The Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in conjunction with Team Illuminate, an organisation that enables youth in society for sustainability and creates awareness on environmental consciousness among young people, has held a Green Students’ Workshop with eight secondary schools under Education District V of the state.
The workshop, which held at Awori Ajeromi Senior Grammar School, Old Ojo Road, Amuwo Odofin, had members of Environmental Bee Club (EBC) drawn from eight secondary schools participating.
The schools are: Festac Senior Grammar School; Festac Girls Senior Secondary School; Amuwo Odofin Community Senior Secondary School; Awori Ajeromi Senior Grammar School; Kuje Senior Secondary School; Amuwo Senior Grammar School; Amuwo Odofin Senior High School and Agboju Senior Secondary School .
Activities of the day included three group sessions, namely: Energy Conservation with Miss Toluwalase Abiona (Founder, Zero Plastic Straw Community), Green Spaces & Biodiversity with Miss Sonia Ugwunna (Project Lead, Sustyvibes) and Water Conservation with Miss Favour Inegbedion (Online Eco-activist); featuring brain storming sessions where students put together ideas on how to mitigate global issues, starting from their schools through the Environment Bees Club. According to the founder, Team Illuminate, 19-year-old Saviour Iwezue, “The Green Students’ Workshop aims to enable young people start taking action in the school space, towards environmental sustainability. It is to enable schools to be more sustainable and involve every person or every strata of the school in the sustainable practices.” Speaking on how the Green Students’ Workshop project was birthed, Iwezue said, “Originally it was my initiative. I had reached out to the government for a partnership; first to the Ministry of Education and they gave me access to 20 schools, to hold training with them, teach them craft – how to craft waste to usable materials. When I got to the district (District V) I was told the commissioner would have to approve such club, which would have taken longer time. I was, however, told that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources had a club that was running in schools, which I could collaborate with, monitor and bring in my own innovations. That was how this partnership came up.” Teachers from each of the schools also had an opportunity to share their experiences organising Environmental Bees Clubs in their respective schools; ideas were shared and they were briefed on methods towards improving their club activities. They were taken through a strategic session on Waste Management for a Sustainable Schools with Miss Mosimileoluwa Alabi, founder, RecyclubNg. Students were engaged in an upcycling session, where they transformed a plastic paint bucket into a beautiful Ottoman with Miss Rachel Michael (a craftsperson) and plastic tablespoons to Wall decoration with Miss Seun Oladejo (CEO, House of Waste). At the end of the day’s activities, each students received a certificate. They were also offered mentorship opportunities through Team Illuminate’s Green Student Fellowship. The teachers also certificates of Appreciation. A representative of Director, Co-curricular Science and Technology Department, Mrs Tunde Sevezul, who attended the workshop, said the Lagos State government decided to partner with the 19-year-old because of her ideas which are compliant with the states mega city status and its quest to grow a population of young people who will be compliant with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Every child is unique with his or her own talents, passions, and dreams. As parents, it’s our responsibility to help our children discover their potentials and support them on their journey to greatness.
However, this support should be given without comparing them to others. In this article, we’ll explore how parents can foster their children’s dreams and talents while respecting their individualities.
*Encourage open communication
The foundation of discovering and nurturing your child’s potential is open and honest communication. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable expressing his or her dreams, passions, and concerns. By actively listening and asking open-ended questions, you can gain insight into what excites and motivates them.
*Identify interests and passions
Pay attention to what your child naturally gravitates towards. What can your child do with an absolute ease and what makes him or her happy whenever the chance to do that thing comes up naturally?
Whether it’s drawing, playing an instrument, solving puzzles, writing creatively, tackling mathematical problems, acting, speaking, singing, drumming, playing footballs, running, building things, love for a particular field of study, their interests often indicate where their potentials lies.
Encourage these activities and provide the necessary resources or lessons to help your child explore and develop these skills.
*Avoid comparison
One of the most damaging actions a parent can take is comparing their child to others. Each child has his or her own unique path, and comparing him or her to his or her peers can stifle his or her individuality and self-esteem.
