The Voice magazine by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 20. NO. 176. September 2018

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

African women in Europe deserves more recognition – Joy Zenz

“Africans should be telling their own stories” – Abeka Abdallah

President Weah honours Arsene Wenger www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Page 4: Editorial: Africa needs a new type of revolution Page 6: Column: BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO” Page 8 – Feedback: Letters to the Editor Page 9 – Thinking out loud Pages 10 & 11 - “We need African solutions to African problems” – Abeka Abdallah Pages 12-14 - African women in Europe deserves more recognition – Joy Zenz Page 15 - Uganda is open for business in the Oil sector Pages 20 & 21 - The Voice Achievers Award, The Netherlands, Releases List of 2018 Awardees Page 28 - The Gambian First Lady in Nigeria, visits child and neonatal patients at Abuja Hospital Pages 46 & 47 - Tributes pour in for late ex-UN SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan Pages 48-50 – Political Profile: Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) Pages 50 & 51 - Pages 52 & 53 - Ugandan singer Bobi Wine challenges Museveni and faces treason charges Pages 54 & 55 - President Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe President after challenge in court failed. Page 56-58 - Professor Dr. Kingsley Moghalu: Presidential aspirant with a vision and a mission for Nigeria Page 59 - TRIBUTE: You did touch our lives with your music. Adieu Aretha Franklin Pages 60 &61 - Zimbabwe Elections: Tendai Biti Interview: Country won’t get support after Zanu-PF ‘stolen victory Page 62 - Mail President needs a second round vote to secure Presidency Page 63 - Nigerian girls win Silicon Valley contest for app that spots fake drugs Page 64 - President Weah honours his footballing mentor

The Voice Magazine Volume 20. No 176 September 2018 Edition

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Editorial

Africa needs a new type of revolution.

ith disappointments of the electoral system and the complexity of the judiciary in manhandling electoral process, petition and complains, Africans particularly youths are beginning to think of other solutions and alternatives to elections in Africa. A new campaign for alternative revolution without the use of guns and military coups or military intervention is being suggested across the board to compile sitting and aged African leaders to give way for change in their countries. Many countries come to mind, Uganda, Cameroon, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea to mention a few and not in any particular order. Recently, elections in Zimbabwe despite for the first time after 37 years, that Robert Mugabe was not on the ballot, after being forced out in a military coup, his successor is another old bridge who has shown that he is not ready to consider change of guard at the Presidential level. He assured the world that his conducted elections would be different from what Mugabe offered but with the outcome of the result nothing much has changed. The elections are alleged to have been rigged, voters of the opposition intimidated, harassed, beaten and some even killed during the elections. The disputed outcome has been taken to the court and as was expected; the judgment is in favour of the elected President. According to the ruling, despite there was evidence of election result tampering but it is not adequate to annul the totality of the election result, that it did not significantly affected the final result of the elections. Ridiculous! We would have thought that once there was evidence of illegality during the elections, such election should be canceled and a fresh polls called. According to the court, the opposition did not show enough evidence to support their claims. How would they get enough evidence in an election conducted and controlled by the institution of government? It is all a mockery of democracy and electoral system. Therefore a new call is emerging that the people who felt their votes are stolen or robbed at the ballot will engage in a new revolution of making the country ungovernable for the ruling elite until they are willing to do things the right way. In Uganda, the government calls it treason, setting the people against the government. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand which is better. Museveni organized a armed revolution killing thousands of people to get to power without nobody challenging him. And now, a politician/musician is calling for the people to refuse another scheme of Museveni to stay in power for life. He refused to condemn his arrest and detention, first under military authorities where his human rights was definitely abused. Now he has been charged to a civil court, we await to see how the trial would go and what would be the verdict of the court. Guilty or Not Guilty! If those who uses weapon to overthrown governments are applauded as revolutionaries, why should people without the use of guns not allowed to use other means. More civilized

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means like seat at home, boycott of government services, products, services, using strikes as a weapon to address the misrule of these leaders. In Sudan, the constitution states two terms for the President, now he is working on changing the constitution to allow him a 3rd term. In Democratic Republic of Congo, President Kabila has agreed not to contest in the December elections because the Pastor Elvis Iruh constitution forbids him but he Editor-in-Chief can run again after this elections, so what is the guarantee that he would not interfere in the elections to install his candidate who will step down for him in five yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. They are running the country as if it is their personal property that they can give away and take it back whenever they want. There should be an end to this madness and it is time that African youths arise and take their countries back even if it means at the risk of their lives. Thousands of people are dying silently while these rulers care less and just clinch to power as if their lives depend on it or the country would collapse or die without them. Great leaders like Dr. Nelson Mandela had rule and left the office and the country behind continues to strive beyond them. Crucial times are ahead of Africa, Nigeria will hold elections in February of 2019, with the incumbent at nearly 80 years of age still vying for the office of the President over a country with over 60% youthful population. It is a test of character for the young people of this great country if they will allow the old feudal lords continue to govern them or they will use their voting power to effect a change! Just like other African countries, the incumbent has there script written, rehearsed and ready to implement it. Even if they lose at the polls, they have the judiciary to interpret the elections at their favor, it would not be the first time in Nigeria history. We wait to see the outcome of this new call to new style revolution to take the country back from the hands of power drunkards. Enjoy the new edition of The Voice magazine for September 2018, we welcome our readers back from holidays and looking forward to the Voice Achievers Award whose official release of the awardees for 2018 had been done. See you all next month, do not forget to subscribe if you want to receive a digital copy by sending us an email at info@ thevoicenewsmagazine.com Thank you. Pastor Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief

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 Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) 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

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 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 Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhall 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: Handy Tims Azeez Badris fatim_26@hotmail.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Graphic Designers David Banjoko Wil Gomersbach (Web Master) George Adegite Printer: Drukkerij Palteam www.palteam.nl MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Mildred Kleinbussink Pastor Duncan Spier Engr. Barry Igbeare You can as well contact our Office Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ublished online from 2016 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we provide objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of developing c ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. TV

Volume 20

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September 2018 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Column:

BEFORE YOU SAY “I DO” By Evelyn Amo

Many people are in a haste to get married. Naturally everybody has their reasons but permit me to speak to those of us especially in church with unhealed wounds. Those who have always believed that things will get better if and when they get married. People who learned to endure their trauma and childhood suffering by dreaming their pain away. All their lives they’ve dreamed of that day when their true love will come and make all the pain disappear. Perhaps their knight in shining armor will sweep them off their feet and wipe their tears away. Together they would build their dream family and live happily ever after. Wonderful dream to have but if you have secret wounds you are up for a challenge. Know that you are then in for the ride of your life. Since some of the wounds go very deep and you’ve not come around to deal with them they are hiding gathering momentum. Maybe you’ve been through extreme neglect, physical, sexual, mental & emotional abuse, rejection, abandonment, exploitation and all kinds of trauma. Such wounds can become a breeding ground for wicked spirits such as Jezebel. It’s quietly waiting for the right moment to unleash it’s power and create havoc in your life and marriage. In order to survive, people have mastered the art of burying their wounds and true self so deep they lose touch with themselves. They think if they pretend it’s nonexistent, they may just make it in life without anybody ever finding their brokenness. Trying to hide it even from Christ as if that’s even possible! You see, marriage life has all the ingredients to bring the hidden things out, eventually. There are many in our churches who look and behave strong yet there’s a gapping open wound in their soul. Unfortunately we’ve turned the church into a place of pretense full of wounded souls with no desire to become whole. After all, we’re busy using our gifts and being powerful. How could anything be wrong if God is using us? They and their gifts have become one. Forgetting that the vessel carrying the gifts is a work in progress. One must remain vigilant in order to grow and use it well. Still others are in denial and refuse to seek God for healing. Some think they’ve gotten everything under control, they don’t realize everything about them is screaming help! Others are afraid the pain will cripple them for good so they constantly look for ways to cover up. They tactfully put on one of their many masks. Still there are those not ready to humble themselves for God to take control. So behind the God bless you, praise the Lord and it is well, people are dying slowly. Right there in church, where healing, deliverance, salvation, acceptance, joy and peace is supposed to be. It’s possible to know Jesus and yet live a miserable life. Of course this is not God’s idea of life for you. Your soul may be in a state of grief, even unto death but you keep covering up. Year in year out singing praises and bringing your offerings, yet the enemy has a hook in your soul and you’re dying slowly. Ask Hanna, when she was suffering in secret. Until the day someone in church spotted, interacted and intervened in her situation. The

woman bound up in Luke 13 was also going to church like that until Jesus saw her and engaged her in a conversation that changed her destiny! What I am saying is that people in church for years can still be carrying hidden wounds. The scripture says” it was for freedom that Christ died, no longer to be subject to any yoke of slavery”(Galatians 5-1). God wants you healed and free! Open wounds not dealt with keep you bound. You are kept a victim even for life if care is not taken. You may not see it but it controls your decisions. One of the worst things that can happen to a person is to have secret wounds and jump into marriage. Yes, you think marriage is your way out but listen; the very person of your choice may be connected to your wound. Especially if there are childhood trauma’s not dealt with. You will without knowing attract the misery you are familiar with and create a disastrous marriage! It even gets worse because there is a big chance of you marrying somebody also broken. Hidden wounds seems to have a language understood by those in the same predicament. Can you imagine a home of two wounded and broken people? I suggest when looking for a life partner to make sure you’ve dealt with your secret wounds. Be honest to with yourself and go through the process of deliverance and healing. Make sure you don’t leave any stone unturned! Invest in finding more about your partner, perhaps they are still wounded after you have found healing. Seriously invest in finding out the state of their emotional intelligence. Please go beyond what your eyes are seeing. God gave us a tip when the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint David as the next King (1 Samuel 16). He had many able brothers when the man of God was using his physical eyes. God had to teach him some truths about human choices. He said to Samuel “humans look at the outward appearance of people to make choices but he God looks on the inside”. That’s why most of the time people God would use are those we have rejected. We lack insight and divine truth. Through Jesus Christ we have access to God and he says when we call unto him, He will answer and reveal to us great and mighty things we don’t know (Jeremiah 33-1). So before you say yes to the dress and to the man, deal with your secret wounds, by pursuing healing. Seek God earnestly to reveal their hidden wounds to you because you are also saying yes to that without knowing!!!!! #walkingwithGod You can follow her on social media Or email her at evelyn.bamfo@gmail.com

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FEEDBACK

Ethiopian Prime Minister leading the way Dear Editor, Reading your articles on the New Prime Minister of Ethiopia brought me to tears. I cried to see that after all there is a leader in Africa who cares about his people. He has done so much in a little time in office, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia ordered the cleanup of the streets from dirt and homelessness, how people are taken off the street and cared for, given a place to stay, what to eat and I have never seen anything like this in my 40 years of existence. Your achievements are just piling up, getting prisoners in foreign prisons released worldwide and promoting reconciliation at home. We love you sir and continue to do your best and show the way for true leadership in Africa. This is beautiful news and God bless you sir. What an amazing prime minister well done. Nadia Al-Khulaidi Toronto, Ontario

Unfriendly Europe Dear Editor, We continue to read problems faced by immigrants coming from Africa to Europe, Italy is turning people back as well as Spain so what is African leaders doing to stop illegal immigration? I think the problem cannot be solved by European countries whom themselves are struggling to survive, countries like Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are not better than Nigeria so why the rush to these countries? I think you the press need to do more to help educate the Africans that Europe is no longer bed of roses. Europe wants to close their doors on all African economic immigrants. I hope you will publish my letter so they know the situation is serious here too. Kevin Lovell London, UK

Thank you. Interesting to read your write up on people living with HIV/ (Name not published on the request of the writer please) Aids but I have a question. Why are Africans not giving the same treatment as those in Europe. The drugs are too Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: We shall put the question to the writer of the expensive to buy so people die easily from the disease. May column who is an HIV/Aids activist and advocate for better be this organizations can assist to campaign for free access treatment for all to drugs in Africa. Dear Editor,

Dr. Adaora Okoli deserves a National Honour! Dear Editor, I love reading your magazine, The Voice because you bring back to memory some stories that escaped our general attention like your reportage on Dr. Adaora Okoli, a medical Doctor who survived Ebola disease ordeal in Nigeria and she has continued to research into the disease to help prevent re-occurrence of such deadly disease in our country, Nigeria and help to save lives and nobody is talking about it. She deserves National recognition instead of such honours being given to politicians whose contribution to our nation is national looters. They do not deserve the national awards they display in front of their names, they loot our nation dry.

