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  • Five common retirement mistakes people make

    Five common retirement mistakes people make

    It is important to start preparing for retirement early to avoid being tragically unprepared when the time comes. In the process of retirement preparation, it is also important to note the retirement mistakes most commonly made. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 common retirement mistakes people make.

     

    Relocating Without Knowing the Place     

    Most people decide to move to a more rural setting when they retire, because they consider it quieter and more relaxed than the city life they’ve had. Some also do it to be closer to their families. However, the mistake most people make is not knowing the area they are moving too well, so what was intended to be a relaxing getaway becomes a stressful experience that defeats the point of relocating. Rather than relocating immediately to a new place, first rent an apartment in the area and get a feel of the place for at least a year. If you are satisfied with your experience then you can consider buying property there and relocating completely.

    Not Knowing What to Do With Your Time

    A lot of people spend time trying to figure out what to do with their money after retirement, but few people think of what to do with their time. If you don’t have a plan on how to spend your time after retirement, it can make the process a bit more difficult, because you might find yourself feeling useless and even depressed about it at some point. Try to find a hobby or side job that you enjoy, that won’t be too stressful or place too much of a demand on you, and use it to occupy yourself after retirement. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will automatically be happier after retirement, because boredom and the feeling of uselessness can easily taint that happiness. Most times, retirement is not what people actually want, even though they spend all their time dreaming of it, they actually just want to finally do something they can enjoy and have more control over.

    Falling Into the Temptation of ‘Post-Retirement Spending Hike’

    Though many retirees intend to spend less after retirement, they actually end up spending more in their first few years of retirement. This is mainly because of the excitement of finally ‘being free!’. You, therefore, see these retirees begin to do things they’ve always been ‘dying to do’ without really minding the cost. It is important for people to take note of this possible spending hike and use a budget to efficiently plan for it. You must stick to the budget and agree to let go of anything you know you won’t be able to realistically afford. It’s better to be responsible with your money and avoid regrets later.

    Keeping Too Many Cars     

    At some point, you need to ask yourself what exactly you are doing with four cars as a retiree. If you don’t have a good reason for keeping so many cars, you should sell the extra cars, hire someone to use the car for a cab business for you, or give them out to your children, grandchildren, friends etc. You should also consider that as you get older, walking instead of driving has added health and fitness benefits for you.

    Underestimating Future Cost of Living

    This is why you should always have a retirement plan laid down. Typically, people underestimate the money they would need to comfortably live on after retirement. This is mainly because they don’t plan for retirement according to their spending habits; they instead plan with the belief that their spending habits would have been reformed by the time they retire, only to find out that is not the case. The general rule of retirement is to set aside 65 to 70% of your current household budget, then factor in every likely and possible expense you would ever incur, even if they seem far-fetched. You need to plan realistically and consider contingencies and unexpected costs.

     

     

     

  • A joyful ‘perpetual yes’ marking a sacred journey       

    A joyful ‘perpetual yes’ marking a sacred journey       

    Answering the call to a life- time commitment six sisters; Sr. Agatha Onwudi, Sr. Chimebere Ekenwosu, Sr. Esther Anichi, Sr. Irene Alonge, Sr. Perpetua Oguibe, Sr. Viola Ihejirika of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ made their final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on June 17, 2017 in St. Theresa Catholic Parish Mandala Minna diocese in Niger state.

    These vows are spiritual virtues which make a sister committed to the catholic faith and her religious family. The final vows they made signify that they have committed themselves finally to the religious life and permanently in the Congregation of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

    The model of the congregation is the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first Handmaid of the Lord. The name Poor Handmaid is derived from the words to the Angel “Behold the Handmaid of the Lord” this expresses the charism which is shown in the readiness to be available as ordinary instrument in the hands of the Lord, to continue the saving work of redemption.

    Blessed Katharina Kasper was the first who took the bold step, Sr. Agatha , Sr. Chimebere , Sr. Esther, Sr. Irene , Sr. Perpetua  and Sr. Viola  have willingly given their final yes in order to continue the work of our foundress Katharina Kasper to serve the poor people, less privilege and also advocate for human right.

    The Holy Mass for the final commitment began at 10.20am. The Holy Mass was officiated by the Bishop of Minna Diocese; Bishop Martin Uzoukwu, concelebrated by Fr. Ralph Madu the secretary general of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and Fr. Raphael Imelor the Dean of the Deanery and Parish priest of St Theresa Mandala.  Other dignitaries present were priests from various dioceses, Sisters from different congregations, parents, relatives and friends of the sisters to be finally professed.

    In his homily, Bishop Martin Uzoukwu admonished the lay faithful to always remember the victims of Mandala bomb blast  of 25th December 2011  in this very church; St. Theresa’s catholic  Parish Mandala Niger state. Further he enjoined the people to support the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ congregation with their prayers, financially and otherwise to enable them to propagate the gospel and it will be appreciated and judiciously used.

