By Milton Tella – In a bid to reinforce its leading role as the flagship newspaper and the voice of the African diaspora in the United Kingdom, the African Voice is expanding its horizon with the inclusion of new creative minds into its Editorial Board.
African Voice, Britain’s N0.1 African Newspaper has announced the addition of some of the best brains from the continent and the diaspora as members of its news team, guest columnists and editorial board.
Commenting on the new board, Prince Mike Abiola, Editor in Chief said: “The newly assembled editorial board members are bringing onboard their experiences in academia and other professional attainment to shape the aspirations and integration of our readers into modern Britain.
I am absolutely delighted to welcome these leading experts in their various fields offering to bring valuable articles and opinion pieces to the newspaper.”
African Voice Newspaper has been serving the diaspora community since 2001. The newspaper is a bridge linking the UK’s fastest growing African diaspora and the rest of the world.
African Voice is a UK-based newspaper that primarily focuses on news, events, and stories related to the African diaspora and the continent of Africa. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, current affairs, business, culture, entertainment, and community-related issues affecting Africans living in the UK and abroad.
This newspaper serves as a platform to highlight African perspectives, promote dialogue, and provide insights into African communities and their contributions to the global landscape. It often features articles, interviews, opinions, and analysis related to African affairs, aiming to connect the African diaspora and foster a sense of community while informing readers about pertinent issues.
The African Voice newspaper seeks to offer a voice to the African community in the UK, offering news coverage that reflects the diversity, achievements, challenges, and aspirations of individuals and communities of African descent within the UK and across the African continent.
The 2024 newly assembled 10-member African Voice Editorial board are:
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a distinguished figure acclaimed for his multifaceted expertise in academia, management, and consulting. His distinguished career as a Pastor, Professor, and management consultant has been marked by exemplified leadership and adept communication skills. Known for his exceptional knowledge and influence in general management, cyber security, theology, information and communication technology (ICT), and management, he has achieved international recognition in these fields.
Professor Ademola’s extensive contribution to education is underscored by his stellar role as an esteemed lecturer and seminar leader. Additionally, his remarkable tenure as a lead examiner and assessor for a prominent UK awarding body, spanning over three decades, further attests to his expertise in education. His authorship and regular review work for distinguished journals in cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and Leadership and Management further underscore his exceptional command over these areas.
Beyond academia, Professor Ademola has held key leadership roles across public, private, and voluntary sectors in various international settings. He actively contributes to charitable and educational initiatives, including the University of Ibadan Nigeria/Power-Age Christian College inter-border Partnership Project and the PROFESSOR ADEMOLA OJO EMMANUEL FOUNDATION. His diverse expertise and extensive involvement in these fields solidify his reputation as a highly influential and respected figure in education, leadership, management, and cyber security.
As the first Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and the first professor of African descent to attain Chartered Manager Status, Professor Ademola has left an indelible mark in the realm of AI, Cybersecurity, Tech leadership, and Management. His research pursuits at the confluence of AI, Cybersecurity, and Tech leadership and Management, position him as a trailblazer in these domains. Moreover, his innovative initiative, #TechEMAvision, underpins his dedication to advancing these critical areas and reflects his pioneering contributions.
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola’s incomparable work in AI, Cybersecurity, Tech leadership, and Management, alongside his groundbreaking achievements, stand as a testament to his pioneering status and exceptional impact in these vital domains. Professor Ademola is a columnist & editorial board member.
Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi, MBBS, FRCOG, FWACS, FRSPH, MFCI, FIIM, MBA, SMFMLM, LL.M (Medical Law), a medical doctor and creative professional, a proponent of the therapeutic benefits of arts in medicine.
Jaiyesimi is the Group Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety and Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mid and South Essex University Hospitals UK and Visiting Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He was formerly visiting professor, Faculty of Health, University of Sunderland, UK. He is a global health expert and medical expert witness.
His interest in arts and culture spread over decades, acting in Sweeney Todd in 1966, working as an on-air live presenter at the Radio Nigeria, Ibadan in 1976/77 and appearing on other radio programmes and small stage plays. He was an independent disc jockey in the 1970s and 1980s.