If they will not recognize people like her, then your magazine should recognize her with your yearly award. She definitely deserves it and she is a national heroine of our time. Other Doctors loss their lives to keep us safe. Thank you. Rufus Giwa Aberdeen, Scotland. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: Your letter is very clear and the Voice Award Committee will extend our recognition to her for her service to humanity. Thank you and God bless Editor.

THINKING OUT LOUD My good friend, Noel Ugbong, once wondered: Guinea-Bissau President died in Paris; Gabon’s President died in Spain. 5 Africa leaders died in 3 years whereas they were treated abroad. Apparently shocked by this development, Noel Ugbong queried whether there is anything wrong with overseas medical care? My candid response to this is that there’s nothing wrong with foreign medical care. People also die from one illness or the other in the Western so-called developed countries. What is painful is the fact that our leaders have continued to pay inadequate attention to the need to develop our medical infrastructures and empower health personnel. It is shameful that they take the easy option of flying themselves or their families abroad for medical checkups and treatments instead of making genuine efforts to develop their nations whereby the citizenry will benefit. This attitude can be extrapolated to other aspects of the social-eco-

Opinion

enhance the quality of their lives are not yielding the desired results because the appropriate enabling environment is lacking. For instance, successive Nigeria Governments have been talking about increasing the generation of electricity but to no avail. In Nigeria for example, doing business of any kind is hampered by the paucity of power supply. Without electricity it is almost not possible to leave a decent life not to talk of running a quality thriving business. This beats me hollow each time I think about it. Without mincing words, the bottom line to the cause of most of the problems we have in Africa is LACK OF GOOD GOVERNANCE. We clamour and glamour for our favoured candidates when the politicians come to us for our votes during their electioneering campaigns. They promise to deliver all the good things which their predecessors couldn’t deliver. Their poetic rhapsody and political jingoism are skilfully employed when they need our votes but once they get into office they don’t seem to remember any of their promises. They end up serving their personal interests. Like locusts, they jump from one party to the other at the slightest provocation or dissatisfaction. It’s a shame to say the least. Many of our leaders lack a sense of purpose. They shouldn’t be called leaders really because they are rulers who have little or no feelings for their fellowman.

nomic life in all the countries of Africa. Until our leaders seriously deviate from this shameful act of leaning on the west for their own selfish ends, development will be a far cry for many African countries. The solution to this is good governance. With all the avalanche of untapped resources in Africa, our economies could be buoyant if well harnessed and managed. The main By Edward Ogbee difference between the west and Africa is good gov- A pharmacist base in ernance which is the only way to genuinely bring the Manchester, UK dividends of democracy to the common man. African leaders do so much talking with little or no action. Efforts to persuade the populace to invest in business and

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Celebration OF SUCCESS

“We need African solutions to African problems” – Abeka Abdallah “If you can accept the indescribable nature of your true identity, you unveil the mystery of life, I believe I’m not going to be the mystery either”.

beka Salmin Abdallah is a Kenyan born video journalist, whom relocated to the Netherlands in the year 2016 due to family reasons. Abeka’s life has always been behind the lenses telling African stories with work experience spanning to over 15 years. Being a graduate of Media from Kampala international University, tell why he has love for Photography and content creation. Abeka has worked with major international Media houses in Africa both as an Editor, producer and DOP, notable production under his belt are Inside Africa, a feature story about Africans airing on CNN, BBC Sema Kenya (a political talk show which was aired immediately after the promulgation of the new constitution in Kenya); Panorama an investigative piece on BBC news and many others Television Stations (AP, Aljazeera as Camera person and producer). Abeka shares his work experiences with passion and empathy, it’s unfortunate that our stories are still being told by others, he says. Africans don’t trust so much African stories being told by Africans themselves, hence most of our journalist wants to either move abroad or work for international media houses, unfortunately, these media houses have a narrative and

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storyline on how to portray Africa to the world. I personally believe in African solutions to African problems, so we should be telling our own stories to the world and not the vice versa. This is what made me to start media Production Company for Africans. After moving to the Netherlands, he continued with his passion for content creation and photography whereby he registered a company called Moving Minds Europe (www. movingmindseurope). MME as its abbreviated is a full time communication and production company with 3 branches, in west Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa (Malawi). Through the companies, Abeka had always been in contact with happenings in Africa and Kenya, his home country, where he frequently travel like twice a year. He is a full time employee of Moving Minds, because in Africa we are known as moving minds Africa, while our European office goes as the location suggest. My work ranges from content creation, Digital marketing and cinematography. Life in the Netherlands has not been that easy, especially marketing Moving Minds Europe and getting a job in the media, major challenge being language barrier, so it took me 2 years to master the language, but that made me realize how dissemination of information to others that might not be conversant with the Dutch language is a big problem. In reality, Dutch market is enclosed one, so as the people, compared to Africa where I have no problem working in West, South or East Africa.

A lot of Africans in The Netherlands are either disconnected in one way or another and through my research and interaction with fellow Africans, it made me to realize that the media here is more about the Dutch people or tells African stories from a touristic point of view. Though this, we came together and decided to set up an Online Radio (Radio Africa EU) where we discuss challenges, pass information and appreciates Africans in the Diaspora. Through the Radio Africa, I came to realize the need for TV station for the Africans in the Diaspora to share both our positive stories and to motivate us, those whom have kind lost hope or have inferiority complex in being ourselves, and also the negative stories so that we can learn from them. This project I’m working on and my projection is to have a fully online operational TV station by 2020, where we can share and broadcast both in Africa and here in Europe. I believe in years to come we will have African broadcasting house managed and professionally operational in The Netherlands. Though there have been also tremendous achievements for past journalist whom have been in Europe prior, like the Voice magazine which I’m proud to be part of, it’s something we both should support fully, because we need information and not just information but authenticated one, hence appreciating our people which in the end motivates them. The Voice Achievers Award

which is part of the Voice magazine, an annual award held to appreciate Africans and friends of African and that to me is the OSCAR of The Netherlands. It is a truly African event, being run by African and appreciating fellow Africans, I feel more at home and I believe I can contribute to help it grow. Dutch media from my experience is no difference from the western media, the narrative is always portrays Africa (n) as the dark continent, not because of its natural resources, but still perceived from poverty and underdeveloped, I hope and dream that we will be able to tell our positive stories and change that narrative to the masses. My advice to fellow Africans would be, ‘let us borrow the phrase and put into actions “from Kwame Nkrumah that we are not African because we were born in Africa but because Africa was born in us”, we need to be proud of where we came from and feel proud in telling our stories. Mostly let’s appreciate ourselves, because we are immigrants in the Diaspora, but others are explorers or expats in our continent. The task ahead is great indeed, and heavy is the responsibility; and yet it is a noble and glorious challenge - a challenge which calls for the courage to dream, the courage to believe, the courage to dare, the courage to do, the courage to envision, the courage to fight, the courage to work, the courage to achieve - to achieve the highest excellences and the fullest greatness of man. Dare we ask for more in life!

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African women in Europe deserves more recognition – Joy Zenz Joy Wanjiru Zenz is the founder of African Women in Europe. (AWE). She is a mother of two, living in Germany. Her aim is to connect African Women living in Europe and around the world through AWE platform irrespective of their geographical locations. Joy started her website in 2008 and now has over 2000 signed and actively involved women networking among each other. Together with her team she has been able to move one step forward from networking online to face to face networking by organizing successful events for the past 10 years.(Köln, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Berlin, London, Geneva and Amsterdam). She has been able to launch ‘Blog Talk Radio’ where women can discuss various issues and empower each other. Recently she also launched a book on Diaspora women, the event took place in Amsterdam. After the show, she had this interview with The Voice magazine Editor-in-Chief, Pastor Elvis Iruh.

Enjoy her chat with us, it is exclusive to The Voice magazine. Telling her story.

TV: Introduce yourself to our worldwide readers please? Joy Zenz: Dear reader I come as 1 but represent 10,000 women around Europe. I am the founder of African Women in Europe and CEO of African Market in Europe. I am a mother of 2 children. I live in Germany any my roots I come from Kenya. TV: Congratulations on your foundation. Tell more about this foundation? Joy Zenz: African Women in Europe private organisation that was founded to inform, empower women, acknowledge achievements though AWE Awards and to build a networking platform where women can meet and support each other. TV: How long ago did you start the foundation?

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Joy Zenz: The organisation was started in 2008. Recently we celebrated AWE 10th Anniversary in Amsterdam TV: And what motivated you to start a foundation of this nature? Joy Zenz: As an African Women new in Germany I wanted to connect with other women in Germany and around Europe. I stay in a very remote city there was the need to connect with other women in Europe to know how they cope in the country, how to improve and reach my potential despite different culture and language though internet, At that time there were website that did not fit to what I believed in. E.g. African Women looking for European men. The image of African Women on the internet was very much damaged and I wanted to change that. That’s how AWE started by creating a website that only reflected the True African Women and her potential. TV: How do you source funding for your foundation to carry out your projects? Joy Zenz: We are lucky our members are our main source by attending events and donation. We do have sponsors that help us to host events e.g. Worldremit, Air France, Egypt Airline, our own member Obaseki Solicitors. We have recently launched AWE book with real stories offered by our members that is on sale. This is now a product of AWE and we will be producing even more volume with powerful messages to all. We do have also volunteers that help us in our projects.

