnojackson with 8 amazing artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. “I would like to extend my gratitude to HE Laila Rahhal for hosting this amazing event that build cultural and economic bridges between peoples, countries and continents. She also thanked Pastor Elvis from The Netherlands for bringing together these high profile personalities to celebrate the various cultures. Jesno also thanked her professional colleagues who accepted to participate in the exhibition. We share some photos from the event, the award ceremony opening and exhibitions by our 8 artists with their 22 artworks on theme UAE and Africa. Hope u will enjoy it and those interested to purchase art, please email us at art4you.artgallery@gmail.com Congratulations to all!

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OFFICIAL: Hon Buumba Malambo is Chairperson of Kafue District in Zambia It is official, the clan lady, Honorable Buumba Malambo made history two months ago when she contested and won the Chairman of KAFUE council elections and last month she took her oath of office alongside 18 ward councilors who would work with her to bring good governance closer to the people. She has continued to champion the course of the girl child and working hard to give equal opportunities to every girl child in her community as well as the boys. These are some pictures from her Investiture ceremony for Kafue Council Chairperson. Once again, she uses this medium to thank the people of Kafue who have given her this great and huge mandate. According to the official records, the district has over 219,000 residents. She also wishes to thank all her supporters in the Diaspora and pray that they would continue to support her people to make life more meaningful for them.

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Malambo takes oath of office and commence duties as chairperson

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By Tony O. Elumelu, C.O.N Chairman at Heirs Holdings

Some Lessons From The 2nd Edition of My Mentoring Session

t always gives me great pleasure to encourage others to be successful – in work, business – so that they can also support other people in realizing their aspirations. This is the inspiration for my quarterly mentoring session – a hybrid event that creates an intimate opportunity for young people to get acquainted with me, learn from my business expertise both milestones and failures, life philosophies, and network with other members of leadership from the Heirs Holdings group companies. My dream for these mentoring sessions is to create an enabling, no-holds-back environment for honest dialogues on what success means and how it can be achieved. During the session, I interacted with young entrepreneurs from across the world – one in particular that flew in from South Africa was engaging and my belief in Africa’s youth was energized. Indeed, they hold the power to creating the future we desire. I shared my own experiences, providing answers to their questions which I found to be deep and inspiring. I have summarized some of my points below with the hopes that whoever is reading this, can also be inspired.

The People Factor: Today’s workplace is changing, and people who master the art of bringing in the right people and the right roles will win. I cannot overemphasize the relevance of ‘people’ in driving business success. Over time, I have been asked what drives my success and it comes down to the people I work with. You need to spend time getting the right people on board. When you get them, ensure to drive a corporate culture committed to people affairs – know how to manage and reward the right people. The people factor is critical especially because the marketplace has changed; the talent pool has stronger power than businesses. For me, recruitment is very critical in setting the tone for success. I am a firm believer that commoditizing knowledge and assembling the right people dispassionately will drive business success in the current dispensation. Define your purpose and destination with time frames: I often say that I am a product of luck and hard work because these factors

are inextricable if you want to succeed. Back in the days when some colleagues and myself took over a distressed bank, we had a threetier strategy. First level was to make it viable. Second was becoming one of the top 10 banks out of over 125 banks. And thirdly was to become one of the top 3 banks in Nigeria. We developed time frames to support these ambitions, which allowed us to work stage by stage, but also meant that we had to design new intents and create new frameworks as we met our goals. Define purpose with time frames and milestones for measurement, then take the first step towards getting it done – EXECUTION. Relentlessness: For many young people, the growth phase is scary and uncertain, charged with many decisions to make and ambitions to fulfil. At this stage, it is important to define what you want to be. Do not become complacent even when you achieve your set goals; let it motivate you to the next phase. Keep coming up with new set of goals; keep stretching yourself until you conquer the world. Hard work and consistency pay off! Self-doubt is experienced by everyone: There is a famous principle I live by; only the paranoid survive. It is not bad to have doubts, but let it not limit your possibilities, but instead help you to reaffirm them. Detach yourself from every situation and look at it critically and objectively. View success and failure with impassioned eyes. Choose discipline over impulse: As an aspiring business owner, you must ask yourself the what-ifs, and deploy discipline rather than impulse to calculate the risk of any decision. Always examine the collateral damage. Investments are tricky because many people only consider the success factor. But what if you fail? You must also dimension this possibility. Differentiation matters: How do you retain a ‘first mover advantage’? You must constantly push against being complacent and know when to reinvent your business and pivot. Two and a half decades ago when myself and some colleagues set out to revamp a distressed bank, it was a saturated market. Yet, we were not discouraged, rather we put in place a unique approach and aggressively played catch up in the banking sector. Measure impact and not profit alone:

In today’s world, it is not only about profitability. Things have changed and diversified for many reasons. Around the world, increased attention to sustainability, environmental impact, inclusivity, and diversity are influencing business decisions. People are looking beyond profit; impact is as important as profit for any business. At Heirs Holdings, we advocate beyond profit because it is not the only measure of wealth. Wealth is concentrated in one person, while prosperity lifts the majority. But when we look at impact, and shared prosperity, we find a richer sense of fulfilment. This keys into our philosophy of Africapitalism that positions the private sector as a driver of socio-economic transformation. Success to all should be the blend of profit and social good. That intersection is what defines Africapitalism. Remember to tell your story: If you don’t tell your story, the world will tell it for you with its own nuances and biases. From personal experience, I learnt how critical it was to set the right message through the right channels, and to avoid public characterization. As a business leader, presenting your authenticity by yourself is important. Tip for influencing people into results: Many people talk about making the right first impression and how to win people over as quickly as possible. I would say that it is important that people immediately know who you are and your principles and philosophies because you might not get a second chance. Remember to keep things simple. Know how to ‘read the room’ and learn how to interject at the right time. Always follow the value: While many young people are faced with how to identify the right opportunity in a maze of many options, knowing how to zero in and focus on a particular opportunity at a time is important. How do you keep yourself motivated to keep breaking new records and pushing boundaries? Follow the value. Pace yourself. An enabling operating environment for our young people: I always encourage African leaders to understand the value of having a young demography that is successful. Continued on Page 24 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 23

Any nation that doesn’t prioritize its youth cannot go far. Through policy and advocacy championed by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, governments are beginning to listen. Although there are some stifling operating environments, don’t let this hold you back. Remember, as young people, you have the power to bring about positive change in society for the common good of all. A-day-in-my-life: I am inspired by discipline and hard work, especially the kind demonstrated by Michael Jackson and Steve Jobs. Both intentional and painstaking in their practice. It encourages me to do more. Steve Jobs was ambitious and his company, Apple, became the first company to cross a trillion in market capital – even in his death! Michael Jackson trained 2-3 times a day for his show ‘This Is It’ – a show he was unable to perform before his death! Look beyond the crisis: Through the pandemic, we have witnessed the birth of new ideas and businesses. Many entrepreneurs have discovered

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how to rebuild, adapt and adjust to survive. Look at the industry of COVID-19 testing and how the demand and supply of that market were non-existent before. Every challenge creates an opportunity.

Cambridge University returns a Nigerian artifact looted during a British raid to its country of origin, in a historic first.

igeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments will receive a Benin bronze cockerel from Cambridge’s Jesus College later this month -in a move the university called the “first institutional return of its kind.” The Benin bronze was given to Jesus College by a father of a student in 1905, after it was first acquired in a 1897 expedition by British forces into the historic kingdom of Benin -- now part of modern-day Nigeria -- which resulted in the looting of thousands of bronzes from the region. Following calls from the student body, the Benin bronze was removed from public display in 2016. Jesus College later established the Legacy of Slavery Working Party [LWSP] -- comprised of students and academics -- to further explore the history of the bronze, its links to the slave trade, and the

morality of owning it. In November 2019, the college announced it would be returning the bronze to Nigeria after calling it a “royal ancestral heirloom” and stating that it “belongs with the current Oba at the Court of Benin.” Cambridge University said in a statement that delegates from Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments and Benin would visit Jesus College on October 27 for a “ceremony to complete the handover process and celebrate

the rightful return of the Bronze.” In a statement to CNN, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture -- Alhaji Lai Mohammed -- said of the return: “This gesture by Jesus College is a big step on the path of restitution for the hundreds of priceless and timeless artifacts that were looted from Benin City in 1897.” “I hope this commendable action by Jesus College will spur other institutions as well as individuals in possession of Nigerian artifacts to return them voluntarily,” the Minister said. “We will not rest until all our artifacts that have been illegally taken away are returned to their homeland.” The grim truth behind Britain’s stately homes The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II said of the bronze’s return: “We are indeed very pleased and commend Jesus College for taking this lead in making restitution for the plunder that occurred in Benin in 1897. “We truly hope that others will expedite the return of our artworks which in many cases are of religious importance to us.” Sonita Alleyne, the Master of Jesus College, called the decision a “historic moment” and said it was the “right thing to do out of respect for the unique heritage and history of this artifact.” Alleyne gave thanks to the LWSP “for its diligent and careful investigation into the provenance of the Bronze” and to the “students who pioneered calls for this.” The return of the Benin bronze to Nigeria comes as momentum continues to gather for campaigns for museums, galleries and other institutions across the UK to return artifacts looted during Britain’s colonial era to their nation of origin. Britain’s imperialist monuments and looted artifacts have been facing a reckoning over the past year -- after calls to bring down statues to colonizers and to repatriate historical objects to their original homes reached a peak during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020.

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Column:

TIME TO PROMISE By Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks)

Patriotism is a good thing. The pride in ones heritage and culture, the sense in belonging and feeling good about it that creates need to defend it. The idea that one has identity and desire to keep belonging to a people, culture, a community or tribe is good feeling, a knowledge that the political class have become aware of the limitless end people would go to defend it. It’s this awareness that they [politicians] have become masters of exploiting (masters of promises). If anything, her people have created sense in facing tomorrow by holding onto endless hope of an idea that tomorrow maybe better -a vicious electorate/political cycle filled with baked lies wrapped with half-truths. In my country Kenya today, its that time of promises again. Like last time, they are out to hunt, like vultures feasting on carcasses of its people endlessly. They are not shy of their words. If anything they know it won’t come to pass, they know no one will do anything about it. They have started to parade crowds along streets of their towns, swamping villages on their motorcades shouting at the top of their voices, amplifying their gospel at top of their lungs. Dreams will be build on air, everyone will be made to feel sense of belonging to the leader from their tribe, opponents will be bad mouthed, cursed, abused, buried. The more courageous will jail criminals and terminate cartels [endless talk], shamelessly fooling the fools again. The people will smile for a minute, faded hearts will breath for a second, but in the evening like the evening before, they will go back to their deserted homes and click to their endless hope for a better tomorrow. Why aren’t we ashamed as leaders, why aren’t we ashamed as electorate. Why is the vicious cycle of false hope an upward ladder for the political class? It’s the opposite of the promises and expectation that leads one to ask the following question? Do we have committed leaders in solving this crisis? To be able to effectively answer these questions, we need to look no further; we need to look at the promises, African Leadership & Governance. What did they promise last time? Have they delivered? Africa has high prospective of societal, political, trade and industry growth based on its beautiful continent with plenty of resources, favourable whether, talent, rich culture, natural reserves, and wonders of the world and origin of civilization. Africa has the potential, a youthful demographic structure with strongest momentum for integration between the countries, making it increasingly easy and profitable for 26

