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Gabriella Nandi on Africa’s Eating and Health Habits, the Science of Physiotherapy and the Health Hub

Published

4 years ago

October 15, 2021

Eric

By Dolapo Aina

Gabriella Nandi is one of the young generation of Rwandans who does things differently. The King’s College trained certified physiotherapist who returned home after spending most of her tentative years in the United Kingdom, to begin the health hub; is an advocate for healthy eating, healthy lifestyle and all its trappings (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, fitness classes, nutrition, personal training, sports therapy, just to name a few). Whilst she is a physiotherapist, she can also metamorphose (if need be) into a jack of all trade and a master of some, if not all (as you would discover.)
I sat down with ebullient Gabriella Nandi at the health hub in Kigali on Friday, October 8, 2021 for an extensive interview bordering on several themes. Do read the excerpts.

Who is Gabriella Nandi and why did you decide to venture into this line of business in Rwanda?

I am a physiotherapist and I currently own the health hub situated in a part of Kigali called Gikondo. The health hub really came about because of my profession. I have always been passionate about the body and it was a dream of mine to start something of such nature. That is how I started. Basically, when I was younger it had been a dream of mine because I was really interested in the body, medicine, healing. Initially, I thought I wanted to be a medical doctor but then, after a few different experiences, I leaned towards physiotherapy. And once that happened that was when I had the inspiration for the concept of the health hub because then I thought, how can you make physiotherapy more holistic? What other services go with physiotherapy that can compliment and go with holistic package for the patient or client? That was why we decided to add exercise therapy, massage therapy, nutritional therapy; all in one and hopefully in the future we would add more treatments and options for people. So, pretty much, my passion is lifestyle (health lifestyle). I did my masters in public health and that gave me more of a boost in health promotion and prevention. Prevention of non-communicable diseases and that has been my passion for the last three to four years. And this is because, you find that obesity is on the rise in many African countries and so you find that actually we are moving away from the main causes of death being infectious diseases and more towards non-communicable diseases. Things like stroke, diabetes, cardiac problems etc. and the main risk factors are lack of exercise, poor diet and bad habits.

In Africa, we tend to think that these are Western issues not ours. But during my masters, I found out that actually it is a big problem here.

It is a big problem on the African Continent. Why so?

It is because since we have been so focused on infectious diseases which are still prevalent in many African countries, you have a double burden of diseases where you have mainly the low-income earners still suffering from infectious diseases like malaria. Then you have the middle to high income who are starting to be affected a lot by the non-communicable diseases like strokes, diabetes and heart diseases. Now, the reason why I say it is a big issue is that, not that is not a big issue in the rest of the world, it has to do with awareness in Africa. When you talk to people, you find out that most people think that these non-communicable diseases are Western problems but actually it is becoming an African problem. And I cannot remember the actual figures but we are finding that the projections forward; they are actually looking at Africa being the lead in non-communicable diseases and it is rising even more.

But how is that possible when we as Africans on the African Continent are not the ones with the deepest pockets in terms of spending power?

Now, that is the thing. You find out that for example, the people with the most non-communicable diseases especially diabetes are in India and India has a huge people of low-income earners. But what you are finding out now is that because food is more easily accessible and to be specific, unhealthy food is more easily accessible, low-income people are misusing it more and high-income people are actually more aware, so they are able to afford the organic food items; food stuff with less sugar etc. you find that high income earners are in a better position to place themselves to access good healthy food.

So, basically, you are stating that good healthy food items are more expensive while unhealthy food items are cheaper?

Two things here. Not that they are more expensive but there are two factors you should take into consideration. One is that access is increasing into unhealthy food. Mind you, unhealthy food does not necessarily have to be unprocessed sugar. It could be that one is just eating a lot of carbohydrates, a lot of rice, a lot of potatoes and not mixing, not eating vegetables and not having a balanced diet. And then, you have the issue of organic food items which are slightly more expensive to access. Let us say like in Rwanda, with farmers having small land, majority of farmers are using pesticides and pesticides have been linked to cancer and cancer is a non-communicable disease. So, unless I have the knowledge and the capacity to look for knowledge, I am less likely to do so. And sometimes actually, you can find that healthier options are more accessible to me but my knowledge and my awareness of knowing that I have to eat multiple and a good range of food (and not thinking that eating is just eating potatoes etc), you find out that, that is what creates the problem.

How did you begin the health hub? How did the idea come about? And when did it transmute from hobby to an idea to full implementation (reality)?