TV: Which is the most successful of your projects so far? Joy Zenz: AWE Book â&#x20AC;Ś..This was a great honour to be trusted with very personal true stories from women who want change in the future. Also leaving a legacy behind for the generation to come to learn from them. TV: What is the future plan for your foundation? Joy Zenz: I believe we Diaspora are the future of Africa. We have so much experience from Europe and Africa and this is needed in Africa. We are starting GPS mentorship projects to share with other women in same fields either from Europe or Africa. This will be a 10 months project which has already started. We aim to reach over 50 people in one year. Our next project on its way is to invest in SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) and start up in Africa that are Profit making and non-profit making. TV: What has been your experience working for women and with women? Joy Zenz: Working with women has been a great joy. I am very lucky that the women in AWE network are women who

want to see change and be the change they want to see. They take action and are women with great vision. By working together, we have seen a lot of success stories and are very proud of each and every one of them. I have to say we do work also with men and are very proud of them too. We support Youth programs as well and let them take part in AWE projects. TV: You also organize an award for women! What is it the motive behind the award and how far have you gone with the award? Joy Zenz: AWE Awards has been such a success we have nominated over 200 people since 2011. AWE awards are held every second year in different cities in Europe. The acknowledgment of the women in different categories has raised women profile and also the community around them. Women can now be seen as role models and associate themselves with others that include youth and future generation especially in Europe where we do not hear about women achievements. Continued on Page 14

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TV: Apart from your foundation, have you been involved in other activities in Europe, can you tell us about other things you do outside of your foundation? Joy Zenz: I am the founder of African Market in Europe which started in 2012 and I help entrepreneurs to market their products and services in Europe. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a one stop online shop. I do work par-time in pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland as a Administration coordinator. I have also launched recently a consultancy firm to share my expertise in Event management in Europe. I dedicate few hours in the week in the evening with 1:1 session called Brainstorm with JOY Zenz. Integration session for Diaspora coming into or living in Germany. How to reach their full potential in Germany TV: What do you plan to do in the next few years or where do you expect to see yourself? Joy Zenz: I want to be the change of AFRICA . I see myself in big projects in Africa; solving problems e.g. Employment issues and Entrepreneurship 14

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TV: You live in Germany, what is your experience like as a immigrant in Germany? Joy Zenz: My parents visited me for a few months and they told me I have adopted German culture as well. I took that as positive because I believe we have the best model. We can choose the best from both sides and the outcome is perfect that fit both side. To integrate in Germany takes time and this should not be under estimated but with time things get easy. Learning the Language was the key to my success and l am still learning even after 16 year being in the country. TV: Child exploitation, illegal immigration are two major challenges from Africa to Europe, how do you think as Africans we can help to solve the problems? Joy Zenz: Child Exploitation there is no excuses to such crimes anywhere in the world. In our Organisation, we have Girl Child Support programs ran by our members and we fully support them. Illegal immigration from Africa to Europe is caused by our own African People. Our continent is the richest continent on Earth and we are not able to manage our resources to support our people. It is unbelievable!!! The Governments have let us down but we as Africans can be the change we want to be. We should not wait for the government. We should be involved globally with the new technology. Together with the Diaspora, Africa can be on top of the market globally. Each Diaspora should start profit making projects and find investors in Europe or the world and make the change. I have seen AWE women doing exactly that e.g. Solar energy sector. Personally I am taking over the unemployment in Africa problem and solving the problem by creating Remote Jobs and am looking for investors and partners. TV: Lastly, for people looking up to you as you have great followership, what would be your advice to them? Joy Zenz: WE SHOULD STOP TALKING AND START TAKING ACTION!!!

Uganda is open for business in the Oil sector Hon Irene Muloni, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development will lead a delegation of private and publicsector players from Uganda’s oil and gas sector to the Africa Oil Week 2018 which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 5 – 9 November 2018. The Minister said, “Uganda is open for business and we will be looking forward to promoting the country`s highly progressive and lucrative hydrocarbon sector during the Africa Oil Week. Over the course of the week, we will announce a roadmap for Uganda’s next licensing round and offer insights into our country’s potential and operating environment.” Uganda is committed to developing its petroleum sector across the entire value chain, and clear strides to move the country’s key assets from the exploration phase into the development phase have been made. Uganda offers opportunities for companies looking to explore, develop and utilise its petroleum assets. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Robert Kasande said, “During the Africa Oil Week, we will host private meetings with the global private sector with a view to successfully attract capital in every stage of our oil and gas value chain.” Ernest Rubondo, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda went on to say, “As the regulator of Uganda’s oil and gas sector, Africa Oil Week offers the Authority an exciting platform to provide insight into the regulatory environment in the country and how this has been structured to position the country as a sound investment destination.” He added, “We encourage operators, investors and service companies to attend the Oil Week and meet with officials from the Government of Uganda and the private sector. Uganda welcomes you to partner in what we believe is one of the most commercially viable and prospective oil and gas environments in the world.” The Africa Oil Week is an important event which continues to drive new business opportunities for E&P companies in Africa. It presents an exclusive and dynamic network of Oil and Gas operators in Africa. Former UK Foreign & Commonwealth office Minister with responsibilities for Africa, the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories, International Energy and Conflict Prevention Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds added, “The commitment of the Ugandan Government to Oil Week reflects a country on the move in the petroleum sector. Africa Oil Week will focus on the country’s oil and gas sector during the week.” Dr Josephine Wapakabulo, Chief Executive Officer for Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) also added that, “UNOC is

responsible for the State’s commercial interests in Uganda’s oil and gas sector and we see the country’s participation at

Hon Irene Muloni, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development leading the delegation to South Africa

Africa Oil Week as a clear opportunity to engage with the most prestigious global operators. UNOC will arrive at Africa Oil Week looking for strategic partners who have the appetite, financing, technology and capabilities to deliver equitable and profitable projects in Uganda’s oil and gas sector.” These projects have been identified and will be on display during the week. Conference Director Mr. Paul Sinclair said, “On top of the 13 confirmed ministers who will lead delegations to Africa Oil Week, we now have a partnership with the Government of Uganda to host a huge opportunity for the global private sector to exclusively engage and hold private meetings regarding oil and gas opportunities at Africa Oil Week.” This comes fast on the back of the governments of Ghana and Congo announcing their own bidding rounds at Africa Oil Week in November 2018. Africa Oil Week remains the only true industry event for the Africa’s upstream Oil and Gas sector.

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Living positive Facts about HIV in the Netherlands • 2017: 19.035 people with HIV in care, of whom 3.560 are women. • 60% originally from the Netherlands, • 40% with diﬀerent background, • 2.505 from Sub Sahara African descent. • Estimated that 2.600 are living with HIV without knowing their status. • Approx. 800 new diagnoses p/y.

Eliane

An introduction This is the first of twelve monthly columns on living with HIV in the Netherlands. Over a year different subjects will be discussed, starting with an introduction.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Eliane Becks Nininahazwe. I am from Burundi. Before I came to the Netherlands I lived in Burundi like any other girl. I fell in love and accidentally got pregnant. My boyfriend did not want to be a father and left me. So, at the age of 24 I was a single mom. My luck was that I just finished my secondary education and I happened to be good at languages. I got a job at the African peace keeping mission, where I worked as a translator and secretary. In the weekends I performed in different events, as a singer and dancer. That was my other source of income as well as my passion. When my daughter was five months old, I met Michel. He was working for an NGO in Burundi. We were in love and he accepted to be a father to my daughter. A year later we got married and went to live in Angola, where Michel was working for Oxfam. After a year and a half we moved to Pretoria, because he got a job at the head office.

In 2006 our first son was born. I continued working as translator with the Australian Embassy and UNAIDS. And in the weekends I was performing with my Indonongo, a Burundian cow horn instrument. In 2007 we moved to the Netherlands, again for work reasons. I started my integration, building up my social network, performing my music and dance within the Burundian community. I even joined a choir to learn the Dutch language faster through music. In 2008 our second son was born. I was feeling good, being a mom of three children and doing my artistic performances! It is now twelve years that I am here. I am a partner, a mother, a friend and an artist. And I am also HIV positive. I am not ashamed of it, I am loved by my family and friends. My choir accepted me as I am and loved my honesty from the moment I decided to disclose my status. I have a good relationship with my neighbours and the parents from school. I am a proud and beautiful African woman, an artist and an activist against stigma. Nice to meet you. Hiv Vereniging The Dutch Association of People Living with HIV (Hiv Vereniging) represents the interests of all people with HIV in the Netherlands, irrespective of background. We provide information about living with HIV and organise all kinds of meet-ups. Servicepunt Our team of expert volunteers can be contacted for any question about living with HIV, by telephone on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 – 22:00 hrs, or by email: servicepunt@hivvereniging.nl. See www.hivvereniging.nl

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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.

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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 www.voalmere.nl

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The Voice Achievers Award, The Netherlands, Releases List Of 2018 Awardees Almere, The Netherlands - 1st September 2018 – The Voice Magazine, the organizers of The Voice Achievers Award has released the official list of the 2018 winners as part of activities to mark the Magazine’s 19th year anniversary. The Award is an appreciation of individuals, organizations and professionals that have made exceptional contribution towards the advancement of Africa and her people in various fields of human endeavour. This year’s list contain multi-facial recipients drawn from around the world. The awardees will be recognized on November 23rd at the annual “The Voice Achievers Award” holding in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Preparations are underway to celebrate the winners at African’s most elegant ceremony in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It is a two-day event commencing from 22nd of November with a round table discussion/business networking on the theme: “Reinventing the future of Africa now”. A panel of discussants will interrogate this subject in an interactive session with the audience. There will be an exhibition of goods and services across the hall, thereby creating a window for the exposition of your goods and services. This is a strategic opportunity to promote your businesses and services to a unique audience. The 2018 Award Committee, rigorously and meticulously chose from a pool of prominent nominees for their notable accomplishments in various fields of human endeavour businesses and service to humanity. As it is in our tradition, the unblemished and conscientious work of our Award Committee bears its testament to these wonderful set of awardees for 2018. Below is a complete list of 2018 Awardees. (1) Governor Godwin Obaseki, (Nigeria) (2) Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (Nigeria) (3) Dr. Osahon Enabulele (Nigeria) (4) Miatta Fahnbulleh (USA/Liberia) (5) George Wachiuri (Kenya) (6) Gloria Jones (USA/Sierra Leone) (7) Patti Boulaye, OBE (United Kingdom) (8) Eyo Bassey (Nigeria) (9) Emeka Okonkwo (E-money) (Nigeria) (10) Her Excellency, Ambassador Vestine Nahimana (Burundi) (11) Princess Tokunbo Adenike Ajayi (Nigeria) (12) John Bunyeshuli (Rwanda) (13) Pastor Chuks Anizor (Nigeria) (14) Margaret Anizor (Nigeria) (15) Terabel Marini (Cameroon/Italy) (16) Don Ceder (The Netherlands) (17) Abada Iwuchukwu (The Netherlands/Nigeria) (18) Patrick Ngambi (Cameroon) (19) Ambassador Charles Onyebuchi Onyieke (Nigeria/ Germany) (20) Funke Oshonaike (Nigeria/Germany) (21) Owuor Jakano (DJ) (Kenya) (22) Tony Airhenbuwa (Germany) (23) Uche Nwatarali (Nigeria/The Netherlands)