    In addition he thanked the sisters for the final vows for their persistence efforts in their vocation. He reminded the families of those for final vows that these sisters have consecrated themselves totally and they should not bother them with family problems/responsibilities. The Bishop also appealed to parents, friends and well-wishers of the sisters to be finally professed to support the sisters materially, financially and also with their prayers.

    At this juncture, the sisters to be finally professed were called out by Sr. Scholastica Okorie the Pro- Regional Superior un-behalf of Sr. Gonzalo Vakasseril General Superior who was unavoidably absent. The sisters came and stood before the Archbishop and the congregation. They knelt and pronounced their final vows of the three Evangelical counsels of Poverty, chastity and obedience respectively. After the pronouncement of vows, the sisters prostrated on the floor near the altar. The litany prayers of the saints were chanted in English language. This was beautifully done by three PHJC sisters. Followed by signing of the final vows pronounced on the Altar and followed by the consecrated prayer by the Bishop.

    Immediately after the Eucharistic celebration the newly finally professed sisters took shot with the bishop and priests at the altar and other Guests afterwards. Thereafter, the days’ activities continued with an entertainment and refreshment that took place at the church’s hall. Highlights of the activities were cutting of the Cake, songs, a dance by the newly finally professed sisters and presentation of gifts. Finally Sr. Agatha thanked all who were present for their supporting and celebrating with them.

    The celebration ended at about 4.00pm.

    Sr. Ohalete sent this piece from Minna, Niger state.

     

     

     

  • Five useful tips for road travel

    Five useful tips for road travel

    To make the most of your road travel and make it a tad less stressful, there are a few useful tips to keep in mind. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 5 useful tips for road travel.

    Let People Know Your Whereabouts

    This is mainly a safety precaution. It is important to let friends or family know your whereabouts at every major point of your road travel, especially if it’s a long road trip. In case anything of note happens, it is important to have people who know where you are and can raise an alarm where necessary. This is especially important when you’re traveling alone.

    Don’t Carry Too Much Cash on You

    This might seem like a no-brainer but a lot of people neglect this when traveling long distances by road. It is advisable to set aside some petty cash to settle one or two expenses along the way like buying snacks or food or settling toll gate fares, but never carry an unnecessarily large amount of cash on you for road travel. Debit cards should be substituted for large wads of cash, and your bags or anything that can be associated with large wads of cash should not be kept carelessly and conspicuously in your car, so you don’t attract the wrong attention to yourself.

    Try To Pack Light

    Try as much as you can to pack light for road travel, so you don’t have to pay too much extra cash for excess luggage or squeeze your things in your car with little room for yourself.

    Have Entertainment Options

    Especially if you’re not the one driving, you should try to preload your phone with entertainment options to keep yourself gleefully occupied during the road trip. You can also bring along novels, mp3 players and other sources of entertainment (depending on your preference) to keep yourself entertained. Also, be sure to have a power outlet to plug into when your devices are running low on battery. A power pack can help with this if you’re traveling by bus, while simply plugging your device into the available power outlet in a vehicle, is appropriate when traveling with your own vehicle.

    Anticipate Likely Trouble Spots

    This especially applies when you’re traveling with your own vehicle. It is best to plan your road travel well, particularly the timing of your travel, so you can avoid certain trouble spots at rush hour. This can save you the stress of dealing with avoidable traffic situations and make your travel easier. Try to take likely trouble spots into consideration during your road travel and plan for either the best routes to use to avoid them or the best times of the day to ply the route that will make it easier for you.

     

  • Photos: Ambode commissions newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library

    Photos: Ambode commissions newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library

    Representative of Lagos State Governor & Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (3rd right); Sole Administrator, Yaba LCDA, Hon. Bayo Adefuye (2nd right), Mr. Goke Osibodu (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh (3rd left); Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje (2nd left) and Commissioner for Energy & Mineral, Mr. Olawale Oluwo (left) during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba, Lagos.

     

    Representative of Lagos State Governor & Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (2nd right); Sole Administrator, Yaba LCDA, Hon. Bayo Adefuye (right), Assistant General Manager, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mrs. Sherifat Dawodu (right behind); Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh (2nd right behind); Commissioner for Energy & Mineral, Mr. Olawale Oluwo (3rd right behind); Mr. Jide Adebayo Doherty (3rd left); Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje (2nd left) and Folajin Macaulay (left) during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library.

     

    Representative of Lagos State Governor & Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (middle); flanked by Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh (left) and Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library.

     

    Representative of Lagos State Governor & Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (middle); Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Segun Agbaje (right); Sole Administrator, Yaba LCDA, Hon. Bayo Adefuye (left) and others during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library

     

    Representative of Lagos State Governor & Deputy governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (right), interacting with some students during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Herbert Macaulay Library
  • Remembering Afrika 18 years later

    Remembering Afrika 18 years later

    The memories of July 10, 1999 will never cease in the Obafemi Awolowo University memory. It will forever remain fresh as it is passed on from generation to generation while we commemorate tribute to the founding father of Great Ife Students Unionism for many reasons.

