Nigerian Youth and Social Concern

The recent turn of events in Nigeria has largely exposed the composition, interest and uniqueness of the Nigerian youths. While some of these activities spurred the exhibition of incredible instant creativity, others have revealed the high disinterest of the Nigerian Youth populace in germane issues that are critical to their now and future. On the account of the supposed hilarious disposition and responses of the Lagos NSCDC Boss while on an interview on Channels Television, the Nigerian social media space has for over two weeks witnessed the buzz of #MyOgaAtTheTop, needless to highlight the chains of reactions being witnessed in the real world, where Video games, T-Shirt, Home Movie, Wrist Watch, all out on the credit of #MyOgaAtTheTop. These stream of spontaneous creative reaction from the youths is quite impressive, at least for sparking a huge sense of humour and relaxation in the ever heated Nigeria polity. While the social media space was agog with this trend, there came the news of the presidential pardon granted to some Nigerians who according to the recommendations of the National Council of State deserve the pardon-a development which has continued to amaze every right thinking Nigerian and its lovers in the diaspora. However, the focus of this engagement is not to analyze the presidential pardon but to situate the Nigerian youth in all these unfolding. In high expectation, I looked out for a swift shift from the hilarious and unproductive trend of #MyOgaAtTheTop to productive engagement of the government especially by the youths on the presidential support on corruption, the rising rate of insecurity in the country, massive unemployment in the face of government job creation claims, dwindling economic fortune, amongst other crucial issues to the existence and survival of the Nigerian Youth. But disappointedly, the Nigerian Youths saw no reason in engaging the powers that be. It is unfortunate, that the Nigerian Youth has found a comfortable corner in the feel good society such that he cannot think and act through on critical socioeconomic affairs that directly or indirectly affect him both now and in the future. He prefers to run his mouth on Facebook, Twitter, 2go, BBM...on frivolous and unproductive matters, rather than understand state policies, programmes and actions and engage the process even through the social media platform for nationalistic gains.  As a socially conscious Nigerian youth, I have come to realise how much I have paid and perhaps still paying for the mindless looting of public treasury by ex and serving public officials, high-level of corruption which has resulted in socioeconomic disaster, infrastructural deficit culminating in unnecessary lose of lives and properties, lack of basic social amenities, denial of a good today and the hope of a hopeless tomorrow. This is the unfortunate reality of our Nigerian society. I often wonder, why for so long the Nigerian Youth has not come to realise that the smallest of decisions made in Aso Rock or his immediate community will have a large impact on his pattern of existence and even those generations to come, that we, the almost 70% of the nation's population are always the worse hit of any unfavorable policy, yet we refuse to speak up when necessary, that the stolen public funds are meant to better his lives and those of his children, that the misappropriated money will impede our national development. That world over social transformations are driven by the youth, yet we are left out in planning and policies. That we hold the solution to this country's numerous challenges. Realisation brings about clarity of thought and direction. Until the Nigerian Youth realises that he bears the solution to the many challenges confronting this country, I am afraid, we will continually revolve in this circle of misdemeanor. A revolution of mind is key in changing our nation. You cannot change the world, until you change yourself. Values are a missing ingredient in this dispensation. We need young people of virtues and values, morality and competence, vision and excellence. Dear Nigeria Youth! We cannot attain any national success, except we get off the feel good society and face the reality that our great nation, Nigeria, is sinking off to an unredeemable point in the hands of the men of today perhaps yesterday, who are presenting us with a future packed with hopelessness, emptiness, shame and disgrace. YOU and I have a significant role to play. Be interested in social issues, because they affect all and sundry. Engage policies, programmes and actions. Join productive movements and discussions online and offline. Appreciate, promote and possess values and virtues. Be a patriotic citizen with the hope that our collective progressive efforts will produce a new, greater and better NIGERIA.

- ELEGBEDE TAYO JET      
  Twitter- @tayojet1

The 7Cs Of A Victorious Youth

The biblical story of David and Goliath is always a remarkable one for young minds even in this dispensation.

Against personal and corporate disdain, David, a young determined Israelite resolved to confront Goliath, a much dreaded Philistine who had come up to defy the then citizens of Israel, (I Samuel 17).

Before this time, David had made notable courageous steps that culminated in his ultimate defeat of Goliath.

The features responsible for the grand-success of this young man called David are summed up in the following 7C:-

(I) Conversion: Regeneration of heart and mind to supernatural realm is the foundation for a successful life. David's heart had been converted and turned unto GOD long before the time of confronting Goliath.

(II) Conviction: Thoughts and actions are products of your convictions. A weak,negative and loose conviction will be result in hazardous decisions and doomed destiny.

(III) Connection: The most productive and reliable network you can connect with is that of GOD. Connection with divinity, guarantees connection with humanity.

