September edition 2017 by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

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

Volume 18. NO. 165 September 2017

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Usian Bolt: The greatest sprinter of all time Akinnuoye-Agbaje bags Doctorate

From Street life to Hollywood

President Kagame swornin for 7 more years www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Contents

The Voice Magazine Volume 18. No 165 September 2017 Edition

18-20

57-59

ARTICLES

4 - Editorial: Computerized electoral system alien to Africa! 8-9 – Feeback- Pages for your letters and opinion 10 - Nigerians in The Netherlands get a new Ambassador 11 - Dr. Max Ese Anderson: A Media Practitioner & Entertainment Pacesetter 12-13 - Young Nigerian made success in automotive Mechatronics Engineering in Germany 17 - Bakarr Conteh tells his story with the camera! 21- Police officer with distinguished service to immigrants in The Netherlands. 40-41 - Kenyan presidential Elections inconclusive ..... Supreme Court to decide 46-47 - Barcelona terror attack tribute, my viewpoint, on the killings..... 48-50 - Invest in Real Estate in Nigeria 56- Morocco joins the bid to host 2026 world cup 60 - Meet Queen of networking …. Sarah Karingi 61 - Agatha Frimpong - Mama Agatha brings smile through bike riding in Amsterdam 62-63 - Sunday Eromosele is back with his 2 brand new inspirational music singles

SUBMISSIONS: Articles and photographs for publication are welcome but the publisher while exercising all reasonable caution cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all materials are sent by e-mail to our official email. For other inquiries, e-mail us as well at: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

EDITORIAL

Computerized electoral system alien to Africa! We just witnessed two contrasting elections in Africa. First in Rwanda where it seemed all went well with the elections and using computerized electronic voting system. This could be attributed to the fact that the election in that country was not as competitive for the presidency as that of Kenya. The opposition was not as strong as that of Kenya so it was not so challenging organizing the election and having the result ready within two working days. The computerized electoral voting system worked in Rwanda. Thanks to the huge investment of President Paul Kagame on computers and educating its people how to use them. The computer literacy rate of Rwandans has increased in the past ten years from grassroots to the national level; people are beginning to have good understanding of computerized electronic voting system. However in the past 12 years, all Kenyan elections had ended up as being disputed, controversial and inconclusive. No thanks to the introduction of computerized electronic voting system; spending huge sums of money to train, installed and engage personnel. In 2007, the electoral commission chairman declared on national television that he does not know who won the election as the counting was inconclusive yet the incumbent President then, Mr. Kibaki was declared the winner. In 2013, it was yet another disputed result of an election marred with allegations of rigging and result manipulations. The defeated candidate/party went to court, the Supreme Court where it was obvious that it was so complicated that the court threw out the petition of the challenger in favor of the winner and the President on grounds that they could not ascertain the claims of the opposition to the final results. Then one wonders what happened to the computerized electronic voting system where the results are expected to be kept intact for future references? More financial investment has been made to conduct the 2017 election more professionally, minimize malpractices and produce credible results. As we write this editorial, that has not been the case rather it is a similar scenario if not worse than the two previous elections. According to allegations, the results had been tainted and the electoral commission has asked the loser to go to the same Supreme Court where they could not find justice in 2013! This is the original script, something is fundamentally wrong with the administration of computerized electronic voting system in Kenya. It is either those in charge are not competent or they deliberately do not want the system to succeed. It is noted that the process of voting at the election polling stations is not a problem. For the process of voting was good, the people were patient to go through the process, at this level it is free, fair and transparent. But the tallying and transmission is where the problem lies, which it should not be, if the computerized electronic voting system is followed to the letter. 4

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You are not expected to alter what has been fed into the central data base of the computerized electronic voting system. In that of Kenya, this is where the problem lies, individuals could access that data base and alter figures or cook up new figures in whatever language you want to address this, this is purely fraud and it is not acceptable. After a winner had been Pastor Elvis Iruh declared, the Electoral Editor-in-Chief Commission of Kenya was still receiving so called tally results from voting centers. This is a huge joke before the eyes of the world. How do you expect the results to be accepted as credible as claimed by international observers. It is an embarrassment again on the part of the international observers who are quick to adjudge an election to be free and fair based on just the conduct of the election with basing their conclusion on the entire process. United States of America with their computerized electronic system was hacked at the last Presidential elections, some states having their votes counted manually. So what is the guarantee that a country like Kenya wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experience the compromise ? Even the events leading to the election day aroused much suspicion. First, there was an admission that an attempt was made to hack their servers and finally they said it was impossible to hack the system. Why were they so sure of that? That verdict is vague. Now what is the way forward for Kenya? Should they wait for another five years to try to correct this mistake? Or the mistake should be addressed now? We think they need to start work now, to put in place a system that works, they have to improve the system, getting competent hands to be trained, less government interference on the electoral system and process and finally get a clear separation of the electoral commission from the Executive arm of government. An electoral tribunal rather than the supreme Court should be put in place, as the Supreme Court is composed of men and women appointed by the same government or candidate who happens to be the president, there will be no fair trial of the case. Africa still has a long way to go with computerized electronic voting system but it is a right step in the right direction. We wish Kenyans success on how best they resolve this electoral crisis avoiding unnecessary hardship on the populace who had done their civic responsibility to vote at an election. TV

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The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non- governmental organizations and individuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af filiated to any of these bodies or to any other publishing institution or political interest or group. 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 wan to receive a copy, send us your email address. On the Editorial board are Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affilicate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A OR Stichting Paddi Europa Knab Bank Account No: NL77KNAB0725202238 Swift Code: KNABNL2H

Graphic Designers David Banjoko Wil Gomersbach (Web Master) George Adegite Handy Tims Printer: Drukkerij Palteam www.palteam.nl THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Associate Editor Lucky Osahon (London, UK) hlosahon@hotmail.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu i.ezeagabu@thevoicenewsmagazine. com Advert Executive Faith Ehanire ehanire4607@gmail.com Project Editor (Nigeria) Chiedu Harris Ify henry@thevoicenewsmagazine.com BUREAU CHIEFS Gbenga T. Okunlola (London) teejayok@gmail.com Joel Savage (Belgium) juskosave@yahoo.com Femi Ikutiyinu (London) afpaprint2000@yahoo.com Collaboration with National Infinity Magazine, Lagos

CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Nicholas Noghayin Ehioghiren (Madrid, Spain) nicholasmicnita@yahoo.com Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Kehinde Aig-Imoru (Nigeria) aigimoru@yahoo.com Rev. Tammy Abusi (Port-Harcourt) t.abusi@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Eubaldus Enahoro enabadus2000@yahoo.com Principal Photo Editor: Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Bernd Wandkowski Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare Adeleke Ogunkoya 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 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

Volume 18

NO 165

September 2017 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

FEEDBACK Dear Editor, My name is Tony I. Brown, a Nigerian from Effurun in Delta State and a resident of Holland since year 2001. My comment is specifically in response to Comrade Sunny Ofehe in your new edition which I happened to read on a friend’s iPad when I visited a friend in Amsterdam. By the way, I used to read and enjoy Voice magazine but since I moved away from Amsterdam it’s not readily available to me as before. In his letter Ofehe said Voice ‘…the widest circulating African magazine in the Netherlands.’ For the past 10 years, I have travelled far and wide in Holland and l have seen ‘other African newspaper’ consistently every month and everywhere I go, including Belgium without a trace of Voice magazine. My friend even told me the Voice magazine ceased publishing monthly for a while. Of course with the list of supports you have given him as a ‘friend’, one can understand why he said what he said. However, he can shower praises on you without adding that grossly biased and inaccurate part. Living that part out does not take away the great Dear Editor,

OUR VALUE SYSTEM MUST CHANGE IN NIGERIA

God will not change people’s condition until they change their value system. On Evans and his likes pose with several chieftaincy titles given to them by traditional leaders without knowing their source of income. Around him flocked several women without knowing what he does for a living. Upon his head were ushered several prayers made by Great Men of God who never heard from the Holy Spirit about his true identity. This is how depraved we have become as a society. If not for his arrest, he is said to be single handedly capable of sponsoring three governors to win election come 2019! We all jubilate at his arrest. However, it’s worth noting that we too helped in his elevation to what he has become in society. His neighbors locked up their houses and never bothered to find out who he is.. ... .... Sat with him probably at Community Monthly Meetings. The Church he attends with his family 8

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work done by Voice magazine. Or maybe he was only comparing Voice news with his own failed Delta magazine. Maybe I’m wrong, but I know you won’t publish this letter as the only letter I have so far read in Voice news is always positive. Nonetheless keep up the good work. T-I-Brown The Netherlands. Editor’s reaction Dear Mr. Brown, Thank you for writing in, we have decided to publish your letter as it is written to debunk your claim that we are only praising singing any individual person. The Voice magazine has undergone several changes and those who regularly follow us know the changes we have made so far. The Voice has 165 editions of publications apart from special editions and our project, The Voice Achievers award continue to recognize men and women contributing to the advancement of Africa. One or two compliments do no harm even though we do not solicit for it. And if any personal issue with Mr. Ofehe, he is in the public domain, we would let him know please. Thank you for writing in. Editor.

must have celebrated the “goodness” of God upon his life through his philanthropy; probably acknowledging him as an enthusiastic tither oblivious of the cause & source of his enthusiasm. Nigerian ambassadors attended his philanthropic projects in Ghana without questioning his source of wealth. Especially those he mentioned to the public now. Several of such folks are probably prepping to contest for the next election relying mainly on blood money and other such illicit stipends. So what should we learn from this? Let’s stop venerating wealth and position that are sudden when we cannot even verify its source Let’s start valuing excellence values that are not necessarily primed on monetary acquisition. Let’s go back to core human values of morality, integrity & equity in society. If we fail to do these, we might be helping another Evans rise to stardom Let’s not only shine our eyes but also our brains before using our thumbs. May God wake us up. By Dr. Alex O. Akpodiete JD He lives in Frederick, Maryland United States of America

Feedback (Page for your letters)

How we can make positive impact!