To start off with, I would say, it has been a journey whereby I knew this was my destination. When I was in the United Kingdom working as a physiotherapist, I was trying as much as I can to learn outside of physiotherapy. I did diploma courses in nutrition, sports massage therapy. I also, studied a lot of courses online. When I was working in the hospital, I would get a lot of leaflets and information about all the other services. I knew that when I came home, I would do a lot more than just physiotherapy. With that in place, I was almost setting myself up to start the health hub. One time when I came home for holidays from the United Kingdom (whilst doing my masters), my parents who have been my biggest supporters since I was young and because they are business people who believe you should work for yourself (one thing they have been pushing us to do.) So, when I moved back home, I informed my father about my plans to return to the UK, do my masters and continue working. And he said, why don’t I just start?
I thought it was impossible and he said, let us just have a look. And somehow, God put everything in place (which I cannot explain). We were able to find this location at a very good price. And then, we started. It took four years to complete but we started. We started innovating, giving ideas. For good two years, we were just in construction and as we were going on, more ideas would come. It started out as just physiotherapy centre and then I thought physiotherapy is a young profession in Rwanda and not many people even know what physiotherapists so. Why don’t I add services that people are already aware of and comfortable with that would brin them in and then teach them about physiotherapy and then access them. And I thought that gym goes really well with physiotherapy and I would need a gym with a physiotherapy. And that is how that started. I got feedback from other Rwandans on what they are looking for in a place and I found out that the one thing that is missing is a place that has multiple services in one because many people would go for one service and one thing e.g. physiotherapy and you lose track of them where as for The Health Hub, once you are done with physiotherapy, we get you started with a gym membership with a trainer that has been trained by a physiotherapist. This way, they keep going and they can change their lifestyle. And so, just by feedback and God’s Grace if I am honest, it just slowly came together in a way I cannot really explain. But the dream and the goal had always been there.

What would you say are some of the challenges you have faced in trying to make this dream into a reality?

I faced challenges. For instance, I had spent most of my life not in Rwanda but just coming for holidays, so there was a lot I had to learn regarding everything; dealing with construction workers, knowing where to source for products.
Different mindsets.

Yes, different mindsets and also knowing where to source for information on and for my business. And initially, it felt overwhelming and almost impossible.

Also, language barrier was there (obviously it improved with time). All of that increased my frustration and it made it feel like an almost impossible task. Other challenges we faced were obviously practical challenges like access to finance (there were times we had to stop for months because of that.) There would be things we had to start off with but could not afford, so that prolonged the process and made the whole project last many years. Other than that, every other thing was pretty straightforward. I think the only other thing was finding stuff like equipment. We don’t have manufacturing capacity here in Rwanda but importing things could be cumbersome and a huge hustle. When you import things first, getting them over here, getting them through customs, the process is arduous and very expensive. And for someone who is starting a new business, it can almost collapse your business if you don’t have something in the bag.

And what are your high points since the health hub kicked off?

My highs have been getting to know my full potentials. So, because of not having enough access to finance, we did a lot of stuff ourselves. For example, I became a construction manager.

Really?

Yes. I can do that. If someone had a construction project and needed a construction manager, they could hire me and I would execute the construction project.

Seriously?

Yes. Also, I became my own designer. I did not know I had design skills. Somehow when I noticed the designers were charging me exorbitant fees, my mother pushed me to do it myself. And I commenced deep research and somehow, I was able to create a space that everyone including I, love.

So, basically, necessity became the mother of all innovation.

Absolutely, well said. I even became a web developer and created the company’s website. The list goes on. These are things we had never anticipated we would ever do.
I am playing an “angel’s advocate” here.

Someone reading this would wonder if Gabriella is saying all this or is it that she is tight-fisted with money? Because you became your own web developer, construction manager. People would say, these were not your field but you were stingy with resources?

The reality was that I could not just afford it, it was just too expensive. And I got to a place where I was almost begging people to just help me at a lower price and you would find that when you go to someone who was willing to do it at a cheaper price, the product comes out not so good.

Like inferior and not the quality you wanted?