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multinational companies to operate in, the many worldwide networks of investors, governmental organizations, innovators, entrepreneurs and other change makers within the sustainability and technology segment. From land resources to wildlife to crude oil and rich culture, Africa has it all-in fact, everything under the sun. Africa has a large quantity of natural resources including oil, diamonds, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver, petroleum, but also woods and tropical fruits. It has lots of its natural resources undiscovered, mismanaged or barely tapped. Having a low human density, some economists have talked about the ‘scourge of raw materials’, large quantities of rare raw materials putting Africa under heavy pressures and tensions, leading to wars. A Harvard University study showed that Africa could easily feed itself, if only it had decent governance. African Nations now need to realize the potential in young people and get awakened in supporting arts, talents and other recreations outside the school academics and syllabus. African though in its process of making has overcome a lot of challenges, from worst of wars, struggles, famine, disasters, dictatorship, poverty and illiteracy. Giving the world the same conditions for upbringing, environment, and standards of living, I bet African people will remain standing. Over the decades, African representation in sports, recreation and professional fields have equally given the world its touch of talent and ability, despite the many challenges, Africa has maintained culture of hard work and intense efforts to achieve all that the world has and can. The conditions in Africa have been degrading giving politicians good citations for promises that have become the cycle of ballot winning, promises to build infrastructure, grow GDP, create employment and better medical facilities are the every other African politician story to get back power after every leadership cycle. Most governments have now promised free this and that, opportunities, services, freedom, equity, economic growth, peace and stability –all on a silver platter. Competition for promises in Africa is a game and order of the day. Politicians outdo each other publicly. In this continent, one can promise Africans anything possible humanly speaking and get away with. Political campaigns are accompanied by illiterate means of communication, looting of properties, burning of houses while giving opportunities to thieves and criminals to loot. Often manipulating the police force. Civil servants are promised salary increment, political opponents are bought out, true democratic changers are

intimidated, and some die mysteriously while farmers are promised seeds, fertilizers and better trade policies. Youths have become the main targets with job opportunity promises; graduates are given hope for credible upcoming positions. Political leader’s aspirants walk from door to door, village to village, with long queues of desperate youths. Willing and able youth leaders who have the potential but penniless are left with few followers while their aging fathers (political class) promise them of leadership tomorrow, a tomorrow that has never come. Mothers are won equally as easy, with few packets of flour, they vote any candidate in. While African politics are said to be dirty, the society has accepted these ideology and any reasonable leader is questioned to stay off the dirty game as opposed to servant hood. While the rest of leadership opportunities are regarded as minute due to lack of empowerment and finances, the continent has suffered both politically and development wise with increased survival struggles. Matters of importance like education, health, clean water, agriculture and industrialization are politicized. Citizens walk in and out of politicians’ offices seeking for appointment that do not mature. Those who seek for the promised cake always give up before they get it due to bureaucratic headache that come with the appointments. Until the next election, politicians disappear before they show up again with new list of promises before they disappear to appear again, and that is if they manage to get back on ballot paper- power. Promises in Africa continent are the keys to political offices; those promises have no planning, control, and monitoring or even evaluation. Media houses concentrate on political games instead of telling the citizens the previous records of these people. New generations come and go, promises are

Column recycled, and opponents use each other’s unkept previous promises to win crowds –a recycle that repeat itself just before ballot day. Although there have been some signs

of progress in Africa, particularly on education and on the spread of democratic institutions, there are more deepseated problems that aid alone cannot deal with even if the aid kept flooding in. These include extremely habits of greed, tribalism, poor leadership, poorly maintained government’s projects, inner wars and conflicts of the people, over-dependence on imports as opposed to creating own industries that have depreciated the African currency. Majority of its citizens survive on hand to mouth aid from western economies, increasing the dependence syndrome and slowing down of capital accumulation and economic growth. As I put my pen down, I wonder if you - the reader will vote in change

“Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks) is a graduate with B. A degree in Integrated Community Development, since his college days, he has continued to champion community programs on capacity building and eventually founding United Global Volunteers International, with twelve years of experience as an expert in Community Development, he is also the Founder of Kollywood Horizons - media Business, he also organizes World Volunteer Day (WVD) every 5th of December in Kenya, creating awareness on the need to grow volunteer culture and helps community institutions to get free experts & volunteers to assist solve community problems while experts get opportunity to re-learn and get exposure through various programs across targeting Grassroot capacity building. Jimmy has been awarded by Kenyan government (2010) receiving Good Samaritan honorary award presided by the then speaker of national assembly, Hon. Kenneth Marende. He has also been awarded by Daystar University as the youngest servant leader impacting communities” www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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The global tumbling of oil fortunes and the shift to sustainable energy

he shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is becoming more urgent as climate change impacts force the world to respond.. The handwriting is boldly declaring that the burning of fossil fuels have taken up carbon budget and wrapped the earth with a thick blanket of greenhouse gasses that have resulted in the hottest days in recent history. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and Health of Mother Health Foundation (HOMEF) cohosted a public forum on the theme “What after Oil, Climate and Environmental Resilience in Extractive Communities” to discuss the implication of waning oil fortunes for the Nigerian economy as well as oil field communities. Nnimmo Bassey in his welcome address stated that “While climate change is a global crisis, we cannot deny the fact that we face peculiar impacts at both national and sub-national levels. For one, the global shift towards more sustainable energy technologies is bound to provoke a precipitous reduction in global demand for hydrocarbon fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. With nearly 86 per cent of Nigeria’s export value coming from fossil fuels, the global energy transition will have profound effects on our economy. The prospects of a zero-carbon future will also have a far reaching environmental, social, and governance impact on Nigeria. Most affected by this will be the improvised extractive communities who have been treated as sacrificial zones since the first commercial Oil well was sunk in Olobiri 65 years ago. The impacts of climate change are already being experienced through sea-level rise and coastal erosion. These impacts are multiplied by the massive pollution whose intensity going by NOSDRA report amounted to 1,300spills or an average of 5 spills a day in year 2018 and 2019.” The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Amara Nwankpa of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation. Panellists included Mr Nnimmo Bassey, Director HOMEF, Martha Agbani Executive Director Lokiaka Community Development Centre, Dr Lanre Shasoru Representative from the VP office and Bekeme Masade-aolowola Chief Executive, CSR-inAction. The panelists expressed their thoughts on the neglect faced

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by the community and proffered solutions on what should be done. Martha Agbani who spoke on behalf of communities noted that ‘’The Niger Delta is a disaster zone due to high levels of environmental pollution.” She decried the high level of deforestation in the area and opined that there were cases of desertification also due to the pollution that has made it impossible for vegetation to thrive. She also spoke of the ubiquitous the gas flares, and pollution which has led to poverty, hunger and violence. She noted that the area has very low life expectancy due to the poisoned water, air and land. Bekeme Masade-Olowola of CSR in Action noted that although there has been some improvement in the way the oil companies operate, they still perform poorly on all sustainability indices. “There is room for more improvement” she said, adding that the Petroleum Industry Act may provide some impetus for changes. From the office of the Vice President, the representative Dr Lanre Shasore noted that the visit of the Vice President to the Niger Delta yielded useful information. “One thing we found in the Niger Delta is that there is a great deal of oil pollution and environmental degradation in that area, and we also have intervened in those areas as regards things to be done in terms of remediation. In 2010-2014, over 7 trillion Naira was invested in the region. Since the tour of the Vice President to the Niger Delta many things have been done to improve the area. There have been the implementation of the Ogoni clean-up and the introduction of modular refinery and the PIA which will address issues of the host communities. As we prepare to put an end to oil, it is easy to divest from oil but

it will affect us and our livelihoods. We will like to see a continuation of oil but not to the detriment of the Niger Delta communities as we want to promote a safe environment. Nigeria is not ready for the end of oil we are a gas community, this is what we live for and as long as it is safe for our community we should continue. The world has taken the position to move away from oil but they are not discussing this position with us, and they do not seem to want to take us along as they end oil.’’ Dr Nnimmo Bassey while responding to the question on the end of oil stated that “Nigeria had the warning before now and we have had enough time to move from fossil fuels to cleaner energy but apparently not much has been done. We do not see indications that we are taking the matter as seriously as we ought to. There are vast numbers of Nigerians who do not have energy today, and yet gas flaring continues unabated. Government keeps ignoring its deadlines to end gas flaring and there is no serious reason to believe that the practice will end in 2030 as the government has announced. Oil companies are beginning to divest from onshore fields and are moving further offshore because they wish to be unaccountable for their polluting activities and wish to pay less royalties to the

government.” Bassey also enumerated the pitfalls in the PIA and the fact that communities will not be better off with its coming into being. The forum pushed for a just transit away from fossil fuels as further investment in the sector amounts to climate change denial. The forum also recommended investment in cleaning up the Niger Delta and in building resilience in the area. It was recommended that the loss of revenue from exploiting new oil fields can be offset by stopping oil theft. In her closing remarks the Regional director Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye, noted that oil will not completely disappear from the soil, but if we do a proper planning, the transition from oil will not affect the country or the region the way the transitioning from agriculture and others left affected communities impoverished. “If oil companies cannot be held responsible before the divestment, how do we intend to hold them when they have left?” She asked rhetorically. If we look at the fact oil may be relevant in the next 30/40 years from today but oil companies are divesting, civil societies should change their language and the manner in which they engage the system in ways that yield positive outcomes. By HOMEF

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Speech for Bridging Economies between (UAE & Africa) presented at the Voice Achievers Award in Dubai, UAE 2021 by Shaikha Dr. Fatimah Tagwai Aji – FCMA, GOOA

ahim, in the name of Allah the Beneficent the merciful The Special Guests of Honor, His Royal highness, Shaikh Mohamed bin Ahmed bin hamdan al Nahyan, Your Excellences, my fellow Award recipients, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. All protocols observed. It is a big pleasure to share this moment with all of you here present and all others watching through live streaming from around the world. The Voice Achievers Award ceremony is an international event that has brought us here together from all walks of life. I am singularly honored to be part of this memorable occasion, with high and mighty personalities here present are signifying other major business connections in Dubai while appreciating the event organizers by Her Excellency, Laila Ranhal El Atfani, the founder & President of Business Gate and I Am Africa Organization and Ambassador Elvis Iruh, The President / Chief Editor of The Voice News Magazine, The Voice Achievers Award Committee 202, Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow; His Excellency, former Vice President of Kenya, Dr. Kalonzo Muysoka, Her Excellency, Honorable Dr Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay just to mention few names. Dubai is the City of Merchants and International business people, currently is the gateway for African multi-billiondollar imports, the opportunity UAE offers to the world and international organizations that base themselves here for operations throughout Africa is immense. The country offers the perfect combination of connectivity, infrastructure including governmental support for these organizations, where their business runs across multiple African markets and the need for connectivity and mobility is paramount. 34

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There is no doubt that the UAE is an important trading partner for Africa. Hence, the economic relations between other countries and Africa must look beyond and Africa it is important to note, favorable economic policies adopted by many African countries have also attracted foreign investments. A demand that is being met by many Dubai

based enterprises. Dubai’s transformation from into high-tech metropolis within just a few decades has been astounding. Today it leads the way for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and stands out as the premier business and communications hub for the region, as well as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa as we all know oil plays a far less prominent role in Dubai than it used to, an exemplary experience African countries must take into consideration, specifically not to be left out of this new global business development. Remarkably, from a peak of 410,000 barrels/day in 1991, production has fallen back to between 50,000 and 70,000 barrels/day, and now accounts for about four per cent of

GDP. Reserves are likely to be exhausted within the next twenty years. Because of the foregoing forecast a decade ago, Dubai made the decision to diversify its economy through trade, tourism, and property development. All these are paying off significantly. My business, Taajitell, learnt through trial and error how valuable basing ourselves in Dubai would be for the business. Our team on the ground here, have been able to bridge business providing operations on the best products for our markets; being in such a connected, international market they had an insight into what consumers wanted that we didn’t have in Africa, so we quickly began to design our strategy and product offering based on what was happening in the UAE. In fact, we have the next generation of ecommerce business being designed for the two continents. Africa is well endowed with all forms of renewable energy resources – hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and even marine energy; yet today we are in a situation where the total installed electricity capacity in Africa is only about 160 gigawatts. Refreshing the point regarding whether African governments are making sufficient efforts. The answer is yes. There are several initiatives on the ground. Gains have also been made on other fronts such as in governance. An improved business environment has contributed to investor interest and confidence. More economies in Africa have improved their regulatory environment compared to any other region. Regional integration also offers wider and integrated markets and cost efficiencies can be leveraged by tackling infrastructure, deficits, collectively. Overall, Africa is making good progress in terms of regional integration, but we must make sure that integration efforts continue.