You don’t need to occupy a political position before you can make a positive impact. More than 80 percent of people who made significant changes in the world never occupied a political position. Yet they were forces to reckon with, they employed millions and fed more millions with their initiatives. Today, many people are deceived to believe until you occupy a political position, you cannot make significant changes in your environment, community, state or nation. Large bodies do not bring about big achievements. It is large hearts that do. Positions do not qualify you to emerge as a game changer, it is your commitment to positive change that does. Please note: You don’t have to be in such positions to make significant change, but when you make significant changes, people in position will rush to you for solutions. You don’t have to be in those positions to be wealthy, but when you become wealthy, people in positions of authority will create several positions for you. That you are not occupying a political position, isn’t reason enough to deter you from effecting positive change. And please get me right, seeking political position is good, but your ability to make a positive change happen doesn’t depend on it. By Olawale Rotimi Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Editor,

We want to regularly receive the Voice magazine I work at the library in the prison of Winchester, one of our customers has asked for your magazine. Is it possible for us to have the magazine sent to the Library, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, Hants. SO22 5DF. Give us how best to make payments for the copies. Many thanks for your help By Suzanne Radband Senior Library Assistant Editor’s Note Dear Suzanne, thank you for your inquiry, we have already replied you and explained how best to receive past editions. If you send us your email address, we would send you the digital copy of the past editions. It is easy to download. Nice time reading the Voice magazine

EVANS AND OUR HUMAN VALUE SYSTEM

Of recent in the news, was the arrest of a notorious billionaire kidnapper, the highest profile criminal in Nigeria; Chukwudi Onuamadike. Popularly known as Evans, he was arrested by security operatives on Saturday, June 10. He narrated of all the harm he has caused countless families by kidnapping & ransoming them for colossal sums of money both in local currency and foreign currencies. Reports indicate that he has been pursued for the past three months before his arrest. Although several reports are being circulated in the media of what he has said and what the police are saying. With some claiming his penitence. His arrest, unveils a new revelation of how Nigeria celebrates wealth without questioning the source of the resources. People celebrated Evans until his demise. The same police who are celebrating him in Abuja cannot tell us that they just got more information about him this 2017 yet he claims that he has been in operation since year 2000; starting as an armed robber before graduating to a notorious kidnapper in his Magodo hideout in Lagos. By Pius Adesanmi Lagos, Nigeria

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DIPLOMATIC NEWS

Nigerians in The Netherlands get a new Ambassador

Meet Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa

Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa is the New Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands. He will be resuming office before the end of the last quarter of the year, probably by October 2017. The Nigerian mission in The Hague had been without an Ambassador since the last Ambassador, Ambassador Akanbi was recalled on the resumption of this administration in 2015. The new Ambassador is a younger diplomat compared to his predecessors. He was born on 24th of August 1968. His parents are Chief and Mrs. Nwosu Alale Ngofa of Aleto in Eleme in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eleme Local Government area of River State His father was a renowned teacher, unionist, politician and one-time State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, later became an Honourable Commissioner for Education in Rivers State. Both parents are of blessed memories.

On the political sphere, Hon. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name has become a brand in Eleme in particular and Rivers State in general since his divine nomination by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as its chairmanship candidate, including his election and subsequent swearing in as the Executive Chairman on 25th April, 2008. He has within six years in office initiated, constructed and commissioned several landmark projects, which have changed the aesthetic landscape of Eleme and River States. It is also on record that he ran for second term and was reelected in what has become a landmark in the history of that area.

He was elected Vice Chairman of Association Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa: of Local Government of Ambassador Ngofa started his formal primary Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State, until when his second education at the Holy Trinity Anglican Primary tenure of Eleme Council School, Nchia in 1974 from where he obtained the First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC, in 1980 before Chairman elapsed in May 2014. His superlative performance proceeding to the famous Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt was seen by Governor Chibuike Amaechi who graciously refor his secondary school education, obtaining the West appointed and swore him into office as Chairman of Caretaker African Schools Certificate, Ordinary Level (O/L) in 1985. He Committee, Eleme Local Government Council, on 31st May, gained admission into the University of Calabar, graduating 2014 and subsequently elected as the State Chairman of with Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Literary Studies ALGON. with emphasis in Comparative Literature in 1991. He later And he was elected the Deputy National Secretary of the All added a Post Graduate Diploma, PGD, in International Progressives Congress, APC, at its first National Convention Affairs in 2000 from the University of Port Harcourt. at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Saturday 14th June, 2014. As a man destined for leadership, Hon. Ngofa has held several positions in his life as he continues to ascend the hierarchy of leadership. He is also a passionate sports personality.

His quest for improved standards of living and a wealth of experience have earned him secure employment in managerial positions in hi-tech giants and blue-chip conglomerates. He has worked at Dellatra Bezons Nigeria (DBN) 1993-1994 and IPCO Nigeria Limited (1994-2003) as Personnel Manager 10

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Ambassador Hon. Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa, is an orator, a speaker extempore, speech writer, grassroots mobiliser, colossus and a complete gentleman in every sense of the word. He is happily married and with two amiable children. During his spare time, he delights in reading and playing football. On behalf of Nigerians in The Netherlands, we welcome His Excellency, Ambassador Oji Nyimenuate Ngofa and we wish him a successful tenure and pleasant stay in The Netherlands. The Voice magazine management

Dr. Max Ese Anderson: A Media Practitioner & Entertainment Pacesetter Dr. Max Ese Anderson was born on the 29th of March in Warri, Delta State of Nigeria. He is a Sociology and Anthropology graduate of the prestigious University of Benin, Nigeria. He was jointly awarded the Doctor of Literature Litt.D (Honoris Causa), by The Global Learner University and the Agencia Nacional Colegial de Peritos Judiciales, Mediadoras y Tecnicos Profesionales de España y Europa in Alicante, Spain, for his works and contributions to journalism and entertainment. Dr Max is a renowned international media practitioner, a public relations consultant and an actor. He is a multi-talented, motivated and result oriented goal getter, with diverse practical know-how in the entertainment and corporate worlds. He is a constructive team player and a pragmatic leader with clear cut ideas and the readiness to brainstorm and proffer solutions for both immediate and long term challenges. Over the years, both at the national and international levels, he has gained considerable experience as a journalist, a writer, a publisher, a public and motivational speaker, an actor, a songwriter, a TV and radio presenter, a business man, a producer, a publicist, a humanitarian, etc. As a media Practitioner, Dr Max has had the privilege to work with/interview the likes of Lucky Dube, Ziggy Marley, Mariam Makeba, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings, and lots more. For several years, he was the African Consultant to MoneyGram Spain on publicity and Promotions. He was also a Promotional Consultant to Western Union, Spain. He is the Presenter of The Outsiders, a TV program on Nigerians in the Diaspora, packaged for broadcast in Nigeria. He was also the presenter of the African oriented radio program Vientos de Africa (Winds of Africa) at Radio Pueblo Nuevo, Madrid, Spain. He has been the Editor and Spain bureau chief of The African Bulletin newspaper. In his relentless pursuit of promoting Africa in the Diaspora, he organizes the annual International African Week, with attendance of great personalities from across Africa and other parts of the world. He also organizes the International African Women’s Week, to promote African women in the Diaspora. As a way of showcasing African brain and beauty, he leads the organization of Miss LaFace, an annual beauty pageant in Spain. He also organizes an annual interdenominational choir competition for African churches. As an actor, he has worked

with some of the greatest minds in the Nollywood industry, both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. He has made some great movies with top of the list actors like Chief Ejiro Okurame, Faithia Balogun, Noelia, Mike Martins, Comrade Lamptay Orhiakhi, Beloved Truevine, Nwanne Campo, Candy Ajayi, Jennifer Omole, Sam Uche, Tony Akposheri, Abieyuwa Success Orowere, Derick Eguavoen, and a host of others. Some movies to his credit include The Intruder, Saphira, Complicated, The Pastors, Pure de Patata, Set Time, etc. He has worked with great Directors like Michael Martins, Kingsley Iweru, Awah Noba, Lamptay Orhiakhi, and others. He was recently the Director of Media and Public Relations

Dr. Max Anderson in one of the greatest reality tv shows in Africa, My Africa Reality TV Show, working with great personalities like Zack Orji, Sunny Neji, Femi Adebayo, Paul Obazele, Faithia Balogun, Chief Ejiro Okurame, Jude Orhorha, etc. His humanitarian conviction, among others, has led him to taking relief materials to African countries including Liberia, Benin Republic, etc. He is the Director, Media Blackberry SL, Spain, the Founder/CEO, DAFCOM, Spain (NGO), Co-Founder/Director, ILUMAX ENTERTAINMENT, Spain, the Executive Producer, Gallant TV, Spain, Co-Founder/Director, The LaFace Group, Spain, Editor/Columnist: The African Bulletin Newspaper, Holland and Spain, Editor-In-Chief, The LaFace Magazine, Spain, Founder/Editor: THE GATEWAY Magazine, Holland, Director, House Of Aces Productions, Nigeria, etc. Dr. Max is currently embarking on a humanitarian project “Light It Up Africa”, a project to provide potable source of solar light to households in rural African communities where the national grid has not reached yet. He is a proud member of the global journalist body, Reporters Without Borders, Spain. Dr. Max has an amiable personality and is fun to be