(24) Christine Among (Uganda) (25) Sunday Eromosele (United Kingdom) (26) Mary Tataw (Cameroon) (27) Princess Tina Amuziam (Nigeria) (28) Joy Zenz (Germany) (29) De Cardinals International Friends Club (The Netherlands) (30) Assumpta Gahutu (Angola) (31) Eve Pamba (France) (32) Dr. Angela Okemena Unufe-Kennedy (United Kingdom) (33) Gideon Boateng (Belgium/Ghana) (34) Lilian Ogechi Esoro (Nigeria) (35) Shan George (Nigeria) (36) Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (Nigeria) (37) Iwan Wilfred Leeuwin (Surinam) (38) Dennis de Almeida (Ghana) (39) David Smith (United Kingdom) (40) Prince Afolabi Obasuyi (Nigeria) (41) Muzaffer Kosan (Turkey) (42) Shirley Ogechi Igwe (Nigeria) The Voice magazine has been a trusted media name for almost two decades, communicating news, events, promoting businesses and connecting consumers to top-rated services across the Diaspora. We provides unique media tools and support business activities to improve the local service experience for both clients and consumers. “The award honours top on the ladder of success stories and recognizes upcoming individuals whose ambition is to make it to the top. It is a blend of the young and the older generation to share experiences and exchange ideas and network for future advancement of their services. The Publisher and Chairman of The Editorial Board of The Voice Magazine, The Netherlands, Elvis Iruh, sums it up: “It is our belief that the Award winners will continue to have significant effect on the advancement of Africa and her people. Through the support of their businesses, hard work, social activities, philanthropy, service to humanity, academic and personal development skills, we are simply encouraging you to continue the good work because one day you will be publicly appreciated and acknowledged. It is our obligation to empower and inspire the younger generation coming behind to improve the life experiences of others through their career and other works”. The Voice Achievers Award will host ‘a dress to impress’ Award Gala Evening at De Koning Party & Event center, Amsterdam. The event will showcase the awardees and celebrate their success stories. For more information & Media Contact: The Voice media department Elvis Iruh: +31648519292 Abeka Salmin Abdallah: +31629340503 info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com https://www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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INVITING NEW MEMBERS!!

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

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

Celebrating the life of late Mrs. Ezenwa

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In memory of Mama Celina Akueyinwa Ezenwa Late Mrs Celina Akueyinwa Ezenwa (Nee Chiedozie) who passed away at the age of 73 years was laid to rest by her children at a very colourful send off when attended by people from all works of life who came to celebrate her life as a God fearing woman loved by her community. Her remains was laid in State her house at Iruowelle village Awka-Etiti in Idemilli South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.

Before that service of songs where held in her compound and the final church service before her remains was returned to mother earth. The outing service took place at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church at Awka-Etiti. Mr, Ikechuwku Ezenma (Ik Wasup) who sponsored this memorial publication which to thank all those who supported them from the time of her death to the burial and he prays Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing upon their lives. Few selected pictures for your viewing pleasure.

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Preparations for the funeral rites for late Mrs. Ezenwa

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To God be the glory as the children of late Mrs. Celina Akueyinwa Ezenwa finally put their mother to rest at a very colourful send off with the involvement of the community and the church to give her a befitting burial ceremony. Courtesy of her son, Ikye Ezenwa.

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The Gambian First Lady in Nigeria, visits child and neonatal patients at Abuja Hospital

n an effort to showcase the cordial relationship between her country and Nigeria, First Lady of The Gambia, Madame Fatoumatta Bah Barrow marked her birthday in Abuja with visits to educational and health institutions. Madame Barrow, had visited the Rochas Foundation School at Owerri, Imo state on Saturday 4th August, 2018, where she interacted with students, including those from the Gambia. At the Maitama District Hospital, Madame Barrow in company of wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, visited child and neonatal patients at the emergency, general and special care pediatric wards as well as the post-natal ward, where she interacted and presented gifts to them. Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Suleiman Ahmed

was full of appreciation to Mrs. Buhari for bringing her guest to the hospital, saying that beyond drugs, patients require such visits as they are considered works of mercy, which contribute to the quick recovery of patients. Mrs. Barrow visited the Presidential Villa and was formally received on arrival by wife of the President of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, 3rd August, 2018, where she was conducted round some places of interest at the Villa by her host.

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Jeffangs Beauty

This is a one-stop shopping center for all your hair and body products. We have sections for all beauty and body care products for men and women at Jeffangs Beauty Supply & Salon in Rotterdam We offer you the latest hair and skin products with fantastic prices.......

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PureCare Sal

Looking for a classic place for your Hair do (For a Woman or a Man)? Look no further than PURECARE Salon in Almere Buiten We offer the latest hair and skin products and our services are world class.

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Chioma Ijeoma Ezenwa weds Chigozie Mark Ezema.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Chigozie Mark Ezema

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The families of Mr. & Mrs. Ikechuwku S. Ezenwa and Late Mr. James & Mrs. Christiana Ezema gave out their daughter and son to be joined in holy matrimony on 28th April 2018 at St. Bartholomewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church at Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. The reception followed at Fountain Multipurpose Hall, Lagos where guests from around the world where treated to nice food and drinks and entertainment. The newly wedded celebrated their union with their families and friends and it was well attended. Enjoy selection of pictures from the colourful wedding. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Chigozie Ezema

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Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Chigozie Mark Ezema

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After the church wedding ceremony, the couple went out to have photo section with their families and friends. It was a joyous occasion and you can also enjoy viewing the wedding pictures. Courtesy of the Couple.

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Congratulations to our Princesses on their birthday We wish both of you Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance, wisdom, blessings and strength as you celebrate 19 & 16 years respectively on 20th & 24th September 2018 Happy birthday to you Ijeoma Esther Iruh as you clock 16 We love you as never before watching you grow in a young woman

Sweet 16

Signed:

PAPA & MAMA On behalf of the Iruh &

Happy birthday to you Nwakaego Deborah Iruh as you clock 19 We love you as never before watching you grow in a young woman

Monsels families. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Chigozie Mark Ezema

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The couple is forever grateful to their parents, families, friends and colleagues who worked tirelessly to make sure they had a great wedding. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Ezema

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Mr. & Mrs. Chigozie Mark Ezema.at the reception

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The families of Ezenwa and Ezema celebrating their children wedding with other families and friends and colleagues invited from every part of the world to rejoice with them. The reception was well attended and enough of food and drinks to the glory of God.

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++Breaking News+++

The official 58th Independence Day Celebrations Logo Now Out! Dear compatriots, As we are set to celebrate another anniversary of nationhood, 58th precisely, Mr. Gabriel Aduda (Hon. Permanent Secretary) Political Affairs, Office of the Secretary to Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with NIDO stakeholders presents the official Logo tagged by NIDOE ‘hope@58’. From NIDOE perspective, the white colour inside depicts peace which is the basis of every national development. The golden brownish colour around the white core denotes abundance of natural resources for which Nigeria is well known. And finally, where there’s peace, huge resources both human and natural, it’s a matter of time for growth to take place. The green trees or leaves in the outermost layer are an indication of life, strength, agriculture (food) and growth. These are our desires, which we must pursue. This year’s independence anniversary is one of hope. YES IT IS POSSIBLE! All NIDOE Chapters and Nigerian Associations are encouraged to use this as the official 58th Independence Day Celebrations logo in addition to any other logo(s). This is applicable to all official correspondence, invitations, fliers, programme of events etc. Kindly request for a high-

resolution copy if this is not adequate. Hon. Kenneth Gbandi (NIDOE)

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Tributes pour in for late ex-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan

ormer United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan who died at the age of 80 will be given a State Funeral according to Ghana President on 30th of September 2018. A befitting way to send off a great man with roots to Ghana. Kofi Atta Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, from January 1997 to December 2006. Annan and the UN were co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace prize and he was a gentleman to the core. A quite giant who has also made his departure as quite as possible. His death came as a rude shock to everyone around the world apart from his immediate family who knew he was sick and they were all at his bedside before his death. Kofi Atta Annan would be remembered as serving meritorious as Secretary General of United Nations and on steeping down, he has been involved in resolving several conflicts around the world alongside running the Kofi Annan Foundation.

TRIBUTES

From his native Ghana, Africa to the United States, tributes have continued to pour in from top leaders around the world after UN chief, Nobel peace laureate, and “diplomatic rock star” Kofi Annan was confirmed to have died after a brief illness. The Ghanaian national was a career diplomat who projected quiet charisma and was widely credited for raising the world body’s profile in global politics during his two terms as head of the UN from 1997 to 2006. The first secretary general from sub-Saharan Africa, Annan led the United Nations through the divisive years of the Iraq war and was later accused of corruption in the oil-for-food scandal, one of the most trying times of his tenure but he overcame it all. Annan “astutely guided the United Nations organisation into the 21st century defining an ambitious agenda that had made the UN truly indispensable to peace, prosperity and human dignity around the world,” Annan’s successor as UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said in a statement. Annan’s family said he had passed away peacefully last month after a short illness. Annan, who lived not far from the UN European headquarters in Geneva, died in hospital in the German-speaking part of the country, Swiss news agency report. Current UN Chief , Antonio Guterres described his predecessor as “a guiding force for good”. “In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations,” he said. “He rose through the ranks to lead the organisation into the new 46

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millennium with matchless dignity and determination.” The UN flew the flags at half-mast at all of its locations around the world through on the week of passing away as mark of honour and respect. And Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a week of national mourning for “one of our greatest compatriots”. In 2001, as the world was reeling from the September 11 attacks in the United States, Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the world body “for their work for a better organised and more peaceful world”. Another Nobel laureate, retired South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, described Annan as “an outstanding human being who represented our continent and the world with enormous graciousness, integrity and distinction.” He was born in Kumasi, the capital city of Ghana’s Ashanti region, Annan devoted four decades of his working life to the UN and was the first Chief to rise from within the organisation’s ranks. In 1993, he took over as peacekeeping chief - a position he held through two of the UN’s darkest chapters: the Rwandan genocide and the Bosnian war. His tenure as UN Chief was tarnished by a 2005 investigation of Annan and his son over the oil-for-food scandal, seen by some as payback for his comments that the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq was “illegal”. An inquiry cleared Annan of any serious wrongdoing, but found ethical and management lapses linked to his son Kojo’s ties with a Swiss firm that won lucrative contracts in the oil-for-food scheme.

He was not just a successful secretary general, but as a great father to his children. Despite the lows, he left the post as one of the most popular UN leaders ever, and was considered a “diplomatic rock star” in international diplomatic circles. After ending his second term as UN Chief, he kept up his diplomatic work, taking high-profile mediation roles in Kenya and in Syria, and more recently leading an advisory commission in Myanmar on the crisis in Rakhine state. He enjoyed some success in ending post-election turmoil in Kenya in 2007, and on Saturday the two main players in that crisis, former president Mwai Kibaki and his opposition rival Raila Odinga celebrated his efforts. Annan resigned from the peace mission for Syria in 2012 after just a few months, saying a Security Council stalemate had turned it into a “mission impossible”. He also set up his foundation devoted to conflict resolution and joined the Elders group of statesmen which speaks out on global issues.’ But he had recently spoken of his despair at the state of global

leadership and the lack of will to engage in resolving crises. “Honestly speaking, we are in a mess,” he told AFP in an exclusive interview last December, warning that “today, leaders are going in the wrong direction... leaders are withdrawing.” Despite his criticism, current and former world leaders voiced their admiration for Annan. Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed his “wisdom and courage”, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel celebrated the “exceptional statesman in the service of the global community.” Annan later admitted the scandal had sorely tested his mettle except for President Donald Trump who had yet to comment, but the US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said Annan “worked tirelessly to unite us and never stopped fighting for the dignity of every person”. Former US president Barack Obama earlier said Annan “embodied the mission of the United Nations like few others”. “Kofi Annan was a truly great UN Secretary-General”, former US President Bill Clinton and former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said in a statement In a statement released to the press by the government of Ghana, they would be giving Kofi Annan a state burial in Ghana on 30th of September 2018. The government will take full responsibility of the funeral cost and the President said, he deserve is all as his life and death belong to all Ghanaians whom he has represented well throughout his global life.

