A Netherlands-based publication, The Voice News Magazine, is preparing to honour 35 distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their contributions at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the Publisher of the magazine, Pastor Elvis Iruh, said: “This award event, which will be held in Nigeria, is the 14th edition. After successfully hosting events in the Netherlands several times, as well as in Dubai, Kenya, and The Gambia, I felt it was time to come home.”
“I know and understand the challenges at home, but I felt we should still celebrate our hard work and legacy, and look beyond the problems to keep hope alive. A people without hope is dead; we would continue to play our part to keep hope alive.
“We are organising this in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy in Nigeria, and our Diaspora partners,” he stated.
The event is expected to feature a panel session with notable personalities, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa-German Information Centre in Germany, Dr. Kenneth Gbandi, and the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, Michel Deelen.
Another speaker, Berneditha Rijssel-Omusuo, who will address the theme ‘Leveraging the Africa Diaspora for Nigeria’s economic development,’ noted the importance of knowledge sharing and closer ties with Nigerians abroad.
She said: “We are sharing knowledge, and I believe, hopefully, in the next 10 years, Nigerians in the diaspora will come home frequently.
“What I love about women is that they are always ready to help others. This time, we are going to the rural areas to provide them with Christmas goody bags during the business dialogue.
“We are not waiting for the government, and as such, we have decided to pool our resources together to make an impact among these women. It would be inspiring, motivating and fulfilling with fun.”