Yes. And sometimes, it was still a lot of money but I am not going to spend a lot of money to get poor quality and I could not genuinely afford the prices the designers were charging me (the web designers hit us with bills that we knew were almost impossible.) And so, every task I ended up undertaking, before doing the task, I always ended up panicking and always thought it would never get done but my mother would always say just do it yourself and within a short time, I began to believe in it. For instance, with the web development, I went on Youtube and found loads of content which would teach you from a to z on how to do it. And so, I just started and when I put my mind to something, I go all the way and I became obsessed with it. The more I delved deeper into it, the more I learnt the benefits. Because now that I did my own construction work, I have learnt to value the property, to know what a particular challenge is (electrical or plumping issues.) I know where everything is. Even though it was hard, it was such a great learning experience. And I cannot recommend it for everyone but what I can say is, I would recommend it for anyone who is willing because I learnt so much about my space and I was able to put a lot of my mind and focus into it. I would get these designers who would have all these nice ideas but they were not my vision and it was hard to steer them towards my vision.

Basically, they were not in your head.

Exactly and because I am very particular and I know exactly what I want. I could be very hard to work with if you are a professional because I could be like; “No, I want this” and they could be like; “my years of experience says this”.

How has the commencement of the business been? Tremendous opportunities and future goals for the health hub?

Starting the health hub has been exposed so many opportunities all in the health sector for now. The more people I interact with in the hub, the more they tell us what they need. The feedback gives us ways and ideas to work on. Just within the health hub itself, it has so much potential in adding more services and value to what we are currently giving. Also, in terms of the future, I would love to be able to reach a much larger poll of people. Because we are here and it is a physical location, we cannot reach someone in Uganda or people that live outside Kigali. So, we find that if in the future we have more health hubs in the country or even organise outreaches just to educate people about living a healthier lifestyle. And we want in the near future to start something online in the mould of a Youtube channel to be very active online giving physiotherapy-based and related information and when someone needs extra advice, they can pay us a visit. But I have discovered that with a lot of my clients, the first few things I tell them, they usually don’t know and this makes a huge difference to solving their problems that they have. So, the more we do things online the better.

Featured

Ozekhome, Wife Josephine, Celebrate 34 Years of Marital Bliss

Published

4 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Popular Constitution lawyer and renowned human rights activist, Prof Mike Ozekhome, and wife, Lady Josephine Ozekhome, has celebrated 34 years of living together as husband and wife.

The couple took time out to shower love, encomium and affection on each other, celebrating the goodness of Godd upon their lives and home in the last 34 years.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Ozekhome noted that on a day like this “I remember how we started; how we weathered the storm together, and conquered together. She is the best companion anyone can have, and I’m very proud of her, and to be her husband.”

Ozekhome once stated that his wife is “a great woman of uncommon virtues and humanity; my jewel of inestimable value, soulmate, sister, best friend and mother.”

While the wife is identified as Lady (Dr) (Senior High Chief) Josephine Mike Ozekhome LL.M, LSM, LL.D. D.Sc., the renowned constitution lawyer, a dotting and loving husband, and firebrand pro-masses Advocate, os identified as Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt,D.Sc., among a host of other watering achievements.

Mike and Josephine have built a family of lawyers, producing wonderful children, who are also lawyers, and doctors.

Happy 34th anniversary, Mike and Josephine!

Featured

Akpabio, Natasha Renew Roforofo Fight

Published

6 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The war of words and legal fireworks between the senate president, Godswill Akpabio and Senator represent Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, seems to have been rekindled following reported slamming of N200 billion suit on the Kogi senator.

Akpabio is asking the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to award him damages over what he described as false, malicious and injurious allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by the Kogi Central senator in media interviews and public statements.

The court filings quoted the Senate President as saying that the lawmaker’s claims subjected him to “public hatred, contempt and ridicule,” portraying him as a “sexual predator” and a leader who abused his office.

He argues that millions of Nigerians consumed the interviews and online content, causing him emotional distress and inflicting grave damage on his political and social standing.

As the reports of the court filings hit public space, Natasha swiftly responded, hinting that the action is a welcome development as it gives her the much awaited opportunity to finally present her the evidence of sexual harassment she accused Akpabio of.

“Today, being the 5th day of December 2025, I am in receipt of the newly instituted ₦200 billion suit against me.

“I am glad that Senator Akpabio has brought this up because the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges refused to grant me an audience, claiming the matter was already in court.

“I now have a chance to prove how I was sexually harassed and how my refusal to give into his demands unleashed a series of unprecedented attacks on my person. See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” the Senator threatened.

Responding, the Senate President again challenged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to present credible evidence of her sexual harassment allegations in court rather than resorting to what he described as “staged outrage” and online theatrics.

Akpabio’s response is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, where he insisted the defamation suit against Natasha was not newly filed as she claimed, but had been pending in court for three months.

The statement, titled, ‘Setting the record straight on the defamation case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’, accused the Kogi Central lawmaker of deliberately misleading the public.

