South Africa Vision

In a world still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19, mental health challenges, especially among men, have become increasingly apparent.

The Delivery Room Foundation, a spiritual and mental health clinic based in Windhoek with outreaches throughout the country, has been at the forefront of addressing these issues.

Its chairperson, Elago Nantana, has taken on the mission to inspire and support men facing depression, hopelessness, and a lack of purpose, after witnessing a disturbing rise in suicide rates among men.

Nantana told Nampa in an interview on Saturday outside Arandis that he decided to take on a 321-kilometre solo trek from Okahandja to Walvis Bay, a journey which he themed ‘A walk of Mental Peace’. This is his third walk, in order to inspire men and encourage them to communicate freely about mental health issues.

‘We have seen a troubling rise in men committing suicide, feeling depressed, hopeless, and without purpose. There seemed to be no superhero to lift them up, so Delivery Room decided
to take action,’ he explained.

Nantana’s mission aims to break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and therefore uses his own experiences to connect with other men, encouraging them to speak up and seek help.

‘Men often hesitate to speak about their struggles, leading to isolation and worsening mental health. Having overcome my own battles with depression, alcohol, and drug abuse, I understand this silence.’

In 2022, Nantana embarked on his first long walk from Oranjemund to Katima Mulilo, a journey which he described as not just a physical challenge but a symbolic gesture to encourage men not to give up.

It marked the beginning of a series of walks aimed at raising awareness about men’s mental health and providing them with a sense of hope.

‘By 2023, suicide rates among men were alarmingly high. I could not stand by and watch these rates climb, so I decided to walk to Ohangwena to encourage men once again, and through videos and personal stories, I have been working to inspire men not to give up,
‘ Nantana narrates.

Nantana’s current walk commenced over one week ago, averaging around 30 kilometres per day and had already covered about 200 kilometres during this interview.

He sets up camp to rest overnight before continuing his walk. He anticipates to arrive in Walvis Bay by Wednesday, where he will meet and talk to men about mental health issues.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: Founding President Sam Nujoma is hospitalised as a routine and precautionary measure due to an infection given his advanced age, but is recuperating well.

This was according to a joint press statement issued on Sunday by the Founding President’s Personal Physician, Dr Tshalli Iithete and Senior Special Assistant to the Founding President, Paul Shipale.

Iithete and Shipale said that Nujoma is under the care of a competent and dedicated team of health practitioners comprising medical doctors and registered nurses, as well as specialists who are looking after him.

They further indicated that the medical team caring for Founding President Nujoma is satisfied and grateful for his strong recovery following his hospitalisation on Thursday.

‘He is recuperating very well and we are satisfied with his recovery progress,’ read the statement.

In addition, Iithete and Shipale called on Namibians to heed Nujoma’s timeless call of unity of purpose and action and letting their deeds be the candles that illumin
ate the path towards a brighter tomorrow, where unity reigns supreme and the echoes of his wisdom resound for eternity when he always says: ‘A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all the members of the society, will always emerge victorious.’

Source: The Namibia News Agency

OSHAKATI: The Namibian Police Force in the Omusati Region are investigating a case of rape after two minor boys aged 3 and 5 years were allegedly assaulted by their 67-year-old grandfather.

Omusati crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho said the incidents allegedly occurred during this month at Ongatudhiya village in the Elim Constituency.

‘It is alleged that the suspect who is the victims’ grandfather had sexual intercourse with the minors on various occasions,’ he said.

He added that the matter was reported to the police by the victims’ 31-year-old mother recently.

Simaho said the suspect is known but not yet arrested.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Nigerian doctor and visual artist, Fola David, has made history by surpassing the existing Guinness World Records (GWR) for the world’s largest drawing by an individual.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that his massive artwork, spanning an impressive 850 square meters, has surpassed the previous record of 629.98 square meters held by Ravi Soni from India.

David’s ambition doesn’t stop here, as he aims to expand his artwork to a staggering 1,000 square meters, further solidifying his position in the record books.

The drawing, ‘Unity in Diversity’, showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Nigeria through their unique attire, languages, culture, and artistic expressions.

In an Instagram video, David, known for his exceptional skill and passion for art, said, ‘Hi guys, I am so happy to say that we have broken the current record and all we have to do now is set a new one.’

David’s remarkable achievement has garnered widespread acclaim from fans and well-wishers, who congratulated him on this outstandin
g feat.

‘Huge congratulations to Dr Fola David on this incredible achievement! Your talent and dedication are truly inspiring,’ says Jane Doe.

