The Voice Magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 21. NO. 209 September 2021

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thenigerianvoice.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

I am ready to serve my Kenyan people again - Stephen K. Musyoka Zambia gets New President

2

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 As you have heard or read there is a new effort to reach out to those who are yet to be vaccinated in The Netherlands. Research points out with ever more certainty that a high rate of vaccination is the first and main line of defense against Covid 19 infections and spread of the virus among the people.

We are fully aware there are still a lot of fear, uncertainty and doubt about taking the vaccination.

In order to gain a clear view, Stichting Inclusia in partnership with United Nigerian Platform would like to inform you that the vaccines are safe and we encourage everyone to partake. We aim to create a trusted source of information for you, the people of your community and those they are in contact with. We want to spread balanced and correct information, to enable the people to make a well-founded decision and provide them with the details as to where they can get vaccinated. Kindly call us for details if you have any question or doubt. Our organization has encouraged our members to be vaccinated, do it not just for yourself but your fellow human beings. We need each other to live safely and well.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

3

The Voice magazine

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM

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

The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination.

The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy..

If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address.

Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa

On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com

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

Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

TV MANAGEMENT

4

Volume 21 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

NO 209 September 2021

Contents

The Voice Magazine Volume 21. No 209 September 2021 Edition

40-41

14-21

52-54 ARTICLES

Page 6 – Editorial: Welcome to Dubai for The Voice Achievers Award 2021 Page 7 - Zambia has a new President - Hakainde Hichilema Pages 8 & 9 – Feedback – Pages for your letters Page 11- Poem for President elect Hakainde Hichilema Pages 24 & 25 - How Nigerians are being tactically deNigerianised Pages 26 & 27 - Benin Bronzes: Nigeria dispute jeopardizes return of artifacts Pages 30 & 31 - Meet Her Worship, Dr. Hon Buumba Malambo Pages 34-36 - Covid 19: Its impact on Nigeria economy Pages 42 &-44- Decolonize the lower world says Jan Pronk Page 45 - How this Senegalese TikToker with over 99 million followers went from poverty to earning six figures Pages 46 & 47- Power in community journalism Pages 48 & 49 - The Kenyan fashionista daring to thrive in Thailand Page 55 - Video film of mutiny by passengers at the unfair removal of two Black men from a flight Pages 56 – 59 -Queen Leila weds Andrew Page 60 – Meet Sheikha Dr. Fatimah Tagwai Aji FCMA, GOOA Page 61 - Madagascar president picks new finance minister, enlarges cabinet - Peter R de Vries to have street named after him in his hometown Pages 62 & 63 - Nigeria’s 4x400m Olympic relay team from Sydney wants a gold-medal ceremony Pages 64& 65 - ‘The gold medal was for Cameroon, and for Africa’ - Why ex-Arsenal ace Lauren still treasures Olympic memories Pages 66-69 – Sporting stories across the world - Peruth Chemutai became the first Ugandan woman to win an Olympic gold medal - Gender test demanded for 200-meter silver Olympic medalist

KINDLY SUPPORT THE VOICE MAGAZINE

Since you’re here... Support the Voice magazine so we can stay publishing for your reading pleasure. Give a DONATION from one time, one-month, each month, quarterly, half a year or a year.

It is your choice...

Make such payment to: Stichting Paddi Europa Iban NO: NL29SNSB0908374372 (Swift code: SNSBNL2A) For payment from Abroad.

Bank: SNS Bank. Address: Utrecht, The Netherlands TV Management Thank you for your support......

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

For other inquiries, e-mail us at: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Get fast results by advertising with us.

Others are doing so, join us today. Call us on +31684999548 or +31648519292 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

5

Editorial

Welcome to Dubai for The Voice Achievers Award 2021

S

ince 2017 after the award in Amsterdam, Dubai has been on our mind. We have talked, discussed and hold meetings towards having this great once in a year event in Dubai but it did not materialized until now. Thanks to Covid 19 which has obstructed some of our operations in nearly two years. After the event in Nairobi, Kenya in 2019, we had to postpone that of 2020 as it is practically impossible to gather anywhere around the world. We resisted the pressure of having an online or visual award ceremony, the catch of our award has being the opportunity for people to come together and interact while enjoying the award ceremony.

While we were contemplating on our next line of action, our Vice President covering the Arab/Asia zones, Ambassador Laila Rahhal set in motion on having the Voice Achievers award in Dubai and through her partners and contacts, it is now a reality. From 17th to 20th September we would be in Dubai for this year’s event and it promises to be a royal event with United Arab Emirates embracing Africa at the Intercontinental Festival City Hotels, Dubai. Yes the question is why Dubai? I can report to you that Dubai is the new Africa attraction. More than any other contemporary location, Dubai provides a geographically and politically accessible marketplace for facilitating trade between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Before the 2000s, the tendency was first oriented towards Europe and people went to find merchandise there. Since they discovered Asia and going to Europe became more and more difficult, people now go where it is more accessible and that is Dubai.

The economy is thriving coupled with newer airline initiatives that provide cheaper and more direct flights to various business destinations in Asia, Africans travel to Dubai and a link to other Asian countries and a wonderful place to do business. There is a shift and in that thread, The Voice magazine with its project, the Voice Achievers award want to celebrate with our winners and welcome new friends of Africa into our growing list of awardees. What a great choice we have made and we want you to start planning towards now.

Dubai has been instrumental for many small-scale African entrepreneurs tepidly engaging in international commerce, as Dubai serves as middleman to the rest of the Asian countries so for those who do not have so much money, they still prefer to do business through Dubai to Africa. Our plans is to inspire hundreds of Africans to start thinking of doing business in and with Dubai in a visible and lasting impact and expanding African to the rest of the world.

Dubai is not simply a node of a commodity chain linking

6

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

production sites in Asia to African import networks. Its immense popularity and accessibility for newer African merchants, as well as its central shipping port, suggest both a cultural and geographic permanency. The current commercial configurations in Dubai’s wholesale malls encourage and thrive on small-scale merchants from Africa. Dubai Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief and other emerging commercial

hubs suggest a different, decentralized, and possibly more interdependent pathway forward for transforming economic livelihoods across Africa and we ask you to join us to exploit it. Our utmost gratitude to KPMG Lower Gulf who are sponsoring us to hold this event in Dubai for the very first time on an Arab soil. The various partners who worked tirelessly to make this happen - Pillar Stella, Ambassador Laila Rahhal; and her team who worked behind the scenes and those we have not mentioned your names but you would be acknowledged during the award ceremony. To all awardees, congratulations and looking forward to seeing you in Dubai 2021.

We have more interesting stories you in this special edition with interview with Presidential hopeful for next year Kenya’s election, Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka. Exclusive chat with him. You will enjoy it and other juice stories we have for you.

See next month after our Dubai trip.

God bless you all.

Editor-in-Chief September 2021

Zambia has a new President - Hakainde Hichilema

H

akainde Hichilema is the winner of Zambia’s 2021 Presidential Election and now President. His running mate, Mutale Nalumango, becomes the second female Vice-President in Zambian history. Mr. Hichilema and Ms. Nalumango campaigned for change through the United Party for National Development. 2.8 million Zambians voted for UPND on 12th August, 2021. UPND won the majority of parliamentary seats in 156 constituencies. Hichilema and Nalumango have popular support in all ten provinces of Zambia and therefore ending the rule of the defeated President Lungu.

The seventh administration commences on inauguration day when the Judiciary sworn-in Hakainde Hichilema as President of Zambia. According to article 105 in the republican constitution, the swearing-in ceremony must take place seven days after the Electoral Commission of Zambia announces the final presidential results. Article 111 in the Constitution of Zambia prescribes that Mutale Nalumango becomes VicePresident on the day that the Judiciary swears in Hakainde Hichilema. The process went ahead as the former president has conceded defeat and congratulate his once rival as the new President of the Republic.

Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the now former Vice-president, Inonge Wina ensured that the transfer of power went on smoothly without any disturbance during and after the hand over ceremony. Although with the Covid restrictions, the hand

over ceremony was very low key.

Former President Lungu will be remembered for expanding infrastructure development, funding artists and containing the Coronavirus Disease pandemic. Ms. Inonge Wina became the first female Vice-President of Zambia five years ago when she was 75 years old. She was a leader of Government Business in a Parliament that passed progressive legislations. The sixth administration produced outstanding Acts of Parliament that reinforce national values and principles. The People of Zambia expect tremendous economic growth in the seventh administration. UPND promotes an ethos called national development. The true meaning of national development is economic growth, wealth creation and full employment.

President Hakainde Hichilema is a business man who advocates for capitalism, free markets and privatization. Entrepreneurship is the priority in the seventh administration.

As Leader of Government Business in the Thirteenth National Assembly, Mutale Nalumango is expected to initiate legislation that will create jobs, strengthen spending power, reduce business costs, increase access to venture capital, empower local enterprises, accelerate manufacturing, minimize imports, treble exports and advance industrialization in Zambia.

Economic growth is the focus in the seventh administration.

UPND advocates for artistic expression. Zambian artists have permission to describe the seventh administration in creative writing, film, music, visual arts and stage theatre. UPND promises to respect freedom of expression. Artists have the chance to describe Zambia in mass media. Oppressive regimes

tend to suppress descriptive art because realism exposes human rights violations. There is anticipation that no artist shall be imprisoned by the UPND government. There is hope that President Hakainde Hichilema will uphold all the human rights in the Zambian Bill of Rights. There is optimism that Mutale Nalumango will champion human rights in Parliament.

UPND guarantees that there shall be free self-expression in Zambia. Artistic expression is the greatest opportunity in the seventh administration.

By Anna Zgambo.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

7

FEEDBACK

Dear Editor,

Let’s not sit back while political fights ruin us Dear Editor,

NEW MAYOR OF KAFUE

Kindly allow me some space to congratulate our newly elected Mayor of Kafue in Zambia in the recently concluded elections. Congratulations to Hon Buumba Malambo-child activist for becoming Kafue’s Council Chairperson (Mayor). Your work speaks for itself and we know for sure that Kafue is in good hands. We wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life. May GOD grant you the wisdom to serve your people wholeheartedly. God bless you.

By Florence Jedidiah Mulenga Lusaka, Zambia.

Fellow South Africans, lend me your ears. When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. We have, once more, just experienced fuel hikes that some analysts claim are associated with the recent unrest purportedly over Jacob Zuma’s incarceration. The political cadres will not feel the pinch as they have access to state funds and resources. As usual, we are the ones who will pay the price and face the consequences of the looting. This battle of the elephants is just the beginning; the climax is yet to come. Where will our country and its infrastructure be if we don’t learn from our mistakes? In situations like this, the Zulu culture has the appropriate warning: “Uzofela umhluzi inyama ungayidlanga!” Let’s refuse for mere men to turn us into their own puppets and instruments of distraction to our own future. Our problems is more than political. Let us address the economic challenges facing our people particularly with the crisis of Covid 19 which has exposed us to lack of preparedness on the part of our government.

By Norman V Mahlangu Siyabuswa, South Africa

Dear Editor, Let us change our attitude towards vaccine Only two per cent of Kenyans are vaccinated and the government is making plans to run campaigns so as to boost confidence in the vaccines and boost uptake. However, that alone might not be the solution. Many Kenyans are still not willing to get vaccinated let alone follow simple Covid-19 regulations. There are those who simply don’t want to get vaccinated for one reason or another — from not believing the Covid-19 risks or misinformation that has been widely shared, especially on social media. To have more people vaccinated, it is worth trying to talk to the three different groups of the population: The undecided, those who accept and those opposed to vaccines (antivaxxers). For the undecided, especially those interior communities who have to travel long distances to access medical care, it is vital that they get factual information. Risks talk to them with compassion, telling them how the benefits outweigh the risks. Many people tend to take local authorities more seriously compared to listening to news on television and radio. Locational chiefs and medical professionals can work together to encourage vaccination therefore the government should engage them the more in the campaigns. For the anti-vaxxers, shaming them will not work; they have a right to decide what they want. However, they should not be encouraged to work in close proximity to those who have been vaccinated. That may end up being counterproductive because, without proper precaution, the vaccinated can be reinfected. The decision not to be vaccinated is personal.

However, we must understand that this is a contagious infection and whatever decision you make not only affects you but also those around you. Neutral adults in formal workplaces, those 8 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

who refuse to be vaccinated can be given an option to work from home before they decide on the way forward so as to protect colleagues who are vaccinated. This might encourage people who have not got the jab to do so. Giving such workers a pay cut since they won’t be physically at work, like their colleagues may sway many anti-vaxxers into accepting to take the vaccine.

The Health ministry, with the help of other organisations, can also reward those who are vaccinated. This is a creative way to nudge vaccinereceptive or vaccineneutral adults.

This can be in form of coupons to help one save some money or even a pack of free face masks per household.

With the growth of social media use, the ministry can also work with ‘influencers’ to encourage young adults to get vaccinated. People are quick to follow influencers.

Besides, young adults might be hesitant partly because they perceive themselves to be at a lower risk than the elderly. Lastly, encouraging vaccine take-up might become more challenging but let us be ready to accept extra dosage if we are to have any hope of protecting our families and adapting to the pandemic before a cure is found.

By Jendrix Wekesa, Kisumu, Kenya

FEEDBACK

Politics is different in Kenya!

Dear Editor,

Ever heard of a sitting President vying for an opposition leader to replace him as the next president of his country?

Only in Kenya! After almost 10 years, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are done with each other and President Kenyatta and his former political foe, former prime minister Raila Odinga have tied the knot in a joint campaign for elections in 2022. Since Kenya’s Constitution bars Kenyatta from a third term, he has thrown his political weight behind Raila Odinga, who was once a friend of Deputy President Ruto who is also interested in being the next President of the Republic.. How do you think Kenya’s election will play out? It is really an interesting setting in the coming months in the country. Stay tune and follow events of things in Kenya.

By Boaz Van Chris Kisumu, Kenya Dear Editor,

Why is it difficult for Nigeria Embassies to provide passport booklets?

Honestly, Nigeria has become a big joke and a laughing stock of the rest of the world. How can one explain it to any reasonable person that a country as huge as Nigeria does not have passport booklets to issue passport to their citizens in foreign countries.

Why are those embassies still open? The simple purpose of the embassy to issue passport to their citizens, Nigeria government cannot meet that request and yet Buhari is appointing Ambassadors, sending them out. I read your interview with the new Ambassador to Belgium. I feel sorry for him that he had to start his mission by searching for passport booklets. It is a shame and I would call on Nigerians to demand that these embassies be closed down until they are equipped to serve its citizens.

By Stella Idahosa-Rhone The Hague, The Netherlands

Why are sports in decline in Africa?

The government is always focusing on pitches and tracks events, forgetting swimming pools, basketball, handball, hockey courts and gyms so that athletes and other people who are passionate about the sports can train hard and even represent the country on the global arena.

The sprints, or short races, should also be encouraged because it is now clear that

Kenyans are capable of doing well in these races.

Ferdinard Omanyala broke the national record when he set a personal best time of 10.00 seconds in the men’s 100m race.

That should challenge upcoming sprinters to run under 10 seconds to break the record and dispel the notion that Kenya can only excel in long-distance races.

I believe the new competency-based curriculum (CBC) of education will encourage students to focus more on their talents and we will have more athletes fly the national flag at international competitions.

