AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 84

FOR THE SOUL OF

STRUGG NIGERIA 2023 AND BEYOND

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ove r

over

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Bukola Dada

Seline Ekewek

REGIONAL OFFICE: NIGERIA: Suite S9, Vatan Plaza Lokogoma Junction, Abuja.

Tel.: +2347025003543; +2347025003544

SOUTH AFRICA: 53, Kalypso Naivasha Road, Sunninghill Gauteng 2191 Tel.: +27619420421 africanpeacemag@gmail.com www.africanpeace.org ISSN 2360-8919

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FRICAN PEACE MAGAZIN

Content

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EDITOR’S NOTE It is to be noted that by 2050, Africa is projected to house more than 2.2 billion people, making up over half of the global population.

How can we then achieve prosperity and peace in the continent?

Nigeria, an African country on the Gulf of Guinea, has many natural landmarks and wildlife reserves. Protected areas such as Cross River National Park and Yankari National Park have waterfalls, dense rainforest, savanna, and rare primate habitats. One of the most recognizable sites is Zuma Rock, a 725m-tall monolith outside the capital of Abuja that’s pictured on the national currency. With a population of over 200 Million according to Google Insecurity and terrorism have been a major challenge to the Nigerian government in recent times. This has led to the loss of lives and properties, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. Some of these activities include bombing, suicide bomb attacks, sporadic shooting of unarmed and innocent citizens, burning of police stations, and churches, kidnapping of school girls and women, etc.

Kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, and political crises, murder, destruction of oil facilities by Niger Delta militants along with the attacks carried out by Fulani Herdsmen on some communities in the North and South have been another major insecurity challenge facing the country. Nigeria has been included among one of the terrorist countries of the world. Many lives and properties have been lost and a large number of citizens rendered homeless. Families

have lost their loved ones. Many women are now widows. Children become orphans with no hope for the future. This has implications for national development. The Government over the years had made frantic efforts to tackle these challenges posed by terrorism and insecurity in the country and put an end to it but the rate of insurgency and insecurity is still alarming.

Hopes were very high when President Buhari took office, but unfortunately, the realities are not the same, rather things have gotten worse.

The 2023 elections are here, just around the corner, the elections have huge implications for the continued peaceful co-existence of Nigeria.

We have seen many predictions and statements alleging that Nigeria is a failed state. But we at African Peace Magazine, are very optimistic that things can turn around for the better.

In this edition, we explore the value, importance and implication of the 2023 elections.

To face its reality, and create a future it can be proud of, Africa must begin addressing its challenges now, and today. African governments must wake up to the reality of its growing population while employing sustainable means to seek economic growth through collaboration with relevant institutions. Only by doing this can the African narrative of hunger and poverty begin to gradually change. We must elect leaders who are selfless and determined to change the narrative.

Noah Ajare

Editor - in - Chief

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Introducing A Trade practitioner, an Investment event Promoter and AfCFTA Expert

LUOIS

Yaw Afful

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TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? Louis yaw Afful is a Trade practitioner, an Investment event Promoter and AfCFTA Expert. Currently the Executive director of APN Group, which comprises Afcfta policy network, which is the premier and largest private sector initiative on african continental free trade Area. The second subsidiary is the Women of Africa network that focuses on women in trade and entrepreneurship financing. The third is the Africa Globalized Investment which focuses on investment events and advisory.

Louis specializes in private sector development and trade integration also Country manager for DUBAI multinational educational firm SEEDS. He previously was the finance manager of ESL limited a multimillion retail firm and CEO of Trade advisory and commodity firm LOBI Enterprise.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EDUCATION? I had my early education at Greenhill international, then advanced to Saint John's High School and obtained degrees from University of Ghana in Social Sciences. I specialized in private sector development and Trade.

TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING? I was invited by the chief technical advisor of the then CFTA ( Continental Free Trade Area )of the African Union Department of trade to participate as a consultative member to offer expertise on private sector inputs to the African continental free trade agreement. When the Agreement was signed by the heads of states, I set up the first network on Afcfta to sensitize, advocate and promote investment

across Africa. We engaged the media to propagate the benefits of Afcfta.

WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU? Look at the symbols of peace, firm handshake, and a Dove gives me a fair idea that peace is an effort to a sustainable process leading to abstentions of conflicts, war and the end to all activities the deprive the dignity of human rights.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY I am more happy when i accomplish a common good for the society WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST STRATEGY TOWARDS PROMOTING PEACE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA? In Ghana sustainable peace depends on all actors allowing the Rule of law and institutions to fully operate. In Africa sustainable peace depends on giving the youth a productive future.

DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF PEACE, IF YES WHAT IS YOUR BEST APPROACH TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION? Not in the mainstream peace process but advocating future development for the youth to seek self reliance and not in the hands of detractors of peace AS A MAN AND A LEADER, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR MEN EVERYWHERE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU? Remain focused and push for African regional integration through Economic, Cultural and Tourism, keep giving solutions to disruptions

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WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE INITIATIVE? The Magazine has filled a great space in achieving peace across the continent IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SAID THAT AFRICA CAN FEED THE WORLD BUT INSECURITY AND INTERNAL STRIFE HAS AFFECTED OUR ABILITY TO HARNESS OUR AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES, WHAT CAN WE DO TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION? Legalize the development of Agriculture and its sustainability TELL US ABOUT YOUR NGO, IF ANY APN Group is the largest policy and membership base network leading the private development of AFCFTA. it has 3 subsidiaries, social media platforms, An international Newsletter on Trade. APN investment organizes annual investment summits to pull investors to benefit from Afcfta.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS APN intends to build the APN city for talent mobility, economic integration and educational development.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? First GOD, because He does not give up on anything. Second is Elon Musk, he is always innovative

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ON PEACE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT? Lets pay the price of peace sustainability than reaping the cost of its denial WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS OF TODAY? APN has lighted the torch of AFCFTA among all private and CSOs in Africa HOW DO WE DEAL WITH BRAINDRAIN AND THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN MIGRATION? Mandate of National developmental institutions must focus and give self-reliance to their people.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTH WITH REGARDS TO THEIR ROLE IN PEACE BUILDING AND ALLROUND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA? African youth must support the Rule of law, avoid extremism HOW CAN YOU SUCCESSFULLY RUN A BUSINESS IN AFRICA? There is the need for Bill of Rights of doing business which must be promulgated among nation legislative bodies and implemented HOW CAN YOUTHS BENEFIT FROM AFCTA? Identify a product, a market and export.

Luois Yaw Afful AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 10

Introducing

Elizabeth NASAKA AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 12

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? Elizabeth Nasaka, a leading and resultoriented scholar with a high affinity in Business Development, Client Management, Closing Sales, and Strategic Development. I have a wealth experience in both B2B and B2C. My Mantra being...

4yrs at the Equator of Kenya called Moi Equator Girls’ High School.

Thereafter, went through College, started at the Diploma Level in Procurement and Supplies, continued with the same for my undergraduate Bachelors in Business Administration graduated with a second upper at Kenya Methodist University.

‘when a subject becomes totally obsolete, I make it a subject matter.’

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EDUCATION? My Education spams from early days of the 90s. Through the Kenyan system dated then 8-4-4, went through primary level for 8yrs in a school named Bingwa Primary School, located in Laikipia zones of Kenya, then through High school for

I am still on my PhD, a long journey home but will get there sooner than later.

My yearn for education kept me going.This made me enroll for my MBA under Strategic Management .I graduated exceptionally with Masters in Business Administration specialized in strategic Management. This was in Year 2016 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

I didn’t stop there but enrolled for a PhD in Leadership and Strategic Management, Covid came. It disrupted most of the education system thus made me break too.

3. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING? Through my work experience and love for Africa Development, I position myself as a Pan-African thus I speak and preach Africa development in and for all African Countries.

One CEO from South Africa, a company named ZNND GROUP LTD, identified my work and reached out for collaboration in developing Africa’s different segments under technological advancement and development.

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I was thrilled by this collaboration, it felt like a dream coming to life since there’s a very huge gap in efficiency and effectiveness of African Markets Tech tools.

Our Solution for Africa in different industry spectrum is introduction of UAVs and UAS across Africa. UAVs means, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles that is guided autonomously, by remote control or both and that carries sensors and with an ability to take imagery pictures and record real time data.

In our case it’s the introduction and emphasis of drone technology asDrone as a Service (Daas) , Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Africa under needful and necessary industries, likes of - Agriculture, Health, Mapping and Surveillance, Construction and Warehousing, Mining and Forestry, Maritime, Defense and Security amongst many other industries at play.

We have been enabled by our partnerships with other satellite and imagery companies across the globe, this adds on to the efficiency of work and effectiveness of results.

5. TELL US ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. Growth makes me happy, growth that isn’t biased – holistic growth. Mentally, Spiritually and Physically. That’s happiness to me.

6. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST STRATEGY TOWARDS PROMOTING PEACE IN AFRICA? 1)

Through Advocacy approachthis will educate and build constituents behind certain values and ideas.

2)

Engaging in policy work- this way it shall reorder social institutions to mitigating and preventing conflict thus encouraging development.

3)

Focusing on universal timelines that will bring intergovernmental bodies which deals with crisis, this will prevent any arise of conflict.

4)

Different bodies engaging in humanitarian and development response activities for and within Africa this will minimize any form of conflict victims because provision of basic livelihoods shall be catered for.

4. WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU? This is a great question, why? I speak peace and kindness in most of my platforms.

Peace to me means, the ability of one to acquire and possess a sound mind that will lead in recognizable results, through this peace, human interaction is enabled and achieved. We have to recognize the human attributes first before seeking for anything else thus peace becomes paramount. Peace is an enabling environment for anything to thrive.

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5)

African countries shifting from direct relief of public goods to development operations as a means to enhance sustainable social and economic development this will discourage recurrent dependency.

7.

AS A WOMAN AND A LEADER, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU? Dear woman, it’s the words that you speak about yourself and to each other that can be the catalyst for great change and inspire the next generation to pursue things unconditionally. There’re no limits to what a woman can achieve and do.

You were born to create and contribute not just to be seen.

