The voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 22. NO. 220 August 2022

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

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THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thenigerianvoice.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Magazine Designer David Banjoko davosban@gmail.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Amb. Patrick McCaffrey Mildred Kleinbussink Engineer Barry A.O. Igbeare

Guest Writer: Ms. Albena Jones The Voice magazine

Swift Code: SNSBNL2A

The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-­governmental organizations and in­ dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way af­filiated to any of these bodies or to any other ­ publishing institution or political interest or group.

The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination.

The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy..

If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address.

Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)

On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com www.viceversaglobal.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372

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The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is p ­ ublished online since 2016 around the world. It is registered at the Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam. The Voice aim to serve as a vital link among African readers in the Diaspora and we ­provide ­objective information and organizes opinion exchange among African people both in the ­continent and abroad. Thus it strives to foster and enhance complete understanding of ­developing c­ ountries problems and bring information to help address those issues. You can support this project now with as much as one euro a month to help keep publishing our digital copy for you.

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NO220August 2022

Contents 16-22

August edition 2022 - Volume 22. No 220

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ARTICLES

Page Time to invest in the Gambia Pages 16-20 - Foreigners are made to feel welcome in Bulgaria as if they are in their own country – says Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Al Madbuh Pages 26 – 28 - POSN Austria asks PDP and APC to withdraw from 2023 presidential race for LP, berates Bola Tinubu & Atiku Abubakar Pages 32-34 - The emerging menace of cross border pollution in Uganda Pages 38-40 - Dynamic duo tackling Uganda’s looming mental health crisis Pages 44 & 45 - In Search of the Elusive Dream (Part 2) Pages 48-50 - The Young and Exciting Parenting Blogger Page 51 - Ugandan ministerial delegation visits GreenDream Company Pages 52-54 - Time to decriminalize suicide and cannabis use Pages 56 & 57 - The harder the challenge gets, the closer you are to victory Pages 58 & 59 - The African Promise - State of democracy in elections process Pages 60 & 61 - OPINION: What to expect in Kenyan elections.

Allow peace to reign, win or lose!

Pages 62 & 63 - Too close to call: Kenya elections- Ruto versus Odinga Pages 64-66 - We are the leaders of today Page 68 - Page 68 - Meet Nigeria’s golden girl Tobi Amusan who broke world record twice in a competition

REGISTER WITH NIGERIA EMBASSY THE HAGUE On behalf of the Nigerian Embassy in The Hague, this is a general public announcement and appeal to all Nigerians resident in the Netherlands either as Students or full time residents with Dutch Nationality or any other nationality but you have proof of being a Nigerian. We kindly advise you to register your current location address and contact details through the Nigerian Embassy for your safety and accountability purposes in case of an emergency of evacuation or exchange of information. The Russian /Ukraine conflict is a learning curve for us all. We live in a time of uncertainty around the world.

Note: Your information is not going to be compromised or used for any other purpose than for documentation and records purpose if you are to be reached.

Kindly register yourself, spouse, children or any other family member resident with you even if they are undocumented in the country.

The link to follow is below or visits the Nigerian Embassy website at www.nigerianembassythehague.nl Signed: Nigerian Ambassador to The Netherlands Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Mrs. Eniola Ajayi The Hague, The Netherlands

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Editorial

Time to invest in the Gambia

W

hy the choice of the Gambia is a question often people have asked us in the past few months since we mentioned to them we were bringing the Voice magazine event to the Gambia. Many could not understand why we would move from Dubai after the 2021 experience to the Gambia when we were offered to bring the event back after the Covid pandemic.

We thought to ourselves, it is time for Africa, we talk about Africa in western cities and other parts of the world but we leave Africa still impoverish and lack of development and opportunities are making Africans to flee the continent for greener pastures abroad.

We decided to take the bull by the horn and invited our friends to the Gambia with us to see the possibilities abound in the Gambia. Rather small country with a population of about 2.4 million people but it enjoys a peaceful and stable government, a loving people, beautiful weather and a growing economy The country is ranked 155th worldwide in the 2020 Doing Business report, losing five places since the previous edition. The Gambia offers tax incentives, transparent and simple procedures as well as a strong potential in the tourism and re-export sectors. Its limited size and its landlocked position can be

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impediments to investment but the country is improving the access to electricity and to the credit, simplifies the tax system, better protect minority investors and resolve issues due to insolvency. Since the election of President Adama Barrow, the government is working to attract more foreign investments in the country. These investments are mostly concentrated in the agro-food and tourism sectors. The government has identified several areas as ‘priority sectors’ that attract a Special Investment Certificate (SIC), which provides a range of incentives, including duty exemptions and tax holidays. There are no laws or practices in The Gambia that discriminate against foreign investors therefore you are welcome with open hands to do business. For this reason we introduced the Gambia Voice Business Summit to this year’s award ceremony-taking place from 18th to 20th August at Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul The Gambia. We shall be looking at the various possibilities of doing business in the Gambia and in general Africa. Our goal is to ensure that after this visit, our Diaspora friends would be woo into coming back to the country without the Voice team to do business or for leisure.

Through the National Entrepreneurship policy, the State

promotes business creation in order to diversify the economy. Tax advantages, simple procedures and tourism’s strong potential are some of the country’s main assets. We are inviting you to join us in the Gambia for at least one week to see and enjoy the country. Gambia awaits us.

See you soon. Enjoy your August edition; full with interesting stories and in particular our event in the Gambia.

Bless month to you all Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh Publisher- The Voice magazine Convener - The Voice Achievers Award

PRESENTS

THEVOICE ACHIEVERSAWARD BANJUL2022 IN ASSOCIATION WITH

AFRICA’S FUTURE THROUGH PARTICIPATION AUGUST 18, 19 & 20 2022 SIRDAWDA KAIRABAJAWARAINTERNATIONALCONFERENCECENTER,BANJUL,THEGAMBIA

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Pastor Roel & Ida Van Rooij Senior Pastor 4Pillars Community Church Almere

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Congratulations to Helena as she marries David Banjoko in Ghana Coverage coming soon www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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YOUR COPY NOW....

Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword

BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out……

Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values.

Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted.

Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;

partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute.

He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands.

The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage.

You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes.

Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned.

This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that

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image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly.

Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com

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Foreigners are made to feel welcome in Bulgaria as if they are in their own country says Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Al Madbuh

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Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Al Madbuh Interview

r. Ahmed Al Madbuh has been accredited as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Bulgaria since January 2009. He has been the longest-serving Dean of the Bulgarian diplomatic corps - since 2014 and has been is the most active ambassadors in country.

In the past 13 years, he has given countless interviews and lectures to the Bulgarian audience related to the Middle East conflict, terrorism and international relations. His main efforts as an Ambassador for his war thorn county Palestine and also as the Dean of the entire diplomatic community has always been focused on promoting peace, unity and developing inter-cultural relationships between the nations represented in the host country.

Many Palestinian exhibitions were held in different parts of Bulgaria, and Palestinian folk groups participated in various festivals here.

The State of Palestine currently has bilateral recognition with 139 countries. Most African States extended recognition to the State of Palestine following the Declaration of Independence by the Palestine National Council on 15 November 1988 in Algeria.

At the end of his diplomatic term in Bulgaria I spoke with H.E. Dr. Ambassador Al Madbuh, here is what he shared with me exclusively for the readers of The Voice magazine Q: Please tell us about yourself and what made you Interview by Guest Writer, become an ambassador?

Albena A. Jones TV: We could say that my destiny began as a refugee, passed through becoming a surgeon, then later an ambassador. I was born in a refugee camp in Lebanon; the camp is geographically situated closest to Palestine. I was born there because my father and my mother, as well as my grandfather and grandmother, were forcibly driven out of Haifa, they fled and sought refuge in this camp.

I studied in the schools of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees - UNRWA. After that I did my medical degree in Russia, I specialized in urological surgery. Of course, throughout the entire time, as well as in Russia, my work was accompanied by the ongoing battle for the Palestinian cause.

When I was approached with the offer to become an ambassador, I spoke with my father who asked me “What was your response?” I told him that I’d replied - “I will think about it”, he responded, “What’s there to think about?” so I called and accepted the offer.