By Chadwick Michura, Kisumu, Kenya

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

9

Dear President Hakainde Hichilema I remember those moments when my parents, grandparents, the society and my tribe were busy telling me about tribalism, if that man wins you will suffer, tribalism will hit the ground like Norman’s business Your future offsprings and siblings will die You will die with hunger for Tonga people are greedy Lozis are worse for they talk their language in front your face backbite you while your eyes are still looking And you will smile like a fool trying to sink in their conversations not knowing they are gossiping about you Pastors preach to congregants that man is a satanist don’t vote for him I remember those trials and tribulations You were charged with treason Arrested more than 15 times I vividly remember what the ex president of ZAMBIA said Nga nikumbi nga walifwa Put three bullet in your chest pa pa pa Then death would occupy your breath Then use cops to raise a statement that this corpse was hit by stray bullets

Because it was a world were justice failed to penetrate into a broken mirror They would have said investigations are on the way Then use police brutality to brutalize those who would try to protest

ONE EURO A MONTH SUPPORT TO THE VOICEBut what surprised my heart so much is that The man you were painted in our imagination is not the MAGAZINE .....

man you truly are You are so cool and awesome And you really deserve to be called Bally You won the hearts of the youths Who saw hope shining In your eyes Your smile encourages citizens that change is really coming And your speech made the brain cells of my heart speechless How so brave and wise you are You are really a superhero that will rise ZAMBIA from its economical debts Dear President my heart is filled with joy knowing that you are a true destiny helper to us the youths And The leadership ZAMBIA deserves is here right there in your arms Yours Poet Jaytalien The magnificent poet

4Pillars Community Church Almere is based on the fundamental scripture from the book of Acts 2:42.

Our vision?

Connecting people, families, communities Teaching and leaving them with a legacy for the future with a message of hope and security for eternity through the infallible word of God You can visit us every day of the week, as there is a Resident Pastor available to you.

We would like to welcome you to one of our services in the week. Prayer evening on Monday, Studies on Wednesday and Youth Service on Friday. Then Family Service on Sundays from 10am prompt.

You are more than welcome Our strength is in our diversity and love for God, through Jesus Christ.

Signed: Pastor Roel & Ida van Rooij Senior Pastors 4Pillars Community Church Almere Barbeelstraat 12, 1317 PZ Almere The Netherlands.

Telephone: +31646890203; Telephone: 036-7505571 E-mail: voalmere@gmail.com ; info@4pcca.nl Website: www.4pcca.nl

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

11

12

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

ONE EURO A MONTH SUPPORT TO THE VOICE MAGAZINE .....

Since you’re here... Support the Voice magazine so we stay publishing for your reading pleasure…..

Welcome to you our readers and our followers. We have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Voice News magazine since we stopped the hard copy print in 2016.

We have continued to serve you the magazine in the same format with all production cost covered like editing, page designs, photography and digital distribution via online channels. The Voice News magazine has been an independent organization, we do not receive any form of subsidy except the support of our advertisers, readers and friends. We made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where you live or what you can afford to pay. Our advertising drive continue to grow. You can support us through this medium by promoting us among your friends, colleagues and clients as well,. You can promote your businesses and services with us as your way of support.

Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. You are free and welcome to contribute both commercial and political independent articles for our reading audience without bias.

We want to continue to give a voice to those less heard, exploited or turn away. We continue to rigorously challenge those in power to do what is right and just.

We hope you will consider supporting us from now on. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent.

Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable.

Support The Voice News magazine as little as one EURO and it only takes a minute through your bank account.

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

TV Management

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

13

INTO AFRICA THROUGH THE EYES OF HER DIPLOMAT His Excellency, Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka

A

frica today is at a state of transition. Over the last few decades she has been birthed and rebirthed. Her experience has been nasty per say, earning herself names like dark continent, third world, Backward continent- just a few to mention. From colonial masters to dictatorship under her very own sons and daughters. The present struggle to free herself from illiteracy, poverty, dictatorship and manipulation has seen several of her rights attained.

As a matter of fact, Africa has become global leader in many

faces though she still nurses her wounds as she stands and falls and yet still takes another step to achieve democracy in practice and not just on paper. Few months ago, we have seen presidential elections dismissed due to improper handling, summoning and arrest of former states officials and senior government officers been deposed out of office. To some extend we have seen heads of states dragged from their commanding building only to die in streets and hideouts. Africa through her leaders has made the best and sometimes the worst decisions, often than not under influence of global leaders who per say belong to ‘first world’ countries, culminating to what Africa is today.

Africa has experienced the best and the same time the worst of times over the last 10 decades. In the making of what Africa is today, from peace treaties in DRC to formation of South Sudan and upholding of its fragile democracy, to Somali negotiations sat an Africa Diplomat, one who in past has tested the pains and joys of the trials Africa has gone through, yet rose from the ashes to prominence, serving his country, Kenya, Africa and the globe as a whole. The political steps (Life) of His Excellency, Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is like a telenovela - a tale of fortitude and courage, emerging from nowhere to everywhere. H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has had to make decisions and walk 14

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

paths few would. While serving in Kenyan Government, he has had to spend more than a decade out of Kenya holding talks, deliberations and negotiations in aid to keep peace in those countries.

H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka understood how important keeping peace in countries surrounding his beloved Kenya was, not only for the prosperity and peace of Kenya but the whole of Africa.

The Voice News Magazine Columnist on The African Promise -Jimmie Nicks, had a discussion with His Excellency, Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and following is candid discussion into his humble beginnings and rise to African and global statesmanship. It is a special coverage and publication as we look forward to our major event of the year – The Voice Achievers Award 2021 taking place in Dubai, UAE Follow me as I discuss with His Excellency, Dr. Musyoka TV: Welcome Dr. Musyoka and thank you for accepting to speak to the VOICE NEWS MAGAZINE, let me begin by congratulating you for the nomination of the award “ICON OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA” - Hongera sana?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka : Thank you for the opportunity and indeed am truly honored by the nomination and in fact you gave us a surprise because you came during the occasion of the launch of my presidential campaign secretariat and so it had that wow effect. So I want to thank you and the Voice news magazine for nominating me. And as I said during the launch, I have already accepted the nomination and l hope l would be able to travel to Dubai for the award ceremony.

TV: Well to start us off with our discussion, growing up; did you ever have a picture or imagination that you would become the man you are today?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: I was born a village boy some 30 kilometres out of Tseikuru town in Kathungu. I grew up as an impoverished boy in a fairly ordinary home in the village.

Tseikuru is really part of the arid-semi arid Kenya. It’s a place with interesting geographical location. To the north of Tseikuru are Isiolo and Garrisa counties. To the east is a huge national park - Kora which is hardly visited. Kora national park is the former home of famed wildlife conservationist, George Adamson, or ‘baba ya simba’ (Father of Lions). It was here that the Lion Elsa of Born free fame lived. Kora is a place where because of shiftar menace of yester years and insecurity in that area became infamous because that is where British conservationist George Adams is buried having been actually killed by bandits. George

Adams had this particular calling to raise Lions - the Lions of Kora. His wife (Joy Adamson) strangely wrote the book Born free which became African world famous. So Kora is very close to Tseikuru. To the west we have of course Meru county, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties.

So Tseikuru is a very interesting place which forms the tip of Kitui county. Growing up in Tseikuru was difficult because of what I have highlighted. We had these issues of insecurity and so I would hide in the bush afraid that bandits would catch up with us. Those years it was when mzee Kenyatta, the founding president of our republic (Kenya), famously said in Arusha that not an inch of Kenyan soil would go to the shiftar movement. And so I grew up in that Kind of environment, hardship environment. Tseikuru was also hard hit normally by famine because of low levels of rainfall and at some stages as l was growing up disease was also a problem. So I never imagined that I could grow up in that background/environment and become a national figure perhaps International African figure. So this gives me the feeling and in fact a conviction that any African child can make it in life given the opportunity, actually I am a living example.

TV: Why did you join politics?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: When I decided to run as a member of parliament for my constituency, it was because I was aware of these difficulties surrounding my upbringing. I wanted to do something about those difficulties and to a large extent I think I have tried over the years since 1985 when I first got elected as a member of parliament and at fairly young age (31 years old).

And though I studied law which I still practice, I found serving

people a calling, I take politics as a calling to serve. I am happy that Tseikuru of 1983 /1985 quite a different one from Tseikuru of today. We are even pushing things to do with irrigation so that people can have food security and avoid perennial problem of drought and famine. Insecurity has been dealt with because at some stage we had to get camps within the Kora region and so that is where I come from and such was the society in which I was born (December 24, 1953) and would rule my childhood and significantly inform the content of my character in adulthood and into politics which has been followed by a very interesting development in politics over the years.

TV: I attended the launch of your presidential secretariat and I am interested to know if you will run for presidency all the way and what is motivating you to run?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka : I have run for presidency before (2007/2008) when the country actually went through a terrible period of violence as a result of election which were improperly handled and its then on February 2008 I became my county 10th vice president not by appointment as such by then President Mwai Kibaki, but was negotiated position because been the 3rd ranked candidate and the country was bleeding, I stood in the middle and stop the bloodshed and when we formed a joint coalition with President Mwai Kibaki then, the country stabilized so that even when international mediators like the late Kofi Annan, president John Kufuor of Ghana (then the chair of AU commission), and former president of Mozambique and others, the country was already stabilized. So my experience then running to become the president because there are certain ideals that I hold very dearly, ideals about democracy, because Africa must get to having proper elections not stolen elections, because when you have the will of the people stolen, then it works not only against cardinal principal of democracy widely Continued on Page 16 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

15

Continued from Page 15 practiced but also goes to really demoralize our country. So this second time (2013) I could have run again but I decided to shelf my ambition and support as a running mate to former prime minister Raila Odinga who was runners up to Kibaki in 2007 , and of course in 2013 when we ran, we won according to us and when the matter was taken to the supreme court, the outcome was not favorable to us, I remember convincing my friend Raila that we may not agree with the verdict but we were duty bound to accept the verdict for the sake of the country. Then again in 2017 we ran, and again I was running mate to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and again according to us we won and this time the Supreme Court agree with us that the elections were fundamentally flawed, and a repeat presidential election was called. But because we did not think the ground had been leveled, we decided not to participate.

The result was that president Uhuru Kenyatta was given his second term and subsequently the famous handshake. So given that scenario and given my own history of believing in principles of democracy and good governance and you have heard me talk about the fight against corruption - zero tolerance to corruption, every Kenyan, I think those who stop to think about the high levels of corruption know that the only

16

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

person able to - after president Uhuru Kenyatta leaves office, to deal with this matters /this disease, is yours truly. And during the launch you much have seen a friend called John Githongo who is himself anti-corruption crusader, internationally recognized. I was like giving a signal that its not going to be business as usual, but again before we talk about corruption, my secretariat which is now properly in place is supposed to work towards my candidature for the next election scheduled for 9th of August next year (2022). So they have the liberty to come and advice and if they advise and say we have no chance, there is no point of running to loose. This time we are running to win. Because that is what democracy also entails. We have demonstrated spirit of selflessness only guided by what is in best interest of Kenyan nation.

And the nation state, one of the key pillars for nations in my view within East Africa region and Africa region. And Kenya struggled; our history of struggling for democracy speaks volumes. In 2002 before I ran, I was ready to run 2002 but prime minister who at that time was with me having founded the Liberal Democratic Party -LDP. When we moved from KANU which was the founding party in our country and I was organizing secretary in KANU for 12 years though at some stage while the organizing secretary was also the deputy speaker of national assembly and so I have seen the political spectrum of this country. So this time with my experience which I think is widely acknowledged by the Kenyan people and by the region because l have also worked for peace in the region as a peace mediator and twice as a foreign minister of my country. We started with the problem of dealing with the issue of South Sudan

because South Sudan in 1993 as a young foreign minister, I was having a great difficulty, over 2 million people had died , it was part of the larger Sudan and the liberation movements that had started in the late 50’s (Sudanese Civil Wars - Anyanya 1 and Anyanya 2) had shown clearly there was a big problem . So when I came in my brief was to try to help the situation as a young foreign minister. So we started by identifying the ailing principles which were contained in what we call declaration principles. Pretty along the same lines as the late president Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin prime minister of Israel did in Oslo - Norway. They were working towards peace treaty in the Middle East which of course remains delusive. We followed that example of the Oslo talks and we came up with DOP, declaration of principals were we identified the problem bedeviling Sudan which included South Sudan, which were three, the problem of marginalization, the problem between state and the religion because most of South Sudan was Christians and African traditional religions and the north was predominant Muslims. So that relationship between state and religion was a major issue. Then the rights were identified that people anywhere in terms of UN various declaration on people’s rights, every people have a right to self-determination. That is Inalienable right and the only way to exercise that right is through referendum, so these are the issues we discussed.

We didn’t get very far due to a lot of delays between 1993/1994. That was the kind of stock gen. And again we had Machakos protocol where this issue of right to selfdetermination was agreedSouthern Sudan. Then when I was foreign minister twice, second round again I was engaged in trying to push forward the peace process which we did in Naivasha and actually nicknamed Naivasha as our Camp David. Pretty much like what president Jimmy Carter of the US had dealing with peace process in the Middle East.

This time there was serious engagement and this story is contained in my book that I have written - ‘AGAINST ALL ODDs’ my autobiography, you can see how tricky it was when I had to convince President Bashir to release his vice president to come and start the peace process at the great rift lodge in Naivasha and the outcome with very detailed discussion that took place culminating in the comprehensive peace agreement -CPA which was signed here in Nairobi in 2005. And in accordance to what was agreed the Southern Sudanese went to a referendum and the result was newest country in the world-the new republic of South Sudan.

One of my major regret as I speak to you is a colleague who worked with me, the late Seyoum Mesfin, Seyoum

was a foreign minister of Ethiopia and we were all the time operating under the hospice of Intergovernmental Authority and Development-IGAD. Again as foreign minister, actually I did work, I remember a friend Brian Atwood from the US (USAID Director) helping out. So many Americans helped us that time to revitalize IGAD, removed one D because it used to be IGADD-Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development - very restrictive. We went to Djibouti, we had a seating and decided to revitalize IGAD and therefore IGAD has become a vehicle working for peace in the region, so even as I speak to you we have a special envoy of IGAD to South Sudan who has been working with me as Kenyan special envoy at the moment to the republic of South Sudan. So there is a lot of work that I have undertaken and continue to work for peace in the region. So, taken together I pose that this experience is needed in my country; there is a Swahili saying-watengeneza kwa mwenzako na kwako kunaboromoka (You are building your neigbours home while your home is falling apart).

TV: Let’s discuss Africa unity and leveling of taxation to ease trade.

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: I can tell you this - I don’t know if you are aware of the Abuja declaration of 1991 where African leaders agreed to work towards unified approach to African development, that time even the late brother Mohammed Gaddafi was a champion even wanted one African army, he probably was living ahead of his time then the economic blocks, the RECs, regional economic communities. One of which is East Africa community which is taken root now complete with an East Africa legislative assembly, East Africa court of justice and six countries in the region (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan). And then the other RECs like ECOWAS in West Africa, SADEC in Southern Africa, and the communities of Central Africa. They are seen to be the building blocks towards Africa economic integration. For a moment I felt that this was threatened most notably during the presidency of Donald Trump when we saw the rise of America Nationalism - an attack been directed towards multilatarism. Now with multilatarism you get these regional blocks to work in certain way, the world is a global village. But now the rise of nationalism which we also saw in Europe brought about the feel that multilatarism was under attack and was threatened. But I think now everybody realizes that we need also to strengthen regional integration and deal with issues of taxation. In East Africa for example we are to negotiate an East Africa custom union. And one of the things you may not have noticed is that ministers for finance in East Africa actually read their budget Continued on Page 18 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

17

A Quote from H. E Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka’s autobiography It was a cool Friday afternoon April 12, 1230. I sat pensively at my Nairobi home.... I had acquired this four -acre property in the 1980’s.... The centre piece of this area is a gazebo... It is in this gazebo that political plans, strategies, intrigues and betrayals happened in the post-Moi era. Indeed, if this gazebo could talk, it would reveal many secrets about Kenyan’s political class. It is here that I held meetings with my colleagues; Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, David Musila, Mutula Kilonzo, Johnston Muthama and many others ahead of March 2013 General Election. I remember that night I felt betrayed by Uhuru and Ruto. The night our alliance died. We had agreed with Ruto that I would be on the presidential ticket, with Uhuru as my running mate or vice versa. Ruto was to be the Majority Leader. Then on that night, Uhuru and Ruto arrived at my home in the company of Jimmy Wanjigi, a renowned Nairobi businessman and political strategist... Ruto sat silently as Uhuru spoke “Stephen”, he said, “We have decided that you should choose some other position, but not the presidency or deputy presidency”.