Don’t sell yourself short.

8.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE INITIATIVE?

It’s a necessary tool that came in at the right time to highlight what’s needful for mother Africa. Our Youths should be abounded to hearing more about peace evoking systems and people.

9.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS.

To have introduced more that 80% of technology power for Africa birthed by African brains and implemented across the globe and having more than 80% of women in leadership spearheading these tech services.

10.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

The Late Desmond Tutu. His message for equality and integrity and him being a universal representation of right morals across Africa. He formulated the true objective of a democratic and just society without racial divisions, a unifying leader in highlight of non-violent campaigns across African states not just South Africa.

11.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS OF TODAY?

Growth- Mindset shift, that with the right and stable mind, creation of, and for anything has been possible. Africa needs this mind shift; success shall follow suit.

Elizabeth AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 15

12.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTHS WITH REGARDS TO THEIR ROLE IN PEACE BUILDING AND ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA?

Indeed, for many young Africans, it’s inherently difficult to enter the workforce development without a powerful help pulling them up.

Only three million formal jobs are created annually while 10-12 million youth seek to enter the workforce each year. Even when jobs are available, youth often do not have the skills required by employers despite improved access to education over the past several decades.

My Advice, 1) Instead of bombarding friends with vacancy announcements, use the narrative of a start-up business to motivate them to better position themselves to the everchanging job market.

2) Focus on finding your own competitive advantage. For anything desirable in the world, be it customers, jobs or a good school there is always competition 3) The other force consists of your aspirations and values. These should reflect your core values and your vision for the future. Some might call them your passions, and they are integral to success. The person who is passionate about what they are doing will inevitably outwork and outlast someone who is not.

4) Market realities are the demands of the world around you. Embrace them. Your competitive advantage will be useless if no one is interested in it. On the other hand, the right competitive advantage can let you ride the very same market trends and technological shifts that threaten other people.

5) When all is said and done, don’t lose yourself on your journey to finding yourself.

Your mental health is paramount, keep sane, choose peace embrace development and change, it’s inevitable in the NOW world.

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TRUSTING PEOPLE AFTER BEING

HURT - by Erioluwa Olatunbosun

On Trusting People After Being Hurt "Trust nobody" is a common chant on the lips of several people who have been hurt in times past.

But maybe something you are yet to realize is that you carry out a large chunk of your daily activities trusting in one thing or the other.

Take these examples; you entered a taxi to your workplace and you did that without the fear of being kidnapped. Or maybe you purchased some groceries from the store, this you did, without the fear of buying poisonous stuff.

What about the fact that you sit on a chair without the fear of falling?

Truth is, you already do a lot of activities, whether consciously or unconsciously by trusting but when someone wrongs you, you are quick to join the "trust nobody gang."

It's very easy to think nobody can be trusted right? But one thing you often forget to factor in is this; "because someone hurt you doesn't mean everyone will."

Joining the "trust nobody gang" makes it easy to suspect even the good people around you, it sets you up for fear, suspicion, and a lot of worries.

Yes! You think not trusting people will save you from trouble, but then on the flip side, this could also walk you out of the good opportunities around.

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Whilst, the world we live in is already so bad, the truth is you cannot totally run away from trouble but I believe you can always use discretion too.

In any situation, applying discretion would help you to identify when you are about to make bad or good choices. So, discretion is not suspicious but laced with wisdom.

Every day, you should make it a prayer and ask for discretion in your daily interactions with people.

Summarily, life will never get so bad to the point where we won't have good people again.

With discretion and a trusting heart, you can live a good life amidst the evil around you.

Erioluwa

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR E N T R E P R E N U E R

O F

T H E

W E E K

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK Kelvin Nyamache a Kenyan. He is the Executive Director of Shineafric Youth Empowerment Forum. He has helped to eradicate poverty and joblessness.

He is committed towards youth empowerment and advocacy for peace and human dignity.

Meet

KELVIN NYAMACHE

Meet Ms.

BASMA EISSA

He is also a political analyst whose commentaries on contemporary political governance issues confound friend and foe in equal measure. He is passionate about the rights of the less privileged.

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet Ms. Basma Eissa, an Egyptian and a serial entrepreneur. She has helped a lot of startups over the years. She is the founder of Triumph Business Consultancy, a company incorporated legally registered in the UAE offering a wide range of services that aim at assisting businesses' set-up, expansion, and growth. Through their tailored and integrated business solutions, they equip clients with all the necessary tools they need to run a successful business. She is a gender equality advocate and a social impact consultant

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Meet Gladness Borice Matee, a Tanzanian, She runs a thriving brand that sells clothing online.

A mother of twins.

She is a health and wellness advocate and entrepreneur.

Meet GLADNESS BORICE MATEE

She is an amazing cook who deals with healthy food stuff and local dishes sales to local and international clients..

She is making huge impact and an amazing role model. Very passionate about the rights of the girl child.

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR E N T R E P R E N U E R

O F

T H E

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet our Angolan entrepreneur for the week, Nadir Tati. She is a graduate of Criminology and an advocate of African Art and Human Rights, she works with the disadvantaged children and no doubt Fashion Diva.

Zinga Suama, from Angola.

She is an entrepreneur, Human Resources Manager, Young leader graduated by Yali, African Union Youth Volunteer and Ambassador of the Program 2020/21, Regional volunteers Coordinator in Angola of the International Human Rights Commission and ECOSOCC CSO.

Nadir was the first Angolan and African stylist to dress a film actress for the Oscars in Hollywood with Rachel Mwanza, Republic of Congo being nominated for Best Foreign film in 2013.

Meet NADIR TATI

Meet ANN WANJIRU KARUGA

W E E K

She struggles daily to raise the Angolan fashion to the same level as other countries like USA, Germany, Korea, Mexico, Belgium, Macau, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Togo, Tanzania and other countries who applauded the creations of Nadir Tati.

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She is passionate about Human Rights and helping the less privileged.

Meet ZINGA SUAMA

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet our entrepreneur of the week, Ann Wanjiru Karuga, a Kenyan who is an entrepreneur, Finance graduate and a Certified public Accountant(2nd level).

She has a hair products brand she named 'Slay my way' She previously worked at Center of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM) at Egerton university as a Research assistant based in Kakamega County. Also as an Accountant in RiverSide Park hotel and currently working as a Retail Customer care at Safaricom Plc. She has lots of interest in Interior designs, Books and Listening to podcasts.

Meet Regina Maria Manuel Gunza, an Angolan. A graduate of Journalism from the Metropolitan University of Angola.

Postgraduate in Entrepreneurship and Business from the Southern Africa Regional Leadership Center.

She has years of experience in Journalism, having worked for prominent media outlets in Angola, such as Rádio Ecclésia, TV Zimbo, The Crime Newspaper, Angorussia Site, among others.

She is a Marketing Manager for Personal Hygiene and Reviva Professional at REVIVA Fabric, one of the largest industrial detergent units in Angola.

Also, freelance journalist, writing content for Journal O Kwanza, Radar Kianda, and Epito Reporter and Director of the First Initiative Magazine for Young African Leaders.

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Meet REGINA MARIA GUNZA

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR E N T R E P R E N U E R

Meet

ROSALINE MUSEKIWA

O F

T H E

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

ENTERPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet Rosaline Musekiwa aged 21, a Zimbabwean. An undergraduate of Lupane State University. Due to her passion for arts, she has a platform in which she educates the youths on the importance of education and mental health. She is a writer, a professional dancer, a model and has won many beauty pageants among which are Miss Glamour Zimbabwe 2021/2022 and Miss Model Mediterrano Global Zimbabwe 2022 and brands ambassador as well. She is equally a fashionista who owns a boutique. She likes inspiring the youths. She wasn't born with silver spoon in her mouth, but she has worked her way to the top to show girls of her age that the sky is their limit.

Meet Nympha Chinenye Nzeribe, she's a professional writer for webs, individuals and businesses.

You can find her art in personal statements, administrative documents, media articles, blogs, digital copies, etc.

Meet NYMPHA C. NZERIBE

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AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

AFRICAN PEACE AMBASSADOR

ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet Kanry Kamwi, a Namibian.

KANRY KAMWI

She is a social marketer and the creative manager for Anterior Strides, a writing and editing brand in Nigeria. She also loves to advocate for women and through words, consistently clamours for a better world where justice, peace and equality reigns.

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ENTREPRENUER OF THE WEEK

Meet

W E E K

By profession, she is a computer scientist. She is of the belief that "True greatness comes when you build others ". Her passion lies in seeing youths excels. Therefore, partnering with young talents and with capitals to build an African's future.

Her excitement lies in technology.

Due to her love for technology, she is currently an intern with a Nongovernmental organization where she is helping with youth empowerment and skills acquisitions.

Many youths have benefitted from her in the area of programming and ICT skills.

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Meet

Dr. BRENDA NAMUMBA

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Meet Dr Brenda Namumba, a Zambian.

The first to obtain a Ph.D in Astrophysics from the University of Cape Town. Being too inquisitive as a child,paved way for her understanding of scientific concepts rather than social sciences throughout her primary and secondary school days .

Having BSc. in Physics, BSc. in Astronomy and Astrophysics, MSc. in Astronomy&Astrophysics and a Ph.D in Astrophysics. She is an observational radio astroner. Mostly with her laptop writing proposals for telescope time which she later analyze and writes reports of her findings. Among what she does during her leisure is giving astronomy talks to the general public.

She sees her parents as her greatest support. Her advice to the next generation of women is to not underestimate themselves. In her word " We need to kindle girls interest in science and work hard to keep it "

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A MAJOR SILENT KILLLER IN AFRICA

falsified pharmaceutical products like fake test kits, fake vaccines, falsified chloroquine etc. Nigeria as the giant of Africa has a regulatory body to oversee and protect borders and the environment against fake and substandard drugs.

W

hat could be the reason for the prevailing increase in the circulation of fake drugs in Africa?

