From Xenophobia to the Runway: Adetshina's Miss Universe Triumph is a Fashionable Statement

 Chidimma Adetshina, a young woman born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, has made history as the first Nigerian to be crowned first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant. Her journey to the prestigious competition was marked by both adversity and triumph.

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig reacts next to Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, as she is announced as the winner of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, Mexico, November 16, 2024. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

Initially, Adetshina competed in Miss South Africa, but was forced to withdraw due to controversy surrounding her nationality. She faced xenophobic backlash and allegations that her mother had stolen the identity of a South African woman, leading to government investigations. Despite the difficult situation, Adetshina expressed gratitude to South Africa, a country she holds dear.

However, her journey took a new turn when the organizers of the Miss Universe Nigeria competition extended an invitation to her. This opportunity allowed Adetshina to reconnect with her Nigerian heritage and pursue her dreams on a global stage. She embraced this chance and ultimately achieved remarkable success at the Miss Universe pageant, becoming the first Nigerian to reach the top two.

Ahead of the finals, Adetshina shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing her gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support. She spoke of feeling overwhelmed by the challenges she faced, but ultimately finding strength in her dreams and the love of the Nigerian people. She acknowledged the risks she took, but emphasized her determination to make history and represent her country with pride.

Adetshina's success builds on the legacy of Nigerian women who have excelled on global beauty platforms, evoking memories of Agbani Darego's historic Miss World win in 2001. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young people around the world, demonstrating the power of resilience, determination, and embracing one's heritage.

Moi University Strike Escalates: Suspensions Issued, Graduation in Jeopardy

Moi University is facing another hurdle in its efforts to resume academic activities. The institution's management has begun suspending academic staff, including leaders of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU). This action has sparked strong resistance from the staff, who are demanding the payment of salaries and loans withheld for two months.

"Moi University has started handing in dismissal letters," confirmed Busolo Wegesa, Chapter Secretary of UASU at Moi University. "As of now, they have already handed the letter to the leadership of all the university staff unions. All the leaders have been given the notice."

A high-ranking KUSU official echoed these sentiments, stating, "We just want them to pay our loans and all the deductions that they have taken from us. They should pay us, then we will come back to work. A salary is our right so you cannot tell us to get back to work just because you paid our salaries. We haven’t been paid for two months.”

The suspensions come despite a directive from Members of Parliament for the university management to engage in dialogue with employees. Instead, the management issued warning letters before the parliamentary committee left the premises on November 6th, escalating to suspension letters for union leaders.

"They are trying to divide and rule. They are giving suspension letters selectively, feeding us fear. We want to tell the management and the government that this has greatly fueled us to work more," said the KUSU official.

Wegesa expressed his belief that the management is deliberately trying to silence their concerns and prevent a resolution. "We believe there is someone who does not want Moi University issues to be discussed so they want to hide them by pushing the employees away," he stated.

The staff accuse the university of using intimidation tactics to force them back to work, arguing that they cannot return until their financial grievances are addressed. "How do workers go to work if they have not been paid salaries for two months? How do workers go to work when their loans are in court and their property is being auctioned?" questioned Wegesa.

The ongoing dispute threatens to further disrupt academic activities, potentially delaying graduation. The university's ERP system, used for generating graduation lists, is reportedly dysfunctional, forcing staff to rely on manual processes.

"Graduation will not take place. Until all our issues are resolved, there will be no graduation system. Moi University uses ERP system to produce the graduation list. That ERP system has long been spoilt and we are currently using manual means and those lecturers who are still on strike are supposed to undertake this role," added Wegesa.

The situation at Moi University remains tense, with staff determined to fight for their rights and demanding a resolution to their financial concerns before resuming their duties.

Moi University Orders Staff Back to Work, Citing Court Ruling

 Eldoret, Kenya - Moi University has ordered all staff members, both academic and non-academic, to immediately suspend their ongoing strike and resume their duties. The directive, issued in a memo signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Kosgey, cites a recent ruling by the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) on November 8th, 2024.

The memo states: "The ELRC has issued interim orders barring the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) from 'calling, taking part in, instigating or inciting other to take part in an unprotected strike, strike, or any other form of industrial action.'"

The university has further directed all Deans to ensure that learning resumes in their respective schools on Monday, November 11th at 8:00 am. Any staff members who fail to comply with the order will be reported to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, Extension and Student Affairs (DVC ARESA).

The memo, which has been widely circulated among university staff, includes a picture of the ELRC court order, further emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The recent strike, which began in October, had disrupted academic activities at the university, with students facing uncertainty about their studies. The court's ruling and the university's subsequent directive are expected to bring a much-needed resolution to the impasse.

Moi University: From Foundation of Knowledge to Crisis Point?

Summary:

The National Assembly's Education Committee has called for the complete dissolution of Moi University's current management.

This decision follows a period of prolonged unrest, including student protests and a lecturers' strike, leading to the university's closure since November 2024.

The committee is advocating for a transitional board to take over the university's administration.

The committee is concerned about financial mismanagement and has demanded an independent investigation into the university's finances.

The situation highlights deep-seated problems at Moi University, jeopardizing the future of its students and eroding its academic integrity.

 The National Assembly's Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, has issued a strong call for the complete dissolution of the current management of Moi University. This dramatic move comes in response to a period of prolonged unrest at the institution, marked by escalating tensions between students and lecturers, coupled with severe financial difficulties.

Video: NTV Kenya

The committee's decision to advocate for a transitional board to take over the running of the university underscores the gravity of the situation. The university has been forced to close its doors since November 2024, a direct consequence of student protests and a subsequent lecturers' strike. These actions highlight the deep-seated problems that have plagued the institution, eroding its academic integrity and jeopardizing the future of its students.

