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

YOUR COPY NOW....

Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage

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;

• 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 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_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

BLESS SOMEONE WITH A COPY THIS SEASON OF CELEBRATION.

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

Wehave seen a lot of changes in the measures surrounding the Corona Pandemic in recent months and the past year. A booster shot has been added, the QR code, facemasks, quarantine rules and much more. It is difficult for many people to keep up with the flow of information and also to get a good idea of what is true and where you can find reliable information. However, the organization, INCLUSIA continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, to enlighten, educate and promote vigilance on the part of the populace. The campaign is that we all need to remain vigilant as we enter the winter season of the year and many people are reported sick. You are encouraged to get the self-test kits to test yourself for Corona virus symptoms and if you test positive then make appointment to get vaccination.

There are tem of information officers in various languages to ensure that reliable information in your own language reaches people with a migration background. They provide information about the measures, QR code, and Booster vaccination and where people can go for more information. They organize these meetings throughout the country and it is possible to join one of these meetings if you are interested. The schedule and how to join a meeting or get more information, please contact Madam Fester Imoh on +31634135262.

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United Nigeria Platform, The Netherlands in collaboration with Inclusia, sponsors this information

Send us your email and we would send you a copy digitally. E-mail us at info@ thevoicenewsmagazine.com

THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM

Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa

Editor-in-Chief

Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thenigerianvoice.com

Project Coordinator

Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Ndubuisi Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com

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CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD

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Kester Kenn Klomegah (Russia) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com

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MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume

Abeka Salmin Abdallah Amb. Patrick McCaffrey Mildred Kleinbussink Engineer Barry A.O. Igbeare Guest Writer: Amb. Ms. Albena Jones

The Voice magazine

The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-governmental organizations and individuals 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.

On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi

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The Voice magazine is published in the Netherlands by Stichting Paddi Europa and it is published 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 countries 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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Volume 24

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Pages 6 & 7 - EDITORIAL: Looking ahead to 2023, Africa faces more challenges, but she will survive them all.

Pages 10 & 11 – After COP27: Africa Risks Being a Stranded Continent

Pages 14 & 15 - Hon. Mamma Kandeh appointed as member of the Union of European Experts Chambers

Page 16 - World-record nonuplets return home to Mali from Morocco.

Pages 20 & 21 - The new Policy Coherence Action Plan for Development

Pages 24 & 25 - The journey of adjusting to life in a foreign country by Ritah Atuhaire

Pages 26 & 27 - ‘How Ghana can deepen appreciation of STEM’

Pages 32 & 33- My experience living in Dubai by Ritah Atuhaire

Pages 38-40 - U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit ends in Washington

Page 41 - Man’s body found in undercarriage of plane that flew from Gambia to Britain

Pages 42 & 43 - Grasshoppers – A Nutritious Delicacy

Page 44 - EXPECTATIONS FOR 2023 -“WELL DONE”

Pages 46 & 47 - Masaka’s Game Changer by Martha Nalukenge

Pages 48 – 51 -Russia Suffers From Media Weakness in Africa

Pages 52 & 53 - The Gambian public is not interested in the story of the coup attempt.

Pages 60 & 61 - Aging should not be missing from the Africa strategy

Pages 64 & 65 - Leveraging the election of young leaders to usher in change

Page 66 - African team can reach the 2026 World Cup final, says CAF boss Motsepe

Page 67- President Ruto lauds Hon. Ababu’ sports and arts revival efforts

Page 68 - Heroic Morocco climb high, and world champions

Argentina move up to second in FIFA’s new rankings.

Page 69 - I Have My Tactics; If Morocco Becomes An Obstacle, We’ll Crush Them-Peseiro

Pages 70 & 71 - Impact of the FIFA World Cup on grassroots football

All Eyes On Nigeria Election

2023

All eyes are on Nigeria election as it prepares for its general election in February 2023. You don’t need any one to convince you to vote for those of you in Nigeria with registered voter cards, go and collect your card and exercise your right to determine your future and the future of your children. Are you ready to vote? You have to guide your vote that it counts and it is not stolen from you as Nigerians have witnessed from the past. This election would be the most pivotal in the history of Nigeria. No time has the stakes being so high, a lot of people are dissatisfied with the way their country has been performing therefore they expect a genuine change this time around. There are some reasons for optimism that up coming polls will be an improvement on that of 2019 election. There is more awareness and preparation on the part the populace, a new surge of new voter registrations especially among young people which suggests that Nigerians believe the 2023 elections are a process worth their time and energy. Our appeal is for Nigerians in the Diaspora to reach out to their love ones, friends, families, associates and colleagues to remind everyone the purpose of this election and participate.

We hope a good election, peaceful, free and fair and that the nation remain one after the whole exercise. God bless Nigeria

Looking Ahead On 2023: Africa Faces More Challenges Ahead But She Would Survive It All

Happy New Year to you all our readers and we look forward to serving you again with strength, power and encouragement to see Africa advance further in 2023

African economies will face turbulent times in 2023 according to many analysis reports die to internal and external shocks around the world which would undermine the region’s growth prospects and threaten stability, but most of the region will weather the storm and continue to grow hopefully.

Many African countries would continue to face inflation which is already betting hard from the highs of 2022 and monetary policy would be tightened across much of Africa, while the cost of international capital would rise substantially for some economies.

Major concerns surround the heavy burden of debt servicing, instability created by election cycles, geo-politics and war, as well as the lingering threat of food insecurity caused by conflict and adverse weather conditions. Africa’s economic recovery has been disrupted in 2022 by a range of internal and external shocks including adverse weather conditions, rapidly rising rates of inflation, higher borrowing costs and softer demand in major export markets. Some of these

factors will subdue growth prospects in the year ahead, but Africa overall is expected to hold steady rather than suffer a major downturn in economic growth—both North Africa and SubSaharan Africa are forecast to grow by 3.2% in 2023. We expect almost all countries in Africa to continue to grow, although real GDP growth rates will vary considerably across the region and some states will stagnate

and teeter on the brink of recession.

South Africa will grow by just 1.5% in 2023 as higher interest rates, power supply issues and weak demand weigh on domestic and export-oriented business activity. The country could easily enter a technical recession—two consecutive quarters of negative real GDP growth in 2023. Similar conditions will hamper growth in Nigeria, although the economy will benefit from resilient commodities trade and dynamic consumer goods and services markets in major cities, pushing growth to 3.1% in 2023. Egypt will post growth of just under 3%, which will be less than half of that recorded in 2022, with the economy propped up as interest rates rise by a positive external contribution as real exports are supported by devaluation of the pound and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales to energy-strapped Europe. Kenya is recovering from the

President Buhari expected to hand over power in May 2023

uncertainties of national elections held in August 2022 and will be the fastest-growing major economy in Africa during 2023, posting real GDP growth in the region of 5%. In the meantime, more African states will head towards external debt distress in 2023 and 2024. African states are required to repay about US$75bn of external borrowing (medium- and long-term capital repayments that fall due) in 2023 and a similar amount in 2024. Foreign creditors have offered pandemic-related debt relief and relatively low by historical standards- interest rates in recent years, but these lines of international financial support have come to an end.

Elections will pose a risk to stability Africa as many African countries would be holding presidential and national legislative elections in 17 countries during 2023 and preparations will ramp up for national elections in a further 13 countries in 2024. Election time can be very unstable in Africa and the 2023-24 cycle will be no different with a high risk of political protests, mass demonstrations and strikes in a range of countries. Social unrest could easily be stoked by disinformation campaigns and disgruntled losers, as well as public discontent with political institutions, ruling elites and poor public services would be mostly affected. Worsening socioeconomic conditions in some countries driven by

subdued wage growth, the rising cost of living and food security concerns could prove problematic for incumbent or new government administrations. Upcoming elections to watch out for includes that of Algeria, Egypt, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, the DRC, Libya, Madagascar, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe could prove to be flashpoints for disruptive civil unrest in 2023. Unresolved conflicts affect regional stability and there are still many of such in Africa, the hotspots of insecurity in 2023 would be found across the impoverished Sahel region—especially in Mali and Burkina Faso, in fragmented and disputed Libya, throughout the Horn of Africa, in northern Mozambique and in unsettled parts of Nigeria. Of particular concern is the conflict in northern Ethiopia (Tigray region), which would continue to undermine peace and stability in the Horn of Africa in 2023. The conflict, which started in November 2020, is stuck in a tense and tragic deadlock. An ongoing build-up of Ethiopian federal government forces and Eritrean allies along the Ethiopian border with Eritrea does not bode well for a peace settlement, and the fight with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which controls most of the region, looks set to drag on and could draw more players into the arena in 2023.

In addition, the conflict raging in Mali and Burkina Faso involve Isis and al-Qaida-linked jihadis, national armies, UN peacekeepers, European forces especially the French and mercenary groups, including the Russian private military group Wagner. Instability will reign and the death toll will remain high in 2023. Knowing all of these should help African leaders to plan ahead and reduce some of these challenges. We are optimistic that Africa would survive all of these challenges and we require all African Diaspora to continue to engage with homeland to make life much better and meaningful for the New Year. On all our part, we would continue to serve you with the best of news around the world and most importantly engage you in our discussions.

Have a blissful 2023 and welcome to our first edition of 2023. Enjoy your copy and share with others via our website.

Thank you all.

Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

President Julious Maada Bio of Sierra Leone

President Addo of Ghana: Country faces hard times ahead

Africa Risks Being A Stranded Continent

COP 27 ended without any other significant shining light besides the Loss and Damage proposal. Hopes that the COP would call for a phased out of all fossil fuels were dashed. The campaign for climate debt has been campaigned for by civil societies for years. This demand is in line with historical and current harms being suffered by vulnerable nations and regions due to climate change triggered by actions by industrialised nations. Rather than recognize and pay the climate debt, the COP has proposed a Green Climate Fund at COP15 and acceded to payments for Loss and Damage at COP27. Hopes for the recovery of damaged environment were shattered by the usual lack of seriousness in the discussions COP27 did not rise up to even the weak attempts to call it an African COP. The outcome confirmed that this was just another COP with nothing substantial in terms of reparations for centuries of harms and ongoing ones. The COP could not be termed African COP because of its mere geographical location, as Africans could not attend due to diverse restrictions while the corridors of the COP were filled with fossil fuels

promoters who attended to block decisions that would rescue the world from the clutches of the industry. As an organization we saw the COP as mainly provides space for civil societies to meet, prepare and share ideas on the way forward. Although the COP ought to find ways to stop climate change, it has become a carbon trade fair where false solutions including carbon trading and carbon capture and storage are being promoted.

Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Nnimmo Bassey stated that “COP27 leaves vulnerable nations to contend with climate impacts without any serious help that can be counted as additionalities. Delaying action on Loss and Damage simply means tossing nations into more famine, fires, and floods.

Climate change continues to be driven by development based on exploitation of peoples and the destruction of Nature made in the guise of fighting global warming. If we must have a

livable future, the COP must be bold to act, especially with regard to phasing out fossil fuels. This is not even being discussed! Rather than opening doors to false solutions. The COP has transformed itself into a platform for avoidance of climate action. We have come to an inescapable moment when avoidance of real climate action can no longer be accepted. Pay the Climate debt and leave the fossils in the ground.”

HOMEF urges that the loss and damage agenda should not considered as charity but as reparations for centuries of ecocide and damaging activities. Nigerian negotiators should see COP28 holding in the United Arab Emirates as a moment to press industrialized nations and polluting entities to accept liability for the climate catastrophe and to make adequate annual payments for it. This should be addressed as a climate debt and in clear terms.

HOMEF believes that fossil fuels are responsible for wars, climate harms and human rights abuses and that the funds invested in warfare should be channeled to funding the needed

just energy transition and for tackling the manifestations of climate change.

HOMEF is concerned that the precious time is being wasted on non-solutions such as the promotion of unproven and risky technologies including geoengineering.

HOMEF urges Nigeria and other African nations to realize that the 1.5 degrees temperature target set in the Paris Agreement is on track to be exceeded judging from the Emissions Gap Report issued by UNEP. To close that gap, the world will ultimately exit the petroleum era. This is the time to get off the fossil train rather than risk stranded fossil fuel assets by the coming decade. Africa cannot afford to be a stranded continent loaded with stranded fossil assets.

A 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature increase above preindustrial levels will be disastrous for Africa as the continent has temperatures above global averages. This reality makes taking climate caption more urgent for us than for most others.

By HOMEf

A Diplomat And His Passion For Service: Ambassador Obinna C. Onowu. Nigerian Ambassador To Belgium, Luxembourg And The European Union

When in June 2021, Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu presented his Letters of Credence to His Royal Majesty Philippe 1, the Belgian King, no one was in doubt that he would push for improvement on the existing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Belgium.

The reason for the optimism was premised on his track records at the Embassy of Nigeria in The Hague, Netherlands, where he served as Minister, and later as Charge d’Affaires En-Titre of Nigeria to Burundi, before his appointment as an ambassador by President Muhammadu Buhari last year. Barely a month after he presented his Letters of Credence to His Royal Majesty Philippe I, the Belgian King, the versatile _career diplomat presented Letters of Credence to Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The presentation was significant because over the years, the European Commission has involved itself in supporting the government of Nigeria to reduce poverty through improved governance, expanding social equity, and maintaining economic growth. It has funded health and nutrition, sustainable energy and access to electricity, rule of law, governance, and democracy, as well as support for civil society organizations in Nigeria.

Thereafter, Onowu swung into action by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with A-Law, an international law firm that would facilitate foreign direct investment and train Nigerian judges and lawyers. A-Law’s Managing Partner, Patricia Leers, signed on behalf of the firm. The signing of the MoU is landmark because it serves as the primary basis for the relationship between the Embassy and the Law Firm and contemplates, inter alia, leveraging and exchanging

information and networks in the areas of trade and investment, maritime and logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and other relevant sectors of interest in Nigeria.