Continued from Page 17 the same time. They do have agreed custom regime, of course they come up with what they sometimes call sensitive list, they need to protect some local industry like sugar and whatever and again this bring to focus things that have been happening under COMESA -Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa.

And now for me the most exciting development is been the new center in Accra Ghana which is hosting the African free trade area secretariat. All of this seem to point in the direction that if we can harmonize our taxation policies, if we can encourage free movement of goods and services, and encourage what they call rights of establishment where for instance professional firms can set up businesses in Kenya, in Kampala, in Juba, in Dar es Salaam, in Kigali and in Bujumbura without letting an hindrance. That will now work in integrating our economies and of course we in East Africa, we hope one day we can talk of political federation. So when I hear the East Africa under the beautiful Anthem for East Africa which is playing in all the six countries, one gets the hope that once we are over this we will also realize the objective of a political federation.

TV: From the recent occurrence in South Africa touching Jacob Zuma, is this a setting of precedence?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: I think basically its like a wakeup call for me, I think African leaders should always be reminded power comes from the people in a democratic exercise or election but once one assumes high office of President or Prime Minister of their republic, they must know also that once they leave office they will also be held to account, the people of South Africa must be given the space to deal with their own internal affairs including their own legal system. The

arrest of Jacob Zuma main reason of and actually was because

of contempt of court. Contempt normally should not attract very high custodial sentence and in his case I think the process of appeal is underway. But the bottom line is the principle of adherence to constitutionalism and the rule of law by African leaders and I think South African seem to have taken the lead in this matter where people are held to account as opposed to even killing or deposing them like it happened in case of neigbouring country in Somalia when the late Mohamed Siad Bare was deposed-thrown across to Kenya here and eventually died in Nigeria. Look at the history of DRC where again I have been involved as an envoy. Indeed I was privileged to be part and parcel to witness the signing of coalition agreement which had effect in stabilizing the DRC one of the major economies in terms of resources in Africa. Today, that country has its

own history, as foreign minister we were dealing with a very difficult situation of President Mobutu Seseko, whom we found one time he was ailing from prostate cancer, having found Him in mount Karo with my friend President Jakayo Kikwete because we were foreign ministers then representing the East Africa community. If we see how Mobutu ended up, you begin to see that as Africa leaders, that there is also the future and it serves all principal of good governance and rule of law, then we plan to end up enjoying retirement because life does not start and end with winning and becoming President. In this country (Kenya) and also in Tanzania we have our term limit which is a good thing and as I speak President Uhuru Kenyatta is doing his second and final term and will hand over to the next president. In Tanzania, they have perfected this; we do actually have other countries in the region. But again South Africa has to be allowed to handle her own internal affairs provided they

give democracy a chance.

TV: Let’s talk about poverty levels in Africa and the widening gap between the rich and the poor; is there hope in reducing the poverty levels and probably the gap between the rich and the poor?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: You see this problem of poverty in Africa has now become a global problem actually.

Particularly because of the problem of Covid 19, this has come now to compound the already existing problem of inequalities and development and income distribution. And then we have top rich, it used to be said that Africa is a continent with twenty billionaires and multiple millionaires of poverty stricken people. I think the time has come to build Africa, as in deed it happened when we were talking about the Asian tigers, countries like Malaysia, Southern Korea, and Singapore led by iconic leaders who worked hard in trying to lift their people from poverty - a classic example, in fact a book has been written from 3rd world to 1st world. And like them, I have conviction that the time for the African lion is now, provided we get this thing of leadership correct and the need to realize the African potential. To reduce poverty we must deal with underlying issues of corruption and greed. I am an example that indeed a leader can serve without having to steal public property, let’s fight the elements of corruption and unless we slay the monster of corruption, we shall as a country never extricate ourselves from the shackles of poverty.

TV: Talking about African potential, has Covid 19 taught us a lesson to get ready in matters of disease outbreak, do we ever learn!

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: Well, this Covid thing has taught Africa very hard lesson. As we speak, there are countries like Israel and others doing their 3rd dose to strengthen their immune system. In Kenya we have done under 2%, and countries in Africa have money to buy Johnson and Johnson or AstraZeneca. Look, AstraZeneca vaccine which was developed jointly between our scientist at KEMRI and oxford university in UK but we find even patent is not Africa besides having participated. I have noted advisory from American that they should not visit Kenya due to Covid 19- 3 levels, possible terrorism activity and kidnaping. We don’t want Africa to be profiled that way.

Going forward we must develop our own capacity to develop our own vaccine. That is the only way because this covid-19 is a lesson. Africa in the past have had Ebola, I heard there is something in Guinea, saw it on BBC, a new virus, we must therefore develop our capacities; have scientific driven research, a serious research which can deal with these issues.

And for Kenya I think we need to prepare ourselves.

TV: On Global platforms, do we really have equal opportunities, are we really on the global table considering bodies like UN which has given Africa a non-permanent rotational seat just to mention?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: I understand we have the permanent 5 in the UN - The P5 as a result of what happened in the 2nd world war, and which is why Germany and Japan is not a permanent member. But we have US, China, Russia, France and Britain as the P5, and we felt there was a lot of inequality, we say democratize the UN system. And I think that is an ongoing matter, as we speak Kenya is doing in Continued on Page 20 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

19

Continued from Page 19

her second time because when I was a minister of foreign affairs we were in the UN. It’s a rotational thing and now we were elected again after a very strong fight with Djibouti and Kenya won this round and we are members of the UN Security Council. And this is a very critical body in charge of responsibility of maintenance of international peace and security. Africa is a large continent , we were saying Africa should get not just one seat but two, how we handle that is when I started asking if we rotate but let’s be in the same category with the vital powers like the P5.

TV: Before we come to conclusion, I was fortunate to attend your presidential secretariat launch, what would you do different from others if/when elected president of this great Republic-Kenya?

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka : Thank you for that. We have been in this country and you must have heard because you attended the launch where I talked about my own childhood to becoming a national leader. We intent to have a five prompt approach. Basically we are going to have

1. Food security-Green gold (agriculture), because a nation that cannot feed itself cannot really claim to be independent 2. Deal with Corruption (Zero tolerance to corruption), we are determined to make a difference about it 3. Women and youth empowerment 4. Issue of sustainable development and also 5. Debt management critical management of our external debt We are going to do these things and make this country - the economy grows in double digits.

When I first run for election as president in 2007, I was very clear on my manifesto on the need to have 24 hour working economy. I still believe it is possible, I believe the port of Mombasa and now the new port of Lamu can be actually free port because that would amount to bringing Dubai to East Africa. You can imagine a free port in Mombasa. And this is a God given asset to the country, why don’t we fully utilize it to the best, it’s a gate way to Kenya and yet you find its not ran as efficiently as it should be. So we intent to be different and to be able to reduce unemployment.

When I was minister of education one time we started the idea of free primary education. I believe it’s possible to have free education up to university if we get things done properly.

Because parents are struggling, post Covid poverty is here, disease and hunger. We need to make Kenyans feel that this is their home.

TV: Your parting shot!

Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: TIME FOR AFRICA LION IS NOW, WE MUST RISE LIKE THE PROVERBIAL PHOENIX WHICH ROSE FROM THE ASHES, AND CROSS THE UNICORN TOGETHER. Thank you!

Chat with Jimmie Nicks for The Voice News magazine

20

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

21

YOUR COPY NOW....

Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword

BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out……

Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values.

Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with 4Pillars Community Church Almere. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted.

Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;

partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute.

He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at 4Pillars Community Church Almere, The Netherlands.

The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage.

He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities.

He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage.

You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes.

Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned.

This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that

22

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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

Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

23

How Nigerians are being tactically de-Nigerianised

I

t is doubtful if there is any country that had more of its nationals competing for other countries than Nigeria at the just concluded Olympic Games tagged Tokyo 2020, which held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From European countries to North American countries and to Asian countries and Oceania, Nigerians were busy helping other countries to win medals, while finding it hard to win medals for their own country.

The image Nigeria cut was that of a slave woman kept for the sole purpose of producing children that would be sold into slavery to work for other people. She would deliver a baby and nurse it. Once weaned, the baby would get sold and she would be made pregnant again for the “production” of another baby or babies.

Although Nigerians had been representing other countries at the Olympics and World Cup, what happened at this year’s Olympics was more of an embarrassment because of the sheer number of Nigerians competing for other countries. It looked like the case of a people who officially had no country and were dispersed across the world, competing for other countries. Many even helped to edge the Nigerian teams out of their respective competitions like the Japanese female basketball team where Monica Okoye helped to beat Nigeria.

Some countries like the Greek male basketball team even had two Nigerian brothers: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

Italy won their first 4×100 metres relay for men in the Tokyo Olympics. A Nigerian (Eseosa Fostine Desalu) helped to achieve that feat. They edged out the UK team by 0.01 second.

A Nigerian (Chijindu Ujah) was in the UK relay team.

A photograph being circulated in the social media captured this sorry state of Nigeria’s “dispersion” succinctly. Two victorious ladies were wrapped in the flags of two different countries. The one with the name “Eze” was wrapped in the British flag, while the one with the name “Adeleke” was wrapped in the Irish flag. They were in a conversation.

They had just won medals for their adopted countries. But contrary to the impression created, the photo was not taken at this year’s Olympics. It was the 2021 European under-20 Championships at Tallinn, Estonia. Rashidat Adeleke won gold medal for Republic of Ireland, while Joy Eze won bronze for the United Kingdom. That gold medal by Adeleke gave Republic of Ireland the record of winning the women’s 100-metre gold medal back-to-back, having won it for the first time in 2017 at Grosseto, Italy. Guess who made the country win that gold medal for the first time? Gina AkpeMoses, another Nigerian, created that feat for the country of less than five million people.

Curiously, all the Nigerians competing for other countries are from the South of Nigeria. This also plays out in other spheres of life: medicine, nursing, teaching, soldiering, policing, etc.

The bulk of Nigerians fleeing Nigeria to reside and work in other countries are from the South. The high majority of

24

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

people using the extremely dangerous desert route to attempt to cross over to Europe are from the South. The majority of those who are taken out as sex slaves from Nigeria are from the South. The majority of those who are lured out by drug barons to act as couriers for them (including taking hard drugs to countries which have the death penalty for convicted traffickers) are from the South.

What has become clear is that Nigerians, especially from the South, are desperately eager to flee from Nigeria to other continents. Even the fear of death is not a deterrent. They seem to feel that it is better to die trying to leave Nigeria than die living in Nigeria.

It is known that the slave merchants that took Nigerians away during the slave trade used force. But there is a joke in Nigeria today that if slave ships were to berth at the different ports in Nigeria, most Nigerians would willingly board the ships to flee into slavery in Europe and North America.

Without using force to chase Nigerians out, they are being indirectly forced out in droves. The first force that makes Nigerians to leave is the economy. From the mid-1980s, professionals and non-professionals began to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities. Today, millions of Nigerian graduates happily work as labourers in different countries where they earn wages which, once converted into the Nigerian naira, become of high value.

In recent years, insecurity has become a strong force driving Nigerians out. Even though the economy has worsened, the most disconcerting is that Nigerians feel unsafe to even live their life of privation in peace. Some years ago, the threat of Boko Haram was limited to some parts of the North-East.

People felt safe in other parts of Nigeria. But the addition of murderous herdsmen and bandits into the security crisis in Nigeria turned things around in a frightening way. No part of Nigeria can be called safe today.

Due to aggravated discontent as well as the activities of the murderous herdsmen and bandits, there has been a rise in separatist agitations from the eastern and western parts of

By Azuka Onwuka

Nigeria, which have been met with more violence by the police and military, thereby making people feel more unsafe. Today, it is easy for young men in transit or even at home to be tagged terrorists and shot dead. Raising young men in Nigeria has become a scary enterprise, as one is always afraid of hearing that one’s sons in the university or out of the university have been shot dead or arrested for having a laptop or a good mobile phone – which are seen by security operatives in Nigeria as signs that such youths are involved in cybercrime. This same attitude was what gave rise to the #EndSARS protest in 2020, which was also met with violence by the security operatives.

Finally, there is the frustration caused by mediocrity. The Nigerian system celebrates mediocrity. It is ingrained in the Nigerian Constitution as “quota system” and “federal character”, but it is accentuated through tribalistic cronyism. Many feel shortchanged and stifled when their juniors and less qualified colleagues are promoted far above them.

All these fears have culminated in making it clear to many, especially in those from the South, that Nigeria is not safe to live or raise children in. The physical insecurity also aligns with the insecurity of not being able to access good education, good health care, good facilities, justice, etc. The alternative

is to flee Nigeria to other countries where one can have a better and safer life.

Unlike nationals of other countries who seem to travel to acquire some educational and professional skills and return to their home countries to put their new skills to use, Nigerians seem to be fleeing for good. Any person who succeeds in travelling out of Nigeria is congratulated and warned not to come back to live in Nigeria again. Such a person can come back on holidays but not to reside here anymore. Such Nigerians apply for the citizenship of their countries of residence. They feel that their future is guaranteed once that is achieved. They start making plans to take as many of their relatives as possible out of Nigeria.

The treatment Nigeria metes out to its citizens representing it in sports is also a discouragement to those who wish to represent the country. The video of a Nigerian Olympics shot put finalist, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, washing his jersey because he had only one was shameful. The way the Nigerian contingent landed in Tokyo wearing different clothes was also embarrassing. Nigeria also has a history of abandoning its injured athletes to their fate. Nigerian athletes also face the challenge of the unavailability of adequate tools and facilities. Many have to use their personal funds and resources to train for competitions. All these make it more attractive for many Nigerian athletes to abandon Nigeria for other countries.

The sad part is that there is no sign this sad situation will not get worse.

Copyright PUNCH.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

25

Benin Bronzes: Nigeria dispute jeopardizes return of artifacts

A

dispute between Nigerian leaders could jeopardise plans for the return of some of Africa’s most famous artifacts, the Benin Bronzes, which were looted during the colonial era and are now mainly in Western museums, as writer Barnaby Phillips reports.

The Bronzes, thousands of metal sculptures and ivory carvings, were seized from the West African kingdom of Benin - in what is today Edo State in southern Nigeria - by a British military force in 1897.

In Europe their beauty and sophistication caused an instant sensation, and they are widely regarded as amongst Africa’s greatest artworks.

In recent years, as European governments have come under pressure to atone for colonial-era crimes, some have spoken of their desire to return looted artifacts.

In April the German government said it wanted to give back hundreds of Benin Bronzes, and several

museums in the UK have made similar announcements.

26

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria would mark an extraordinary moment in Africa’s post-colonial history, and is a prospect that seems more likely now than at any time since 1897.

But when the king, or Oba, of Benin, Ewuare II, summoned “all well-meaning people” to an emergency meeting in the Edo capital Benin City earlier this month, it was not in celebration.

Hundreds answered the Oba’s call and assembled in his p a l a c e , dressed in handsome r o b e s , singing his praises.

E w u a r e II, the great-great grandson of the Oba who was toppled by the British in 1897, warned of an attempt by what he called an “artificial group” to “divert” the return of the Bronzes.

This group, the Legacy Restoration Trust (LRT) had the support of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and had planned to put the Bronzes in an Edo Museum of Western African Art (EMOWAA).

The Oba made his opposition clear.

“The right and only legitimate destination” for the Bronzes would be a “Benin Royal Museum”, he said, sited within his palace grounds. He insisted that the Bronzes had to come back to where they were taken from, and that he was “the custodian of all the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom”.

The Oba’s argument is compelling, but awkwardly, his son and designated heir, crown prince

Ezelekhae Ewuare, attends the board meetings of the LRT he professes to know nothing about. So does Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, representing the federal government.

Governor Obaseki has convinced a celebrated architect, Sir David Adjaye, to design the new museum, bringing prestige and a wave of positive international publicity to the project. Although the Oba now warns anybody dealing with the LRT they do so “at their own risk and against the will of the people of the Benin Kingdom”, he must worry it is already too late.

