Rewriting African History: The Voice Achievers Awards Netherlands’ 2023 – A Daring Recap of Excellence!

The Voice Achievers Award 2023 once again illuminated a grand celebration of outstanding achievements, unwavering resilience, and the rich tapestry of African culture. The dazzling event took place at Victory House in Almere, The Netherlands, on September 29, 2023, serving as the pinnacle of the Voice magazine’s 24th-anniversary festivities. The preceding day, September 28, 2023, witnessed the commencement of the proceedings with a Business Forum themed “Unleashing the Power of Diversity for Africa’s Progress.” Eminent speakers explored a wide range of subjects pertaining to conducting business both within and beyond the African continent. The engaged audience actively partook in these discussions, culminating in the unveiling of a special publication, “104 Inspiring Africans in the Netherlands,” by the Voice magazine.

Dr. Mona al Mansouri, a celebrated and distinguished fashion luminary and entrepreneur hailing from Dubai, along with Dr. Dayo Duyile from Nigeria, Dr. Mostafa Hadhood from Egypt, Zaineb el Kadiri from Morocco, and Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, were all bestowed with the honor of being inducted as Patrons of the Voice Achievers Award. These notable individuals were among the esteemed honorees celebrated during the 13th edition of the Voice Achievers Award.

 

Dr. Mona al Mansouri, renowned for her unwavering dedication to her craft, was hailed as a person with a heart of compassion. Her impassioned speech at the event garnered a standing ovation from the rapt audience.

In her address, she expressed immense delight in her mission to support and empower young individuals, thereby playing a role in global development and the fulfillment of long-suppressed dreams. Dr. Al Mansouri committed to using this recognition as a catalyst for additional transformative endeavors. She called upon those blessed by fortune to unite with organizations like the Voice magazine in strengthening assistance for the less fortunate.

 

Dr. Mona further pledged her commitment to future celebrations, with a pledge to sponsor a global Fashion Show in honour of The Voice Magazine’s 25th anniversary. She also extended her support to the forthcoming award ceremony in Egypt, an idea proposed by Dr. Mostafa Hadhood.

 

Another remarkable highlight of the evening was the induction and recognition of Engineer Ifeoluwa Oyedele as the inaugural Patron of The Voice Achievers Award Inc.

Another notable highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Africa Courage Award to philanthropist Dr. Joseph Ohens. Dr. Ohens’ extraordinary philanthropic endeavors deeply resonated with the audience, evoking widespread applause and admiration. During his acceptance speech, he recounted how he and his team in the United States of America successfully raised a substantial sum of 1.5 million dollars to fund seven new projects at his former secondary school, ACCIOBA, in Nigeria. Among these projects scheduled for commissioning on October 21, 2023, are a state-of-the-art hostel complex, the Principal’s residence, the Corpers Lodge, a school library, a 20-bed medical center, staff quarters, water supply systems, new paved roads, and college fencing, among other initiatives.

Other distinguished awardees were Dr. Joke Bakare, Her Excellency Shaikha, Dr. Fatimah Tagwai Aji-FMCA, GOOA, Dr. Pauline Long, Dr. Barryl Biekman, Dr. Ernst Josef Franzek, Kalin Modev-Krata Holiday, Dr. Beatrice Lukose, Nikki Samonas, Fester Imoh, Godian Ejiogu, Madelon Grant, Ingabire Delphine, Rev. Dr. Raffic Osman, Sainey Jabbi, Lucy Den Teuling, Nyima Jadama, Amos Odhiambo Onyango, Haidy Bijnaar, Aichetou Mefire Njoya, Patience Odeh-Gerrits, Sir Nikolay Sharkov, Vice Versa Global, Caroline Omondi-Pouw, Philip Kahindi Kadenge, Malaika Oringo, Babah Tarawally, Lara Gureje-Oderinde, Jerry Fisayo Bambi, Dr. Aminu Musa Audu, Princess Monivi Amamieye, Winifred Uloaku Gaillard, Nelson Samuel Carrilho, Joyce Adams, Nice Lengéte, and Marylyn Marthins.

The event was enriched with captivating performances by Djembe Band Zamana from Cameroon, Uniekgrace, and Donna Daniel, an 18-year-old Nigerian-Dutch rap artist. Mr. Ikechukwu Mcdonald Azuatalam and Angela Unufe-Kennedy were the anchors and co-anchors of the event. They also received commendation for their stellar contributions to the ceremony.