The agreement was also to facilitate the development and operation of a framework for physical and virtual trainings, internships, and exchange programs in Belgium for experienced and trainee judges and lawyers from Nigeria. The MOU would increasingly highlight the economic potentials of Nigeria, drive

foreign direct investment, and accrue mutual benefits to all parties and countries involved.

He didn’t stop there; a month later, Ambassador Onowu hosted members of the Belgium-LuxemburgNigeria Chamber of Commerce (BLNCC) at an event tagged “Ambassador meet and greet,” where he unveiled Nigeria’s investment opportunities. At the event, he described Nigeria as not only a major investment hub in Africa but the largest economy in Africa, adding that “a country that had just crawled out of recession last year, in the first quarter of this year recorded 0.5% growth in its GDP and 5.01% in the second quarter.”

He disclosed that the impressive record is a huge plus for Nigeria’s economy, particularly with the 5.01% growth recorded in the second quarter, 92% of which was from the non-oil sector. According to him, the Federal Government has done so much to diversify the economy, which has opened up investment opportunities for foreign investors.

Justifying why BLNCC should make Nigeria their investment destination, Ambassador Onowu said the present administration has worked tirelessly to diversify the economy beyond oil by creating opportunities for investment in the non-oil sector, especially in the areas of agriculture, ICT, health,

manufacturing, construction, and other sectors, with positive results.

The event, which was organized by the BLNCC in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Belgium, brought together the crème de la crème in the Belgian and Luxembourg business worlds. It afforded the Ambassador the opportunity to interact with the business tycoons and let them know about untapped business opportunities in Nigeria.

Less than two weeks after he called on the business community in Belgium and Luxembourg to make Nigeria their investment destination, Ambassador Onowu presented his Letters of credence to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. This is to further cement the relationship between Nigeria and the European Union. He later held a bilateral discussion with Charles.

The European Council defines the European Union’s overall political direction and priorities. It sets the EU’s policy agenda by adopting conclusions during European Council meetings that identify issues of concern and actions to take. The members of the European Council are the heads of state or government of the 27 EU member states, the European Council President, and the President of the European Commission.

Hon. Mamma Kandeh Appointed As Member Of Union Of European Experts Chambers

Hon. Mamma Kandeh was born on 12th July 1965, he is 57 years old and he is a member of the PanAfrican Parliament from the Gambia. He is the founding leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) political party, which he formed in the summer of 2016. He ran as a candidate in the Gambian presidential election of 2016 where he came 3rd behind the main opposition leader in the country.

Mamma Kandeh during his birthday celebration this year, he was commonly described by his associates as a true patriot and a leader of the future. Since after the elections, he has remained in the body polity of the country, engaging himself with the grassroots and providing direction for the youths of the country.

Hon. Kandeh hails from the same region as President Adama Barrow but he gained support from the former President Yahya Jammeh during the last election and everyone is watching how his party would fair in the coming local government elections in 2023.

He attended Crab Island School in Banjul, and Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in Jeshwang, Serrekunda, Kanifing. His sojourn took him abroad to Germany from where he decided to return back home to join in the mission to rescue his country, The Gambia.

He was formerly a member of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, which was the ruling party at the time, but was expelled from the party after which he formed the GDC.

In November 2021, Mama Kandeh’s candidacy for the presidential election of 202122 is validated by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). He was later endorsed by ex-President Yahya Jammeh.

Since after the elections, he has continued his various charity works among which includes his engaging a company to help clear the drainage system in the capital city, Banjul which was not clean for close to 30 years. His party militants also helped to clean the streets of Banjul; in

addition, he donated cements and corvettes to help rebuild a collapsed nursing home and help to build the community health center. He has also engaged in water projects for needy Gambians mostly women and children as direct benefactors. A clinic was blown away by the wind and over 4000 patients where left stranded, he came to their assistance to rebuild and refurbish the clinic. The list of his involvement with the day to day living of his people are dear to his heart and for that reason he cannot leave his country and people behind.

Last year he was appointed as President of European Department for Gambia under the umbrella body called The Union of European Experts Chambers About the organization

The Union of European Experts Chambers is a non-profit

organization, operating in countries of the European Union and in other States. This pool of independent and nonpolitical professionals, workers and entrepreneurs with associative behavior operates in a way whose principles are stated in the Universal declaration of the Human Rights and the fundamental Freedoms of the European Council. Its mission statement and benefit includes the following:The UCEE introduces itself as a high level organization operating in EU and in non EU Countries that will have

the chance to make their own experts be part of it in order to help solve economic, social, cultural and communication problems with an informal approach and consequently over the parts as much as possible.

This fact in the attempt to accelerate the harmonisations and the research of a consensus necessary to formally and positively define issues of international importance Strategy adopted to pursue the mission for any member at the organisation:

1. To supply an effective support to the European Community by proposals and finalized plans for an impulse to the development of an effective economic, social, cultural, technical, environmental collaboration between the European Countries of the EU and between these and the extra EU Countries;

2. To create an adequate and qualified pool of international experts in order to allow a Commission of the European Parliament and every General Directorate of the European Commission to pick up in case an operative task force on a topic under evaluation is needed;

3. To organize conventions, seminaries, workshops and meetings with the aim to help creating relationships concurring to an inner harmonization as well as a diffusion of knowledge about the EU and its organisation in the world. Any member work in the European Experts to develop our socio-economical network and its integration in the

European evolution process and to contribute to increase the quality level of the above mentioned services in terms of matured experience and professionalism, guaranteeing the professional specialization and the service reliability to the customer.

The association shall organize, among the Members, the development of their activity, the improving of their exterior image, their professional updating to offer always more professional services, even though the diffusion of a common tally.

Congratulations to Hon. Mamma Kandeh on his appointment as President of European Department for Gambia

He could be reached on this email address for details on their activities and his plans for his country and the continent Africa. mansalykandeh@gmail.com

World-Record Nonuplets Return Home To Mali From Morocco

The world’s only nonuplets - nine babies born at the same time have safely returned home to Mali after spending the first 19 months of their lives in Morocco.

The babies broke the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered in a single birth to survive.

Ahead of the birth in May 2021, the mother Halima Cissé, now 27, was flown to Morocco for specialist care. Before returning they had been living with medical support in Casablanca.

After arriving back in the Malian capital, Bamako, the father Abdelkader Arby thanked the Malian government which he said had been helping the family financially.

“It’s a lot of work but Allah, who gave us this blessing, will help us in their upbringing and taking care of them,” he added.

Health Minister Diéminatou Sangara said the government will continue to support the family. The babies - five girls and four boys were born by Caesarean section at 30 weeks, according to the Malian authorities last year.

The girls - named Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama and Oumou - and the boys - named Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji and Bahweighed between 500g and 1kg (1.1lb and 2.2lb) at birth, Prof Youssef Alaoui, medical director of the clinic where they were born, told the African news agency.

There were at risks that they could have developed health problems due to their premature birth and they spent the first months of their lives in hospital.

They were then moved to an apartment where they received round-the-clock care from the Ain Borja clinic.

Earlier this year, on their first birthday, their father said that each one has a unique personality. “They all have different characters. Some are quiet, while others make more noise and cry a lot. Some want to be picked up all the time. They are all very different, which is entirely normal.”

Mr. Arby also said that they had become famous in Mali and people were “very keen to see the babies with their own eyes”.

Chief Arthur Okeke Graduates With LLB LAW & PRACTICE

A well-known Nigerian businessman who for several years occupied business space in the Netherlands before he relocated to United Kingdom and Nigeria recently graduated from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. The colourful graduation ceremony took place on 13th December 2022 at Indigo, 02 London.

The Voice news magazine learnt that the new graduate is not relenting as he has started a MASTERS OF LAW Program in Canterbury Christ Church University, also in the United Kingdom.

Congratulations Chief Arthur Okeke, the sky is just the foundation of your educational excellence.

The New Policy Coherence Action Plan For Development

The Netherlands has a new action plan to achieve more policy coherence between the various ministries in order to counteract the negative effects of Dutch policy on developing countries. It focuses on three themes: reducing the Dutch footprint, illicit money flows and tax avoidance, and vaccine and health inequality. In the Action Plan – in the form of a letter to Parliament – the government writes that not only Dutch policy on development cooperation is important for poverty reduction and sustainable growth in poor countries, but also related policy in other policy areas.

Policy coherence for development aims to reduce as much as possible the cross-border, possible negative effects of Dutch policy that does not fall under development cooperation and to maximize the positive effects. Think of international trade and taxes.

The Netherlands has a long history of paying attention to the undesirable side effects of Dutch policy on low- and middleincome countries, and since 1998 has been politically committed to countering this. A coherence unit was set up at the ministry under former Minister for Development Cooperation Herfkens (1998-2002), and an Action Plan for Policy Coherence for Development has been in place since 2016 .

Exception

The letter to Parliament points out that this governmentwide action plan is still an exception from an international perspective – other countries do not have it. At the same time, difficult subjects are not avoided. For example, the government writes that the Netherlands is at the bottom of the European Spillover Index and that we are the European country with the highest negative footprint. This was calculated, among other things, on the basis of the negative effects of Dutch trade and the direct CO 2 emissions associated with it, but also of the economic effects of illegal money flows and the use of the Netherlands as a tax haven. Both topics are covered extensively in the Action Plan .

The Netherlands uses too many natural resources, according to the letter to Parliament, in various forms. The footprint is the claim that an average resident of a state places on the natural resources, namely: land, water and the environment. To reduce that footprint, a series of measures and targets are

announced in the plan.

Greening

By: Marc Broere Editor-in-Chief Vice Versa magazine, Holland

For example, the Netherlands is greening its trade and export instruments in line with the Paris climate agreement and is gradually phasing out the tax incentives that counteract Dutch climate goals.

The Netherlands will pursue an ambitious climate policy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gases by at least 55 percent in 2030 compared to 1990; this is also in line with the outcomes of the climate conferences in Glasgow and Paris. In addition, it will also phase out schemes that could promote the fossil fuel industry.

And there are even more ambitions: within trade agreements concluded by the EU, the Netherlands wants to commit itself to high standards in the field of climate and the environment, and in a European context we will promote legislation in the field of international corporate social responsibility.

The Netherlands also wants to be a circular economy by 2050. The transition to this contributes to four social tasks: combating climate change, reducing environmental pollution,

combating loss of biodiversity and increasing the security of supply of raw materials.

The Netherlands connects biodiversity more strongly as a cross-cutting subject within development cooperation – in particular with regard to food security, water and climate. Trade policy will also pay ‘special attention’ to the theme of biodiversity.

So much for reducing the climate, land and water footprint, which takes up most of the space in the Action Plan . Illegal money flows Illegal money flows and tax avoidance are another spearhead:

avoidance and explicitly mentions reducing the use of the Netherlands as a transit country. The Netherlands will also help poor and middle-income countries with capacity building for a good tax policy and for tax collection.

Vaccine inequality

The last topic of the action plan is vaccine and global health inequality. According to the cabinet, the covid pandemic has exposed the enormous inequality in access to vaccines, medicines and other health products. It has also become clear how important strong, resilient health systems are for fair access to health worldwide.

Policy coherence and an eye for the interests of developing countries are an integral part of the Dutch health strategy, the cabinet writes. The Netherlands has set itself the goal of contributing to increasing global access to vaccines and medicines by encouraging knowledge sharing and stimulating local production.

Progress

The House of Representatives will be informed annually about the progress of the plan. Our coherence policy will then also be benchmarked against existing measuring instruments, such as the Monitor Brede Welvaart of Statistics Netherlands (CBS), on the progress of the sustainable development goals, and the European Spillover Index , which precisely measures the negative impact of policy against those goals.

The previous Action Plans for Policy Coherence for Development will also be evaluated in early 2023 by the IOB, the inspection service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to gain insight into the operation of the Action Plan as an instrument for achieving policy coherence for development.

The Netherlands is committed to countering illicit global money flows, including those related to tax evasion, corruption, money laundering, terrorist financing and organized crime. According to the government, these flows hinder the development of developing countries because they reduce available public resources, contribute to global inequality and undermine the rule of law and security. A salient detail is, of course, that the Netherlands, as a tax haven, makes a significant contribution to it. The government estimates the annual outflow of illicit financial flows and tax evasion from African countries alone at nearly USD 90 billion.

The government expresses the aim of combating global tax

How can different ministries join forces to achieve the sustainable development goals? And what starting points does the new Action Plan for policy coherence for development offer?

Vice Versa, Building Change and the Fair, Green and Global Alliance explore this in depth in this knowledge dossier. On Wednesday afternoon, January 18, 2023, they are organizing the Great Coherence Debate together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sign up by sending an email to: benjamin@viceversaonline. nl

By: Marc Broere Editor-in-Chief

Vice Versa magazine, Holland

The journey of adapting to life in a foreign country

Written by Ritah Atuhaire

Globalisation has made it more common for people to leave their home countries. In spite of this, moving to a new country means adapting to a different culture and way of life, which requires patience and perseverance. In the first of a three part series, Rita Atuhaire describes her first few months in Dubai, and how she dealt with the culture shock.

Have you ever been the odd person out in any way? You think differently and are never understood. You’re often underestimated and overlooked. You laugh at jokes because everyone else is doing so and you don’t want to look rude, but you don’t see the funny bit of it? When your skin tone differs from others or when you are the only female among males, and it constantly feels like a disability? Have you ever felt you are more than enough but society is not convinced you are even enough? You keep trying to show them your value, but they refuse to see your kindness. When anxiety and depression find a home in your heart and mind. What do you do when you find yourself all alone in this diaspora world despite being physically surrounded by so many people? This is what I do; I create the world I want in my mind and shut out all negativity. So, my mind is always a battlefield between what is happening and what should be happening. You should visit this pristine world I have created with my mind. In my world, a person is seen for who they are.