I enjoin us here present to commence the next Bridging Economies between UAE & Africa UAE to consider African Investors and U A E to invest in some African projects My appreciation and thanks goes to the voice achievers award Committee 2021 Thank you for your time and Allah bless you all

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Cabinet compensates higher energy bill with about 400 euros per household

he outgoing cabinet is taking measures to partly compensate for the higher energy bill, State Secretary Dilan Yesilgöz (Economic Affairs and Climate) reports. This is an average of about 400 euros per household. Rising gas prices threaten to increase the energy bill for households and businesses. An average household without a fixed energy contract may have to pay 900 euros more next year. Yesilgöz calls the compensation offered a “substantial compensation”. The government will, among other things, reduce the tax on energy. For example, each household receives an extra tax reduction of 230 euros. This amount is the same for everyone. Electricity tax rates will also be reduced. How much this yields depends on consumption.

It has therefore not been decided to lower the tax rate for gas. “In our country, those rates (for gas and electricity, ed.) are linked. For households it hardly matters (which button you turn, ed.), because the electricity price is also rising,” explains Yesilgöz. According to the minister, small companies can benefit more from lowering the tariff for electricity. Compensation also ends up with people who don’t need it In recent weeks, the cabinet has been thinking about how the compensation will reach the right households. Especially people in poorly insulated houses with variable contracts will see their energy bills rise. Nevertheless, the compensation is now reaching everyone. “It had to be good and quick to implement,” said Yesilgöz in an explanation. “We would have preferred to be as specific as possible, but I can’t look at people’s front doors to see what kind of contract they have. That’s why we come up with this package.”

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These are measures for a year. They are expected to come into effect on January 1, 2022. Also more money for faster insulation of homes An extra 150 million euros will also be earmarked for insulating houses, reports outgoing minister Kajsa Ollongren (Internal Affairs). This money is in addition to the amount that has already been made available with Prinsjesdag. “It is important that people can do something immediately, namely insulate. We want to make this as easy as possible by using existing counters of the municipalities,” says Ollongren. The intention is that the money mainly ends up in households with poorly insulated houses. The cabinet leaves the precise implementation to the municipalities, but says that issuing vouchers is an option. The cabinet is allocating a total of 3.2 billion euros: 2.7 billion euros in compensation for households and 500 million euros for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Arrests for illegal possession of weapons at a residential protest in Rotterdam

t the housing demonstration in Rotterdam, eight people were arrested by the police for incitement, insult and prohibited possession of weapons. After the arrests, calm returned. Under the motto ‘Houses for people, not for profit’, about seven thousand people from the country gathered in Rotterdam on Sunday for a protest under the name Woonopstand. It was the second major protest after Amsterdam last month, where 15,000 people gathered. During the manifestation in the Afrikaanderpark there were several speakers, including people who have found themselves in a pinch in the current housing market. This was followed by a parade through South Rotterdam. Participants then

walked via the Erasmus Bridge towards the end point of the demonstration at the Markthal in the center of the city. During a demonstration on the Erasmus Bridge, the police had to intervene in the afternoon. A group of more than fifty people was included. They were taken away in an empty tram. Some of the protesters shouted that those arrested should be released. The organizers said in advance they hoped for the participation of ten to fifteen thousand demonstrators. These have formulated nine requirements to improve the living situation. They demand, among other things, the right to affordable housing, greater availability of housing, more investment in public housing, less market forces and lower rents.

Night train between Amsterdam and Zurich starts on December 12

he overnight train connecting Amsterdam and Zurich will begin on December 12. The Nightjet Zurich will travel from Amsterdam to Utrecht, and continue on to Basel before reaching its destination of Zurich. The train will depart nightly at 8:30 p.m. and will arrive 11 hours and 25 minutes later in Zurich at 8:05 a.m. It will be the first overnight train service between the two cities since 2016. It first became clear that the night train route to Zurich was under consideration last August. A month later Along the way, the train makes 18 stops in cities such as Arnhem, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Frankfurt. In the opposite direction, the Nightjet arrives in Amsterdam at 9:14 a.m. every day. The first ticket sales started this week via nsinternational. com. Prices range from €38 for a seat, from €50 for a bunk, and from €90 for a sleeping compartment. Each sleeping compartment has its own bathroom and breakfast is included for passengers who purchase a bunk. The train also has room

to bring your bicycle aboard. “After the return of the night train route to Vienna, the Netherlands was connected again to the European night train network since May of this year. The night train is a climatefriendly and popular way to travel internationally. With the night train to Zurich, we are once again adding a direct connection to a European city on our timetable,” said Marjan Rintel, CEO of Dutch national railway NS. Several test runs from Switzerland to the Netherlands are taking place leading up to the first trip. Together with its partners SBB, ÖBB, and DB, NS will put the finishing touches on the trains and have them ready for operation in December. More night train routes could also be launched the next couple of years. It was previously reported that Amsterdam, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki were considering an overnight rail service connecting the cities. However, another proposed route between Malmo and Brussels was unlikely to launch next year as planned.

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

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Nobel Literature Prize 2021: Abdulrazak Gurnah named winner

anzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah said he was “surprised and humbled” to be awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature. The Swedish Academy praised Gurnah for his “uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism”.

refugee in the late 1960s. He was Professor of English and Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent, Canterbury, until his recent retirement. Gurnah is the first black African author to have won the award since Wole Soyinka in 1986. He said his award would mean ssues such as the refugee crisis and colonialism, which he has experienced, will be “discussed”. “These are things that are with us every day. People are dying, people are being hurt around the world - we must deal with these issues in the most kind way,” he said. ‘Much more violent’ “I came to England when these words, such as asylum-seeker, were not quite the same - more people are struggling and running from terror states.

The prize is awarded by the Swedish Academy and is worth 10 million Swedish crowns ($1.14m / £840,000). Gurnah, 73, is the author of 10 novels, including Paradise and Desertion. ‘Dedication to truth’ He said how grateful he was to the academy, adding: “It’s just great - its just a big prize, and such a huge list of wonderful writers - I am still taking it in. “It was such a complete surprise that I really had to wait until I heard it announced before I could believe it.” Paradise, published in 1994, told the story of a boy growing up in Tanzania in the early 20th Century and was nominated for the Booker Prize, marking his breakthrough as a novelist. “Abdulrazak Gurnah’s dedication to truth and his aversion to simplification are striking,” the Nobel Committee for Literature said in a statement. “His novels recoil from stereotypical descriptions and open our gaze to a culturally diversified East Africa unfamiliar to many in other parts of the world.” “[His] characters find themselves in a hiatus between cultures and continents, between a life that was and a life emerging; it is an insecure state that can never be resolved.” Born in Zanzibar in 1948, Gurnah arrived in England as a

“The world is much more violent than it was in the 1960s, so there is now greater pressure on the countries that are safe, they inevitably draw more people.” In an interview in 2016, when asked if he would call himself an “author of postcolonial and/or world literature”, Gurnah replied: “I would not use any of those words. I wouldn’t call myself a something writer of any kind. “In fact, I am not sure that I would call myself anything apart from my name. I guess, if somebody challenges me, that would be another way of saying, ‘Are you a... one of these...?’ I would probably say ‘no’. Precisely, I don’t want that part of me having a reductive name.” The Nobel Prizes, which have been awarded since 1901, recognise achievement in literature, science, peace and latterly economics. Past winners have included novelists such as Ernest Hemingway, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Toni Morrison, poets such as Pablo Neruda, Joseph Brodsky and Rabindranath Tagore, and playwrights including Harold Pinter and Eugene O’Neill. Former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill won for his memoirs, Bertrand Russell for his philosophy and Bob Dylan for his lyrics. Last year’s award was won by American poet Louise Gluck. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

President Adama Barrow prepares for elections in The Gambia: Second term on the agenda By Our Reporter

he Gambia’s President Adama Barrow is formally a candidate for the presidential election of 4th December 2021, there is no doubt that the outgoing head of state intends to win a second term wearing the colours of his newly launched party which came into existence in December 2019. Ever since forming the political party, he has continued to build political blocks to ensure that his reelection goes smoothly but it does not seem that way so far. His former alliance party, United Democratic Party and other independent candidates are working hard to see that the President is not reelected in the forthcoming elections. President Adama Barrow was born 15th February 1965. He is Real estate developer and a politician who is the third and current President of the Gambia since 2017 after contentious elections which his predecessor refused to hand over until he was forced to flee the country. He attended the local Koba Kunda primary school, and then Crab Island Secondary School in Banjul. He then received a scholarship to study at the Muslim High School. After leaving school, he worked for Alhagie Musa Njie & Sons, a Gambian energy company, and rose through the ranks to become a sales manager. In the early 2000s, he moved to London where he studied for qualifications in real estate. Concurrently, he worked as a security guard at a local Argos store in order to finance his studies. He later described these experiences as formative, saying “Life is a

process, and the UK helped me to become the person I am today. Working 15 hours a day builds a man.” After returning to the Gambia in 2006, he founded Majum Real Estate and was its CEO until 2016. He became the treasurer of the United Democratic Party, an opposition 40

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party, and then became its leader in September 2016 after the previous leader was jailed. President Barrow was then chosen as the UDP candidate in the 2016 presidential election. It was later announced that he would stand as an independent with the backing of the opposition group Coalition 2016 (a coalition supported by the UDP and six other parties). President Barrow won the 2016 presidential election with 43.34% of the vote, defeating long-time incumbent Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh initially accepted the result, but later reneged on this, and President Barrow was forced to flee to neighbouring Senegal. He was inaugurated at the Gambian embassy in Senegal on 19 January 2017, and Jammeh was forced to leave the Gambia and went into exile on 21 January while President Barrow returned to the Gambia on 26 January. On 12 June 2019, he received The Great Builder Super Prize award which is The Africa Road Builders Babacar Ndiaye Trophy. This was for his leadership in building the Senegambia Bridge. President Adama Barrow started his political career with the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) headed by his current Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat Bah together with the current Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader, Mamma Kandeh. However, in 2007, he parted ways with the NRP and joined the UDP when Bah advised him not to contest against their former colleague Mamma Kandeh who had cross-carpeted to the ruling APRC. President Barrow lost the election to Kandeh but he maintained a