(IV) Confession: Your confession is directly proportional to your possession. Be positive and optimist in your confession even in trying times.

(V) Confrontation: Nothing good in life comes without confrontation. It is not what they say that limits you, it is what you think & believe. Be courageous in the face of every confrontation.

(VI) Consecration: For a victorious life, there must be something you're committed to in life. It's only in the place of action that you become an achiever.

(VII) Confirmation: Daily confirmation and affirmation of your victory, will go a long length in motivating you towards better achievements. Say it until you see it, say it until you can show it, say it until you can share it, say it until it's settled & sealed.

TELL the world about your victorious victory through GOD!


Sermon of Pastor W.F Kumuyi to a Lagos-Youth Congregation on Saturday 30th December,2012.

Waste Management in Africa

Waste management in line with contemporary realities seems to be of huge concern to environmentalists as well as stakeholders especially in developing countries. This thought was loudly expressed by participants on the second day of the First Let’s Do It African Conference in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

L-R, Muna, Julian

Speaking on the “Causes and solutions of problems in waste and sanitation” Muna Lakhani, representing the Institute for Zero Waste in Africa, noted that in solving the problem of waste management, the world would need to change its thinking.

He exposed that “80% of the world’s waste is produced by North America, Western Europe, Japan and South Korea who only account for 25% of the world’s population, hence, the rich countries are responsible for generating the world’s waste”.

Muna explained that with frequent exposure to plastic materials, human beings are at risk of intelligence, learning, and behaviourial disorder, delayed development of the foetus and children, spontaneous abortion, uncontrollable body size and shape, increase in prostate size which could lead to prostate cancer, reduction in sperm count, amongst others. This he said, is due to the chemicals utilized in the production of plastics, which are hazardous to human health.

 

He advocated the Zero Waste Agenda for Africa, noting that Zero Waste is an ethical, economical, efficient and visionary goal that guides people to emulate sustainable natural cycles in which all discarded materials become resources for others. He also identified two factors critical for a good zero waste system viz: A good policy that is implemented and enforced and a regulated minimum price for recyclable material.

On a final note, Muna noted that if Africa and the World at large can make efforts in stopping the production of waste instead of seeking ways to manage and clean up the generated waste, then the world will be more sustainable.  

Muna’s three hours section was concluded loads with interesting and intelligent questions on waste management and recycling programmes…

Click here for more info

BIENVENU!

Message from The Chief Motivator of Let's Do It World

                                            Rainer Nõlvak,  Let's Do It World

Scenes from Day 2 of Let's Do It Africa

It's two days into the First African Conference for Let's Do It World, holding in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Right here, Africans are delibrating on sustainable methods of managing waste in the 21st century. To have a sight and feel of what the conference is, here are some pictures for your pleasure...ENJOY! 

Conference in progress

Cross Section of Participants

Beninese Cultural Dancers

Political Dignitaries

Let's Do It Africa

Green Queen of Estonia, Nigeria & Ghana(L-R)

Nigerian Alex Akhigbe, during a presentation.

Let's Do It Africa

Listening to German Ambassador in Benin, Hans Jorg Nuemann

 

 Merci...do look out for more!

LET'S DO IT AFRICA

“Every individual deserves a clean environment”. That was the climax of the opening speech delivered by the representative of the Benin Ministry of Environment, Mr Oliver Paraiso at the First African Gathering of Let’s Do It World in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin Republic.

The three-day conference theme: The challenges towards environmental sustainability: Hygiene and Sanitation, has in attendance representatives from over 20 African countries, who will be brain-storming on ideas for waste management, the role of the civic action whilst proffering solutions to hygiene and sanitary challenges in Africa.

Welcoming participants to the conference, Mr Oliver Paraiso, noted that African countries need to arise to the task of ensuring and maintaining clean and healthy society.




According to the German Ambassador in Benin, Hans Jorg Nuemann, government should formulate and implement policies that will facilitate environmental sustenance while individuals and private agencies should take care of their immediate environment .



Let’s Do It World is a civic movement concerned with reducing the over 300 million tons of illegal garbage lying around in the world through massive cleanup actions. At the moment, about 96 countries of the world are a member of Let’s Do It World.

The conference starting today, Monday 19^th, will run through till Wednesday, 21th November, 2012 in the serene environment of the Cotonou, Benin Republic.

2012 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY #IYD2012

Today-Sunday 12/8/2012 is the International Youth Day.

The International Youth Day, as recognized by the United Nations is basically to recognize efforts of youths worldwide in enhancing the global society.
The celebration also aims to promote ways to engage the youths in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities.

This year's theme of the International Youth Day is "Building a Better World: Partnering with Youth" — a global call to action to develop and engage in partnerships with and for youth.

So, its HAPPY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY to all young persons out there.

Cheers.