Their potential is not described by their skin colour, gender or religion. A suggestion to men does not imply that I am trying to deprive them of their manliness. I am simply an open-minded lady that likes to put whatever I can on the table to see things done. I am always creating a world where a smartly dressed lady walking on the streets at night doesn’t mean she is a prostitute in search of a client. She may just be a decent, classy woman going on a date or to a party. I have been the victim of such misjudgement before.

Culture shock

While I was just getting used to Dubai, I used to walk to school where I was having my coffee lessons. However, about every ten steps I took, a man speaking broken English would stop me and say, “Nice woman Africa… Me give money we go you give… Sex giving woman Africa?” Other men would show me money as they ogled. I used to find that so disrespectful so I asked a friend who had lived here longer about it. He advised me to stop being so smart and never walk with small bags again. “When did having a small handbag and being smart become a signal that I am a hooker?” I asked. He replied that most African sex workers on the streets do the same. Well, I refuse to compromise my looks. It is part of what makes me. I unknowingly developed an unapproachable attitude because of such misjudgement. This is because my smiley face appeared to be an entry point. But what if I became unapproachable to someone who once genuinely needed my help or a kind soul who would make my life meaningful later on? When a man accidentally enters the lady’s chamber on a train, either through ignorance or simply being lost, the ladies guide him to the right chamber. This helps him avoid paying fines.

In the same way that the man wasn’t looking for ladies in the ladies’ chamber, I also don’t look for men when I step into the unisex chamber without a male companion.

The majority there are men and so are the people seated next to me, so am I not allowed to have a friendly conversation with them? I would appreciate it if I didn’t see signals from other men indicating that the man I am chatting with has got himself an African woman to “slaughter.”

I happen to be the only female on a team of 22 men at my workplace so I have become a sort of expert in interpreting the “man code” language. So, gentlemen, you are not signalling behind my back, it is written on your faces for me to read. Soon after I joined my team, we held a coffee training workshop in which I actively participated with my newly acquired knowledge from coffee school. The manager was impressed and asked me to explain more to the rest of my team which I gladly did. I am a teacher by profession so public speaking is a hobby. As I was sharing, I overheard one member whispering to the two men he was seated next to, “Are you letting a lady think for all of us?” Well, that gave me a starting point of whom to befriend first on the team. I’m glad I befriended him because I realized later that he is a kind person and is more reasonable than he appears, he was just misguided

by the society he grew up in. He was made to believe that women are meant to be less intelligent than men in all aspects of life, which is why men are the leaders except for “a few abnormal” cases. He had also, unfortunately, been left behind by his mother at a tender age and grew up knowing she had abandoned him to be raised by his single father.

There is no villain in this story because everyone has a push factor that makes them think the way they do. I believe it is a type of mental disability that needs serious attention when one shows signs like shutting down an opinion because a certain gender or group of people can’t speak sense to them. Until you become a victim, patronizing people may seem silly or funny. One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my diaspora/Dubai experience is being patronized and getting grouped into negativity and things I have never imagined getting involved in. I believe one can just be human without being reminded of their gender or race. The world would be so much better if we gave it a try.

‘How Ghana Can Deepen Appreciation Of STEM’

By MARTIN-LUTHER C. KING

Raising the appreciation of science in Ghana is a shared responsibility which will positively reflect on the way the country lives, works, and plays as well as position it to better compete globally, neuroscientist and chief operating officer of the STEM-focused GHScientific Dr. Thomas Amatey Tagoe tells MARTIN-LUTHER C. KING in this interview in Accra. He also urged the country’s adoption of co-design strategies in research projects to bridge the gap between research and policy on one hand as well as using the co-design of courses to bridge the gap between academia and industry on the other..

Excerpts:

STEM is ever-present in all parts of daily life in the modern world. STEM jobs are more in demand every day and expected to grow exponentially over the next few years. How is Ghana measuring up to this reality?

Globally we may not be among the forerunners but we are not ignorant of the work that needs to be done to create a workforce that is fit for the STEM careers. We are seeing more focus to upgrade the technical universities, a shift towards skills-based training and of course a review of the curriculum to also put emphasis on skills. The government also deserves some credit here as STEM focused second cycle institutions are being put up and we are seeing more opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate experimental skills. It’s a well-known fact that most high school students in Ghana are unprepared for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. How can more students in Ghana be helped to develop more interest in STEM and its related courses?

I would first like to challenge the notion that most high school students are unprepared for careers in STEM. Ghanaian high school students in the sciences have a great knowledge base and that’s foundational to be able to develop understanding

and build skills. It falls on the tertiary institutions, whether the traditional ones or the technical universities to provide the experiential and integrated learning environment that can really develop the skills we want form the knowledge base. This requires commitment also from the students and we can help them develop this by showcasing successful people in STEM careers. Everyone wants to be successful and if it becomes common knowledge that STEM is a pathway to success, the interest will follow. Industry players often complain of a disconnect between what their industries need and the quality of products from the country’s educational system. How can this gap be bridged for Ghana’s future development?

In my opinion the gap can be bridged through the co-design of courses or programmes. If industries contribute towards the development of courses, they will have the opportunity to include aspects that are most beneficial form their point of view. You do not hear the medical institutions complaining of a disconnect between what they need and the doctors that are being trained. This is partly because doctors are actively involved in the training of doctors. This should be the same for all other industries. One easy way will be to make internships, placements or work shadows common in all STEM fields and related industries. Beyond the relatively low interest of Ghanaian high school students in STEM and related courses, there is also the complaint that researchers and policy-makers in Ghana often tend to work at cross-purposes. How can this be rectified?

I would say, a co-designing of research projects will be the answer to this, similar to the academia-industry challenge. Policy makers should ideally lean towards evidenced based decision making in their approach to solving societal

problems. On the other hand, researchers excel in finding answers to questions or getting needed data to make informed decisions. If these two groups of people end up in the same room on a regular basis, it will resolve the problem. Policy makers can state the knowledge gaps which must be filled and researchers can use their skills to acquire this information, all towards evidence based decision making. It’s worthy to note the efforts of the scientific community in Ghana to popularise STEM in the country with science boot camps and others. Such efforts seem too few and scattered, however. How can the scientific community in Ghana create a sustainable partnership with corporate Ghana to enable it roll out more publicly-attractive science programmes and events?

For these types of initiatives to be widespread and continuous, committed champions are required. These champions must exist at the intersection of the science community and corporate Ghana, so that the interests of both parties can be best served. Corporate Ghana must also be interested in such programmes and events. Afterall, science is meant to be for the benefit of all humanity, not just for the benefit of scientists.

Need to communicate science in a way to make it understandable and attractive to the ordinary person often poses a challenge to garnering mass appeal. How can the scientific community in Ghana develop a working synergy with journalists in Ghana to better communicate STEM to the wider Ghanaian public?

I think associations and the PR offices of the universities need to take charge of this. If these bodies regularly issue press releases on new research findings from their members, it will eventually create a stir. Journalists can then pick these up and contextualise them to their various audiences. Your organisation, GHScientific, is in the fore-front of efforts to mainstream STEM in Ghana. Kindly share with us the work that GHScientific is doing in this area?

At GHScientific we are keen on building capacity in the STEM through public engagement and outreach activities. As part of this we put out science news in a manner that is easy for everyone to understand. We also create experiential opportunities for everyone to experience one aspect of

STEM or other for themselves. This includes science fairs, networking events and even visits to research laboratories for high school students. One of the projects we are quite proud of is an art exhibition that took place at the Museum of Science and Technology. We brough artists and scientists together to collaborate on the creation of original art pieces that tell a science story. Many of these pieces have now been donated to the museum and other institutions such as the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and also the University of Ghana. What’s the future like for GHScientific?

Over the next few years, we are looking to create more experiential opportunities for people to really see what science looks like. You do not have to be a scientist to marvel at the wonders of science such as how the brain can be used to control a robotic arm. We also want to train more scientists to be able to communicate their science. These two approaches will bring the people closer to science and the scientists closer everyone else. Our goal is to entirely remove this imaginary divide so that we can all take advantage of the science around us to make our life’s better Kindly tell us about yourself?

I am a physiology researcher at the university of Ghana medical school and have great interest in communicating science. My research interests are in the field of neuroscience with a focus on understanding how the brain changes in response to experience. I am quite passionate about collaboratively working with others to achieve shared goals. This has led me to take up leadership roles in associations including the Ghana Young Academy and the Ghana Science Association. When not doing science, I do enjoy reading and finding games to play with my children.

Do you have any final words?

I believe raising everyone’s appreciation of science is a shared responsibility for the country as a whole. This is because if we all have a better understanding of how the world around us works, we will know how to make the most of it. It will influence the way we live, work, and play for our benefits. These are the sort of good things that happen when the science community engages with the public and must be encouraged at every opportunity

Russia’s Cultural Diplomacy In Multipolar World. Perspectives And Challenges For Africa

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

After a careful research to find the meaning and implications of the term “multipolar world” often used these days, the freedictionary and englopedia offer insights as a system of world order in which the majority of global leading powers coordinate and commonly agree on economic, political and cultural influence and mutually acceptable directions.

Both dictionaries further explain that countries have multipolar approaches to foreign policy. Participating countries necessarily conceive multiple centers of power or influence in the world, have a multipolar approach to foreign policy. Multipolar world could mean the various differences in thoughts, views and ideas regarding anything in particular which different people desire to do across the world.

It appears from several reports that China and Russia intend to lead the new world order. Speeches from both sides are extremely critical on “based rules and regulations” given by the United States and Europe. The United States global dictatorship might end, so that the unipolar would then become a multipolar world in which democracy could actually thrive.

In practical terms and in order to lead multipolar system requires outward, broad and integrative approach. While China, to a large extent, has portrayed this practical approach which is readily seen around the world, Russia’s method is full of slogans, highly limited. With the emerging new global order, China appears more open and integrative than Russia. Despite the fact that it madly advocates for creating and ultimate establishment of this multipolar world, Russia exits significantly from a number of international organizations and the global stage, thus isolating itself and further contributing towards its own “cancel culture” instead of the opposite. Whether people like it or not, the United States will conveniently operate within the emerging multipolar system. It has the necessary established instruments to operate within the framework of multilateralism and integrative multicultural environment. The United States is and remains as an “indispensable” power. Russia and a few of its allies in this evolutionary process, without adopting cautious steps and strategic approach, will definitely remain “dispensable” in the end.

In order to deepen our understanding of the emerging multipolar world, it is useful to make comparisons. The United States new strategy acknowledges the fact that Africa will shape the future - not just the future of the African people,

but of the world. And as such deals with the civil society, women’s groups and the youth which it refers to as the megaphone of governance. These have influence on policies and processes engaging policy-makers in Africa.

It further works in various directions closely with the African Union, and one more new direction is the African diaspora. The United States has the largest African diaspora which has strong social inroads and business inter-linkages and a huge significant impact of developments inside Africa. These compared, Russia has grossly ignored African diaspora and even those African professional cum specialists it has indeed trained from Soviet times and currently. In the emerging new multipolar world, to consistently overlook these could be an irreversible mistake from policy perspectives.

Nevertheless, not everything is perfect. There is some high optimism that efforts after the first summit gain grounds. The comprehensive summit declaration offers the clear roadmap for building relations. But Russians seriously brush aside

the relevance and the role of culture, for that matter aspects on soft power in foreign policy while advocating for this emerging new order. Examining, in broad terms, all aspects of culture that basically includes continuing the struggle for selfdetermination, for creating the grounded opportunity to live in peace and preserving one’s valuable traditions. Language, of course, plays its unifying role.

Some contradictions and different interpretations might exist. On the other hand, there are divergent views and different perceptions relating to the current geopolitical changes, but frankly speaking the study of foreign languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and the emerging

interest in the Chinese and Russian languages, has been a long part of people’s lives, especially those who hope to move across borders and dream to have smooth interactions with other nationals from different countries around the world.

For the past three decades since the collapse of the Soviet era, Russian language studies has been low, for example among the African population primarily due to lack of overwhelming interest and adequate motivation, and lack of consistent interactive cultural activities by Russian authorities, experts frequently say, and warmheartedly complain that things are slow with Russia’s return to Africa.

population of Africa. Travel and tourism is an increasingly huge business, the unique geographical landscapes and changing attractiveness of Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi - these are unknown to the African elite and the growing middle-class.

With the current evolving political and cultural processes, the West and Europe will still have a strong classical grip on Africa, influencing everything first from culture and tourism, and moving onward to politics and economics. Perhaps, Russia has to play correct strategic openness and welcome African travellers, tourists and visitors. Closing doors, especially in these critical times, might negatively distract Africa’s support for Russia.

The worrying tendency is that Rossotrudnichestvo, an agency under Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, pays little attention to educational and cultural questions in Africa, compared to its assertive counterparts – USAID, Alliance Française de France, The Goethe Institute, British Council, Instituto Cervantes that operate throughout the world.

Another Russian organization – Russkiy Mir Foundation, which is directly responsible for promoting Russian language and culture abroad, does extremely little in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, cultural officers work in all the 38 Russian embassies in Africa.

Most Africans prefer to study foreign languages to ensure smooth participation in interstate activities such as trade and in order to maintain relationship with people abroad. Foreign countries, for example Britain, the United States, European countries and now China are their traditional favorites. There are always interactive programmes and cultural activities throughout the year operated by foreign missions and NGOs. Interpreted from different perspectives, Russia has not been a major economic giant in Africa compared to Western and European countries and China. Due to this historical truth, Africans have little interest in studying Russian language and its culture. The Russian language itself does not sound attractive in terms of its economic opportunity and therefore Africans prefer to study languages that readily offer opportunities. China is making huge contributions in the continent and this has made Africans see the need to understand the language in order to have better interaction with them.