Profiling Nigerian Presidential candidate. This month we would take a look at another politician from the North: Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN)

abiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, FCIArb, FABs, FCIDA, HCH. Hm, MPIS, MHCA (Dan Masanin Gwandu, Zarumman Kabbi) was born 3rd April 1957. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, former supervising Minister, Ministry of Labour. He served from 2013–2015 and 2014–2015 respectively and he is the current Chairman of PDP former Ministers’ Forum of Nigeria. A practicing lawyer and a politician, he contested for Kebbi State Governor’s seat three times. He is presently a member of People’s Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees. He was born at the Nasarawa area of Kebbi, Kebbi State to the family of Alhaji Tanimu. Like other children of his age and in accordance with the great custom of the wonderful people of Gwandu Emirate, Kabiru Tanimu was sent to the Qur’anic school, a step which was to later mould his character and prepare him for the numerous challenges of life. In order to equally acquire western education, he was further enrolled into the then Nasarawa Primary School, Birnin Kebbi. Kabiru Turaki exhibited clear signs of a gifted child right from his days in primary school. He distinctively excelled in his academic work. He was very hardworking, obedient, brilliant and more than all these, he was very respectful. As a testimony of the commendable and sterling qualities of the young Kabiru, he was appointed as the Deputy Head Boy and Time Keeper of the school. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki proceeded to the famous Barewa College, Zaria. Even though the school was full of brilliant students, he proved an exceptional person because he stood out in whatever he did. At Barewa College, Zaria, he was the Deputy House Captain, Suleiman Barau House and President Young Farmers Club of the school. In furtherance of his education, Kabiru went to the then College of Arts and Science, Sokoto for his I.J.M.B. Again, www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

it was another success story for Tanimu Turaki as he passed all his papers brilliantly. This earned him admission into one of Nigeria’s most respected Universities, the University of Jos, to read Law. He graduated with honour and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is married with children. He is a Muslim, Hausa Fulani from Kebbi State. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is the first lawyer from Kebbi State and the entire former North Western States of Nigeria to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2002. Dan Masanin Gwandu, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, is a success story, an inspiration to the youth, a true Nigerian Patriot and an uncompromising believer in the continuous corporate existence of Nigeria as an indivisible nation. In Kebbi State, he has contributed immeasurable to the betterment of lives of others through the provision of scholarships, employment opportunities and other forms of moral and financial support and encouragement. He was appointed the Dan Masanin Gwandu by the Emir of Gwandu in February, 2002, in celebration of his achievements, and support for the development of his community. He was also conferred with the Traditional title of Zarumman Kabi by Argungu Emirate in 2012. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is not only an astute Lawyer, he is also a politician of no mean repute, respected by many, adored by many and cherished yet by many more. The politician in Kabiru was exposed during the politics of the Second Republic. He has been so active in the politics of Kebbi State and indeed Nigeria. Having greatly endeared himself to his people, it is little surprise that his fame and popularity cutting across all strata engenders the strong faith and confidence his people readily repose in him. Moreover, as a team player with exceptional ability to grasp, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki fits in Mr. President’s dynamic team with a vision towards the attainment of the transformation objectives.

Presidential Aspirant... The Distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria has been a member of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Committee on the Judiciary, as well as member of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Judicial Institute. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR in 2012, a position he held until his appointment in 2013 as a Minister in the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the newly recreated Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter – Governmental Affairs, side by side with this he was also appointed by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, to serve as the Honourable Supervising Minister of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity between 2014 – 2015. As a result of his dedication and team work, he was made the Chairman, White Paper Committee on the Report of the Presidential Committee of Experts on Inter – Professional Relationships in the Public Health Sector. President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, also recognized Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN effort and identified him worthy of bringing an end to deadly security challenge in the North – East by appointing him as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North. In recognition of his contribution to the development of Nigeria and humanity, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has been honoured throughout Nigeria and outside the country. Among his honours and awards are: Kabiru Tanimu Turaki loves reading, travelling and sports Professional career On graduation from the Nigerian Law School, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki opted to be a private legal practitioner. Unlike other lawyers who would remain permanent at home. Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki went to Kano where he became a senior consul with Alhaji Tijani Abdullahi and Company (Solicitors and Advocates) in 1987. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki needed only two years to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the legal forestry of Kano and its environs. This solid resolution gave birth to K. T. Turaki and Co. In 1989. As a lawyer, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has practiced in virtually every court and tribunal in the country. From the Magistrate Court, High Court, the Court of Appeal, Armed Robbery Tribunal, Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal, Election Petition Tribunals and even to the Apex Court, the Supreme Court

of Nigeria. In all these, he has recorded successes that are certainly beyond the ordinary. He has held professional responsibilities that are too numerous to be mentioned here. However, it is worthy to note that Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a retained external solicitor and legal adviser to many organizations throughout Nigeria. As a lawyer, he has held briefs for clients free of charge. This is a testimony of his love for the down trodden and less privileged. It is a fact that the second Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Kebbi State and the first Advocate of Nigeria from Sokoto State have all passed through his tutelage. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a patriotic Nigerian who is always conscious of the need to develop Nigeria and has not failed to offer his contributions. He was appointed a member of the Kano State Law Reporting Committee in 1999 and a member of the Committee for the review of current legislations in Kano State. The following year, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki served in the committee that reviewed the Northern States Penal Code Law in 1992. When the Nigeria Bar Association was going through one of its trying moments, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was one of those called upon to resolve its crisis in 1993. The Danmasanin Gwandu was a member of the National Political Reform Conference in 2004, as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Team Nigerian Trust Fund, a body that was set up to galvanize private sector participation in the sports development and financing in Nigeria.

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Continued from Page 49 When the defunct Bank of the North was in murky waters, Barrister Turaki, (SAN), was among the intervention Board that was set up by the Regulatory Agencies (CBN/ NDIC) to restore the Bank that was on the verge of collapse to profitability. He was at various times a member of the Council of Legal Education, as well as member for the review of Investment Laws in Nigeria. He was also a member of the Ministerial Committee for the Implementation of Reforms in the Nigeria Police Force as well as the Committees set up by the Body of Benchers to review the Laws Regulating Legal Practice in Nigeria. His contribution to the development of the Law and the Legal Practice in Nigeria led to his appointment as a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and his elevation of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2002. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Danmasanin, Gwandu Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is a member of many Professional Bodies, such as: Nigeria Bar Association, African Bar Association, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, International Bar Association, International Bar Association, Lawyers in Defence of Human Rights, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators etc. His political career began as a student, Barrister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was Chairman of Caretaker Committee of the Students’ Uion of SCAS, Sokoto. While at University of Jos, he was a member of the Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This was in addition to being a member of the Students’ Representative Assembly of the University and President of the Federated Organization of Sokoto State Students and President of Birnin Kebbi Youth Association (BIKEDA). When he came out to the larger world, Kabiru did not relent but continued participating in politics. He was Secretary, Youth Wing, of National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1981. He joined United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in 1996 where he stood as Kebbi State Gubernatorial aspirant for the party in 1998, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki joined All Peoples’ Party where he was member of its National Executive Committee and in year 2000 he was elevated to member of its Board of Trustees (BOT). However, as paradigm of the political arena in the country shifted, Kabiru decamped to United Nigerian Peoples’ Party and contested for the seat of Kebbi State Governor in 2003. After the 2003 elections, he later decamped to PDP the same year and was the Party’s Kebbi State Gubernatorial Aspirant in 2007. Following series of betrayals and numerous controversies, Kabiru decided to Join ACN in 2011. This, however, did not last as he later returned to PDP the same year. In 2014/15, looking at his tremendous achievements and wealth of experience, Kabiru was appointed Deputy Director General (North) of PDP Presidential Campaign Organization. Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, FCIArb (Danmasanin Gwandu) is presently Member of PDP Board of Trustees

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(BOT). A position he was appointed in 2015. In 2013, the Danmasanin Gwandu was chosen meritoriously by President Goodluck E. Jonathan, GCFR and saddled with the responsibility for rebirthing Ministry of Special Duties and Inter – Governmental Affairs, a position he served assiduously. Looking closely at his immense contribution to the Federal Executive Council, the President added the responsibility of Supervising Ministry of Labour and Productivity in 2014. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki managed the two Ministries till 2015. When the need arose to open up dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents, Danmasanin Gwandu was the National choice of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He was thus appointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee for Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North. A Committee which for more than two years engaged the insurgents in fruitful discussion that saw many key leaders of Boko Haram accepting the Dialogue option as a means of resolving the insecurity situation in the North East geo-political zone of Nigeria. As part of his remarkable leadership qualities, he was several times chosen, among his colleagues at the Federal Executive Council, to lead Federal Government Delegation to Niger, Senegal, as well as Republic of Belarus. He was in 2014 chosen by President Goodluck E. Jonathan, to serve as the Deputy Director General of his Campaign, and subsequently appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

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Ugandan singer Bobi Wine challenges Museveni and faces treason charges A Ugandan pop star-turnedpolitician, Bobi Wine has joined the list of the few individuals who dare to challenge President Yoweri Museveni as he attempts to continue in power after his current five years term expires. With his effort, many youths of Uganda has seized the opportunity to join his non-violence approach using his music to attack the long serving President that it is time for him to retire to his farm. For his effort, he was recently arrested for challenging and opposing the president and he was charged with treason in a civilian court, minutes after a military court dropped weapons charges against before because his detention was alleged to be unlawful. The new charge has brought a fresh outrage from Ugandans and global musicians after Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine was seen to be pains allegedly that he had been severely beaten while in detention, an allegation the government denies. Mr Ssentamu has emerged as an influential critic of the president, Yoweri Museveni, especially among the young, after winning a parliament seat last year. He is a 36 year old musician turned politician and the pressure of Besigye to step aside after his failure to unseat President Museveni, the country needed a new opposition figure and this young man is stepping up and his popularity is increasing with

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the attempt of the government to muscle him down with detention and court charges. The 36-year-old had been charged last month with illegal possession of firearms for his alleged role in an incident in which President Museveni’s motorcade was pelted with stones during a political campaign rally for a by-election seat He was first charged to a military court but he was freed and few minutes later the politician was rearrested by police and taken to a magistrates’ court. He was initially denied bail. Mr Ssentamu limped during his appearance in military court and appeared to cry as he rubbed his eyes. A colleague wrapped the national flag about his shoulders. He sat in the dock in the magistrates’ court, with his lawyers saying he is unable to stand on his own. Lawyers for Mr Ssentamu asked the magistrate to order his remand to a health facility. The magistrate ruled that Mr Ssentamu should be allowed access to his own doctors. He was remanded in custody end of August 2018. It would be recalled that the politician was arrested with four other opposition lawmakers, three of whom also face treason charges. A fifth legislator has been taken to the hospital with injuries allegedly sustained during detention. Mr Ssentamu’s appearance was the first time he had been seen in public since his detention. He clenched his fists and greeted supporters. In recent days, Uganda’s government has faced mounting pressure at home and abroad to free him. Security forces have violently put down street protests demanding his release.

