Readers laud great strides of Britain’s N0. 1 African newspaper
By Emmanuel Urhiofe – Britain’s N0.1 African newspaper, African Voice, is celebrating 19 years of readership, with its teeming admirers describing the bourgeoning tabloid as a consistent, courageous and poignant voice of the African and Black ethnic community.
The paper which debuted in 2001, has stood the test of time, having weathered the financial storm of 2007/2008, together with the debilitating impact of new social media, digital technology, the internet, as well as the new generic mobile technology – all of which have blighted the existence of many newspapers in the UK.
The gradual change to online readership in the media industry, leading to a reduction in physical sales of hard copies, were also major challenges that the African Voice had to deal with in recent years. Yet with all the challenges, coupled with the advent of new market competitors, the African Voice has been able to make giant strides in the UK media industry.
The global pandemic has also presented enormous challenges in term of the reduction of mass gatherings and events and consequently a reduction of income for most newspapers including African Voice.
Commentators across the ethnic divide have lauded the concept of the African voice newspaper, which had remained consistent in the past 19 years. The editorial concept has focused on the silent minority suffering from various social issues facing the black community ranging from police brutality, inequality, lack of equal opportunity, lack of access to health facilities, unemployment, poverty in the inner city and addiction.
The African Voice has also been very prominent in promoting the African Film Awards, an event that always attracted a large section of the African and Black community in the UK.
Recently the African Voice raised issues regarding the impact of Covid-19 on the ethnic minority population in the UK. It is gladdening to note that the government has started acting on the recommendations of the report.
Messages of support
The newspaper had continued to receive several messages of encouragement and support from prominent personalities, community leaders, educationists and stake holders in the UK black and ethnic community.
While lauding the successful longevity of the newspaper, some have extoled the paper as an authentic voice for the black community in the almost two decades of its existence, others have argued that the country should be grateful to the black community media for enriching the hitherto predominantly white community.
The main consensus by many readers is that while it is important for Britain to have a viable and strong African Voice as a signature tune for the black and ethnic community, it is also important for all black people to come together under one political umbrella to support the African Voice newspaper as a voice of liberation.
Founder & PR Consultant of Ariatu, a PR Firm based in London, Ronke Lawal said: “It is essential to amplify the rich and diverse voices of the African diaspora in Britain – whether born and/or raised here, our voices add a depth of history, culture and heritage that must not be erased. The erasure of our contributions serves to further marginalise and possibly even undermine the impact of our communities across the country. “
She continued “Though it is often seen as though Africans should somehow be grateful to be in Britain, I pose to all that this country should be grateful to Africans for all that they have done and continue to do to enrich Britain. Our voices speak for all facets of our communities.
Our diversity should unite us and by amplifying our stories, this unity will continue to be maintained.”
HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin said: “No one can tell the story of a place or a people, except the main actors. You must have sat where they sat, understood their challenges, felt their pains, shared their anxieties, recognised their struggles, embraced their joys & celebrated their achievements!
According to her, the African Voice newspaper has struggled to be strong in Britain, but sadly not heard; due to inability of policy makers and society to listen effectively and to engage the African community.
“So, there are stories that need to be told, experiences to be shared, faults to be accepted, apologies to be made, forgiveness to be offered and bridges to be built; to expediently provide space for the African Voice!”
Internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and multiple World Guinness record holder, Professor Chris Imafidon, said, “Currently the world is confronting multiple challenges that require to be approached from all directions. The diversity of thoughts, experiences, expertise that is uniquely available only from the African Voice newspaper is indispensable in meeting current and future challenges in all sectors of life
“History is ridden with various examples of the huge contributions to the societal success leadership, health education, entrepreneurship, technology and sport to name but a few. It will therefore, be an unquantifiable loss if the African Voice is ignored for any reason
Prof Imafidon, who is also a world-renowned advisor to monarchs, corporate leaders, presidents and government, added, “past innovations, inventions and interventions from African Voice newspaper are a testimony to the immediate and continued need for African Voice.”