He said, “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan again resorted to social media to claim incorrectly and misleadingly that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had only just filed a multi-billion-naira defamation suit against her over her unfounded allegations of sexual misconduct.

“These allegations, as the public is well aware, have never been supported by a single shred of evidence before the Senate Committee or before any competent authority.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the facts are clear, verifiable, and already before the court. The suit was filed over three months ago. Its progress was temporarily delayed by routine administrative processes and the normal judicial procedures.”

The Senate President further stated that attempts by court bailiffs to serve the senator were repeatedly frustrated.

Akpabio also accused her of a pattern of public posturing.

He said, “We reiterate that legal disputes are resolved in courtrooms, not through orchestrated narratives and staged outrage on social-media platforms. The online applause Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan habitually seeks cannot replace credible evidence, legal procedure, or judicial scrutiny.

“This behaviour is consistent with her pattern during her six-month Senate suspension, an entirely lawful disciplinary measure she sought to delegitimise through digital agitation, only to ultimately serve the suspension in full.”

The former Akwa Ibom governor also challenged her to finally present her evidence before a judge.

“It is time for Akpoti-Uduaghan to present the ‘evidence’ she claims to possess before a court of competent jurisdiction, rather than relying on sensationalised commentary designed solely to attract sympathy and obscure the facts.

“The law is guided by proof, procedure, and due process, not sentiment, not emotion, and certainly not social-media theatrics. She is advised to properly instruct her lawyers, file her defence, and finally provide the evidence she purports to have for the baseless allegations she has peddled over this matter,” he noted.

Akpabio’s statement came a day after the Kogi legislator vowed to defend herself “vigorously” in court following the filing of the ₦200bn defamation suit against her — the latest escalation in a bitter standoff that has gripped the 10th Senate for months.

The Senate President accused her before the FCT High Court of making “false, malicious, and injurious” claims that portrayed him as a “sexual predator” and subjected him to public ridicule.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, confirming receipt of the suit, said she welcomed the legal battle because it would allow her to tender the evidence she was allegedly denied the opportunity to present before the Senate Ethics Committee.

Her post immediately reignited debate within political circles, with analysts describing the lawsuit as one of the most consequential confrontations between a Senate President and a sitting senator in recent years.

Natasha was suspended for six months in March 2025 after protesting the relocation of her seat during plenary. She repeatedly accused Akpabio of targeting her and once labelled him a “dictator.”

Although the suspension lapsed in September, her return was delayed by legal and administrative hurdles before her sealed office was eventually reopened by the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Upon returning, she insisted she had “no apology to tender,” accusing Senate leadership of attempting to muzzle dissent within the chamber.

Additional infor: The Punch, ThisDay

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Full Text of Gen Chris Musa’s Speech on Assumption of Office As Defence Minister

Published

9 hours ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today in my new capacity as the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Six weeks ago, I was in Kaki. Now, I am coming as the Minister. It can only be God. I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence you have shown in me.

I take that very seriously. For me, it is indeed a privilege and an honour, after serving 39 years in service, to come in and now be the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The love Nigerians have shown us reflects that people believe we can turn the tide.

But it is not rhetoric. It is by action. We must, firstly as Nigerians, take ownership of the responsibilities and challenges we face in our country.

It is only us who can solve the problem. It is when we agree within ourselves that we can deal with this, that we will succeed. God is with us, and He has always given us the responsibility to succeed.

This responsibility is one I accept with solemn reverence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our great nation, Nigeria. Let me also acknowledge the dedicated leadership of my predecessor and the relentless efforts of every one of you in this room.

When I was the Chief of Defence Staff, you gave me all the support, and I truly appreciate it. I want to assure you that coming back as Minister, we want to do more for your welfare, well-being, and the administration of the Ministry. I strongly believe in reward and accountability. You do well, you are rewarded. We take corrective measures to ensure we succeed. I don’t believe in “na so we dey do am.”

We must assess everything that we are doing and see whether we can improve it. I believe in fostering a positive workforce. We are going to listen to your challenges, and whatever we can do to address them, we will. But I count on you also to put in your best. You know your task ahead. You don’t have to wait until somebody calls you or asks you a question. Do what you are supposed to do, and that will make it easier for us as a nation.

The task of securing the nation is continuous, and I am aware that you have been holding the line with dedication. I commend you all. For decades, my life has been defined by uniform, by the ethos of service, and by sacred covenants to defend the territorial integrity and citizens of Nigeria. I therefore come to this role not as a stranger to our security challenges, but as a comrade who has been in the trenches both literally and figuratively. I’ve seen firsthand the bravery of our troops, the complexity of our threats, and the role of strategic coordination. Like I always say, no single individual can achieve this alone. No single service operator can do it. We must work as Nigerians, making Nigeria better.