Barrow asked for the ECOWAS troops to stay for six months. A crowd in the hundreds was waiting at Banjul International Airport to welcome him home. On 18 February 2017 President Barrow took the oath of office a second time, within the Gambia, at an inauguration ceremony held at Independence Stadium in Bakau outside the capital Banjul. Human rights and other reforms On 28 January 2017, President Barrow announced that the official long-form name of the Gambia would be reverted from Islamic Republic of The Gambia to Republic of The Gambia, reverting a change made by Jammeh in 2015. He also said that he would ensure freedom of the press in the country. On 14 February, Gambia began the process

low profile until his election as President of the Gambia in 2016. In the election, Barrow won with 43.34% of the vote, defeating Yahya Jammeh (who received 39.6%) and thirdparty candidate Mama Kandeh (who received 17.1%). During the campaign, he promised to return the Gambia to its membership of the Commonwealth of Nations and the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. He also promised to reform security forces, pledging to increase professionalism and separate them from politics. He also said that he would set up a temporary transition government formed of members from the opposition coalition and would step down within three years. Partly these promises had not been kept to the letter and some are disappointed but according to the President, it takes more time to restructure the rebuild the country after 22 years under dictatorial rulership. On 26 January, President Barrow returned to the Gambia, while about 2,500 ECOWAS troops remained there to stabilize the country. President

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of returning to its membership of the Commonwealth of Nations. In his inaugural address on 18 February 2017, President Barrow announced that he had ordered the release of all persons detained without trial under the repressive regime of Yahya Jammeh. A total of 171 prisoners held in the Gambia’s infamous Mile 2 Prison were set free. President Barrow pledged to have the Gambia end human rights violations and cancelled the pending withdrawal of the Gambia from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court . On 23 March, Justice Minister Abubacarr Tambadou announced that a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission would offer reparations to victims of former President Yahya Jammeh’s government. On 21 September 2017, a few hours after his maiden speech at the UN General Assembly, President Barrow signed a treaty abolishing the death penalty as part of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. He also signed the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the United Nations Convention on Transparency in TreatyBased Investor-State Arbitration and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. National Intelligence Agency reform On 28 January 2017, President Barrow announced that he would rename and restructure the country’s intelligence agency, the National Intelligence Agency, pointing out its association with the oppressive regime of Yahya Jammeh. He said the NIA was “an institution that has to continue”, but added “the rule of the law, that will be the order of the day”. He said that additional training would be given to NIA operatives. Other decisions

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The ban on gambling enforced by Jammeh was lifted by President Barrow in May 2017, in an effort to attract investors and create employment opportunities. Foreign policy In February 2017, one of President Barrow’s first foreign policy actions was to overturn the decision made by Jammeh in October 2016 to leave the International Criminal Court. The process was formalized by a letter sent by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on 10 February, with the government expressing its commitment “to the promotion of human rights”, and to “the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”. On 8 February 2018, President Barrow became a Commonwealth head of government, as the Gambia reverted to being a Commonwealth republic, which was the case from April 1970 to October 2013. The Gambian government under President Barrow however has taken strong stand against protests saying it is “subversive, violent and illegal movement. President Barrow responded to the protests by saying “No one can force him to leave the presidency before 2021,” and a group known as “Five-Years Jotagul” supports President Barrow to stay for a full fiveyear term and President Barrow says he believes the constitution requires him to serve a full five-year term.

Ethnic identity and views on tribalism President Adama Barrow has been reported to be a member of the Fula ethnic group, which is the second largest ethnic group in the Gambia (the largest being the Mandinka). He has also been reported to be Mandinka, President Barrow himself declared in a meeting in Niamina West that he is a Fula. He grew up speaking the Fula language in a village and district that are primarily Fula, and both of his wives are Fula. When asked about the topic and his views on what he envisions for the Gambia, he said he has mixed ethnic background and that he is not a tribalist. According to him he runs an inclusive government that represents the whole country where tribalism will not have a place. “I am the least tribalist person you will ever see. I have mixed ethnic blood in me. I am a Sarahule, Mandinka and Fula. Two of my sisters from the same mum and dad are married to Jolas. So tribe is an not important issue. What is important is that we are all Gambians and should unite and work for the progress of our country. Personal life

President Barrow is a Muslim and says that his faith guides his life and politics. He practices polygamy and has two wives, Fatoumatta Bah and Sarjo Mballow. Both wives are from the Fula ethnic group. With his wives, he has four children. It would be recalled that he loses his eight-yearold son, Habibu Barrow who died after being bitten by a dog on 15 January 2017. Barrow could not attend his son’s funeral because, following ECOWAS recommendations, he was in Senegal where he had escaped the post-electoral trouble. He is a fan of the English football club Arsenal. His support for the team started in the early 2000s when he was residing in the United Kingdom. This election is a test of how strong the democratic principles has become in the Gambia, it would be the first election to be held after the removal of former President by military threat and sanctions. Many Gambians spoken to thinks President Barrow deserve more time to finish the good work he has started in the country.

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In memory of the person dr. h.c. Harold E. Robles at our locations T

he South African board has decided to hang a beautiful picture of Harold with a beautiful text as a tribute at all locations of the Health Promoters. All future locations will also hang this picture. In this way we want to immortalize Harold within our organization and that every newcomer knows who founded this organization. Around Harold’s birthday, October 8, the photo will be hung in a frame. On the day itself, the team in South Africa will also meet to discuss the past period without Harold and we focus on our future plans. We are looking forward to that with great plans and there is a great team in South Africa and in the Netherlands who want to put their shoulders to the wheel to make this a success together. Harold’s name will also be associated with the Golf4 Health. An award was made for this last year. This award will be linked to the Golf4Health Donation Challenge. As with the Roparun, the teams will be asked to raise money. At Golf4Health we have only added an extra dimension to this and that is that the team can win an experience with a well-known Dutchman. That can be a performance by Lou Prince, workshop by Olga Commandeur or a boat trip with Klaas Wilting through the harbor of Alkmaar and possibly. Amsterdam yet. When the Donation Challenge exceeds € 25,000, the individual prize is released and that is for the person who raised the most. For this winner is the

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Harolds Award, which also includes two tickets to South Africa. There will be a visit to the Health Promoters, you will get a look ‘in the kitchen’ and you can also enjoy the beautiful country of South Africa. By participating in the Golf4Health you can win a unique experience. In this way we connect Harold Robles to our locations and the event that will be organized in the future in Curaçao, South Africa and at several locations in the Netherlands.

Meet - Lalela Mswane, inspirational newly crowned Miss South Africa 2021 from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The 24-year-old trailblazer holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Pretoria, making her the second winner in succession from the same institution after her predecessor Shudufhadzo Musida. “I possess the compassion, tenacity, leadership and people skills which render me a worthy title holder. With a willing heart, an open mind and an eagerness to learn and grow, it would be an absolute honour to reign as Miss South Africa 2021,” said Lalela Mswane.

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Friends of Hands off our Girls Fundraising event in USA was a huge success!

he Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai and staff, friends of the Hands Off our Girls, including Professor Judith Kuriansky of Colombia University, Gordon Tapper, President of United African Congress in the United States, pulled off a massive heart throbbing fundraising event for the ongoing hospital projects for girls in Sierra Leone by the First Lady, at the Wyndham Hotel, college park, U.S.A. The event brought together Sierra Leoneans from all works of life and from different states in America, including those that had their lineage traced to Sierra Leone and foreigners that love, admire and support the amazing, exceptional, result oriented and impactful work the First Lady of Sierra Leone continue to do for every girl in the country. Delivering a Keynote Address at the event, His Excellency Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio congratulated the First Lady for daring to be different by choosing a campaign that is most often frowned at and attracts lots of criticism, yet she has carried it with authenticity and passion, remaining focus on the wellbeing and future of a category that constitutes more than half of the country’s population. President Bio made a clarion call to every Sierra Leonean in the diaspora to return home and invest in their country, whether physical investment or through their expertise in passing down knowledge to others back home, as it is only when the human body is capacitated that it can function well and fend for itself. According to H.E, Sierra Leone has come a long way in terms of progress and there is a silver lining that will soon be realized, as good things happen gradually, and his government is on the journey of ensuring Sierra Leone has a sustainable development progress and regain the common things and glory lost over the years. He pledged to always put Sierra Leone above all

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else and work for the common good of the country and its citizenry, as Sierra Leone is blessed with bright minds and resources, but has been underutilized for far too long by exploiters who just care about taking the resources out of the country and not empowering or developing the people. First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio being the anchor bearer and face of the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign that is undeniable the most popular, influential and talked about initiate drive in Africa, thanked the organizers for putting together such a remarkable and purposeful event, while noting that the ceremony wasn’t to celebrate, but rather to continue the conversation of the protection of girls in Sierra Leone and creating a pathway for them to thrive on and be their own inspiration. She explained her ongoing hospital project at the 34 Military Hospital for girls’ safety and efficient medical attention, noting the hospital is one of the most trusted medical facilities and government referral hospitals in the

country, whose swift response in crises or outbreak in the country like Ebola, cholera, and Covid-19 cannot be overemphasized. According to Madam First Lady, there is currently the construction of a Julius Maada Bio Center for Excellence for rape victims\ survivors, an administrative building, and the reconstruction of a 100 bed pediatric ward facility, a new nursing school, the Male and Female surgical wards, Private wards and Maternity wards going on in the hospital campus. She disclosed, the Julius Maada Bio Center for Excellence shall comprise of an outpatient and inpatient department, five wards, two theatres, a lab, conference room for research and training, and an administrative department, where relevant authorities in the fight against rape such as the police, Family support unit, rainbow initiative, medical examiners, the judiciary, and social counsellors will all have representatives in the building, as it will give survivors the opportunity to explain only once their encounter in front of all state actors responsible to work on the case, rather than having to explain the same ordeal each time they are at one institution or the other. For being a feminist Leader and the First President in Africa to champion the courses of women and girls and take stringent actions against perpetrators of child molesters and pedophiles, First Lady joined the audience to applaud His Excellency for his legacy left so far in the hearts of every Sierra Leonean, while encouraging citizens in the diaspora to go home and

give back to their country, at a time the country has a listening President that focuses on investing in human capital development. She maintained, that proceeds from the Fundraising should go into building materials and other hospital equipment and receipts be given to them for collection and completion of the work in Sierra Leone, while maintaining she will not receive any form of cash donations from the event. Sierra Leonean U.S based Tennis player twins, Francis and Franklin Tiafoe, founder of Shine on Sierra Leone, Tiffany Persons and a Hollywood Actress Rosario Dawson, German-Sierra Leonean motivational speaker and entrepreneur Thaddeus Koroma, all gave heartwarming speeches of their personal admiration and utter respect for the work the First Lady does and how willing they are to support and work with her on such emotional and realistic subject, as they look forward to return to Sierra Leone to do their bits in investing in their motherland. Other highlights of the event, included the donation of a multifunctional covid-19 checking kiosk machine by the founder of SBTS Group, Evelyn Lewis, performances by Sierra Leonean Artists in the U.S, Manzu and M.D.G, and an award presented to Her Excellency by the founder of the Hot Gus network, for her tenacity and intentionality in the protection of girls in the country. Strategic Communication Division Office of The First Lady Info@officeofthefirstlady.gov.sl +232 303 68273

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Mama Dorcas rest at 81 Matriarch of the Onyibe clan goes home The remaining surviving of the Onyibe children, Dorcas Etareri (Nee Onyibe) has gone to join her ancestors and find rest in the blossom of creator, the Almighty God. With a very heavy heart but total submission to our heavenly father’s will, the children and family announces the passing unto glory of their beloved, peaceful and kind hearted mother, Madam Dorcas Onyibe Etareri. He took her last breath in United States of America where she has for few years now lived with her children, in-laws and grand children. Her local church and all those who knew and met her loved her. A prayerful woman of God. She was looking forward to returning to Nigeria before the corona pandemic obstructed her plans. However her remains would be flown back to her home country and be laid to rest in Nigeria.