Need to have a strong African voice and heritage
Former Mayor of Newham, Cllr. Joy Laguda said: “The importance for having a viable African voice in the UK cannot be over emphasised. Historically over the centuries, Africa was well known to the UK, as many African countries had been colonies of Britain in the form of master-servant connection or as trading partners etc.
“However, things have changed, since the UK lost her Empire. Many Africans have settled in the UK, and some have become citizens of the United Kingdom. They contribute equally to the development of the UK, pay taxes, and work in all spheres in the judicial systems, in the medical, education, the arts etc to mention a few
Africans and people of African descent should come together under one umbrella, just as those in the United States of America and be referred to as African British.
“They should be encouraged to participate in the governance of the UK by being more active in the politics of the country, and the young ones to be more active in sports of all kinds and in Education generally.
If these can be achieved the African voice will be heard and respected by all. We also need to support our own African Newspaper that is promoting, African heritage.
Congratulations to African Voice newspaper for making it up to 19 years. A great achievement.”
President, Society for Housing Professionals (Africa-wide), who is also a Housing Manager, Food Safety and Health and Safety Trainer of over 20 years in the UK, Mr Akintokunbo Adejumo agreed that there is a need for a strong and louder African Voice in the UK. Mr Adejumo who is also the former Country Director, Nigerian-UK Housing Society (NUHS) UK and African Housing Professional Association of Nigeria (AHPAN) said: “Over the decades, the voice of the ethnic communities, spanning Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the South Americas, have been increasing louder and stronger, thus enabling changes in the way the “original” British society view their presence, their jobs and entrepreneurship in the wider UK community.
He stressed further: “The need for a louder and stronger African voice in the UK cannot be overstated, and the African Voice Newspapers, have been at the forefront of promoting this for the past two decades. The African Voice newspapers, who’s medium I also contribute to as a Columnist/Writer has been at the fore of promoting Africa as a whole to the British eyes and perceptive, always in a positive light, and to let the British public be aware of the contributions of Africans to the society.
I have no doubt that the African Voice Newspapers will be up to the task in the next decade and beyond, God sparing all our lives.
I therefore join and congratulate Prince Mike Abiola, Publisher and the African Voice Newspapers team on this landmark 19th year of the establishment of this pioneering news media, by Africans, for Africans in the UK. “
Commenting in the same vein, Oluwayemisi Jenkins MBE, who is a career civil servant with over 22 year experience in strategic and operational delivery in the UK, and with a high passion for Diversity & Inclusions said: “There is a need for us to have a strong African voice in Britain to help promote and showcase the beauties of the African continent and its people living in Britain. Let us advocate for African Voice newspaper to be patronised by the UK Government. This will be beneficial to all communities, educating and raising awareness about Britain as well as the contributions of Africans to the development of Britain, which has been downplayed over the years. No one can tell our story like us.
We must also be willing to change our mindset and become more involved for our voices to be heard.
Prominent Chartered Accountant, who was former chairman of ICAN UK, former Treasurer of CANUK and Founder of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ronke Adeagbo followed the same trend of thought by advocating the need for a strong African Voice in Britain.
Mrs Adeagbo, who is also the founder of IA-Foundation, said: “The covid-19 lockdown has impacted the BAME disproportionately, reports suggest. Now more than ever is the time for the Black community to come together and address issues that hamper their socio-economic progress. Problems such as gang violence, drugs abuse and lack of good parental care, which often comes from broken homes, must be looked into.
Mrs Adeagbo stressed further: “The flip side of the solution would come from the government. Multiple surveys conducted by different sources indicate that black people suffer discrimination both institutionally and at individual levels. For instance, a BBC documentary aired in 2019 showed black people are less likely to be admitted to top U.K. universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
“Also, black people are less likely to land high paying jobs compared to other races. Why? Because of institutional racism. I think as blacks, we have significant population to demand change in policy that ensures we do not experience discrimination in the British society. The population of blacks in the UK, according 2011 census is 1.9mn (3 percent of UK’s population).