‘This is amazing. Dr David, you’re a true Nigerian hero and a role model for young artists everywhere,’ she said.

Kenny Abayomi said, ‘Congratulations, Dr David. Your artwork is not only massive but also mesmerising. You deserve every bit of this recognition.

‘Dr David, you’re a shining example of what it means to chase your dreams and never give up. We’re all proud of you,’ said Abayomi.

See also YEFF ‘ll showcase films for education, value re-orientation, youth empowerment – AGN

In the course of his attempt, celebrities and dignitaries have visited David at the Onikan Stadium venue to offer their support and witness his artistic feat firsthand.

Among them are the renowned Nigerian chef and GWR holder, Hilda Baci, who reportedly brought not only her well wishes but also food and supplies to fuel Dr David’s artistic marathon.

Adding to the encouragement, former
presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also paid a visit to the stadium, taking time to personally commend Dr David’s efforts.

David’s work has been widely recognised, and he continues to push boundaries, inspiring others with his creativity and perseverance.

Source:News Agency of Nigeria

A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja has refused to shut down all expenditures of Gov. Siminalay Fubara of Rivers pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit field by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24 and moved by Sebastien Hon, SAN, rather ordered the plaintiffs to put all the defendants in the suit on notice.

Justice Nwite, however, granted another motion ex-parte by the plaintiffs to serve the 5th to 10th defendants with the originating process and other applications in the matter by substituted means.

The judge sai:, ‘The leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs/applicants to serve the 5th to 10th defendants/respondents with tne plaintiffs/applicants’ originating and any other process(es) filed or issued in this suit by substituted means to wit:

‘By publishing same in the Nation Newspapers.’

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Aug. 7 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The News Agency of N
igeria (NAN) reports that the 5th to 10th defendants are Fubara; Accountant-General (A-G) of Rivers; Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC); Chief Judge (CJ) of Rivers, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi; Chairman of RSIEC, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd.) and Government of Rivers State, respectively.

The Rivers State House of Assembly and Right Honourable Martin Amaewhule (1st and 2nd plaintiffs) had, through their lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, filed the suit dated July 14 but filed July 15.

They had sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 4th defendants, respectively.

See also Boardroom crisis: Court fixes May 11 for definite hearing in suit involving Obasanjo’s ex-aide

Also joined in the suit are Fubara, Rivers A-G, RSIEC, Rivers CJ, Chairman of RSIEC and Rivers government as 5th to 10 defendants.

In the motion on notice brought pursuant to Order 28 Rules 1 and 2; Order 27 Rules 5; Order 28 Rule 1(2) of
FHC Civil Procedure Rules 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, the plaintiffs sought two orders.

They sought an order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants from honouring any request, command, order or mandate or any banking or other instrument, financial instruction or other instructions issued by the 5th defendant.

On his instruction or at his instance or deriving from the 5th defendant’s authority or in any manner, fund or revenue of Rivers State or Rivers State Government in the custody of the said the defendants, or held by the said defendants for the benefit of Rivers State or Rivers State Government or in any.

NAN reports that the two rulings, which were delivered on July 17 in the judge’s chamber, were obtained on Sunday in Abuja by NAN.

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly had, on July 15, suspended all expenditures of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara until he re-presents his budget before the house.

The lawmakers gave the governor a
seven-day ultimatum to re-present his budget, which they said had expired.

Rivers House Leader, Major Jack, moved the motion to bring up a resolution alerting the house of the governor’s seven-day deadline for presenting the 2024 budget to the house

See also INEC decries spate of court orders on off-cycle election

Following consideration, the assembly decided to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, prohibiting any expenditure by Gov. Fubara’s administration.

Source:News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army (NA) has reiterated that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Sunday while reacting to a video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing Army Desert Camouflage uniform.

Nwachukwu said the video footage was a stale audio-visual being circulated by individuals with malicious intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace.

He said that only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force were legally permitted to wear military camouflage.

Nwachukwu said the regulation became expedient as terrorists, insurgents, and other imposters had exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes, thereby posing significant security threat.

‘The Nigerian army remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

‘We urge the public to disregard the re-c
irculated video and to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and tension within the country.

‘The unfortunate incident in question occurred in 2021, and the army took immediate and decisive action at that time.

‘The soldier involved was arrested, tried, and appropriately punished for his unacceptable behaviour, which violated the core values of the Nigerian army, particularly the respect for others and their fundamental rights,” he said.

Source:News Agency of Nigeria