An accomplished poet and a published author, his works include, Relentless, Furrowed and Burrowed, Mother, Abiku, Hope and Glory, Before the War, Here I Come, Fifty Teardrops, The Days of Bondage, My Voice Has Broken, among others.
He has written ‘Forewards’ for books and commentaries on published works by other authors. He uses his creative skill as a medium for socio-political justice. He is a John Maxwell Team certified Coach, a motivational speaker and a well sought after speaker, nationally and internationally.
Professor Jaiyesimi is a Director, Independent Judge for the 2023 Caribbean Global Awards. He was a participant at the World Speech Day, Accra in 2022 and the Chairman, Board of Directors, C. Hub Magazine Creative African Award in 2016.
A multi-award winner, his awards include, Creative Arts award, in recognition of excellence in creativity (2015), Lifetime Achievement Award, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2018), The UK National BAME Health & Care Lifetime Achievement Award for Healthcare, (2023) and Nigerian National Diaspora Merit Award in Medicine and Healthcare (2023). He has featured in several magazines, recognising his contributions to society. His interests include stage theatre production, music, photography, cloud spotting and philately.
Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi is an Ambassador for the African Voice Newspaper, columnist & editorial board member.
Professor Chris Imafidon is Chair of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee STEM/Education programme; Co-Chair,ExcellenceInEducation.org.uk Programme; Renowned Adviser to Monarchs, Governments, Presidents, and Corporate Leaders; and Wall Street Journal Best Selling author & Mentor, New York Times Selling author. He is a multi-Guinness world record holder who has mentored multi-millionaires from diverse groups, and described by The Telegraph newspaper, as a leading expert on AI.
Chris Imafidon and his team published their 2009 experimental work on artificial neural networks, the foundations of modern AI. This appeared in the International Journal of Advanced Research in Artificial Intelligence. Since then, Chris Imafidon has leveraged AI push the boundaries of achievement in every field of human endeavour.
As Chair of the record breaking ExcellenceInEducation.org.uk programme, he deployed AI tools to accelerate and gamify the teaching and training of students to understand complex concepts in 2011. He is one of the first people to publicly link between technology, automation and AI as deployed in driverless vehicles in 1987 via London’s DLR and later using technology for ticketing on public transport (Case Study: The Oyster Card). He is the editor of the first ever royal biography authored by AI which hit multiple best-seller lists, long before ChatGPT, or popular AI. He has deployed AI to break world records. According to leading experts, in 2014, ‘Cornell University’, USA adopted Imafidon et al’s pioneering work as their ‘Bible’ for research, teaching, training and consultancy in technology (Artificial Neural Networks – ANN).” Earlier last year, he chaired the King Charles III’s Coronation lecture series on “How Artificial Intelligence will revolutionise education and employment as well as entrepreneurship”.
He is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author; a Sunday Times op-ed author; a mentor to New York Times Bestsellers; and a 5X International bestselling author. He chaired Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s platinum Jubilee STEM Programme. Leading experts and media dubbed him, “Head of Britain’s Brainiest Family, after his children and protégés broke multiple world records”. Based on Amazon, the giant online publisher, Professor Chris Imafidon needs little introduction, because High Profile Magazine describes Chris Imafidon as a “Multi-Guinness World Record holder; and internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders”
In 2014, Professor Chris Imafidon was listed in Worldwide WHO’S WHO of Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. A few months later, Imafidon was named as one of the top 100 influential leaders in the UK in the last 100 years. Recently, Prof Imafidon was listed as 13th in the world’s most reputable and influential 100 black leaders, ahead of presidents, CEOs, Olympians and other achievers. He is named in the World Book of Greatness of 2020.
Professor Chris Imafidon is an Ambassador for the African Voice Newspaper, columnist & editorial board member.