We can decide to use our strength in number by voting in bloc for the party that promises to be actively pro blacks. We should bloc-vote the party that promises to break down the barriers to house ownership. We should bloc-vote the party that promise to support our ways of raising families as Africans not parties that forcibly abduct our children and hand them over to foster parents. We should bloc-vote the party that penalise institutions that refuse to recognise the modern, diverse Britain. We should bloc-vote the party that promises to return billions of African asserts stashed in the UK by African politicians. We should bloc-vote the party that denies entry to African leaders who are corrupt and deny their citizens the most basics of human rights. In my view, this will make African Voice in Britain stronger.
According to her “With the Black Lives Matter campaign, Britain has never needed a stronger African voice. Africans are hard-working, brilliant, high fliers, high achievers, resilient, versatile, tenacious and intelligent. Yes, we have a few bad eggs, like any other race. But we are an asset to the UK economy. Nigerians are sustaining the health and social care sectors. In academia we are excelling. We are hardworking entrepreneurs. We are gaining ground politically. So why should our voice not be stronger. I am proud of Nigerians in the UK. African Voice newspapers, please keep the flag flying.
Resilience and quality
The African Voice newspaper has also been praised for its resilience and quality. Former African Voice News Editor, Emmanuel Urhiofe paid a glowing tribute to the 19-year old tabloid: “Since its inception, the African Voice newspaper has portrayed itself true to its name. The paper has been a voice for the black and ethnic community in the city of London.
“I have been privileged to work with the newspaper as Features and News Editor for the better part of 15 years, and over the years the paper has improved in terms of quality of coverage, news reporting, features and photo quality. The newspaper is still a leading voice for the ethnic community in the UK. Its online edition has further strengthened the readership to a wider audience globally.
“The African Voice has been resilient and had withstood the whirlwind of the economic recession of 2007/2008 as well as the current pandemic which has ravaged businesses all over England and the world in general. The newspaper has championed critical causes such as adoption, climate change, diversity, Nollywood and of recent, issues relating to how the black and ethnic minority (BAME) fared since the onset of the COVID- 19 pandemic.
“To the best of my knowledge, no other news medium in the UK has championed the cause of the popular Nollywood industry than the African Voice Newspaper. This is done through the annual African Film Awards event. I give credit, and encomiums for this resilience to the publisher and Editor-in Chief, Prince Mike Abiola. I am wishing the newspaper a happy 19th Anniversary
A voice for economic inequality
Mum, grandma, human, women and children’s rights advocate and solicitor with particular interest in public law concerning children of African descent Jenny Chika Okafor said: “The impact of COVID 19 infections and deaths on black Africans has again exposed the need for a very strong African voice in the UK.
“It is very clear that there is a great need for a platform that must explore the reasons for the social and economic inequalities which rendered black Africans more vulnerable to infections and deaths by Covid-19, than others.
“The social media remains a platform for instant reports and outcries over matters that concern us but because many things happen that soon overtake serious events that require sustained pressure on the British government, a newspaper like the African Voice remains a reference point for the sustenance and advancement of views that can be verified.”
Why The African Voice Must Be Heard in Britain
Cllr Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas who enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades in the public, first as a TV presenter and now a community communication consultant, turned activist and politician said there is need for the African Voice to be heard within the community said: “Having a voice is crucial. Being able to speak and to be heard are crucial parts of membership in a family, a community and in a society.
Records show that Black men and women have lived in Britain in small numbers since at least the 12th century, but it was the empire that caused our numbers to swell exponentially in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is high time we are accepted as full members of the British society.
Africans in the UK are economically, politically and socially active and we are making huge contributions to the UK and these contributions need to be acknowledged.
Cllr Fajana Thomas who is now a Member of Hackney Council and the former Speaker of the borough continued: “We have boosted the UK economy, cared for its people and produced some of its greatest athletes.
She stressed further: “Following the Second World War and The Windrush Generation of 1948, it was people of African descent that kept the nation moving and this can still be seen today on London’s transport. Black people are still pivotal in our domestic and hospitality industries too. In 2006 the then Labour Government claimed that the economic benefit gained from migrants, many of these Black, was £6 billion. Today, Britain has the world’s fifth-biggest economy –no mean feat for a small island nation. And, it is Black African people and the legacy of immigration that have helped the country to achieve this successful economic status.
“One of the biggest areas in which African people have contributed to the UK is through its health service. There is a long list of health professionals who have cared for the sick and injured in the UK.
African Britons have always been active in sports and have competed at the top of their game in many disciplines. Without the contribution of the likes of Mo Farah Britain would not have achieved its greatest athletic success during the 2012 Olympics, achieving a record 29 gold medals.
“Many aspects of our culture have been absorbed in mainstream Britain. For instance, it is no longer uncommon to hear songs interspersed with pidgin English or Yoruba on mainstream radio or on TV music charts.
Today in the UK, because of the influence of Africans, you will hear conversations about jollof rice, see our Ankara/ African prints dresses in High Street shops, including a luxury shop like Harrods.”
Ayan De First a.k.a Mr Culture, a multi Awards winner and African cultural Ambassador, the first premier Talking drummer in Europe who has performed for Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Charles at St James’s Palace said,
“The African Voice newspaper plays a huge role in our community as it brings us together as Africans with quality information about our different personal lifestyles as well as political affairs.
The African Voice newspaper since 2001 has showcased many Africans based on different careers and given platforms to display their talents of which l am a beneficiary. Basically African Voice newspaper can be classified as a reliable source of information. Another good things about African Voice newspaper is that it is free and available at different locations.”
Toeing the same line of thought, Dr Ruth Oshikanlu MBE who is a Queen’s Nurse, Nurse entrepreneur, parenting expert, health visitor and midwife as well as author of the book Tune In To Your Baby: Because Babies Don’t Come with An Instruction Manual said: “As healthcare professional, I am passionate about ensuring Africans have a strong voice in Britain. Many Africans work in The National Health Service (NHS), one of the largest employers in the world, and the biggest in Europe.
Dr Ruth who is also the Executive Director of Goal Mind Coaching Consultancy as well as being a Fellow of The Royal College of Nursing said: “The enormous contributions Africans have made and continue to make to the NHS and the economy is well known.
According to her, the first Black Nurse to work in the NHS, Kofoworala Abeni Pratt was a Nigerian who left a legacy for many of us. Many Africans have followed in her footsteps and have become outstanding leaders in their various industries. Our voices need to be heard and our contributions to British society celebrated.
Encomiums and congratulations to the African Voice on this occasion.
Prominent author Mavis Amankwah, better known as is a British-Ghanaian powerhouse, with her expertise spanning public relations, marketing, investment and mentoring added to the commendations
She said: “An African presence in the UK can be traced back as far as Roman Britain. Since then Africans have helped to build this country in all areas, as shown by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising. They estimate that the spending power of Black Britons is worth £300 billion, and much of this can be attributed to Black Africans.
Mavis whose book titles include Entrepreneur, Public Speaker and Diversity Ambassador, stressed that “If businesses want to grow, if they want to harness the power of the black consumer, African voices must be heard in the UK and Black African female entrepreneurs will be at the forefront of this.”
Together we are stronger
In his statement, Chair of CIPD South London and Board Member at Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, Dr Dayo Olomu, said: “The history of black people is rich in the United Kingdom – from the depth of slavery to the height of accomplishments. While black people are now leaders, movers and shakers in many cities and towns that dotted the streets of United Kingdom, there is still more we can do.
More than ever there is need for a strong African voice in Britain. Let us join hands and come together because collaborative effort is the core of our heritage.
Dr Dayo, who is also a renowned international motivational speaker, human capital development expert, bestselling author, mindfulness enthusiast and mental health champion added: “On May 25, 1963 the Organization for African Unity (OAU) was established with a permanent headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, was selected as the first President of the OAU.
In his closing remarks he said: “If we succeed in the tasks which lie before us, our names will be remembered and our deeds recalled by those who follow us. If we fail, history will puzzle at our failure and mourn what was lost.”
Stella-Maris Ideh, Managing Director of Bantuway Limited, a UK’s no 1 butcher specialising in selling chicken, meat, fish and pluvera, as well as being a one-stop shop for meat, fish and poultry congratulated the giant strides of the African Voice.
Stella-Maris who gave up Journalism to become the first female African Licensed butcher in the UK, with branches in London and Manchester said she is proud of the African Voice at 19. She said hard is the key.
She and her husband own the only EU cutting plant in Europe with 3 licenses to cut and pack meat, fish and poultry under one roof. They introduced into the UK; clean gutted fishes, Authentic African goat meat, smoked turkey.
She said: “I am elated and encouraged by the consistency of the African Voice newspaper”
Cllr Sunny Lambe, FCIM FRSA said: “The need for a strong African Voice in Britain cannot be overemphasised considering how much negative reporting about Black people and Africans in the mainstream media.
“Sadly, many people still think Africans walk with tails in our backs. Worst still, some still think Africa is a country rather than a continent of more than 10 times the size of Europe and Asia combined.
“In order to challenge this age long negative image of Africa and Africans, I have championed the African cause in numerous ways over the past few decades which encouraged me to dedicate my MBA thesis ‘A Proposal for African Common Market by the Year 2000’ to the same course in order to open our eyes and minds to the kind of image of African and Africans we wish to project to the outside world, including how to successfully challenge the stereotype.
“This further led me to the formation of the Confederation of African Professionals UK and numerous other Afrocentric projects and initiatives.
“I’m extremely proud to be associated with the African Voice Newspaper and it’s publishers who have committed their lives and resources to the promotion of positive image of Africa and Africans, both at home and in the Diaspora.
Congratulations and well done to Prince Mike Abiola and his editorial team on the 19th anniversary of the African Voice Newspaper.
I wish you and the editorial team many more successful years to come.
Keep up the great work of providing an effective voice for African and Africans in the Diaspora. Long live African Voice Newspaper!
Mrs Ronke Alli Udofia said: “This is a very important and in my opinion perfect time for the bellowing voice of the Africans in diaspora – The heady combination of Black Lives matter, the revealing of the naked unpalatable and exploitative guilty truth of colonialism and the possible lucrative opportunities for the African continent post Brexit”
Event Management expert for various Ghana activities in the diaspora, Ghana Party in the Park, Miss Ghana UK Beauty Pageant and Akwaabauk Events, Dennis Tawiah said: “African Voice newspaper has been an excellent source of information for us Africans living in the diaspora.
“When we needed to get our clients message across to the community, African Voice provided us with their platform. Always remember Mike advice on other activities our clients can do within the community to get their message. African Voice has served the community very well and long may this continue”
In another message of support, Vicky Osei who is a young clinical research associate by profession based in the UK with a passion for youth development and currently working with First Step Ghana and other projects in Ghana said: “It’s an honour to be celebrating the 19th year anniversary of African Voice the team have delivered. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to write an article titled ‘Africa is Wakanda’ in 2018.
“This celebration comes at a perfect time where our voices have been heard around the world and it’s a great opportunity to acknowledge and praise our community through the African Voice platform. Thank you African Voice! We celebrate you on your 19th Anniversary!”