Other opposition figures expressed concern about being targeted by security forces because of this development. “Every way out of my home is barricaded since very early today,” Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential challenger who has been jailed many times, tweeted. Dr. Besigye has been under house arrest because his appearance in public would create public out roar so he has been kept under house arrest after the last election that he challenged and claimed to have won. Mr. Ssentamu’s arrest came after he was campaigning in an election to choose a politician in the northwestern town of Arua. President Museveni was also in Arua at the same time, campaigning for a rival candidate who eventually lost.

While the president was departing, authorities said, his motorcade was pelted with stones by people associated with Mr Ssentamu and the candidate he backed, Kassiano Wadri. Mr Ssentamu’s driver was shot and killed, allegedly by security forces. In a statement by the government, the attack on President Museveni was led by “unprincipled politicians” who lured youths into rioting. Responding to calls on social media to #FreeBobiWine, the president said he had no power to release Mr Ssentamu. “Let us therefore wait for the courts and see what they decide,” he said. President Museveni, a US ally on

regional security, took power by force in 1986 and has since been elected five times. Although he has campaigned on his record of establishing peace and stability, some worry that those gains are being eroded the longer he stays in power. The 74-year-old is now able to seek re-election in 2021 because parliament passed legislation last year removing a clause in the constitution that had prevented anyone over 75 from holding the presidency. Mr Ssentamu publicly opposed that decision. –

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as Zimbabwe President after challenge in court failed. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially been sworn in as duly elected President of Zimbabwe last month after winning a bitterly contested election that marked the country’s first vote since strongman Robert Mugabe was ousted from power in a military coup that brought Emmerson in as Interim President. President Mnangagwa, whose victory in the July 30 polls was challenged by the main opposition party pledged to “protect and promote the rights of Zimbabweans” during his acceptance and inauguration speech at ceremony which was attended by thousands of supporters at a stadium in Harare. “I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa swear that as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe (and) will obey, uphold and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe,” Mnangagwa said in an oath greeted by thunderous applause from a crowd that also

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included several African heads of state and leaders. Since independence from Britain in 1980, Zimbabwe has known only one President, Robert Mugabe until this second one came on board after 37 years rule. The second President is a former right hand man of Mugabe, Mr. Mnangagwa who initially took over after a military coup which Mugabe has refused to forgive him of. He is nicknamed “The Crocodile”, truly he is living up to that name. He does not take nonsense from any person even from the opposition. Since Mr. Mnangagwa was appointed after Mugabe was forced out by the military in November last year, he has promised reforms that gave many hope but after the elections, . The newly-minted leader has hailed his election victory as a fresh start for Zimbabwe after years of repression and economic mismanagement under his predecessor, which left the country burdened by shattered public services, mass poverty and unemployment.

But his reforming promises, including to entice back investors, were marred by the army opening fire on protesters, killing

Other supporters also expressed an appetite for reform. “Our country is now going to develop with President Mnangagwa now in charge. Mnangagwa is the right man to lead Zimbabwe to prosperity,” 41-year-old Blessing Muvirimi said. “We want Zimbabweans to work together.” President Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU-PF party won the election with 50.8 percent of the vote just enough to meet the 50 per cent threshold needed to avoid a run-off against the main opposition led by Nelson Chamisa, who scored 44.3 percent. And despite the challenge in court, the court agreed there were few irregularities but not severe enough to cancel the entire election. Probably thinking of the cost of holding an election and a rerun would add more hardship on the country. International observers said the polls were largely free of the violence which characterized previous votes in the nation. The country’s top court dismissed Chamisa’s bid to have the results annulled after he challenged

six shortly after the poll, allegations of vote-rigging and a violent crackdown on opposition activists. Nobody knows yet how the West would react to his election and working with his government. Supporters, many wearing caps and T-shirts emblazoned with Mnangagwa’s image, filed into the Harare stadium on the inauguration under banners proclaiming “Celebrating a new Zimbabwe” and “Unity takes us forward, peace keeps us going”. “We were stressed with what was happening with the court procedures (hearing opposition appeals of vote fraud) but we are happy now because everything has been finalized and we want people to unite and work together,” supporter Malvern Makoni said at the event. the results, claiming they were rigged. But the opposition leader has rejected that ruling and vowed to lead “peaceful protests”. “I have a legitimate claim that I am supposed to lead the people of Zimbabwe,” Chamisa, who heads the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party, told the press. “The court’s decision is not the people’s decision. The people who voted do not believe in (Mnangagwa). We have got a clear majority.” President Mnangagwa has sought to turn the page on the issue, calling for “peace and unity” in a televised address after the court decision. “Let us put whatever differences we might have behind us. It is time to build our nation and move forward together.”

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Profile of Nigeria political aspirant for the presidency

r. Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014. As Deputy Governor for Financial Stability, he led the implementation of far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s banking sector after a combination of the global financial crisis, corporate governance abuses and weak risk management left one third of Nigerian banks on the edge of collapse. He also served as Deputy Governor for Operations. Moghalu was a member of the Board of Directors, the Monetary Policy Committee, and the Committee of Governors of the CBN, and he was also a member of Nigeria’s E c o n o m i c Management Team. He also led corporate governance in a number of international and Nigerian financial institutions as a member or chair of the boards of directors of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILMC), Nigerian ExportImport Bank (NEXIM), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Moghalu’s tenure at the Nigerian Central Bank was not without controversy. He was charged with executing frequently controversial banking sector reforms spearheaded by then CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in a fraught political and social milieu, and was seen by some observers as the heir apparent to succeed Sanusi as governor. Moghalu publicly articulated and defended the Central Bank’s banking reforms, including the controversial introduction of Islamic banking as part of a menu of options to diversify access to finance. In early 2014, reacting to foreign criticism of Nigeria at the Africa CEO Forum conference in Geneva, Moghalu distanced himself from the now suspended Bank head’s methods in alleging a $20 billion fraud at the country’s publicly owned oil corporation. Moghalu expressed frustration that his erstwhile colleague had 56

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overstepped his role as the head of a Central Bank and crossed into “political activism”, but emphasized his support and that of other colleagues for Sanusi’s leadership in monetary policy. Dr. Moghalu, an interdisciplinary scholar and public intellectual, is the author of several books: “Bretton Woods: The Next 70 Years (coauthor)(New York: Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee, 2015); Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s ‘Last’ Frontier Can Prosper and Matter (London: Penguin Books, 2014), Global Justice (Stanford University Press, 2008), Rwanda’s Genocide (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2005), and numerous articles on law, banking regulation, economic development, political economy and public policy. His publications have appeared in journals and newspapers such as the Financial Times, Central Banking Journal, Journal of Banking and Finance, The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, The Washington Post, USA Today, and the International Herald Tribune. Dr. Moghalu is a frequent and sought-after speaker at global forums. He gave the 2014 Thomas Hodgkin Lecture at Oxford University, and has been a keynote speaker and panelist at the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States, the South African Reserve Bank, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., Institute of International Finance (IIF), the National AssetLiability Management Conference Europe, the Africa CEO Forum, Commerzbank, the Institute for Business in the Global Context at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and the World Affairs Councils of Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. He has been interviewed and featured on CNN, BBC World News’ Hard talk, Financial Times, The New York Times and other global media.

Professor Dr. Kingsley Moghalu:

Presidential aspirant with a vision and a mission for Nigeria He was born in Lagos in 1963 to Isaac Moghalu, a Nigerian Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Vidah Moghalu. His father, Isaac Moghalu was posted abroad as a Nigerian diplomat in Geneva, Switzerland very shortly after his birth, and subsequently served in Washington D.C. as well. Moghalu spent his early childhood in Geneva and Washington where his family lived in the 1960s. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kingsley was enrolled in the prestigious and renowned Federal Government College Enugu, popularly

known as Fedi. He obtained the LL.B. (Honours) degree in law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1986, and the B.L. (Barrister at Law) from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos. After working as a corporate and media attorney in Lagos, and as a Special Correspondent for several international newspapers and magazines including The Christian Science Monitor, South, and Africa News Service, he left Nigeria in 1991 for graduate studies in the United States. Dr. Moghalu obtained an M.A. degree at The Fletcher School of Law of Diplomacy at Tufts University, where he was the Joan Gillespie Fellow and Research Assistant in the International Political Economy (IPE) Program, in 1992. He later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) at the University of London, UK, and the International Certificate in Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) in London. He is also an alumnus of advanced executive education programs in macroeconomics and financial sector management, corporate governance, and global strategic leadership at the International Monetary Fund Institute, Harvard Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Business School, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Moghalu joined the United Nations in 1992. His first assignment was in Cambodia as a UN human rights and elections officer with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC). Continued on Page 58

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Continued from Page 57 A year later, he was appointed political affairs officer in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York. From 1996 to 1997, he served in the former Yugoslavia as political advisor to the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Croatia. He was then assigned as legal adviser to the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Arusha, Tanzania in 1997 and later promoted to the role of the international tribunal’s spokesman. As special counsel and spokesman he was responsible for policy development, strategic planning and external relations. Moghalu was one of the notable personalities of the two international war crimes tribunals established by the United Nations Security Council, with a staff strength of 1000 men and women from 90 countries. The UNICTR delivered the firstever judgment by an international court on genocide. In 2002, Moghalu was appointed to the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland as Head of Global Partnerships and Resource Mobilization at The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), a publicprivate international development finance organization and social investment fund with $20 billion in assets and investments in 140 developing and middle income countries. He was a member of the Global Fund’s Senior Management Group that set corporate strategy, and a member of the Fund’s Risk Management Committee, and was promoted to the rank of Director in 2006. In 2006, United Nations Secretary-General Late Kofi Annan appointed Moghalu a member of the high-level Redesign Panel on the United Nations Internal Justice System, the establishment

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of which was requested by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. The five-member Redesign Panel comprised Mary Gaudron, a former Australian supreme court judge, Louis Otis, a Canadian appeals court judge, Ahmed El-Kosheri, an Egyptian law professor and former Judge Ad Hoc of the International Court of Justice, Diego Garcia Sayan,a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, and Moghalu. Working at the UN Headquarters in New York for six months in the first half of 2006, the Redesign Panel reviewed and completely overhauled the accountability, transparency and dispute resolution framework that governs the global workforce of the United Nations as part of wide-ranging management reforms in the organization. This special assignment was at the nominal rank of Under-Secretary-General. Dr. Moghalu resigned from the United Nations System in December 2008. He then founded Sogato Strategies S.A. (Societe Anonyme), a global strategy and risk consultancy, in Geneva. Umaru Yar’Adua, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2007–2010) appointed Moghalu Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in November 2009 following his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. Moghalu has also served as a member of the board of directors of Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI) in Philadelphia, a non-profit global entrepreneurship development organization founded by the late U.S. civil rights leader Reverend Leon Sullivan. In February 2018, Moghalu declared his interest to run for the Presidency of Nigeria. He chose to run under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). He has received several honours including the Nigerian national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB) and the Rotary International Distinguished Service Award. He is married to Maryanne Onyinyechi Moghalu, in 1994 and they have four children.