    George Iwilade Afrika who was hacked to pieces by members of the Black Axe Confraternity in alliance with other neighbouring cult groups wasn’t just the only victim of the bloodshed.

    Four other roommates (Eviano Ekelemu; a graduating student, Yemi Ajiteru; 100-Level Philosophy student, Babatunde Oke, and Ekpede Godfrey) were murdered in their sleep, as the group came for the then president of the Union, Lanre  Legacy.

    Prof. Roger Makanjuola account is even more descriptive: “Tunde Oke was still alive but died in the surgical theatre. Four others, George Iwilade, Yemi Ajiteru, Efe Ekede and Eviano Ekelemu, were brought in dead. Eviano Ekelemu bled to death from gunshot wounds to the groin and thigh. The other three died from gunshot wounds to the head.”

    Lanre Adeleke, (Lanre Legacy), the then Student Union President, was reported to have fled before his assailants unleashed terror in the early hours of the morning of July 10 though he was shot at. It is reported that he escaped by jumping from a balcony when the menacing cult groups came for him after murdering Iwilade in cold blood.

    The product of that horrific past is the vibrant union Great Ife currently emboders. However, 18 years after this sorry tale, stability has continued to elude Great Ife, not just in policies alone but in the Union which was borne by concerted selfless leaders who fought for consciousness of the Union from the hands of cult groups encouraged by University Administrators as forceful enforcers of University policy on the great mass of poor students unable to dare the management.

    Like Nigeria’s numerous problems, Great Ife has also had hers. Democracy can only be sustained in a pro-democratic ambience, but that vibrancy once associated with Ife has continued to waiver 18 years down the line. The school has had her recent share of events, with the current Union President accused of doctoring the Congresses of Great Ife Students, as well as engaging in white cement projects like the back and forth issue of the red student Union Bus. A bus that has been declared unfit for transportation (in one of its numerous reports) and fraudulent with all manner of accusations at the Doctor President, as well as attacks on his person and the divide and rule system; questions are bound to be asked.

     Is OAU truly honouring Afrika’s legacy?

    Still, of recent, former acting Vice Chancellor’s case, Prof. Anthony Elujoba has resurfaced for alleged fraud. Prof. Anthony Elujoba who has been christened thus ‘as the man of the people’ for granting prompt payments of owed arrears to staff and a stable academic calendar, is now hanging in a battle of morality and the humbling weights of the law.  The major product of unrest Great Ife has continually faced from the past tenure of Student Leadership Governments have always emanated from welfare. It is a shame that the once Great “Great Ife” is now riddled with bed bugs driving students from their hostel rooms to the corridors to sleep. While lecturers drive down difficult concepts down their throats in lecture theatres in the day, students battle rats, bedbugs, and dangerous reptiles in their halls at night.

    The University compound has become a war zone where students are exploited, cheated by drivers of the campus shuttles, exorbitant prices of goods and services, dwindling factors of infrastructure, welfare and the moribund state of OAU healthcare delivery.

    Still on July 10th every year, Students gather in their numbers to celebrate the birth of consciousness and failure of Student leaders. The Student Union is a pressure group, a successor of Modern Governments. If the Leader cannot be accountable for a 2.9 Million Naira bus which has been adjudged in many quarters of the students body not to be more than 2.5 Million naira, what then is the essence of a 9 Million Naira subvention that cannot be used to better lives of the Student masses and the electorate that brought those leaders into power?

    “At 21, young and still very active, George Iwilade Afrika was murdered. He was murdered advocating for a cult free environment. One that all Great Ife Students enjoy today, till the end of their academic stay. Today, the freedom of combing the campus in the early hours of the day is uncontrolled, unrestricted because of one man who sacrificed his life for others to have peace.”

    What legacies shall we then live behind for Afrika and the OAU 5 as we remember them 18 years down the line?

    These are questions we must answer and unmask very fast. The death of consciousness is the rise of tyranny; for the commemorators and beneficiaries of these process must consider this questions and provide due answers.

  • MUST READ: Nine (9) possible signs of lung cancer you should never overlook

    MUST READ: Nine (9) possible signs of lung cancer you should never overlook

    We all want to live long enough in sound health (body and mind) to see our dreams come true, and have the agility enough to enjoy it. However, in recent times, there have been significant occurrences and humongous cases of individuals (especially those in their early 30s to late 50s) coming down with the unforgiving disease called cancer – in this case, Lung Cancer.

    Many a time, we work our bodies so hard that we pay little or no attention to the slight indicators and signals that it communicates to us on a daily basis. We sometimes dig our graves with our teeth by consuming all-sort of solid (food), liquids (drinks), and gas (smokes) in the name of enjoyment and having too much money.

    I do not care how intelligent, talented, or hardworking you are, you definitely need your body to carry “you” into the future you so much dream and work towards.

    In setting the tone for this article, the writer bears in mind our sundry cultural beliefs and nuances; most of which are mere conjectures and attempts to mystify what we do not understand. However, I do not intend to underplay “spiritual” causalities of some illnesses: Our major concern is how we can quickly track the early signs of lung cancer and do something about is before it reaches malignant and debilitating stages of biological manifestations.