The Voice Achievers Award 2017: Celebrating our success stories. Register Now....... www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Young Nigerian made success in automotive Mechantronics Engineering in Germany

ngr. Odijie Irabor has finally achieved his life-long dream by qualifying as a technician in Automotive Mechatronics (Kraftfahrzeugmeachtronik). He was presented his certificate on Wednesday (12 July) in the western German city of Marl after successfully completing a 3-year training course at the SBH Bildungsgesellschaft mbH Gelsenkirchen, during which he acquired skills across automotive-specific mechanics, electronics, communication and advanced control. Odijie flashes the victory sign after achieving his life-long dream by qualifying as a technician in Automotive Mechatronics, a new technical field that offers him employment opportunities not only in Europe but across the globe Mechatronics (Automotive) engineering is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of automotive mechanical and electronic systems. The course was introduced because of the increasing complexity of automobiles, entailing the integration of computer and communication electronics into their mechanical systems. It’s one of the newest branches of engineering, and has far-reaching applications to every sector of society. The name Mechatronics stems from mechanical and electronics and is a relatively new approach to product design and development for future generation of hybrid system cars that are expected to hit German roads in 2025, merging the principles of electrical, mechanical, computer and industrial engineering. To say the least, all over the world, specialists in new system of Automotive Mechatronics are being sought after. Engr Odijie underwent the training under Germany’s Dual Vocational Training system. As part of the dual system, he

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would attend classes at a vocational school and receive on-thejob training at cars Production Company in German language. During a chat with Engr Irabor Odijie, he said undergoing the training in German language and keeping up with the performance of his German colleagues makes him feel good. “When I started the course, I was a bit scared not because of my lack of technical knowledge but because of the language,” Odijie, who studied auto mechanics at the Benin Technical College, Benin-City, Nigeria, recalled. “Thanks to the Almighty God, I was able to catch up on the language and undergo the course successfully,” he added. When asked how he managed to cope, he said. I was focused and dedicated to face any challenges with great resistance. I recalled when I passed my first exam to the greatest amazement of some students and the least expectations of my lecturers. They teamed up against me and overturned my result. They wondered how I with little understanding of German language managed to pass when many Germans failed the exam. They said I must rewrite the exam. One of the lecturers called such action an aberration and advised me to go to lawyer. That was my early days experience in the institute which I can never forget. I told the lecturer that though I am black but I am not stupid and that I will re-write it to prove them wrong which I did. That single experience made me more focused and dedicated. Whenever I remembered that I was on scholarship of over hundred thousand Euros; which wouldn’t have been possible for me back home in Nigeria, I was consumed with determination & dedication. That was reflected in the second exam where my score was even higher. That marveled my critics. You could not imagine how many lecturers attended church with me during a thanks giving celebration as the first Nigeria to have graduated in this new course that had been introduced in 2015.

That single experience made me more focused and dedicated. Whenever I remembered that I was on scholarship of over hundred thousand Euros; which wouldn’t have been possible for me back home in Nigeria, I was consumed with determination & dedication. That was reflected in the second exam where my score was even higher. That marveled my critics. You could not imagine how many lecturers attended church with me during a thanks giving celebration as the first Nigeria to have graduated in this new course that had been introduced in 2015. He was born and brought up in Isua Arue Uromi. Esan North East Local Government area of Edo state Nigeria. He attended Arue Primary School, Arue Secondary School and Benin Technical College where he studied Automobile Mechanical. He worked with EDEGBE MOTORS for a period of 7 years before relocating to Germany in 2011. Every attempt to work as a mechanic in Germany proved abortive because of the nature of modern day’s vehicle that run on electric, sensors and brain box. He was left with no option than to go back to school; with language barrier to battle with. The rest is now history.

The Esan, Edo born Nigerian automotive mechatronic engineer, advised young Africans in Germany to ensure that they get certified training in any areas of their interest because that will prepare them for a successful career in the employment market. “There is no way you will be unemployed if you have a good Ausbildung (training),” he said. “You will always find a good job as many companies in Germany already have acute problems training enough people for the continuation of their operations in the country,” he noted. “I advise every African living in Germany to learn something, because it is the lazy man that does the hardest job in Germany.” By EHIZOYA GOLDEN ENTERTAINMENT e.V” Contact Us For Your Events Management, Film Productions and Screening in Europe/ Africa and you won´t be disappointed. Nollywood Film Festival Germany -NFFG & Nollywood Europe Golden Awards - NEGA www.nollywoodawards.com Contacts; Tel; +49 15210 200 103

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Bakarr Conteh tells his story with the camera! Bakarr King Conteh is from Sierra Leone. He was born in Sierra Leone and migrated to Belgium in 1998 where he presently resides and works. He is a father of four children and very

passionate about Africa. Using his media skills he has strove to project Africa in a different light. He is a video, television producer and the CEO of Bacs Multimedia Production. He has used his documentaries to inform and educate millions of people around the world about his country Sierra Leone and other places within Africa as a whole. He co-works with different nationalities and races to tell the African story. His work has attracted both local and internationally recognition earning him accolades from both home and beyond. He did play a significant role in creating awareness during the Ebola crisis and now with the Mudslide that has affected the country. You are a kind hearted person and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re highly spoken of in Belgium and The Netherlands where most people revel your professional work. You have devoted your time to promoting African Events in the Diaspora and have partaken in various organized shows within Europe. For more information, you can contact him on facebook/ youtube, Instagram or Google search for Bakarr King Conteh or send him an email at bacsmultimediaproduction@outlook.com

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A Celebration of an Icon: Dr. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’

his piece is not a celebrity tell all, this is a measured erudite expose of an actor who has taken the world by storm. Whatever its constituent parts-talent, sure; charisma, definitely—the combined quality Hollywood moguls and gossip columnists used to refer to as “it”-ness (as in, “So-and-so has it”) remains ineffable, mysterious, almost occult in its indescribableness. Whatever “it” is, Adewale has it in droves. Enough to fill a room, a movie, a long-running series, a planet probably. I have met him in person, seen him on Television, blockbuster Hollywood movies, musical video clips to say the least, and his talent and incursion into Acting/Hollywood has never failed to impress, call it hard work or vicissitude of life. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje “Triple A” has become one of the most versatile actors of his generation, jumping seamlessly between acting in film and television as well as behind the scenes working as a writer, producer and director, with a commanding presence on and off screen that creates iconic and memorable characters. Adewale is currently starring as the 2nd male lead opposite Kyra Sedgwick in the new ABC thriller, “Ten Days in the Valley.” The series follows overworked television producer and single mother Jane Sadler (Sedgwick) in the middle of a fractious separation when her young daughter goes missing in the middle of the night, Jane’s world - and her controversial police series - implodes. Adewale plays Detective John Bird, who is assigned to the case to find the missing daughter. During his work on the case, an attraction develops between the two characters. In addition to Ten Days; Adewale can next be seen as one of the stars of the independent feature about mental health, entitled Elizabeth Blue. Globally, he recently acquired worldwide rights as a writer/director for Vincent Isabella’s feature film debut. The drama also stars Anna Schafer, Ryan Vincent, and Kathleen Quinlan. The story centers on the titular Elizabeth — played by Schafer — who suffers from schizophrenia and is struggling to regain control of her mental stability and her life as she begins to plan her wedding. It’s set for a limited theatrical release by September 22nd in a minimum of 10 major marketers, including New York and Los Angeles. The release strategy also includes an exclusive worldwide release on iTunes by 10th October in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. In addition, the film is scheduled to screen at multiple NAMI affiliate locations across the country during the film’s opening weekend. Adewale will be making his motion picture directorial debut with Farming, a film he wrote. Based on Adewale’ s

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By: Gbenga Teejay- Okunlola London Bureau-Chief teejayok@gmail.com childhood, Farming tells the story of a young Nigerian boy, ‘farmed out’ by his parents to a white British family in the hope of a 0.30 better future. Instead, he becomes the feared leader of a white skinhead gang. The film has garnered an all-star cast that consists of newcomer Damson Idris (FX’s Snowfall) playing the lead character. The film also stars Adewale, Kate

Beckinsale (The Only Living Boy in NYC, Underworld), and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. (Beyond the Lights, Beauty & the Beast). Production has started in the United Kingdom and the film will be released in 2018 TBD.

On the TV front, Adewale can currently be seen in a strong supporting role in the hilarious HBO mockumentary, “Tour De Pharmacy” that is currently set to air on the cable network. Most recently in the motion picture arena, he played ‘Killer Croc’ in the Warner Bros film Suicide Squad where he starred alongside Jared Leto, Will Smith, Viola Davis and Margot Robbie. Adewale was nominated for a 2017 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for “Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture” for his work in Trumbo alongside Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Helen Mirren. He also recently co-starred in the critically acclaimed film Concussion portraying ‘Dave Duerson’ opposite Will Smith. Television audiences were first captivated by Adewale’s talent in the ground breaking HBO original “Oz”, which received widespread critic and audience acclaim. For three seasons, Adewale played the heavily flawed character ‘Simon Adebisi,’ a murderous drug addict with intellect and brawn. His portrayal earned him two NAACP nominations for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” (2000) and “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” (2001). On the heels of “Oz’s” success, Adewale switched gears and took on the challenge of the big screen in the giant blockbuster The Mummy Returns. He followed it with another big hit, The Bourne Identity, where he played ‘Wombosi’ alongside Matt Damon in the iconic Jason Bourne action series. Adewale then went on to co-star opposite Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in Get Rich or Die Tryin’ directed by Academy Award nominated Jim Sheridan; playing ‘Majestic,’ a brutally twisted drug lord. Returning to the small screen in 2006, Adewale joined the cast of the hugely popular show “Lost” in its second season. The show’s rabid fan base was quick to embrace the mysterious ‘Mr. Eko,’ and week after week he had the audience enthralled with his gripping portrayal. Adewale and the cast won the highly coveted “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series” award at both the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) that year. He was also nominated for a Saturn award for his performance as ‘Mr. Eko.’ Jumping back into film, Adewale joined the international box office hit “Thor: The Dark World”, where he played the dual villain roles of dark elves ‘Algrim’ and ‘Kurse’. The film grossed over $600 million, making it one of the biggest films of 2013. That same year, Adewale showed a different side of him in the independent film “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete” where he starred alongside Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson. Adewale’s other film credits include: G.I Joe: The Rise

of Cobra, Ace Ventura 2: When Nature Calls, Congo, Unstoppable, Pompeii, Annie, Killer Elite, alongside Robert DeNiro, Clive Owen, and Jason Statham, and Universal Pictures classic remake of The Thing. His other memorable television credits include the NBC conspiracy thriller series “American Odyssey,” as well as the HBO epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones.” Akinnuoye-Agbaje was born to Nigerian parents of Yoruba origin, who were students in the UK. At six weeks old, he was given up to a white working-class family in Tilbury, Essex, where he joined eight other Nigerian foster-children, including his two sisters. Growing up in Tilbury as the only black family, young Adewale was subjected to constant racial abuse. His foster-parents lived in extreme poverty, and his father worked as a lorry driver and struggled to support the family. When he was eight years old, his biological parents took him back to Nigeria. Continued on Page 20