Funeral arrangements are in top gear and according to the family sources; she would be laid to rest on 27th November 2021 in Delta State of Nigeria. Through various social media handles, the family has continued to receive condolence messages and sweet comments of how mama Dorcas has enriched their lives and lived a fulfilled life. She was 81 years plus before her death. Rest on Mama Dorcas. It was a blessing to know you and enjoyed your motherly love. God bless the Onyibes and Etareris, particularly your children, Matthew Etateri, Patience Onelife Onyemanke, Henry Etareri, Edna Macualey, Anne Olusanwo, Nathaniel Etareri, Rachel Rovner, Esther Lipke & Sylvester Agbator (twins)

Signed: Pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh On behalf of the Iruh family

Madam Dorcas Etareri (Nee Onyibe) www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

How Ugandan pupils are twarting Covid-19 effects and becoming future entrepreneurs Text and pictures: Martha Nalukenge

he outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic caused numerous disruptions all over the world. As such mankind had to quickly adapt to the ‘new normal’ to be able to survive. A group of school going pupils from Uganda, after having to relocate to the countryside, decided to make the best out of a bad situation by accompanying their parents to their daily hustle. As a result, they not only get to earn some money, but they’ve also been able to acquire some necessary entrepreneurial skills. In my home country of Uganda, school going children were not spared from the effects of the pandemic. Thousands of them were left roaming in the streets while others were confined to their homes where often, they would be subjected to adverse conditions such as domestic violence and child labor. With the financial burden on these children’s parents and guardians increasing, they had to think outside the box to

be able to put food on the table. There are countless stories of how people who previously had white collar jobs, resorting to doing odd jobs just to survive. The Unusual Brick Making Site In a desperate attempt to survive, many urban dwellers decided to relocate to their rural areas where the cost of living is not as high as in towns and cities. A brick-laying site in Kyabumba-Buwanga Sub-County in Masaka city, Southwestern Uganda, is buzzing with activity. The presence of many underage children at the site actively taking part in the activity alongside adults immediately grabs one’s attention. From the look of things, one might suspect that these children are being subjected to child labor. But no, that isn’t the case. One might then wonder how these children ended up at this site. We came to find out that the parents to some of these children were urban dwellers who had just relocated to the countryside. Being new to the ‘village life’, they would follow their parents everywhere, even to the site. Soon enough, children being children, they became bored of just sitting around and doing nothing. So, they decided to help their parents carry out some of the simpler tasks at the site. Not long after, they had already mastered the entire brick making process. ‘Accidental Entrepreneurs?’ Noticing that their children had learnt a lot and were showing a lot of interest in brick making, the adults agreed to assign portions to them where they laid their bricks separate from the adults. With the guidance of their parents

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the children formed groups. Tasks were assigned to each group member in order to easily achieve their target. Shortly after, they were able to successfully churn out their first products which were ready for sale. Luckily, they didn’t find any challenges since their products are of good quality and the demand for bricks was high at the time. This motivated them to make even more bricks and they have never looked back since. These children were also able to decide on how they would manage the proceeds from their sweat. They came to an understanding and agreed to equally share every penny earned from the sale of their bricks. Indeed, that’s an admirable business management skill being instilled in them at such a tender age. The Outcome The children at the site have been able to make some money for themselves without having to stress their already overburdened parents. The activity has also kept them busy hence protecting them from distractive activities such as drug abuse and idling in the streets. They have also been able to acquire basic business skills as they are now able to identify markets for their products and also negotiate with the buyers. Most importantly, they have acquired a life skill that they will most likely use to survive in the future unlike their other colleagues who might not have any skills at all. However, it has not been all rosy for these children. They report that sometimes the bricks get over burnt hence breaking easily, with their customers shunning such products. Adverse weather conditions also affects their quality. Nonetheless, they contend that they have and will continue beating the odds.

The parents at Kyabumba-Buwanga have done their part in transferring more than just brick making skills to their children, skills which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. This is typical ‘teaching a child how to fish.’ Over to you fellow parents! Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/ viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versaglobal/ Story by Martha Nalukenge

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How the government is resurrecting for the public good By Sarah Haaij

state that cares, educates and, where necessary, absorbs the blows of the corona crisis. The call for a strong, active government is growing louder worldwide because of the pandemic. Support for the public sector seems to have made a comeback – but do we also see that in development aid? The vaccination gap is growing by the day. Not only do rich countries steal the corona vaccines from the noses of less prosperous countries, the vaccines that end up in developing countries cannot always be used. For example, South Sudan had to destroy 59,000 doses of AstraZeneca because the short-term expiration date had already passed. Other African countries also sent thousands of doses that could not be processed on time back to donors. The causes differ per country and place. In Congo, for example, not only did the poor infrastructure kill the vaccination campaign, but – just like elsewhere – a deluge of fake news made sure that people do not want to be vaccinated.

unfairly, steal resources intended for the pandemic, the government cannot be trusted to provide accurate Covid statistics, cannot provide safe vaccines, and officials are using the pandemic to increase their own power. Call for strong state Good healthcare, good education and transparent institutions prove crucial during this crisis. ‘Lessons learned from the pandemic in Africa,’ put it in the words of George Mukundi Wachira, professor of public law at the University of Cape Town, ‘show that without competent, accountable, inclusive and participatory governments of contemporary challenges such as pandemics will remain a utopia.’ A government that cares, educates and, where necessary, absorbs the blows of the pandemic. Since the outbreak of the corona crisis, the call for an active government, a government that ensures a healthy public sector, has been getting louder. Likewise in the Netherlands. According

Failing health care, a lack of reliable information, insufficiently trained medical staff or a parliament that hesitates to approve donated vaccines; without properly functioning public facilities in many developing countries, the fight against the pandemic is faltering. The people are the victims. For the first time in more than twenty years, the World Bank predicts that extreme poverty will increase again in 2021 due to Covid-19. The widening vaccination gap is expected to amplify that trend. “The government has left us completely to our own devices during this pandemic,” an activist from Brazil, which has one of the highest corona death rates, told me in an interview earlier . A similar disappointment in the government is reflected in a Washington Post article , about a survey of the perception of corona policy in five West African countries (Benin, Liberia, Niger, Senegal and Togo). A majority of respondents say they are happy with the lockdowns , but also indicate that they do not trust their own government in fighting the pandemic. According to the respondents, officials distribute resources 52

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Netsanet Yirgu Tebeza, a representative of the local government in Ethiopia. credit: IRC to the website of the national government, 57 percent of citizens feel the need for a government that offers more control – and this is now also heard from parties that have always argued for a small role for the government. For example, strong government has become the new slogan for the VVD. During a parliamentary debate on

corona in April, Prime Minister Rutte said he believes in a strong state ‘as a shield for the weak’. The prime minister paid tribute to the public sector and strong government policies. ‘Good health care, good education and strong public facilities, I feel very much at home as a liberal.’ That movement is not new; Even before the corona crisis, it was increasingly heard that the government should take more control. At the national level, for example, there is a call from municipalities for national policy to tackle teacher shortages or the housing shortage. And in the Urgenda case, the government is reminded of its task to guarantee a climate-friendly future for citizens. Internationally, you will find a procession of economists (think of Stiglitz, Piketty, Mazzucato or Raworth) who argue for a fairer redistribution of wealth, often instigated by the government. With US President Biden’s call for a global minimum tax for multinationals as a recent practical example.

Nurses in Ghana. Credit: Peter McIntyre fifteen years, you are more likely to notice a move away from the government. ‘More attention to public sectors? That is not what you have seen happening in Dutch development aid in recent years’, says Robert Lensink, professor at the University of Groningen with a focus on development finance. According to him, more attention has been paid to the Dutch interest in development cooperation: ‘More and more aid is going to stimulate trade or is used to stimulate security goals, such as combating migration.’ Development cooperation must be good for the Netherlands, we also read in the 2018 policy memorandum Investing in Perspectief by Minister Kaag. Aid can be linked to trade, supporting entrepreneurship and creating jobs in the private sector. With more resources earmarked for civil society and private sector projects.

GroenLinks MP Tom van der Lee

But what does this demand for redistribution and revaluation of the public sector mean for international cooperation? In an online series with background stories and interviews, Vice Versa will explore it further in the coming months. Is it time for a similar revaluation of the public sector in development cooperation? Will we be collaborating more with national and local governments responsible for the public sector? More trade than redistribution If you look at the development policy of, say, the past

The repercussion of this is that previous cabinets have actually cut back on issues such as education, health systems and public facilities. A development that not all aid and health experts are happy with, as can be read in an article by Vrij Nederland . Those cuts to public facilities are now taking their revenge in the international fight against the pandemic. “Strengthening healthcare systems worldwide is one of the best ways to prevent an outbreak from turning into a pandemic,” experts say in that article. ‘Unfortunately’, notes Koos van der Velden, professor of public health at Radboudumc, ‘Dutch development policy has focused on other issues since 2012.’ The aid is linked to ‘what the Netherlands is good at’, such as food security, water management and the rule of law. ‘On the contrary, cuts have been made on education and health care.’ Continued on Page 54 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Undermining development This bilateral aid, where governments directly support the government of another country in terms of public facilities, has been on the decline for some time now. For example, the Netherlands has stopped most of its budget support to partner countries. ‘You see that less money goes directly to governments,’ says Jorrit Oppewal, former policy officer for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation at GroenLinks. Now he works at The Broker. ‘Only 1.4 percent of the ODA budget, to be precise’, he continues. ‘That is what is still being given to bilateral aid, aimed at strengthening the public sector.’ See the 2020 HGIS annual report . Of course, Dutch money is still flowing to governments of developing countries via multilateral clubs such as the UN or the World Bank, ‘but support for public sectors has declined’. As a development economist, Oppewal worked for eight

found it painful to watch again and again how skilled, hardworking public servants were snatched from the public good by better-paying NGOs and companies – with money from foreign donors, that is. Bilateral aid is sometimes complex, inefficient and prone to corruption, but that doesn’t mean we should stop altogether, says Oppewal. He now sometimes gets the idea that donors and embassies prefer not to give bilateral aid at all for fear that things might go wrong. ‘But you can take a lot of intermediate steps to support the public sector,’ he says. ‘You can opt for sectoral budget support, or support a ministry or department very directly. And all kinds of variants are possible, with more or less control.’ Being in the spotlight Whether the public sector is slowly getting more attention in The Hague and at the embassies? The last time GroenLinks MP Tom van der Lee presented the subject to the minister in a debate, in April, Oppewal sensed a little more interest for the first time. A recent report by the Advisory Council on International Affairs on social safety nets seems to emphasize the role of the government. An accompanying letter from Minister Kaag states that social safety nets, such as cash transfers, pensions and school meals, have proved extremely important in African countries in the past corona year. According to the AIV, the development and maintenance of these forms of social protection is necessary and most sustainable if it is done through governments.