    Lung cancer is a disease which surreptitiously creeps in and kills silently because most of its symptoms are overlooked or misdiagnosed when compared to more common diseases. The truth is that you can get lung cancer even if you don’t smoke (although the possibility of having a lung cancer increases by 70% when you smoke) and it becomes very important for you to be familiar with some possible symptoms of lung cancer.

    If the cancer is diagnosed early, treatment can stop it dead in its tracks and give the patient a chance of recovery and also to live a long life.

    Honesty plays a key role if you are sincere and serious about your health; you need to be honest with your doctor if you experience any of the nine (9) symptoms itemized below. The first step to winning a war is to be aware that you are in a war. A person who is in a war zone, and is totally oblivious of what is happening will most likely go down quickly and recklessly. Pay close attention to your body, stay observant, and go for a check-up to clear and assuage your doubts.

     

    Bloody Cough:

    Coughing up phlegm is a common symptom generally associated with a cold, however, the narrative takes a more malignant pose when you see blood in your phlegm; even if it is in traces or few drops, you should giddy up and immediately dash to see your doctor for a check up. Feigning ignorance or forming James Bond will only compound your story to a classic tragedy.

    Worsening Cough:

    Are you having bouts and sessions of cough that refuses to go away, then, seeking the help of a medical professional would be a wise and timely decision. Constant coughing for days, weeks, and months is by all means the most indicative sign that an individual is probably going down with lung cancer, although still in its primal stage.

    Chest Pain:

    Anatomically, the way to a man’s heart (regardless of the typical binary of male or female) is through the chest. Therefore, Guard your chest diligently, for in it is your heart and lungs. If you are experiencing pain in your chest region, it should be a matter of colossal concern.  Please try out this very simple exercise, a few deep breaths and if you feel a sharp pinch or needle like sensation, get a checkup done as soon as possible.

    This could be because of the cancer in the lungs, which is pressing hard on the chest, hence, causing the pain.

    Chronic Respiratory Issues:

    Normally if you are suffer from diseases like pneumonia or respiratory infection, it disappears with the use of medication in a matter of weeks and you become like new. However, if it is lung cancer, the respiratory problem tends to linger for a long time and becomes more severe with each passing day. The need to see a doctor cannot be overemphasized.

    Unexplained Weight Loss:

    It might interest you to know that there have been upward swings in the health consciousness of men and women around the global. Particularly in Nigeria, there is a fierce urgency amongst individuals to watch and control not only what they consume, but also their weight. Therefore losing weight is wonderful; however, unexplained and excessive weight loss without changes in dietary habits or living styles is a cause for alarm. This means that body is unable to properly absorb and use the nutrients from the food you are eating. Hence the body is simply discarding whatever you are eating without taking out nutrients from it and resulting in a drastic weight loss.

    Pain in Bones:

    Generally, cancers are most times known to spread to the bones. This is because bones are present near every major organ in our body. Particularly, if you experience pain in your hips or back, you should immediately consult a doctor. It might be a sign of arthritis, but there is no harm in getting it checked out.

    Wheezing:

    Wheezing is mostly associated with lung diseases like Asthma. It occurs when something is hindering the movement of air inside the body. However, just like in cases of Asthma, it is also a common complaint of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Please consult your doctor to run a check on you.

    Constant Fatigue:

    Cancer, which is known for its proliferation attacks the healthy cells of the body and perpetually wars against the immune system. As a result of the battle within the body, patients with cancer constantly have the feeling of being fatigued. Their body gets tired from fighting the cancer cells all the times. Hence if you feel constant fatigue, consult a doctor immediately.

    Hoarseness and Croakiness:

    Healthy lungs let you speak clearly without any hindrance, voice distortion, or encumbrances to vocalization. But lung cancer makes breathing difficult and thus making speaking a herculean and arduous task. If your voice suddenly gets hoarse, and it persists for a long period of time, it is a sign to consult a doctor to get a diagnosis of the ailment.

    The above symptoms (though not exhaustive) of lung cancer should make you run with immediate alacrity to see your doctor; an early diagnosis can make you initialize the treatment sooner than later, and give you a better chance to lead a healthy life.

    Gone are the days when our people will say “what you don’t know cannot kill you”, we now know better because – “what you don’t know kills you much faster.”

    Twitter: @memorinken

    Instagram: @memorinken

    Email: brandphase@yahoo.com

  • 10 nominees for Innovation Prize for Africa 2017

    10 nominees for Innovation Prize for Africa 2017

    Innovators from nine African countries shortlisted for their outstanding innovations across healthcare, engineering, energy and communications sectors.

    Ten nominees, including two Nigerians have been named by The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) as finalists for the 2017 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA), to be awarded in Accra, Ghana on 18th July 2017.

    Other Innovators shortlisted for the prestigious Prize are from eight African countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Liberia, Morocco, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

    This year’s innovators according the organisers of the award have demonstrated “incredible proficiency through innovative solutions addressing challenges in agriculture value chain, health care, energy, communications, service industries as well as surveillance using drone technology.”