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Continued from Page 19 Unable to speak the Yoruba language and unaccustomed to his new environment, he withdrew introvertly and refused to talk. Disturbed by his inability to assimilate into the Nigerian culture, he was sent back to Tilbury. This brief exposure to Nigeria left Adewale struggling to reconcile his heritage with the working-class English culture he was raised in. Facing an identity crisis and searching for a sense of belonging, he joined a gang. At 16 years old, his Nigerian parents intervened, sending him to a boarding school in Surrey. Faced with the new challenge of adapting to yet another foreign environment, Akinnuoye-Agbaje turned his life around. He went on to graduate with an LLB from the University of London International Programs, and later completed a Masters in Law at Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College London. Going from the transitional difficulties of childhood to a career of international acclaim shows character and determination that will inspire many to achieve similar goals. This was ultimately recognized by the decision to award him an Honorary Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa at the University of London graduation ceremony in March of 2017. Adewale also won the- African Acting Award (The Voice Achievers Award which honours distinguished Africans and Friends of Africa in 2016) Dr. Akinnuoye-Agbaje still waxing stronger in his acting career Adewale resides in the UK and Los Angles. For more information please contact Jeff Raymond at JRaymond@rogersandcowan.com and Shannon Barr at SBarr@rogersandcowan.com @ 310-854-8100. Additional contribution to this article by: Rogers and Cowan. www.rogersandcowan.com

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idney Mutueel MCC is a 51 year old police officer in The Netherlands coming from Curacao/Caribbean where he was born. He has spent several years in the Dutch police force raising to the rank of Chief Inspector. He is a Dutch national and apart from that his interest is in the welfare of the citizenry no matter where you come from as long as you live in The Netherlands. In his words, “I have been working for the Dutch Police for 27 years. I started working as a police officer in 1990 in Rotterdam. In my police career, I have worked in 9 different functions, in 9 different police units across the country”. From 2006 till 2011, he worked as a regional project leader at the Amsterdam police department. During this period, he was responsible for policing of communities. The main task was to connect with the African communities, especially the undocumented target group. And this task changed his perception and work with the minority group in the Netherlands Together with the Police chiefs, Side officers and the clergy/ priests, especially (Rev. Emmanuel Koney), they organized the Police Dialogue night for undocumented Africans through his Church in the Kandelaar, in Amsterdam South East. The main purpose was to get to know each other better and work towards more information sharing and consolidation on both sides, enabling more connection, trust, security and responsibility. This

dialogue has helped to transform relationship with Africans in that part of Amsterdam with the police and helped to reduce crime. The African Dialogues gave more insight in to the frightening situations in which the undocumented ones were living, the fear of reporting to the police was a major factor. They were faceless but the dialogue gave them a face and a voice within the community. Through this, they uncovered a new approach to reach these undocumented persons and also the declaration of readiness to work with community based organizations under the motto: “Free in Free Out”. All undocumented victims of serious crimes could approach the police to make report at any police station in Amsterdam without being checked for status. This effort has helped to transform how the regional policy with the approval of the political triangle in Amsterdam revolved. In this way, the undocumented were given the right to report against their counterparts. Furthermore, the acquired knowledge and expertise translated and integrated into the national police education at the Police academy of the Netherlands where he later became a lecturer. This policy makes something that seemed impossible then to become possible and helped to treat people with the spirit of humanity by humanity. The police could be seen no longer as an enemy but a friend. Among the Africans, Officer Sidney is a popular face and welcome friend at all times. Presently, he is a lecturer at Police Academy, and he also works as a project leader for diversity on police education. He is very good in sports, several times he was won Dutch, European and world championship in Karate. So don’t him if you see him on the street, he is trained to the highest level of self-defense. For details on him, you can read more on this website: www.politieacademie.nl

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Victory Outreach is a Pentecostal Church, Bible based believing people in the trinity of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. What would you like to know? Our vision? Which activities we organize? Or would you like to hear testimonies about how we follow God? One thing is certain, we would like to get to know you and therefore you are more than welcome to visit one of our services. You can visit us every day of the week. You may have been a believer for many years already. Or you might still be searching for the meaning of life and asking yourself whether or not there is God. Within Victory Outreach Almere we would like to help you find the answer. We will gladly teach you the exact meaning of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a living faithâ&#x20AC;?. With us you will truly see and experience the supernatural power of the living God. You can always count on love and comfort when you need it. You will discover that we have a wonderful diversity of people with lots of different backgrounds, characters and personalities. But there is one thing we have in common. We all follow the same God, Jesus Christ. In that diversity and love for God we are a family where you are more than welcome. We personally hope to meet you during one of our services. God bless you as you come in Jesus Christ name. Amen

Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastor Victory Outreach Almere. Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere Telephone: 036-8417007; Telephone: 036-7505571 info@voalmere.nl ...................http://www.voalmere.nl

INVITING NEW MEMBERS!!

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

Time: 6.30pm - 9.00pm YOU ARE ALL WELCOME. For details, Call: 06-87510616, 06-87508082, 0655516057 Address : EGOLI 9A , 1103AC, Amsterdam 23

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NETFREIGHT SCHIFFAHRTS- & SPEDITIONS GMBH PHILOSOPHY QUALIFIED AND COMMITTED PERSONNEL SERVICE ANALYSIS TAILOR MADE SOLUTIONS HIGH LEVEL SERVICE COMMITMENT COMPETITIVE PRICING EXPORT DOCUMENTATION TO HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANDARDS COMPLETE PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH FULL CONTROL PROCESSES ALL CUSTOMERS ARE IMPORTANT

BERND WANDKOWSKI

COMPANY NAME: NETFREIGHT SCHIFFAHRTS- & SPEDITIONS GMBH YEAR OF INCORPORATION: 1986 STATUS: PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY SHAREHOLDER AND FOUNDER: BERND WANDKOWSKI HEAD OFFICE: HAMBURG GERMANY KEY GLOBAL BUSINESSES ACTIVITIES IMPORT & EXPORT TURN KEY LOGISTICS, CONTAINER SHIPPING, RORO SHIPPING, PROJECT SHIPPING, LOCAL TRANSPORT BY ROAD, RAIL AND BARGE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE, WAREHOUSING KEY TRADING AREAS MIDDLE EAST, MEDITERRANEAN, THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON WEST AND EAST AFRICA. KEY RELATIONSHIPS CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL MAJOR LINER SERVICES SERVING OUR KEY TRADE LANES NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS WITH RENOWN COMPANIES IN ALL EUROPEAN AND ALL AFRICAN PORTS SERVED. MISSION STATEMENT THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WORLDWIDE FREIGHT SOLUTIONS BY LAND, SEA OR AIR TO CUSTOMERS BASED IN GERMANY AND OVERSEAS. PROVIDING OUR CUSTOMERS WITH A PERSONALIZED, EFFICIENT AND CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE BASED ON THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AIMED AT BUILDING LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS, STABILITY AND MUTUAL GROWTH.

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SERVICES GLOBAL SERVICE PROVISION TRANSPORTATION FEASIBILITY STUDIES RO RO SERVICES CONTAINER SERVICE FCL/LCL BULK AND BREAKBULK SHIPMENTS HEAVY LIFT AND OVERSIZE CARGO TRANSPORTATION TRUCKING, RAIL AND BARGE MOVEMENTS WAREHOUSING, PACKING AND STORAGE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FORMALITIES FULL EXPORT DOCUMENTATION CARGO TRACKING-INFORMATION SYSTEM WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES BY CHOOSING NETFREIGHT AS YOUR PARTNER? FIRST CLASS REPUTATION EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD AND REFERENCES A ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR SHIPPING AND LOGISTIC SERVICES A COMPREHENSIVE GLOBAL SUPPORT NETWORK COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE EXCEEDING 100 YEARS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING TURN KEY PROJECTS LOGISTICS WAREHOUSING AND PACKING CUSTOMS CLEARANCE DISTRIBUTION VISION FOR THE FUTURE MAINTAIN OUR POSITION AS ONE OF THE LEADING PROVIDERS OF SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS SERVICES BASED IN GERMANY. CONTINUE TO EXPAND OUR NETWORK AND ASSOCIATION WITH THE LEADERS IN THE SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS INDUSTRY STRENGTHEN OUR BASE IN THE REGION CONTINUE TO OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE BY CONTINUING TO ADAPT TO CHANGES IN GLOBAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA NETFREIGHT SCHIFFAHRTS- & SPEDITIONS GMBH KURZE MUEHREN 20 20095 HAMBURG TEL. +49 40 307047-11 FAX. +49 40 307047-47 E-MAIL: WANDKOWSKI@NETFREIGHT.DE WWW.NETFREIGHT.DE