It does not sound illogical to Professor Lensink that it is precisely the pandemic that can trigger renewed attention for the public Nnuro Ameyaw Duochia Kah (right), regional MP speaking with official James Ata Era sector in development aid. According to him, in Wamahinso. credit: Peter McIntyre the pandemic is a bleak illustration of the inequality that characterizes the world, with medical staff in Indonesia years in Mozambique, including for the Ministry of working unvaccinated in overcrowded hospitals, while in Agriculture. If he has become convinced of anything in Europe we are already talking about a third shot. those years, it is of the importance of a properly functioning government. Anyone who wants to contribute to the Lensink, who continues to emphasize that he cannot development of a country needs a government that works. make firm statements without extensive research, finally wants to say something about this: ‘What all this teaches ‘Take agriculture,’ he says. ‘You can support so many us,’ he says, ‘is that education and health care are crucial wonderful projects by NGOs and private initiatives, but sectors. Without knowing exactly what the effects are, so ultimately you need a ministry to conduct overarching I can predict that strengthening health care in a country policy. Otherwise everything will fall apart like loose sand.’ with development aid will have better effects for the In fact, if you ignore the public sector, you can even social protection of people than if we started to stimulate undermine the development of a country, according to this business.’ economist. During his time at the Mozambican ministry, he 54

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Happy marriage anniversary to our Publisher & his wife, Sandra

23 years on and we are still grateful to God for unending love 25th & 26th Nov. 2021

Pastor & Mrs Elvis Iruh

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Coronavirus press conference: Dutch government reintroduces measures to control wide spread of Corona virus in the country.

xactly seven weeks since the government’s last coronavirus press conference, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge once again addressed the public and announced a handful of coronavirus measures at the press conference at the beginning of this month. (November) Dutch government pressured to combat rising COVID-19 infection rate. The next press conference wasn’t set to take place until November 5, but after facing mounting pressure from medical experts and Dutch hospitals, the government decided to bring it forward by a few days. As the number of coronavirus cases in the Netherlands continues to rise, Prime Minister Rutte said it would surprise no one that he once again had a difficult message for the public. As the cabinet’s socalled emergency coronavirus law is no longer in place, the actions the Dutch government can take in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 are severely limited. For the time being, the government has ruled out the possibility of restrictions for those who remain unvaccinated, but it has been confirmed that the cabinet is working on developing the legislation required in order to enforce coronavirus certificates in the workplace. While regional measures for so-called hotspots haven’t been introduced, De Jonge said they remain a possibility. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) and municipalities have also called on the government to ensure the current rules are properly enforced. Face masks once again mandatory in public indoor areas. As of November 6, the mandatory facemask rule will once again be in effect. As before, this rule will apply to all public indoor spaces, including: Shops and supermarkets, Train stations, Libraries, Town halls and government buildings. Public transport, Airports, Hospitals, Universities and higher education institutions (public areas only, not in classrooms) Those working in contact professions (i.e. hairdressers) will also once again be required to wear a mask. In areas where a coronavirus certificate is used, a face mask is not mandatory. Furthermore, Mr. Rutte and Mr. De Jonge announced an extension to the current coronavirus certificate system. As of November 6, proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a negative test will be required in the following places: Gyms, Swimming pools, Zoos, Museums, Theme parks, Bars and nightclubs (indoors and outdoors), Restaurants (indoors and outdoors), Cinemas, Theatres, Concert halls, Events (including professional and amateur sporting events)

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An exception to the rule applies to events and activities organized for those under the age of 18. PM Rutte issues urgent advice to keep distance. In addition to reintroducing the face mask rule and expanding the scope of the coronavirus certificate system, Rutte issued some urgent advice for the general public: Maintain 1,5-metre distance, Work from home at least half of the time, Limit travel within the Netherlands as much as possible. Booster shots announced for all aged 60 and above Following the latest advice from the Health Council of the Netherlands, the press conference also saw Rutte and De Jonge announce that, from January 2022, so-called booster shots would be made available for everyone over the age of 60. Starting in December 2021, people over the age of 80 will be offered a booster shot. This will also apply to all those over the age of 18 living in residential care. The Netherlands extends some restrictions, in addition to the new rules and advice; some measures were extended and will remain in place: Restricted opening times for the catering industry (6 am - 12 am) Max. 75 percent capacity for indoor non-seated events Ensure proper ventilation in all indoor spaces If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19 then stay home and get tested The next coronavirus press conference is scheduled to take place on or after November 12.

COLUMN

Re-NiDCOM disowns Diaspora Shadow Ministers PRESS STATEMENT BY ADC-DN

Our attention has been drawn to a release by NICOM, signed by Engr. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to Chairman/CEO, dated 1st November 2021. To state the obvious, the Diaspora Shadow Ministers (DSM) program is not owned by NIDCOM, it is the brainchild of the African Democratic Congress Diaspora Network. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of resources and the human capacity that resides in the diaspora is one of those resources. The ADC-DN recognizes that there is a yawning gulf between what is and what should and can be. The DSM program is our contribution to solving one of the issues that appears to have escaped the attention of those in power. In an ideal world, NIDCOM would adopt this program and bring its resources to support its efforts, and refrain from playing politics with the program. By issuing a press statement to condemn the DSM program, NIDCOM has admitted failure to produce results. Rather than blame the different factions of Diaspora organizations for not doing their work, NIDCOM should’ve played the role of the reconciler, instead of worrying about the DSM program. We’re trying to help you do your job and do it better. You ask why; because we love our homeland and can’t sit around to watch it underdeliver. The diaspora has too much good quality of Nigerians. We can no longer “siddon look” and watch our homeland rot away with incompetence and dictatorial pronouncements. In the words of the great American Soldier, George S. Patton, “We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” NIDCOM should either lead or get the hell out of the way. The diaspora is tired of being fed with half-baked solutions that are difficult to implement. In our statements announcing the launch of the DSM program, we acknowledged and recognized His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is totally shameful and disingenuous NIDCOM imply that we’re running a parallel government abroad. Nothing can be further from the truth, and we will not dignify such lazy press statement. Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi wrote “The question on the lips of observers is as to whether he is forming a parallel government abroad, while

hiding under the shadow of diaspora and political formation.” If the observers really care to know, they should ask questions, and we will be more than happy to address such questions in open and transparent format. We will not engage in cheap and dirty statements that carry veiled blackmail, fear, and intimidation of the Diaspora. For the record, there are several countries in the world that operate official or unofficial Shadow Cabinet Portfolio. Most famous are the Australian experiment and Indian Diasporans. In the UK for example, shadow Ministers consists of a senior group of opposition spokespeople from the opposition party, whose members shadow or mirror the positions of each individual member of the Cabinet. An instrument to scrutinising decisions taken by the ruling party to make sure they meet the set policy objectives. The general idea of DSM is to assist coordinate Diasporans discussions, conversations, overseas experiences, knowledge base under a coordinated approach without being antagonistic to the Home Government. The outcome of such discussions, conversations are collated, and presented to the home Government via the office of DSMs. This is one of the core objectives of the DSM program. The overall goal of the Diaspora Shadow Ministers (DSM) initiatives is for each DSM to observe the MDAs they have been assigned and make recommendations/ suggestions based on their observations, knowledge, and research. Members of DSM are highly qualified Nigerian Diaspora professionals and authorities in their career fields. Although the DSM program is an initiative of ADC-DN, membership or affiliation of ADC Party of Nigeria is not a requirement. Each DSM is independent, viewed purely as a competent consultant with passion for the development of Nigeria. Membership in the DSM program is open to all Nigerians of good will and who want to see progress in their homeland. Party affiliation is not a pre-requisite. We can do this together and we ask NIDCOM to join us on this journey to a better homeland. Sign. Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, M.P.S., U.P.A. Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement) ADC & Global Diaspora Coordinator Nigeria Rescue Movement / Coordinating Secretariat of DSM

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Burna Boy: ‘I’m at a point where I feel like I’ve got nothing to prove’ Burna Boy: ‘I’m at a point where I feel like I’ve got nothing to prove’ The Grammy-winning king of Afrofusion has everyone from P Diddy to Chris Martin on speed dial, but Burna Boy counts London as his second home after his native Nigeria. Tobi Oke gets inside his unique philosophy on life, music and some very unusual retirement plans… Finally: Burna Boy is in the building. A mere three hours late, he strides on to today’s Tottenham set trailed by an entourage of friends, sister, assistants, videographer, a barber who travels everywhere with him and… well, they are 15 in total, and we haven’t got all day. Suffice to say, this is not a man who naturally goes unnoticed. As he settles topless into a director’s chair and that barber — now wearing a head torch — gets to work, he has a tightly rolled spliff in one hand, holding out his

arm as assistants come running, draping him in one diamond watch after another. He says nothing: small gestures or glances being enough to communicate with all who surround him. Said surrounding entourage are equally at ease — hooking up their phones to the booming speakers and lighting up their own joints, dancing in the kitchen as they tuck into local favourite Chuku’s finest jollof rice. It seems abundantly clear that wherever Burna Boy goes, the party is sure to follow. Bright patterned backdrops inspired by the 30-year-old’s native Nigeria hang around the studio, and looks ranging from wipe-clean silver Louis Vuitton coats to 58

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inflatable PVC gilets are ready to try on. ‘I feel like a rock star, I feel like Lenny Kravitz!’ he beams, donning a flame-decorated white denim two-piece, diamond grills blazing. ‘Let’s go!’ And go it does, long into the evening… A few days later, long into another evening — Burna Boy, it transpires, is something of a night owl — the man I sit down with seems very different to the Grammy-winning, Afro-fusion trailblazer who was parading in front of the cameras. ‘I want to live with monks, far away in the mountains,’ he says, ‘for maybe a year or two. Obviously, I can’t do that right now, but that’s what I want.’ He issues a deep, hearty chuckle but the desire to escape the hectic confines of his life right now consistently pops up. Long pauses precede many of his answers, which are eventually delivered with a swagger and peppered with sage-like idioms. For an artist so adept at marrying melody across languages and cultural lines, there’s a powerfully mystical — and mystifying — element to speaking with Burna Boy, compounded by the murmurs tailing off as he lies down, close to drifting off to sleep. It’s not hard to imagine why the threat of exhaustion looms large for one so in demand. Just days earlier, Burna Boy — born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu — was in attendance at Old Trafford as a guest of friend and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. On hand to witness the return of Cristiano Ronaldo in a hard-fought victory, little more than an hour after the final whistle he took the stage at Parklife festival on the other side of the city — with Pogba in pursuit to the gig. ‘If they didn’t win, I’m not even sure that I would’ve performed. It would’ve ruined everything,’ he says. ‘We had to fly [through traffic], swerving lanes, but in the end, it was… magical.’ So, for a football-mad kid in the early Noughties, the allure Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United’s all-conquering heyday

worked its charm. In September he partnered with his beloved side on the official launch of its third Adidas kit, a loud, black and white strip dubbed the ‘Zebra’ by fans. Though based in Lagos, where the bulk of his recording happens, London is second home for Burna Boy, who relocated to the UK after school to study media technology at the University of Sussex. ‘There’s something about the energy there that reminds me of my hometown. I have pretty solid roots here [in London], friends who’ve become family and most importantly, my creative juices are always gingered here.’ Life for Burna Boy is constantly in motion. His recent tour of the UK, Europe and North America closed out a passage of life that began with the recording of his fifth studio album, Twice As Tall. In August, he played to a sold out O2 Arena — his largest UK show to date, centred around an elaborate spaceship prop he’d not had time to rehearse in. He often experiences post-show regrets, something which was particularly true for a night representing the apex of his grind in Britain. ‘That night [at the O2], the set list was only about half of the songs that I wanted to play,’ he says ruefully. ‘They were trying to cut me off at 10pm sharp. Trust me, I’m ready to go for three hours.’ Twice As Tall was recorded during lockdown and released in August 2020. It was executive produced by none other than P Diddy — who Burna Boy grew up listening to — though due to constraints, the pair didn’t get to formally meet until this summer. But across Zoom sessions Diddy’s efforts were crucial in securing producers, stateside features and offering supreme voice-overs that enhanced a message of building bridges across the black diaspora. ‘And it goes far beyond that,’ Burna Boy says. ‘Because — guess what — Diddy didn’t