Olatunji Ogunyemi, PhD, is a Professor of Journalism at the School of Film, Media and Journalism, University of Lincoln, UK. He is the convener of multidisciplinary Journalism Education and Trauma Research Group (JETREG) and Media of Diaspora Research Group (MDRG). He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communication Arts at Bowen University, Nigeria.
Ogunyemi is a member of the AHRC Peer Review College (PRC) and the College of Mentors at the Council for the Development of Social Research in Africa (CODESRIA). Ogunyemi regularly publishes articles in journals and chapters in edited books and is the founder/principal editor of the journal of Global Diaspora and Media. Professor Ola Ogunyemi is a member of the editorial board of African Voice Newspaper.
Iyamide Thomas is a Sierra Leonean chemistry graduate of King’s College, London. Iyamide is the Sickle Cell Society’s NHS Engagement Lead for the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Screening Programme, helping to improve the quality of life of individuals and families affected by sickle cell.
Iyamide’s passion to showcase her unique Krio heritage and its link to British history led her to initiate and co-curate a Krio exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands and collaborate on heritage projects with the British Library and Mayor of London Office. She has vast experience of print and broadcast media, including with African Voice.
Iyamide Thomas is an Ambassador for the African Voice Newspaper, a columnist & editorial board member.
Golda John, a UK based, Nigerian born veteran award-winning television, stage and film actress has appeared in numerous films, theatre productions in Britain and internationally.
Golda holds a BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Plymouth and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Golda has taken part in international cultural exchange programmes and productions that toured Brazil, Mexico, Jamaica and Germany. Golda was a famous face on Nigeria’s Television Authority in the 90s with TV series such as Mirror In The Sun, Checkmate, Village Headmaster and Family Ties. Golda is one of the pioneers of Nigeria’s fast growing film industry, Nollywood.
Golda debut on British stage in 1997 with Tickets & Ties at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, She had been in several other productions that went on national tour, Almeida Theatre & West End.
In February 2008, at an All-Star Gala held at Theatre Royal Stratford East on the 10th anniversary of Tiata Fahodzi, she was honoured as a leader of British-African theatre.
Golda has taken part in several films including: Fantastic Fear of Everything (Universal Pictures) Family Legacy, (NHS, Sickle Cell Campaign) Gone Too Far (Rouges Pictures) and others.
Golda is a professional African storyteller and her critical review of theatre and films has enriched the entertainment content and cultural rich mix of the African Voice Newspaper. Golda John is the arts director and editorial board member of the African Voice Newspaper.
Pastor Michael Olufemi Adekoya is a writer, author, publisher and shepherd of many souls.
He was ordained as a Pastor in 2001 after obtaining a Diploma in Theology at the International Bible Training Institute, (IBTI) Burgess Hill, Middlesex, England in 1996. He has been pastoring CAC Solution Centre, Kent, UK since 16th June 2006.
Pastor Michael O. Adekoya is currently the District Superintendent of CAC Solution Centre District, Swancombe, Kent. He is happily married with promising and God loving children. He is a passionate preacher and writer of the Word of God, he is an enthusiastic man of God, a Church Pastor, a businessman as well as a mental health specialist. He loves to live his life as a token of gratitude to God and for the finished work of our Lord Jesus.
Pastor Adekoya had his first degree in Philosophy at the Nigeria first University, University of Ibadan in 1990. He also has a Masters degree in Mental Health at Christ Church University, Canterbury in 2021, which allows him to be working effectively and efficiently with the homeless and vulnerable people in the Kent area.
He has been a gospel columnist with the African Voice Newspaper for nearly two decades now. His desire is for everyone to hear, understand and to accept the gospel in the simplest form and to keep on growing in their faith. He is well known around the Christian arena for his practicalities, down to earth, integrity, openness, honesty and uncompromising preaching and lifestyle.
Michael Olufemi Adekoya is a columnist & editorial board member of the African Voice Newspaper.
Akintokunbo ADEJUMO is a writer and contributor of topical issues and politics affecting Nigeria and Africa.