Happy birthday to Marjoline Petra Imade-Popken

at 10

Join the family of Mrs. Faith Ehanire Popken to celebrate their daughter, Marjoline Petra ImadePopken as she clocks 10 years old on 3rd September 2017. We pray for God to give her more years of beautiful life with grace to accomplish Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destiny plan for her life. Join us for a thanksgiving mass/ celebration service at All Saints Catholic Church (African House) Venue: Millingenhof 157/158, 1106KK, Amsterdam from 12 noon on 17th September 2017 Signed: Faith Ehanire Mother of the celebrant

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Nigeria EU (NEU) he

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eld awards for 2017 • • •

Max Ese Anderson – Media Practitioner / Actor of the Year

Amanda Lazmon – Female Minister of the Year BEN TV: TV Station of the Year

•

Solar de Coque – Best Modern Highlife Artist

•

Ikechukwu Asiegbu (VozAfric) – Online media of the year

• • • The Nigeria EU Awards [NEU Awards] recently took place at Teatro Jaime Salom, Madrid, Spain to celebrate its 5th edition on July 23rd 2017. It was a prestigious event that recognizes and promotes creative Nigerians living in Europe. The event did not disappoint. The award drew many Nigerians from various parts of Europe to the city of Madrid, where many show surprise and gladness meeting with fellow artistes they only knew ‘online’. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of NEU awards to prominent Nigerians whose extraordinary acts have made a demonstrable difference in Europe, making Nigerians proud through art, entertainment and charity. Amongst those present at the occasion were Engr. Barry Igbeare (Italy), Max Ese Anderson, Ikechukwu Asiegbu (VozAfric), Christiana Nwokeji-Asiegbu (Nigerian Women Association, Málaga – Spain), The Aproco Master (Germany), Joy Solomon (Joy Joyous Altartainment), McLevit, Andy Omoregie (Zenith Entertainment), Solar de Coque, Joy Great Cake, Amara, Beloved Truevine, Amanda Lazmon, and a host of other great personalities.

See the full list of winners below.

• • • • • • • • • • •

McLevit – Best RNB Artist

Joy Solomon – Gospel Artist of the Year, Female

Amos Obasanhan – Gospel Minister of the year, Male

Beloved Truevine – Gospel Artist of the Year, Male Amara – Gospel Album of the Year

Mrs Christiana Asiegbu, Women Leader of the year Joy Greatcake – Businesswoman of the Year Engr. Barry Igbeare – Entrepreneur of the year

Andy Omoregie – Publisher and Writer of the year Hon. Emmanuel Ani – Social Leader of the year Okwudili Obi – Best Pidgen Presenter on Radio Westpoint Club – Nightclub of the year DJ Marshal – Best DJ of the Year

Nigerian Women Association, Malaga – Best Women Association

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Michael Martins – Movie Producer of the Year

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Godwin N. Kihodu – Humanitarian Award

• • • •

Maiky Moiche – Music Producer of the year

Iyobo For Christ – Ebube Feat. Masterdon – Gospel Song of the year Gee Jay – Best Afro Artist, Female

Manfesto – Best Afro Artist – Male

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Anu Ajose (Motivational Speaker of the Year)

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Ana Maria – Best Foreign Gospel Minister

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Godsend Foundation – Humanitarian Foundation of the Year

Courtesy: Vozafric.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Esther Nana Schmidt, wife, mother, speaker,

mentor and writer, was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. She moved to Munich, Germany in 2005 where she now lives with her family. Nana Schmidt is an example of how ordinary people can choose to live an extraordinary life. In 1992 she was literally living on the street in Africa and at the tender age of 11 was forced to take full responsibility for her life. With a fortitude and understanding beyond her tender age, she realized that life needed to change and with that recognition she chose to turn her life around. In the face of almost daily rejection and abuse, faith and optimism have been her constant companions. And with the understanding that her life extends beyond herself, she was able to turn the almost overwhelming negative experiences of her difficult childhood into positive energy, life wisdom and self-love. Her faith in God and love for Humanity is the fuel that compels her. Today, Esther Nana Schmidt, is a philanthropist, wife and mother living a life so detached from the inconceivable horror of her early childhood. She has taken those experiences, her personal story and with training, has over the years , become an inspirational speaker and mentor. She is uniquely skilled in opening hearts, bringing healing to the soul, as well as sparking new hope and joy, invoking a sense of spirituality, self-love and purpose in people. She is passionate about helping others to live purposeful and fulfilling lives. Those who have met Nana describe her as an inspiration, a very positive person with a compassionate heart. Esther Nana Schmidt is also the founder of The Purple Pearl Breakfast - An inspirational and mentoring event held in

Eunice Olumide: A supermodel of world acclaim

Eunice was originally scouted at aged 15 by Select models. Originally born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has worked all over the world including United Kingdom, U.S.A, Japan, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Poland, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. Twice nominated by The Scottish Fashion Awards and Vogue.com as the ‘Model of The Year’. She has appeared in both national and international campaigns, fashion

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different cities where women come together to connect, embrace and to empower each other. Esther Nana Schmidt could be reached via Email: pp.frauen@ gmail.com Facebook: Esther Nana Schmidt www.purple-pearl-breakfast.com or www.nanaschmidt.de Telephone: +49 17684869740 weeks and editorials such as WAD Paris, ID Magazine, Dazed & Confused, Oyster, Paper Cut NY, New York Magazine, Pride, Vogue.com, Vogue.it, Bahrain Confidential and many more.; working for designers including Mulberry, JJ Noki, Christopher Kane, Henry Holland and Harris Tweed. Much of her time is spent fundraising for charities including Children’s Hospice Scotland, The Well Foundation and The Columbus Hospice. She is currently the Ambassador for Zero Waste Scotland and Breakthrough Breast Cancer TLC; joining the ranks of Kate Moss, Edith Bowman, Twiggy, Alan Carr & Sharon and Kelly Osborne. In the past, Eunice has been signed with several top agencies including Ford, IMM Dusseldorf, VIVA & LAAGENCIA, AMQ, The Model Team, Colours, and Mega. This Scottish Supermodel, has grown into a talented actress with a sellout spectacle at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Apollo NY and five star review for her solo production ‘Metamorph’ at The Traverse Theatre and starred as lead actress in ‘The Chicken Trial’. In the last year, she also booked roles on ‘AbFab’ the movie, and ‘After Louise’. She is also a regular contributor on BBC News and SKY TV at events such as The Herald Fashion Awards, The Berwick Film Festival, and Business for Scotland Awards and the Inn Travel Film Awards Look out for her as she joins the award train this year in The Netherlands.

President Paul Kagame sworn-in for a new sevens term

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Kenyan presidential Elections inconclusive ..... Supreme Court to decide Isaac Lenaola, Jackton Ojwang, Njoki Ndungu, Smokin Wanjala and Mohammed Ibrahim. This team has the power to calm tension in the country and resolve the disputed election results. If the majority of the bench - four out of seven rule against the petition filed by NASA, that will mark the end of the litigation process of challenging the presidential election thereby clearing the way for the swearing-in of the President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta for his second and final term in office. However if the result goes the other way, then a new election would have to be conducted within 60 days meaning the two major candidates will go back to campaign for votes and hold another election. Nobody knows how this will go down with the President Uhuru Kenyatta reelection on hold already elected leaders in the various capacities across the country. The Supreme Court has two ? Kenya is once again facing several scenarios following options on this matter. Only two. To either allow the decision by the National Super Alliance (NASA) to file the petition, which means they have to go for another round of a petition at the Supreme Court to challenge the declaration presidential elections or disallow it. The effect of the second of President Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner of the 2017 polls. option is that it would then pave way for the swearing-in of Probably, this petition will drag longer than the world would the President-elect; Uhuru Kenyatta. expect to but nobody can predict the outcome of Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Should the petition succeed, several other scenarios will Supreme Court; or its handling of this petition. That of swing into play. There will be another presidential contest in 2013 was a reminder that the Supreme Court didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the 60 days. This will essentially be a run-off involving Uhuru patience to allow the election dispute drag on for too long. Kenyatta and Raila Odinga. This race and the result would be The whole nation and the eyes of the world media is on the straight forward, winner takes all with simple majority of the Kenyan Supreme Court now, a jurist body comprising seven vote casts. judges and on their shoulder lies the decision of how to decide As early as 2nd of September, we may know the next step the future of Kenya through this petition. They have only two of action based on the decision of the Supreme Court. weeks (14 days) to decide whether to uphold the results of the Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta continues to travel elections or call for a new contest between the two principal round the country to thank Kenyans for their votes and support candidates at the elections; President Uhuru Kenyatta and and he appeals to his supports to keep calm as he expresses Raila Odinga of NASA coalition. confidence that the court will uphold his election and he will IEBC Chairman, Wafula Chebukati exercising his be sworn-in as President for the 2nd term in office. constitutional duties declared Uhuru Kenyatta as winner of the 2017 elections despite a protest from NASA who objected to the results. Initially they refused to accept the option of going to court but they finally decided to go to court and delay the swearing in ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta for a second term in office. According to information reaching our desk, this is the format of this application and how it would play out in Nairobi, Kenya. The supreme court judges have exactly 14 days to allow parties to serve respondents and for the respondents to file their rejoinders, hear preliminary objections if any and listen to arguments by all parties before making a determination on IEBC Chairman under pressure after elections the matter whether to attend to the petition or throw it out. The bench at Supreme Court comprises Chief Justice David Maraga, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Judges

Boundaries Commission (IEBC), on allegations of system hacking, attempts to steal the votes but it was turned down and after the elections, IEBC did admit that there was an attempt to hack their computerized electronic voting system but that it did not succeed. Who are those who attempted to hack the system? Probably in court, some of the truth will surface on what actually

Uhuru Kenyatta vs Raila Odinga President Uhuru Kenyatta also continue to preach peace while is opponent in the election, Raila Odinga calls for fairness and justice. Both had committed to peacefully accepting the outcome of the elections if it is adjudged to be free and fair but how do you decide that when the two major parties dispute the results of the election! Before the August 8th polls, signs were already there that the polls will not go down well as planned. NASA raised allegations to the Independent Electoral and

Raila Odinga is contesting the results of the election happened on 8th August 2017. Jubilee Party and other interested parties that may enjoined in the case have to prepare a good defense.