take no money from me! So he gets two points royalties, which he gives back to me, so I can take care of some other shit. It’s always been the work chemistry between Diddy and me. He is an amazing human being, with an impeccable ear for great music, who I now call my brother.’ When the pair did eventually meet, ‘we were goofy, loud, excited and throwing bangs back and forth from each other, the ambience was crazy!’ recalls Burna Boy. ‘I’ll quote what Diddy said: “This shit is deeper than rap, this is a true brotherhood, the two kings reunite! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.”’ The collaboration was just another ingredient in a career that Burna Boy describes as ‘all shades of a mind-blowing adventure’. With each album since his debut in 2013, his reach has expanded exponentially. Only this month, a new single — and video — called ‘Want It All’ (featuring Polo G) dropped and is rising up playlists across the globe. Does it mean another new album will be coming shortly? ‘Nah, they need to miss me a bit,’ he declares. ‘I’ll keep it real with you, I did want to drop an album, was working, and as always the music was coming, but I just thought: “Why am I even doing this and what am I trying to prove?” So, I’m chilling.’ Burna Boy was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to a middle-class family with a rich musical pedigree. His mother, a revered talent manager and music executive, carefully guided her son’s early steps in music, while his grandfather, Benson Idonije, was a manager for Afrobeat hero Fela Kuti. The legendary musician was a brave activist voice against postcolonial regimes in West and South Africa, and shook the consciousness of the nation with his music. It’s a path Burna Boy has also attempted to tread throughout his career. On Twice As Tall he collaborated with Coldplay’s Chris Martin for ‘Monsters You Made’, a searing rebuke of the government and injustice in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the coveted Grammy — the first for a Nigerian solo artist — finally came his way for Best Global Music Album. ‘People think that’s changed me in some way and to that, I say, the only Continued on Page 60 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 59 thing that’s changed is now everybody sees what’s been going on, I’ve always been this person.’ So much so that in May he boldly declared: ‘I have to think for a whole generation.’ But now he appears to have some reservations. ‘As far as my message, and what I stand for, I might need to rest with the fire for everything right now. It’s very exhausting, man.’ Last year lockdownfuelled civil unrest caused an uptick of protest movements across the globe. In Nigeria protesters called for the disbandment of Sars, a notorious police unit that operates with impunity. The result was at least 56 people killed by excessive use of force by the army and police. Not for the first time, Burna Boy made use of his voice and profile. Within hours, the singer’s charity had hired billboards carrying the protest message and had set up a fund for victims, drawing donations from friends including P Diddy. But for pockets of the country’s disaffected youth, the Soro Soke (‘Speak up’ in Yoruba) generation, the damage had been done. Apparently his response was not quick enough. Dissenters questioned where the country’s most famous musician was as the unrest unfolded, but behind closed doors, Burna Boy reveals that during those crucial days, his mother was battling ill health and awaiting surgery as the news came flooding in. ‘It was a very weird time,’ he says. ‘I started getting phone calls: “People wanna know why you’re not involved. Why are you not saying anything?” But, as soon as I heard something I jumped into action. That’s who I am. I’ve been through so much at the hands of people that none of this is a surprise to me. You have to understand this: I realised, very early on, that if you’re fighting for someone then use only one hand. One to

fight and the other to defend yourself from the person you’re fighting for!’ Right now, Burna Boy finds his once-maniacal obsession to outshine the naysayers has abated perhaps a little too much after this strangeness of lockdown. ‘I feel like I need to have something to prove,’ he says. ‘But I’m at this point right now where it feels like I don’t anymore.’ When this fire was still underneath him last year, he spread his vocal on huge singles with Wizkid, Justin Bieber and tracked a smooth, Yoruba verse on South Africa house hit ‘Jerusalema’. ‘The lockdown was good for me to stay creative,’ he admits. ‘That was when I didn’t have the distractions of being everywhere — it was the first time I really got a chance to sit in my own house. But now, it’s like, what’s next?’ He recently opened the doors of his seven-bedroom Lagos pad to Architectural Digest. This gave design enthusiasts a chance to marvel at his uniquely eclectic surroundings, which were created by architect Akose Enebeli. His awards adorn the walls of the house along with bold artwork by family members, including younger sister Nissi who lives with him, and life-sized paintings of Burna Boy himself. His own colourful creations have been consigned to the past, however. ‘I was heavy into art when I was younger, I used to draw and paint,’ he says. ‘I’ve been in love with art for a very long time because I can find such similarities in all disciplines — it’s about leaving a piece of one’s soul on the canvas or the record.’ But even the lush trappings of a home cinema, recording studio, gym and a room for his famed vinyl collection (some gifted by his grandfather) aren’t quite up to the task of keeping him in one place for too long. It’s back to dreams of a silent retreat. ‘I’ll grow a big ass beard… and shave my head. I’ll get away from everything, and I’ll just be silent for a while. It goes a long way — like an iPhone charger for the spirit.’

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Your picture of Nigeria is selective and unfair to your readers, Nigeria Envoy to UK tells The Economist magazine

he Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has described the characterization of Nigeria by the London-based magazine, The Economist, in its recent edition as unfair, saying that the issues confronting Nigeria have been longstanding and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is achieving tremendous results in tackling them. In a letter written to The Economist in response to apiece titled, Insurgency, Secessionism and Banditry Threaten Nigeria, the High Commissioner said: “The Economist is correct to point out the multiple security and governance challenges that Nigeria presently faces. But the picture that you present is selective and unfair to your readers. The decay of agencies and institutions has gathered momentum for decades. There is no quick or simple fix. It is unwise to pretend otherwise.” He reminded the organization that President Buhari had been elected twice in national elections and was indeed making progress by working with international partners: “There has been progress. Nigeria works closely with partners in the Sahel region, Europe and the US on security and intelligence. It is not an accident that the leadership of militant groups is weaker than it has ever been. You highlight the need for police reform: this is a process that President Buhari’s administration has led, including the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). We are already working with the UK and others on training and equipment.” The High Commissioner described Nigeria’s “robust COVID-19 response as well as the President’s battle to provide stable energy for the country as noteworthy: “Nigeria has led the region in a robust response to COVID-19 that has helped keep infection levels well below many parts of the world, while also helping to mitigate the economic shocks from the global downturn for the most vulnerable. President Buhari has also championed reforms to the energy sector, the cradle for corruption, in the teeth of fierce resistance from the old, business-as-usual brigade.” He pointed out that progress being made by the administration in agriculture, creative arts and technology sectors among others does not sit well with corrupt -minded individuals in the country: “Nigeria is far from being the only country that faces the challenge of trying to deliver overdue change in a political culture that tilts towards special interests that are often selfish and short-term. Optimism in sectors as diverse as agriculture, creative arts and technology point to the opportunities that are already being realized. It will be a long haul: a corrupt cabal

will say we are not doing enough: what they mean is that we have already done too much, in terms ending the impunity enjoyed by the few and helping to enfranchise the many.” Ambassador Isola concluded that President Buhari is also working with international partners to diminish problems associated with extremism and climate change and leave the country more united. “Nor indeed is this simply a Nigerian project. We are on the frontline of the international s t r u g g l e against violent extremism, c l i m a t e change and a host of other issues. These are common but complex challenges that require common and complex solutions. President Buhari, like millions of Nigerians, rejects the identity politics that has polarized so many other countries. Our diversity is our strength,” he said.

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USD 1.4 trillion fossil fuel buildout jeopardizes Africa’s economies, climate, and communities

eport: USD 1.4 trillion fossil fuel buildout jeopardizes Africa’s economies, climate, and communities Analysis details why a just energy transition in Africa requires an end to new oil, gas, and coal extraction projects A new report released today assesses fossil fuel industry plans to sink USD 230 billion into the development of new oil and gas production in Africa in the next decade — and $1.4 trillion by 2050. It finds these projects are not compatible with a safe climate future and are at risk of becoming stranded assets. The report, The Sky’s Limit Africa: The case for a just energy transition from fossil fuel production in Africa, was researched by Oil Change International (OCI) and released in partnership with Oilwatch Africa, Africa Coal Network, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), 350Africa, WoMin African Alliance and the Center for International Environmental Law. The analysis reveals 71% of the new oil and gas production planned in Africa in the next three decades would come from relatively costly modes of production or countries without an established industry. These factors increase the risk that new projects will become stranded, creating shortfalls of funding for cleaning up environmental damages, overnight job losses, and gaps in government revenues. These conclusions follow bombshell reports this year from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which found that new oil and gas fields and coal mines are incompatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and that a much more rapid phase-out of fossil fuels must be pursued. As Thuli Makama, Oil Change International’s Africa Director and Global South Advisor stated, “An equitable, managed phase-out of fossil fuel production provides a much brighter pathway for Africa than allowing new decades-long fossil fuel extraction projects to go forward. This does not mean stopping production overnight, but rather, planning ahead to ensure there is time and resources for clean-up and for a just transition for impacted workers and communities.” The new report also looks at the local impacts of the fossil fuel industry to find that it has hurt jobs, health, and the environment while failing to deliver on economic promises. The authors argue industry is even less equipped to yield public benefits now that it faces global headwinds. They show 66% of projected new oil and gas production in Africa will be owned by overseas corporations and that renewable energy and other green economy sectors already provide 2 to 25 times as many jobs per dollar spent. 62

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“It is a myth that fossil fuels equal development,” said Nnimmo Bassey, Environmentalist and Director of HOMEF, “Both the physical resources and the profits from these projects have overwhelmingly flowed out of Africa rather than addressing energy poverty on the continent. Meanwhile, pollution is the daily reality of our peoples and criminally harms nearby waterways, bodies, soils, and the air. As the fossil fuel industry gets more desperate to stay afloat in the face of unprecedented resistance to their business plans, these impacts on frontline communities risk becoming even worse. They must stop!” The report authors call on governments in wealthy countries to move first and fastest in phasing out fossil fuel production and dramatically scale up their climate finance and debt cancellation to support just transitions in Africa and globally. However, given the escalating systemic risks to economy, climate, and development associated with new fossil fuel projects, they also recommend governments in Africa stop licensing and approvals for new oil, gas, and coal projects now, regardless of how other countries act. For countries with an established industry, authors recommend governments develop plans now for a gradual and managed phase-out of already-built fossil fuel extraction projects by 2050 at the latest, alongside just transition measures for workers and communities. Quotes: Charity Migwi, Africa Regional Campaigner at 350. org:”The time has come for no new fossil fuel extraction projects to be approved – in Africa or anywhere. If fossil fuel expansion in Africa continues it will not only bring devastating climate impacts but risk delaying or locking

out the development of renewable energy and other green economy sectors.” Anabela Lemos, Director of Justica Ambiental! (Friends of the Earth Mozambique): “Total came to Mozambique with promises of a better life for the people, but what they actually did was grab lands from the peasant communities, grab access to the sea from the fisherfolk and destroy these livelihoods and drive our country towards militarisation and conflict. What was once a beautiful and peaceful community, with land, water and sea, today they are refugees with nothing. Once they were a proud community, now they are surviving based on external aid. Human rights abuses are a norm, they do not trust anyone, they live in fear, with no hopes for their future. That was the reality of Total and fossil fuels corporations.” Dickens Kamugisha, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO): “2020 and 2021 have so far provided a snapshot of what an unmanaged decline could look like in the oil and gas sector globally. Market shocks from COVID-19 and the oil price crash hit showed how unstable the oil and gas industry could get. Instead of doubling down on fossil fuel projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline that will lock poor countries into the fossil fuel economy, this is the time to build an energy system and green economy that is local, equitable, and democratic.” ### Other key findings and notes: • For oil and gas, the report uses data from industry consultancy Rystad Energy. For coal, it uses projections from the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook. It provides country-level analysis for the top 16 projected oil, gas, and coal producers in Africa for 20202050: Nigeria, Mozambique, Algeria, Angola, Libya, Egypt, Tanzania, Mauritania, South Africa, Republic of

Congo, Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. • This report shows that if the fossil fuel industry extracts all of the oil, gas, and coal projected for production in Africa in the next three decades, this will emit 62 billion tons of CO2. This is equivalent to 13% of the remaining carbon budget associated with a 50% chance of staying within a 1.5°C level of warming. However, thirty-six percent of these future fossil fuel production emissions are from projects that are neither in production nor under development currently — meaning there are little or no costs to cancel them. From 2020 to 2050, 46% of gas production, 36% of oil production, and 23% of projected coal production are projected to come from new, not-yetapproved projects. • OCI also finds that planned oil and gas infrastructure is overwhelmingly designed for export rather than addressing energy poverty on the continent. 83% of proposed LNG terminal capacity and 77% of proposed oil and gas pipeline projects in Africa are for export overseas. • The market shocks of 2020 have provided a preview of the vulnerability of the fossil fuel industry’s plans to extract in Africa. Whereas pre-pandemic projections showed oil and gas production in Africa growing by one-third to 2050, OCI’s report shows it is now expected to decline by one quarter, a much more dramatic drop than the global average. • This report builds on recent research outlining the extent of Africa’s untapped renewable energy resources. Analysis from Carbon Tracker found that Africa holds nearly 40 percent of the world’s total renewable energy potential. Friends of the Earth Africa’s recent report modelled how the continent can Continued on Page 64 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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dismantle existing fossil energy systems to leapfrog Africa to 100% renewable energy for all by 2050. Their plan would see 300 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy built by 2030 — as already agreed by the African Union — and over 2000 GW by 2050.