Adejumo attended the University of Ibadan, 1975-1979; University of Manitoba, Canada, 1981-85, Chartered Management Institute, UK, 2005/06. Housing Manager; Food Safety; Health and Safety Trainer and Consultant of over 30 years in the UK
He was former President, Society for Housing Professionals (Africa-wide); former Country Director, Nigerian-UK Housing Society (NUHS) UK and African Housing Professional Association of Nigeria (AHPAN); Associate, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, UK; Member, Chartered Institute of Housing, UK; Fellow, Institute of Tourism Professionals; and Global Coordinator, Champions For Nigeria, a non-for-profit organisation registered in both the UK and Nigeria, with a global membership and presence.
Akintokunbo was a founding member and pioneer publicity secretary of Egbe Ifesemule ati Ilosiwaju Ede Yoruba, (Society for the Advancement of Yoruba Language and Culture) UK; Pioneer Member, Oluyole Progressive Union, UK & Ireland.
Akin is also a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Oyo State Command, and Member, Enablers Diaspora Grassroot Support Outreach, a UK and Nigeria Charitable Organisation that impacts lives positively, alleviate sufferings and poverty and promote Heath and Well-being not only in Nigeria, but in the UK, USA and South Africa.
Ambassador Akintokunbo Adejumo is an Ambassador for the African Voice, columnist & editorial board member.
Olakunle Agboola is a UK Certified Digital Storyteller/Journalist. He has more than a decade of experience in media production working as a TV/Film Producer, Director, and Video editor, meeting the needs of different media organizations across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Olakunle has focused on African development through political ideology, and he has widely travelled around Africa reporting, researching, and interviewing high-profile political gladiators. He is the brain behind Africa 2050 and the team lead of the circle media plus.
Olakunle Agboola, Editor At Large & Editorial Board Member.
Prince Mike Abiola is a British Nigerian journalist/publisher, author, entrepreneur, arts enthusiast and philanthropist.
Mike Abiola had a professional career in aviation, spanning over a decade in civil aviation, he obtained Aircraft Maintenance Engineering License from Zaria, Nigeria, a full license in Auto-pilot Systems in Oxford Air Training Institute, United Kingdom. Mike Abiola also obtained a BSc (Hons) Degree in Oil and Gas Management from the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom.
Mike’s passion for film, arts, culture and entertainment led him into the practice of journalism.
He started off with Nigerian Videos Magazine in 1994, a forty-eight page A4 glossy magazine that provided the lovers of the nascent Nigerian film industry with film reviews, updates on coming films and behind the scene gist on the practitioners.
In 2001, Abiola subsequently founded the African Voice Newspaper in the UK to give the British Africans a strong voice at a time when some UK mainstream newspapers were stereotyping most Africans as economic migrants. African Voice was able to showcase the contributions of many African professionals who were adding value to the British economy in areas such as medicine, engineering, aviation, science, business, technology etc.
Mike is the founder of the African Film Awards formerly known as Afro Hollywood Awards, an organization that promotes excellence in the film industry in Africa.
The awards initiative, which he started in 1996 has remained the longest and pioneering rewards system in the emerging Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood.
Mike has since been at the forefront of developing the film industry in Africa. He pioneered the popularity of Nollywood in the UK and Europe.
Since setting up the African Voice Media Group in 2001, Mike Abiola has undertaken several courses in Journalism, New Media, Publishing, Leadership, Advertising and Marketing Management.
Mike Abiola is listed as one of the 100 outstanding Nigerians in the United Kingdom in the last 100 years by Nigerian Centenary Awards UK.
Mike is also listed as one of the top 50 most successful Africans in the UK with a niche market product patronised by the mainstream.
Mike Abiola is a multi-award winner. He has received many awards for his community leadership and professional works. Mike was awarded the 2021 Ambassadors Award by the organisers of the Nigeria British Awards, UK. He is a recipient of the Committed Media Professional Award 2022, an additional accolade for his contributions to the development of multicultural media in the UK.
Prince Mike Abiola is the Chairman and Chief Executive of African Voice Media Group UK.
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