Africa not prepared for Disasters: Sierra Leone’s terrible experience as mudslides kills hundreds, leaving thousands homeless.

Sierra Leone President: Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma asking for help

here is much fear of the number of deaths exponentially rising. As of scribing time of this article, more than 400 bodies had been pulled from the debris and subsequently buried in mass graves in what may be Sierra Leone’s worst natural disaster. With over 600 people still missing, there is mounting fear that they too could be buried in the rubbles, heightening anxiety in the West Africa country that is already strained by a myriad of economic troubles; and most recently the Ebola crisis. The rescue mission has turned into a retrieval of the dead while aiding the few who managed to escape the mudslide. It is a disaster beyond the nations’ capacity which calls for the intervention of the West African Regional body and the Africa Union including the United Nations. The Red Cross told the press that the death toll will increase as they are now able to access the rubbles and ascertain the extent of destruction caused. It would be a miracle to find anyone alive after days buried under the mud, with torrential rains still pouring down on the country. Though Freetown is in mourning and counting its losses, the nightmare is not yet over as throngs of people remain displaced, homeless & anxiously searching for their lost family members. “The death toll is climbing by the day,” said Elhadj As Sy, secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Painfully, multitudes continue to anxiously delve into tonnes of mud and debris to try find their loved ones who are still missing; even as hope dwindles. The number of those accounted for so far is over 600 but those figures may not be accurate as search still continues. Sizeable buildings are completely submerged leaving thousands homeless. Mr Sy stated that the disaster was “way beyond the capacity of the government alone”. He therefore called on the 42

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international community to send assistance to help salvage this country from the dire state wrecked upon them by this disaster. The government has warned residents to evacuate mountainside areas where there are predictions of more rains and notice of large cracks which may further strain the rescue missions’ already stifled resources. More rains are predicted which will further impede the already slow rescue pace. The main emphasis is getting people away from areas still under threat, said Zuliatu Cooper, the deputy minister of health and sanitation. “The rains are still pending and there is a possibility that we will have another like incident,” he warned. Some critics have accused the government of not learning from past disasters in a city where many poor areas are near sea level and lack proper drainage. The capital is also plagued by unregulated construction on its hillsides. It can be recalled that in 2014-15, Freetown, the capital, witnessed several mass grave burials, of the victims of the Ebola outbreak that robbed the nation of thousands of productive lives. Freetown has hence assumed a negative connotation as a place of burying the dead. President Ernest Bai Koroma joined mourners for the burials mid last month. Many people have been unable to find their loved ones as many victims were too mangled up and too decomposed to be identified, but the government did its’ best to accord them all a befitting burial in the state capital. “The water took away my mother and sister and they have buried them today. That’s why we are here, to mourn and go back home,” said one survivor, Zainab Kargbo.

ente Festival strives to bridge the gap between Ghana and The Netherlands with the introduction of Ghana costume to the Ghanaians in the Netherlands and Europe and the Dutch population. Kente Festival Amsterdam has since 2008 blurred between clothes, dance, people, music, styles, and theater among the continents. 2017 marks the 10th Kente Festival Amsterdam. The program is fully loaded and you cannot afford to miss this one stop event of the year. In addition to the regular elements such as the fashion show, there will be performances and a gala dinner. Since 2008, Foundation GAM organizes annually the so-known KENTE festival, an active perception of its own identity for the Ghanaian community. Ghanaians live anywhere in the world. And in many countries, celebrities are held annually (New York, London, Wurzburg, etc.). In 2008/2009, the GAM Foundation has taken the initiative to organize Kente festival in the Netherlands. (The Ghanaian community alone in Amsterdam consists of about 10,000 people). The foundation GAM was founded in 2002. The foundation is engaged in theater and film. One of GAM’s main activities is the popular TV broadcast weekly on Salto A2 every Wednesday from 21:00 to 22:00. The founder is Veronica van de Kamp. She organizes the Kente Festival in collaboration with a project group consisting of the board and ten volunteers, all from various target groups. Stichting GAM works together with Kente Festivals in Germany and England. With these festivals, Kente Festival Netherlands looks like it’s possible to support each other in organizing the individual events and further building professionalism. This contributes to the cohesion and the better approach of the Kente festivals in Europe. In addition, the various visitors of the countries visit each other. In addition, Stichting GAM works together in the area of organization, Stadsdeel Zuidoost, Amsterdam Fonds for Kunst (AFK), Service Point Emancipation (SPE), P Team, ACA, Prince Berhard Culture Fund, SOA AIDS Netherlands, AIDS HEALTH FOUNDATION (AHF), GGD Amsterdam and AMC are all partners and supporters of Kente Festival Amsterdam With the Kente festival, the GAM Foundation aims to bring a part

KENTE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS of the Ghanaian culture to the Netherlands. On the one hand, for the Ghanaian people themselves, to experience the fun of their own culture and, on the other hand, to bring the Dutch population. In addition, the festival has great educational value for our young people and reinforces the sense of self-esteem of the elderly. Kente is the name for a substance coming from Ghana. It is derived from the word ‘Kenten’, which means a basket. It is a typical fabric that is woven (like baskets), with many colors and patterns. In the past, wearing was reserved for important even royal people. Nowadays the dust is no longer for kings alone. Kente has become a kind of icon for the rich culture that Ghana has. Celebrations and celebrations in the Ghanaian community in the Netherlands are proudly carried by Kente’s clothes. With this initiative, GAM Foundation wants to pay attention to the rich tradition of the Ghanaian costume. We also want to let Ghanaian young people born in the Netherlands know about the weaving technique and a piece of Ghanaian tradition. Venue for this year’s celebration is at No Limit Geldershoofd 80, 1103 BG Amsterdam Zuidoost Date: September 30th 2017 Time: 19:00 - 01:00 Where you can get Tickets to buy: No Limit office; Suzzy Fabrics Amsterdamsepoort shopperhall; Angelina Afrifood Amsterdam East, Dapper market For Contact details: 0655105646, 0611787892, 0684188113 Kente Festival Amsterdam

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Barcelona terror attack tribute, my viewpoint, on the killings.....

On the fateful Thursday afternoon, the innocent peace loving people of Barcelona witnessed a monstrous terrorist attack of scandalous proportions; that will indelibly be etched in the annals of Spanish history. While at work, just about 50 meters from the scene of crime, I received express instructions from my supervisor directing me to immediately halt the days’ operations and close the office. But before I

even finished closing the office doors, regular police could be seen spread all over the environs, apparently perplexed with little knowledge of what to do. Police stood right in front of our office inquiring from each other what to do. After about 45 minutes, they started cordoning off the crime scene, and controlling the horrified people by restricting entrance to the scene of crime while they searched and restrained and tried to identify potential suspects intending to flee from the scene. I was personally stopped, searched and cleared to go home. The Polices’ immediate reaction to the mass killing was as if it was taken by surprise; even according to their official twitter account. Later it became clear that a heinous terrorist attack had just been orchestrated on Spanish soil; triggering a manhunt for the suspected terrorists and any possible conspirators. The crime scene La Rambla area, where I’ve been working for the past 11years is one of the most frequented transit area in the city. This particular area is always on maximum security alertness and usually manned by a mixture of more than 50 permanent local and national police officers on rotational shifts. At the beginning of la Rambla, is one Catalonian national police station, and at the middle, is another Urban Guard police station. At the end, towards the southern precinct, is a military base. All strategically situated to ensure the security of the 46

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area. How could the suspected van driver have escaped from the crime scene? The question that now lingers on everyone’s mind is how the principal suspect, the van driver, escaped from under the nose of this strategic security apparatus without a trace for more than 72 hours after executing the attack? The police have already given an justification for not shooting him down during the incident citing the large crowd presence at the La Rambla at the time of the attack. However in my opinion, the first option they had was to shoot and kill or immobilize him but the second and seemingly more effective option was to track him down & apprehend the suspect when it becomes most convenient. They could have followed him up or mounted surveillance on him until they are able to apprehend, seize, immobilize or pin him down. I therefore harbor much suspicion that the heavy security personnel at the scene had set their eyes on him. How come no one could trace or follow him up immediately after the execution of the attack. Investigative reports indicate that the suspect drove the van 650m away, after which he alighted from the car and disappeared till now. From the detention point of the van to the entrance of the next metro station is about 20meters. Other crime narratives insinuate that he could have jumped onto the next metro towards the Zona Universitaria on the diagonal avenue. The police missed the opportunity to track him from La Rambla, and approximately an hour later, the suspected driver is alleged to have hijacked a car by stabbing its occupant to death and is thought to have driven the victims’ dead body on the back seat of the car and running over another police controlled checkpoint a few kilometers ahead. The police could hardly stop him as he maneuvered his way through the checkpoint. They opened fire at him but could not pin him down. They hence followed him and when just three kilometers away from the check point, he parked the car and disappeared into the thin air again; leaving the victims’ dead body in the car. By the time the police arrived, they found the dead body on the back seat of the Car. They expected the victim to have died from the sporadic gun shots that they fired at the car, only to learn from the autopsy reports shortly afterwards, that he had been stabbed with a sharp object; evidenced by several stab-wounds. This appeared to confirm that it’s his car that had been hijacked by the suspected terrorist. Another question arises at the third scene. How was he able to escape arrest at the third scene? Are the police competent & efficiently prepared for crimes of this nature?