Porous legislation? Ineffective regulation or a morally decayed society? Well, all put together could be the reason and more. To be fake is to be false, unreal, fraudulent or in genuine. Africa as a developing continent presently sits at a position where 30% of medicines sold are substandard or falsified according to a WHO study. With 42% of global seizures on the African continent, we are mostly affected by in genuine medicines, where a drug administered to you by fake drug vendors is likely to kill you rather than the ill-health itself.

According to reports, the Covid -19 crisis has highlighted the dangers of the global trade in

Africa with a high poverty rate has the vulnerable ones playing into the hands of the evil perpetrators offering them drugs at cheaper rates as against the standard ones which are hardly affordable to them.

Stopping counterfeit drugs have proven to be a difficult challenge in Africa, several countries in partnership with WHO are taking stringent steps to flush out falsified drugs from the African market like the Drug Registration also known as marketing authorization and product licensing.

Some African countries with prevailing economies have so far made further these steps; Nigeria for instance has several Acts and Regulations that address this challenge. The Trademarks Act provides infringement provision before the Federal High Court, the Merchandise Market Act determines that trademark forgery is a crime punishable by law and allows the police force to conduct searches and raids, but how well are these enforcements carried out?

In Ghana, trademark infringement is also effective against counterfeiting; According to the Trademark

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In Algeria, any act of trademark infringement is considered counterfeiting.

In Madagascar, counterfeiting goods is also a crime punishable by law.

In Mozambique, there are several laws addressing the problem directly, with the most being the Mozambique Industrial property code (Decree 47/2015) which establishes counterfeiting as an industrial property violation.

Kenya has an established Anti-Counterfeiting agency.

In South Africa, Acts of Counterfeiting require a deliberate and fraudulent breach of trademark registration.

Despite these regulations, the circulation and use of false and substandard products persist, so there is a need to take further steps and be very conscious about them to reduce these circulations to the barest minimum. Why then?

First, high-cost of standard health products especially drugs. Africa has a high poverty rate so these drugs are unaffordable to the masses living below the average thereby making them vulnerable.

Secondly, Corruption; despite these agencies and regulations, the culprit and parties to these distribution leverage on the corrupt system to get their dirty work done.

Thirdly, Weak frameworks.

regulations

and

inconsistent

legal

Lastly, porous border control which makes it easy for these products to get into the continent in cases of imported ones.

The first step to solving a problem would be identifying the problem which helps in proffering the solutions.

To further solve this problem killing the continent slow, we would be very conscious and aware of dealing with fake drugs as a deadly killer through the following ways: *Enacting rigid Laws and Acts which would be adhered strictly to bringing the perpetrators to book *A standard and affordable health system: Very good and affordable health which make it even unreasonable to

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“

Africa has a high poverty rate so these drugs are unaffordable to the masses living below the average thereby making them vulnerable

“

The importation of fake drugs into Africa has proven to be a more deadly attack

patronize strict kiosk that are the major retailers of these fake drugs. I mean, why go to a kiosk to buy substandard Paracetamol when you can get the original at the hospital at lesser or no cost. *Establishment of digital systems which would be effective in fighting this menace. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya have implemented mobile telephone-based consumer verification. Other African Countries should follow suit. *Sensitization and Awareness building: A sensitized society is an informed society. There is a need for adequate sensitization to sensitize and educate people to fight against substandard and fake drugs. *Border control: A nation with a weak border stands the chance of any time and not necessarily physical attacks.

The importation of fake drugs into Africa has proven to be a more deadly attack. So there is a need for the Governments, Federal, State, Regional and even Local governments to wake up to the call against fake drugs, protecting their borders at every level against all forms of intrusion with no exception.

Africa and Africans should work as a team through bodies like WHO, ECOWAS, UN, public and private sector etc. in fighting this silent killer.

Author

NOSIKE CYNTHIA cynthianosike@gmail.com

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P hoto SPLASH

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HELEN ASANTE Profile

AWARD WINNING ACTRESS, CHILDREN AUTHOR, PRODUCER Helen Asante is a Ghanaian who completed her Senior high education at Wesley Grammar Senior High School and proceeded to Zenith University College where she studied Hotel and Hospitality management and later got admitted to pursue BSc in project management at GIMPA . She also took short courses in Radio and TV management as well as Japanese language studies. Because her passion and interest has always been in the acting and creative industry, it has been quite difficult to hold an academic completions due to lack of interest as she believes pursuing a course in an area of interest in line with her career focus is would be ideal.

Helen began her acting career in the year 2006 and has since gained outstanding experience in the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industry over the years, an inspiration to many young Ghanaians who are aspiring to be in her field.

Helen Asante is God fearing, committed and dedicated in her field where she has received numerous nominations and awards both in Ghana and international. In the year 2013, she was awarded ‘’The most promising actress of the year in Ghana” from Nigeria where she represented her Nation.

Helen perhaps is best known for her roles in Adams Apple series and other features, just to mention a few; Indebted -2020, Twisted Singles - (Nigerian Series) 2017/2018, Red is crisis –Series 2016, The Antonio’s - Series 2016, Bank chronicles – Series 2016, Breaking dawn – Series 2015, Candle in the wind 2015, Adams Apple Season 2 – 2013, Tenant – Series 2013, 4play reloaded – 2011, Sleep

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over (Nigeria) – 2011, Somewhere in Africa – 2011, 4play – 2010, Love 4 rent – 2009, Sin of the soul – 2009, About to wed (Nigeria-Ghana Series) – 2009, The king is mine – 2008, In the eyes of my husband – 2008, Crime to Christ -2007, to mention few. This experience led to the establishment of her production company Epic Visions - with this bold step she was able to take on interns , and employed some number of youth inspiring them to dream and to put in the work.

A highly charged imagination which reveals itself in everything she does from sparkling conversations to be inspiring, enthusiastic, talented, building creative ideas which does come out live in her screen play and writings. With her humanitarian passion to impact lives, she has over the years supported and volunteered to “The Lepers Aid committee” which is focused on neglected lepers in Ghana, “The Juliet Ibrahim foundation” which supports women with Cancer and the B+ Foundation. She also contested for “Miss Jet set Mag international” and placed 4th in the international group where every amount made was geared through campaigning for Kids with Pediatric Cancer in Scottsdale USA. Her passion for children, our most priced gifts brought to the birth of The Helen Asante Foundation (HAF), to curb the fight against illiteracy in our vulnerable young ones who for no fault of theirs, suffer some neglect and abuse.

Helen’s mantra, “literacy is priority “and “every child must have education”, has inspired her on this journey to see to it that children are empowered through education.

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1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m a simple person I love things done in simplicity but unique. I turn to like to create my environment been creative gives me some inner joy. I see myself to be compassionate, exceptional with incredible sensitivity.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EDUCATION? The little I remember is I had a good nursery and pretty much was taught at home by my parents … every opportunity with my parents was to teach my sister and I at the time . As we grew up my primary school to upper primary was the most exciting part of my life because it pretty much carved or groomed me into my career choice today .

Very exciting school but very disciplined

3. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING? I look back at my up bringing and how my parents contributed to much to my life by spending time with us and encourage reading and family time , I don’t see that with our generation. Kids are abandoned and most parents today don’t see the value in having a special impact in your child’s life at the very early stage and this mostly with the under privilege people and sadly now with upper class people who are devoted to money making

4. WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU? Peace for me means, development,

sustainability, selflessness, kindness, empathy and respect for one another.

5. TELL US ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

the will be no worry for one to want to hurt the brother or sister because he or she has peace , justice , a good system that works, honesty there will be no need to fight.

Able to impact someone’s life brings me joy.

Whenever I’m kind and the response I get back enlightens my soul. Although good food also brings me joy. ahahahahaha.

7. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CO TRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF PEACE, IF YEAS WHAT IS YOUR BEST APPROACH TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION?

6. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST STRATEGY TOWARDS PROMOTING PEACE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA?

Yes! Growing up I was always ready to sacrifice my joy amongst my play mate only so there can be peace and we continue to play. In my adult life I still have the habit of always taking the bold step in preventing any form of altercations. Now, the best approach to conflict

Empathy! The spirit of kindness not religion, If Africa can one day come together in determination to change and do the right thing,

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ASANTE

Hellen resolution is if in example a misunderstanding first - understanding both sides , and their various interest and then serve both with the same ultimatum- never pick sides and always be just !

8. AS A WOMAN AND A LEADER, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU?

a dangerous line. We hope that we are able to impact as many kids as we can so help us God. 12. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS

Be humble and very disciplined. Always allow opinions and accept criticism with an open mind.

To help Africa

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE INITIATIVE?

successful people simply because they might have done something right ! And I get inspired with success always happy for those who succeed in their field as success it’s not an easy thing to come by

It’s a very thoughtful initiative and I applaud you . Although it should not be limited to magazine reviews as the issue of peace and understanding in Africa is a major issue bold steps out of the box should be considered in the near future step to physical approach.

13. WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

14. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ON PEACE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT? Honest and God fearing

10. IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SAID THAT AFRICA CAN FEED THE WORLD BUT INSECURITY AND INTERNAL STRIFE HAS AFFECTED OUR ABILITY TO HARNESS OUR AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES, WHAT CAN WE DO TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION?

15. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS OF TODAY?

Unfortunately we keep talking and talking no one is listening . Oh they listen alright but don’t HEAR you . It’s sad . If is ideas there are amazing thought ideas but is all talks forums no actions . Is about time that we stop doing all the talk and take action with thought ideas . ( sadly that’s what I can say )

16. HOW DO WE DEAL WITH BRAINDRAIN AND THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN MIGRATION?

11. TELL US ABOUT YOUR NGO, IF ANY Ans: The Helen ASANTE Foundation is focus on early child education. We believe kids are simply not reading anymore. The spirit of reading is died out to social media and is

Discovering myself . Have come to discover me in a way I do isn’t know I was . It has aided in my focus and strength

Making the system work for everyone in respective of class or gender . Prioritize the peace , development of your citizens .

17. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTHS WITH REGARDS TO THEIR ROLE IN PEACE BUILDING AND ALLROUND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA? We should learn from the right source and respect our history and above all be patriotic

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27TH AUGUST, 2022

PRO-SECESSIONIST/ ADVOCATE FOR SEPARATIONIST IN NIGERIA - IN WHOSE INTEREST? - ELDER EJODAME EMMANUEL

Pro-secessionist- whose interest is Secessionist in Nigeria Nation State – whose interest is the Separationist advocate from the existing larger sovereignty of Nigeria Nation state. As in every relationship there is a binding tie, with the attendant implications – that would either be social cultural that is built on blood or family’s lines, cultural heritage, custom and tradition and the second the socialpolitical as with the Statetism or Nationhood. The advocate of separate government or independence usually leverage on the interest of the social cultural which by inheritance or affinity of descendent to express their discontent with the social political that are of import usually. If secessionist and separationist are negative and derogatory word in phrasal expression, it is not to be so in asking for independence or to have a separate state; it is allowed and the process duly chattered by the United Nation(UN).

Hence it should not also to be misconstrued for rebellion – a term fazed that may occur with a breach also in the process. Interestingly, separation is not a strange phenomenon, as there were the independent struggles that brought the nation Nigeria as a sovereign state in 1960, then the republic of Nigeria and the Cameroon (NCNC). There was the resolution from the UN supervised referendum that the northern part of the thrust territory of the Cameroon joins the northern region in June 1961 while in October the southern Cameroon united with Cameroon to form the federal republic of Cameroon. The seeding of Bakassi peninsula episode, 2008 by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, we have Singapore separating from Malaysia without squabble in 1965 and they are dotted all over the globe, but the call or demand for separations are usually meeting with resistance and for obvious reasons.

The foremost is the reason that brought the union and like every stage in life it would have had a process coming to be, becoming friends or acquaintances being in courtship or engagement, then in marriage. As it is often said, that a

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broken engagement is better than a broken marriage – it means the marriage ought not to have be contracted than to contemplate separation or divorce. Secondly the beneficiary from such relationship that includes the children, the in-laws and other relations who will definitely suffer and wouldn’t be happy if the relationship comes to ruin. Thirdly the promoter of the relationship which includes the larger society or the communities because of the disruptions or a breach in the coherency and the negative effects it will have on them. And fourthly, the cost of the procurement of the union coming to naught.

Life or living in itself is all about relationship and relationship about interest – going into marriage is to reap the benefits of the union in marriage and when that is not forth coming what do you do? If the expectation of joy turns sorrow what do you do? Hard questions, difficult answers – and the State allow the separation/divorce instead of killing yourselves. Relating Statism or Nationhood— to a marriage relationship is on its own - relationship or union simplified with the State mandate become very critical, the voice loud and clear, the message unambiguous and understood by all concern to obviously safe guard the common interest. The relationship demands or give allowances for a protest for any infringement and that could be mutually addressed. The relationship continues with no love lost with hut pacify and peace restored. Now and back to the question, whose interest are the pro secessionist? Whose interest are the advocates for a separate government from the existing Nigeria state – there is no denying the obvious facts, that things are down-turned over time and that there remain nothing to write home about and peaceful coexistence is under a serious threat with crime and criminalities in different shades and color, but the questions that readily comes to mind, is separation the answer? and if Nigeria should dissolve into 36 nation today have that addressed the glaring challenges staring at our faces? And if it will, have we gone through A-Z processes of the representations to speak and to aggregates our interest in achieving the desired sovereignty?

I know we belong to so many schools of thoughts, some with good reason and yet other feverous. So many have gone apathetic and are feed up with the nation called Nigeria and in confusion would chorus – in Biafra we stand, or give us Oduduwa Nation, some are calling for

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“

but the questions that readily comes to mind, is separation the answer? and if Nigeria should dissolve into 36 nation today have that addressed the glaring challenges

south-south nation - and I am telling them for south-south the capital should be Ekpoma understandably. A school of thought premised the Nigeria nation is on a faulty foundation and should be corrected, by the various component partying ways and that may not be a bad reason – yet a perception. A school of thoughts, what they cannot get in the bigger Nigeria State could be readily available in their envisage Micro-Nigeria nation and that I think is a poor reason - it is a perception.

I belong to the school of thought and advocate that we follow the due process, identify the issues and to deal with the cause of agitations, demonstrations, discontent and what have you that are calling for the dissolution of our nation. I belong to the school of thought that believes that the nation problems are never localized.

“

We could ask in so many ways, what is the problem or challenges of Nigeria? – and the answer is LEADERSHIP – leadership failure,…

They may present in different shades and form in this different part of the nation - the bandits are raiding the schools, taking the student or pupil hostage for ransoms – the kidnappers – on the highways using the forest for a cover, the Bokoharam and the militias in the forest –and the creeks – the ritualist – all over, the cyber criminals all over. What about the compromised security apparatus, all Nigerians – limited to no state or region, no faith or creed. I belong to the school of thought that believe that the cause of going separate today will far at way our remaining as one – and that the way forward is to take interest in the Nigeria project and to envisage a change for the collective good. I’m of the school of thought that if we must reason separation, we should be ready to play by the rules – the platform that is not close to be in place. To think of partying ways, without due process will amount to deeper confusion. We could ask in so many ways, what is the problem or challenges of Nigeria? – and the answer is LEADERSHIP – leadership failure, leadership decay, leadership inefficient, leadership collapse, leadership insufficient, dirt in leadership, confused leadership, inept leadership, leadership immaterial, inconsequential leadership, porous leadership, leadership negative in every sense of the word – and sadly it have been so for a very long time. Just negative, progressing from bad to worse, yet the mess in leadership has a ready answer – change the leadership. If the youth of Nigeria decide to change the ugly narrative, that will be the end – by the youth I mean about the age of 18 and 45 years. The bulk in the military, police, our children in the university and other tertiary institutions, the civil servants, the Agberos and the touts in the motor packs – the Keke Napep and the Okada Riders, the market women, all that give the definitions of youth (these are the same

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“

A closer look or study will reveal that the separationist movement attracts a mix multitude; some are in it for personal gain…

people that are used to procure their evil works in the society) – any group can lead in the initiative – the press, civil liberty organizations, the women and men. The children can also be sensitized and mobilize and that include the children of Mr. President, the Vice president – the parliamentarians – the honorable House Members and distinguish senators and if it is a strategy to effect a change in the leadership. It was a tragedy for Late Chief Odumegu Ojuwku was pressured into leading in Biafra, Nigeria civil war – the needless and senseless civil war. But for the civil war the Igbo would have been in a world class unprecedented – the lost during the war was a generational set back, the hunt and the scars lingers on. The civil war remains a phenomenon and a reference and if any excuse what so ever it was during the military dictate, making it a more of a regret and run parallel with today civil expectation. The truth is that the resources in Nnamdi kanu – IPOB deposition will be more than enough to install the president of the federal republic of Nigeria that is of the Igbo extractions if properly channeled than the envisage Biafra that is not in any way close in the offering and if it going to happen, it can never come through Nnmadi Kanu because it does not have the mandate and like Ojukwu, the forces within will make sure that the effort are subjugated. The Oduduwa nations may enjoy some level of coherencies, mastering the act of undertaken in a civilize political terrain yet Sunday Igbgodo, is more of a sarcasm politically and a contradiction of the self-profess ideal, it is evident that the Yoruba race will be the last to reason separation knowing the benefit of staying together same with the South-South, Niger Delta, Arewa groups and the like. A closer look or study will reveal that the separationist movement attracts a mix multitude; some are in it for personal gain, some use it as a bargaining chip and only few others are in for regional autonomy or secession. At the same time there are many internal contradictions within its separatist area that it’s all clear, that if honest conversations or referendum are allowed that the forces of separatism will not carry the day.

Likely because of this and also because of the contradiction within the separatist movement themselves many surmises that the various separatist agitations if not unnecessary inflame are likely to wither on their own as the country democracy matures, the economic improves and the citizens move onto other challenges. That the Nigeria Nation State is a federation; we have 36 states and Abuja, 6 geopolitical zones, 99 Senatorial District, 360 House of Reps Members, down to the local government 774 and the ward council, that this beautiful political structure that could be properly harness for the positive to get positive results.

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The only way out is for the initiative of the challenge for the change to start with me and with us.

As we think of the way out, the way forward and considering our share in national cake, we should also be concern on how to bake the cake. Our challenges are not in disputations, they are there yet we have the chief security officers of each state – the governors – we have more governors in Nigeria that are not the Fulani’s extractions. There is a balance at the presidency – the president and the vice are from the two side of the divide, the national assemblies are not all Igbo’s – the militaries are not all Yoruba, the police, the INEC officials and others are all from the various component that make the Nigeria state. Things get spoil when all this people compromised maturity and mortgage their birthright for a morsel of bread and they are all among us, it is the same us people. The only way out is for the initiative of the challenge for the change to start with me and with us. The resources being wasted to procure Biafra that is lacking in a vision and it is with a futal in mission will be more than enough to install a president of the Igbo extractions for the federal republic of Nigeria. The fear or assumption that somebody somewhere is against the interest of Igbos or any other group for that matter would be unfounded and it is at the infringement of imagination. It will amount to waiting in vain for an aspirant to an elective office, more also the presidency to think to be unchallenged, return unopposed, that never happen anywhere outside monarchy system of government. Where ascension to the throne are predetermined – for democracy what give the aspirant or candidate an edge is the quality of manifesto and the personality driving it. What could be done possibly differently and to enhance the awareness of the citizen. An aspirant will be at an advantage where the incumbent and the predecessor in the offices fails as with the case of Nigeria.