TRIBUTE: You did touch our lives with your music. Adieu Aretha Franklin Date of Birth: March 25, 1942 Place of Birth: Memphis, TN Died: August 16, 2018 (age 76) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Buried: 1st September 2018 Aretha Louise Franklin was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan where her father C. L. Franklin was minister. Tributes has continued to pour in for a woman many did not met her but her name and music echo around the world. Aretha Franklin lived, enjoyed, touched lives and gave hope to millions of black women around the world. She proved that your mistakes in life do not define you but what you make of yourself. She stood before world leaders and dazzle them all. Our tribute to this iconic woman of soul laced with her gospel background and influence. Aretha Franklin is one of the giants of soul music, and indeed of American pop as a whole. More than any other performer, she epitomized soul at its most gospel-charged. Her astonishing run of late-’60s hits with Atlantic Records--”Respect,” “I Never Loved a Man,” “Chain of Fools,” “Baby I Love You,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Think,” “The House That Jack Built,” and several others--earned her the title “Lady Soul,” which she has worn uncontested ever since. Yet as much of an international institution as she’s become, much of her work-outside of her recordings for Atlantic in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s--is erratic and only fitfully inspired, making discretion a necessity when collecting her records.

Franklin’s roots in gospel ran extremely deep. With her sisters Carolyn and Erma (both of whom would also have recording careers), she sang at the Detroit church of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, while growing up in the 1950s. In fact, she made her first recordings as a gospel artist at the age of 14. It has also been reported that Motown was interested in signing Aretha back in the days when it was a tiny start-up. Ultimately, however, Franklin ended up with Columbia, to which she was signed by the renowned talent scout John Hammond. Franklin would record for Columbia constantly throughout the first half of the ‘60s, notching occasional R&B hits (and one Top Forty single, “Rock-a-bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody”), but never truly breaking out as a star. The Columbia period continues to generate considerable controversy among critics, many of whom feel that Aretha’s true aspirations were being blunted by poporiented material and production. In fact there’s a reasonable amount of fine items to be found on the Columbia sides, including the occasional song (“Lee Cross,” “Soulville”) where she belts out soul with real gusto. It’s undeniably true, though, that her work at Columbia was considerably tamer than what was to follow, and suffered in general from a lack of direction and an apparent emphasis on trying to develop her as an all-around entertainer, rather than as an R&B/soul singer. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Zimbabwe Elections: Tendai Biti Interview: Country won’t get support after Zanu-PF ‘stolen victory “We’re going to fight this,” Tendai Biti said grimly after the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) announced a victory for the ruling Zanu-PF in parliamentary elections held alongside the presidential election. Majority of the seats were won by the ruling party weakening the alliance of opposition parties in the country. “The fascists are trying to steal this election, but we won’t accept it,” said veteran opposition leader Biti, who is one of the co-leaders of the seven-party Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-Alliance) coalition which contested the presidential and parliamentary poll. “Our data shows we have won by 61%; Nelson Chamisa has won 61% of the votes. If you win by this much in the presidential elections – for instance in Masvingo (province) where Chamisa won overwhelmingly but hardly won any parliamentary seats there – something is wrong. People don’t vote for a presidential candidate of one

party and not for the MPs of that party. So it’s called cheating.” A few days before the election, Biti had vowed to make Zimbabwe “ungovernable” if the MDC-Alliance lost. And after the ZEC announced the alliance’s overwhelming (official) defeat in the parliamentary poll, Daily Maverick asked him what his party’s next move would be and whether and how it was going to make the country ungovernable. “You can’t ask me. The people are already making the country ungovernable. The people are already on the streets. They are marching spontaneously, without organization. There are spontaneous riots. There is chaos in the town Centre. Huge crowds are marching to ZEC, which pretends to be the electoral

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body. And the police are on the warpath. They are fighting the people. “The fight is just beginning. It will get worse.” Referring to gunshots heard in downtown Harare, Biti said they were the work of the “crazy illegal junta led by Chiwenga,” a reference to Constantino Chiwenga, who as chief of staff of the Zimbabwe Defense Force forced President Robert Mugabe out of power in November 2017 and was then appointed vice president. President Mnangagwa is believed to be desperate to win international approval in this election so he can tap the International Monetary Fund and other sources for the large infusion of capital he needs to salvage Zimbabwe’s crippled economy. But Biti said that “the international community is not going to be fooled by this madness. We will make sure they don’t get a cent.” How? “I can’t tell you how but I can tell you we have done it before,” said Biti, who was finance minister in the MDC-Zanu PF unity government of Zimbabwe between 2009 and 2013. Biti based his assessment that the international community would not be fooled by the election partly on the conclusion of the European Union’s election mission’s preliminary report that “a truly level playing field was not achieved” in these elections. The mission leader, Elmar Brok, cited several reasons for this assessment, including the clear bias of the state media in favour of Zanu-PF, that party’s abuse of state resources and instances of intimidation of voters. But, as with other election missions, the EU will only comment later on the vote-counting. Biti insisted the elections had been simply rigged, utterly rejecting the opinion of some political analysts that the MDC-Alliance had made some costly mistakes. Perhaps worse, these analysts contend, was that the MDC opposition failed to present a united front in the elections. It is true that seven parties did, in fact, join forces and unite behind one presidential candidate. Biti, who was secretarygeneral in the original MDC under the late Morgan Tsvangirai, later fell out with Tsvangirai and formed his own party. But he and another disaffected former Tsvangirai ally, Welshman Ncube, were able to overcome their differences to fight Zanu-PF. But not all. After Tsvangirai’s untimely death earlier in 2018, a vicious fight erupted in his party over who would succeed him. Chamisa won but his main rival Thokozani Khupe broke away to form her own party and to contest both the parliamentary and presidential elections.

Biti insisted the elections had been simply rigged, utterly rejecting the opinion of some political analysts that the MDC-Alliance had made some costly mistakes. Perhaps worse, these analysts contend, was that the MDC opposition failed to present a united front in the elections. It is true that seven parties did, in fact, join forces and unite behind one presidential candidate. Biti, who was secretary-general in the original MDC under the late Morgan Tsvangirai, later fell out with Tsvangirai and formed his own party. But he and another disaffected former Tsvangirai ally, Welshman Ncube, were able to overcome their differences to fight Zanu-PF. But not all. After Tsvangirai’s untimely death earlier in 2018, a vicious fight erupted in his party over who would succeed him. Chamisa won but his main rival Thokozani Khupe broke away to form her own party and to contest both the parliamentary and presidential elections. Biti insisted this had made no difference. “No!,” he said. “Our colleagues got nothing, Look at the results. Thokozani got one vote in some constituencies… It was a binary, black and white contest between the MDC-Alliance and Zanu-PF.” Strong independent candidates also lost badly, he said. “This was binary. It didn’t matter who you are, they voted for the MDC.” Biti even more contemptuously dismissed the assessment of some analysts that ousted President Robert Mugabe’s rather tentative and ambiguous endorsement of Chamisa cost the MDT-Alliance credibility and votes. “The fact is this was just plain rigging,” he reiterated time and time again. Where was the proof of rigging? “We do have evidence of rigging from the V11 forms and we will issue a statement about this shortly,” he said. The V11 forms containing the results at each polling station were supposed to be posted outside each station by the ZEC. There have been widespread allegations about discrepancies in these forms, or about forms simply disappearing. After announcing the parliamentary results on Wednesday, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said that the ZEC would probably only be able to announce the presidential election results on Thursday because representatives of all 23 presidential candidates would have to go to ZEC headquarters in Harare to reconcile the V11 forms. “They rigged blatantly... deliberately tampering and manipulating figures,” said Biti, quoting Stalin as having said: “It’s not the people who vote that count, it’s the people who count the votes.” “You can rig elections, but you can’t rig legitimacy. You can rig elections, but you can’t rig the economy, you can’t rig trust and confidence. I don’t know why the state never learns. “You can’t rig the

social contract, you can’t rig decency, you can’t rig trust.” He added that he believed the confrontation between the people and the authorities would get uglier “and they will shoot some people”. As he was speaking, shots were heard ringing out across downtown Harare and reports were emerging that the security forces had used tear gas and even live ammunition against protesters. A number of unconfirmed deaths were reported. Derek Matyszak, a Zim-

babwe expert at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, differed with Biti, suggesting, as other analysts have, that Zanu-PF had already won before the first vote was cast. “The votes in the ballot box probably match those announced,” he said. “So the opposition is taking to the streets in one of many violations of the Code of Conduct and giving grist to the Zanu-PF mill. “To win the elections Chamisa had to look as if he was going to win and they did a good job of creating the impression of momentum... so good that people in Harare and Bulawayo now do not believe the results... “People are unable to accept that, despite all the depravity of Zanu-PF, they (the people) have lost not only the battle of these elections, but the war which began in 2000. Zanu-PF has basically gotten away with it. Those who think good always triumphs over evil have a hard time swallowing that. “Zanu has gotten away with destroying everything they have touched or come near... agriculture, mining, infrastructure, the economy as a whole and people’s lives and livelihoods. “They have done so without any severe repercussion and grown fat on corruption... in a liberal democracy they would have been voted out of power.” It would be recalled that he fled after the results were announced and with the basis of this interview, a warrant of arrest was made for him but he had fled to Zambia where he tried to seek asylum, he was denied and deported back to Zimbabwe but the government has been warned by the International committee that he must not be harmed and he must be given fair trial in a court of law.

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Mail President needs a second round vote to secure Presidency

alian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been reelected for a five-year term after winning a landslide victory in a runoff ballot, according to official figures released by the electoral commission in that country. The elections have been closely watched abroad, as Mali is a linchpin state in the jihadist insurgency raging in the Sahel. Keita, 73, picked up 67.17 percent of the vote against 32.83 for opposition challenger and former finance minister Soumaila Cisse, 68, who also ran against Keita in 2013, the government announced. Turnout was low, at 34.5%.