The British Museum has signed a deal with the LRT for an archaeology project in Benin City. The German government is discussing doing the same, and funding an

LRT building to initially house returned Bronzes.

These contracts are worth millions of dollars. British and German officials, as well as other Europeans, embraced the Trust in part because they believed it and the Oba were working together.

So how did it come to this? Above all, because of distrust and rivalry between Oba Ewaure II and Governor Obaseki.

“It’s an ego tussle between them,” says one person close to the process.

The accusations being traded are not pretty of individuals allegedly more interested in financial gain, either from the Bronzes themselves or the contracts around a new museum, than in rectifying an historical injustice.

However, a German government official told me: “Those who think there’s money to be made from this new museum are mistaken. A museum is somewhere you spend money, you don’t make it”.

None of this is good news for those who dream of the Bronzes going back to Benin City. An Edo historian involved in discussions with European museums told me the dispute between the Oba and the governor “has sent a chill through all of us”.

A director of a European museum which has a large collection of Bronzes, and has previously spoken in favour of their return, told me: “Our policy is that if claimants are in dispute amongst themselves, we wait until they resolve it.”

The University of Aberdeen in Scotland said earlier this year that its museum would give back a Benin Bronze head “unconditionally”. But in the wake of recent events the museum’s director, Neil Curtis, told me he would be “very uncomfortable” if this return occurred without agreement among all parties in Nigeria.

An ally of Governor Obaseki said: “Nothing happens in Nigeria without drama. I’m still 95% certain we can work this out.”

Victor Ehikhamenor is an acclaimed artist from Edo State and an outspoken advocate for the return of the Benin Bronzes. He is also on the board of the Legacy Restoration Trust. When I spoke to him recently, he remained upbeat.

“We didn’t expect this process to be a cakewalk,” he said. “Colonialism yoked us together. We just need to speak with one voice.”

Barnaby Phillips is a former BBC Nigeria correspondent.

His book Loot; Britain and the Benin Bronzes was published in April

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

27

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.......

You are Welcome always & bless 2020 to you all..

28

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Supply & Salon

We specialize in Afro & European hair styles

J E F

Weaving, Braiding, Lace wig fixing, Trimming of hair, Washing of hair, Relaxing of hair, Colouring of hair, Barbering of all men styles etc.

A

Contact:

F

1st Middellandstraat 132B

N G S

3021BJ, Rotterdam Centrum

We have many more products for you to select from....

You can purchase Retail or Wholesale

E-mail: jeffang2002@yahoo.com jeffangs@jeffangs.com Tel: +31(0)10-4776062 Mob: +31614471508

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

29

WHO IS HON. DR. BUUMBA MALAMBO

B

uumba Malambo is a dynamic Humanitarian.

She is a social work graduate from the University of Zambia who began her charity WORK at age 16. At age 15, she was already involved in charity volunteer work with Judith Chikonde foundation and participated in the maize distribution project where she was donating maize meal to the people of Mupambe village during the typhoid outbreak in 2007, hence her appointment as Mufulira Youth secretary by Mufulira Town clerk at age 15.

She is the youngest serving member of the Ministry of Gender and Child National coordinating committee and has over the years worked with the Ministry of Child and Gender to organize events related to children such as the International day of a girl child, Day of an African child, Children rights day and Child Labour Day. Her Charity is currently working on a project to stop early marriages in rural Zambia with the help of the Ministry of Gender and child and the Ministry of Education.

Her charity which is registered in Zambia and Britain currently

30

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

has 435 children on the sponsorship programme ever since she launched the project in March 2015.Through her charity she

has collected over 15000 clothes, toys and shoes from the University of Zambia, colleges, individuals and Radio phoenix Helpline project which she put in her charity shop or donated to the most in need. Through the Ministry and other stakeholders like publishing houses, her charity works with over 630 rural government and community schools across Zambia that benefit from her sensitization and education materials that her charity donates every month.

Her Humanitarian work has given her the privilege to be on great platforms like the Queen young leaders advisory panel where she met the Queen at Buckingham palace in June 2015. In addition she was the first and youngest Zambian to win the Women4Africa award 2015, Africa Arising award 2015, Mwape Peer award 2015 and the African international Achievers award 2014, Voice of Youth Africa award 2013 in London,

Nigeria and America respectively. Apart from that she has participated in many child advocacy platforms around the world. Due to her contribution to the Education sector in Zambia she was selected to meet the president of Malta during the Commonwealth Youth council meeting to seal the gap and make collaborations of youth activities between Zambia and

Malta. She was also selected to represent the youths during Guy Rider (International labour organization) first visit to Zambia.

Her charity has four projects currently running Mwana Apunzile sponsorship programme where people choose a child and send 30 dollars, 20 pounds or k200 per month for their education. (2) Sewing a future project for young mothers where they sew and make crafts that are sold locally and internationally to help raise money for them to support their children’s education (3) currently through the traditional leaders her Charity was given land to Build a Community school, resource centre and develop a farm in Gelemiya Village where children walk kilometres to the nearest school and the farm project which will assist in food production as some children in the areas she is working die of hunger (4) Pop a Future project where young people are empowered with employment through skills and ICT. In 2017, we recognized her effort with the Voice Achievers Award in Amsterdam and few years later, she is rising in the political life of her country, Zambia.

On beahlf of The Voice Achievers Award Committee, we congratulate her on her election as Mayor and we shall continue to monitor her progress. TV.

Meet Her Worship, Dr. Hon Buumba Malambo, the newly elected Chairperson/Mayor of KAFUE 1 in the Republic of Zambia. She is a member of the former opposition party now the newly elected ruling party in the country. She is just 29 years of age. She expresses her gratitude to her people particularly the youths who choose a change by voting the old generation out. In the polls, she scored to 32,941 to defeat General Moono Simakoloyi (PF) who scored 18,602. It was a clear victory and she says the victory is for the people.

“Thank you Ba Kafue for the unbelievable support and votes, we celebrate victory together” - Hon. Buumba Malambo (UPND) www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

31

32

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

33

Covid 19:

Its impact on Nigeria economy

T

he coronavirus disease that has affected the world (COVID-19) is a communicable respiratory disease that causes illness in humans. Covid-19 as it commonly known originated in China where it was first reported in Wuhan, China, on the 31st of December 2019. Fast forward 2021, Covid -19 has affected the world and forever changed its dynamics of operation. The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets do not hang in the air, and as such quickly fall on floors or surfaces. Therefore, one can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19. Again you can be infected by touching a contaminated surface, your eyes, nose or mouth. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

It is generally known that illness and death caused by infectious diseases have a huge social and economic impact. The UN system has being at the front burner in the fight against diseases through the creation of policies that affect health issues.

Nevertheless. Putting an end to the spread of Covid 19 is vital to the promotion of economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

As such the recent introduction of a vaccine has helped end the acute phase of the pandemic. Despite misconceptions, universal access to the vaccine and established guidelines on global control of Covid -19 is vital. “The world has seen many crises over the past 30 years, including the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-09. Each has hit human development hard but, overall, development gains accrued globally year-on-year. COVID-19, with its triple hit to health, education, and income, may change this trend.” UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner As such, an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 agenda is where the focus is, a path that demonstrates to the public, private and social sectors that sustainable and resilient recovery from Covid 19 is crucial and essential to our future development. First is that the unifying efforts of all UN organizations UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO and others is paramount and vital to the control of Corona virus. Developing close networks with global and national partners to increase commitment to build in country capacity and infrastructure to help government and their people. The fundamental key is improving existing mechanism to facilitate immediate response to outbreaks. New Partnerships must be formed to reduce the 34

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

impact of covid 19 through intensified and routine prevention.

New policies Implemented and guidelines to establish bench marks, monitor progress and share knowledge worldwide.

The fact is the pandemic exposed socio-economic issues existing in our society; these socio-economic issues have had a negative influence and impact affecting the elderly, children, youth, men and women. With the pandemic, children have been deprived of qualitative school and mentoring programs. There have been children found living on the streets increasing the risk of child labour and child trafficking. The negative impact on women particularly widows has resulted in reduced access to economic activities and access to health services. Again, the economic hardship on women (widows) has created a burden largely borne by these women (widows). However, it has reminded us of the need to refocus, strategize and most importantly highlighting the knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally. Besides, the pandemic has also shown what is already intrinsic in the Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs). Moving

forward, the challenges we currently face cannot be dealt with in isolation. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are 17 goals. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were set up on the concepts of sustainability, which are economic, social, and environmental. These goals were designed to achieve a sustainable future for all by 2030.

In view of this, the economic impact globally cannot be quantified. Without doubt, Africa will somehow bear the effect in the long run. Prior to covid-19 pandemic, most African countries were struggling to achieve the SDG goals. Now, the pandemic has not only threatened the attainment of the goals by 2030, it has negatively affected the positive strides made before the pandemic.

By Kendi Aig-imoru Some of these SDG goals include No poverty, Zero hunger, Good health and wellbeing, Quality education for all children, clean water and sanitation, affordable drinking water for all, Decent work and economic growth, SDG 17, partnership for the goals.

In examining the first two goals, one can readily shed light on the significant impact of the pandemic particularly in view of the social economic inequalities that exist in Africa. Today, many people in Africa are faced with rising food costs with food access becoming difficult.

Nevertheless, this is both in the developed and developing world. According to FAO and the World Bank the pandemic’s economic impact could push between 71 to 100 million people or more into extreme poverty. Farmers and workers in the food sector have been adversely affected. Border restrictions and lockdowns both played major roles in slowing harvests. With the crisis, the world is facing a common goal, which is eradicating corona virus. The pandemic has jeopardized basic human rights so for humanity to survive, priorities and values must change.

Despite the challenges the virus has brought on humanity, it presents an opportunity to completely inspire change and revolutionize development of the system.

The health sector, goal number three received a major setback due to the pandemic. As the pandemic made the shortcomings in the health care sector visible, it undermined the earlier progress made. Even though, the health sector has justifiably been on the priority list of all governments, thus raising the concern that some SDGs are being neglected or sacrificed.

However, to achieve control of the pandemic, according to global health experts, the current health crisis should be given the highest priority until a lasting solution. The solution in the form of a vaccine became recently available therefore the critical importance is now its delivery process and impact globally.

Last year, the World Bank apportioned 12 billion USD emergency funding to help both the developed world, South

Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This was to strengthen the healthcare systems against the pandemic. To build an inclusive and effective path for the achievement of the 2030 agenda, priority must be given to health care with particular focus on reforming existing practices. The response and level of involvement of both the government and health agencies are vital to the process of attaining sustainable development. The UN has been fighting diseases and has a created a system that address all dimensions of health problems. The agency World Health Organisation (WHO) ensures the coordination of global action against diseases. The agency since inception has a goal of achieving health for all, making reproductive health available, building partnerships and promoting healthy lifestyles and environment. This is fundamental to a sustainable and resilient recovery from covid-19 pandemic.

That the pandemic served a major blow to the process of achieving sustainable development of the goals is without question.

Therefore the UN system should retain its position at the forefront in mitigating the negative effect of corona virus.

With COVID-19 negatively affecting economies and societies, it has augmented the environment as pollution has reduced significantly (Chakraborty and Maity, 2020). Due to COVID-19, governments imposed restrictions on the movement of people, vehicles, and suspended industrial activities. The consequences of such lockdowns were remarkable, as pollution levels have dropped significantly; for instance, greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen dioxide, black carbon and water pollution have decreased drastically (Chakraborty and Maity, 2020; Saadat et al., 2020 Nevertheless, the crisis can be turned into an opportunity, which will escalate work in progress for the eventual success of the 2030 Agenda. However it is also an opportunity to ask questions and proffer solutions that will in the end put humanity on a path to effective, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery. The dynamic key is to create strategies that will build resilience in the system. These strategies must first include engaging the citizens and managing expectations.

These strategies must effectively utilize communication tools to ensure individuals, families and communities embrace solutions that will completely eradicate the pandemic. Credible information must be heard and adequately transmitted. This includes working with both private and public partners to ensure that development encompasses all parts such that no one is left behind.

Continued on Page 36 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

35

Continued from Page 35

The need to collaborate, seek partnerships, foster connections to address the negative impact and problems that have arisen from the pandemic is paramount. This is because no one must be left behind to ensure the attainment of the 2030 agenda and beyond. Before COVID-19, African countries were lagging behind in the quest to achieve the SDG targets.

Clearly, the pandemic will endanger the little progress made so far, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Therefore, the call to action must be prioritised. This begins with a reflection on past experiences, to avoid mistakes proceeding. Then, the partnerships realised must be efficient and effective. As these partnerships will constitute and create strong platforms for a global, inclusive and sustainable development.

The impact of the pandemic cannot be erased which is why developing a comprehensive action must be developed in line with the UN approach. This means in spite of the corona virus

pandemic, the development and availability of a vaccine will open up and increase economic activities. However, both action and delivery must equally address the impact of the pandemic on every sphere of our social economic existence.

The efficient response and recovery program designed must first increase then strengthen intervention and accelerate progress to development. In view of this building a road map that will transform and significantly impact our societies will ensure efforts are intensified to achieve the 2030 agenda. As such, the promotion and delivery of vaccines will promote healthy lifestyles and environments. The lessons learnt will serve as guides to building a more resilient society, capable of accelerating an effective path to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda In the aftermath of the corona virus, we all have a part and a role to play that will promote the economic, social and

36

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In the last decade, the availability of vast technical expertise and experience in implementing resilience programming has improved. This is the ability to direct support where it is required. So, in the decade of action and delivery, strives to expand and integrate skills must be maximised. This means bringing together the actors of the sustainable Development Goals.

The future can only be bright if we act now. The ‘SDG Push’ scenario outlines the impact of targeted policy interventions that can accelerate progress towards a resilient and growth oriented process and system. The pandemic has shown how connected humanity is to the planet. As such, this is the time to change existing values and place emphasis on performance that will create and ensure balances in the economic, social, environmental system. These balances will invariably develop new areas of development that truly balances economic, social and environmental progress as envisioned by the 2030 Agenda.

The impact of the crisis on human lives and the world economy is such that the amount of time required curtailing the spread of the corona virus and for life to return back to normalcy is uncertain.

What remains, is for globalization and the developed economies to come back to the table to ensure the success of the 2030 agenda. With most developing economies struggling and majority of their citizens living in misery. It has been estimated that the world will experience and face difficult and hard times.

Finally, we are often reminded of the huge number of people who have been pushed back into poverty, Africa’s handicapped health care sector and weak institutions. Those in the informal sector who have had their livelihood destroyed. The consequences seemingly enormous and the road ahead uncertain.

Nevertheless, the pandemic if critically examined can be a turning point for all players, where I believe that in spite of historical analysis of pandemics that their average duration is usually three to four years. That the worst is behind us. The pandemic showed a moment of truth the resilience inherent in humanity. Therefore, going forward decision makers need to look towards and beyond 2030. As this will allow actors manage the socioeconomic response, ensure continuity and provide alternative strategies for development of the 2030 agenda.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

37

Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please.......

It is a well known fact that Nigerian Christians are under severe persecution particularly in the Northern part of the country. They continued to be attacked, properties destroyed, thousands of people dead, many more displaced, farm lands destroyed, children left homeless, orphans and desolate in a nation of plenty of resources.

A government unable to protect his people.

We have received a request from an organization helping these persecuted Christians to get some type or relief. They are calling on us on the Diaspora to support and help through our kind donations.

The organization is coordinating assistances, see the flyers published below for details of how you can support their efforts. We approve the flyers so you can send support directly or contact them for clarification or more information.

God bless you all.

TV Management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg52LK6cJlw&feature=youtu.be

38

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

39

Zambia’s six-time opposition challenger Hakainde Hichilema finally wins Zambia Presidential polls

Z

ambian President Edgar Lungu conceded defeat last month on after a landslide election win by opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, marking the southern African country’s third peaceful handover of power to an opposition party in their political sojourn.