I have a high respect for “the Mossos”, Catalonia’s’ national police. They made the highest number of arrests of suspected terrorists this year; in the whole of Spain, arresting more half of the total number of arrests in Spain. That’s a job well done and highly commendable. But did they really react in a sufficient way during the region’s most brutal terror attack? Eight hours, after the first attack at the La Rambla, police averted, intercepted and killed five suspected terrorists in Cambrils, some 100kms from Barcelona. One of the killed suspected terrorists was believed to be the van driver of the first attack at the La Rambla. However moments later, the police had reason to believe that the suspected driver is still on the run; three days after the crime. The local community have praised the police for a job well done but with due respect I have many qualms on the competence, vigilance & crime prevention readiness of the police; especially when it comes to this caliber of crime. A lot needs to be done. I was expecting that my city was more secured and controlled than what it sadly has turned out to be. Terrorism is a global nightmare that needs a global solution. This fatal attack, the first of its kind in our beloved Barcelona, Catalonia - Spain is very unfortunate. Innocent people lost their lives. It separated families and friends. May God accord the departed souls, a Peaceful Rest. But to the callous criminals i have this to say, “You can Kill

but you cannot Scare Us”. The La Rambla is now livelier after the attack, more than any other day. Viva Spain, viva Catalonia, Tot som Barcelona. By Modika M. Bah Resident of Barcelona, Spain.

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with current or prospective values and good transportation. It is also important to look at the locations in regard to the future, rather than that of the past for higher, long term returns. It is also financially wise for prospective investors to consider investing dormant capital that’s sitting in low yielding Bank accounts into real estate. It may be a tough slog the first few years, but somewhat later, you’ll probably wish you had bought more. Investing in real estate is also becoming an increasingly favorable option for those eying retirement and who want to take advantage of real estate’s return potential and its abilities as a portfolio diversifier and inflation hedge.

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Sports Morocco joins the bid to host 2026 world cup North America got a late challenger from North Africa in the contest to host the 2026 World Cup as Morocco announced it will also bid for the tournament before the FIFA world congress meeting, says the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Morocco’s last-minute move, coming on FIFA’s deadline day, takes on the joint bid between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Morocco formally launched its bid and sent relevant documents to FIFA, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation said in a brief two-sentence statement. It’s the North African kingdom’s fifth attempt at hosting the World Cup and they think they deserve consideration now. The United States, Canada, and Mexico launched their joint bid in April and hoped to be awarded the World Cup unchallenged, with no other bids seemingly on the horizon. But FIFA decided to keep the contest open, and Morocco made the deadline for submission of bid. The 2026 World Cup is open to bids only from the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Europe and Asia were ineligible because those continents will host the next two World Cups, in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. The US-Canada-Mexico and Morocco bids are the only two for 2026, FIFA confirmed, and the world body could decide on the 2026 host as early as June 13 next year at its congress in Moscow on the eve of Russia’s World Cup. If neither bid meets FIFA’s requirements, the process could still be re-opened to other bidders ahead of a final decision in 2020, but that’s unlikely to happen. If successful, the U.S.-Canada-Mexico bid would return the World Cup to the United States for the first time since 1994, and would also make Mexico the first three-time host. Morocco aims to host the tournament 16 years after South Africa staged the first ever African World Cup, but is considered an outsider against the joint might of the North American project. Reinforcing the challenge of becoming only the second African nation to host a World Cup, and the first from North Africa, Morocco would also have to handle the 56

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largest World Cup ever in terms of teams. Soccer’s showpiece is set to be increased from 32 to 48 teams from 2026, putting added strain on infrastructure with more hotels and more training grounds needed, and more players and fans expected. Morocco’s bid may also be undermined by the fact that it backed out of its last major hosting duties, when it won the rights to host the 2015 African Cup of Nations but then declined to state the tournament at the last minute because of fears over the spread of the Ebola virus from West Africa. That decision put Morocco in conflict with the Confederation of African Football, but CAF is now under new leadership and president Ahmad of Madagascar has been supportive of the idea of Morocco bidding for the World Cup. CAF confirmed Morocco’s bid on its website and should Africa unite behind Morocco, it would give the country a significant amount of support. Africa has the second highest number of voting FIFA member countries behind Europe. Morocco has failed in four previous World Cup bids; in 1994 when it lost to the U.S. 1998, 2006, and 2010 when it lost to South Africa. The race for 2026 will be FIFA’s first World Cup hosting contest since the world body’s corruption scandal of 2015, and also the first since the bribery-tainted 2010 votes to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. Morocco has also come under scrutiny and is accused of bribery in two of its previous World Cup bids, the ones for the ‘98 and 2010 tournaments. A U.S. Department of Justice indictment alleged Moroccan officials twice bribed the now-disgraced FIFA executives with $1 million to vote for the country in those ultimately unsuccessful bids. Morocco denied the allegations. We watch to see how this bid will turn out.

Usain Bolt The greatest sprinter of all time’

The curtain is drawn on the greatest and undisputable athlete of this generation. His name is Usain Bolt, Jamaican born sprinter finally bid farewell to the sports that turned him from a Jamaican boy to a world hero admired around the word for his genius on the tracks. On 12 August at the IAAF World Championships in London, Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic champion, the 100m, 200m and 4x100m world record-holder, the man who for a decade has bestrode his sport competed for the final time although it did not go down as according to the script. We pay tribute to this living legend, Usain Bolt. “I think my last race will be emotional, the Jamaican told the IOC, with mischievous understatement. While the crowd will be forgiven a tear or two at the London Stadium, the champion himself is fully focused on ensuring he goes out in predictable style. I hope I wake up [on 13 August] having won more gold medals. If I am fit and healthy going into the Championships I won’t be worried, he said. He came 3rd in the 100 meters, he pulled out of the 200 meters and sustained

an injury in the 4x100 relay race denying his fellow countrymen of a medal of any colour but at the end of the competition; he was given an hero’s send off by the cheering spectators who will miss the Usain Bolt trade mark after every victory. A true champion has taken his exit from the sports. Usain Bolt enhanced his already legendary Olympic status with an unprecedented third consecutive 100m, 200m and 4x100m triple at Rio 2016, a feat that may well never be repeated. He is the holder of the world records at all three distances and an 11-time world champion, the Jamaican star bid farewell to the Olympic stage by celebrating his 30th birthday on the day of the Closing Ceremony of the Rio Games. Between 16 August 2008 and 19 August 2016, Usain Bolt won 20 Olympic and world championship gold medals in the 21 events he entered, a staggering tally that makes him the greatest sprinter of all time. After winning his third consecutive Olympic 100m title in Rio, the Jamaican great was moved to comment: “Somebody said I can become immortal. Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal.” Then, after completing his triple-double with a third straight Olympic 200m triumph, he announced that he wanted to be up there with the very best of them all: I am trying to be one of the greatest, among Ali and Pele.” And after crossing the line first in the 4x100m final and joining Finland’s Paavo Nurmi and the USA’s Carl Lewis as a nine-time Olympic gold medalist, an elated Bolt commented: There you go, I’m the greatest. I’m just happy to have done what I came here to do. I’m proud of myself. The pressure is real, but I look at it as an accomplishment.”

Bolt lights up Beijing 2008

A brilliant junior athlete, Bolt made his Olympic debut as a 17-year-old at Athens 2004, where, hampered by a torn hamstring, he went out in the opening round of the 200m. Yet by the time he returned to the Games at Beijing four years later, the tall Jamaican sprinter was a firm favorite to claim an Olympic sprint double, having set a new 100m world record of 9.72 seconds in late May in New York, followed by the fastest 200m of the year, 19.67, a few weeks later in the Greek capital. Continued on Page 58 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued from Page 57 Taking to the track at the Birds’ Nest in his distinctive gold spikes, Bolt duly etched his name in track and field history, trimming his world record to 9.69 and winning the 100m at a canter, so much so that he was celebrating victory with arms outstretched 20 meters from the line. Another gold and another world record followed in the 200m, with the Jamaican clocking 19.30 to eclipse Michael Johnson’s time at Atlanta 1996. A third gold and a third world record followed in the 4x100m relay, Bolt running a lightning-fast final bend as he, Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Asafa Powell clocked 37.10 between them. “I want to share it with my team, said Bolt after completing his hat-trick. It’s down to them that I beat the world record today. When you beat the relay world record, you feel four times happier. His unprecedented achievement of setting three world records in winning three sprint golds made him the star of Beijing 2008 along with US swimmer Michael Phelps, and earned him an ecstatic reception on his return to Jamaica.

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Two unbeaten world records

Bolt consolidated his status as a global superstar at the IAAF World Championships in Berlin the following year, trimming 0.11 seconds off his 100m world record, taking it down to 9.58, and setting a new 200m world record of 19.19. Both times are yet to be beaten. The only major title that eluded by Bolt after Beijing 2008 was the 100m at the 2011 Worlds in Daegu, where he was disqualified for a false start in the final. Determined to atone for that setback, he arrived at London 2012 with his sights firmly set on more gold. Savoring the atmosphere in the British capital, Bolt said: “What I liked about London was definitely the crowd. For me, it was the energy, and surprisingly the stadium was always full, no matter what time of day. I came out for the heats of the 100m, which was early, and it was ram-packed of people. It was a great reception. It was a wonderful experience.” Bolt drew on that energy to retain the 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles, the Jamaican star linking up with Frater, Carter and Yohan Blake in the last of those three events to run 36.84, yet another world record. Reflecting on his unprecedented second triple triple, he said: There was a little bit more pressure, but it didn’t bother me as much. But there was a different expectation from me. I went out there just to show the world that I could do it again. That was my focus and I got it done, so it was good. It was a long season but I accomplished what I came to London to do. I’m very proud of myself.”