Subsequently, since 2009, I have been the Ambassador to the State of Palestine in Bulgaria.

Q: Being the Dean of the diplomatic corps how do you successfully manage Ambassadors from different countries with different political views and different cultures?

TV: Of course, being the Dean of the diplomatic corps as well as being the Ambassador of Palestine is not an easy task. It’s vital that during every speech

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H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Madbuh Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine in the Republic Bulgaria and Dean of the Diplomatic corps Continued on Page 18

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and every word said, one must take into consideration the various political, cultural, social, and other tendencies. So words are not taken out of context, that one is taking sides; everything said must have a precise balance.

Besides, sometimes issues occur between the different embassies and the host country, which occasionally require the involvement of the Dean of the diplomatic corps, here I don’t mean bilateral relations issues, but concerns connected with the diplomatic work itself, for example - access issues to different areas of an airport, or parking provision for diplomatic vehicles, or value-added tax matters. On all such occasions, the involvement of the Dean of the diplomatic corps is required so that a mutually acceptable compromise can be reached.

Nevertheless, the work carried out as the Dean of the diplomatic corps is somewhat carried out at the expense of the ambassadorial duties for the respective country represented, meaning that the responsibilities as a Dean take away time and energy from the work as an ambassador of the State of Palestine.

At the same time, this is a position every ambassador

should be proud of, as one becomes a centre stage figure at evens with the other ambassadors and the entire diplomatic community.

By protocol upon arrival, after submitting their credentials

to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria all new ambassadors must meet with the Dean of the diplomatic corps, as well as departing ambassadors at the end of their mandate after bidding farewell to the Bulgarian officials, meet up to say their goodbyes to the Dean of the diplomatic corps.

Q: How do you think we can achieve a peaceful

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resolution to the Middle East conflict and the crisis in Eastern Europe?

TV: Without a doubt, peace is what everyone wants!

To achieve peace, courage and political will power is required. Regarding the Middle East conflict with the Palestine problem being the heart of it, we the Palestinian people and the Palestinian leadership took our course on the path of peace since 1988, since the boundaries of the State of Palestine were established in 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital, within the internationally legally declared Occupied Territories the West Bank of the river Jordan, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. We accepted and agreed for our country to be established within those boundaries, on the said territory, sadly there hasn’t been an Israeli government to reach out their hand in peace based on International law rights mentioned. The war in 1967 lasted only 6 days; it is referred to as the “Six-Day War”. In six days Israel occupied whatever was left of the Palestinian territories. So should the Israeli government find good political will for a peaceful resolution, they could in the same manner withdraw from the Occupied Territories in six days, and on the seventh day, we could both rest.

Unfortunately, as I already said there is no will or desire for peace on the Israeli side.

Achieving a peaceful resolution could only be accomplished on the basis of international law.

And international law states that the Palestinian territories are occupied territories from which Israel must withdraw. In addition based on the same international law, the Palestinian refugees have the right to return to the places from which they were forcibly driven out. This means that as per international law I have the right to return to Haifa, the place from which my grandparents and parents were forcibly expelled. Until this moment Israel refuses to exercise our rights.

We would like for peace to be established in the lands were currently there is war, in the Ukraine, as peace cannot be achieved in any other way but at the discussion table. The sooner discussions are held; the sooner peace is going to be by established. If we were

to run a parallel comparison between the ongoing war in the Ukraine and the war in the occupied Palestine, we will establish the presence of a double standard with regards to the international relations conduct towards the Ukraine. We saw how the United States and their allies, including the European Union imposed strict sanctions on Russia because of the war in the Ukraine. If only 10% of those sanctions were imposed on Israel, then the chances of achieving a peaceful resolution to the Middle Eastern Ambassador Al Madbuh and the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev conflict would have increased to 90%.

Looking at Israel we see that recently highest level, not only politically but also in the inter two reputable International institutions, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International cultural aspect between our two Nations. There were published independent reports that conclude, that cultural exchanges between artists and performers Israel is a country that exercises apartheid towards from Bulgaria and Palestine, we organised numerous the Palestinians. Sadly it appears that the democratic exhibitions in various Bulgarian towns, participations world seems to turn their eyes away from those two in folk festivals and the most significant achievement was the establishing of the Asian Festival together reports, not noticing them and ignoring them.

When apartheid was exercised in South Africa the world imposed sanctions which abolished the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Why the same sanctions are not being brought upon Israel so that the apartheid regime that Israel exercises could be brought to an end?

Q: During your 13-year mandate, what bilateral relations were achieved between in Bulgaria and Palestine and what future cooperation would you recommend?

TV: During my mandate we worked on strengthening the bilateral relations with Bulgaria, we entered Ambassador Al Madbuh proudly among his fellow country man, into multiple bilateral agreements women and children in Bulgaria in the areas of tourism, labour and social policies, in the foreign affairs activities, few political consultations were held with the Ambassador of Indonesia, that event has now between the two Ministries. There was exchange visits transformed into to a significant cultural event in the at the highest level between the two countries and at program of the capital Sofia. all times we strived for our relations to maintain the Q: What is the best that you would recommend about Continued on Page 20 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Bulgaria?

TV: Bulgaria is a very beautiful country, by saying that I don’t only referred to it nature, but to its people who are friendly, helpful and willing to co-operate. Foreigners are made to feel so welcome in Bulgaria that they feel as if they are in their own country; this is a very specific trait of the Bulgarian people. Bulgaria has a very diversified nature, I would recommend for all to experience the beauty of the Bulgarian nature.

Each visitor to Bulgaria must go to the Black Sea side; as to me the Bulgarian coastline with its golden sand is one of the most beautiful sea sides in the world. Everyone must visit the green mountains as Vitosha, the Rila Mountain with its seven mountain lakes, the ski resorts, as well as the ancient villages and towns which have retained their authentic charm and traditions, as Etara, Bojentsi and the old beautiful capital of Veliko Tarnovo. In those places one can see the restored old authentic houses and familiarise themselves with the Bulgarian history and the Bulgarian spirit. I am not able to mention all the places that represent the beauty of Bulgaria, but this are some examples of the places that must be seen.

Q: And finally what is your personal message to The Voice news magazine readers?

TV: According to me a spirit of co-operation

Ambassador Al Madbuh with King Simeon 11 of Bulgaria

should be established between all people, with no room for discrimination in any shape or form. As all of us are born free and need to remain free, we are all equal; no one is or should be above the rest. Should this principle be applied there will be no more Wars. Life is short and should be used for good deeds.

Ms. Jones interviewing His Excellency, Ambassador Al Madbuh in Bulgaria for the Voice magazine 20

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POSN Austria asks PDP and APC to withdraw from 2023 presidential race for LP, berates Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar

By Uzoma Ahamefule

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he Peter Obi Support Network (POSN) Austria reprimands Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC and Atiku Abubakar of PDP for what the group described as “continuous unwarranted verbal attacks and derogatory statements on Peter Obi and the Labour Party.

The group also asks APC and PDP to withdraw their candidates from the 2023 presidential election for lack of vision and in the best interest of Nigeria and to support Obi and Ahmed.

In a statement signed on behalf of the group by Prince Dyke Anyanwu, Mag. Leonard Kazie Obiagwu and Uzoma Ahamefule, the convener, it says, “… ‘Only trees that bear fruits get stoned’ ”.

“Atiku Abubakar, Bola Tinubu and their two parasitic parties (PDP and APC) know the value of Peter Obi and that is why they have kept on attacking him unnecessarily just to see if they could bruise his soaring image and personality.

But no one can stop an idea its time has come.

The more they attack Obi, the more they make him popular.

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“For the unity, peace, progress and general interest of Nigeria, we call on APC and PDP to look into the mirror, examine themselves very well and withdraw their presidential flag bearers from the 2023 presidential election and support Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed or get ready to be disgraced. We kindly appeal to Tinubu to jettison his self acclaimed “life time ambition” and accept to step down because the reality is that nature has turned against the desire. In the same vain too, Atiku should gently forget the desperation of wanting to become a president. Events have overtaken having a president like him who does not think of ranching but rather still believes in rearing cows from Sokoto to Benue, Ogun States and to cities like Abagana and Benin etc. without minding the millions worth of crops they have destroyed, people they have rendered jobless, homeless, useless and killed because of this analog way of life.

of Buhari’s primary school certificate saga in 2014 where instead of him (Buhari) providing his certificate as requested by law, he went on to spend millions of the Nigerians’ tax payers money to employ SANs to defend him from answering a very simply question of: where is your certificate? And as a people we are yet to overcome the colossal effect of that quagmire and cannot afford to take the same path again. Therefore, Nigerian people have resolved never again will they allow someone who cannot simply tell them the primary and the secondary schools he attended and show them the certificates.

Tinubu had during the campaigning period of the just concluded Osun governorship election made not only a derogatory remark by calling the Labour Party a “mushroom” party, but he also made a shocking and embarrassing statement that members of the Labour Party “will labour till they die.“ On the other hand, Atiku Abubakar of PDP in his own delusions of grandeur a few days ago said he really did not expect the Labour Party to get respectable votes as people think, because “They have no structure at all levels, with no governor, and lawmakers”.

In his bid to further belittle LP and play down the mammoth crowd that follows Obi as only on social media, he ended up exposing his failure.

“In the northern part of the country, about 90 per cent of the people don’t have access to social media.

Most of the electorates are not on social media,” Atiku said. For Atiku who was a vice president for eight years to make such a lousy statement shows the kind of a leader he was and why the northern part of Nigeria remains not only the poorest in the country but equally one of the most backward in the world. Atiku should tell us what he achieved as a vice president for the northern people that should make them trust him again?

Tinubu’s deliberate action not to tell Nigerians the schools he attended and when he finished is a reminiscent

If one had a few months ago told Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC and Atiku Abubakar of PDP that they would today be acting like opposition parties to the Labour Party – or consider Peter Obi as torn in their flesh that would cause them sleepless nights – they would not have believed. How could they have? Because they believed that they were the only two parties that could challenge each other, that they had buildings as structures in every part of Nigeria, and that they had the money to influence and curry any political favor they want, but the reality of the huge followership of Peter

Obi in every part of Nigeria has destabilized and shocked them, and it seems very difficult for them to accept the hard truth.

Take this message to all the Nigerian political parties and their presidential flag bearers and tell them to wake up from their delusional slumbers of thinking that when they Continued on Page 28 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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shamelessly make Obi their cardinal points of campaign of disparagement in any given opportunity Nigerians will hate him. Tell them also not to be deceived by the Osun State governorship election results because Osun people voted Adeleke and not PDP, the same way Nigerians will vote for Obi and Ahmed in 2023, and that they should be prepared for fantastic defeats.

In their archaic method of campaigning, the camp of

APC’s Tinubu is packaging rice and garri in nylon bags, and perhaps would give tokens for tomatoes when the time comes as political strategies to win the vote of Nigerians, and they are in competition with PDP’s serial presidential contestant, Atiku Abubakar, of who would give more rice and beans. These two failed political parties have nothing to offer Nigerians at the center, and they are consciously aware that Nigerians have woken up and that every plan of vote buying will fail, hence they are jittery, making rascal statements and telling lies against Peter Obi, the most popular and accepted candidate across the nation.

Nigerians must reject every “Greek gift” they plan to offer during campaign and election times proper.

“The collective decision of Nigerians to take back their country and to get out from the state of corruption, retrogression and abyss caused by PDP and APC is heightened by everyday events. And this resoluteness is closing up the nostril of PDP and APC that has irredeemably forced them into a very uncomfortable situation and they are choking,” said POSN Austria.

The group (POSN - Austria) said they would be having their inaugural online zoom meeting this coming Sunday (31.07.22), by 7PM Nigeria time and 8PM Austrian time and urge the public especially those living in Austria to join the meeting.

Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen, purveyor of Peter Obi & Datti Baba-Ahamed 2023 presidential election and a refined African traditionalist, writes from Vienna, Austria. +436607369050 (WhatsApp messages only uzomaah@yahoo.com

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Badamasi premiere at The Voice Achievers award in the Gambia 2022

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adamasi: Portrait of a General is a biopic about former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). It was directed by Obi Emelonye and stars Enyinna Nwigwe in the lead role as Babangida.

It is the first Nollywood political biopic.

Badamasi tells the story of Babangida from his origins in the village of Wushishi in Northern Nigeria to his joining the army and time as a Nigerian military head of state. It also portrays significant events in Babangida’s life including the period of the Nigerian civil war where Babangida sustains injuries in an attempt to rescue a colleague. The subsequent military coups and annulment of the June 1993 presidential elections were also portrayed.

Production for Badamasi commenced in 2017.The film is set in 1980/1990s Nigeria and was shot on location in Lagos, Minna, Abuja and the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka. The film director told an interviewer that it took him 4 years to convince Babangida to allow him make the biopic. The film was initially billed for a 29 November 2019 release date but was delayed due to reported “powerful people” who were against the circulation of the film. There were concerns that the biopic might be an attempt to whitewash Babangida’s story as the annulment of the June 1993 presidential elections earned Babangida condemnation. The first look trailer was released in September 2019. Badamasi premiered at the Cineworld O2 Arena in South London on 12 June 2021.

A reviewer for The Guardian praised the film for its production and attention to technical details noting that “It did not ‘feel’ like Nollywood” and was in keeping with Obi Emelonye’s other films including Heart 2 Heart, The Mirror Boy, Last Flight to Abuja and Onye Ozi. Mr. Obi Emelonye is a proud recipient of the Voice Achievers Award in 2019 in Kenya. He is excited to give the Gambians the chance to the world acclaimed success movie during this year’s event in the Gambia.

The movie is part of The Gambia Voice Business Summit and Awards.

The movie would be shown as sideline event on 19th August 2022 at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, Banjul, The Gambia.

Note: Your 3 day event ticket would permit you entry to this show. So get your ticket now. Call +2203540392

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The emerging menace of cross border pollution in Uganda

By Martha Nalukenge

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ganda is among 34 African nations, alongside her East African neighbors, who are leading the fight against plastic pollution by banning plastic bags.

Ironically, the region’s largest water body is being choked to death by pollution caused by, among other things, plastic waste. Luckily, a win-win solution for both the environment

from a night’s catch, and he confirmed my fears. “You haven’t witnessed the true extent of plastic pollution in our waterways,” he told me.

Lake Victoria is the largest tropical lake, and second largest freshwater lake in the entire world. It covers an area of 68,800 square kilometers, with its total catchment area

and the locals has been found.

During one of my visits to the fishing villages, I noticed there was an increase of plastic waste on the shores and waters of Lake Victoria. Curiosity got the better part of me, and I sought to find out what could be affecting the reason.

I approached one of the fishermen that was returning home

extending to over 500,000 square kilometers. This water resource directly impacts the three countries it borders, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, while Rwanda is indirectly connected to it through River Kagera Fishing out plastic Plastic waste has overrun our waterways due to inadequate

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waste management structure in the Victoria basin. This has affected the aquatic lives, leading to a decline in the production of fish. Speaking to one of the fishermen, Godfrey, he says, “There is a great decline in fish

in the production of fish. This has empowered them even more to walk the talk on matters plastic collection and recycling as a measure of stopping pollution of the lake’s waters.

production. Fish normally breed nearer to the shore, but the increase in plastic waste pollution has destroyed their breeding areas. This has forced some of us out of business, while others have migrated to other fishing villages.”

Aware that migrating was not a permanent solution, he took it upon himself to get to the root of the problem with the help of EcoBrixs, a recycling company based in Masaka City Uganda. He mobilized his fellow fishermen and they cleaned the shores of the lake at Lambu Landing Site, collecting over four hundred tons of plastic. They contacted the recycling company that came in with a solution of turning the trash into cash.

The company takes plastic waste from more than 23 landing sites of the lake. Buying it has motivated the fishermen to clean the waters, which has led to an increase

Plastic across boarders During a subsequent visit to the fishing villages to sensitize the fishermen on how best they can use recycling as a means of controlling plastic waste, we noticed that most of the brands were from the neighboring countries.

Apparently, these plastics find their way to the Ugandan shore from Kenya and Tanzania through the lake, and from Rwanda through River Kagera. Interestingly, all these countries have imposed either full or partial bans on the use of kaveera (polythene bags), which comprises a large portion of the waste, meaning they are produced in Uganda, which is yet to implement that policy.

The various plastic bottles scattered on the shores, from brands that are not available in Uganda, confirmed that there is a serious trans-boundary pollution of the water body by the countries connected to it. The growing vice

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of reckless littering and poor waste disposal of not only plastic, but other forms of waste in waters and along the lake shores, has led to serious pollution of the waters, resulting in consequential negative effects.

I hope plastic manufacturers take it upon themselves to ensure that the quantity manufactured tallies with the ones being recycled. We should exhibit empathy to the nearly four million people who inhabit the areas surrounding the lake, benefitting either directly or indirectly, from fishing and the fish processing industry.

Work left for everyone is work never done. The effects of climate change are most evident in our waterways and as such, it’s everyone’s duty to take responsibility in mitigating its repercussions.

Save the planet- for its sake and ours.

Martha Nalukenge.

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Dynamic duo tackling Uganda’s looming mental health crisis Written by Emmanuel Mandebo

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hile the world health organization estimates that nearly one billion people are suffering from mental health disorders globally, in Uganda it is still considered a foreign concept. Yet, millions of its youth are suffering silently due to its effects. This is the misconception that Novy and Patrick, trained lawyers, want to clear up.

Classmates at the prestigious Makerere University School of Law, Novy Norin Acen (24) and Patrick Onyait (25) were really not that close as friends. Towards their graduation, however, the two became closer due to their love for mental health advocacy. After their graduation, they decided to form the Mind Watch Foundation, an organization that hopes to avail long-

Novy Norin Acen lasting solutions to people with mental health challenges by creating awareness, advocacy, and providing mental health services, among others.

Growing up, Novy was treated differently from her twin sister. She was labeled ‘the black sheep of the family by her biological mother.

“One day, my mum even called me a snake in her house,” Novy painfully narrates.

This happened after she tried connecting with her biological father, her parents having separated when she was young. Her mother did not take this well, something that still puzzles her up to now. As a young girl she felt betrayed when her mother, a 38

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Novy Norin Acen & Patrick Onyait

person she thought understood her, let her down by resorting to name calling. Consequently, she struggled to eat and was depressed for several weeks. At one point, the thought of suicide actually crossed her mind. As a born-again Christian though, she turned to God and read the Bible to overcome the challenges she was facing at home.

The Silent Pandemic According to the latest United Nations (UN) data, The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one billion people globally are suffering from some form of mental disorder. In Uganda, recent government reports have shown that about twelve million people are struggling with such disorders.

“I think the figures are twice what the government is reporting.

The twelve million people might only be the youth,” states Patrick Onyait, the CEO and co-founder of Mind Watch Foundation.

“Personally, I have contemplated self-harm a number of times because of depression.”

He recalls of an incident that happened while he was in his first year at Law School when he was struggling academically, financially, and socially. He became depressed and felt that his life had become meaningless, having never been in such a state before. After a long fight with himself, and with nowhere to run, he turned to his mother for help. His mother simply told to him to be a man and be strong. Men were supposed to be strong, not weak!

Patrick and Novy affirm that they chose to focus on mental health, not only because of their past struggles but due to the fact that poor mental health is one of the silent pandemics people are struggling with.

“In Uganda, people who try to come out and talk about their struggles are labeled pretenders and attention seekers.

Challenges like depression are seen as ‘things of the white man’,” Patrick says.

A mental health challenge is something that anyone can get affected by, yet very few people are aware of this. Besides, many families can’t afford the high costs of treatment involved.

“In my country, a patient will only be taken to Butabika Hospital, the biggest government facility for persons with mental disorders, when their situation worsens,” says Novy.

Causes of Increased Cases Several factors have caused the rise in mental health challenges among Ugandans, especially the youth, with the family unit being identified as one. Many youths, like Novy, withdraw when they feel they are not being treated right. The school environment is also another notorious place that takes a toll on their mental health. This will then lead to depression, use of drugs, and joining bad peers. Other factors cited are failed/ broken relationships, drugs and substance abuse, as well as sexual abuse.

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Continued from Page 39 everyone to be involved in addressing it. Most importantly, more awareness needs to be done in schools, communities, homes, and workplaces. This should be aimed at ensuring that the masses understand what mental health is and what mental health challenges are. Spaces should also be provided for young people to freely talk about things they might be going through, which might have an effect on their mental health. More community counselors should also be trained to help them.

Their organization is addressing the problem, from a grassroots approach, by spreading awareness about mental health, providing spaces for young people to talk about it, and providing counseling and therapy services free of charge.

They admit that they have encountered a number of challenges in their work. First is the issue of opening up, out of fear of

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being judged. Nonetheless, they have learned that it takes a lot of patience to win a client’s trust. Another big challenge is funding. Most of their activities have been funded by volunteers who equally have other responsibilities to take care of. This has stalled some of their intended activities, like school visits, whose aim is to raise awareness on mental health challenges, among other things.

Nevertheless, they are not about to stop advocating for better mental health among the youth.

“To the young people out there, it’s okay to seek help, regardless of gender, because it does not discriminate. There are people out there, like Patrick and I, who are willing to stand with you,” concludes Novy.

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In Search of the Elusive Dream (Part 2) Written by Ritah Atuhaire

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n the second part of our Gulf of Despair series, we pull back the curtain on what really transpires to some of the African migrants in the Middle East who are not fortunate enough to gain employment.

From ‘selling apps’ to phony interviews, Sylvia reveals some of the tribulations she went through and her resolve to persevere regardless.

I do not need to mention that Dubai is a very beautiful city. Our first week in Dubai was spent touring and admiring the creativity and technology. We were excited and thankful that we had made it here. The only thing I can say was uncomfortable in Dubai was having to sleep in ‘bed-space.’ Having to share a bedroom with ten people, and a kitchen and bathroom with thirty other people daily is exactly as it sounds. Intolerable.

The lack of privacy, since they were genderneutral spaces, was just one of the challenges we faced. It is not a place where you would be assured of a good night’s rest after a long day at work. While some would want to hit the sack after a long shift, there were those who would be waking up to apply for online jobs, playing music, or just having a loud chat.

That would be followed by a scramble for the bathroom, which was the most frustrating, especially if you had a job interview that you needed to rush to. All in all, the people there lived like one big family, becoming each other’s great support system. Some took it upon themselves to brief us on the country’s job search system, the despicable men we would encounter, the scams and tricks they knew of, and all the do’s and don’ts. They really tried their best to make us feel at home.

As previously mentioned, I was to share a bed with Sylvia because our travel company was more interested in saving money, rather than our wellbeing. So they rented one bed for both of us. After we got dumped and blocked by the travel agency, all we had was each other in this foreign country. This meant that we not only shared almost everything, but we also did everything together. This made our bond stronger to the point where I started seeing her as my little sister. We applied for jobs every chance we got with the hopes of getting employed before our three-month visa ran out.

Sylvia was more fortunate when it came to getting a job.

She got her first job at a new restaurant which was still attracting clients. One of her duties entailed walking 44

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around the beach and enticing people to the restaurant. She was very excited and was willing to go above and beyond to perform her duties perfectly. It’s every parent’s joy knowing that their child’s dreams are coming to pass so when she told them about it, they were very happy about it.

Her boss told her to start working as he processed the contract documents, which she did without hesitation. I was elated, at least one of us had started working. It was a sign that mine was on the way, just like the nimbus cloud that shows up when it is about to rain. I would wake up early to prepare her for work, ensuring she not only looked smart but wasn’t tardy. At times, she would come home with nice food that her boss had bought for her.

Days turned into weeks, yet neither an offer letter nor a job contract was forthcoming. This made me uncomfortable so I asked her to demand for it instead of waiting for him to bring it up. I wrote down a list of things that she needed to know from her boss — the terms of payment, whether she was to be given an employment visa, the number of working hours, and the days off. When she approached him, he assured her that he would bring it the following day.