The obvious worse-case scenario is that the Russian government has not created necessary conditions and reasons to study the language simply because it has little influence in the continent. Besides that, the trade and commercial links between Russia and Africa are quite negligible so there is no desperate demand for the Russian language for businessmen. Admittedly, Russia is not a welcoming holiday destination for African elites and the middle-class which is twice the total population of Russia, and constitutes 40% of 1.3 billion

Russia appears quite removed from Africa’s development issues, it is only mentioned in limited areas like weapons and military equipment supplies to French-speaking West Africa. Nowadays, China is being viewed as a strong strategic partner in Africa given its (China’s) strong footprints in diverse economic sectors. China has more than 20 Confucius Centers, and a party school in Africa. Western and European, and China support civil society, youth programmes and women’s issues, - these are completely not on the Russia’s radar.

Russia allegedly allows its own ‘cancel culture’ and significantly not by the United States and its European allies. In practical terms, creating a multipolar system deals largely with cultural and social orientation, it deals with public perceptions through openness and friendliness. At this new historical reawakening stage, Russia has to review itself and try to focus on building relations, both with substance, trustful and refined approach, and strive to strategically engage with civil society, youth organizations and non-state institutions in Africa.

By and large, Russia has to intensify its people-to-people connections, the soft power and cultural diplomacy with Africa. There is a huge cultural gap of new thinking, working with young professionals and associations to promote people-to-people diplomacy through business links, cultural exchanges and competitions. As Russia charts loudly for multipolar system, this has to reflect in its current foreign policy and approach especially towards the developing world, in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Late October, during the final plenary session of the 19th meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, the focus was on matters related to the changing geopolitics and civilisation diversity, the new world order and its future developments. Under the

theme – “A Post-Hegemonic World: Justice and Security for Everyone” – the four day-long interactive meeting brought academic experts and researchers, politicians, diplomats and economists from Russia and 40 foreign countries.

President Vladimir Putin discussed, at considerable length, so many controversial questions. According to him, classic liberal ideology itself today has changed beyond recognition. Predicted the end of United States global dominance, but fell short in proposing an appropriate Russia’s template - the principles and mechanisms - for realizing the lofty idea and approach to establishing multipolar world.

Putin did not say anything about Russia becoming a power, but awarded that position to China. Giants like China, India and Indonesia with large population are showing economic growth; in Africa large countries – some of them with a population of 200 million – are emerging and making progress, as well as countries in Latin America.

According to him, Russia still have friends around the world. He mentioned that in Central America and Africa, the Russian flags are flying everywhere. “There are flags in European countries and in the United States too, we have many supporters there. By the way, a large proportion of the US population adhere to traditional values, and they are with us, we know this,” he added in his assertive conversation at the Valdai gathering.

Putin, along the line argued that the support for multipolar order largely exists in the global south. Russia is not the enemy and has never had any evil intentions as regards the European countries and the United States. He appreciated

Africa’s struggle for independence and against colonialism. These absolutely unique relations were forged during the years when the Soviet Union and Russia supported African countries in their fight for freedom.

In this context and in relation to Africa, Natalia Zaiser, Founder of the African Business Initiative Union, apparently talked about the new historical stage, need to establish new or different institutions of international partnership.

Her series of questions to Putin: “Mr President, what is your vision of a new international partnership institution? Which basis of parities is Russia ready to offer at the international level? Which mechanisms, tools and personalities are needed to acquire new allies, partners and friends, not at a declarative level but at the level of unquestionable responsibility in terms of agreements? Do you think we should also change or build up other approaches within the future international partnership?”

Putin’s answer was: “We must and we can focus on cooperation, primarily, with countries which have sovereignty in taking fundamental decisions. This is my first point. My second point is that we need to reach a consensus on each of these decisions. Third, we need to secure a balance of interests. As part of which institutions can we do this? Of course, these are primarily universal international organizations, and number one is with the United Nations.”

My Experience Living In Dubai

Written by Ritah Atuhaire

In the second part of Billy’s experience in Dubai, he reveals how life got tough during the lockdown. Due to financial constraints, he moved out of the apartment he was residing in and moved to Union Park. Thankfully, he met an old acquaintance who helped him get back to his feet, and even encouraged him not to lose faith, leading to his breakthrough.

Just when Billy thought everything was finally heading his way, life threw him a curve ball. When the lockdown was declared, it seemed like it would be transitory and life would eventually return to normal. He never imagined that it would get to the point where we would lose his job. Though unemployed and in a foreign country, he still had the responsibility of taking care of his family.

To avoid worrying his wife, he did not share his dilemma. Hoping the lockdown would end soon and he would return to work, he used his savings to send money home to cover family expenses.

When the lockdown was lifted, he returned to his former company expecting to be taken back, but unfortunately they were not actively recruiting. He decided to apply to other companies but they all had the same response, “Business is still down. We are not in a position to hire new workers.”

He pressed on, hopeful, for a couple of months of paying

One day he ran into an old schoolmate, Jackson. It was the first time he had met someone from home that he knew. He felt like he had met a brother. On seeing his condition, Jackson offered him a bed for 300 Dirhams, which he would pay when he got a job. He grabbed this opportunity since he had had enough of the miserable life on the streets. It turns out that his friend was a bed space landlord. In order to make profits from renting his apartment, he sub-rented beds to other people. Most of the bed space was occupied by Ugandans, which made him feel right at home. There were all kinds of local meals, they spoke their native language, and shared the same values, unlike in his first accommodation. Undoubtedly, he felt more at home in the new place than in his previous one. He continued job hunting, which was now his only expenditure in Dubai through printing CVs and transport costs. He had foregone buying himself food in favour of providing food for his children. This was because he survived at the mercy of his housemates who used to share their food with him. Sometimes he would offer to cook for the busy ones, expecting to be part of the dish. In time, his money got spent completely. At this point, he had been unemployed for a year, yet his responsibilities kept on growing because the more his children advanced to higher classes, the more expensive their education became.

The breakthrough

the high rent, trying to survive, and taking care of his family. Eventually, he exhausted his savings. He changed his accommodation and started sleeping at Union Park so he could sustain taking care of his family for a while longer. On most days, he did not have a real meal for himself.

My Tumultuous Pandemic Year

At Union, there are so many Africans, especially Ugandans.

At this point, his tenacity started waning. He gave up on Dubai and started looking for someone to lend him money for a ticket to travel back home. His visa was also about to expire in just two days, which added to the pressure. He was aware of the fact that no one was going to lend him the money, so his plan was to go to the police and hand himself over before they come for him when he overstayed.

He would be arrested and locked up for about two weeks, but eventually they would deport him, which he wouldn’t need to buy a ticket for.

A housemate came across a job walk-in interview post in one of the WhatsApp groups of Ugandans living in Dubai. He asked Billy and other housemates who were looking for jobs to try it out, but he brushed it off. After all, he had attended countless walk-in interviews in which he was not even interviewed due to the overwhelming number of job seekers. In addition to that, the company’s job posting was for restaurant waiters and runners, a field in which he knew he had no chance due to his large frame. However, Jackson encouraged him to try it and even offered to give him money for transport and printing his CV. Since he didn’t want to disappoint his friend, he went there begrudgingly along with other small framed colleagues he deemed suitable for the job.

At the interview, while everyone was nervous about facing the interviewer, he was relaxed knowing he did not

come to get the job. He did not have any experience in hospitality, and was honest enough to reveal that. After a casual conversation with the manager, he was asked to stay and work for the company and would be trained from scratch. He was given a contract and an offer letter on the spot. He would be working as a runner with a salary of 3500 Dirhams plus service fee, visa and weekly tips, which was double the salary from his previous job. It all seemed like a dream. I always reference him as an example of how God intervenes at the last minute when we have given up hope. He was so excited that he doesn’t remember how he got home that day. All he remembers is walking out of the restaurant with his friends who were congratulating him.

In the final chapter of our ongoing series, Billy divulges how his situation made him cut off all communication with his wife, and how they came up with a permanent solution.

eLearning Africa 2023: “AN EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT”PRESIDENT MACKY SALL ENDORSES E-LEARNING AFRICA

President Macky Sall of Senegal is giving his enthusiastic backing to eLearning Africa, as the conference heads back to West Africa. The President has agreed to become the official patron of the event.

eLearning Africa recently published a copy of a letter from President Sall to the event’s founder and director, Ms Rebecca Stromeyer. In it, the President said: “I congratulate you and encourage you as you develop this important summit, which contributes in an outstanding way to education, training and professional development, through the use of digital technologies, to which I attach such great significance.”

Rebecca Stromeyer, the Founder of eLearning Africa, welcomed the support of President Sall and his Government: “President Sall and the Government of Senegal know how important digitally assisted education and training are to economic growth. They have seen how technology has helped to spread the benefit of education

across Africa. In Senegal, there have recently been major improvements in infrastructure and the country is becoming an economic powerhouse under the President’s leadership.

“I am delighted that eLearning Africa is returning to Senegal for what promises to be our most important and exciting event ever. The fact that President Sall and his Government are giving such enthusiastic support to eLearning Africa shows the significance they attach not only to the event itself but also to the EdTech sector and the development of the digital economy.

“As plans for a single market and a single digital market in Africa take shape, Senegal is leading the advance into a new age of opportunity. And the opportunities are immense. Africa is the world’s most exciting continent, with its youngest population and some of its fastest growing economies. Senegal is one of the most innovative and creative countries in Africa, with a thriving digital sector. It has one of the highest levels of mobile phone

access on the continent.

“There will be a lot of discussion at eLearning Africa about investment and partnerships, as well as about the strategies, products and solutions that will enable technology-assisted education and training to boost economic growth and job creation by equipping Africans with the modern skills they need to succeed.”

Education and training are central to President Sall’s vision of Senegal as a regional economic powerhouse. In 2018 he launched the ‘Emerging Senegal Plan,’ which includes measures to support learning facilities, infrastructure, content development, research and innovation. So, eLearning Africa, which holds an annual ministerial

as plans for a single market begin to take shape, and we couldn’t be in a better place for what promises to be a historic event.”

In a further sign of the importance now attached at the highest levels in Senegal to digitally supported learning, it has also been confirmed that the conference will take place with the support of the ministries of Basic Education, Higher Education, Further Education and Training, and Digital Economy. And the Minister of Communication, Telecommunication and the Digital Economy, Moussa Bocar Thiam, has instructed the department’s Secretary General, Dr Isaac Sissokho, to assist with arrangements for the conference.

roundtable at the conference, will provide a forum for dialogue with one of Africa’s most energetic champions of edTech-based growth.

Abdoulaye Mbengue, Chief Executive of one Africa’s leading social education platforms, the Senegalese company ‘TooShare,’ the Lead Partner of the conference, said:

“Senegal is one of Africa’s most exciting economies. The Government understands the importance of investment in digital technology, particularly in the education and training sector. This year’s eLearning Africa is taking place at a vitally important time for the future of the continent,

The conference, which will be the 16th Edition of eLearning Africa, will take place from 24 – 26 May in Dakar, at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre – CICAD. Its overall theme will be “New Model Learning: Innovating to Become Sustainable, SelfReliant, Equitable and Resilient.” For information about the conference theme and sub themes, please visit the conference website: https://www. elearning-africa.com/ conference2023/ programme_themes eLearning Africa also includes a major exhibition by some of the world’s leading suppliers of products, services and courses. More information can be found here:

eLearning Africa - Africa’s Home for Ideas, Innovation and Sustainable Solutions for Education, Training and Skills Development since 2005 www.elearning-africa-conference.com

Secretariat: ICWE GmbH, Leibnizstrasse 32, 10625 Berlin, Germany Contact: Rebecca Stromeyer, info@elearning-africa.com, Tel: +49 (0)30 310 18 18-0

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Ends In Washington

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

The White House held the Africa Leaders Summit last month where a few African countries did not attend. U.S. President Joe Biden used the conference to strengthen one of his major steps towards strengthen geopolitical dialogue and multifaceted relations between the United States and Africa. The White House National Security Council in November told the press the criteria for inviting African governments to attend the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit which was held from December 13th to 15th 2022. While the primary goal is to host a broadly inclusive gathering of high-powered delegations from across the African continent, a number of African countries were blacklisted.

and human rights. Under the plan, Washington says the summit focused on existing challenges, especially those relating to peace and security, food security to climate change and poverty alleviation directions across Africa.

The high-level dialogue also set up the scene for reviewing the opportunities for the United States and corporate leaders from various African public and private sectors, review thoroughly how to strengthen economic partnership between the United States and Africa.

That U.S.-Africa summit demonstrated United States enduring commitment to Africa, and underscores the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. Africa will shape the future – not just the future of the African people, but of the world. Africa will make the difference in tackling the most urgent challenges and seizing the opportunities we all face,” according to statement from Biden Administration.

Washington considers the United States collaboration with leaders from African governments, civil society, the private sector and the African diaspora would help tackle some of the existing and future challenges, especially in efforts to offer billions of dollars for various development projects including building badly needed infrastructure and support energy security for the population.

In a statement, four countries were not invited because they are suspended by the African Union (AU) following military coups and counter coups. Those four countries are Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan, and Mali. They are suspended by the AU and were not invited. All the four countries not invited are currently run by strong men who took political power by the guns. The United States on its part recognizes most African nations, except a few like Western Sahara.

According to reports monitored by this author, the U.S.Africa summit discussed the emerging global order, changing geopolitical and economic issues and also offer enormous funds for various development projects as well as for good governance

In terms of broadening trade and economic cooperation, according our monitoring sources, African leaders would be required to bring huge delegations for special sessions during the mid-December summit. Together with their potential American investors would examine ways for exploring and leveraging unto the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA aims at creating a single market with an estimated 1.3 billion population, and ultimately requires all kinds of business services and consumable products. Quite challenging though, but there are new legislations that stipulate localizing production and distribution inside Africa.

The United States government and private sector leaders, together with African political and corporate business leaders, have been consistently working over these years to share

insights on critical issues and policies influencing the USAfrica economic partnership.

The U.S. Agency for International Development would be working close with African institutions and organizations, it would be working closely on the participation for Africans. During these past months, USAID has provided approximately $1.3 billion in aid to the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are listed as beneficiaries, to help stave off mass starvation and deaths in the drought-stricken region of Africa. Further to that, Dana Banks, White House Senior Director for Africa, said the White House administration has been pushing for the Prosper Africa Build Together Campaign that would drive billions of dollars of investment in Africa. Summit details will soon be announced further detailed information, according to Washington and the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).

In August on her African trip, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the long-planned trip is not part of global competition with either of America’s rivals, but it is part of a series of high-level U.S. engagements “that aim to affirm and strengthen our partnerships and relationships with Africa leaders and peoples.”

Her trip from Aug. 4-7 was followed immediately by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visits to South Africa, Congo and Rwanda from Aug. 7-11. “We’re not catching up. They are catching up,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “We have been engaging with this continent for decades, and even my own career is very much evidence of that.”

Thomas-Greenfield first went to Africa as a student in the

1970s, and in her career as a U.S. diplomat she rose to be Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 2013 to 2017. Many American corporate business leaders have visited and investing significantly in various sectors in Africa. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has made resonating announcement that the foundation will spend $7 billion, over the next four years, to improve health, gender equality and agriculture across Africa. Strengthening and supporting these sectors have become necessary due to increasing complains about lack of funds and worse, due to the negative impact of geopolitical changes.

It will further continue to invest in researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and healthcare workers who are working to unlock the tremendous human potential that exists across the continent, according to the statement, noting that the RussiaUkraine crisis was reducing the amount of aid flowing to the continent and created global instability. It appeals to global leaders to step up their commitments to finding solutions to multiple problems in African countries.

Noteworthy to reiterate here that President Biden has held several summits since his inauguration in January 2021. For instance, on December 9-10, 2021, President Biden held the first of two Summits for Democracy, which brought together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector in a shared effort to set forth “an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action.”

Now the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit comes just a few months after Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken unveiled

the new U.S. policy for Africa in South Africa in August. The new policy says that the United States will pursue four main objectives in Africa. The four objectives in the new strategy are fostering openness and open societies, delivering democratic and security dividends, advancing pandemic recovery and economic opportunities, and supporting conservation, climate adaptation and a just energy transition.

The new strategy begins by acknowledging that “SubSaharan Africa plays a critical role in advancing global priorities to the benefit of Africans and Americans,” and that it “has one of the world’s fastest growing populations, largest free trade areas, most diverse ecosystems, and one of the largest regional voting groups in the United Nations (UN).”

To realize its ‘openness and open societies’ objective, the U.S. will promote government transparency and accountability, increase the U.S. focus on the rule of law, justice, and dignity, and assist African countries to more transparently leverage their natural resources for sustainable development.

For democracy and security dividends, the United States will focus on “working with allies and regional partners to stem the recent tide of authoritarianism and military takeovers, backing civil society, empowering marginalized groups, centering the voices of women and youth, and defending free and fair elections, improving the capacity of African partners to advance regional stability and security and reducing the threat from terrorist groups to the United States Homeland, persons, and diplomatic and military facilities.”

The mid-December Summit has already gained wide popularity among Africa leaders and, for the second time, will be the biggest U.S.-Africa gathering in Washington since former President Barack Obama hosted African leaders in 2014.

In addition, Obama also started the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) which brings every year a group of young Africans to the White House. Until today, YALI continues to run various educational and training programmes including seminars for Africans. The Times Higher Education index indicated that approximately 43,000 Africans have currently enrolled into and are studying in American universities.

Angolan President, João Lourenço, in an interview with Hariana Veras, White House correspondent, praised President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for hosting the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, saying that it will help create a win-win partnership between the United States and Africa, accelerate industrialization, increase direct foreign investment and further cement the already good collaboration between Angola and the United States.

According to that report, he pointed to assertiveness of Biden administration’s focus on trade and investment

in Africa, highlight America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people, as well as emphasize the depth and breadth of the United States

commitment to the African continent.

The Angolan leader advised that the Russian and Ukraine war should open the eyes of advanced countries to lead efforts in increasing investment in more alternative energy sources besides the traditionally used energy sources. As the Russia-Ukraine war rages in Europe and its ramifications are extended to other parts of the world, including in Africa, Lourenço called for increased food production and investment in African nations, saying that the global food crisis has badly affected Africa.

Despte some negative criticisms, Africa leaders continue sourcing different kinds of economic assistance and support provided by the United States. It shows the United States remains an indispensable power and will, by and large, play its appreciable eternal role in the emerging the new world order. It has the strategic mechanism, experience and confidence to influence the future.

The Africa leaders are mostly western-oriented, support the global status quo, admire the incomparable never-failing practical soft-power of the United States and in turn, maintain long-term geopolitical interest with the West. Within the context of the geopolitical realities, the United States and its leadership still have strong sustainable political, economic and cultural ties with African countries.

It is certainly true that western and European system classically appeal more to Africans. But the stark truth is that with abundance of natural resources, Africans must reflect on their current foreign policy and approach vis-avis with ultimate goals of building of large-scale sustainable development for 1.3 billion population, and so must necessarily be guided by the African Union Agenda 2063.

Man’s body found in undercarriage of plane that flew from Gambia to Britain

Police have said a body was discovered at Gatwick airport at around 4am on the morning of 7 December 2022. The Tui aircraft in which it was found had flown from Gambia’s capital Banjul to London, Gambia’s government has now confirmed although the victim identity has not been released to the public.

A man’s body was found in the undercarriage of a plane that flew from Gambia to Britain, it has emerged. The unidentified body of a black male was found in the wheel bay of a jet operated by Tui Airways - a British charter airline - that had flown from Gambia’s capital of Banjul to London’s Gatwick Airport, Gambia’s Sussex Police said the body was discovered during a maintenance procedure on the plane.

In a statement, the force said: “Police were called after the body of a man was found in the undercarriage of an aircraft at Gatwick Airport, arriving from Gambia, at about 4am on December 7.“Officers are investigating and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner.”

Tui said it would not comment as the incident was being handled by the police. It is not the first time the bodies of stowaways have been found on planes. In 2015, Dutch authorities discovered a body in the landing gear of a plane from Africa

in Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport. In 2019, a stowaway reportedly fell from a Heathrow plane and landed next to sunbather in Clapham, South London. The body is believed to have fallen from the undercarriage of a Kenya Airways flight that left from Nairobi. Meanwhile, in November, three stowaways were found alive on a ship’s rudder in the Canary Islands after an 11-day sea voyage from Nigeria.

Grasshoppers –A Nutritious Delicacy

Written by Martha Nalukenge

Masaka District is often referred to as ‘a nation within Uganda’ due to its unique annual grasshopper harvest season. For them, the insects are a nutritious delicacy that can either be boiled or fried, depending on the consumer’s taste. However, there has been a shortage lately due to a myriad of issues, including the entry of unscrupulous trappers. The grasshopper season usually starts in November and lasts until December but this year things are different. The trappers, grasshopper traders, and vendors are counting huge losses due to the scarcity of the precious insects, which has left them counting huge losses. Many blame climate change and power failures, though others have managed to catch a few.

Grasshoppers – A Nutritious Delicacy Hajjati, a trader, says they usually earn over two million shillings annually from frying and boiling ‘nsenene’ (grasshoppers), but not this year due to fewer catches and the fraud masters who have joined the business yet they are not skilled. Because of their lack of knowledge of the business, they have been applying untested chemicals to grasshoppers which have directly affected the final consumer.

To prevent contamination of edible insects, Masaka Municipal Council issued guidelines regulating the handling of grasshoppers by banning the use of formalin to preserve grasshoppers. In addition, they also banned children under the age of fourteen from selling edible insects.

A Masaka Municipal Health Department circular required all vendors to register with the local authority. Moreover, they were required to undergo a medical examination by the Principal Medical Officer to ascertain their health status. ‘Regulations took effect immediately to prosecute those who did not follow the guidelines,’ John Bahengaana, the town clerk, states.

On top of registration, the circular also requires grasshopper dealers to pay for permits allowing them to operate in the municipality. They are also required to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. The trapping process. ‘In this trade, location is very critical, as well as keeping an eye on the moon. Grasshoppers tend to come out at the full moon, which is why it’s imperative to pay attention to the moon cycle and prepare. They appear in large numbers when it rains,’ Hajjati’s son, a trapper, tells us. He adds that barrels are smeared with cooking oil and lined up in rows. Similarly, silver iron sheets are oiled with cooking oil, and wooden scaffolding holds them to gallon drums (most are metallic). The trappers finally set up very bright blinding lights and set fire to fresh grass in the area, with the resultant smoke dizzying the grasshoppers.

As it grows darker, nocturnal insects start to swarm around the blinding lights. Most of them are green, however, there are some with a light red and green colour, and a few are golden brown. The grasshoppers smash against the iron sheets, falling straight into the drums. Their drops produce a sound similar to heavy raindrops falling on an iron sheet roof. And as the numbers increase, it becomes a steady cloudburst.

‘We are blessed with the grasshopper season. These insects have paid our bills and our education. Most of these vendors earn a living that has improved their livelihoods through trapping and selling grasshoppers. No wonder the other districts agree that Masaka is a nation within Uganda because it does not only depend on farming, but holds the record of having the most precious season that melts the nation’s heart,’ Hajjati’s son, and one of Masaka’s most experienced grasshopper vendors and trappers, concludes.

EXPECTATIONS FOR 2023

“WELL DONE”

During such moments, most people cannot escape the craze & excitement of crossing over into another year. I too used to find such moments ecstatic; but that all is long past. In Me Now, do I find a Great Passion, not to live longest but to Live Most Usefully. Not to Count the Number of Years and Days but to Make Every Day Count . Not to be a part of the Movement but Maximise every Moment for the Kingdom; every opportunity to Bless, To Serve To the Best of Divine Ability.

I appreciate the Importance of Living Long, but to me this has lost relevance.

I now seek to Live Most Useful to God, in every single moment of my life. So I always ask myself one Question. Can I do better than This?

Have I taken Charge of Every Opportunity to Bless God, To Shine; (not before men but) before My Creator & King.

For the Mystery is not the Quantity of Life but In the *Quality of Living.*

Not in the Living Large, but in the Living Love; for God & Neighbor; for Ways & Will.

One Man lived 930yrs while another (Served) for only 33yrs (3.5yrs).

The Former *Doomed* the World while the Latter *Saved* the World.

The Former filled the *Earth* while the Latter Filled the *Heavens.*

The Former was *First,* while the Latter was (Last; But) *Best.* He is the *DEAR Son of God,* in whom God is *WELL* Pleased.

God wasn’t PLEASED with JESUS after Accomplishing His Earthly Ministry (3.5yrs).

*God was pleased Before, During, & After JESUS’ Service to Him.* (Matt 3;17 & Matt 17;4 & Phil 2; 9)

May We Be *Pleasing* to Our God Every Other Day, May We live to make every Day Count, May We Maximise the Moment this 2023.

Have I ushered His Voice, His Will & His Resemblance to the World Around Me.

For When it’s All Said & Done, the Master shall Not Crown me with a *LONG LIVED, OR A MUCH DONE - my busy & hardworking EDGAR.*

But a *WELL DONE*, My *GOOD & FAITHFUL* SERVANT. Matt 25; 23.

Let Us strive in 2023, to not only live Longer but *DO WELL*.

May we Make God Glad. May we *ENDEAR* & *APPEAL* to the Most High God.

May it be God’s Craving that U & I do live One More ( *Useful* ) Day.

One More *Effective Moment.*

*Wishing You a Fruitful 2023

By Victor Edgar Kampala, Uganda

My Pledging to NIAP “Best Global Legislative Practice”

By thinking globally and impacting locally, I will bring to the Senate effective representation of the interests of the people of Delta North at the Red Chambers and provide effective oversight of the institutions of governance and strong advocacy for resource management, tax reform, security sector reform, and constitutional reform for an

equal, fair, just, and strong united Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Our future is now. I’ve been in Germany for the past 28 years. *represented the interests of over 6 million Nigerians in the diaspora (Europe). served in the Hamburg Senate Advisory Council and chaired the powerful Anti-Discrimination Committee to improve migrants’ welfare. I will bring to the Nigerian Senate effective representation of my people and provide effective oversight of the institutions of governance and strong advocacy for reforms: tax reform, security sector reform, and constitutional reform. I will help stimulate our local economy here in Anioma so our youth can have a meaningful livelihood. I will domesticate the best global legislative practices by thinking globally and impacting locally: I will invite my foreign partners to pull direct investment in agriculture, housing estates, and solar power to create jobs! Jobs! This is my solemn pledge to the Anioma people. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, Senatorial Candidate, African Democratic Congress, Delta North, #Gbandi4Senate

Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi Senatorial Candidate, African Democratic Congress, Delta North

Masaka’s Game Changer

Written by Martha Nalukenge

We live in a world full of plastic, and from the look of things, it doesn’t seem like this is going to change anytime soon. So, how are we planning to manage the resulting waste? I got the opportunity to visit the Lambu landing site on the shores of Lake Victoria and witnessed its devastating effect on the environment.

In the Greater Masaka area, more than eighteen tons of plastic waste were collected from the shores of Lake Victoria last month. Although most people in the region earn from collecting it, their effect on our

Godffrey, one of the plastic waste collectors tells us. Now referred to as a resource recovery agent (RRA), he took it upon himself and joined the Uganda Recycling Association (URA). It is spearheaded by Eco Brixs —a recycling company in Masaka district Uganda. He was equipped with knowledge of plastic waste and protective gear to assist him in his work. He later mobilized the entire fishing village to join the association, where they collect plastic waste for cash. This gave birth to the name ‘Fishermen of plastic waste.’ During the night, they go out fishing

waterways and food chain is evident. This makes recycling the only viable option to manage our waste and preserve our environment.

“The first sign that things had gotten more difficult was a reduction in fish production,” Ssemanda

and return in the morning to sell their catch. Later during the day, they fish for plastic waste. Currently, there is an increase in their catch after clearing the plastics that had clogged the fish breeding grounds along the shores.

In October this year, fishermen mobbed the landing site to catch a glimpse of the 17ft long by 8ft wide locally made plastic boat which was unveiled on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is made entirely of recycled plastic waste materials which were collected by fishermen under the URA—Eco Brix’s recycling company—in partnership with the Masaka Catholic Diocese. It weighs four hundred kilograms, which equates to 16800 plastic bottles. Currently, boatmakers face the challenge of a depletion in the key raw material used for building boats, a tree known as emukebu. Currently, they have to rely on imports from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is costly.

Superior substitute

With Game Changer, the use of plastic waste has been proven to be a better alternative to making durable

innovation, Mr Joseph Banagoba admits that this is revolutionary. “In my years of experience working with wood, I believe plastic lumber is the most suitable alternative. I urge my friends in the industry to try it out as it also saves the environment.”

Game Changer is used by Godfrey who manages the plastic waste network and has managed to share their coordinates on the recycling map across the lake shores. “By collecting plastic waste from the peninsula and surrounding islands, the boat spreads awareness about reducing plastic pollution. It can carry three hundred kilograms of plastic waste and if well maintained, lasts longer than wooden ones which last for between three and eight years. It also costs less to manufacture,” he says.

The boat is the first to be developed in Uganda, but not the first in the East African region. The idea evolved from plastic recycling, into a business model that generates income for RRA through the slogan Turn trash into cash.

and versatile boats. “Plastic materials have the same volume, similar densities and weights that ease boat balancing, unlike timber which has different densities and weights. This has been a major challenge for many of us,” Banagoba, a boat maker, says.

In his twenty years of experience in the boat-making industry, and as a lead member of the team behind this

“The invention is expected to encourage more people from the fishing village to participate in plastic waste collection. This is going to help them transform the unexploited recycling sector into a valuable venture that will provide employment, conserve the environment, and mitigate plastic waste pollution. This will eventually benefit the community,” Andrew Bownds, the executive director of Eco-Brix states.

Russia Suffers From Media Weakness In Africa

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

In her weekly media briefing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized United States support for educational programs, media, and NGOs in Africa. In addition, Zakharova said “the allocation of grants fits into the White House’s efforts to promote the idea that there is no alternative to Western concepts regarding state governance and the imposition of alien values on sovereign states, and this represents another manifestation of neo-colonialism and an element of covertly formalizing inequality in the overall system of international ties.”

Russia’s position as contained in her briefing is available on the official website, and part of it is quoted here: “We have no choice but to comment and explain why we perceive this as Washington’s striving to eliminate the favorable regional socio-political background with regard to Russia that became particularly obvious following the RussiaAfrica Summit in Sochi in October 2019.

It appears that the United States is deliberately encouraging anti-Russia publications in some African media outlets and is trying to portray Russia as a destabilizing force. “We are confident that such methods of unfair competition and misinformation show that there is no hard evidence confirming the so-called Russian policy of propaganda and misinformation, and this is also the consequence of weak US approaches in the field of public diplomacy.

That being well said of the United States, it is equally important to note that since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the question of media representation both ways, in Russia and in Africa, has attracted unprecedented concern and discussion.

Over the years, nearly 30 years after the Soviet era, Russia has not encouraged African media, especially those from south of the Sahara, to operate in the Russian Federation.

On the other hand, Russian media resources are largely absent in Africa, and these include the media conglomerate popularly referred to as Rossiya Sevogdnya (RIA Novosti, Voice of Russia, Sputnik News, and Russia Today), TASS News

Agency, and Interfax Information Service. These are powerful and reputable Russian brands, compared to most well-known Western and European media organizations that operate in and cooperate with Africa.

Even though it was not quite long ago, in November 2018, the State Duma, the lower house of parliamentarians, called for an increased Russian media presence in African countries, while Russia has closed its doors to offering opportunities for Africa

media representation in the Russian Federation.

During the meeting organized to brainstorm for fresh views and ideas on the current Russia-African relations, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin told Ambassadors from African countries: “It is necessary to take certain steps together for the Russian media to work on the African continent.”

“You know that the Russian media provide broadcasting in various languages; they work in many countries, although it is certainly impossible to compare this presence with the presence of the media in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany,” Volodin said, and he promised that the State Duma would create the necessary legal basis for this long-term media cooperation.

Experts say that neither Russia nor Africa has an African media face. Thus, in the absence of suitable alternative sources, African political leaders and corporate business directors depend on western media reports about developments in Russia

and from the developed world.

Interestingly, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department has accredited media from Latin America, the United States, Europe, and Asian countries, but only two African media came from the Maghreb region (Morocco and Egypt) in North Africa.

The official information presented during the first Russia-Africa Summit, held in October 2019, explicitly showed the degree of priority given to African media. Some 300 media bureaus from 60 countries are currently operating in Russia, including 800 foreign correspondents, while there are only two African news bureaus from Egypt and Morocco, according to Artem Kozhin, who represented the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department at the panel discussion on media.

According to his interpretation, this extremely low representation of African media hardly meets the level of current, dynamically developing relations between Russia and Africa. “We invite all interested parties to open news bureaus and expand media cooperation with Russia,” Kozhin said at the gathering, inviting African media to Moscow. Nearly all the panelists noted precisely that western media dominates in Africa. “Often times, unique news offerings created by the Russian media simply do not appeal to the users and viewers in many regions, including Africa.” Evidently, this vacuum gets filled with one-sided information from other players in the media market. “This information can be biased or outright hostile towards Russia and residents of other countries,” said Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa.

During the Russia-Africa Summit, Professor Alexey Vasiliev, the first appointed Special Representative of the Russian President for Relations with Africa (2006–2011) and currently the Head of the Center for African and Arab Studies at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (2013–2020), told the audience there in Sochi: “Africa is largely unaware of Russia, since African media mainly consumes information from Western media sources and then replicates them.”

“And all the fake news, the rusophobia, and the anti-Russian propaganda, spread by the western media, are repeated in the African media.”

“Measures are needed to enable us to better understand each other,” suggested Professor Vasiliev, who regularly advises the

Presidential Administration, the Government of the Russian Federation, both chambers of the Federal Assembly, and the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Some experts have consistently argued that Russia has discriminated against the media from sub-Saharan Africa.

That trend remains unchanged even after the first RussiaAfrica Summit, held in Sochi with the primary aim of helping identify new areas and forms of cooperation, put forward promising initiatives that would bring collaboration between Russia and Africa to a qualitatively new level and contribute to strengthening multifaceted cooperation between the two regions.

Let that be the acceptable case, but both Russia and Africa have basic questions that still need quick answers. The questions raised at the panel discussion on media at the Russia-Africa gathering were: What issues are currently encountered in the formation of the modern media landscape? What role does the media play in Russian-African relations? What are the prospects for collaboration in the information sphere? What needs to be done to develop a Russian media agenda in Africa? What is the role and place of Russia in the information space of Africa today? What role can African media play in promoting Russia’s image in Africa?

In practical terms, the highly successful spadework was the first Russia-Africa Summit. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has to lay out some new mechanisms and adopt a more favorable approach that could readily attract African media to operate in the Russian Federation.

Russia and Africa need to examine every sphere based on shared partnership interests and redefine the practical approach to realizing whatever plans there are for media cooperation.

Media and NGOs, as instruments for improving adequately public knowledge, especially on developments and emerging opportunities, have not been persuaded to match the desired future objectives and policy goals.

The stark reality is that Russia needs African media and Africa needs Russian media in order to enlighten ties in the economic spheres and promote a better understanding among African elites and the middle class through media reports. The African middle class is twice Russia’s population and almost as large as the population of the United States. According to UN forecasts, Africa’s middle class, which constitutes a very huge and vibrant information-consuming market, will exceed 350 million by 2025.

Professor Vladimir Shubin, the former Deputy Director of the Institute for African Studies, explained in an interview with me that political relations between Russia and Africa, as well as economic cooperation, would continue to attract more and more academic discussion. Such scholarly contributions, in essence, would help deepen understanding of the problems that impede building a solid relationship or partnership with Russia.

In order to maintain this relationship, both Russia and Africa have to pay high attention and take significant steps in promoting their achievements and highlighting the most pressing development needs in a comprehensive way for mutual benefit using appropriate media, according to Professor Shubin.

“African leaders do their best to develop bilateral relations,” he added. “Truly and passionately, they come to Russia more often than ten years ago, but a lot still has to be done; both Russian and African media, in this case, have a huge role to play.”

Perhaps one of the reasons why some African leaders appear to have “written off” Russia has been the lack of adequate information about Russia, or rather the plenty of distorted information they have received from the Western media’s coverage of Russia, Professor Shubin concluded.

“Russian media write very little about Africa, what is going on there, and what are the social and political dynamics in different parts of the continent.” “Media and NGOs should make big efforts to increase the level of mutual knowledge, which can stimulate interest in each other and lead to increased economic interaction as well,” said Fyodor Lukyanov, editorin-chief of the journal “Russia in Global Affairs” and also the chairman of the State Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.

“To a certain extent,” Lukyanov said, “the intensification of non-political contacts may contribute to increased interest.”

But in Russia’s case, the main drivers of any cooperation are

more traditional than the political interests of the state or the economic interests of big companies. “Soft power has never been on the strong side of Russian policy in the post-Soviet era.”

Similarly, Bunn Nagara, a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies and member of the Valdai Discussion Club, has observed that “Russian businesses face a number of challenges.” “First, there is little information available internationally about the opportunities and possibilities for partnerships between Russian and foreign businesses.”

“Russia is a large country spanning both Europe and Asia. So, it can do much to bring Asian and European business linkages together and build on them. Better public relations and improved information dissemination are very important. “To do this, it needs to do more in spreading more and better information about its achievements, the progress so far, its future plans, and the opportunities available,” Bunn Nagara said.

In early October 2019, the Valdai Discussion Club released an ebook titled “Russia’s Return to Africa: Strategy and Prospects,” jointly or collectively authored by Vadim Balytnikov, Oleg Barabanov, Andrei Yemelyanov, Dmitry Poletaev, Igor Sid, and Natalia Zaiser.

The Valdai Discussion Club was established in 2004, with a goal to promote dialogue between Russian and international intellectual elites and to make an independent, unbiased scientific analysis of political, economic, and social events in Russia and the rest of the world.

The authors explicitly suggested the need to take steps to counter Western anti-Russia clichés that are spreading

in Africa and shaping a narrative whereby only dictators and outcasts partner with Russians. Therefore, efforts to improve Russia’s image must target not only the continent’s elite but also a broader public opinion. It would be advisable to create and develop appropriate media tools to this effect.

Media and NGOs, working with the civil society, have to support official efforts in pushing for building a positive image and in strengthening diplomacy. By displaying an attentive and caring attitude towards the African diaspora in Russia, the key objective is to overcome racist stereotypes that persist in marginal segments of Russian society. Helping highly qualified, educated African migrants integrate through employment This will, in addition, showcase and shape public opinion about Africa in the Russian Federation. According to the authors, building a more consistent and positive public opinion within Russia and Africa should be considered extremely important at this stage of relations between Russia and Africa. Should Russia assist other countries for political purposes only? Will the recipient countries be willing to lend

Russia their political support, and can they be trusted? Should Russia build its partnerships exclusively based on the principle of economic expediency?

The authors wrote: “Russia will have to answer these questions as it moves towards implementing its African strategy.” Its experience in working with public opinion and governments across Eurasia to shape public perceptions will come in handy in Africa.

In the context of these existing challenges, leaders on both sides have to draw a roadmap. Inside Africa, most Africans have had enough of all these public discussions. The time has come to make progressive changes to the current approach, create a new outlook, or simply call it a “media facelift” instead of maintaining the old status quo. It therefore means taking concrete, practical steps toward an effective media cooperation, which will substantially broaden and deepen a two-way understanding of current developments in Russia and Africa.

The irreversible fact is that there is a need to have an informed African society, and this has to be done largely, systematically, and necessarily through the media. Africa has the largest number of young people who look at the world with open eyes and are ready for cooperation with partner countries. This is a good opportunity to inform the young generation and bring them together through knowledge from Russia, Eurasia, and Africa.

Most of the issues that emerged from that gathering and the diverse opinions expressed there are useful for improving the current relationship. As is already known, Russia has had a long-time relationship with Africa. Russia and Africa have to make that mutual desire to step up cooperation in all areas, including social spheres and public outreach diplomacy. In this connection, it requires complete understanding, the necessary primary support for new initiatives, and, as always reiterated, commitment to dynamic work to expand traditionally friendly relations with Africa.

Gambian public not interested in coup attempt story.

The Gambia’s government last month released a press statement claiming they have foiled and thwarted a coup attempt and arrested four soldiers while they are in pursue of fleeing 2 or 3 other military personnel.

There was no immediate confirmation of the purported plot from other sources and the capital Banjul was calm. Quoting the government press statement, it claims the arrests are based on intelligence reports that some soldiers of the Gambian army were plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow, the (armed forces) in a swift military operation arrested four soldiers linked to this alleged coup plot,” the government said in a statement.

“The apprehended soldiers are currently helping the military police with their investigations. Meanwhile, the army is in pursuit of three more alleged accomplices.”

Meanwhile, the campaign manager of the main opposition party, Momodou Sabally, has been detained by police over a widely circulated TikTok video which suggests that President Barrow would be unseated before this year’s local government elections.

But people interviewed by our correspondent said they had seen no disturbance of such and everyone is peacefully going about their daily activities.

Sulayman Njie, 25, a youth advocate and entrepreneur, said he had been attending a national youth conference in Banjulon that same day and he did not noticed anything unusual.

Momodou Lamin Bah, the lawmaker for Banjul North, said he had also been attending events at the conference, but witnessed nothing out of the ordinary.

“There is no security presence here because everything is normal,” he said.

The tiny West African state is a fragile democracy, still scarred by a brutal 22-year dictatorship under Jammeh. Even though Jammeh was defeated in presidential elections in December 2016 by political newcomer President Adama Barrow and he fled to Equatorial Guinea, but retains clout back home. In recent times, there is a lot of discontentment with the present administration whom many have described as too slow and not in charge of the affairs of the country. In fact in public space, there is clamour for the return of the old regime of Yahya Jammeh whom they described as developmental oriented for the country.

Addressing supporters at a rally in The Gambia recently via telephone, the former Presidentsaid he would return soon and would lead the country once more.

Barrow was re-elected in December 2021 for a second five-year term with 53% of the vote.

Another political commentator whose name is withheld for security reasons say that a coup organized by a navy officer and not a core of the army is a joke and waste of time and unnecessary attention to distract the people from confronting the challenging high cost of living in the Gambia.

“This government has not been able to arrest austerity and return the country to the path of economic progress after two years of pandemic impact on the country. Tourism that has boosted our economy is struggling and this government has no concrete plan to attract investment and tourists back into the country. Life is slow and everything seem on a standstill”

The police statement did not link Mr. Sabally, who was a presidential affairs minister in former leader Yahya Jammeh’s regime, to the alleged coup plot.

Mr. Sabally’s United Democratic Party (UDP) said it condemned, “without any reservations”, the attempted coup.

It also demanded Mr. Sabally’s immediate release, saying the “short edited” video did not accurately reflect his views. “There is no indication that Mr. Sabally in any way stated or suggested that there will be a change of government through any unlawful or illegal means,” it added in a statement.

Scattered witness accounts reported soldier movements around the presidential headquarters in the centre of the city on that Tuesday evening, and rumours circulated during the night of a possible coup.

According to the Gambia government, one navy officer, Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera has been named as the alleged ringleader of a failed coup plot. The government statement said that loyalist troops were still searching for two alleged accomplices, following the arrest of officers from the navy, military police, state guards and first infantry battalions. The main opposition party and the West African regional bloc condemned the attempted coup.

A retired military officer said he doubted the plot was serious, as all the officers mentioned and arrested were junior officers that are not able to carry out such a plot without the help and support of their seniors and superior officers.

Many senior officers left the army after President Barrow took office.

He has been distrustful of the military, with troops from

neighbouring Senegal in charge of his personal security, while the main international airport and sea port are guarded by troops from Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

This has made him unpopular with many Gambians, who feel that he has undermined the country’s sovereignty by relying on foreign forces.

It would be recalled that President Barrow also drew criticism after he broke away from the UDP, which propelled him to power in 2016, and formed the National People’s Party (NPP) to contest last election.

His popularity plummeted further when he announced that he had formed an alliance with Mr Jammeh’s old party, in what was seen as an attempt to boost his chances of securing a second term.

On the other hand, some of Mr Jammeh’s allies, like Mr. Sabally, crossed over to the UDP.

There are also rumours that this coup attempt may be a form of intimidation to the opposition parties who are trying to wrestle the local government election from the ruling party and weaken the President the more in power. The world is waiting for more information on this alleged coup and Human right watch has called for open and

transparent trial of such persons implicated in the coup plot so the world would know the seriousness of the matter. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) condemned the attempted coup, saying the regional body “stands firmly” by President Adama Barrow’s government.

Affordable Health Care: Iyase Of Benin Urge Nigerian Doctors Abroad To Come Back Home… Unveils Lebarty Community Health Foundation

The Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe has advised Nigerian Doctors in diaspora to come back home to invest in the health sector to bring affordable health care closer to the people in the rural communities

The Iyase who made the call during the unveiling and launching of Lebarty Community Health Foundation in Benin City commended Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, a New York based family medicine specialist in the United States of America for coming to Benin city to build a five star hospital for the rural community. While urging other Nigerians abroad to take a cue from Dr. Nosa Lebarty to come back home to help their people, Chief Sam Igbe said the foundation’s initiative was laudable because it will bring health care closer and more affordable to the rural community

“Interestingly, these are times people are leaving the country, but Dr. Nosa decided to Come back home to invest in the health care sector for our people. This is a good development for Edo State,” he noted.

According to the Iyase, those travelling abroad should retrace their steps and come back home just like Dr. Nosa Lebarty to contribute their quota to the overall development of their mother land.

The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation,

Mr. Chris Nehikhare who was represented by Osagie Aisabor Esq. a director in the Ministry appreciated Dr. Nosa for what he is doing in the state, noting that this is in line with the vision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki led administration to make Edo State Great Again. “This is what Edo people need right now, especially when most of our health personnel are leaving, but you have decided to come and invest because you want the state to move forward. The state government is happy to be a part of what you are doing and will do all to support you” he added

A former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Elizabeth Ativie who was a recipient of an award from Lebarty Community Health Foundation said she is happy because the founder of the foundation, Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty has the same passion with her to take health care to the communities.

The Medical Director of Lebarty Community Health Foundation, Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty said he decided to

inaugurate the foundation to provide health care services to rural community dwellers, especially the elderly who cannot access health care.

“We embarked on free medical outreach in Aruogba community, attended by over one hundred persons and what struck me was that most of the folks have never been to the hospital for years due to financial constraints.

“That is one of the reasons this foundation was inaugurated to provide access to medical care for such people who cannot afford adequate health care services. Our goal is to provide affordable health care to the needy and to save lives,” he noted

The chairman of the ceremony, Prof. Augustine Orhue, a consultant obstetrician and Gynaecologist who commended Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty for investing in

Nigeria’s health care system advised that health care should not be left alone for an individual to manage because it is expensive.

The Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele condemned the attitude of some of Nigeria leaders who prefer to invest the country’s wealth abroad rather than in the country and he praised Dr. Nosa Lebarty for taking the bold steps to come back home to invest.

Other invited guests who graced the unveiling of Lebarty Community Health Foundation include the former Commissioner for Health. Dr. Patrick Okundia.

By Ovis Enahoro

From left is Sir Emeritus Professor Augustine Orhue KSJI and Dr. Nosa Lebarty, MD Lebarty Community Health Foundation.

Unveiling Lebarty Community Health Foundation

Aging Should Not Be Missing From The Africa Strategy

Anyone who looks at the figures can only come to one conclusion: Africa will be aging rapidly in the coming years –and it is evident that this will have consequences for the way in which sustainable economic development and poverty reduction are achieved, writes Jochem Duinhof, political adviser at Dorcas.

As long ago as 2009, the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) concluded that anticipating global aging should be an integral part of Dutch development policy, but that mainstreaming is still ‘not progressing well’: the majority of people in developing countries face significant income insecurity for old age.’

While the problem has been known for some time, the BHOS policy memorandum does not even once mention aging and the increasing need for social protection as a development challenge. The Africa strategy of ministers Hoekstra and Schreinemacher now offers a second chance. In this piece I will argue why mitigating the consequences of global aging deserves a place in the Africa strategy and where the first starting points for concrete social protection interventions can be found. (Social protection is defined here as policies and programs designed to mitigate the direct effects of poverty, for example through cash transfers or viable pensions.)

Simply not available

The AIV is not alone in its conclusion that global aging should be an integral part of international development agendas: the UN has also concluded that previous and other more recent research emphasizes that there is work to be done towards 2050 to prevent African adults from working life fall into poverty – in Africa the challenges of aging are at least as great as in the rest of the world. Research shows that in almost all African countries the number of people over the age of 60 will (almost) double by 2050. Many of these elderly people traditionally depend

only subject to change: urbanization ( young people moving to the city) and the breakdown of traditional extended families (families in which three generations live together) mean that the elderly are increasingly dependent on themselves. In addition, according to research, the percentage of elderly people receiving a pension is less than ten percent in almost all African countries. The lack of viable pensions often results in people aged 60 and over becoming dependent on their social environment for survival after their working life.

This makes the elderly potentially vulnerable if the environment faces setbacks, such as loss of income or if the social safety net is simply not available. There is therefore an urgent need for social protection for the elderly, for example in the form of living pensions, to prevent them from falling into (extreme) poverty.

Work, work and more work?

on their social environment, such as neighbours, acquaintances and their children. That environment is

All this means that –without effective policy interventions – more and more older people will have to continue working in order to independently generate a living income. It goes without saying that this is not always possible and justified. An additional problem is that the percentage of older people participating in labor declined worldwide between 1960 and 2010.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the labor

force participation of people over the age of 65 has fallen from 57 to 48 percent, in the Middle East and North Africa combined the decline is even greater: from 29 percent in 1960 to 18 percent in 2010. The conclusion is therefore that, instead of working more to meet the increasing needs, African elderly have actually started working less . This concurrence of circumstances (a relative and absolute increase in the number of elderly people, a lack of social protection from the environment and governments and a declining labor participation of the elderly) is a threat to achieving the sustainable goals. The first goal, in particular, is at risk if mitigating the effects of global aging is not integrated into future development strategies. Starting points for the Africa strategy Fortunately, there are always glimmers of hope, such as the ever-increasing penetration of the mobile phone on the African continent, including among the elderly, in combination with the mobile payment technology popular in (East) Africa; that makes it relatively easy to reach the elderly in remote and rural areas. This is important, because poverty is often more concentrated in rural areas. These mobile payments do not require personal data, bank accounts and proof of identity: the telephone number is sufficient to receive and send money. This makes it possible to reach individuals in vulnerable situations and provide social protection in the form of cash transfers, including in remote and rural areas. Small-scale experiments are already underway in countries such as Kenya, Lesotho and

Rwanda, with promising results at first glance.

With technological heavyweights such as Adyen and Capgemini, the Netherlands has the knowledge to take that infrastructure to the next level. That could be the prime example of a successful aid and trade combination: strengthening African public services for marginalized people, with the help of Dutch knowledge and expertise.

Strengthening social cohesion between young and old, and preventing young people moving to the cities from leaving their elderly to fend for themselves, is more complex – this requires a socio-cultural dialogue that cannot be imposed from the Netherlands. However, local and international NGOs can stimulate the debate in collaboration with diplomatic posts and the (financial) ministry can provide scope for lobbying and advocacy in favor of social protection for potentially vulnerable people, such as the elderly, but also people with a disability or women.

The Netherlands traditionally attaches great importance to strengthening civil society. Also on this theme, civil society can initiate something that is sustainable, social and proven effective. It would be a missed opportunity not to invest in it.

To work

As mentioned, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on Hoekstra and Schreinemacher’s Africa strategy. It elaborates how the Netherlands wants to relate to Africa, both in a European context and bilaterally. A hefty task, especially because the strategy aims to be relevant for the next ten to fifteen years.

A wide range of themes – such as trade, equal partnerships, climate change, security and migration – are therefore reviewed. Aging deserves an integral place in it. Let the Africa strategy therefore be a first step towards finally working on restoring social protection for the elderly, making use of Dutch knowledge and expertise where relevant. This is the only way we can keep track of achieving the sustainable goals.

Leveraging The Election 0f Young Leaders To Usher Change

Written by Sakidah Jepkemoi

Kenya has progressively been electing young people to political offices. The 2022 general election was no exception and did continue the trend with an increase in numbers, especially in County and National Assemblies. This points to a maturing democracy that is willing to take chances in its youth. It is therefore crucial that the nation, and the youth, in particular, leverage this forward-looking atmosphere to push our country to the next level.

Young people running for office still face enormous challenges. Lack of finance within a commercialized political system remains a major hurdle; competing with older, seasoned politicians with deep pockets and social capital makes it even harder. Couple it with cultures that demand the fulfillment of certain obligations —such as marriage— before being deemed worthy, winning an election as a young person takes sheer sacrifice and temerity. No doubt, the headways made thus far owe it to the courage and dare demonstrated by young people in seeking these positions. However, it would be much more difficult without the progressive Kenyan spirit. Not only are young people coming out in large numbers to support their peers, but the older generation is also demonstrably opening up to believing in, and embracing the idea of youthful leadership. This presents a chance for a shift in the status quo hence the need for young leaders to step up to the task. I delve into the opportunities that if exploited, could turbocharge this process.

Getting down to action

The biggest responsibility lies with the elected, both individually and as a group. Being the ones who gave themselves for the positions, they are bound to the duty of midwifing the enticing future they conjured in voters’ minds.

To do so they must roll up their sleeves and immediately get to work, fulfilling not only their manifestos but everything in between that holds the keys to unlocking the promises. Longstanding chronic obstacles between Kenya and her potential provide a wide scope that could do with fresh perspectives

and approaches to solutions.

Unemployment, for example, is the single leading cause of runaway drug & substance abuse, gambling addiction, broken families, hopelessness, and mental illness across all age groups. Despite being a campaign agenda every other five years, unemployment and its consequences keep ballooning year after year; indicating the age-old line of action adopted towards solving it. Even more dispiriting is the fact that two decades post entering the technological era, little has been done to exploit tech know-how to edge it out.

The leadership of the country continually relies on traditional concepts where we could apply academic knowledge, creativity, and innovation to revamp them to create new avenues of income generation. A quick look at the internet reveals the exponential growth of thriving global markets. Goods, skills, and services can easily be imported/exported across the globe and we are witnessing go-getters aggressively hustle for the global cake as proof. Sadly, with little to no help from the government, markets become restrictive, risky, exploitative, and needlessly taxing. Additionally, the absence of a structured interaction with the markets limits the flow and collection of information; consequently locking the general population from venturing out.

Yet, smart legislation and cooperation with other nations can effortlessly open up spaces at home and abroad to place citizens in vantage positions to create and take up job

opportunities. All we need to turn these possibilities into tangible enterprises is the imagination of bold uninhibited leadership. Young people’s unaldurated passion and unhinged motivation could just be the needed ingredient to steer us on the course. Why we must get it right

Kenya’s present socio-economic state demands an urgent transformation. The situation cannot be sustained any further without severely jeopardizing the survival chances of the next generations. At this point, we have exhausted the luxury of trial and error and thus must rectify the path that brought us here with precision. Who better to drive this agenda than the very people affected by the problems of the day? Young people are the wearers of the pinching shoe and thus possess the raw desire to design a fitting pair. The representatives sent to office also serve a much bigger picture beyond the apparent role of injecting new energy. Their election is a show of trust extended to them by an expectant citizenry. The direction faith in young leadership takes going forward, largely depends on the delivery of this cohort. They must therefore prove that they are worth their salt to send out the message that young people are capable and trustworthy. Without this, we risk losing the goodwill of the old and the inspiration of the young.

All of us on board

Having youth in parliament, senate, and county assemblies isn’t enough. The elected can only do so much. They are agents sent to set the stage so that citizens can in turn play their part. It is time to jump in and work with leaders to realize the Kenyan dream by putting ourselves out to take advantage of the resultant opportunities. Similarly, we have an obligation of providing a support network that will amplify the youthful voice. We can achieve this by setting up other platforms young people outside political offices can use to entrench leadership from the grassroots to the top. So doing reinforces the power, will, and ability of the elected to speak and act on our behalf. Pulling the weight together comes with the bonus of spreading the burden so that the elected few are not overwhelmed by unreasonable expectations.

Pressure from an ignorant electorate often drives young leaders into corrupt activities in the misplaced quest to meet the people’s needs. For that reason, conducting civic education to help change the handout political culture could go a long way in creating a favorable working environment. Not only do hostile environments derail their actual job, but they also create wrong metrics for judging performance.

Caution

Young leaders must stay grounded by the vows they made, an oath to serve and successfully execute their mandate. Often, otherwise, well-meaning leaders are drawn off the path by the allure of power. One minute they are weeping with hapless voters on campaign trails, and the next, acting with reckless abandon due to “big man syndrome” that suddenly takes the place of heartfelt plans for mwananchi (ordinary citizen).

Future political ambitions can also be very distracting as the elected center themselves around party and personality politics hoping to secure the next election. While this is a tactic many a politician use to cement their relevance, it is certainly primitive and retrogressive. Youth have the power to change this skewed concept by being their very best and letting track record be the bargaining power rather than divisive politics of hate and sycophancy.

The next frontier

The last half century has been a period of reaping the fruits of independence and tailoring them to suit our autonomy. The young leaders who took charge back then helped the country navigate through tumultuous times of early selfrule; rejecting neo-colonization, fighting against one-party rule, and delivering a new constitution amongst others. We have them to thank for the democracy whose backbone we are building upon to pursue equal representation today. As they finish the battle of their generation and exit the scene, it is our legacy to take up the baton and head out for the new dawn. We stand at the precipice of a transition and must, with unmatched patriotism and heroism, stand true as the warriors of the next combat —the recipe of pushing Kenya to the top of the world.

African Team Can Reach 2026 World Cup Final

- CAF Boss Motsepe

African football boss, Patrice Motsepe told a press conference in Johannesburg after the FIFA world cup that he believes a team from the continent can reach the 2026 World Cup final.

“Morocco opened the door by reaching the semi-finals this past month and I am confident an African nation will go further at the next World Cup,” said the South African billionaire. “The main objective of CAF (Confederation of African Football) is for an African nation to win the World Cup and that goal is within reach.”

There will be nine or 10 African qualifiers for an expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico up from five in Qatar.

Morocco made history in Qatar by becoming the first African representatives to reach the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions stunned Belgium in the group stage, then eliminated two more powerful European sides, Spain and Portugal, in the knockout stage before losing to France in the semi-finals.

“There are at least 10 African nations that can compete at the highest level and win the World Cup,” added Motsepe. He also hailed Cameroon and Tunisia for shock group victories over five-time World Cup winners Brazil and twice champions France respectively.

“We should be proud of what Cameroon and Tunisia achieved. These and other African countries must learn from Morocco,” said the CAF president.

The shock victories were not enough to get Cameroon and Tunisia past the first round, but Senegal did make the last 16 before being eliminated after a heavy loss to England.

Reigning African champions Senegal suffered a massive pretournament blow when star forward Sadio Mane was ruled out by injury.

Motsepe disclosed that a dispute between CAF and sports agency Lagardere had been “resolved amicably”, but refused to give details, citing a confidentiality clause.

Lagardere signed a one billion dollar (940 million euros) contract with the Cairo-based African football body in 2017, which was supposed to last until 2028.

However, just one year into the television and marketing deal, it was scrapped after two legal judgments said it breached competition rules.

A senior CAF official, who requested anonymity, told the media his organisation would pay Lagardere 25 million dollars in instalments to settle the dispute.

Motsepe said Algeria, Benin, Morocco, Nigeria and Zambia were among countries wanting to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Guinea withdrew recently, saying they were “not ready”.

PRESIDENT RUTO LAUDS HON. ABABU NAMWAMBA’S SPORTS AND ARTS REVIVAL EFFORTS

The President revealed that he had accepted to champion a grassroots football development program that will see national government work with county governments to invest heavily in youth football.

“Arrangements are at an advanced stage to launch a Bottomup football tournament to be contested by under-19 teams from all 47 Counties. We will work with our governors for each County to build a team right from the ward level. This plan is the first step in our target to get Harambee Stars play at the 2030 World Cup as well as Kenya’s bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations,” the President announced.

He called for all stakeholders in the sporting space to work together to revive the arts and Kenya’s football. “Let us work together to build Kenyan football Bottom-up, from

President William Samoei Ruto has commended the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts’ efforts to revive sports and arts space in the country. He made the pronouncement in his address to the nation during the 59th Jamhuri Day Celebrations. “My administration recognizes sports and the arts as a mega industry that can employ millions of our youth and help grow our economy,” said President Ruto.

The President added that his administration through the Ministry of Youth Affairs Sports and the Arts, under the leadership of CS Ababu Namwamba had moved with speed to streamline the sports and the arts space.

“We have moved with speed to get our football back, to protect Kenya’s proud athletics pedigree from doping, & to streamline collection & distribution of royalties to our artists, “ he said “Through the revolutionary ‘TALANTA HELA’ Plan, we will rebuild and monetize our sports and creatives industry,” the President added.

the grassroots of our villages to the grand stage of the World Cup.”

CS Ababu Namwamba has deliberately rolled out a robust plan to turn the arts and the sports arena into a mega industry, a key economic driver and a leading employer for Kenyans.

Sports:

Heroic Morocco Climb High, World Champions Argentina Up To Second In FIFA New Rankings

FIFA released their latest rankings at the end of last year (2022) following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After their historic and heroic World Cup performance by reaching the semi-finals, Morocco are the highest African side in the standings as they climbed 11 places to 11th, one of two African sides in the top 20 alongside Senegal who sit 19th.

World champions Argentina have failed to dislodge arch-rivals Brazil at the top of the standings despite recently winning the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986.

The two South American nations are followed by beaten finalists France, Belgium and England who make up the rest of the top five.

Australia, like Morocco moved up multiple places in the latest rankings as they too moved up 11 places to

27th while Bafana Bafana, who ended the year strongly winning three out of the last four matches, remain in a disappointing 67th place.

TOP TEN FIFA WORLD RANKINGS:

1: Brazil - 1840.77 points

2: Argentina - 1838.38 points

3: France - 1823.39 points

4: Belgium - 1781.30 points

5: England - 1774.19 points

6: Netherlands - 1740.92 points

7: Croatia - 1727.62 points

8: Italy - 1723.56 points

9: Portugal - 1702.54 points

10: Spain - 1692.71 points

I Have My Tactics, If Morocco Becomes An Obstacle, We’ll Crush Them

– Peseiro

Super Eagles Head coach Jose Peseiro has vowed to crush any team that will stand in the way of the Super Eagles as they prepare to go all the way and win the 2024 AFCON title.

Giving credit to Morocco, the Portuguese tactician agreed that Morocco has put football in Africa on a higher pedestal; but he still insists that Morocco will be crushed should they pose an opposition to his team at the tournament.

“Morocco’s performance as the World Cup shows African football has come of age and many teams especially from the rest of the world will now show more respect to teams from the continent,” Peseiro told the Media.

“On our part, the aim still remains to win the next AFCON and we are ready to beat any team that comes our way.” “That’s the target and it remains the same,” he added. The gaffer further stated that he’s got his tactics, which will be transmitted to the players, and when the transmission is finally over with everybody understanding each other, even Argentina will not stop them.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations also referred to as AFCON 2023 or CAN 2023 was scheduled to be the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is scheduled to be hosted by Ivory Coast, the second time the country would host the competition. The Confederation of African Football initially changed the dates of the tournament to June and July rather than the usual January, which first came into play in the 2019 tournament. It would have allowed the tournament to not conflict with other major tournaments, as well as allowing big name players to play for their nations in the tournament without missing games for their European club side. However on 3rd July 2022, it was confirmed that the competition would be postponed from June–July 2023 to January 2024 due to weather concerns during summer in Ivory Coast. Senegal is the defending champions

Impact Of The FIFA World Cup On Grassroots Football

Written by Eunice Dollar

In the hearts of over four billion people around the world, the World Cup is regarded as the planet’s most prestigious and watched sporting event. Eunice Dollar, however, prefers not to focus on the spectacle and the big names on the stage. She evaluates the influence that the tournament will have on grassroots football in Africa and the milestones achieved so far.

As I write my reflection on the impact of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, I choose to reflect more on what grassroots football has gained as a result. This is as a coach, instructor, and administrator in sports. My name is Eunice Dollar, a football grassroots instructor in Kenya, sports for development consultant, a sports administrator, and a youth football coach from Kisumu Kenya. I manage a community-based organisation called Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, based in Kisumu and Migori County. We use sports to educate girls and young women about sexual and reproductive health and rights, life skills, and education.

As the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar draws to a close, we recognise that it will take another four years before we witness it again. This time around it was noteworthy because it was the first time that it was held in the Middle East, and in a Muslim-dominant country, where culture is guarded with a lot of resolve because of the conservativeness of the country. It has brought the world together as we support our favourite teams, and promoted friendships and sharing through various forms of communication. As we know, football is a powerful and unifying sport that knows no colour, religion or culture. It brings people of all cultures together to watch, discuss and celebrate it and can benefit other issues as well.

Many fans and players travelling from different parts of the world had to be taken through Arab culture and traditions. Though some people found it different from other World Cups, terming it retrogressive and not open to freedom of choice and enjoyment, they had to abide by the cultural regulations of the day. I have been intrigued to write about the impact of the tournament on grassroots football and its happenings. This is not only because I work at the grassroots, but also because I love to see social change happen in every small thing I do.

Kenyan football

The past year has been very difficult for football in Kenya. This is due to the ban that FIFA imposed after the Kenyan Sports Ministry disbanded the Football Kenya Federation over alleged misappropriation of funds, and appointed

a caretaker committee to oversee football activities. Luckily, the problem was resolved by the recently elected government, leading to the ban being lifted, and football activities resuming in the country and at the grassroots. The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Mr Ababu Namwamba, has been in the corridors of the Sports Ministry before. He understands well what needs to be done for the Kenya national team to reach the World Cup in 2026, I believe.

It is worth mentioning the goodwill of the newly elected President, Dr William Ruto, who fully endorsed grassroots football tournaments in his inauguration speech. Having his support would help the national team, the Harambee Stars, qualify for the tournament. His decision will enormously benefit grassroots football all over the country and hopefully improve the standards of Kenyan football.

Recently in my club, it was reported by a parent that one of the young boys refused to travel to the rural village with his

parents. He said he had to watch the World Cup and challenged his father to buy him a football that he could use with other children in the village. We have many other children who have nicknamed themselves after the talented players in this World Cup, making it fun and ambitious. As coaches, we are challenged to come out and assist these young players in any way possible and answer questions that could be of their interests and concerns.

Moreover, as we guide the younger players, we must make an intentional and conscious effort to develop social skills. It could be something we picked up during the World Cup and shared with them during training sessions. We initiate discussions about how the experiences during drills can be applied outside of the field. These experiences could result in values of teamwork, respect, tolerance, leadership and healthy competition – as guarantees towards building confidence and sustainable, resilient, and healthy communities.

History makers

This year’s tournament showcased a class of rising talents — 18-year-old Abdul Fatawa Issahaku from Ghana, 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko from Germany, 19-year-old Pedro from Spain, and 18-year-old Garang Kuol from Ecuador — and many others who performed so well. Seeing them compete for

their teams is inspirational. Their enthusiasm has also motivated players from our team and other teams to work extra hard. This is in hopes that one day, they can make it to the national team, or get scholarships to compete abroad. We once engaged our players to find out which teams they support, so we could discuss results, and expectations, analyse matches played, and provide a learning point for them. They would tell us what they have learnt and what they wish to improve on as individuals and as a team.

I was thrilled by Morocco’s outstanding performance that helped them reach the semi- finals, becoming the first African nation to do so. Africa celebrates their effort and ability to beat heavyweights such as Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. It was a historical moment for Africa and the young rising stars. The stage they reached was no mean feat and will go down in the annals of history, and have an impact that will trickle down to the grassroots. It takes a lot of preparation, discipline, and consistency for a team to be able to win together in any match. But for this to happen, players, coaches, knowledge of the game, and individual self-drive must all work together.

It was also a pleasure to watch, for the first time in the history of the event, French Stephanie Frappart take up officiating alongside women referees in a men’s football match between Germany and Costa Rica. It was a true honour for African women to see 35-year-old Salima Mukansanga make history by officiating in the event; this means a lot and it is an inspiration to the upcoming referees to work extra hard. This will also help my organization recruit and convince more girls to take up referee roles, and encourage them to aim higher in life.