Yet more triples

Further world championship triples came at Moscow in 2013 and Beijing in 2015, taking his collection of world titles to a staggering 11, more than any other athlete. In collecting his massive array of golds, the Jamaican made his signature “Shh” gesture and “Lightning Bolt” celebration pose a familiar sight at arenas all over the world. When it came to confirming his supremacy in his three events at Rio 2016, the Jamaican superstar had to dig deeper than ever, coming from behind in the last 50 meters to win the 100m in a time of 9.81, and then grimacing as he crossed the line in the 200m in 19.78, his slowest time in a major championship. “I don’t know about the 200m in the future,” he said season, throughout the years. I’ve been through so much. I knew this moment would come. I’ve got mixed feelings about it. I don’t have the words to describe my three trebles. I’m going to miss this sport and I’m going to miss the Games because it’s the biggest event possible for any athlete. But I’ve proven that I’m the greatest in this sport and, for me, it’s mission accomplished.”

afterwards. “Next year at the World Championships it will likely just be the 100m, even though my coach keeps trying to convince me otherwise. But personally for me, I think this is the last time I will run the 200m. I wasn’t happy with the time and my body did not respond down the straight. But I’m getting older, so I am pleased to get the gold medal.”

I have no regrets. Athletics has been very good to me. I would not change anything. - Usain Bolt

After winning the 4x100m title in Brazil with Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade and Blake to make it nine Olympic golds out of nine, Bolt confirmed that he had made his last appearance at the Games and that the 2017 World Championships in London would be his swansong as an athlete. Explaining the recipe for his success, he said: “It’s hard work, sweat and sacrifice. I’ve sacrificed so much throughout the www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Meet Queen of networking …. Sarah Karingi

Sarah Karingi is a seasoned entrepreneur with multi industry interest and vast experience in the fields of Building & Construction, Real Estate, Business Networking, and Motivational Speaking. She is currently the director in her three companies; Miles Ahead Investment, Sarma Enterprises Limited, and Global Networks Investments. Her incredible knack for creativity and innovation, coupled with resilience and collaborations, have propelled Sarah to greater heights that has seen her successfully build the businesses from the ground up. Sarah’s career entry point was in the civil service where she worked for government’s Ministry of Finance and the Kenya Revenue Authority. Her stint in the civil service provoked to life her appetite for high achievement and also widened her knowledge and skills in management and taxation; both of which are handy for running a successful enterprise. Her deep need to create, inspire and impact, informed Sarah’s decision to venture into entrepreneurship. Through her organizations she has been able to, among many things, provide housing to Nairobi residents, supplied quality building raw materials, consulted on business networking best practices, and offered mentorship programs that have inspired women and young people towards positivity and productivity. Sarah’s impressive business track record has earned her numerous accolades while at the same time, positioned her as a thought leader in entrepreneurship. Outside her organizations, Sarah serves in various leadership positions which include director at the United Kenya Club where she chairs the hospitality department, and director consultant at BNI: world’s largest business referral organization. In

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BNI, she has excelled at being at the top in Kenya and East Africa at giving most business and referrals to members. This has seen her bag several awards. Sarah has been inducted into many business organizations and has been invited to speak at various events across the country. She is a recognized speaker amongst the Top Universities in East Africa. Famously known as the “Queen of networking”, her purpose is always mentoring upcoming entrepreneurs and connecting existing brands to prospecting opportunities A holder of Bachelors in Commerce from the University of Nairobi, and alumni of the prestigious Strathmore Business School where she trained in Enterprise Development, Sarah holds great value in education, hence part of her philanthropic initiatives includes sponsoring education of the less privileged in the community.

Agatha Frimpong - Mama Agatha brings smile through bike riding in Amsterdam As long as you believe in yourself, you can do anything Born and raised in Ghana, Agatha Frimpong learned from an early age how inappropriate it was for a woman to ride a bike. Only men were allowed to. Ironically, Netherlands is the Destination where Agatha ended up after traversing far and beyond; Netherlands, the number one bicycle riding country in the world! Little options did she have than to learn how to ride a bicycle. During her adventure to learn how to ride a bike, she discovered so many more women were in the same dilemma as hers. Being able to ride a bike gives you the freedom to move around and get things done more quickly than using other means of transportation particularly when living in Amsterdam. Mama Agatha is a 63 year-old Ghanaian woman who runs

a bicycle training program for migrant and refugee women in the South East of Amsterdam. A ‘community mother’ with a larger-than-life personality, she teaches a group of women from Pakistan, Morocco, Somalia, China and elsewhere the most Dominant Dutch Skill: Cycling. Mama Agatha’s summer course ends in a colorful graduation ceremony where the migrant-ladies receive their diplomas and take to the streets of Amsterdam on their brand new

bicycles. Mama Agatha and her students on their journey from the baby-step trainings with the bicycle until their graduation is amazing to watch in the documentary. Mama Agatha’s initiative proves how a simple idea such as a cycling course can have a massive impact and radically improve the lives of marginalized social groups. She and her students are living proof that physical mobility = social mobility. Mama Agatha teaches these women more than just cycling. She encourages them to explore their own skills and empowers them to find their own way into society – on two wheels. She is also a church elder where she helps women every day with resolving all kinds of problems. That is what makes Agatha tick. No surprise they simply call her ‘Mama Agatha’. Meanwhile, she has taught hundreds of women how to ride a bike and because of her project, over 800 of these women have learned how to ride a bike and built up their independence and freedom. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Sunday Eromosele is back with his 2 brand new inspirational music singles (Africa and Shine On Me) with the Official music video on YouTube. 1. AFRICA This is a powerful song, a solemn appeal to all Africans, black or white, at home or abroad, wherever you may be, not to forget your heritage, your roots or your homeland. The best you can ever be is yourself, the authentic you, confident and humble, but unapologetically African. BUY MUSIC: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/sundayeromosele3 Contact us: sundaymusicltd@gmail.com or call +447874027152 www.sundaymusicltd.com

to put on your dancing shoes, but be rest assured that you can’t resist the powerful rhythm and the lyrics. You will dance for sure. Original Africa, a song of Jubilee celebration. Oh Africa the hand of God will raise you up again. Your uniqueness moves me to tears, Oh Africa, my root, my native land, beautiful people, handsome people lovely people, lovely culture. Black or white, Africa is my papa’s and mama’s land. Snippet of the lyrics I hear the call, I feel the rhythm, I see the smile on each face. Beautiful people – Handsome people Africa is my papa’s land. I hear the call, I feel the rhythm, I see the smile on each face. Lovely people – black or white Africa is my mama’s land

Lyrics What words shall I use to describe my Africa? My roots are in Africa. My father’s land is in Africa. My place of birth is in Africa. I am positioned in Africa to be a shining star. Chorus: A vibrant continent, a faithful people, loyal to their Africa will shine again, Like the stars, Creator. Africa will shine again, Like the sun Africa will Shine again, I see the hands of the Lord This is my Africa, you must shine. (2x).. etc I am proud of who I am, a child of the living God, created in the image of God, The glory of God is upon Africa We are beautiful, handsome people. 2. Shine On Me. We are dynamic, strong and fearless. Shine on me is a fine contemporary, inspirational gospel medley. Oh Africans weep no more, weep no more. This song will make you dance and appreciate Be proud of who you are. Be proud of your culture. God’s goodness, and love towards you. Be proud of your father’s land. To all my friends, fans, family, men, women, youth Be proud of your mother’s land. and children all around the world, Let’s love our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, This is my way of celebrating you today from the Oh Africans. depth of my heart. Love for you is universal. Africa This song is designed to put a bigger and brighter The hour has come to lift up your eyes, Oh Africans. smile on your faces wishing you all, both small and We are a respectful people, a land of culture. great, black or white an unforgettable, fabulous The world sees your smile and learns to smile. birthday celebration. Let the Light of God in you We’re strong, determined, brave and caring, Shine. United in our diversity Happy Birthday To You. This song will revive and ignite you. You may want 62

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Bella Okunlola: A new star on the block in UK!

ella Okunlola is following the footsteps of her father, taking into acting and modelling. She is a young actress, model and dance and she is based in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom Her name is Bella Tai Okunlola. Her dream is to become a successful actress. “I’ve always attended to every single school play or musical etc. I also made a whole school play on my own which was a mixture of a parody of Star Wars and scary movies. She has studied GCSE DRAMA and also featured as an extra in the movie Case files (2017). She would love to feature in more movies, TV shows, and photoshoots. ‘’I believe that one day I will achieve my goals and the ones who always brought me down will be proved wrong. I will one day make my family proud, I don’t believe that the sky is the limit, because you can go over that limit and aim higher than the sky’ says Bella Okunlola. She has performed in a lot of musicals at school and plays such roles as Oliver, The Lorax , Alice in wonderland and a world war play . I’ve been in Grease 2 times, The Lion King, and other musicals and plays when she was younger and also created her own production and take Drama as a GCSE in her school. On television and reality shows, she has featured in the documentary movie ‘Hollywood bound 2017 and in the movie case files for 2017.

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For three best selling 3 powerful package series in all formats, The Book, The Workbook and The 21 daysDaily devotional of Prophetess Mercedes Monden. Fulfilling Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purpose For Your life Against all odds. The whole set is not available at Amazon.com Your can order your copy now. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com