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• For the first time, the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s annual World Energy Outlook — used to influence trillions of dollars in global investment — detailed an achievable roadmap to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C). In this report, the IEA reiterates that 1.5°C means “no fossil fuel exploration” and “no new oil and natural gas fields ... beyond those that have already been approved for development.” It also shows: coal plant construction must stop now, new LNG export facilities are likely stranded assets, and global clean energy investment needs to more than triple by 2030. The IEA’s 1.5C scenario also ensures 100% access to electricity and clean cooking – all without new oil and gas extraction projects. Whereas the IEA estimates that their fossil-heavy “business as usual” scenario would still leave 40% of sub-Saharan Africa without energy access in 2030 By HOMEF

Luis Ortiz on Anthony Joshua: “He’ll lose again” to Oleksandr Usyk

uis ‘King Kong’ Ortiz is predicting that Anthony Joshua will lose his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk next March 2022 when the two meet up in a fight expected to take place in the UK. The former two-time heavyweight world title challenger Ortiz (32-2, 27 KOs) laughed when asked about his thoughts on the Joshua-Usyk 2 rematch, saying, “He’ll lose again.” Ortiz’s remark has been echoed by many boxing fans, which think it’s a wrong-headed idea for Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) to be taking a second fight with Usyk so soon. They think Joshua needs time to work the flaws that Usyk exploited in their first fight last September in London, and they want to see AJ in action against other fighters before he tempts fate a second time. Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn both think it’s a simple matter of being more aggressive in the rematch with Usyk to get the win.

The two sounds excessively optimistic about the rematch with Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs), and it’s very likely that things will end badly. If it were just one loss, it wouldn’t be nearly as bad, but if Usyk beats Joshua again, it’ll be his third defeat in his last five fights. Losing that often in a short period suggests that the problems Joshua has in his game are beyond fixable. “He feels like the tactics he used in that fight, he got it

wrong,” said Eddie Hearn. “He has to take some of that responsibility as well. He’s the fighter in there and he can’t just blame other people. The trip to America wasn’t just an interviewing process. It was a little bit more of a soul searching, I guess. “It was a way to look at things and say, ‘How do I improve? He [Joshua] had some great conversations with some brilliant boxing minds and I was there for some of them. It was, ‘What do you think I did wrong?’ AJ likes to analyze those kinds of things, but some fighters don’t even think about it. “He wants to understand why he didn’t win that fight or what he did wrong and how he could be better. At the moment, all he cares about is how can he beat Oleksandr Usyk and he’s obsessed with that. “Rob McCracken is a huge part of the team, more than a trainer to AJ. He’s a friend, a mentor, and all of these things. The America thing is good energy, it’s fresh. “He was out there, and it wasn’t like he could walk down the streets without getting mobbed. He’s the kind of guy where if someone is asking for a photograph, he’s doing it and he’s doing it for everyone on the street. “It is draining. It’s a blessing, but it’s draining. So, I think America would be a good move for him,” said Hearn about Joshua. By William Lloyd

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RASHFORD RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE

ngland international footballer Marcus Rashford MBE received his honorary doctorate from The University of Manchester. I am so happy for Marcus because he has found his purpose in life aside from soccer. He is living a life committed to feeding underprivileged children in the United Kingdom. Public service is a deliberate generous contribution of a person’s resources, abilities, and expertise to accomplish a fair value within a community by challenging a system to advance common welfare. Public service is for everyone as much as the help they render is to the benefit of the public. It should be intentional, purposeful, and motivational and not be mingled with politics. I am currently using the resources within my reach to promote the reading culture in Nigeria. I desire to make reading a desirable pastime among African people. I desire to use my voice to serve and help increase literacy levels in young people worldwide to meet rising aspirations in the presently changing environment. Maybe one day, I will be honored with a doctorate (smiles). However, beyond plaques, I want to be remembered for making life better for humanity, just like Marcus. Congrats, Dr. Marcus Rashford.

Professor Charles Soludo is a good choice for good governance The Nigerian person I personally could have suggested is Prof. Charles Chukwuemeka Soludo, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. When he was the Governor of the CBN he brought many positive changes to the banking System in Nigeria. He Consolidated the Banks and gave them Sound Foundation. Nigeria has no solid Economic Foundation as of now, this missing German Foundation, could be Solidified by our learned Economics Professor Charles Soludo, who could repeat the Wonders he did in those Years, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. No present Nigerian, old and very corrupt Politicians, that can give Nigeria the Economic Stability it seriously deserves now, but dedicated and Selfless Technocrats, preferably an Economist cum Experienced Engineer could be future President and Vice President of Nigeria. Both Technocrats could make many things to start functioning as it should be, e.g. the 4 Refineries to be fully Operational, add value to all Export Products(Diversification and Industrialisation), introduce Death Punishment for any Corrupt officers (No Mercy). Real War Against Bribery and Corruption. Business As Usual will No Longer be Tolerated. Changes will automatically come by itself. Dr. Douglas S. Idehen Germany

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Tirop murder plot could have been hatched during Tokyo 2020

plot to kill world bronze medalist Agnes Tirop could have been hatched during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, after it was found that most of her property had changed ownership while she was competing in the Japanese capital. Jeremiah Sawe, a spokesperson for Tirop’s family, said they found that parts of her property had changed hands three months ago, as reported by the Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation. At that time, Tirop was representing Kenya at Tokyo 2020 where she finished fourth in the 5,000 metres at the Olympic Stadium. Tirop, who broke the world 10 kilometres record last month, was found dead in her home with stab wounds to her neck and stomach on October 13. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, appeared in court on October 18 after allegedly murdering the long-distance running star and is being held in custody for proper charges to be filed against him. Tirop’s family suspect that a dispute over property ownership might have led to her killing.

“We have learnt with utter shock that the majority of our daughter’s property has mysteriously changed hands,” said Sawe. “What is shocking is that the property changed hands three months ago and some have been disposed of by her lover, who is also the prime suspect in the murder. “We are now convinced she was killed because of her wealth.” Land near the University of Eldoret which forms part of the property was reportedly sold for KES9 million (£58.742/$81,044/€69,577).

“There are a total of 12 plots, which have since changed ownership,” said Sawe. “The suspect has made the property his and we believe the deceased was not aware, or was under duress. “Also, there are no documents for several vehicles bought by the athlete, and shockingly, another car is registered under one of the suspect’s friends, also in police custody.” Detective Andolo Munga, of the Kenya Police Criminal Investigation Department, said the family’s statements were being treated as “allegations until proven otherwise”, and insisted they would “leave no stone unturned” in the murder investigation. “Crime can be committed in series and in several avenues,” said Munga. “In this particular case, we are basing our probe on reverse and forward investigation. “We might arrest more suspects in the course of our investigation.” A civil case is set to be pursued by Tirop’s family as it looks to recover the property with the help of Athletics Kenya and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang. By Geoff Berkeley

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Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya working on book about life, to be titled ‘Silence All The Noise’

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Silence All the Noise,’ which does not yet have a release date, was acquired by WW Norton & Company. The publisher also plans a young readers edition. New York: Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya is working on a book about her triumphs as a runner and her experiences

as an intersex woman with naturally high testosterone levels, including her battles to be eligible for competition. “Silence All the Noise,” which does not yet have a release date, was acquired by WW Norton & Company. The publisher also

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plans a young readers edition. “My life has had its struggles, but it has mostly been a joy. Through my example, I want to educate, enlighten, and inform

about how the world can welcome those born different,” the South African superstar said in a statement Tuesday. “You may have heard some of my story over the years, and you might have seen me running or standing proudly on the podium at the Olympics. But there is still so much I need to relate about strength, courage, love, resilience, and being true to who you are. I want this book to show people around the world how to do just that.” Besides her Olympic medals, the 30-year-old Semenya has won three world championship titles. But she was barred from the women’s 400-meter and 800-meter races at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer and has endured near-constant interference by track authorities. She has refused to abide by rules established in 2018 that require her to lower her testosterone levels artificially — whether from birth control pills, hormoneblocking injections or surgery. “Why will I take drugs?” Semenya said in 2019. “I’m a pure athlete. I don’t cheat. They should focus on doping, not us.”

Anthony Joshua ready to fight Deontay Wilder

nthony Joshua recently lost his heavyweight world title belts to Oleksandr Usyk but Anthony Joshua says he is open to fighting Deontay Wilder despite neither of them having their hands on a heavyweight world title for now. Joshua recently lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk with Wilder unable to wrestle back his world title from Tyson Fury as he was knocked out in the 11th of the 12 round fight in Las Vegas. AJ is set to fight Usyk again in his next bout, with eyes potentially turning towards an undisputed bout with Fury in the future. But all that depends on what happens in his rematch. Though Joshua, 32, would not be against fighting Wilder regardless of whether there are belts on the line or not. Asked what his future holds, Joshua said: “If the fans can’t see I would take these fights with the fighters like Wilder in a heartbeat. “And I want people to know that I would fight anyone in their prime or anytime. “Give me a mandatory and I will fight anyone, I love the game and will fight anyone. “I will take on any challenge providing politics aren’t an issue and the finances are there with these guys, people know what I am about. “I think Wilder fought Fury thinking it was going to be easier than his previous fights and got caught in a trilogy web. “But would I fight Wilder, yes I would if the opportunity presents itself” Joshua looked set to fight Fury this year in an undisputed

battle before a court ruled the Gypsy King must face Wilder for a third time. And AJ took the Usyk’s fight. Many thinks he was not fully prepared for the fight and he lost. And with the rematch with Usyk now in his sights, AJ has invited Fury into his training camp. “Tyson can come watch me train, sparring ain’t fighting so he’s definitely more than welcome to step into the gym and give me tips and stuffs like that,” the 2012 Olympics gold medal ace added. “I ain’t fighting him next so he ain’t got nothing to worry about. “He’s more than welcome to come into the gym with his experience and it reminds me of the old days when all the great fighters would all mix. “His experience of fighting southpaws and my experience can merge it into one. I get this win, then hopefully we can get this undisputed fight.”