The committee's concerns extend beyond the immediate crisis. They are deeply troubled by the university's financial situation and the apparent mismanagement of funds. This has led them to demand an independent investigation into the university's financial affairs, seeking to shed light on the underlying causes of the institution's dire state and to ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.

Tragedy Strikes Moi University: Two Students Drown in Quarry

The tranquil waters of an open quarry near Moi University in Eldoret turned deadly on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of two students. The young men, identified as Wycliffe Machuki (left), a third-year student, and Chris Otieno (right), a second-year student, were reportedly enjoying a swim in the quarry located in the Kesses area of Uasin Gishu County when tragedy struck.

The circumstances surrounding the drowning remain unclear, but initial reports suggest that the students may have encountered difficulties while swimming. A somber mood descended upon the university community as news of the tragedy spread, with students and faculty alike expressing their shock and grief.

Confirming the incident, Police Chief Charles Chacha of the Kesses area stated that the bodies of the two students were recovered from the quarry and transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret mortuary. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the drownings.

Two bodies of the drowned students retrieved from a quary.

The loss of these two young lives serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with open water, even in seemingly calm environments. As the university community mourns the loss of their fellow students, it is a time for reflection and a renewed emphasis on water safety awareness.

Rest in Peace comrades🕊️

The Balancing Act: Public Interest vs. National Interest

Author: Jemedari Mwanawakiume

 The terms "public interest" and "national interest" are often thrown around in political discourse, sometimes interchangeably. While they share a common goal of benefiting society, they represent distinct perspectives, often leading to a complex balancing act.

The public interest focuses on the well-being of the general public, prioritizing issues like social welfare, environmental protection, and individual rights. It champions policies that directly benefit citizens, ensuring access to healthcare, education, and a safe environment. For example, advocating for stricter environmental regulations to protect public health falls under the public interest.

The national interest, on the other hand, encompasses a broader perspective, encompassing the nation's security, economic prosperity, and international standing. It considers policies that benefit the nation as a whole, even if they might not directly impact individual citizens. For instance, a trade agreement that strengthens the economy, even if it leads to job losses in specific sectors, could be deemed in the national interest.

The crux of the issue lies in the potential for conflict between these two perspectives. A policy that benefits the national economy might negatively impact a specific community, leading to a clash between public and national interest. For instance, building a new airport that boosts tourism and economic growth could displace residents and damage the environment, raising concerns about the public interest.

Navigating this conflict requires a delicate balance. While prioritizing national interest might seem advantageous in the long run, neglecting the public interest can lead to social unrest and undermine the legitimacy of the government. Similarly, solely focusing on the public interest might hinder national progress and limit opportunities for growth.

The solution lies in finding policies that serve both the national and public interest. This requires a comprehensive approach that considers the needs of all citizens while also ensuring the nation's overall well-being. This can be achieved through:

Transparency and accountability: Openly communicating the rationale behind policies and ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent can build trust and address public concerns.

Effective communication: Engaging with the public and understanding their concerns is crucial for finding solutions that address both public and national interests.

Long-term vision: Policies should be designed with a long-term perspective, considering their impact on future generations and the sustainability of the nation.

Ultimately, the goal should be to create a society where the public interest and national interest are not seen as opposing forces but rather as complementary goals, working in tandem to create a better future for all. This requires constant dialogue, a willingness to compromise, and a shared commitment to building a nation that prioritizes both its people and its progress.

"I have had to ask myself whether the highest interest is the public interest or there is a higher interest called the national iinterest, because the public itself could hurt the national interests - DP Kithure Kindiki

Moi University: Back to the Books, But What About the Issues?

Author: Jemedari Mwanawakiume

Get ready to hit the books, Moi University students! After a month of campus closures and student unrest, the university is finally reopening its doors on Friday, November 8th. The decision came after a series of meetings between university management, staff, and student representatives, aiming to address the issues that sparked the protests.

But hold up, what exactly happened? Students were furious about the VC's decision to close the university, claiming it violated their right to education. They also accused the VC of poor management and ignoring their concerns about staff issues.

So what's next? The university is promising a fresh start. The management board and student representatives are finalizing a "return to work" agreement, and the Higher Education PS will be on campus to welcome students back.

But will this be enough to address the underlying problems? Students are hoping this reopening marks a real change, not just a temporary fix. The upcoming weeks will be crucial to see if the university can truly address the issues that led to the closure and create a more supportive learning environment for everyone.

Beyond the Headlines: A Critical Thinker's Guide to News Verification

By Jemedari Mwanawakiume

 It's important to be critical of the information you encounter online, especially when it comes to news articles. Here are some tips to help you determine if a news story is reliable:

Checking the Source:

Reputable Sources: Look for news organizations known for accurate reporting. Be cautious of websites with unusual domain names or missing contact information.

Beyond the Headlines: Headlines can be catchy but misleading. Read the entire article to understand the full context.

Author Expertise: Check if the author is an expert on the topic and if they have any biases that might influence their reporting.

Supporting Evidence: Look for links to credible sources that back up the claims made in the article.

Other Signs: Be wary of articles with excessive capitalization, poor grammar, or a lack of evidence.

Send message to VERIFY NEWS INFORMATION

Verifying Information:

Fact-Checking Websites: Websites like FactCheck.org and Snopes.com can help you determine the accuracy of news stories.

Multiple Sources: Compare information from different sources to see if there are any inconsistencies.

Reverse Image Search: If a photo seems suspicious, use a reverse image search to see where it originated and if it has been used in other contexts.