He showed up to work three days later with the assurance that his business partner was the one who was coming with it. She waited for three weeks, hoping they were not taking advantage of her before she started getting frustrated.

Having run out of money —up until that point she had been using her own money for transportation to and from work —she asked her boss for an advance.

To her utter surprise, he asked her not to come again,

claiming that the restaurant was getting closed. He set her off without any compensation for the time spent working for him, and on her own visa. With no way of substantiating her exploitation, she had no choice but to walk away timidly. Afraid of breaking her family’s heart over what had transpired, she chose to stay mum about it, reassuring them that all was well whenever they asked her about work.

By then, our visas only had two months left. The one-month rent the travel company had paid had already expired so we had to pay from our own pockets. The food we had come with from Uganda had got finished, leaving us to survive on the little pocket money we still had, making sure we never touched our ‘job commission’ money.

While I was contemplating whether to study coffee making and be a barista with my commission money, Sylvia was determined to use hers for its intended purpose; paying an agent to connect her to a job. She was optimistic that she would be legitimately employed because people were shifting from the bed-space to their job accommodation on a daily basis, having paid agents There are job seekers’ WhatsApp groups where different people, especially job agents, post jobs, and interested candidates can apply. Sylvia came across a waitress job post in one such group and immediately texted the person who had posted it. The agent promptly gave her more details about it, after which they made an appointment to meet the following morning, and he would take her for the interview.

He insisted that she should come with his commission money of 1200 dirhams, but she wouldn’t have to pay before confirming that she had passed the interview and gotten the job. Everything went smoothly. She aced everything and even signed the offer letter and contract right away. She was told to come back to the office after two days, with her belongings, after which she would be taken to company accommodations, and be oriented to work later.

This was her prayer eventually answered. She honored her promise and unquestioningly gave him the money. I came back from my Barista class to the good news of Sylvia having finally got a job, with a contract this time. Again, I was happy for her since the terms on the contract were very alluring. On the day she was told to report, she called the agent that morning but his phone was off, and he was offline. We called the manager that had interviewed her but it was all in vain.

When we went to their office since she was familiar with the place, we found an empty space. There was no one. No computers or files, the entire setup was gone, with only the furniture remaining. We tried to call them again and found

we had been blocked. That’s when we realized she had been scammed. Her treasured commission money was gone.

This was too much for her to bear, and she literally broke down in tears and screams. The whole situation depressed her so much, and for the next few days, she refused to eat anything.

Eventually, she picked herself up, cognizant of the fact that she was in a foreign country, and continued to inquire about any available job vacancies. One of our roommate’s friends directed us to one that luckily did not involve any commission. Her boss was looking for African girls to market an app and make as many sales as possible. All we had to do was look good and be confident whenever we approached potential clients. It sounded great and genuine since there was no money required.

Surprisingly when we met her boss, he did not have any questions for us; instead, he told us to change into betterlooking outfits. Two skimpily clad ladies with too much make-up asked us to take off the trousers we had on and handed us attires similar to theirs. Our gut feeling warned us that something was amiss, so we switched to our dialect and agreed to go along with whatever they told us and see where it would lead to.

When the boss came back, he looked impressed by our transformation and reiterated that we needed to be friendly with our clients, which will convince them to buy our app. The more sales we make, the more money we earn.

Unexpectedly, he started touching us inappropriately as he was talking to us, which really infuriated me. As I was about to push his hand away, I noticed Sylvia was fighting back tears and when our eyes met, she started weeping uncontrollably.

At the realization that we had no clue what was afoot, he immediately stepped back startled. He then asked the lady who had brought us if she had briefed us on what was really expected of us. Apparently, the ‘app’ that they were referring to was prostitution. He thoroughly scolded her for bringing in amateurs and sent us on our way for ‘failing the interview.’ Thank goodness for that.

It was back to the drawing board for us, but now a bit wiser and more careful. It is either we make it, or we make it.

There is no other alternative because this is the reason why we left our homes and families, to spread our wings and conquer this new world. No one ever said it was going to be easy, and we are not about to give up without a fight.

This world is tough, but we are going to be tougher. At this juncture, we only had one month left on our visas and were in desperate need of real, legitimate jobs. Time was simply not on our side.

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Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please.......

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The Young and Exciting Parenting Blogger Written by Cynthia Omondi

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r. Joan Ruguru became a media sensation when she was featured in the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list, which is no mean feat. This came as a result of a blog she started six years ago, Exciting Parenting, where she discusses a range of issues pertaining to parenthood.

The brilliant 27-year-old shares her journey so far, and what the future holds.

Growing up, Dr. Joan Ruguru admits that she knew exactly what she wanted in life. “As a child, I developed the desire of wanting to help. I remember when my dad brought home a career book. It had various options and acted as a guide for future career choices. After going through it, I became dazzled by the thought of becoming a doctor, and I grew up wanting to become one.

“I cleared my primary school at Juja St. Peter’s School and joined Maryhill Girls School in Thika for my secondary education. After I excelled in the final exams, I secured a chance at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to study medicine. I really worked 48

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hard to make it there,” she tells us. She recently graduated from the institution with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

Exciting Parenting She founded Exciting Parenting, a blog through which she shares her views on ways of making parenting easy and enjoyable. Her posts emanate from well-researched information by virtue of her pediatric classes and the experiences that most parents go through. “I am the first born in a family of six children. Seeing how my parents took care of my siblings and I was my greatest inspiration to start writing about parenting. My blog came as a result of a post I had done in one of Kenya’s renowned Facebook groups that had thousands of members —Kilimani Mums and Dads.

“I did a long post about how parents should discipline their children, after seeing a mother beat up her child mercilessly with a slipper, for a very small mistake which was more of an accident. Thereafter, I asked parents who

were interested in knowing more about how to deal with their children to leave me a message; I got over a thousand.

I could not reply to all of them and that is how I came up with the idea for a blog; this was around December 2016,” she recalls.

Six years later, the blog has grown and assisted many parents across Kenya and beyond, as it offers solutions on how parents can manage their children who may be struggling with various issues. “There is one particular article that I believe has become everyone’s favorite, on bed-wetting.

I received numerous messages on how so many parents had been struggling to cope with children who bed-wet.

The response overwhelmed me. The issue is one of the major problems in parenting and having realized that many benefitted from the article was so satisfying. It remains one of my favorites,” she says proudly. “My readers are very consistent and they always come back whenever there is a new article.”

Forbes Nomination Dr. Ruguru admits that she has no idea who submitted her name for the Forbes nomination. What she is certain of is that it must be one of the many readers who found value in her work. “I just received an email that I had been nominated for the Forbes 30 under 30, then I submitted my documents —my identification card, registration documents for the website, code of good conduct, and my Kenya Revenue Authority PIN to show that I have been paying taxes. I considered it a one-time email so after my submission, I did not expect much, until June 3 2022, when I received another email that I had made the Forbes 30 under 30.”

“Forbes always felt like a platform that was out of reach. I can honestly say that I never saw it coming.

When they found me worthy of the listing I was very surprised, and it’s still surreal till now.”

She admits that it took consistency, a lot of hard work, and good quality for her to make it on that list, without forgetting the grace of God. “Most young people lack consistency with a majority hopping from one project to another if there is no quick fix. So, for me consistency is very important,” she emphasizes. She urges every young person to look for that one extra thing that will make them stand out beyond just employment.

Impact of the Listing “I have received so many calls since I made it to the list, including a couple of job opportunities, but I have to be very selective. It has become a wave and many want me in their projects, mostly as their brand ambassador. Very good opportunities I must say but I can’t have them all.”

She was thrilled when she attended her graduation in person and was accorded a chance of addressing her

fellow graduates, during the university’s 38th graduation ceremony which was held on the 28th of June 2022.

She looks forward to specializing in pediatrics due to her obvious bias towards children.