With all of the 156 constituencies counted, Hichilema had won majority of the votes totally 2,810,777 votes against Lungu’s 1,814,201, and the electoral commission declared him the next president. “I will comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transition of power. I would therefore like to congratulate my brother, the president-elect, His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema,” Lungu, 64, said in a short televised address to the nation.

Power has switched from a ruling party to the opposition twice before since independence from Britain in 1964. The latest shift strengthens Zambia’s democratic credentials and sets an example on a continent with a patchy history of peaceful change and hand over of power from one government to another particularly from opposite parties.

President Lungu had cried foul during the election count, calling the election “not free and fair” after violence against ruling Patriotic Front party agents in three provinces, but the size of the margin would have made it near-impossible to challenge the result in court.

Wearing the red and yellow of Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) Hichilema’s supporters celebrated, dancing and singing, while drivers honked their horns on the streets of the capital.

“This victory is so sweet,” 37-year-old Jane Phiri said, next to her market stall, adding that she hoped President Lungu supporters would now cease extorting informal levies from her.

“This spirit of change was bottled up for a long time,” she said.

When celebrations die down, Hichilema, 59, a former CEO at an accounting firm before entering politics, faces the task of reviving an economy in turmoil. Zambia became Africa’s first pandemicera sovereign default in November last year after failing to keep up with its international debt payments.

The default was driven by depressed commodity prices which had pushed Zambia into recession well before the pandemic - worsened by the pandemic itself.

Zambia’s sovereign dollar bonds jumped nearly 2 cents last month after the news of Hichilema’s win.

Zambia’s kwacha currency strengthened nearly 1% against the dollar. The economy has been buoyed slightly by more favourable copper prices this year - now hovering around decade highs, driven partly by the boom in electric cars. Last year, Zambia, Africa’s second biggest copper miner, produced a record output of the metal.

International Monetary Fund support is on hold until after the vote, as is debt restructuring - seen as an early test for a new global plan aimed at easing poor countries’ burdens.

The election is the culmination of an acrimonious rivalry between the two that in 2017 led President Lungu to arrest and imprison Hichilema for refusing to make way for his motorcade. This is Hichilema’s

40

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

sixth attempt at the presidency since 2006. And what a sweet victory, a hard lesson, if you try before and fail, try again and again until you succeed.

Note: His Excellency, President Hichilema has been sworn-in.

Reporting by Chris Mfula; Additional reporting by Karin Strohecker and Tom Arnold in London; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Catherine Evans

FACTS ABOUT THE NEW PRESIDENT OF ZAMBIA

O

pposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has secured a stunning landslide victory in Zambia’s presidential election, defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu by nearly a million votes.

Following are five facts about Zambia’s new president:

- Hichilema was charged with treason and jailed for four months in 2017 after his motorcade allegedly refused to give way to President Lungu’s.

- Hichilema, 59, was born in Monze district in southern Zambia and casts himself as a selfmade man who walked to school barefoot as a child and attended the University of Zambia on a government bursary. He later studied business and finance at Britain’s University of Birmingham.

- He has in the past served as the head of the Zambian operations of professional services firms Coopers and Lybrand - later part of PricewaterhouseCoopers - and Grant Thornton.

His portfolio of businesses include property management, cattle ranching and financial consultancy.

- A member of the United Party for National Development, he first ran for president in 2006 and only narrowly lost to President Lungu in contested elections in 2015 and 2016.

He finally won Zambia’s top job on his sixth attempt.

the country’s largest cattle herds.

- An active m e m b e r in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hichilema is married with three children. He has a farm in Zambia’s Southern Province and owns one of

Wishing the new President all the success he needs to succeed.

By Lovasoa Rabary

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

41

Decolonize the lower world says Jan Pronk

W

hite, Western and ‘superior’, power has not changed much – there is a neocolonial continuation of old politics, sees former minister Jan Pronk, with the elites elsewhere. The exploited group is globalized: the world above rules the world below. ‘Both worlds’, he writes, ‘are in all countries, no exceptions.’ And development cooperation perpetuates the system.

Is rescue possible?

Only with a sense of civilization.

In my previous essay, I showed in my previous essay that Dutch colonial policy was deeply racist, based on We Slaves of Suriname and Colonial Profit of Unfree Labor by Jan Breman. This year a new book by Breman has been published: Colonialism and Racism . He describes this cruel and raw reality on the basis of two case studies: the east coast of Sumatra in the former Dutch East Indies and Congo, which was colonized from Belgium. He draws the line to the present and advocates a civilizational offensive in response to the authoritarian temptation on the home front in our own country.

At the end of my essay, I asked whether development cooperation has remained free of racial discrimination. When it started, in the 1940s, not everyone had the same goal. Some wanted to continue colonial relations, but in a different form.

Others sought a solution to the permanent poverty, hunger, unemployment and disease to which the majority of the population of non-Western countries was exposed.

Within the United Nations, a third objective was paramount: development cooperation as a means to end inequalities, injustice and discrimination rooted in colonial oppression – and to counteract their impact on the new world relations after 1945.

I have always felt at home with the latter objective. Has 42

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

development cooperation practice met that goal? To that question I gave a tentative answer: ‘I’m afraid not. I am afraid that these days, discrimination and inequality are not combated with development cooperation, but perpetuated.’

That requires justification.

Colonial imperialism was a sequel of capitalism. Within the national economy, workers were exploited. Capitalist entrepreneurs sought raw materials that could be produced overseas at low cost. This led to exploitation and oppression of the population there: land grabbing, human trafficking, slavery, forced labour, discrimination and racism.

Indeed, racism. Colonial oppression by white rulers from the West could not take place without discrimination against the non-white indigenous population.

The economic surplus created overseas was used in the West to finance economic growth. That was the core of the system: depriving colonies, transferring stolen colonial profits to give Western powers a head start in prosperity and using the force majeure based on this to thwart the development of – former – colonies.

In this way, the western lead and supremacy perpetuated themselves, even after colonialism had been formally abolished. That happened in two ways. First, by creating a global economy based on free trade and the free movement of capital, which could be invested wherever the benefit was greatest.

The capitalist world market began to operate like the national markets before, but now with transnational power building and cross-border exploitation, while excluding populations that were seen as a burden. This exploitation or exclusion mostly concerned people of a different colour, ethnic background or race. Globalization led to a system of global racist discrimination.

In the former colonies, power passed to elites who had benefited most politically or militarily from the acquired autonomy. They allied themselves with the West and enabled Western capital to finance an economic transformation: industrialization, large-scale agriculture, urban centers for

the rich, technological renewal of communications and capital movement. Both in these countries – the so-called developing countries – and in the West, the socio-economic underclass was pushed further and further down.

That was the second way in which the colonial lead perpetuated itself: transformation of the North-South dominance (or rather: West-South) into a system of global apartheid, in which Western economic powers increasingly excluded the underclass within the Western countries themselves from facilities and impoverished while forming coalitions with elites in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East who oppressed their own peoples.

They were deprived of their livelihoods, they remained doomed to poverty and forced to seek refuge elsewhere. Those who resisted were tyrannized, with those in power allowing themselves to be helped politically, economically and militarily by leaders in Western countries who shared the same interests as them.

The colonization by the West of what was called the ‘third world’ gave way to a colonization by an upper world of a world below.

Both worlds, above and below, are in all countries, none excepted.

The global underclass is the new South. She is exploited, excluded and ostracized. She has the same characteristics all over the world: poor, shorter life expectancy, less access to education, health care, social services and legal aid, poorly housed, without physical sources of livelihood of its own, without steady and rewarding work, often wandering.

In the world below, people also share other common features: the skin color is not white, but black or brown. They are considered to belong to a different race or caste, have a different tongue, a different ethnic or national origin, a different cultural or religious background than the people in the upper world. They are descendants of indigenous inhabitants, who have been expelled by others. They have been uprooted because they had to migrate because of poverty, climate change, drought or other disasters.

They have fled oppression, discrimination, war, violence or violation of their human rights.

Inhabitants of the lower world are powerless, in contrast to the capitalists, who unconcernedly continue to accumulate financial profit, and the middle class, which continues to profit from the advantage once gained, without questioning whether it has been acquired rightfully and whether the fruits of the lead to her.

Shouldn’t we use those fruits to support disadvantaged groups in their pursuit of protection, upliftment, advancement and development? Do we not have a duty to share the fruits of our advantage to fight inequality, combat discrimination, correct injustice and give priority to those who have been disadvantaged?

Anyone who takes this consideration seriously should not limit themselves to providing development aid, nor to improving trade relations with developing countries. Without thoroughly overhauling the international economic system, aid and trade help only a limited number of people, all only a little and only for a short time.

“Working together” in that way, ostensibly to help others get ahead, is system-affirming. That does not lead to real development: selfdevelopment, based on self-chosen values and principles, without restrictions imposed from outside. System-affirming aid and cooperation perpetuate inequality, dependence and discrimination.

When I first took office as Minister for Development Cooperation in 1973 , I said at a press conference: ‘Development aid that functions as a cloak for the bleeding makes no sense. If the disease is not controlled or the wound is not healed, the bleeding will continue regardless of the tissues that are given.’ In other words, development cooperation must fight the diseases that plague the system, heal the wounds that the winners have inflicted on the losers. For example, many have looked at development cooperation for years. Again and again alternatives were suggested, which aimed to prevent a neocolonial continuation of the old politics. Those alternatives were certainly not intended as fiddling with the margins.

The UN Strategy for the First Decade of Development (1960’70), the establishment of the alternative world trade organization UNCTAD (1964), the negotiations on a New International Economic Order (1974-’75), the publication of the Brandt (1980) and Brundtland Report (1987), the struggle against the *IMF adjustment policy in the 1980s, the adoption of Agenda 21 (UNCED, 1992), the Millennium Declaration (2000), the binding entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol to the Global Climate Treaty (2005) and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (2015) were all exercises that challenged the international capitalist system.

The system has been questioned and an ideological and political struggle has been waged for decades to change it. That battle seems lost. The transnational financial and economic powers have emerged strengthened, inequality in the world has increased.

Discrimination between winners and losers has increased. The winners cherish certainties, safety and profit. The losers are even further behind. They are the same as before: black, brown, indigenous, uprooted, from a different lineage or background than Continued on Page 44 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

43

Continued from Page 43

44

those in charge. And they realize that their future is decided by powers beyond their control.

How come development cooperation has not been able to change the system? It wasn’t just the aftermath that colonialism had once it was abolished. Change takes time, but if that was the only reason, then the system should have gradually weakened. That was not the case: it is stronger now than then.

This is because Western economic powers sought to undermine the developing autonomy of the former colonies by controlling investment, technology and trade channels in order to safeguard their interests.

After the end of the Cold War, they were able to further strengthen their grip by proclaiming a new international order based on market-fundamentalist neoliberalism. The criterion of ‘good governance’ was used as a crowbar to give foreign capital preferential access to the economies of developing countries.

Development cooperation began to conform to the demands of the IMF and the World Bank regarding the structural adjustment of developing countries to the new realities on the world market.

There was insufficient awareness that these new realities were not based on economic laws, but on political choices.

A next step was that development cooperation became subservient to the neoliberal order. Poverty reduction was subordinated to economic growth, which was better left to market forces. Development cooperation was going to make easy compromises. The amount of aid went down. Aid was linked to the promotion of exports, not from developing countries, but from Western companies seeking to do business overseas. Aid was also used to stop migrants and refugees, by supporting authoritarian regimes and by financing border security. It was the exact opposite of what was originally intended.

It all fitted in with the white, western sense of superiority, also in the Netherlands. In the 1970s, the protocol department of Foreign Affairs whispered: ‘There you have another monkey from Development Cooperation’, whenever an African minister came to visit. In the 1990s, the Court of Audit refused to accept that Indian accountants exercised financial control over Dutch aid projects. Dutch universities refused to accept the research priorities put forward by African partner universities in collaborative programmes.

These are just examples, but ten years ago the Scientific Council for Government Policy provided an ideological basis for the Western concept of superiority by defining the development process as a ‘modernization [as] has been realized in the West since the nineteenth century’.

The caveat that this Western progress in the nineteenth century took place at the expense of many in the South was not made.

The fact that growth in the West was at the expense of essentials such as climate, nature and biodiversity was ignored. The question whether people in the South wanted to westernize was not asked.

Indigenous groups, nomadic ranchers in Africa or people who do not recognize themselves in the Judeo-Christian traditions of Europe and the US may think very differently about concepts such as modernization and progress. But current Dutch politicians do not seem ashamed of such an ideological basis for development cooperation. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

At a youth conference in the late 1960s, I made a scornful remark about the ‘football war’ between El Salvador and Honduras: ‘Who makes a war after a lost game?’ I knew that and my friend from El Salvador was absolutely right. What did I actually know about the history of both countries and the background of the conflict? Where did I get the arrogance, especially as a Western European, with a history full of war and mass murder? I have since improved my life and consciously tried never to take such a biased position again.

Perhaps I overdid it when I agreed in advance with representatives from the South when they accused the West of discrimination, racism and wrongdoing. In debates with Bolkestein, this attitude led to the accusation of cultural relativism, but I preferred that to cover up the injustice or use a ‘white look’. I may have made more mistakes, but the memory of my first confrontation with a group of peers from non-Western countries, which I only understood after stepping out of my own ‘bubble’, has always stayed with me.

Personal introspection is important. This applies to everyone who works in the field of development cooperation: politician, civil servant, researcher, project leader, field worker. Those who do not realize this are easily impressed by fallacies (“without growth there is nothing to divide”), are lulled to sleep by false arguments (“it is their own responsibility”) or look without seeing.

That is the ‘white look’ that obscures reality, so that the people in the world below – who have no power before us, no voice, no face, no name – are not seen. But more important than the personal attitude of the development worker is the structure of the society in which development policy is determined and implemented. If that structure is fundamentally unjust and leads to institutional discrimination and racism, it must be reversed. That is the task of development cooperation: the decolonization of the world below.

It requires different choices than those made in recent years: choose the needs and wants of the people who have been pushed down as a starting point, break down the barriers that have been put up by the West against their self-fulfillment, distance themselves from elites in the South who impoverish or oppress their own population and welcomes people who have fled an unlivable situation into our society, which still reaps the benefits of the colonial advantage of the time.

‘Don’t drop anyone’, was the election slogan of the party that has had special responsibility for development policy in recent years. Every time I saw that promise on my screen, images came to mind of people outside the fences of prosperous Europe. We dropped them. Decolonization of the lower world is a requirement of civilization, the civilization that politicians and citizens of the upper world pride themselves on.

Jan Pronk was Minister for Development Cooperation and VROM. He was also UN Special Envoy to Sudan and professor at the Institute for Social Studies.

By Jan Pronk

How this Senegalese TikToker with over 99 million followers went from poverty to earning six figures

W

hen COVID-19 struck, Khabane Lame, then an industrial worker in Chivasso, Northern Italy, became one of the many people who got laid off worldwide as a result of the impact of the contagion on businesses and the global economy.

At the time, TikTok was gaining currency, and against the advice of his father to look for a job elsewhere, Lame spent hours posting videos on the social media platform, Khaby Lame. His gamble has paid and today, he has gone from being unemployed to earning six figures from his thriving social media career.

Lame has nearly 100 million followers and at the rate at which his numbers are increasing, he could soon be the most followed account on the Chinese platform that has global appeal from millennials and Gen-Z. The Senegalese moved from his country of origin to Italy when he was only one year old. Now 21, Lame speaks Italian, but he is not recognized as an Italian in Italy despite living in the country from age one and attending Italian schools. He got laid off as a factory worker during the height of the pandemic.

In an interview with the press, Lame revealed his successful social media career started when he spent several hours posting comedy clips on TikTok and the clips soon went viral.

His most-watched video has over 158 million views.

The clip mocks a fellow TikToker who cut himself free from a car door shearing through his T-shirt. Lame makes the same video but instead of reaching for scissors to cut himself free, he simply opens the door to free himself and shrugs.