Congratulatory messages to the community-focused newspaper at 19 also came from Dr. Abbey AkinoshunCEO EERAS consulting and former Clinical Service Manager/Matron at the National Health Service, Chief Ayo Oyebade an Accountant; Blogger (ayooyebade.com); a Rotarian; Finance Secretary of Ondo Union UK and Finance Secretary of CANUK. HRH Prince Tade Olusile a recognised with Outstanding Good Samaritan Lifesaver EPRA 2019 Award and a recipient of NELAS Leadership Award For Entrepreneur 2019. Susie Retty is a Journalist, social worker and IT consultant who is the host of her talk show called “Realities a moment with Susie”.
In his congratulatory message, Segun Martins Fajemisin Chief Information Officer of Infomediaworks Limited said, “Tall oaks from little acorns grow, as the saying goes. I am delighted to celebrate leading Black British newspaper, African Voice, as the media outlet first published in 2001 marks the 19th year of pushing the frontiers of news and events coverage for diasporic Africa.
Considering the enormous challenges besetting the publishing industry, that a newspaper has not only surmounted the odds but continues to fly the flag successfully to date is no mean feat.
It is reason enough to congratulate, without an iota of reservation, the publisher, Prince Mike Abiola, as well as the management and the entire team.
African Voice has not only provided a platform for niche reportage but has always stepped up to the plate with ardour and robustness in the face of emergent and daunting challenges, thereby making the community proud.
The newspaper also deserves to be celebrated for spearheading other community-oriented enlightenment projects such as talks, symposia and advocacy on often critical and pertinent issues affecting Black British.
Here’s wishing African Voice, its executives, management and staff many more successful and resourceful years ahead.”
The need for a strong African Voice in Britain
Iyamide Thomas, a chemistry graduate and NHS Engagement Lead for the UK Sickle Cell Society who is passionate about her Sierra Leonean Krio history and culture said, “As Africans we have a historical stake in Britain, for the sweat and toil of our enslaved ancestors helped build this country. We fought on the side of Britain in both world wars and have made large contributions (some pioneering) in fields such as medicine, law, religion, education, politics and sport. Yet Africans still face discrimination, racism and inequalities highlighted recently by the Black Lives Matter movement and COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for Africans to have a stronger voice to redress such issues, through local and national politics and community action. ‘African Voices Matter’!”.
Ade Daramy a Sierra Leonean journalist, broadcaster, social commentator, motivational speaker and media trainer in a telephone message congratulated African Voice team on the milestone.
In his commendation to African Voice Newspaper, Amir Bagwanje the Coordinator of the newly formed Northern Awareness Movement (NAM), a Diaspora group aiming to educate northerners with the help of technology said, “There is need for a strong African Voice in Britain: The covid-19 lockdown has impacted the BAME disproportionately, reports suggest. Now more than ever is the time for the Black community come together and address issues that hamper their socio-economic progress. Problems such as gang violence, drugs abuse and lack of good parental care which often comes from broken homes must be looked into.
The flip side of the solution would come from the government. Multiple surveys conducted by different sources indicate that black people suffer discrimination both institutionally and at individual levels. For instance, a BBC documentary aired in 2019 showed black people are less likely to be admitted to top U.K. universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Also, black people are less likely to land high paying jobs compared to other races. Why? Because of institutional racism. I think as blacks, we have significant population to demand change in policy that ensures we do not experience discrimination in the British society. The population of blacks in the UK, according 2011 census is 1.9mn (3 percent of UK’s population). We can decide to use our strength in number by voting in bloc for the party that promises to be actively pro blacks. We should bloc-vote the party that promises to break down the barriers to house ownership. We should bloc-vote the party that promise to support our ways of raising families as Africans not parties that forcibly abduct our children and hand them over to foster parents. We should bloc-vote the party that penalise institutions that refuse to recognise the modern, diverse Britain. We should bloc-vote the party that promises to return billions of African asserts stashed in the UK by African politicians. We should bloc-vote the party that denies entry to African leaders who are corrupt and deny their citizens the most basics of human rights. In my view, this will make African Voice in Britain stronger.”
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