Way Forward She hopes to spread the message on her blog not only to the grassroots level but internationally as well. Her wish is to reach out to parents who are unable to access her blog in person and educate them about parenting. She wishes to partner with organizations globally that would require solutions in regard to children’s policies and child health. “I have gained a lot of experience when it comes

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to economics, budgeting, and governance because of the Ms. President academy that I am a part of,” she reveals.

She is a contestant in the ongoing Ms. President competition that is in its second season. The show aims to enhance women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making in Kenya, via a multimedia program, complemented with community dialogue and capacity strengthening for key stakeholder groups. She is representing her native county of Kiambu, and we wish her nothing but the best. It is quite obvious that the young doctor is just getting started.

Without a doubt, Dr. Joan Ruguru Kimani is the perfect confirmation that success isn’t only about greatness, it’s also about consistency.

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Ugandan ministerial delegation visits GreenDream Company

By Pastor Elvis Iruh

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ganda has a young population with a need for employment and an older generation who are eager to pass on the stories and legends of the country. In addition, Uganda also has a growing middle class that needs recreation. This means that, besides safaris, other types of day trips must be created considering all these aspects.

Uganda reached out to GreenDreamCompany, a Dutch company specialising in cultural family edutainment (educational entertainment) and the development of Cultural Experience Parks®. Together with the Ugandan delegation,

they made a working visit to the theme park the Efteling to let them experience how you can tell a story or legend through attractions.

Storytelling through attractions is an exciting way that appeals to different age groups and connects generations. The delegation also visited GreenDreamCompany’s office to discuss the possibilities and next steps of this tourist development for Uganda.

It is admirable that an emerging country such as Uganda can switch so quickly and resiliently after the virus and start forging new paths.

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Time to Decriminalize Suicide and Cannabis use Wri t t en b y E u n i ce M wau ra

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ental health conversations are finally moving from small circles to worldwide platforms. Even so, to some extent, society in general remains indifferent to mental health challenges. This very emotive subject is still mundanely understood, stigmatised and linked to primitive ideas.

We live in a world where mental health and mental health illnesses are still viewed as one by a majority of the populace.

Where attempted suicide, if unsuccessful, will have you ending up in a prison cell instead of a mental health institution. Under Kenyan law, attempted suicide is a criminal offence, and upon conviction, one is sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, a fine; or both.

Suicide is a subject many are afraid to talk about or acknowledge, but should this be the case?

Statistically, it is the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14, and second leading for those between 15 and 34.

Question is, have the current suicide policies compounded the issue, leading to more successful suicide cases? More importantly, should suicide be classified as a tragedy, a crime or a choice?

I’m joined by Eadie Nungari C.E.O. of Tuido Group, Soony Wendy, Counselling psychologist and Co-founder of Psychology for Better Living and Rhoda Kithure, Clinical psychologist and Mental skills coach specializing in young adults in sports and gambling, all from the Coalition Action for Preventive Mental Health Kenya to answer these pertinent questions.

Back to the Basics To bring out a clear picture of why mental health should be held with the same utmost importance as physical health, Soony, a counselling psychologist and co-founder of Psychology for Better Living, takes us to the basics, with a clear definition of what mental health is.

“It is the emotional, psychological, social wellbeing that enables people to cope and handle stress, interpersonal relationships, decision-making, realise their abilities, learn and work well. There cannot be health without mental health,” she says.

She adds that to drive progressive conversations or reforms around mental health, it is critical to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals. In her experience, she affirms that people find it difficult to distinguish between

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mental health and mental health illnesses. These two terms are often interchanged, yet they differ in meaning.

“When you mention mental health, most people automatically think of depression as it is synonymously identified with it. Yet mental health generally describes your state of mind, how you feel, behave, and react. On the other hand, mental illnesses are diagnosed as conditions that affect thoughts and behavior.”

“Suicides and suicidal thoughts have long been linked to mental health. Successful or not, the leading root cause for it is depression, which is just one of over three hundred mental health disorders. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, schizophrenia, where patients hear voices telling them to end their lives; physical disorders; psychosocial factors like loss of pleasure in life and hopelessness and

substance use disorders including alcohol.”

“Some suicides are impulsive acts due to anxiety from financial or academic difficulties, relationship problems, harassment, and bullying. It’s important to note that those who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk of future attempts. The Coalition is also championing for the name change from ‘commit suicide’ to ‘died by suicide,’ to remove the negative connotation,” she concludes.

Instigators of mental health problems We have seen a surge in mental health-related problems due to the increase in social, political, economic, and cultural pressures; as well as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its effects.

Nungari, CEO of Tuido Group and board member at the Coalition says, “Just like other diseases that have affected the human race, mental health is a pandemic on its own.

We are living in a volatile ‘dystopian’ time which has exposed the fragile state of mental health in our country.

Kenya is making tremendous strides to re-evaluate the approach to both prevention and treatment. No one is immune to it. The problem we still face among some demographics is ignorance, and denial of the subject. It only dawns on them that it is serious after they have lost a loved one, by that time it’s too little too late,” Nungari states.

The Warning Signs Rhoda, a clinical psychologist and mental skills coach specialising in young adults in sports and gambling says,

“Mental health disorder manifestations can be difficult to detect. The signs hide under social behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption and even gambling.

So at times the symptoms may be overlooked since the condition is still viewed through a negative lens.

It’s not uncommon to see parents of victims in denial, blaming it on bad spirits.”

“In the African context, witchcraft remains a natural scapegoat through which people’s relationships with unpleasant events are explained. It is a ready and stereotyped means of reaction to such situations. One method of breaking down cultural barriers is to localise the dialogue around mental health. To be understood, communication must be adapted to the audience’s context, which will ensure we overcome any language barriers and tap into the design nuances that characterise a culture. People come from different backgrounds and as such, we should be in sync so that we realise the improvements we want to see. There will be a ripple effect as they will also be able to have this discussion with their peers. It also offers us the ability to comprehend the context and devise tactics that will aid us in our journey as mental health practitioners.”

“As someone who works in the sports industry, for example, the current systems are not very

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welcoming of a mental health diagnosis. When a person is diagnosed with mental illness, there’s a probability they may not be able to participate in sports again, so they choose to keep it hidden. These are the structures we’d like to see overhauled as well as a shift in our perceptions of mental illness as a sign of weakness. From a religious, cultural, and political standpoint, mental health requires a multidimensional approach,” she adds.

Cannabis and the mental health conversation “As CAPMH Kenya, we support work and research carried out on the industrial and medicinal benefits of cannabis. It is categorised as a schedule 1 drug, those with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This is a false narrative since it can be used as a treatment option for some mental health conditions. There is both misinformation and disinformation around the plant,” Nungari affirms.

“The history of the plant alone is a social issue, and a lot of people have lost their lives and livelihoods as a result, but that is another discussion. We realised that people who struggle with mental health use cannabis for different reasons. It does ‘affect’ people with a predisposed mental

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condition, bringing such disorders to the surface, while for others it offers some form of relief. Its users prefer not to disclose they are using it, out of fear of being perceived as lawbreakers. This makes it very difficult for mental health care providers to avail the right treatment to such individuals.”

As a country, we are taking the right steps towards reforming and availing mental health care and treatment.

However, we are not helping patients feel safe enough to seek help for the same. It’s a form of gaslighting, telling people it is okay to not be okay, then turning around and punishing them for not being okay (unwell). It’s a catch 22 situation. Being caught with cannabis could get you up to eight years (formerly fifteen) in prison. It is a petty offence that requires treatment, not punishment. These people should be taken to a rehabilitation centre or a mental health institution, not a prison cell.

All three ladies assert that mental health is very broad and the dynamics are never the same.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) should not be treated the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Bipolar disorder. That is why as the Coalition Action for Preventive Mental Health, they work concurrently with different players, handling different mental health topics, since they are all working towards the same goal. In addition, people must learn to address and overcome selfstigma by accepting both the diagnosis and the treatment.

Remember that you are not alone, talk openly about mental health and alter your own stigmatizing beliefs. It’s also good to seek support. If you are not comfortable with your diagnosis, seek a second opinion but don’t fight it.