Mali, a landlocked nation home to at least 20 ethnic groups where most people live on less than $2 (1.76 euros) a day, has been battling a years-long Islamic revolt that has now fuelled inter-communal violence. Hundreds of people have died this year alone, most of them in Mopti, an ethnic mosaic in central Mali, in violence involving the Fulani nomadic herder community and Bambara and Dogon farmers. Keita’s response to the burgeoning security crisis was the big campaign issue, with opposition candidates rounding on him for alleged incompetence or indifference. But the verbal assaults failed to dent his core support, and a fractured opposition and widespread voter apathy left him firm favourite in the final round. Voting was also marred by jihadist attacks that forced the closure of a small percentage of polling stations, and by allegations of ballot-box stuffing and other irregularities. The three main opposition candidates mounted a legal challenge to the first-round result, but their bid was rejected by 62

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the Constitutional Court. Mr. Cisse had declared in advance that he would reject the results of the second round voting but the result was too wide to make any reasonable challenge in court of law. Although the United Nations has appealed to all parties to be calm and respect the verdict of the electorates. However, observer missions sent by the European Union and the African Union (AU) have issued provisional reports saying the election was not badly impaired. “Our observers did not see fraud but irregularities,” EU mission Chief Cecile Kyenge said. The AU said voting was conducted “in acceptable conditions.” Political analyst Souleymane Drabo downplayed the risk of voter unrest, saying the country’s politicians, including Cisse and Keita in past ballots, had a long history “of calling fraud at election time.” “Everyone knows that the page has turned,” Drabo said, adding that the most immediate issue for most people was to prepare for Tabaski, the west African name for the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid-al Adha. But Jonathan Sears, Sahel researcher at Centre Francopaix in Montreal, was more cautious, fearing that doubts about voting transparency could erode Mali’s democracy. “These elections have been a lost opportunity and Cisse’s insistence in interrogating the results underlines that,” he told African Press. “The rejection is deeply concerning — if Cisse is speaking for many people, there is a possibility of it being socially disruptive.” President Keita will take office on September 4, facing high expectations to boost a 2015 peace accord between the government, government-allied groups and former Tuareg rebels. The credibility of the deal - billed by Keita as the cornerstone of peace — has been battered by a state of emergency that heads into its fourth year in November. France, which intervened to root out jihadists in northern Mali in 2013, still has 4,500 troops in the country. They are deployed alongside the UN’s 15,000 peacekeepers and a regional G5 Sahel force, aimed at fighting the insurgents and restoring the authority of the state in the lawless north. Another challenge for Keita is to shore up the economy. Income per capita has fallen since 2014, according to the World Bank, and nearly half of the 18 million population live in poverty.

Nigerian girls win Silicon Valley contest for app that spots fake drugs Five months ago, Jessica Osita had never used a computer, sent an email or even browsed the internet, yet she is part of a team of five teenagers who have just won a major tech award in California. Despite their limited tech knowledge, the Nigerian teens learned how to build a mobile app from scratch by using open source software from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The app, called FD-Detector, helps users identify fake medicines using a drug’s barcode to verify its authenticity and expiration date. “I feel very excited and relieved. I’m extremely proud of myself,” Osita, 15, told the press in San Francisco, in the group’s first interview since they won the 2018 Technovation Challenge on 9 August 2018. The team called SaveA-Soul includes Promise Nnalue, Jessica Osita, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo and Vivian Okoye and they have spent five months researching and building the app and hope it can be a solution to the widespread sale of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. For Osita, there was a more personal, poignant reason for creating the app, her brother died after fake drugs were administered to him following an accident. “My brother died from fake drugs. I’m very motivated by the death of my brother to solve this problem,” she said. “With this app, we will relieve the burden. I feel very excited,” said Osita, who has ambitions to become a pharmacist. “I want to produce genuine drugs,” she says. Osita and her four other teammates beat teams from the US, Spain, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China in the finals to secure the top spot in the junior category at the competition. “Some people told me ‘you’re a girl, why are you going into tech?’ said Osita. “At first my parents didn’t understand what I was doing, but it’s only recently that they see what I’m doing. They are very proud.” One of her teammates Promise Nnalue, 14, “People are calling us celebrities and taking pictures with us. We could not have done this without our mentor. She really believed in us and encouraged us,” said Nnalue, who aspires to become a doctor. Uchenna Ugwu was the one who introduced them to computers and coding through her Edufun Technik organization, which teaches STEM to underprivileged children in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. Ugwu says her organization has taught approximately 4,800 school children since 2014 - over 60% of whom have been young girls as a means of closing the widening gender gap in STEM

education. “This is the first interview I’m granting,” Ugwu said where she says they are still in shock from the win. “I’m overwhelmed. It was a beautiful experience for them. They have experienced so many firsts. They were entering a flight for the first time. The girls were scared and overwhelmed. They asked me ‘How can we compete with these countries who have been using tech for a very long time?’ “I told them ‘it’s not how long ago you started, but how well you do.’ I’m so proud of them because they were so determined to learn,” she said. “They were not the most talented in the coding class but they were the most determined. They stuck with the classes when a lot of their peers dropped out,” she added. Ugwu, a mother-of three, said they practiced their pitch endlessly, and it was their effort and passion that helped them win. “The girls really impressed a lot of people,” she said. “To be honest, every progress we made was a win to me. “They have come very far qualifying out of more than 2,000 apps submitted. They are winners in every way,” she said. “Five months ago, they didn’t have access to the internet or how to write an email. They could not believe that they had the opportunity to touch the almighty computer. It’s amazing.” Nigeria has been fighting against drug counterfeiters for decades. In June, Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit drugs worth nearly $10 million. Technovation is run by education nonprofit Iridescent and challenges girls aged 10-18 to create an app that solves problems in their communities. “It is inspiring seeing the hard work and determination of girls around the world working to solve big challenges in their communities with smart solutions,” Iridescent founder Tara Chklovski said in a statement. The teenage girls will partner with the Nigeria’s drug regulatory agency, Technovation’s organizers said. Ugwu hopes this win will encourage other young girls to tackle some of the problems Nigeria is facing. “The next thing is to use this moment to inspire more girls. How do we leverage on this to build our nation? How do we inspire other girls to start thinking about solutions to our problems? We need to let young people know that they are the solutions to their problems, if we do that Nigeria will be better.” Courtesy of Stephanie Busari & Segun Akande, both from CNN www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

President Weah honours his footballing mentor

iberian President George Weah gave his country’s top honour to Coach Arsene Wenger and Coach Claude LeRoy, the two French coaches who gave his football career an early boost and his journey to fame and politics as President of Liberia. At a red-carpet ceremony in the suburbs of the capital Monrovia, Wenger, who signed Weah when the now President was 22, was praised for the “development of the youth in Africa” throughout his coaching career. “Your positive role has not only affected the professional success and personal life journey of many African footballers, but also the entire generation of young Liberians who follow President Weah as a mentor,” the ceremony’s speaker told Wenger as he received the distinction of Knight Grand Commander of the Humane Order of African Redemption, the highest in the country.

Wenger signed Weah when he was in charge of Monaco in 1988. After four seasons with Monaco, Weah moved to Paris SaintGermain and then to AC Milan in 1995 — the year he became the only African to win the coveted Ballon d’Or for the best player in European club football. After Weah was elected president in January, he invited Wenger to his inauguration, but the Frenchman, in what turned out to be his last season as Arsenal manager, was unable to attend. 64

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Le Roy met the young Weah while managing Cameroon’s national side.”He had signed to Tonnerre Yaounde and came to Cameroon national squad training even though he was a Liberian. I was dazzled by his talent and called Arsene,” Le Roy, who is currently coaching Togo’s national team. Although the honours generated debate in Liberian newspapers and radio shows people asking questions whether the award usually reserved for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to Liberia. In the streets of Monrovia, some Liberians questioned the timing of such a ceremony, as the poor West African nation grapples with runaway inflation and a host of other economic woes. “This honouring should not have been prioritized now,” said George Sackie, a 35-year-old teacher. The government maintains, though, that both men helped Liberia through helping Weah. “If Arsene Wenger and Le Roy had not exposed George Weah he would not have been the pride of an entire nation today,” said Andy Quamie, deputy minister of youth and sports. Among other Liberians including many young people who helped propel the soccer great to the presidency in January’s elections therefore the event is a source of pride and excitement, placing the impoverished country on the world map. Hundreds gathered in the capital Monrovia hours before the expected arrival of the Frenchmen. “For me the president is right to give such honour to the man who made him to be the only African to handle the world’s best title,” Patrick Harris, 23, told the press.

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Date: 31/07/2018. Respectful, Mr.Elvis Iruh . Warm Greetings, Subject: Awarded theâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Ambassador of hopeâ&#x20AC;&#x153; title from the International Therapeutic Diet Initiative for volunteer The international Therapeutic Diet initiative for the volunteer work in the United Arab Emirates represented by the Secretary-General, Ambassador Tariq Al Saif extends you its warmest regards. whereas Al Tareq for humanization provides services to children with autism according to a comprehensive scientific methodology covering many aspects, we launched "Therapeutic diet initiative " on Zayed humanitarian work Day ... It provides free diagnostic services, medical tests and nutritional programs, follow-up for children with autism and increased awareness of autism, and the number of beneficiaries according to the policies pursued by the Center in cooperation with more strategic partners is in a continuous increasing. While Al Tareq Rehabilitation and Autism center works in cooperation with the UK Gulf Center for Studies and Business, which is an internationally accredited liaison office from the Quality Training Education Corporation London and The American Institute for Educational Development, within a specialized scientific message on the voluntary and humanitarian side Based on its development and support. Therefore, under the directives of the Board of Trustees / the General Authority of the International Initiative for Youth Leadership, in cooperation with Al Tareq rehabilitation &Autismus Center, to support health and educational services, we decided to grant Mr.Elvis Iruh the title of Ambassador of Hope from the International Therapeutic Diet Initiative. Note that our last ambassador of hope is the Argentine football player Lionel Messi within the campaign of a world free of hepatitis C. Yours Sincerely,

Secretary-General TareqAlSaif

Tel: +971 65444778 Fax: +971 65444779 Mob: +971 50 4818177 Email: info.nutraways@gmail.cominfo@ambassadorofhope.ae Web: www.ambassadorofhope.ae

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PRESS RELEASE:

Elvis Iruh, Publisher Of The Voice Magazine Receives “Ambassador Of Hope” Award

he Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Voice Magazine, a Pan African news Magazine, published in The Netherlands, Mr Elvis Iruh has been honoured as “Ambassador Of Hope” in far away United Arab Emirate. In a letter communicated to the Founder of the first complete African news publication in Central Europe, Mr Elvis Iruh, the award was in recorgnition of his contributions towards advancing the course of humanity through his publication and other humanitarian activities. The letter approved by the Board of Trustees/ the General Authority of the International Initiative for Youth Leadership and Al Tareq rehabilitation & Autism Center, signed by Secretary-General, Ambassador Tariq Al Saif also congratulated him for being in the same league with the previous receipient, the Argentine footballer “Lionel Messi”. Al Tareq Rehabilitation and Autism center, with its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates provide services to children with autism in accordance with a comprehensive scientific methodology covering many aspects of care

including therapeutic diet initiative, free diagnostic services, medical tests and nutritional programs, follow-up for children with autism and increased advocacy on autism. In his reaction, the elated Elvis Iruh stated that he accepted the award with “every sense of humility”, emphasising that his passion in lending hands to humanity is borne out of genuine committment to render succour to the less priviledged in the society. “I will use the honour to focus attention on children with autism, particularly in Africa to improve their condition”. The award will be conferred on him in a ceremony on a future date but before the end of this year. The Management and staff of The Voice Magazine, organizers of The Voice Achievers Award, The Netherlands, congratulate their Chief Executive for a deserved award. Signed H e n r y Oduenyi (Managing Editor, The Voice Magazine, The Netherlands)