The Voice Achievers Award 2021 Honours Gambia's First Lady, Former Kenyan VP Stephen Kalonzo In Dubai, UAE.

By The Nigerian Voice
 A royal gift from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan presented by his aide, His Excellency Ahmed Elmetwally to the First lady of the Gambia
 A royal gift from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan presented by his aide, His Excellency Ahmed Elmetwally to the First lady of the Gambia

The Voice Achievers Award 2021 honours Gambia's First Lady, Former Kenyan VP Stephen Kalonzo in Dubai, UAE.

The wife of the President of The Republic of The Gambia, Her Excellency, Fatoumatta Bah- Barrow and the former Vice President of Kenya, Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka were among several other awardees recognized at the just concluded 12th edition of The Voice Achievers Award in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 19th September 2021.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Stands to honour the National anthem of U.A.E The Gambia at the opening ceremony

The awards were presented to these recipients by various personalities during an elaborate ceremony well attended by representatives of the Royal family and Emiratis.

This year’s event was chaired by His Highness; Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan who ably represented by his Private Secretary, His Excellency, Ahmed Elmetwally Mohamed and supported by many high profile personalities from the United Arab Emirates.

L-R: Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow in handshake with Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka (former Vice President of Republic of Kenya)

Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow dedicated the award to the children, women and vulnerable persons in the Gambia, promising to do more with the award as a booster dose, she appealed to the Emirate to join hands with government of The Gambia to accelerate the rapid growth witnessed in the past years of her husband's administration.

Guests stood for the national anthem of UAE, The Gambia and Kenya at the start of the ceremony

In a similar remark, the former Vice President of Republic of Kenya, Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka acknowledged the advancement of UAE and how it has become the 7th continent of the world with her brand of development and appealed that it was time to turn Africa to the lion of the world with the cooperation of United Arab Emirates. He thanked the organizers of the award, The Voice magazine, The Netherlands and the sponsors, KPMG for bridging the gap between UAE and Africa.

Ambassador Laila Rahhal and some female business associates with the First lady of the Gambia

The organizers described all the awardees as exceptional individuals and want the award to become a motivating factor for them to do more for the advancement of Africa.

The list of 2021 awardees was drawn from United Arab Emirates and Africa Continent. Many of the recipients have direct interest in Africa. There was a robust and excellent networking among guests and awardees during the event.

Mr Bruce Matthews (Partner, Performance Improvement/advisory, KPMG speaking at the award ceremony)

Dubai has shown leadership which has enhanced transparency and innovation in all spheres of the society. They are proud of promoting the Dubai Expo city 2020 which was delayed because of universal epidemic of coronavirus. However, they are now ready to showcase it to the world. The general public is hereby invited through the office of His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan to visit the city for business or leisure. Interested visitors will experience the wonders of once a desert turned into a flourishing global business hub.

L-R: Nader Haffar (Chairman/CEO, KPMG Lower Gulf, Dubai) presenting an award to Her Excellency, Fatoumatta Bah- Barrow, Gambian First lady and Mr. Elvis Iruh of The Voice Magazine

KPMG, the proud sponsors of this year's award has earmarked Africa and Asia as their next targets in the next 50 years for sustainable development and economic prosperity to help reduce poverty in Africa and universally.

The awards started in 2012 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands and has recognized over 250 recipients, including African businesses, individuals, friends of Africa, corporate organizations, governmental institutions and ordinary citizens contributing to the advancement of humanity in Africa.

The organizers, Amb. Elvis Iruh and co-host, Amb Laila Rahhal pose with VIP guests from United Arab Emirates

This year’s ceremony further promotes the development and strengthening of Africa and UAE relations by honouring distinguished personalities, companies and leaders that have exceptionally raised standards of competence and achievement and demonstrated unprecedented leadership and excellence. Others recognized at the ceremony includes H.I.M Empress Shebah Kasambu 'Ra, Queen Sheba III, Her Excellency, Shaikha Dr. Fatimah Tagwai Aji – FCMA, GOOA, Her Highness Deli Matsebula, (Queen of Ejura, Ghana- Obaahemaa Boahwenie), Mr. Abubakary Jawara, Her Excellency, Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Mohammed Dekkak, His Excellency, Awad Mohammad Sheikh Mogrin, Honorable, Dr. Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay, His Excellency, Dr. H.c. Raphael Nagel, His Excellency, Hon. Dr. Fahed Merehbi, His Excellency, Ahmed Elmetwally, Nadia Abdul Aziz, Dr. Maxwel Otieno Okoth, His Excellency, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Oasis Africa, Dr. Adewunmi Rufus Alayaki, His Excellency, Dr. Bonface Obare, Phd, Ms. Patience Nyange, Dr. Quudus Adegboyega Yusuff, His Excellency, Lord Rami Ranger, Mohammed Abdullah Alhaj Al Zaroni, Prof. Prince Waheed Musah, Dr. Abayomi Oluseye Olajide, Mr. Yasser Ali AlGergawi, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, Omar Tom, Mubarak Bin Fahad & Natasha Sideris.

Dibba Al Harbyah musical band from Dubai entertain guests at the award with beautiful Arabian music

Guests at the event were entertained by Dibba Al Harbyah muscial band from Dubai and multi-platinum award winning Nigerian musician/producer based in Dubai, SammYoung.

His Excellency, Jamal Al Jarwan (Secretary General of UAE International Investors Council)

The Voice Achievers' Award Committee and the entire award team heartily congratulate all the recipients for their laudable, creditable and meritorious feat. We thank the great people and the Leadership of the City of Dubai and the government of U.A.E for being a generous host.

Signed:
Ambassador Elvis Iruh (President - Chief Host)
Ambassador Laila Rahhal (Vice-President, Co-Host)
More information on the event can be obtained from:

www.thevoiceachieveraward.com
www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The Chief host and organizer of the award, Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh making a remark

Dr. Stephen, Kalonzo Musyoka (former Vice President of Kenya) accompanied to the venue by His Excellency Ahmed Elmetwally)

Sammyoung performing at the award ceremony