According to the New York Times, Lame’s earliest posts were in Italian although he sometimes spoke his native language. “But it was the wordless, expressive reaction clips poking fun at forks transformed into spoons with tape or defending the sanctity of Italian pizza from a video that proposes Sour Patch Kids toppings that have catapulted Mr. Lame to international stardom,” according to the newspaper.

His rise on the social media platform has been entirely organic and his videos lack professional touch compared to other famous TikTok stars, some of who have been approached by Hollywood. His content turns to mock or debunk overproduced content across multiple social media platforms.

“He almost represents this authenticity overproduction.

I think that’s very appealing at scale to people, this feeling of someone not trying too hard, it’s something that feels authentic,” Samir Chaudry, a founder of The

Publish Press, told the New York Times. The Publish Press focuses on covering the creator economy.

Lame told the press that the success of his videos was due to the fact that he speaks a “global language.” “It’s my face and my expressions which make people laugh,” he added.

According to him, he has a huge following in Brazil, the United States, and Senegal.

He said he is more followed abroad than in Italy even though he recently surpassed Gianluca Vacchi as Italy’s mostfollowed TikTok personality.

By Abu Mubarik

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

45

Power in Community Journalism

O

ver the years the media has continuously been scrutinised, with trust in it appearing to plummet as audiences question its credibility.

The trend in traditional journalism has been premised on the top down approach which has engendered community journalism. Agneta Asitwa, a 27 year old trained film journalist, talks about the role local ownership of news has played and the gaps it has bridged within her community.

Agneta Asitwa was born and raised in Mathare, an informal settlement 8km from Kenya’s capital of Nairobi. Her dream of becoming a journalist was deeply ingrained in her. Even her father, who had other

plans on the trajectory of her life after her high school completion, couldn’t change her already made up mind. She vividly recalls her active role in journalism club back in high school, which was essential in fortifying her belief that one day she would play a role within the media landscape.

But what fuelled her fire the most after finishing high school was how the mainstream media was adamant in portraying the negative side of her community.

“What about the power of my community? Who would document it to counteract the bad reputation that had already been ingrained in the minds of many?” she questions. Given the different fields of journalism available, she narrowed her focus on film making. Three years after the completion of her Film Making course, she has used her expertise in her role as head of training and production at Slum TV 46

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

to create documentaries. The documentaries not only empower her community, they also engage them as stakeholders in coming up with solutions to the issues that plague them.

Slum TV Slum TV is a grassroots media channel based in Mathare informal settlement. The platform was founded in 2006 with the aim of using media as an instrument to empower and redefine the lives of the community by tackling some of the problems the residents were encountering through telling the real stories of people living within it. As the head of training and production at the station she has played an active role in developing projects that target women, who she feels are more at risk in the informal settlement. “A woman in Mathare is very vulnerable because she is much more disempowered economically,” she says. This is the reason why she chose to focus on women empowerment through her media skills. She recalls how before the emergence of Covid-19 she used to partake in filming of documentaries on various issues affecting the community.

These were issues like gender based violence, sanitation and drug abuse. After that, they would hold a screenplay on different community grounds with the aim of involving the community in finding solutions through discussions. Slum TV has been successful in bringing film to the community. However due to the pandemic, they have had to develop new mechanisms of dealing with the menaces that are still present within their community. Screening documentaries has been a relatively successful mechanism as it is an allinclusive process, though unfortunately now they can’t engage a large crowd of people due to Covid-19 safety measures. They have had to resort to carrying out the screening in their office space with a limited number of stakeholders from different spheres. This ensures that the problems within the community are still aired and their solutions formulated.

Gender Disparity in Media

It may sound like it’s a walk in the park, but she ascertains that it’s not easy. “The film industry is like a jungle, especially when you are a woman,” she says. Various studies have shown that women are underrepresented in the media industry. Despite four out of five graduates from media schools being women, only a scanty number of them are practising with a paltry 6% of media houses being run by women. This has not only continued to create a woman unfriendly culture in media but it militates the advancement of women in the media landscape as men continue taking charge of telling women stories.

“This should cease, we are now living in a digital world,” she says. She then proceeds to explain one of the projects they have in the pipeline, mobile journalism, which is aimed at bridging this disparity in the media space in the subtlest way possible. “The program is targeting young mothers who face a myriad of problems in the informal settlements as they are seen and treated as social pariahs. This program should elevate them socially and economically by equipping them with skills to use their mobile phones, to tell their stories.

Not only are they being equipped with skills to document and take charge of being authors of their own stories, they are also being adorned with skills on how to package themselves to give them marketing leverage.”

In addition to her unwavering attitude of trying to shift the gender tides in media, she talks of other barriers.

Obstacles like low standardisation of media works like photography and documentaries that are principle demotivating factors to existing players. They also drive away those who would like to venture into the profession. “Unions by different stakeholders within the media should be formed. This will enable them to collectively negotiate for rates that are commensurate to the hard work filmmakers and photographers put in to serve the public credibly. Otherwise, the value of our work shall be perpetually undervalued,” she says.

The Future is Bright Agneta’s will power remains unfaltered as she selflessly uses her skills and the meagre resources she has to elevate and position women within her community. This takes her back to a moment she refers to as one of the proudest in her career so far.

“I remember when I got an opportunity to have one of my documentary screened. It was during the Human Rights and Democracy Festival that was held at the Kenyan National Theatre under the Swedish Embassy’s ForumCiv program. Gender

based violence, abuse and exploitation is quite rampant against people with disability, but who is telling that story?” she asks. Her documentary on gender based violence against disabled women, left many perplexed. Most were completely oblivious of the harsh realities some marginalised people are susceptible to. She believes that with it she was able to raise awareness as well as evoke a conversation around the topic.

She is very optimistic about the direction she is

heading. “I feel change is close to me and I am looking at the future with a lot of anticipation, especially when I think about the future of journalism within my community,” she says. In her spirit of commitment, she believes that she will empower her community especially women to a vantage position in media. “I normally say, when you embrace a woman to tell a story, it is like you are bringing about change,” she concludes. https://youtu.be/hkendjyVPfs Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/

By Eunice Mwaura

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

47

The Kenyan fashionista daring to thrive in Thailand

N

By Cynthia Omondi

ancy Akoth Obonyo refused to let unemployment determine her destiny. As a master’s degree holder, she had been unlucky in securing formal employment so she decided to venture into self-employment in a foreign land. She talked to Vice Versa Global’s Cynthia Omondi on how she got there, her journey so far and her aspirations.

Nancy Akoth Obonyo was born and raised in Homabay County located in the Western part of Kenya, where she cleared her primary and secondary education. The thirty one year old was lucky to join University of Stellenbosch, which is in the Western Cape province of South Africa, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a course presumed to be male dominated. This came with pride and the assurance of securing a job once she graduates, only for tables to turn. “In the engineering school in South Africa we were often told that as ‘female black’ engineers we were guaranteed a job. It’s the same thing we were often told when we were young, to work hard and get good grades and we would eventually get a job regardless. I came back to Kenya after my graduation, ready for employment, and applied enthusiastically for numerous jobs. Two months later, nothing. Six months, a year down the line, absolutely nothing came my way. I started wondering why!?” Nancy recalled with disappointment. She told me that only about 30% of her classmates got employed.

Moving to Thailand “I was not doing so well due to the frustration of tarmacking.

Luckily, my brother was working in Thailand by then, so he suggested that I join him there for a few months just to refresh as I figured out what next,” she noted. She resolved to pursue a master’s degree and joined Stamford International University, Bangkok, to study for an MBA in International Business Management. “Having an experience in a technical course, I felt I needed to study something that relates to people. My assumption was that marrying these two would give me a better chance of securing a job but sadly, that was never the case. After my master’s graduation I equally did countless job applications to a point where I gave up. I went back to Kenya to try my luck yet again but it was all in vain,” she revealed to me in dismay.

Thailand, known formerly as Siam and officially as the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia. With its diverse geography, unique culture and friendly people, Nancy felt she could fit here as she looked into ways of making ends meet. “It seemed like nothing was ever going to come my way so I decided to teach.” She secured a job at a government high school in Thailand, despite not having a teaching certificate. In Thailand, most schools require just a degree certificate, not necessarily one in teaching. She was good in mathematics and that is the subject she found comfortable handling. I never saw myself as a teacher but once I began teaching and saw the impact I had on the students, I loved it.

48

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

However, teaching is not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I looked into so many things just trying to figure out what could be comfortable for me in the long run. Eventually, I settled on fashion. I am passionate about fashion and I have always received compliments from my friends that I have an ‘eye’ for what people like,” she told me.

Starting an Online Fashion Business She used her savings from the teaching job to invest into what her heart desired, a risk she felt was worth taking. An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than they can chew hoping they’ll quickly learn how to chew it, and that is exactly what she did. “It is that first bold step that mattered, even

though I had no idea how it would go. I settled on women outfits for all sizes, simple, unique and elegant. Coming up with a name, was the greatest hurdle I never imagined. I needed an authentic Kenyan name but all the ideas I had, to my surprise, were already taken. From all the simple Swahili statements and Luo words, none came through. I have a Maasai friend who helped me out and that is how ‘THE NALELEK COLLECTION’ was created,” she explained.

‘Nalelek’ is Maasai word for ‘simple’ and Nancy couldn’t have been happier with the name. She calls this business her baby and is determined to see it grow. “Most of my clients are in East Africa. What I do is source the outfits here in Thailand then ship them to Nairobi. My sister-in-law, who has been very supportive, helps in sending some to Uganda and Tanzania by bus. I am really grateful because she is doing

exactly what I would be doing, delivering everything on time and talking to people nicely. We have been receiving very good feedback from our clients,” she affirmed with gratitude.

Nancy sources the outfits from Thailand, models in them and posts on her social media platforms for clients to buy. She has supportive friends who have been helping her to model the outfits in different sizes in a bid to elevate her. “I want my clothes to be worn by both a small girl and a big a girl, the entire range, like ‘anybody’ type. If you check on my

collection, whether it’s a jumpsuit or a shirt dress, you will notice there is a small girl model which is me and a big girl model who is my friend,” she explained with excitement.

She wants her collection to be accommodative as she assures her customers that everyone will look beautiful in all her collections, regardless of size.

Challenges Experienced Despite her business doing well online, Nancy believes that she can do even better with a physical shop. “Having an online business is very difficult because people cannot see it.

Chances of me selling more are high if I had a physical shop because people could walk in, see the varieties and pick their preference. When it comes to online business, at times posted outfits go unnoticed.” She also mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic largely affected her business, since people were no longer interested in buying clothes but were sticking to essentials for survival. She pointed out that even the shipping period is quite long and some clients lack patience.

Her dream is to one day own a big physical shop in Kenya and create employment to the youth who are unemployed. This is what she had to tell the youth across the globe “No one will come to your rescue, you have to get up, do something and change your life. You don’t necessarily have to do something grand, start with that small thing and as each day passes you will come to the realization that you are not where you started.

Take one step at a time do little changes and in the long run you will realize that is was worth it!”

Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

49

Rainwater Harvest Project

1.

2.

Benefits of Joining the Project Water tank is your own project

Your name or the name of your company will appear on the tank. A very nice way of corporate social responsibility. You give the people in Matsangoni a future with it. They will be forever grateful to you.

Become a partner of Pamoja Kenya

That means FREE advertising. Your logo will appear on the partner page of the Pamoja Kenya website, with a short description of your company.

Your logo will appear in the bar with other donors at the bottom of the page.

Marion van de Voort +31654658978

50

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.pamoja-kenya.com

My granddaughter is 1 year old today.

Oaklynn Oluwademilade, Tamunobesa Nkasi. Your coming to this world has added joy to our lives particularly your mother and grandmother. You are growing into a sharp cute little Angel. Learning very fast. Join me to wish her long life in good health in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

Grandpa loves you

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

51

In Memoriam of Dr. Harold Robles (1948-2020) ‘I wanted to serve humanity, that was my life purpose’

‘I

want to continue to work for the greater good until my last breath. That’s where I get my strength and energy from,” said Harold Robles in 2019. He had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. It didn’t bother him at first. ‘I am far from done with the work I live for. In Africa, my team says I will live to be at least 100 years old. My father was 94 years old and my mother passed away when she was

86 years old. So I still have at least 30 years to go and I still have an awful lot to do in this world. Heaven will have to wait.’

Heaven, however, was not as patient as Harold had hoped.

His last public appearance was on 8 July 2020 when he attended the African Wines presentation of ‘his’ Harolds Wines in Scheveningen. On July 31, he breathed his last, and on August 8, a hundred relatives and friends accompanied him on his last journey. During his travels, Harold always carried a special card with him. It had been given to him by Mother Teresa. A card with a dried rose. At home on his desk he kept another relic: a jar of African soil. Received from Nelson Mandela. “So that I would always have Africa with me.”

EYE FOR AFRICA spoke to him two weeks before his death. Frail as he was, his voice was full of fire when it came to the Health Promoters and the chance for a better life for the people he had fought for all his life in imitation of his great idol Albert Schweitzer.

He, a Jewish boy born and raised in Paramaribo, made the decision at the age of eight. Through the story about Albert Schweitzer that the teacher told in elementary school, 52

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Harold learned his destiny in life. In 2019 he celebrated his anniversary. ‘The work I have been doing for 50 years is largely based on the philosophy of Albert Schweitzer. In essence he called it: Reverence for life; his philosophy was based on the statement I am life that wants to live in the midst of life that wants to live. And this is also my sacred mission.

Unfortunately, I have to say that we have not understood Schweitzer’s plea for harmony. We still have no respect for life. We’re wasting it.’

Reverence for life Harold was the eldest of three sons. “As a child I was always trying to find ways to help others. Because of my inquisitive attitude, my brother still calls me ‘the professor’ to this day. I remember very well that the teacher at school read a story from the Libelle about the German philosopher, theologian, doctor and musician Albert Schweitzer. Schweitzer had gone to Africa and had set up a medical center there with his wife who was a nurse. I was so impressed with that story, wanted to be like him. When the teacher asked us to write an essay explaining what Albert Schweitzer meant to us, I got to work. The core of my argument was that one man can make a difference in the lives of many others. I had found my calling. Like Albert Schweitzer, I wanted to serve people in need.

At home I kept talking about that important man in Africa who did so many wonderful things there. My father said at one point, “Harold, if you love that man so much, why don’t you write him a letter?”

Could that just happen? I wondered Dr. Harold Robles: With the help of my father, I wrote a letter in German and we sent it to the hospital in Africa. In the letter I wrote that I would do odd jobs and send the money I earned to Schweitzer. I also wrote that when I grew up, I wanted to come to him and work for him as a doctor. To my surprise, I got a letter back six months later. Albert Schweitzer wrote that I was of course very welcome, but that I had to finish my school first. I was over the moon.’

And how did you end up in Africa?

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘At the age of 14 we moved with our family to the Netherlands. There I founded the Dutch Albert Schweitzer Center. In 1981 I immigrated to the United States, where I founded the Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities (ASIH) with Albert Schweitzer’s daughter, Rhena Schweitzer Miller. This organization was committed to putting Schweitzer’s philosophy into practice around the world. Years later, together with my good friend Dr. Jelle

Braaksma, I started the Health Promotion South Africa Trust, which focuses on health education based on the idea that health care is a universal human right. The head office is located in Kayamandi near Cape Town in South Africa.’

It sounds so simple, but it wasn’t.

Dr. Harold Robles: Harold was like a bulldozer trying to reach his goal at all costs. He tirelessly traveled the world to provide help where it was needed and to win people over to

his cause. At Tutu’s request, he set up the Health Promoters that are active in South Africa, ‘but ultimately all over the world if it’s up to me. The biggest mistake we’ve ever made is bringing suitcases full of medicines to Africa. A suitcase with education would have been better. Then there wouldn’t have been so much AIDS and other misery now.’

He said it time and again: ‘Health education is a human right. The poor in South Africa also need to know what they can do to prevent preventable diseases. I believe in the power of the people. We make use of the talents that are available. We increase self-reliance through education. And that is desperately needed because the situation in South Africa is anything but prosperous.

Two generations have had little or no education because of the Apartheid regime. It is a country of great wealth and unprecedented poverty. First and third worlds exist side by side, sometimes merge into one another.

Diseases that can be prevented with good prevention and education, such as diarrhea, TB and AIDS are leaving a devastating trail through the country. 900 people die every day. That’s three planes full. And all because for years we have done our best to keep the people there stupid. They could have been saved if we had let them learn.’

In his office, you could see him in photos with such luminaries as Mikhail Gorbachev, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, human rights activist Bianca Jagger, anthropologist Jane Goodall, the Dalai Lama and opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. In two large folders, which he The

Happy Files. He mentioned correspondence with Mother Theresa, former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, many US senators and Nobel laureates such as chemist Linus Pauling, actress Jane Alexander and Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King. ‘With Health Promoters, we provide basic training to mothers, the elderly, young people and children, in collaboration with other organisations. We want to teach people how to get and stay healthy, so that they can be of great economic value to their country later on. We do this in several countries and more will be added in the coming years. Thanks to all the friends of the Health Promoters led by Regina Eggink in the Netherlands and George Arrey in South Africa. I can’t do it anymore, but I look to the future with confidence. The organization will mature even more than now, create jobs and thereby generate financial security for the future. For example, I firmly believe in the successful golf events that Regina has set up in the Netherlands.’

How do you shape respect for life?

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘For me, that means promoting health education. Corona shows how important attention to health and hygiene is. Prevention makes us aware of what our body needs. We are doing too little about it, more needs to be done. And listen: children are the future, but we need the parents learn about health and hygiene so that they can ensure that their children are healthy.

What I would most like to achieve is a health education chain from Cape Town to Cairo. Provide young women across the continent with health education, enabling them to pass on

their knowledge to others. We have planted the seed with the Health Promoters and that can now start to spread. We have shown that it really works.’

Continued on Page 54 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

53

Continued from Page 53

Does that make you proud?

Dr. Harold Robles: Hesitant. “Yes, it makes me proud, it makes me happy, but it also makes me sad that I have to get out so soon. That I can no longer see what I have caused.’

His voice breaks for a moment. “But luckily it’s in good hands.”

Couldn’t you have done better?

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘Everything can always be better, but I am proud that I saw it at the time in the Schweitzer hospital in Lambaréné (Gabon); the importance of health education. I understood at a very early stage that this would be the key to a better society. For a healthy economy you need healthy people. That is why it was good that I did not become a doctor, but a health scientist. I am proud of my honorary doctorate, Doctor of Public Health. Health education should be hoisted on a statue, that’s how you save people. Where many others do not see a future or possibilities, I do see them. This is my mission, my life. I can’t do otherwise. Africa is in my blood, my bones, my dreams, but above all in my DNA. I still have so much to do.

I want to finish what Albert Schweitzer started and hope that when my time comes, others will be ready to take over. That I have inspired people the way Schweitzer has inspired me.’

How do you look back on your life? Are you happy with the opportunities you’ve had and taken? With what you have meant to other people?

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘Of course it’s sad to know that your days are numbered, but I’m happy with the life I’ve been able to lead. I made a lot of friends, experienced a lot of suffering, known a lot of grief. But I’m happy with everything I’ve been able to do. I did it because I am convinced that there is something between heaven and earth. And by the certainty that the philosophy of Albert Schweitzer will take us much further. There is always one person in your life that makes the difference, for me it was him. I hope that I have also been able to make a difference in the lives of others, that I too have made a difference in my own way. Fortunately, I am absolutely not afraid of death. If he knocks, I’ll be there.’

Who do you hope to meet on the other side?

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘People with whom I would like to chat further. Certainly Archbishop Tutu if he goes to heaven too.

54

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Gorbachev, with him I have lived unforgettable times. At the time, he appointed me chairman of the Gorbachev Foundation for Children’s Health in Chernobyl. But I would also like to see my old school teacher to thank her for setting me on my path with her story about Schweitzer. And Mandela, of course.’

Are you going to have a nice glass of wine with them?

Dr. Harold Robles: “Very well, but with Schweitzer you drink tea, with Mandela you drink red, with Desmond Tutu you drink white wine.”

Do you bring your own bottles?

Dr. Harold Robles: “Yes, of course I have to treat myself to the Harolds Wines.”

Thank you for who you are, Harold.

Dr. Harold Robles: ‘I want to thank you. I have enormous respect for the way in which you bring Africa to Europe with your magazine. EYE FOR AFRICA is the best magazine I’ve seen in my life. Really! You have given Africa a voice and a face in Europe. I hope it will be available in English someday.

I wish you every success and I am proud that you stand for what you believe in. Never give up. Bye bye thanks.’

We also thank you, Harold Robles, from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to know you and walk part of your way with you. We will not abandon the Health Promoters, your life’s work. Out of respect for life.

This interview was taken three weeks before his death, where his last children’s book was discussed. If you would like to help, please visit www.healthpromoters.co.za.

Late Dr. Harold Robles was a good friend of our publisher, Pastor Elvis Iruh and he share great memories of him and this is to his everlasting memory.

Video film of mutiny by passengers at the unfair removal of two Black men from a flight

E

asyJet tried to remove two Black men from a flight for refusing to put on their shoes for takeoff. A video shows passengers objecting to the treatment of the two men. The men were ultimately allowed to stay on the flight, and the cabin crew was changed instead.

Passengers on an EasyJet flight reportedly staged a mutiny to stop the airline from unfairly removing two Black men from the flight. The airline reportedly attempted to remove the two men for “huffing at a member of the crew” when they were asked to put their shoes on for takeoff.

The incident took place on a flight from London Gatwick Airport to Malaga in Spain, and passenger Luke Gayle posted a video of it on Twitter.

The argument took place during the flight’s taxi on the runway, forcing the plane to turn around.

An attendant called the police to report two “disobedient passengers,” leading to four armed officers entering the plane, taking the two men’s passports, and offloading their luggage.

In the video passengers can be heard objecting to the treatment of the men, telling them “no, don’t get off” and “sit down.”

After the complaints of the other passengers, the two men were permitted to remain on the flight and the cabin crew was

changed instead.

EasyJet said that the crew was replaced because their shift was over and not because of the passengers’ objections, according to the press.

Gayle wrote on Twitter, “After all the backlash and objections from the entire flight, except for that one member of cabin crew, they gave in and allowed them to stay on board. The cabin crew was swapped over.”

He added that he believed the men’s “skin color [played] a part in the over reaction of EasyJet.” In a statement, a spokesperson for the airline said, “EasyJet does not discriminate against any individual. Safety is our highest priority and there is nothing to suggest that discrimination played any part in the issue on board.”

“The primary responsibility of our crew is for the safety of everyone on board.”

“Our crew must ensure that safety requirements are followed by all passengers and as part of their role must check prior to take-off that everyone is compliant with these”.

“This is particularly important for passengers seated in emergency exit rows where crew ensure there are no loose items during take-off.”

The airline said they would be reviewing the incident internally after receiving complaints from customers on board the flight.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

55

Queen Leila weds Andrew – Now Mr. & Mrs. Onyeagbako

A

classic traditional wedding with all royal trappings took place last month in The Netherlands. The wedding was between, beauty queen, Leila Onome and handsome Andrew Onyeagbako. First was the traditional wedding followed by a lavish reception at Arzo Party centrum at Beverwijk. Everything from start to finish was colourful and rich of African royalty of Bini and Igbo traditions.

This took place on 6th August 2021. Then on 7th of August 2021, despite all the challenges of organizing a major ceremony of this magnitude, it all went well to the glory of God. The couple is now Mr. & Mrs. Onyeagbako. They are thankful to their parents, families, (immediate and extended) and wonderful colleagues and friends who supported them throughout the whole process. In particular the new wife wrote this moving tribute to her Dad after her Christian wedding ceremony. The well composed text has received tremendous reactions from readers and worthy to be shared with you all again.

56

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

C

ongratulations to Andrew & Leila Onyeagbako Photos by Jeff Movies Production

Happy married life to Andrew & Queen Leila.......

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

57

Congratulations to Leila & Andrew on their successful 2 days wedding ceremony in Holland

58

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Dear Dad

Dear Dad, I just want to start off by obviously saying thank you. I know this wedding weekend has been very emotional for you Thank you so much for all the times you have been a dad when my own blood father wouldn’t. Thank you for raising me like a girl should be raised. All my life, I have wondered why my biological father decided not to be the one to raise me, but I am so blessed that you stepped up and raised me for him. You have been in my life since before I can even remember. You have been there for all of the holidays, birthdays, and big moments in my life. You taught me how to ride a bike and helped me up when I fell and scraped my knee. You taught me how to drive a car and always stayed patient no matter how terrifying my driving was. You taught me how to basically be an adult by always making sure I knew how to do things on my own. You were there through my first heartbreak and sat on my bed while I was crying and assured me that my heart will be whole again. You proudly watched me walk across the stage and accept all my school diploma, and wiped my mom’s tears.

Thank you for making me your own even though you didn’t have to. I appreciate you more than you know. I thank my mom every day for choosing such an amazing man to be in all of our lives. I’m so glad you’re the one I ended up with to call my father. You’ve always wanted the very best for us, and helped us get the best. Through everything that we all have been through together, you have stayed right by our side. I know you will always be by my side for the rest of time.

I love you and mom both very much Thank you Leila

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

59

MEET SHEIKHA DR. FATIMAH TAGWAI AJI, FCMA, GOOA

A

s a Medical Professional who, through her tireless efforts in galvanizing economic support for the African continent, has become widely known and respected around the globe for her work in poverty alleviation and the promotion of sustainable development with special focus on the empowerment of women and children in difficult circumstances.

Dr. Aji enjoys access at the highest levels to key decision makers in both public and private sectors globally, and especially in Africa. She has championed the building and strengthening of economic and political relationships between the emerging countries and economies of Africa and those of the more developed world, always with the goal of poverty reduction and capacity building through education, and through the creation of employment opportunities to benefit particularly women.

She supports the promotion of information technology as a key tool for both social and business-to-business networking and this is an essential part of her mission to improve the quality of life for women in Africa, and to create meaningful opportunities for all.

Dr. Aji was one of the first women to organize the All African First Lady Summit on peace, economic development, and the empowerment of women in Africa. She has used her impressive managerial skills to highlight and promote sustainable development in the poorest nations of Africa, and to highlight the impressive success and achievements of those that are more prosperous. She is the Princess of support, encouragement, empowerment, and hope, for the woman of Peace. She is the very charismatic Chairperson and CEO of the H&HGT LLC Group of Companies, and Executive President of “Voice of Women in Africa” and “Global Voice of Women Organization” and also the Vice President of International Organization for Economic Development –(IOED).

Dr. Aji has been the recipient of many international awards and numerous commendations and accolades, including the prestigious title of (Grand Order Of Africa) “Ambassador of the Renaissance African” at the World Council of PanAfrican Organizations (PANAFRICA) in 2002, and a fitting and well-deserved tribute to her dynamism, many successes, and selfless sacrifices in pursuit of her life’s work.

These great many recognitions serve to validate and underline the impressive Fellow Chartered Management Accountant of ICMA (CICMA) GLOBAL WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2015 –WE CARE FOR HUMANITY – WCH/ UN success and the power of her vision for the assistance and support of the underprivileged, while contributing to building the social and economic systems and infrastructure necessary for sustainable societal improvement and wealth 60

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

creation; and especially by the setting up of more and easier to access micro-credit schemes to support small and medium scale projects in Africa; and for medical programs for the prevention and treatment of HIV AIDS, STDs, and malaria.

All of Dr. Aji’s many business endeavours are for the purpose of financing Humanitarian projects in Africa to improve the lives of women, children and other private projects in Africa.

The Voice Achievers Award is glad to recognize her at this year’s award event in Dubai 2021.

We would be featuring other awardees in subsequent editions of our magazine.

Stay tune with us.

TV

Madagascar President picks new finance minister, enlarges cabinet

M

adagascar’s president named a new finance minister in an enlarged cabinet, days after sacking all ministers for what he said was poor performance and weeks after the reported foiling of a plot to kill the former coup leader.

Madagascar, an impoverished ex-French colony of 26 million people, has a history of political violence and instability.

Rindra Hasimbelo Rabarinirinarison will become finance minister; President Andry Rajoelina said in a televised address, one of 11 women promoted to a cabinet expanded to 32 ministers, vice ministers and secretaries of state from 25.

Rabarinirinason was previously a senior official in the finance ministry and before that headed the Indian Ocean island country’s public procurement commission. “You were chosen because you are seen as being able to do better and achieve more,” Rajoelina told the new appointees.

Ten ministers from the previous cabinet, including General Léon Richard Rakotonirina, the defence minister, were reinstated in their posts.

President Rajoelina increased the size of the cabinet by splitting up some ministries including the agriculture, livestock and fisheries portfolio.

Prosecutors said that 21 more suspects, including 12 military personnel, had been arrested in connection with a plot to kill President Rajoelina and topple the government.

Six people, one of them a French citizen, were arrested in July on suspicion of involvement in the plot after what officials said was a months-long investigation.

President Rajoelina, 44, was sworn in as president in 2019 after a hotly contested election and a constitutional court challenge from his rival.

Madagascar is also suffering its worst drought in 40 years.

The number of acutely malnourished children there is expected to quadruple to at least half a million, the United Nations warned in July. The country needs some stability to make any effort of progress.

By Lovasoa Rabary

Peter R de Vries to have street named after him in his hometown Crime reporter Peter R de Vries who was murdered two months ago is getting a street named after him in his native Aalsmeer, the town’s local authorities have announced.

The death of De Vries, who was shot in the street as he was leaving a television studio in Amsterdam on July 6, ‘hit Aalsmeer hard’ mayor Gido Oude Kotte said.

The Peter R de Vries street will be part of a new housing development which will be built on the site of the town’s current studio and theatre complex.

‘We thought it would be a good idea to name a street after him there. Peter spent a lot of time in television studios making programmes for Endemol. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who continued where others stopped,’ Oude Kotte said.

De Vries’ brother Wouter earlier called on mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema to ‘ditch a naval hero’ and name a street after his sibling.

Many across various cultures and people are still celebrating his life, he lived for the ordinary people and he took up cases that nearly were dead and brought them back to live and resolve many of them through his investigative approach.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

61

Nigeria’s 4x400m Olympic relay team from Sydney wants a gold-medal ceremony

F

ormer Nigeria sprinter Enefiok Udo-Obong told the press that the 4x400m relay team that won silver in the Sydney Olympics 21 years ago, which has since been upgraded to gold, had its moment of glory “stolen” by the USA. The American team, led by Michael Johnson, won gold on the day. But doping violations revealed in subsequent years saw the gold change hands to Nigeria. Although the Nigerian team members have since received their medals, albeit 14 years later,

they want to stand in front of the world and hear their anthem played.

Udo-Obong, who ran a blistering final leg in the final for Nigeria in Australia, told the press during this last Tokyo Olympics: “It’s a feeling that was stolen from us.

“We raised that issue when we had the Athletes Forum in

62

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Switzerland, with the IOC, and it is one of the things that we feel should be given back to the athletes because that moment

of pride cannot really be replaced.

“Standing in front of the world with a billion viewers watching you. ... That was one of the things I wanted to enjoy and I didn’t enjoy that. “That’s the kind of feeling I would have used to influence other younger ones, especially in my continent and in my country. I didn’t have that experience, or I didn’t have that opportunity to do so.

“We are hoping that doping will stop but even when it doesn’t, people who are clean must have a way to regain that honour which they lost.” Looking back, Udo-Obong concedes that Johnson’s team was superior on the night, and as their wild celebrations immediately after the race showed, the Nigerians were ecstatic with the silver medal they had won then.

Johnson, who picked up the baton in the final leg of the race, opened up such a wide gap it was impossible to do anything but fight for second. Udo-Obong stretched his every last sinew to close a 10-meter gap and sneak home for a silver medal, ahead of two Caribbean nations.