“Kenya is currently in an electioneering period. We need to be aware of ourselves, what we want for our future and not easily swayed into actions that would set the country back politically, socially and economically. Aspiring politicians should seek help for their mental health, so that they are better equipped with healthy coping skills to deal with the stress of campaigning for a political seat, and for any eventuality. They all want to win, but are they mentally prepared if they lose?”

“We should learn to be gentle with ourselves and know that we are enough. As a country, we should also ‘normalise’ therapy. We can all be compelled to do something around this conversation, because when you know better, you do better. This is a personal problem, as much as it’s a global problem,” Nungari concludes.

COALITION WEBSITE: https://capmhkenya.org

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The harder the challenge gets, the closer you are to victory

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fter seven years, 20-year-old Amal would have never thought that her last attempt in trying to get her book published would be a good success Amal Mohammed wears many hats. At just 20, this Kenyatta University law student thrives at design, and environmental advocacy is an author and most recently received global recognition when she was chosen as the Youth Ambassador of The Year by the African Icon Awards.

She is a native of Mandera County in the northeastern part of Kenya. She defines her background as a humble one, which nevertheless never deterred her from taking the untrodden path of writing.

At just 12 years old, she was able to complete her first book, Deception, born from her love of composition and a self-challenge to see how far she could go with her writing.

Having the book in print proved to be the biggest barrier to her dream of being a writer, taking her seven years to find a publisher. Other impediments were the lack of role models and mentors, people who could give her constructive feedback and help develop her upcoming works. Even so, all these obstacles did nothing to dissuade her.

‘Of course, I am human and I had moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. But when I looked at the impact my work had generated in people’s lives, I started looking at the bigger picture.’She admits that it matters whose words you give power to in your life. Do not give people the power to speak to your life, and do not heed everyone’s advice, as not everyone is fit to give it.

‘Learn how to filter people’s opinions, projections, and advice. At the end of the day, nobody knows what you want except you, and nobody will be sorry as you if you don’t get it.’

Written by Eunice Mwaura 56

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The African Promise -

State of democracy in elections process Written by Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks)

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frica has come a long way in leadership and governance.

In aid to get a recap, one need to look back as far as in 1950s to the 1970s when decolonization swept across Africa. Freedom was taken with euphoria in Africa, no one would have thought about the deep political instability, violence and coercion that often would accompany independence.

Majority of leaders who would take center stage of politics became powerful through overthrowing the colonies or the founding fathers of the nations. Changing regimes through Coups after coups hence shaping the political landscape of the Africa continent. Over the years, the continent has gone from colonial hands to dictators and into current wave of democratization of Africa. This process of democratization of Africa politics through participation of the electorates grew mid 1990s - 2010s with an increase of African countries from 7 to 40 percent in 2010.

Today, there are more freedoms and more political leaders taking responsibility of their actions either willingly or been forced to do so by the court ruling or mass act of the electorate. In coming years, greater accountability trends are expected especially with the entrance of digital protest where physical demonstration may not be necessary.

Although this process has been marked with uneven growth, there is still room for the leaders to cultivate a room for achieving more in the scale of democracy because election has been faced with protracted civil wars and tribal clashes. However there is a growing trend of stability with a few manipulated to legitimize the regimes. Though there is a general hope for a better democratic culture, violence still affects about 20 to 58

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25 percent of elections in Africa continent with good example of recent occurrence in Kenya (2007-2008). In most cases, electoral violence has always eroded the faith in democratic processes within majority of the people experiencing it. Often than not, countries with history of electoral violence often experience a recurrence of such violence as has been witnessed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. This is a particularly important moment in Africa’s history. If Africa’s elections are by and large conducted fairly, transparently, and peacefully, they could significantly contribute to the consolidation of democratic processes on the continent, as domestic support for democracy tends to increase when elections are not marred by violence.

KENYA Since 1963, Kenya has experienced various forms of political and social unrest. The post-election turmoil of late 2007 and early 2008 was not an anomaly. Similar election-related violence in Kenya occurred in 1992 and 1997. In the intertribal clashes that erupted in 2007 during the standoff between Moi Kibaki, and the challenger, Raila Odinga, approximately 1,300 people lost their lives and hundreds of thousands were displaced.

Widespread sexual violence against women also marred the post-election landscape.

“ Kenya should make efforts to avoid a repeat of this violence and seek to militate against the tribal or ethnic chauvinism of any one candidate” Kenya should make efforts to avoid a repeat of this violence and seek to militate against the tribal or ethnic chauvinism of any one candidate, hence integrate peace building and conflict prevention elements in its development programs in order to identify vulnerable communities and promote tolerance of diversity. The government, political parties, and civil society have a

3.

Religious tensions 4. Unemployed youth 5. Un steady political systems Some of the important components of positive elections 1. A robust civil society 2. Independent media 3. Sound public administration,

critical role to play in ensuring that the events of late 2007 and early 2008 are not revisited. In the upcoming elections, the Electoral Management Body must exhibit competence, independence, and integrity.

The following are some of the risk factors into elections which should be handled carefully 1.

Ethnicity 2.

Regional tensions

4. Independent judiciary 5. Role of international community 6. Free and fair elections Its important to look into to the three parts of elections namely 1. Pre-voting 2. Voting and 3. Post-voting

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OPINION: What to expect in Kenyan elections.

Allow peace to reign, win or lose!

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t’s Saturday. Having listened all week to local radio stations talk about peace (in 2007 the press were taking sides, so having the media on board is very important this time round), and with all the peace rallies that have been held, (there’s another one happening today I think), and peace concerts, and deliberately-public shows of the two main candidates, Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, shaking hands, and President Kibaki appealing for ‘the losers to accept defeat and winner to embrace rivals’, the general feeling here in Nairobi is that everyone is doing all they can for Monday to be a peaceful day.

Not that there aren’t queues at petrol stations today with people stocking up on fuel, and supermarkets full of local residents buying up supplies, but that’s just in case.

There might be skirmishes at polling stations people say, but the real danger comes once the results are announced on Wednesday or Thursday, and then no one knows what will happen. There has already been trouble in other parts of the country, and there are

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rumours of the intimidation gangs of 2007 regrouping.

Monday is a holiday. Polling stations will open at 6am and close at 5pm, but if you are already in the queue at 5, you will be allowed to vote, so I’m told that people will probably be casting their votes up until about 9pm. I’m relying on taxi drivers for the word on the street – perhaps not the most reliable source of information but then I’ve never claimed to be a journalist and I usually find I learn a lot of interesting things from taxi drivers.

For example, what I hadn’t realised until this week was that everyone will be voting for six different people, from the President as Head of State, to the Governor (there are 47 counties so will be 47 Governors elected on Monday), Senator (47 again), Member of Parliament representing every constituency (eg Nairobi has 17 constituencies), a woman representative (47 women will be elected as part of the new constitution, which says each county gets a woman representative), and then finally a County Ward Representative (initially called councillors) – so everyone is voting for 6

different people! Andrew, my favourite taxi driver with whom I regularly sit in Nairobi traffic having long conversations, is confident that most people understand the new system and know what they have to do. He patiently explained the whole thing to me, including percentages. 98% of the 14 million registered electorate will vote he says.

I think it’s very positive that Kenya has automated it’s voting system, so it’s all digital this time round and supposedly less likely to be rigged as a result.

But this election has also apparently been one of the most expensive in the world to organise, and Kenyan politicians are some of the highest paid, which is not so great to hear.

Last year in August everyone voted for the new Constitution, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, and were given a booklet outlining all of the information they needed on how the new constitution would work.

90% voted yes. DJs on Royal Media radio stations in each of the different tribal languages worked hard to explain the details and make sure everyone knew what was what. 90% of Kenyans now understand what it’s about and how it all works (again, these numbers are

from Andrew, and by no means official stats, but a cheering vote of confidence on the new system and your fellow Kenyan).

I tried to register two SIM cards this week and spent ages waiting for someone to do all the paperwork, and then once I’d left found that only one works because it isn’t registered. Admittedly that was Safaricom, but getting six votes accurately inputted into the new digital system, and counted up is going to be quite a feat in and of itself.

And who’s going to win? Uhuru is from the Kikuyu tribe and Raila is Luo, and Kikuyu vastly outnumber the Luo in Kenya (Barak Obama’s father was Luo).

Andrew reckons Uhuru will win hands down and that lots of other tribes are voting for him as well, but someone pointed out to me that Andrew’s Kikuyu, so he would say that.

He also assures me it will be peaceful.

By Kirsten Smith. He lives in Nairobi, Kenya and as an observer writes his opinion on the coming elections. He calls for peace despite the high stakes in the elections. Kenya remains one nation.

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Too close to call:

Kenya elections- Ruto versus Odinga Written by Elvis Iruh

Kenyans elect a new President and a new government on 9th August 2022. Wishing them successful elections without violence. There could be only one winner

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he air in Kenya is politics and it is very tense, for the first time in the history of the country, the outgoing President and his deputy who is a candidate in the election is not on the same page and they are on opposite camps; so the idea of using government mercenary to manipulate election results is far over in Kenya and this is a true test of Kenya electoral system and to see how transparent it is for the world observers and watchers. It is also a unique election given the fact that it is the first one to be held in an environment where a sitting president and his deputy do not see eye to eye.

Under the new constitution, the president and his deputy are elected under a joint ticket hence the former has no powers to sack the latter as was the case under the old order. The President has chosen to back his former rival and harsh opponent, Raila Odinga in a twist of political history that is still a shock to some section of the country, nobody saw it coming until 2019 when the famous handshake changed the dynamics of Kenyan politics.

Emboldened by the new constitutional order, Ruto has openly

defied his boss, blaming him and his handshake partner Raila for all the socio-economic mess bedeviling the country, while taking credit for the achievements made by the outgoing government.

The deputy president has even managed to inspire dissent against the head of state in his Mt Kenya backyard, resulting in mass exodus of area legislators from the ruling Jubilee party to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“President Kenyatta betrayed Ruto by supporting his fierce rival [Raila] Odinga and that is why many of us abandoned the Jubilee party. We decided that we are going to keep the promise we made in 2017 to support Ruto for president in the 2022 general election,” says Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, one of the Mt Kenya legislators who abandoned Jubilee for UDA. Kenyatta’s allies however term their colleagues as betrayers who are thankless for the help they received from the head of state.

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A total of 82 political parties will participate in the elections, after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) approved their nomination rules.

However, due to the shambolic party nominations, a record number have opted to run as independent candidates making the competition for elective seats even more fierce.

According to the IEBC, more than 5,000 individuals will vie for various elective seats as independent candidates, with county assembly posts attracting the highest number.

“These rebels actually won their parliamentary seats in 2017 by riding on President Kenyatta’s popularity. They are in fact the real betrayers,” says Kieni MP Kanini Kega, an ally of Kenyatta.

It is also the first time the populous Mt Kenya will not be fielding a strong presidential candidate since the advent of pluralism in 1991 making it a swing-vote region.

So important is the region that the two top candidates – Ruto and Raila – nominated persons from Mt Kenya as running mates to attract the 5-million plus registered voters. Ruto nominated Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua while Raila settled on former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

It is not only the country’s chief executive that Kenyans will be electing on 9 August, but also 290 MPs, 47 governors, 47 senators, 47 women representatives and 1450 members of county assemblies.

82 political parties

“This year’s election will see the highest number of independent candidates winning various seats due to the poor party nominations conducted by both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza coalitions,” says John Charo, a political analyst.

The official two-month campaign period, which kicked off on 29 May is expected to end on 6 August, two days before the general election.

Like past elections, issues dominating campaign rallies are the high cost of living, youth unemployment, access to quality healthcare and education, corruption, equitable share of resources and insecurity.

This is Kenya politics, it is two sided, depending on which side you are, and you try to justify your principal. The battle line is draw, it is a straight fight between Student (Ruto) and Teacher (Raila Odinga) who would be victorious would be determined by 9th August at polls. Some thinks that it is not possible for one of them to win at first ballot; therefore there may be a second round of voting in this year’s Presidential elections in Kenya.

Our appeal to Kenyans is to maintain peace and orderliness both during and after the elections, no one person worth dying for in the political struggle for Power, both main actors have been involved in the politics of Kenya for long and with our without them, the nation of Kenya should remain one. We wish the best candidate to win and success to all involved in the process of ensuring free and fair elections in Kenya.

God bless Kenya

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We are the leaders of today Written by Martha Nalukenge

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or far too long, young people have taken the backseat when it comes to tackling serious social, economic, and environmental challenges; not anymore. Hundreds of youth from the Commonwealth came together and in one voice, boldly affirmed that they were taking the reins of their future.

Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, is famed for many different things, top of which is the country’s diverse culture and its clean cities. Kigali is the face of green vegetation globally, with its citizens required to grow at least two trees annually, which explains her green beauty. Countries could really borrow a leaf, no pun intended, from this small East African country.

The country recently hosted the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), running from the 19th to the 21st of June 2022, and which was held concurrently

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“ Climate activists across Africa championing for climate finance called upon wealthy nations to honor their one hundred billion dollar pledge to vulnerable nations for loss and damages.” with the Commonwealth Women Forum (CWF). I was honored to be one of the attendees, alongside thousands of young leaders and climate activists.

The Youth Forum is one of four; alongside the Business Forum, People’s Forum and the Women’s Forum. It was co-convened by the Government of Rwanda, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the CYF International Taskforce, and the Commonwealth Youth Council. The theme was ‘Taking Charge of Our Future.’

The Forum provides an opportunity for young people from the member states to build crosscultural connections and networks; deliberate on youth-led initiatives addressing emerging issues impacting young people, strategise on perspectives to influence decision makers and ensure young people have a voice and agency in its future.

Climate Fund Climate activists across Africa championing for climate finance called upon wealthy nations to honor their one hundred billion dollar pledge to vulnerable nations for loss and damages. They presented an advocacy letter calling for the promised climate adaptation money to be delivered.

There were different plenary sessions that touched on Trade and Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation, Governance and the Rule of Law, among others. I chose to participate in the Sustainability: Environment, Climate Change and Blue Economies. Our team chose to focus on finding the solution to tackle plastic pollution.

The final policy document from the CYF will be presented to the President of Rwanda and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, giving young people the chance to have their opinions heard by the Heads of Government.

My finest moment was when I got the opportunity to deliver our advocacy letter to the 5th panel session of the CWF. In attendance was the Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Protection, Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge, and Laine Munir, the moderator and Assistant Professor at African Leadership University. Also present was Hon Regina Esparon from Seychelles, Maliha Khan the CEO of Women Deliver and Mr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Head of Climate Change at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Huge Strides There were other workshops that touched on other issues too like: – Cervical Cancer Youth Advocacy 101 by Alliance for Action against HPV & Commonwealth Youth Health Network.

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– SDGs and Climate Change in Africa by Sustainable Development Goals Center for Africa. Effective use of Social Media for Health Advocacy by African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) & Medical Students Association of Rwanda. The threeday historic forum focused on just some of the issues that disproportionately and directly affected the youth during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. With the world going through uncertain times and the cost of living sky rocketing by the day, it has never been more important to ensure that young people take the helm and have a seat at the policy making table.

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Meet Nigeria’s golden girl TobiAmusan who broke world record twice in a competition

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obi Amusan left everyone shocked and amazed and caused stir after her world record win at World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States of America.

Not once but twice she broke the world record on her way to winning Nigeria’s first gold medal in World Athletics championship for Nigeria although the second world record

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time of 1206 seconds was rejected due to wind assistance in the race but it does not matter any longer, she is the best on running and jumping at the short distance in the world.

Amusan came in with a record time of 12.12 seconds, beating Kendra Harrison’s 2016 record of 12.20 by 0.8 of a second.

She went on to bag gold in the final, though her initial finishing time of 12.06 was ruled out due to strong wind speeds.

Amusan’s world record sent shockwaves through the athletics world.

“Wow” tweeted Jamaican track and field great Usain Bolt, while 200m champion and American record holder Noah Lyles tweeted: “12.12 are you kidding me?” Both congratulated her on Twitter.

In November 2016, the now-25 year old tweeted: “Unknown now but soon I will be unforgettable, I will persist until I succeed.”

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