Consequently, my core philosophy in ensuring the affairs of this ministry is simple: operational effectiveness through unified action and strategic foresight. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to operate in silos.

We cannot tolerate gaps between policy and execution, or between the ministry and the services. This ministry will be a powerhouse of strategic direction, enabling support, and relentless accountability. We must provide that support for our troops to continue to succeed. They are sacrificing their lives out there in the field—day and night, thunderstorm or windstorm—whatever the situation, to ensure that we, Nigerians, can go to bed and sleep well. We must continue to pray for them. We must continue to provide the necessary support.

Working as a team with other MDAs, Mr. President has made it very clear he will give us all the support we require and demands that we achieve success, which we have promised him. Within the first few weeks, we must show that we are committed: the ministry working inside, the troops working outside.

To translate this philosophy into action, my initial focus will rest on three interconnected pillars: enhancing joint operational strategy synergy. We will immediately begin a rigorous review of all theatre commands and inter-service operations. My door will be open, as always, to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for frank discussions on equipment, training, welfare, and strategy. Mr. President wants us to present our challenges, with the promise that they will be addressed. So it is left for us to do the needful.
Our goal is to overwhelm the adversaries with seamless jointness, not just cognition.

Welfare and Morale as a Force Multiplier

We all understand the importance of morale to our personnel and staff. We must therefore prioritise the timely provision of all necessary kits, ensure prompt payment of operational allowances, and vigorously address accommodation and medical care for our personnel and their families. Those not injured are watching how we treat the injured. If they are not taken care of properly, they will not give their best, because they will be apprehensive. Especially those who have lost their loved ones—the families want to know what will happen.

It is our responsibility to take care of them. The aspect of actions that impugn their integrity is not acceptable. We must make payments seamless. We must treat them with respect. Anybody who is laying down their life for their country deserves the highest respect, and that is what we offer. I will be very critical about that.

Intelligence-Driven and Technology-Enabled Defence

The Ministry of Defence is the strategic brain of our national defence architecture. We must therefore leverage technology for intelligence, surveillance, and recurring service. We have partners and allies ready to support us. We will reach out to them to work as a team. We will also collaborate with other security agencies. Every Nigerian is vital to the success of Nigeria. We will foster a culture where data and intelligence drive our decisions, not just experience alone. I charge the Ministry to be a catalyst for innovation and efficient resource management.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I expect the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and urgency from all of us. We do not have time to waste. We will continue to hit the ground running. We must respect the human rights of Nigerians. If we make mistakes, we must take necessary action to make amends. I will always encourage candid advice and robust debates. But once a decision is taken, we must move as one united team.

There will be zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, or indolence. Our loyalty is to Nigeria and the Nigerian people. The President is the Commander-in-Chief; the bulk stops on his table. We must provide the support required to make Nigeria peaceful.

Shedding of innocent blood is over. Our children should go back to school. Our farmers should go back to their farms. Most of the challenges we face are not military solutions—they are issues of good governance, justice, equity, and fairness, which we will encourage. Both non-kinetic and kinetic solutions must work hand in hand. We cannot afford to fail Nigerians. Charity begins at home; if we have the mindset that we will succeed, we will.

To the Service Chiefs, I offer my full support and expect your utmost cooperation to move the Armed Forces to greater heights. To the Department Secretary and the Civil Service cadre, you are the institutional memory and the framework for our sustainability. I value your expertise and count on your diligence to translate our military objectives into actionable administrative and budgetary policies.

The road ahead is demanding and will be tough. Let us not take it for granted. But because we are Nigerians, we shall overcome. The threats we face are adaptive and complex, but I have absolute faith in the indomitable spirit of our Armed Forces and the capable minds within the Ministry. With the support and prayers we are receiving from all Nigerians, we cannot fail.

In closing, let me once again reaffirm my commitment to lead with fairness, firmness, and loyalty to our Constitution. The President is doing everything possible to ensure our success. We must play our part. The task ahead is enormous, but surmountable. We can win. We will win. The good people of Nigeria are looking up to us for results, and we must deliver immediately. I am not here to preside; I am here to lead, to walk, and to deliver alongside you. I cannot do it alone. I thank you all as I look forward to our detailed work and the tasks ahead.

God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

— General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd)
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria