Book Cover Depiction of “The Mad Duck”
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014 will mark the official launch of the book of Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama entitled “THE MAD DUCK”.
The book, which is her first, will officially earn her the enviable title of an author in addition to her roles as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, mother, and most notably, as a tourist.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Diplomatic Call at her home in Accra, Princess said the purpose for writing her book was due to her unflinching desire to empower others to live satisfying and fulfilling lives.
According to her, a lot of people in the world today have been stifled by the pressures of “staying in line” and conforming to the status quo, hence inhibiting their zesty enthusiasm and potential to explore the other areas of their lives.
“This book teaches that there is more to life than the ordinary. You can’t be ordinary and settle for the everyday ‘normal’ life, then look up thirty years later only to realize that your life has been one without zest, without your passions explored and felt” she said.
She further proposed that the basic principle for living the best life was to be different since it was the only way to “stand out from the crowd”.
She therefore urged people to dare to be different even though they may be seen as disrespectful, wayward or awkward.
“To live your fullest life, you have to be different…so “The Mad Duck” could be looked at as a life manual which inspires you to do just that,” she added.
Princess Umul Mahama also disclosed that the book was largely influenced by her social background, a variety of books she had read, her religion and mostly her travels around the world.
The “Globetrotting Princess” as she is affectionately called, is currently on a mission to visit every country in the world, already touring 34 countries on 5 continents since she began her ambitious expedition seven years ago in September.
Through this adventure, she has scaled the Great Wall of China, photographed the Pyramids of Giza, visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, attended a performance in the Sydney Opera House, heard the thunderous roar of Niagara Falls, bungee jumped over Auckland Harbour Bridge and stood at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, among others.
Photo: Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama, Author of “The Mad Duck”
Princess said that, though her parents and siblings have played a key role in the rich life experiences she has accumulated over the years, she is equally amazed by the impact that her travels have had on her life, describing it (travelling) as a “master’s degree in disguise”.
According to her, The Mad Duck is a series of connected stories which dwells on her wide pool of life experiences, using that as case studies by which others could also fully express a gratifying life; a reason why The Mad Duck is a must-have.
Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama, was born to Mr. Ibrahim & Leila Mahama (a former Minister of State), and hails from Tamale in the Northern Region.
She is a mother of six and an entrepreneur. She enjoys cycling and jogging at her leisure periods, however she is most fascinated about touring the globe, with the Seven Wonders of the World a long -term target, after visiting to two of them.
As an aspiring polymath, she loves to read on various subjects including business, history, education, art, food, philosophy, etc.
Princess is also the founder of the Princess Umul Hatiyya (PUH) Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving access to education for the less privileged.
She says 10% of book sale proceeds of The Mad Duck will be donated to the PUH Foundation with the focus on “building a first class Africa, one classroom at a time”.
The 279-inspirational page book will be launched in an open-invitation event at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra; and will be subsequently available in Bookstores nationwide.
By Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call.