    “ This year’s cream of the crop underwent a rigorous selection process by a renowned panel of judges including corporates, academia, technology and scientific experts representing top African innovation influencers.

    “We are pleased to share with you the names of our IPA2017 nominees as we continue on our mission to catalyse the innovation spirit and unlock untapped potential in Africa. For the first time, this year’s nominees include innovators from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Zimbabwe. “ Moreover, given the instrumental role African women play in transforming Africa, it is thrilling to see more women among the 10 nominees with game changing innovations. By providing platforms to recognize innovation excellence in Africa and mobilizing for African innovators, we continue to live up to our credo of engaging, inspiring and transforming. The inspiring stories of these nominees remind us that innovation and African-led solutions are indeed the answer to Africa’s growth and prosperity.” said Walter Fust, AIF Chairman of the Board.
    Now celebrating its sixth year under the theme “African Innovation: Investing in Prosperity”, IPA is the premier innovation initiative in the African continent, offering a grand share-prize of US$185 000 and incentives to spur growth and prosperity in Africa through home-grown solutions.

    IPA has seen tremendous growth in applications and increasing interest from both innovators and innovation enablers over the years. To date, IPA has attracted more than 7 500 innovators from 52 African countries, making it a truly Pan African initiative. IPA 2017 edition witnessed a record number of entries from over 2 530 innovators across 48 African countries. The Foundation has supported past winners and nominees with approximately US$ 1 million to move their innovations forward. Due to exposure generated by IPA, past winners have gone on to secure over US$30 million in investments to grow and scale their businesses.

    “Over the years, IPA has stimulated impactful and market-oriented innovations aiming at changing lives and transforming Africa. In this sixth edition, we want to promote more investment in home-grown innovations as well as intra-African collaboration and trade to allow the scaling up of viable innovations across borders. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with our partners to ensure the innovations of the 10 nominees will be available to African markets and beyond. We invite you to join us and unlock the potential of African innovators, starting by investing in these 10 nominees.” said Pauline Mujawamariya Koelbl, IPA Director.

    AIF will host the IPA 2017 awards ceremony and its second Innovation Ecosystems Connector on 17 and 18 July in Accra, Ghana. The event will focus on how innovation enablers and businesses can leverage funding streams, investments and resources that are critical to unlock potential of African innovators. Participants at the IPA Awards will get an opportunity to attend the official opening of IPA 2017, experience the innovation marketplace, join high-level roundtable discussions, Zua Hub meet-ups, and networking activities, ending with a celebration of African ingenuity when the IPA 2017 winners will be announced. See key activities listed below.

     

    This premier innovation event will be hosted in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and Ghana 60 Years On Planning Committee. The IPA has received the highest endorsement from H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana, who will deliver the keynote address during the Awards ceremony.
    To find out more about activities and partnership opportunities, visit http://event.innovationprizeforafrica.org/
    Find below the shortlisted top 10 IPA nominees and a summary of their innovations. These selected nominees will pitch their innovative projects to the esteemed IPA panel of jurors (see http://innovationprizeforafrica.org/ipa-jurors/) during the closed pitch sessions on July 15th and 16th in Accra]. Following their pitch, three winners will be selected and announced during the Awards ceremony slated for 18 July 2017 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

    Innovations in communications and smart solutions

    1. Peris Bosire, Kenya: FarmDrive
    FarmDrive is a financial technology company that has developed a mobile phone based application that collects data and provides an alternative risk assessment model for small holder farmers. While the continent remains largely dependent on agriculture, one of the biggest challenges facing smallholder farmers is access to credit or finance. Most financial institutions are reluctant to grant credit to farmers because their risk assessment models flag small farmers as being very risky. FarmDrive has developed a new methodology for assessing credit worthiness of farmers that has led to higher acceptance rate of loan applications by farmers while maintaining a very low default rate. This could have the effect of significantly boosting agricultural production on the continent while helping financial institutions cost effectively increase their agricultural loan portfolios.
    2. Nokwethu Khojane, South Africa: Lakheni, Turning Social Capital into Buying Power
    Lakheni is a social and business model innovation which seeks to aggregate low-income households into buying-groups in order to negotiate favourable discounts for goods and services supplied to these households. Most poor people end up paying for goods and services at a unit price that is usually much higher than the unit price paid by other people with more disposable income. This is because as goods and services are packaged into smaller and smaller units to make them affordable, they become less economically efficient and end up costing higher than if one was to buy in bulk or in larger units. In essence, the poor end up paying a poverty premium. Lakheni solves this problem by aggregating poor households into a buyer’s market by leveraging mobile technology.
    3. Omolabake Adenle, Nigeria: Voice Recognition and Speech Synthesis Software for African Languages
    This is a software solution that can understand and digitize spoken African languages, and synthesize speech from African languages presented as digitized text. Digitizing African languages in this way allows Africans to interact with hardware devices such as mobile phones, and digital services such as call-center applications by speaking their local language. The software can be integrated into a wide range of devices and third-party software applications. While voice recognition and speech synthesis software have been developed for various Western and Asian languages, there has been very limited commercial application or academic research for African languages. The difficulty lies in modelling tonality present in most African languages and limited data resources for language modelling. This innovation opens up opportunities for Africans with low literacy levels to also enjoy the benefits of the digital revolution.

    4. Nzola Swasisa, Democratic Republic of Congo: Lokole
    Lokole, is a device that enables access to efficient email communication anywhere with cellular coverage at a price that is one hundred to one thousand times cheaper than accessing email via regular cellular bandwidth costs. Lokole achieves this firstly by creating a shareable local area network where up to a hundred users within a 25 meters’ radius can access the network and share the costs. Secondly, it contains advanced algorithms that compress email and also schedules uploads and downloads of data to when data bundles costs are at their cheapest. Costs per user could be as little as $0.01/person/day. More than 71% of the African population doesn’t have access to efficient communications. Lokole solves this communication problem and enables many communities to access efficient communication for the first time. Applications of Lokole include: health (remote-doctor), education (remote-teacher), commerce (purchase orders via email), business (attachment documents) and many more.
    Leveraging artificial intelligence and mechanical solutions
    5. Badr Idriss, Morocco: Atlan Space
    Atlan Space develops software technology that is then deployed to manage the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The software is currently tested for use in managing operations in detecting illegal or harmful maritime activity such as illegal fishing or oil spills over wide expanse areas. UAVs operated by this software can be launched and deployed into monitoring operations without having an aircraft operator. Also, by using Artificial Intelligence they are able to collect data, analyze and produce actionable reports. African governments face numerous challenges in monitoring activities and operation over wide areas. This includes border patrols, deforestation, animal poaching and maritime activity. The software allows for the deployment of UAVs at a very cost effective price without need for highly skilled human intervention and over a wide number of uses.
    6. Aly El-Shafei, Egypt: Smart Electro-Mechanical Actuator Journal Integrated Bearing “SEMAJIB”
    The patented innovation (SEMAJIB) presented by Dr. El-Shafei, is a smart bearing which is versatile and can change its characteristics as it operates. It consists of a magnetic bearing imbedded in an oil-filled journal bearing, thus forming the smart controllable bearing. The flooding of the bearing with oil is a game changer as the purpose of bearings has traditionally been to expel oil. There is a significant improvement in turbine performance using the SEMAJIB particularly in single line combined cycle plants, as well as conventional generator technology. The device is designed to be used to support energy generating turbines and can be used to improve efficiency and reduce costs of generating energy in Africa.
    Discoveries in healthcare solutions
    7. Dougbeh-Chris Nyan, Liberia: New Technology for Rapid Detection of Many Infections Using Only One Test
    This is a rapid diagnostic test that can detect and simultaneously differentiate at least three to seven infections at the same time within 10 to 40 minutes. In most African countries, there is a lack of sophisticated diagnostic devices and limited expertise in high-tech diagnostics. This hinders the clinical decision-making ability of healthcare providers. This test provides a solution to this clinical problem. The innovation is easy to use in any setting and particularly in rural areas. Additionally, the device is able to detect and distinguish multiple infections which bear the same symptoms for instance, when a patient has yellow fever, malaria, and Ebola. Whereas most testing methods take 3 – 7 days, this device gives test results in 10 – 40 minutes. This would provide a significant step in the detection and management of infectious diseases on the continent.

    8. Olanisun Olufemi Adewole, Nigeria: Sweat TB Test, A non-invasive rapid skin test to detect Tuberculosis
    Sweat TB Test, is a non-invasive rapid diagnostic test to detect tuberculosis (TB). TB is second only to HIV/AIDS as a leading cause of death in Africa. Available methods are high tech; cannot be deployed in rural centres, dependent only sputum which sometimes may not be collectible and considered messy by patients. It is also time consuming with patients making repeated clinic visits before a diagnosis is made. Delay in diagnosis and missed diagnosis of 3million TB cases occur leading to continuous spread of the disease. Sweat TB Test leverages on TB specific marker in sweat of patients, to produce a point- of- care test to detect TB, within ten minutes, without any needle prick. In simple steps, reports are read and patients commenced on medication as needed at the same clinic visit. It has the potential to contribute towards effectively controlling TB, reduce TB related deaths and holds promise to prevent drug resistance TB in Africa.
    9. Gift Gana, Zimbabwe: Dr. CADx
    Dr CADx is a software solution that helps doctors and health care workers diagnose medical images more accurately. Due to the scarcity of radiologists on the continent, most medical images are read by general doctors or other health care workers who lack expertise and end up misdiagnosing more than 30% of the cases that they review. As a result, millions of patients fail to get the right treatment or the treatment is delayed leading to more complications and even death. Dr CADx uses deep learning to interpret medical images and achieve an accuracy of 82% an improvement over the 70% average for radiologists. Dr CADx is designed to work in low resource settings with poor internet connectivity opening it up for use in many rural settings in Africa.

    10. Philippa Ngaju Makobore, Uganda: Electronically Controlled Gravity Feed Infusion Set (ECGF)
    The Electronically Controlled Gravity Feed Infusion Set (ECGF) is medical device designed to accurately administer intravenous (IV) fluids and drugs by controlling the rate of fluid flow based on feedback from a drop sensor. Over 10% of children admitted to East African hospitals need immediate infusion therapy. Findings from the FEAST trial indicates that over-infusion in children increased the absolute risk of death by 3.3 % at 48 hours. Erroneous delivery rates can result into serious adverse effects. The ECGF solves this problem as it is very easy to operate and has key safety features which include alarms for rate of infusion (rapid or slow), total volume (over or under) and faulty sensors. A battery utilizing a hybrid (AC mains and solar) charging bed powers the device. The ECGF has the potential to save lives by providing accuracy and safety at 8% the cost of a brand-new infusion pump.

  • Staying dry without sacrificing style

    Staying dry without sacrificing style

    Choosing an outfit during rainy season can be really tough because there are so many things to consider. Rain can be a nuisance if you haven’t prepared for it. Typically, certain outfits are a ‘no-go’ for the rain. For instance, rocking suede shoes or white jean on a rainy day, can easily ruin the day.

    However, you cannot predict the rain, yet you cannot just stay indoors. You need to go to work, school, visit a friend, buy food stuff and so much more. Choosing what to wear this season require a little planning and preparation so the rain doesn’t come unaware looking like a ‘deal breaker’.

    You cannot change the weather, but you have the power to change the way you look in it. The rain should not hinder your daily activities. Here are few tips on how to stay dry without sacrificing style.

    INVEST IN TURTLE NECK SWEATERS:

    These sweaters keep you warm. It can be worn with corporate pants, skirts, denim and still look very stylish. You can never go wrong with this.

    GO FOR DARKER JEAN:

    Unlike a white jean, darker jean is better for the weather. You can easily dust off dirt and go on with the day.

    WATERPROOF MAKEUP:

    If you are not careful, the rain can ruin your makeup. It is best to wear waterproof makeup or very light and natural makeup.

    GO FOR SIMPLE HAIR:

    This season, you should rather go for hairstyle that requires little or no stress at all. It should be easy getting your hair styled and getting ready for the day regardless of the weather.

    HOODIES:

    Hoodies help to protect you hair. Invest I n hoodie jackets and denim this season.

    KNITTED WEAR:

    It could be a sweater, cardigan or dress. Knitted piece are options for the cold.

    RAINY FRIENDLY SANDALS:

    Refrain from leather shoes, stilettos and strappy heels unless your work requires you to do so. Invest in rain friendly sandals and rubber boots. There are fashionable sandals and boots that are water proof. You could rock these to work and still look very stylish.

    WATER PROOF BAGS AND WALLET:

    Tote bags

    The rain should not stop us from carrying our valuables about. There are files and documents that are very essential for the day’s activity. This is why we should invest in water proof bags and wallet. They help protect our valuables from rain drops.

    SWEATSHIRTS BECOMES YOUR BEST FRIEND:

     

    Sweatshirts could be really fashionable and also an option for the cold. there are stylish ways of rocking your sweatshirts to work and look super sweet alongside preventing yourself from cold.

    GET A GOOD UMBRELLA:

    Finally, you should invest in good, strong and fashionable umbrella. Umbrellas protect us from the rain. Get umbrellas that are strong enough to withstand the wind and heavy pour. There are really good and handy umbrella.

    It is important to prepare for the rain this season so it doesn’t come unaware seeing like a ‘deal breaker’.

     

     

     

  • Feminism and the Dialectics of African Culture

    Feminism and the Dialectics of African Culture

    Feminism as a concept is not alien to Africa. Women in Africa have always been conscious of their status and well being. It only didn’t appear to them as feminism. The concept of Western Feminism is what could be considered alien to Africa. As such, conceptualizing it could be difficult. This is because these two independent enclaves have divergent realities and history. While the concept means 50/50 power sharing formula to some, others sees it as placing both genders on same social, political and economic pedestal and advantage. To this end, and for the purpose of knowledge, let us stick to the global definition since it is now a concept being pursued globally. Do I need to give the definition again? Yes, it is simply an ideology that seeks to place women on same strata with men in all spheres all of life.

    One of the reasons advanced in support of feminism in Africa is the patriarchal structure of the African society. Western-Feminists believes this structure isn’t designed to favour women as it places women on the second class category of man. To them, African societal structure ought to have been designed in a way that would have fit into the western culture or style. This “oughtness” or assumption, for me, has been a self-inflicted bane on the campiagn for feminism in Africa.

    Again, one would also be forced to surmise that they have not truly interrogated the dialectics of African culture as to why it is so designed. Let me make a brief X-ray.

    In the precolonial Africa, farming was a major preoccupation. Both men and women took part as active agents. However, women, complemented the role of men by helping in the gathering of farm produce like cocoa, fruits and vegetables. These provided for them items of trade, which was their major preoccupation. During these periods, women also took to other enterprise and craft work like cloth-weaving, dyeing and other lucrative enterprise, which obtained at that period. Domestically, women were made to care of the home while the men fended for the home. Both genders were culturally designed to be mutually responsible. Where a gender is perceived to be lacking,  it becomes a tool of mockery in the society. As such, they were curious to meet up their responsibilities. In cases where the male gender tries to dominate the other, it could be argued as human deficiency and not cultural.

    African culture is loving and considerate. This partly explains how it has forbade the idea of women soldiers and other tasking leadership roles from the reach of women. This mustn’t be mistaken for what feminists argues to mean men’s ego. To a large extent, that is a misrepresentation of African culture. Another classics to demystify this school is  the exceptional and outstanding cases of Moremi and Queen Amina of precolonial Nigeria. Their roles clearly reveals the hypocrisy of this school and its misrepresentation.

    With the advent of colonialism came a new societal structure where western education began to  dictate the tune of the African society. This change also goes with the culture of its origin as a yardstick for measuring African progress, growth, and development. Carelessly, this has informed the misinterpretation of the role of women in the precolonial African society as true agents of development and change.

    One must not be tempted to agree that African culture at that time was perfect. There were indeed troubles like infertility and infidelity, which were peculiar to both male and female genders. “Okobo” was that of the male gender, “Lakriboto” and “agan” was that of female gender. While the women in modern times have Used these as an argument in advancing their case of female marginalisation, it is also sad that the case of “okobo”, which places the male victim at a disadvantage in the social circle has mostly been downplayed by the Western-Feminist agents. A classic example of this is the “Joys of Motherhood ” as captured by Buchi Emechita.

    The point to be made from the above is that both genders have always played a crucial role in the development and growth of the African society. Where the male gender fails in discharging its responsibilities, he is deemed incompetent a man. And where the female gender erred, it is also deemed as misfortune.  Both were served right. Most issues raised against African culture as being a patriarchy working against gender equality is at best misconstrued and misinterpreted. Proper understanding of its dialectics is expected of the Western-Feminist agents. Perhaps, if they do, better result could be achieved beyond mere sloganeering and women takeover impression. Who knows?

    Waliu, a Historian/Aspiring Diplomat writes from Le Havre, France.

  • Staying healthy during rainy season

    Staying healthy during rainy season

    Rainy season is a season of fun and greenery environment. However, this season also invites a number of health problems such as water infection, cold, flues, cholera etc. This infections can be very difficult to be dealt with. This makes it very important to take precautions. Here are some tips to keep you healthy and safe these rainy months.

    1. DRINK PLENTY WATER:

    It is natural to reduce the intake of water this season because of the sudden change in environmental temperature. Nevertheless, it is health to drink plenty water this season. Avoid waiting to get thirsty before taking water. This is because water helps to drain toxins from the body. It is however important to note that diseases in rainy season are mostly waterborne so you have to be cautious of your drinking water source. It is best to take boiled or purified drinking water.

    1. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET:

    Our body is prone to infections this season. You should avoid eating just anything. Street food are not just the best this season. Avoid eating out this rainy season, make sure you prepare your meal with full precaution.

    1. HAVE YOUR RAIN GEAR WITH YOU ALWAYS:

    You should be ready for downpour always. A rain coat with hooded jacket should be kept handy. Avoiding exposing yourself to the cold, make sure you keep yourself warm because shivering depresses the immune system and this makes us more likely to catch colds. Therefore, always have your coats and sweaters handy.

    1. AVOID WALKING IN THE RAIN:

    Walking in the rain makes you prone to diseases and it can cause fungal infections at the feet and nails. Avoid staying wet in stocks and shoes, avoid sitting in the AC environment once your cloth get wet. However, if it wasn’t avoidable, Take a warm shower right after getting drenched. This helps stabilizes the cold temperature brought by the rains, helping the body return to a normal temperature after drying off and getting dressed.

    1. MAINTAIN PERSONAL HYGIENE:

    Cleanliness is very important during rainy seasons, clean your hands regularly and use a sanitizer always. Germs can be transmitted by physical contact and enter the body when infected hands touch vulnerable parts like our eyes, nose and mouth. Washing hands often and drying them on disposable paper towels or hand towels regularly can significantly reduce the chances of catching a virus.

    1. USE MOSQUITO REPELLENT OFTEN:

    Accumulated water, breeds insect such as flies and mosquitoes. To avoid this, regularly empty out still water sources, such as planter saucers and trays, pet water bowls and decorative urns, around the home. Also, you should use mosquito repellant.

    1. SLEEP SOUNDLY:

    Lack of sleep makes us more prone to diseases. If you feel stressed, you are likely to become ill compared to when you’re feeling buoyant, happy and relaxed. It is advisable to relax often and sleep soundly this season.

    It is very important to take precaution during the rainy season to avoid catching infection.