“Winning the silver was an extraordinary thing,” Udo-Obong said. “It was a feat we were so proud of, and I would have happily lived with that. “It was a rare feat, something we had worked hard for. It’s something that we felt, ‘OK, fine. We’re second best in the world at that point in time.’ It was bold enough for us.”

But then, in 2004, the IAAF ruled that Jerome Young, a member of the USA team in the semifinals, was ineligible to run due to doping offenses and stripped the U.S. of its medal, moving everyone else up one

place.

It was almost too good to be true, and Udo-Obong did everything he could to keep himself in check, admitting that the USA could have brought any of their talents and won the races fair and square.

He said: “When we started hearing news about how there was discrepancies in testing of some of the American runners, I started to think, ‘Oh, what if?’

“But I had to keep myself in check because I don’t like to deceive myself. The Americans could have brought any of their top 16 athletes and probably would have won the gold.

“That’s how talented their pool of quarter-milers are from the college level to the international level. They were actually the king of the sprints. So, we didn’t feel hard done by even when the stories were coming out.”

The Nigerian Olympian was right to be cautious. USATF appealed the decision and a year later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in its favour, upholding the argument that Young did not run in the finals and so the team should not be disqualified on the basis of his drug use.

And then three years later in 2008, Antonio Pettigrew [who did run in that final], admitted that he had taken performanceenhancing drugs under the direction of now-banned U.S. track and field coach Trevor Graham.

Udo-Obong said of Pettigrew’s confession in court: “My

reaction was that it was long overdue.

“By then, I had started to call myself Olympic gold medalist because I believed then I deserved the gold knowing that [four] American runners had drug-related issues.

“I feel sad for Michael Johnson, because he deserved that gold medal. He could have run with any four of their athletes and still won gold. He was such an incredible athlete.

“This was the pre-Usain Bolt era. A sport like track and field always needed a symbol of purity, of success, of talent, and Michael Johnson was that at that period of time. He was not found guilty of anything, so it was really sad for him.”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

63

‘The gold medal was for Cameroon, and for Africa’ - Why ex-Arsenal ace Lauren still treasures Olympic memories

I

n an exclusive interview, the retired right-back, Lauren Etame talks about the importance of the Games to his career and all of his compatriots When Lauren looks back on his long and successful career, one moment stands out as the real starting point. It’s not his move to Arsenal or any of the six major trophies he won during his illustrious stay in England.

It’s the Olympics of 2000 when he made history with Cameroon in Sydney, winning the gold medal in football after a thrilling penalty shootout success against Spain in the final.

“The momentum for my career started at the Olympics, definitely,” the legendary Arsenal right-back tells the press.

“Being at the Olympics, winning that gold medal for Cameroon, and for Africa, it was just unbelievable. It was fantastic.”

Football has a long history with the Olympics. It’s been included in every summer games as a men’s competition except 1896 and 1932.

Despite that, it is not viewed by many as one of football’s most important tournaments and few ever mention it in the same breath as the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America or Africa Cup of Nations.

But for Lauren, winning the gold medal at Sydney is up there alongside anything else he achieved during his years as a professional.

“It was one of the best moments of my career,” he reveals.

“And I tell you what, it’s now that I enjoy it the most. When I really think back to those days, I’m really aware of just how big that was.

“It’s not just for the fact that I won it, but because of how many millions of people we brought happiness to as a team.

“Millions of people were proud of what we did and what we achieved. That gold medal wasn’t just for me, it was for Cameroon and it was for Africa.”

Cameroon went into the Olympics looking to repeat the success of Nigeria, who had become the first African nation to win a gold medal during the Atlanta Games four years earlier.

Lauren travelled to Sydney having just signed for Arsenal, and the Cameroon squad, which included players such as Patrick Mboma, Patrick Suffo, Pierre Wome and a young Samuel Eto’o, were in confident mood.

Due to the nature of the tournament, the squad was unable to take part in the opening ceremony, but after stints in Canberra and Melbourne, they were eventually able to take their place with the other athletes in the Olympic village.

“It was amazing,” Lauren recalls. “There were athletes everywhere and it was such a great experience for all of us.

64

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

“We spoke to so many Spanish people, English, Irish, French – people from all over the world.

“It’s something that I talk to my son about now. He is starting to play now for Sevilla and I try to share with him all of those experiences that I had.

“I’m proud to teach him all my experiences, like being in that Olympic village, mixing with all the other athletes. It was just fantastic.”

There were some huge names at the Sydney Olympics, with the likes of Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Michael Johnson, Maurice Green and Marion Jones all starring during the Games.

So, who did Lauren meet during his stay at the village, and what sort of fun did he have?

“I didn’t know any of them,” he laughs. “I was just so focused on my national team and trying to win on the football field.

“We talked to lots of athletes from different countries, but I didn’t know who they were and I didn’t get to any parties or anything.

“I just wanted to be at my best in that Olympics because I knew that whatever we did as a team would be remembered forever.”

And that approach certainly proved to be the right one because what Cameroon achieved during those three weeks in Australia will certainly stand the test of time.

They emerged from a group containing Kuwait, United States and Czech Republic, with Lauren winning a penalty in the 1-1 draw with the Americans and scoring a goal in a 1-1 stalemate with the Czechs.

A quarter-final against the mighty Brazil was next and after Ronaldinho had struck in injury time to cancel out Mboma’s opener, a golden goal from Modeste M’bami sent Cameroon into the semi-finals and set up a meeting with Chile.

It turned out to be a game that Lauren will never forget, as

it was he who sealed a 2-1 win with an injury-time penalty.

“Getting to the semi-final and beating Chile was just amazing,” he says.

“One of my heroes was Ivan Zamarano, who played here in my home town of Seville, so playing against him and scoring the winning goal was fantastic.

“In the USA game in the group stages, I provoked the penalty. I got the ball and was fouled. I was going to take the penalty and I think Patrick Mboma got ahead of me and took it.

“So, when the time arrived in the semi-final, I said ‘No, this is my time.’

“I went straight away, got the ball and nobody was going to take that ball from me. It was my time. I knew that I was going to score, I was 100 per cent confident. ”It was a fantastic moment for me for a few reasons. One

was Zamarano was playing for Chile and the other was that at the 1998 World Cup I was sent off after five minutes against Chile.

“So, I knew this was my time to avenge that moment. When I scored, there was so much satisfaction.”

What Lauren experienced in that semi-final was the perfect warm-up for a dramatic and emotional gold-medal game against Spain, the country he had moved to with his family after they left Africa.

Just to add a further layer of narrative to the story, the Spain team that day included Jose Mari and Carlos Marchena, two close friends he had progressed through the Sevilla academy with as a youngster.

Xavi gave Spain an early lead but an own goal by Ivan Amaya levelled the scores and eventually took the game to penalties.

Lauren held his nerve to score once again from the spot and when Amaya missed, it was Cameroon’s time to celebrate.

“The feeling before that game was a bit strange,” Lauren admits. “My wife is from Sevilla, so as a family, one side was looking for Spain to win and the other was looking for Cameroon to win.

“I was playing against Jose Mari and Marchena as well, so it was a bit strange, but once I stepped on the pitch, I just wanted Cameroon to lift the trophy and to get that goal medal.

“It was such a tough game. I had (Carlos) Puyol marking me and it was so difficult to get away from him because he was so quick and strong. He was on my back the whole time, so it was very tough.

“I just remember at the end feeling like we had done something very special. I felt very proud at that moment, very proud.”

Winning an Olympic gold medal is something only a select few can claim to achieve.

What Lauren achieved with Cameroon 21 years ago will rightly be remembered and he still feels it was the springboard for what followed during the rest of his trophyladen career.

So, does he still have the medal?

“Yes, I still have it,” he said. “But if you see my house, I don’t have the Olympics medal, the FA Cups, the Premier Leagues on show. I don’t have things on my wall. I keep them safe and from time to time I show them to my kids.

“I know what I won and I’m very proud of it, but it’s not something I have to see every day. I did all that, fantastic, but my philosophy is always, what comes next?”

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

65

See Monica Okoye playing for Japan Story by Segun Odegbami

T

eam Africa!!! From Tokyo 2020 to an uncertain future!

In discussing ‘Team Africa’, Nigeria takes the front row in culpability and responsibility by virtue of her position in the continent.

‘Team Africa’ is on the front burner one week after Eluid Kipchoge of Kenya, the greatest Marathon runner in history, wrapped up Tokyo 2020 with a phenomenal victory. It was the last event of the Games.

It was an achievement whose significance and symbolism were not lost on many discerning sports administrators in Africa - the last person to receive a Gold medal at the Games is an African. That speaks volumes.

When the statistics are finally computed, Tokyo 2020 is likely to confirm the depth and breadth of African athletes at the Olympics.

For many reasons, least of all their performances across many sports, Tokyo may have witnessed the assembly of the largest number of athletes of African descent at any Olympics.

What makes for the big difference this time around is the glaring number of Africans running or playing in the colours of foreign countries that adopt them.

That means, the continent is overflowing with raw talents and they are found in several different sports that, by virtue of their environment and physiology, they are naturally gifted to excel in - athletics, boxing, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and so on.

Therefore, at Tokyo 2020 Africans added colour and medals to many of the teams

66

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Monica Okoye playing basketball for Japan at the last Olympics in Japan

of foreign countries.

What this also means, tragically for Africa, is that African countries won less number of Medals than they should have had this migration abroad not happened, and African athletes had competed for their African countries, after all we never hear of the case of reverse migration where foreigners compete for African countries.

The result is that Africa has become the new frontier for ‘raw materials’ for the West and other countries.

How can Africa keep and develop its own athletes at home and use them to drive the economic, political, economic and even social disadvantages the continent continues to face is the hard question we are not able to provide answers.

Peruth Chemutai became the first Ugandan woman to win an Olympic gold medal Peruth Chemutai became the first Ugandan woman to win an Olympic gold medal in any sport when she triumphed in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the recently concluded Olympic Games in Japan.

The 22-year-old clocked a time of 9:01.45 to finish over three seconds ahead of American silver medalist Courtney Frerichs with Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng taking the bronze.

“I’m so happy and proud of myself. It was a good race - I enjoyed myself and I enjoyed the weather,” Chemutai said, referring to the heat in Tokyo.

Chemutai’s triumph was only the third Olympic gold won

by Uganda in any sport after John Akii-Bua’s 400m hurdles win in 1972 and Stephen Kiprotich’s victory in the 2012 marathon.

She moved in front early in the race before Frerichs took the initiative with three laps to go, pulling away from the field.

But Chemutai responded to the challenge and overtook

the American on the last lap before crossing the line 3.34 seconds ahead of her.

Frerichs became the second American woman to win an Olympic steeplechase medal after Emma Coburn, who claimed bronze in Rio in 2016.

Coburn fell with two laps left and finished 14th before being disqualified but her team mate Frerichs was delighted with her silver after nearly missing the Games due to illness.

“I was prepared to have to take it early and make it a hard race. It’s really difficult to put yourself out there like that and I definitely had some fear to overcome but I knew I’d walk away with no regrets if I really laid it all out there,” she said.

Kenyan world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech finished seventh, a shocking result as she was expected to contest for a medal at least.

Kenyans have dominated the Olympic men’s 3,000m

steeplechase, winning nine gold medals in a row before losing their crown to Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali in Tokyo.

Chepkoech said she was far from at her best physically.

“I have an injury and it was so tight. I didn’t even react, it’s painful,” she said.

“My aim was to win the race, but because of the injury, my mind was not here. It was so painful.

“I have problems with two tendons and a hamstring, low back and the stomach. I got injured before our trials in Kenya and it has been so tight since, I tried to nurse it, but it couldn’t respond,” she added.

Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Ed Osmond

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

67

Abolition of the away goals rule in all UEFA club competitions

F

ollowing the recommendation of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee and the UEFA Women’s Football Committee, the UEFA Executive Committee has approved a proposal to remove the so-called away goals rule from all UEFA club competitions (men, women and youth) as of the qualifying phases of the 2021/22 competitions.

The away goals rule was applied to determine the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where the two teams had scored the same number of goals on aggregate over the two matches.

In such cases, the team which had scored the higher number of goals away from home was considered the winner of the tie and qualified for the next round of the competition. If the two teams had scored the same number of goals at home and away at the end of normal playing time in the second leg, extra time was played, followed by kicks from the penalty mark if no goal was scored.

With the decision to remove this rule, ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs would be not decided on the number of goals scored away, but two 15-minute periods of extra time are played at the end of the second leg and in case the teams score the same number of goals or no goals during this extra time, kicks from the penalty mark would determine the team which qualifies to the next stage of the competition.

Since away goals would no longer be given additional weight to decide a tie, they would also be removed from the criteria used to determine the rankings when two or more teams are equal on points in the group stage i.e. the criteria applied to matches played by the teams in question. They would not be removed from the additional criteria applied to all group matches if the teams remain equal (higher number of away goals scored in all group matches), in order to retain a maximum number of sporting criteria.

Statistics from the mid-1970s until now show a clear trend of continuous reduction in the gap between the number of home/away wins (from 61%/19% to 47%/30%) and the average number of goals per match scored at home/away (from 2.02/0.95 to 1.58/1.15) in men’s competitions, whereas

68

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

since 2009/10, the average goals per game have remained very steady in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the overall average of 1.92 for home teams and 1.6 for away teams.

Many different factors may be considered as having an impact on this decline in home advantage. Better pitch quality and standardized pitch sizes, improved stadium infrastructure, higher security conditions, enhanced care of refereeing (and more recently the introduction of technological support such as GLT and VAR), wider and more sophisticated TV coverage of matches, more comfortable travel conditions, a compressed calendar dictating squad turnover, and changes in competition formats are all elements which have affected the way football is played and blurred the lines between playing at home and away.

Commenting on the abolishment of the away goals rule, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965. However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.”

Mr Čeferin added: “The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage. There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.”

“It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was,“ the UEFA President concluded.

“Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home.”

Gender test demanded for 200-meter silver Olympic medalist

G

ender test demanded for 200-meter silver Olympic medalist because she ran too fast, says former athlete Former Polish athlete Marcin Urbas has demanded that Namibian sprinter Christine Mboma, 18, go through a sex-affirming test because he cannot believe someone who can run her times is “definitely is a woman.”

Mboma won silver at the 200-meter sprint in Tokyo.

She was narrowly beaten to the gold medal by Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, who broke the world record for the women’s 200-meters with a time of just 21.53 seconds - 0.28 seconds faster than Mboma.

Her impressive speeds have led Urbas to question why she is better than him at that age: “I would like to request a thorough test on Mboma to find out if she definitely is a woman,” said Urbas.

Due to her high testosterone levels, Mboma is barred from competing in races between 400-meters and 1000-meters, as per the Olympic rules.

“The testosterone advantage of Mboma over other participants is seen with the naked eye. In construction, movement, technique, at the same time as speed and endurance. She has the parameters of an 18-year-old boy. At that age, my PB was 22.01, and she has done it in 21.97 in Tokyo,” Urbas told journalists Urbas is the Polish record holder for the 200-meters with 19.98 seconds. He is now a sprinting coach.

The difference in sexual development (DSD) debate has largely impacted Black African athletes, including Caster Semenya, Christine Mboma, and Beatrice Masilingi.

Indeed, the press reported last month that one of the women’s soccer’s most talented players, Tabitha Chawinga, says she was forced to strip on multiple occasions during matches in her home country to prove she was a woman.

Chawinga, from Malawi, but plays for Wuhan Jianghan University FC in the Chinese Women’s Super League, says she was first made to undress when she was just aged 13 while playing for a girls’ school team.

Her opponents did not believe she was female because of her physical appearance and her ability.

“I had never been so devastated and I cried at the embarrassment that I had been exposed to,” she told the press Whilst women like Mboma are challenged over their genetic makeup, US swimmer Michael Phelps- regarded as one of the greatest Olympians of all time with 23 gold medals - is considered blessed as a result of his health anomalies.

They include an abnormally large wingspan, a lack of lactic acid production, which reduces fatigue, and doublejointed ankles for a powerful paddle.

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

69

70

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

71

72

www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com