Again, it was what brought the Buhari government with the thought that the messiah has come, where elder Ejodame Emmanuel is going to is that should the Igbo both home and in diasporas, Present the like of Peter Obi as a presidential material in any of the political parties, if the PDP will not allow him, and the APC denies him, APAGA is sure; it is Peter Obi because he has been tested and proven. At a time like this, the country needs the like and I am sure with today`s mood and with this approach the country will be better off with credible contestant and will settle only for the best because not 10 of Bola Ahmed Tinibu or 15 of Atiku Abubakar can stand the like of Peter Obi. This is a thought that may not also be limited to the south-east or the Igbos. What of the south-west to queue behind Pastor Yemi Osibanjo, to my rating he is eminently qualify, what of Lamido Sanusi of Kano

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You will see a happy family when the interest of all concern properly taken care off; and woe is that home where the husband and wife play the rat and cat…

to my rating qualify; and in a country of well over 200 million should not be lacking of material that will make a difference and since the constitution provide only for a President, it become a game of the family called Nigeria. With the call for a fair contest and at the end where there are denials of fair competitions, harm with the evident, call for redress and that could lead to the separation but follow the due process. These are where understanding counts and simplicity matters. Life is all about relationship, in the family you are either the father in the house or the mother of the children, or the children. Not one fall into more than one of these three segment of the family – By extension, you fall into immediate family, distance family, neighborhood – communities so forth in the relationship. Relationship about interest; sharing and management of interest at all given point of time and the beauty of a relationship comes in how well we manage the shared interest. You will see a happy family when the interest of all concern properly taken care off; and woe is that home where the husband and wife play the rat and cat, it would have been better that the marriage was never contracted. As that takes to the propaganda that as – nation Nigeria was founded on force marriage. Yes, it could happen to match a marriage relationship – it could also turn to be anything, good or bad and we also no matter how bad or turbulent a marriage relationship neither of the couples has the right to take the law into his or her hands – there is always a room for redress even for the court, to painstakingly call for the dissolution of that marriage – and that will end the marriage. The man or woman going to court is at the point that the unexpected has happen; the non-envisage has taken place but following the due process to get the freedom. The learned judge would have weighted all options – exactly what could have gone wrong; how would separation or the dissolution impact on all the parties. The couple, the children and the larger society before passing the judgment and only then is a fair judgment.

Elder Ejodame Emmanuel [2 times FCT Senatorial Candidates, 2003 & 2019] REFERENCE: The UN Charter`s Original Effect on State sovereignty and the use of force.

The article 2(4) and 51 address the UN… ROGAN Leadership Foundation.

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Relocation services, employee relocation, military Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or workforce mobility include a range of internal business processes to transfer employees, their families, and/or entire departments of a business to a new location. Like other types of employee benefits, these processes are usually administered by human resources specialists within a corporation. In the military, these processes are administered by the Transportation Management Office (TMO) and Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO)

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RAPE As a Weapon of War in AFRICA

It is no news that sexual violence is one of the weapons used during wars, the armed groups and some men in the community. Thousands of women and girls are being targeted by the deliberate tactic of using rape as a weapon in wars Majority of girls and women have lost their self-worth or even died as a result, some are battling incurable diseases, dealing with suicidal thoughts, some have even given in and committed suicide seeing the perpetrators of these unruly acts moving freely with no punishment.

Majority for the fear of stigma and rejection that comes after opening up, they can’t even speak out as not to lose out all prospects for marriage, they may not be found attractive by young men, and even castigated by their husbands thereby facing the psychological aftermaths on their own.

Margot Wallstrom (cited in Crossette, 2010) once stated that the world should not see such actions as men behaving like men. It is a serious issue threatening security and peace globally and not an inevitable consequence of war.

Sexual violence does not only obliterates the bodies of the victims, it affects the core social fabric of a community, it has the potential to be as lethal as bullets.

Taking a look at the psychological effects of this unruly act on the victims of rape.

A report published by Al Jazeera on April 14th, 2020 of a lady who lost all hope physically and psychologically, leaving evidence to remember her ordeal. She said “My life had been a nightmare since my first rape at the age of 13. I went to a wedding with my family in Bunyakiri and while fetching water from the river, my friends and I were raped by several men- I have never been able to count since then, I have been physically paralyzed and disabled.

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Rape as a weapon of war in Africa

women and girls in warring community are exposed to this ill-treatment by the

I realized I was pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy but the child never knew who his father was because they were too many that day to know who the real father is”.

Lucia was attacked again three years later, this time around, rebels came to a village that’s about 45km away from where she was raped and this time around she could not run because of her paralysis and from it, she had her second child.

She asked in this report who should she fight? Her fear, pain, despair, or the unknown that is the basis of her misfortune?

In Lucia’s case, nothing can be done. Countless victims like Lucia are dealing with the permanent effect and mental scars left by the brutal trauma they were subjected to. It breaks up families and communities, its psychological effect is forever.

Taking a cue from the Central African Republic, A lot of women and girls were held as sexual slaves for up to 18 months, often subjected to repeated rape by multiple men. Many were taken as fighters’ “wives” and forced to cook, clean, and collect food or water.

“Jeanne” (not the actual name), 30, said that about 20 Seleka fighters caught her

Rape as a weapon of war in Africa

and nine other women and girls – some as young as 16 – as they fled an attack in Bambari in June 2014. “The first day, five Seleka raped me. Every day we could not rest – every day there was rape, by different fighters,” Jeanne said. The Seleka held her at a base for six months. “Each fighter who arrived at the base was to rape us. If we refused, they hit us…. I went to look for firewood. I drew water, looked for water at the river, and prepared their food. All of the women did this.

All the women were raped each night.

Many obstacles exist, with many cases not being investigated; perpetrators not being prosecuted due to, for example, limited efforts by the authorities to prosecute crimes of sexual violence; a corrupt judiciary; issues of domestic infrastructure; and traditional and cultural values. These obstacles and failures emphasize the notion that rape is a weapon of war.

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Military and Civilian rapists should be put behind bars to end the culture of impunity that promoted sexual violence. The International Criminal Court (ICC) should immediately begin to issue arrest warrants for senior commanders who have used sexual violence as a weapon of war since it can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, or even a constitutive act concerning genocide.

Different initiatives are been revealed each time to tackle war against human body such as the Nobel Women’s Initiative Campaign to stop rape and gender violence in conflict and different international body are settling a team of experts to tackle sexualized violence in warzones. More pressure and action are needed from international community to fight wars on women’s bodies totally.

Reference Crossette, B. (2010) A new UN voice calls for criminalizing conflict rape, The Nation, 10 September, www.thenation.com/article/154624/new-un-voice-callscriminalizing-conflict-rape.

Author

Temitayo Ajibade tinukeajibade@gmail.com

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Rape as a weapon of war in Africa

It can be as lethal as bullets. Though majority of people see arms as weapons used during the war, it is discovered that rape is not counted among them. It destroys not only the bodies of the victims but the social fabric of communities. Just as arms destroy lives and properties. The effect of rape has emotional damage which can make or mar the community because these are the people that would build the future leaders and if the builders are not stable, the building is going to stagger and might eventually be destroyed.

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AFRICAN PEACE A W A RD S 2 0 2 2 THEME: EVOLVING A SUSTAINABLE PEACE ARCHITECTURE IN A CHANGING WORLD

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CAMELA AMÕES village a hidden charm in Angola Regina Ngunza [Angola]

T

he 44,000-hectare territory brought together about 58 villages from the Kingdom of Bailundo and the surroundings of the municipality of Cahiungo, province of Huambo, and gave dignity back to those people, offering better living conditions, decent houses measuring 160 m2, with water and electricity, 24 /24, already furnished and with the right to annexes. At this time, around 2,000 social houses have already been built, in addition to schools, a medical centre, roads, library, cinema, infantry, laundry, which allowed many families to escape extreme poverty and abandonment, starting to commit to agricultural activities and much more.

This project has already generated more than a thousand jobs, mostly for young residents and adjacent areas.

These and other features of the Village impressed the more than 40 travelers who visited the place, as part of the first Tourist and Academic Excursion to the Camela Amões Village. “Getting to know the charms of the village, the historical course of its development and its founders was very gratifying. This village is a tourist potential and paved the way for the development of the peace industry in our country”, said Afonso Pina, CEO of Crie Sabendo, entity promoting the tour.

Other excursionists such as Nelson do Nascimento and Adilson Caldeira, are of the opinion that it is time to awaken local tourism and value projects built from scratch by Angolans and for Angolans. During 4 days, it was possible for hikers to enjoy the charms of the Village, go on Safari, participate in a colloquium on the origin, evolution and perspectives of the Village, in addition to visiting tourist attractions on the Luanda Huambo route, with particular emphasis on the Marginal do Dondo , Kwanza River and Hot Waters. By 2025, Aldeia Camela Amões will include bridges, more agricultural, forestry, livestock production fields and an industrial area.

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CAMELA AMÕES village

AFRICA HER ECONOMY & CLIMATE CHANGE

AFRICA, HER ECONOMY, AND CLIMATE CHANGE Have you ever wondered how healthy farmlands get affected by erosion? Or why there is an increase in sea level? No thanks to Climate Change.

According to the United Nations, climate change refers to the shift in temperature and weather patterns; this shift may be natural or human enforced. Due to the high level of Urbanization in human activities, the climate is fast taking a shift with activities like Forest Cutting, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Global Warming as the sole contributors. Here are some analyses that would help us understand the connections.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Wikipedia defines greenhouse gas as a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal inferred range, causing greenhouse effects. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are water vapor (H2O), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and Ozone (O3). Without Greenhouse gas, the average temperature of Earth’s surface would be about 18oC (0OF) rather than the present average of 15oC (59OF). With high industrial activities, it is to be expected that the climate would have a shift.

Industries burning gases, car emissions, and every other gas emission which contributes majorly to this change have left the earth shocked, trying to find and implement lasting solutions to the already existing problems.

Forest Cutting: The Industrial Revolution came up with a high level of deforestation. By the earth’s eighteenth century, people had cut down most of their trees which were used to build houses or ships, cooking, and heat. Forest Cutting is defined as a human activity that removes trees or timber for converting forest lands into other land uses such as houses, Industries, etc. These activities contributed to climate changes experienced today because when forests are cut down, much of the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere again as CO2 which the forest trees protected the earth from. Though these recent activities have also been beneficial to the human race, it has undoubtedly also been a major contributor to the Climate challenges being experienced. In 2022, there are an estimated 3.04 trillion trees on earth.

“

Forest Cutting is defined as a human activity that removes trees or timber

Global Warming: People tend to use the term “Global Warming” and “Climate change” interchangeably, it is worthy of note that Global Warming refers to the rise of global temperatures due to greenhouse emissions, it is the [phenomenon of increasing average air temperatures near the earth's surfaces, It indicates that climate has changed over almost every conceivable time scale since the beginning of mineral time and human activities.

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CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA. The meeting of the modern time vulnerability and future of climate change in Africa warrants proactive action to caution the risk of largescale consequences to the barest possible minimum. This requires an effective and efficient collaboration of the Government, individuals, and stakeholders. Africa is the World’s second-largest and second mostpopulous continent with 1.3 billion people as of 2018 with the youngest population amongst all the continents. Despite a wide range of natural resources, Africa is the least wealthy continent per capita due to geographic impediments, the cold war, etc. and I am sure we do not want climate change to further degenerate us, this is why Africa must awake to the calls to curb Climate change. Africa's economy consists of trade, Industry, Agriculture, and human resources, fragile? Yes! But Africa is a resource-rich continent. By 2050 Africa is expected to reach a combined GDP of $20trillion. The International Monetary Fund say adverse results and effects of climate change are more in regions with relatively hot climates. The United Nations climate change and the African Climate Policy Center Projects that the GDP in five African sub-regions would suffer a significant decrease as a result of global temperature increase.

The overall GDP is expected to decrease by 2.25% to 12.12% for scenarios ranging from 1OC to a 4OC in Global temperature relative to pre-industrial levels. This is not favorable to the African continent as a growing economy considering its fragile and delicate state.

Consumption, saving, and Investments are components of an economy that determines an equilibrium in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Africa is today threatened by predicted effects of climate change because of our dependence on the climate for development in Agriculture and other sectors, from erosions to high temperatures, flooding, droughts, and generally land effects.

AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

“

Africa is today threatened by predicted effects of climate change because of our dependence on the climate for development in Agriculture and other sectors

In respect to Agricultural systems, reliance on rain-fed subsistent farming and low adaption of climate-smart agricultural practices contribute to the sector's high level of vulnerability. With very poor accessibility to climate data Africa can hardly plan to prepare itself for any outcome from the growing climate changes. Projected disruptions in rainfall patterns due to climate change are likely to shorten growing seasons and affect crop yield in many parts of Africa. This has resulted in the swing in global food production across developing countries where production is highly raindependent. In July 2021 the World Food Programme (WFP) blamed the ongoing Southern Madagascar food crisis as being caused solely by Climate change and not War or Conflict, It was declared the first famine caused by climate change. Global warming is expected to melt Africa’s remaining glaciers in the next few decades and the reduction in water essential to Agricultural production will create food insecurities, poverty, and population displacement. Countries like Nigeria are already feeling the surge, in December 2021 Nigeria recorded a 15.63% inflation as a result of an increase in food prices.

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Climate change poses a significant threat to the health of tens of millions of Africans as it exposes us to inadequate temperatures, extreme weather, and many more hazards

ENERGY IMPACT With a high dependence on hydropower generation, climate change has affected energy sectors across Africa. With an increasing population and corresponding energy demand, the general African economy is being affected, thus must be addressed because energy is crucial for sustainable development. No economy can thrive without energy and as a fragile one, the African continent suffering a backlash and a resultant low electrical energy production, high cost of electricity, and power outages in some African countries dependent on hydroelectric power generation like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

HEALTH SECTOR EFFECTS: The health sector is another important sector of every country's economy. Infectious disease burdens such as malaria, dengue fever, meningitis are sensitive to climate impacts and are highest in the Sub-Saharan African region. According to World Health Organization 2014, over 90 per cent of annual global malaria cases are in Africa. Climate changes affect the spread of infectious agents as well as alter people’s disposition to the infections.

According to the IPCC's sixth assessment report, Climate change poses a significant threat to the health of tens of millions of Africans as it exposes us to inadequate temperatures, extreme weather, and many more hazards. These mentioned effects all have significant effects on Africa’s economic development.

WHAT IS THE WAY OUT? Adaptation: To reduce the impacts of climate change on African Countries, adaptation measures are required at multiple scales, improved weather forecasting technology in Sub-Saharan Africa is important to inform climate change and to aid decision making associated with adaptation to climate change.

Reforestation: This is natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been exhausted, usually through deforestation.

Forests are central in developing global solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Carbon removed from the atmosphere is effectively stored in plant material and wood. According to data gotten from Sappi, a living tree draws in and stores twice as much Carbon dioxide as a fallen tree released. Carbon dioxide stored in trees is released into the atmosphere when they are destroyed which contributes to global warming.

There are campaigns across Africa to encourage the planting of trees to tackle climate change like Nigeria’s tree planting campaign aimed at planting 25million trees by the end of President Mohammed Buhari’s administration. All stakeholders are encouraged to join the campaign to grow trees for a livable and serene environment devoid of climate changes.

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Use of Alternative Sources of Energy: As earlier stated, countries that depend majorly on hydropower are prone to more drastic effects of climate change and so there is a need to devise other alternative sources to reduce dependence on hydropower. Alternative energy sources include Solar Energy from the sun, geothermal energy from the heat inside the earth, wind energy, and biomass energy from plants.

Efficient Irrigation management for farmers: Conserving water use is vital for any farm, particularly in the time of drought which is likely to occur as a result of climate change. Through groundwater pumping or external sources, farmers should be made available with water in preparation for plantings.

Legislation: Proper legislation is required to curb industrial pollution which is a major contributor to global warming. With activities like Coal burning, Fossil fuel burning, and others, individuals and companies release an unimaginable amount of gas waste into the atmosphere. There is a need for the legislative bodies across Africa to put up laws guarding such indiscriminate waste of gas. Recycling and other waste management schemes should be initiated. The continent of Africa must put up every relevant measure to reduce the effects of climate change and its contributors, though Africa will be the most affected according to reports, we must take stringent steps to curb this menace.

“

We have a single mission to protect and hand over the planet to the next generation

We must bear in mind the continent of Africa is ours, our home, and our hope. In the words of Francis Holande “We have a single mission to protect and hand over the planet to the next generation”, “The climate crisis has already been solved, we already have the facts and solutions, and all we have to do is wake up and change (Greta Thunberg). As Vandana Shiva said, “Climate Change is not just a problem for the future, it is impacting us every day, everywhere”.

Know that when you burn those tires or cut down trees, you are a reason the sun is so hot. “For those who have eyes to see, for those who have ears to listen, and for those who have the heart to feel, 1.5 is what we need to survive in countries like Kenya and Mozambique, 2 degrees is a death sentence”. (Mia Mottley 2021) we can stand against Climate change

Author

NOSIKE CYNTHIA cynthianosike@gmail.com

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AFRICA PEACE AMBASSADORS LEADERSHIP TRAINING Date: 30TH JULY., 2022 | 9AM Venue: COCONUT GROVE HOTEL, ACCRA, GHANA

For Registration, Sponsorship, Speaking Opportunies and inquiries: ] africanpeacemag@gmail.com www.africanpeace.org f|t africanpeacemag c africanpeacemagazine

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 56

v +447448921266 +447466234902

Objective Africa needs competent local managers and peace ambassadors to create sustainable and peaceful environment.

Knowing our assets and confidently sharing our knowledge is the first step in peace building in Africa.

In light of this, the training is designed for those who want to discover and develop their leadership and conflict management potential, find their voice and contribute to Africa’s success. It is also a great experience and a chance for the world to learn from Africa and how we effectively manage Conflict and Build Peace.

Goals: Youths will learn skills to become better leaders and peace ambassadors. This training serves as the overview and you'll explore what Conflict management and leadership are and the key skills and strategies effective managers use to create successful and peaceful communities/organizations.

Participants will be educated in management basics: motivating different personality types, planning, organizing and coordinating and controlling.

Participants will discover how to develop peace building team and how to lead even in the times of crisis and difficulties. Every day you will have an occasion to practice leading, Peace building and managing people.

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Deliverables This is mainly a classroom-based course similar to higher institution studies format. Topics will be covered through case studies that encourage participants to do 90 percent of the talking during the discussions and workshops. The Trainers steers the conversation by making occasional observations, asking questions and summarizing.

The conclusions and decisions are made by the participants.

The Trainers will aim to keep the course material interactive and varied. In order to cater to a variety of learners, lectures using video, print visuals, audio, case studies and culminating with group work will be employed along with workshops.

Participants will bring into class "real-world" examples from their own mail, work, reading, or meeting discussions. Participant will each solve Conflict management and leadership case by researching real life success stories and presenting possible findings to the classroom.

Progress requires intense and prolonged practice.

Therefore, this training is designed as an inspiring laboratory allowing participants to practice Peace building, leadership and management skills in the classroom, apply what they’ve learned immediately to their real challenges at work and share the outcomes with the classroom and later with their team. At the end of the training participant will receive certificates.

Aside from that, participation in this program will help increase one’s potential for international job placements, scholarships AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 58

Expectations Africans who want to develop their peace building and leadership skills, learn about different negotiating and management styles in the world and improve trough practice and observation.

People who consider managerial career and look for a purposeful career path. It will be a great first leadership experience, an occasion to learn from professionals in a safe environment and network.

Participants will learn from each other about the African cultural leadership expectations and how to use cultural sensitivity to create a safe and cooperative culture in Africa.

Skills to be learnt are: •

Planning

•

Organizing

•

Coordinating

•

Decision making

•

Communication

•

Motivating

•

Mediation and Negotiation

•

Giving feedback

•

Flexibility

•

Finding solutions

What each party should do or bring: (to be determined by all Parties)

Venue:

Date:

30th JULY ‘ 22

COCONUT GROVE HOTEL, ACCRA, GHANA.

Do n ’ t M i s s i t ! ! !

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Meet

JOY GABRIEL A digital entrepreneur. content creator for blogs and websites, coach, author, volunteer

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm a digital entrepreneur. I create content for blogs and websites, coach, author, volunteer and also help business owners come up with profitable solutions for their enterprise.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY EDUCATION? As a child, I attended only schools afforded to a typical middle-class, Nigerian family with six kids and two hardworking parents. My education started in a small, private school where people thought we had no seats or shelter at the time. It was called 'starlight academy'. When family was affected by the demolition of Idu-Karmo area in 2006, we had to move. I was just in primary two, then.

Our new location had a few private schools but we had no money to spare. So I waited for about two academic terms and finally ended up enrolling in the public school system (LEA), where I graduated with honors in 2011. My junior

4. WHAT DOES PEACE MEAN TO YOU? You know, Mother Theresa said, 'Peace begins with a smile'. To me, peace begins when we first accept ourselves for who we are, then we can communicate that kind of self-love into loving others. Peace is many things but not war. There's so much going on in our world right now that amounts to false peace but true peace begins with you and I. When everyone genuinely cares about the other person and no, it's not for show either. That is peace to me.

5. TELL US ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY Over the years, I've come to understand the vanity of a life without service to humanity and a relationship with God. Some days I just wake up thankful for the gift of making impact in whatever way I can. That's my greatest joy so far. To put a priceless smile on someone's face, to make hope come alive in yet another heart, to lead a soul back to their maker, that's my greatest happiness.

secondary education was also in a public school, J.S.S peyi, after which I proceeded to The school for the Gifted, Gwagwalada for my upper secondary education. Moving on, I gained admission to study accounting in A.B.U business school, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

3. TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING? My impact story began sometime after leaving secondary school. I was stranded financially, plus I had a burning passion to leave a positive mark on my generation.

This led me to get a teaching job after which I left to continue my tertiary education. However, my desire to make impact wasn't abated. I started by trying to form a company named 'Mopsy' but that never succeeded. Next, I got introduced into the digital world and that's where I found I could make massive impact leveraging technology.

6. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST STRATEGY TOWARDS PROMOTING PEACE IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA? Mediation and conciliation have always worked magically for conflicts, I believe it still does.

When two aggrieved parties are ready to listen to each other and talk their way through grievances, it is priceless.

Take for instance, the political uprising in the Eastern part of the country, clamoring for their own state. This may be better handled with sufficient mediation strategies. Yes, there are two wronged parties but something can be worked out when they both surrender their pride and come to a mutual understanding. If need be, a compromise.

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7. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CO TRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF PEACE, IF YEAS WHAT IS YOUR BEST APPROACH TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION? We meet different conflicts everyday but how we handle ourselves determine whether things escalate into a crisis or not. Take for example, the recent case of now deceased Deborah Yakubu, who was brutally murdered by a mass action. This could have been resolved if it was well handled from the inception. For God's sake, things escalated from a mere whatsapp voicenote to a bloodied murder! So yes, to answer your question, I meet several trying circumstances everyday in my activity with people. Humans will always be humans. However, I'm careful to recognize when things need to be handled with caution.

For example, I always try to find the source of a person's anger towards me. If it's something I can apologize for, I'd do so to avoid further arguments. Sometimes being in the right has no real benefits, so letting go might be our best option. Other times, I'd make an appeal for peace and forgiveness. In all, applying wisdom to each and every situation is best.

8. AS A WOMAN AND A LEADER, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE WHO ASPIRE TO BE LIKE YOU? Funny, this question is coming at a time when women everywhere are consciously making the move for autonomy. Well, my advice is that women should aspire beyond their wildest capabilities not because they want to surpass the male gender but simply because they deserve to.

Also, it takes great courage and determination to be a winning leader. So long as you don't give up, all mountains are surmountable.

every good initiative. You see, these days we have more of talkers and less of doers.

The African Peace magazine is not so, in the sense that we see things in different perspectives and also, learn our roles in making peace work in our society.

10. IT HAS OFTEN BEEN SAID THAT AFRICA CAN FEED THE WORLD BUT INSECURITY AND INTERNAL STRIFE HAS AFFECTED OUR ABILITY TO HARNESS OUR AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES, WHAT CAN WE DO TO ADDRESS THIS SITUATION? Yes, this is true. Africa as a continent is grossly understated in terms of Agricultural resources.

The land is so blessed with both natural and mineral resources. However, our own internal issues have refused to let us advance to world class excellence. What can we do about it?

Simple, evaluate and rebuild!

We have enough dead structures, systems and governments in place. These processes do not work anymore. There's an urgent need to reexamine our strategies to find out where we've missed it, then we can move forward and make new plans.

Moreover, We are supposed to be fighting this insecurity together, instead of leaving it to only a minority few. I believe, if all African countries come together or at least sub-regions like westAfrican countries, there will be definite progress on this issue of tackling insecurity in the region

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE INITIATIVE? The African Peace magazine initiative is progress-oriented and that's what I like about

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 63

“

Sometimes being in the right has no real benefits, so letting go might be our best option.

11. TELL US ABOUT YOUR NGO, IF ANY. My plans for an NGO are still very much in the works.

12. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS My plan for the future is multi-dimensional. I see myself building a large number of people on areas such as: Finance, business, leadership and life issues.

The exact scope is still in the works and will be revealed soon. So far, I have a dream for a better humanity. A stronger love-cord binding us and a peaceful co-existence on earth before we meet our maker.

13. WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY? My family, friends and the holy spirit. As you may have rightly guessed, I'm a spiritual person and I don't do anything without God's leading.

That is my special ingredient to success, if I may say so.

14. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ON PEACE BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT? Peace building is a task for everyone. We all have a duty to keep the peace so that we can all thrive. As humans, we are not mutually exclusive, rather, we depend on each other, in one way or the other, for survival.

Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to uphold peace in whatever situation we find ourselves. Just as much as we need each other's help, we also need God's help to be truly peaceful. That is my guiding principle in life.

15. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS OF TODAY? My biggest success reflects in every life I touch. A cliché says, “There’s no successful person until he has raised people to become successful like himself.”

During the heat of the pandemic in 2020, I was able to start up a hub for training people on digital skills. Today, the results are overwhelming.

Many of my students have gone on to become tech gurus and digital business experts. It all started with an idea I'm grateful to God to have received.

16. HOW DO WE DEAL WITH BRAINDRAIN AND THE SUDDEN INCREASE IN MIGRATION? The ultimate solution for braindrain is to provide comfortable working and living conditions for African citizens.

The quality of life in Africa is sadly below average when compared to other western civilization. Our leaders owe the ordinary citizens so much more in terms of better healthcare facilities, educational systems, environmental and sanitary conditions, work structures, economic and currency values. I believe addressing these issues and more will make our dear talents to treasure their fatherland to the point of undying patriotism.

17. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTHS WITH REGARDS TO THEIR ROLE IN PEACE BUILDING AND ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA? African youths should first of all believe in themselves. There's nothing like being your own best supporter. Then, they should engage great minds who will coach them in the right path towards fulfilling their dreams.

There's no use being used as political thugs or become society's underdogs when the future belongs to them. This is the age of technological advancement, cultural, business and political revamp. African youths need not be left behind.

Finally, I want African youths to dream bigger.

There's so much more out there, if only they can dream. The future is waiting to be dreamt by somebody.

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 64

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE UK

Presents

THEME

ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN A CHANGING WORLD

2nd - 14th SEPTEMBER

2022

VENUES

*Abu Dhabi *Dubai *Sharjah *Ajman *Umm Al Quain *RAK *Fujairah

For Registration, Sponsorship, Participation and Speaking Opportunities

Ca: v+44 7466 234902 +2347025003543; +2347025003544

Foow Us: www.africanpeace.org t AfricanPeacemag ] africanpeacemag@gmail.com f africanpeacemag c africanpeacemagazine

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 65

Tourist Sites

Angola is a country in Southern Africa with a diverse landscape that includes tropical Atlantic beaches, a maze of rivers, and a Sub-Saharan desert that stretches into Namibia. The country's Portuguese-influenced cuisine and landmarks, such as the Fortaleza de S. Miguel, a stronghold erected by the Portuguese in 1576 to defend the capital, Luanda, highlight the country's colonial history.

Angola has a gorgeous coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as a lovely mix of grasslands, savannas, tropical forests, and urban stretches inland.

Angola is a country attempting to establish itself on an international scale. It claims to have the world's fastest-growing economy, based on various sorts of mining exports, and the tourist sector is aiming to grow at the same rate.

Here is a list of some places to visit if you find yourself in Angola; Source: The Crazy Tourist

Launda What is a country without a beautiful capital?

Angola's capital, Launda is full with dramatic contrasts. Beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean are obstructed by passing ships, and high-rise modern-looking buildings contrast with lean-to shelters designed to house people in the quickly growing metropolis. Overcrowding is also visible in other ways, such as the hectic morning traffic and stench that plague the city on a regular basis. Despite these issues, Luanda has its own attractions and offers a different side of Africa that is worth seeing.

Kissama National Park The Parque Nacional de Kissama, located 70 kilometers south of Luanda, is a wildlife refuge that has used spectacular natural settings to protect and preserve many African species. In 1938, the park was established as a wildlife reserve, and in 1957, it was designated as a National Park. In the year 2000, the park even received ten elephants by airmail from Russia.

Coastal savannah with baobab trees, grasslands, and mangroves make up the Quiçama National Park. The Cuanza River is to the north. The Longa River is located to the south. After the Angolan Civil War, a wildlife reintroduction effort brought elephants, giraffes, and zebras to the park, which already had sea turtles and a diverse bird population.

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The Tundavala Fissure The Tundavala Fissure is one of Angola's most beautiful natural wonders. At an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level, it is located between the cities of Lubango and Namibe. It goes without saying that the views are spectacular at this height, and the visible vistas are among the best in Africa. The perspective of the slope back down to sea level, which is commonly accessible by thrill-seeking hikers, is dizzying steep. The Tundavala also features sections of grassland, grass, and forest landscapes in addition to the sheer rock walls.

Dilolo Lake This legendary lake can be found in Moxico, Angola's easternmost province. It is the country's largest lake and a popular tourist destination. The lake is filled with nature, including rare bird species and aquatic life, despite its location just outside the Cameia Park boundaries. The lake is 12 kilometers long and situated at a height of about 1000 meters above sea level. The odd waves that constantly head to the east of the lake are the source of the lake's legends. These waves are said to be a magical power that keeps people from fishing on the lake in legend. September is the greatest month for a swim in the lake, with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees Celsius.

Dala Waterfalls The Dala Waterfalls, located near Lunda Sol, is around 60 meters high and make a beautiful spectacle with the mist and spray caused by the water crashing against the rocks below. The waterfalls can be easily observed from a bridge near the base of the falls, or a hotel has been built barely 50 meters away for those who truly adore the panorama.

Benguela Benguela, in western Angola, is located on the same-named bay and is a popular tourist attraction in the country. The city's early economy was based on mining, followed by the slave trade to Cuba and Brazil. The city actively promotes tourism, and an international railway station is nearby. The city's principal attractions are its lovely oceanfront position and breathtaking Portuguese architecture. The beaches are wonderful places to relax, and the locals are really welcoming

The Maiombe Forest The Maiombe Forest is one of Angola's most beautiful natural places. Its forest covers more than 400 square kilometers, earning it the moniker "Amazon of Africa." With hundreds of uncommon species, many of which are unique to the area, the forest is a terrific destination for wildlife lovers. Gorillas, elephants, chimps, rare birds, and butterflies are among the animals on display. The forest's woods, which include ebony and mahogany, are as rare as the creatures.

Buco Zau, the reserve's largest settlement, has a tiny guesthouse with basic amenities for visitors who want to totally immerse themselves in nature.

Iona National Park The Iona National Park, Angola's largest national park, is located in the country's far southwest corner.

It spans an area of more than 15,000 square kilometers. Despite the fact that illicit animal hunting wreaked havoc on the national parks during the civil war, efforts are continuing to replace and restore the park's biodiversity. The park is home to indigenous people who, according to scientists, are the most "culturally intact" people on the continent, as well as wildlife such as Springbok, Ostrich, and Cheetah.

Mupa National Park While the territory was still a Portuguese colony, the Mupa National Park was established in 1964.

The park's main goal was to conserve giraffe subspecies, but they were all cruelly killed out, owing to landmines left over from the civil war.

Wild dogs, lions, leopards, and hyenas are among the park's other mammals. Although mineral mining is currently a threat to many species, the park is also a home for a diversity of unusual avian life.

The Arch Lagoon The Arch Lagoon is located near Tombwa, Namibia, in the Namib Desert. The spectacular natural arch rock formations that have been formed by nature over countless years give the lagoon its name. The lagoon is a terrific place to rest, not only because of its spectacular landforms but also because of its serene character and peaceful surroundings. Visitors may see some of the uncommon and unusual wildlife species that inhabit the area surrounding the Arch Lagoon while relaxing in this paradise.

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On Whom Will

NIGERIA’S

Salvation

be hinged in the next few years?

T

he old, the young, ladies, past, present, known and unknown all want to be. The race has begun for the highest political office in Nigeria, the presidency. Who will be the next president of this country? Nigeria will conduct federal elections in February 2023, concluding President Muhammadu Buhari's eight-year mandate. Election preparations have been underway since 2021, when the Senate enacted the Electoral Amendment Bill on November 9, 2021.

The election is the time that voters have the opportunity to pick a candidate they assume is suitable for a political office. The 2023 presidential race is particularly exciting because of the number of present State governors, ministers and vice presidents that have indicated interest. Most of who have failed in their space and come to the forefront to lead the nation to doom.

It is a Country with humongous challenges of insecurity, debts, oil theft; Power Supply, education, medical and much more. It will take more than a magic wand to make these problems go away. She had been mismanaged from the outset and looted by her custodians. The proceeds from her resources are not evenly distributed and the political structure gives more control to the centre due to its erstwhile military governance.

The next Nigerian president is not about the ten million tickets or form, nor is it about drug tests nor having dinner with the first lady or criticism of the present administration. The Nigerian leadership is not about the Northern oligarchy. No, not the minority or Igbo presidency, it is beyond Christianity or Islam it is much more than that.

The majority of candidates have signified interest in the upcoming presidential election in February 2023, mostly from the different parties across the country, to mention but a few, Anyim Pius Anyim, who served as the senate president of Nigeria from 2000 to 2003, has supported from political leaders in 5 Eastern states. Yahaya Bello, the 46year-old former governor of Kogi State who seems like the youngest candidate promised not to violate Nigerians' confidence.

Orji Uzor Kalu, the chief whip of the Senate House of Nigeria with encouragement from leaders from the six geopolitical zones.

Kingsley Moghalu of the African Democratic Party and the former deputy governor of the central bank of Nigeria, Dele Momodu of Ovation Magazine believe he is the best hope for Nigeria.

The political sprinters are on their marks, ready to go. Moving around different political parties; denial and betrayals are familiar rhythmical songs in times like this.

The Religious bodies that have been at the receiving end of bad governance are encouraging their members to join and become active in politics. Some have gone further to establish departments to enlighten them on the need to be at the forefront.

AFRICAN PEACE MAGAZINE | 73

publicity. He was a significant contender for the governorship of Ogun State in 2002.

Okupe, who is now a member of the PDP, launched his candidacy for the presidency in October 2021, promising to prioritize the needs of the poor if elected.

Bukola Saraki was Nigeria's previous Senate President from 2015 to 2019 and on January 26, 2022, the PDP chieftain announced his presidential ambitions on his official Facebook page.

Chukwuka Monye founder of Guci Consulting whose intention was to run as an independent candidate is also in the race.

Rashidat Okunnu-Lamidi, the only female in the race, is the founder of Slice Media Solutions's advertising agency and wants a party to believe vision and adopt her.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), A former Governor of Lagos State, is reported to have shaped modern-day Lagos and major support to Buhari’s rise to stardom. Rochas Okorocha made his intentions known through a letter addressed to the senate president and he believe that Nigeria needs a detribalized citizen who can rule it.

Yemi Osinbajo, the current Vice president of Nigeria has recently shown interest and is ready to lead Nigeria for the next political term. Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation, former Governor of River State, and former speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly. As well as Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria who believed Nigeria is in a sinking ship and must be rescued.

Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian politician and medical practitioner who served as Obasanjo's special assistant on media and

David Umahi, the current governor of Ebonyi State and an APC member. He switched from the PDP to the APC in November 2020, citing a desire to move the South East area closer to the center of power. If elected, Umahi has stated that his presidency will repeat his work in Ebonyi State at the national level, and that he will bring a business-like attitude to his administration.

Peter Umeadi is so far the only presidential aspirant of the party vetted for the campaigns according to a document signed by the Secretary of the party’s Presidential/ Governorship Screening Committee, Hon. Sly Ezeokenwa, and made available to Vanguard Newspapers in Abia.

At the time he declared his intentions to run, Umeadi, a Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria, observed that only good leadership could bring about the muchneeded change in Nigeria, adding that he was prepared to provide the country with quality leadership and put it on the path of economic and economic growth. He also said, “Nigeria requires a change which only good leadership could provide. We need to change the way we think so we could change the way we do things”. “We all need to roll up our sleeves and go to work in all facets of

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our national life and I believe that we will be able to reposition Nigeria in four years from 2023.” “I am stepping out as a champion of rule of law, separation of powers and due process. The bulwark of my presidential bid is predicated on popular votes at the polls from a majority of Nigerians. We should respect the ballots”.

opportunity to rule but see it as a way to serve the Nation better, on who is compassionate, patriotic and with empathy.

The majority of those who have served the nation one way or the other in the past and seen what they are capable of, Nigerians should look at who can best transform the country.

Prof. Christopher Imumolen, a well-known professor and philanthropist, has also chosen the Accord Party's nomination form for the 2023 presidential elections. At the point of this interest, he pointed out a few things, “This is time for a new beginning in Nigeria, and that is what I represent, the hope of new beginnings. Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s economy, diversity, and other differences have been mismanaged by past administrations, hence the rising agitations for self-determination from across ethnic nations in Nigeria.

The Nation is currently birthed in opulence and destroyed at the cradle. It has suddenly become a retiree, stunted, paralyzed, and destitute. We seek a Nation where a spent worker is sure of pay! Having a life that is valued in terms of security and medical facilities, a country where contractual agreement with the government based on remuneration will favor citizens and not individuals. A Nigeria that gives credence to its educators and institutions. A system that gives valued education and research rated and accepted the World over.

“My Party and I are here to make the change that Nigerians desire. We would go through the process and emerged victorious.

Nigeria is seriously ‘bleeding’, and its people are yearning for good governance, which has eluded them over the years due to poor and incompetent leadership.”

Many other candidates have shown interest in the race, some have even taken the action to purchase primary election forms to be elected as the political party candidate.

Political parties are all conducting party primaries in preparation to be the ruling party and most especially have their candidates win the election in the state and the country at large.

A country where the gross domestic products (GDP) speak of wealth and the Naira becomes strengthened. It exports more than imports. Private Institutions employ more, thrive and do not kill due to multiple taxes.

A green passport means more than just a mere refugee. Citizens are taught how to love and respect their nation. Leaders are held accountable. Farmers cultivate in safety

It is worthy of note that Nigeria should not just key to a popular candidate but seek in them a visionary leader, a competent person, who does not see the position as an

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and Cows and other animals have their Ranches as colonies. Our roads, waters and airways are safe and free. The Justice System works and looters are corrected in functional and habitable facilities.

A nation-state where a crippled and handicapped feel belongs, where a soldier is not a burden but willing to serve and defend.

A government where the grassroots works and is properly monitored. Also, demand is placed on the “Royals” aside from amassing wives. Nigerians need a government that is close and friendly.

Where trust is not built at a distance but near. A clean state that provides dustbins at nooks and crannies. And citizens are taught to dispose of properly. It is a land where “thank you” means what it is and not a bribe.

An industrialized nation that refines its crude oil, produces its steel and makes its chocolates.

Where Made in Nigeria becomes an accepted and strong brand. Products and services at topnotch and citizens patronize them. Fairness plays out in the open market and monopoly is discouraged. A well-structured plan should be in place for her Citizens irrespective of age, gender, or status. A place that fears does not exist either for cult or abuse of power.

Who will head this nation and make the vision of its forebears a truth? It needs a leader, not a manager, a patriot not a Politician, one who will serve and save. It needs no rich or poor, only a lover of the land.

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