Instead, focus on your child’s growth and celebrate his or her achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
*Support, don’t push
While it’s important to encourage your child, it is equally crucial not to force him or her into activities that he or she doesn’t enjoy.
Pushing a child into something that he or she is not interested in can lead to resentment and discourage the child from pursuing his or her true passions.
Let the child choose his or her path, just be there to provide guidance and support.
*Provide opportunities for exploration
Expose your child to a variety of experiences. Whether it’s through extracurricular activities, visits to museums, or attending concerts, these experiences can help your child to discover new interests and passions. Allow him or her to explore without imposing your own expectations.
*Be patient
Greatness is not achieved overnight. It’s a journey that takes time and effort. Be patient with your child’s progress, and understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process. Encourage your child to persevere and learn from his or her mistakes.
When your child accomplishes a goal or makes progress in his or her chosen path, celebrate these achievements. This positive reinforcement will motivate the child to continue pursuing his or her dreams against all odds.
*Seek mentorship
Encourage your child to seek mentorship from those who have succeeded in their field of interest. Connecting with mentors can provide valuable guidance, advice, and inspiration.
*Provide resources and opportunities
Invest in your child’s development by providing the necessary resources and opportunities. Whether it’s enrolling your child in classes, purchasing equipment, or arranging internships, your support can make a significant difference.
*Unconditional love
Above all, let your child know that your love and support are unwavering, regardless of their successes or failures. Knowing that he or she has a loving and supportive parent can provide the confidence and security that he or she needs to pursue his or her dreams fearlessly.
As parents, the greatest gift to our children is the freedom to discover and pursue their potentials.
By fostering an environment of love, trust, and support, we empower them to reach their dreams without the weight of comparison. Every child is a unique individual, and it’s our role to guide these children toward their greatness, one step at a time.
Two decades later, the entire resident staff of the LASU Communication programme opted to celebrate the evolution of a vision that has matured over time and radiating so much brightness to the delight of all stakeholders in and outside of LASU including the diverse recipient sectors. Call this a break to reflect, you won’t be wrong. Declare it a popular pause for some moments of rejoicing, you’re also right. It was one whole week that united all the stakeholders in a cheerful mood
Unprecedentedly all-encompassing. It tore through the severe tide of the nation’s harsh season with the so-called off and on days of fuel price hike induced palliative. The entire family congregated for the greatest celebrations ever in the arena of Communication programme in LASU. Enough for everyone to eat, drink and even wear. Spontaneous dance steps of the joyous with flying hands hailing the accompanying music from the itinerant mega speakers therefore spread across the entire faculty spilling into the campus main road and the adjoining ones. For a whole week beginning Sunday September 24, 2023 the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies flaunted conspicuous felicity all through till Saturday Sept 30, 2023
At the height of it all, joyfully led by the first Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FCMS (until very recently, the Faculty was called School of Communication) Prof Sunday Olayinka Alawode, both the teaching and non-teaching staff embarked on a delightful adventure to the historic Ikeja Airport Hotel. This was where we all loosened up in free flowing, colourful apparels to do justice to tasteful meals, drinks and dance sessions with a live a band on standby. Joy for all with assorted, exciting punctuations.
Anike-Ade Funke Treasure, the near six-footer female compere for the luncheon clad up in a fashionably roomy boubou was the cynosure of all when she seized the centre-stage and requested resounding applause to herald the grand entry of the boss of the Faculty, Prof Alawode. Promptly, the multi-genre media expert announced that it was a day for multiple awards with plenty to celebrate with. The high point of the presentations was that for our late leader, Prof Lai Oso, on whose behalf the daughter, a LASU based scientist, Dr. Simisola Oso-Asekun, had come.
The daughter urged all to brighten up for the day’s celebration as she believed Daddy lived a fulfilled life despite the sudden demise. She recounted Prof Oso’s rare commitment to scholarship and relationship with everyone in both his official and domestic networks. She then expressed her gratitude for the honour and prayed for an enduring relationship with the entire FCMS family.
In addition to Prof Oso, all former deans beginning with the very first substantive, Prof Idowu Sobowale, were also specially recognized. The immediate past dean and the only honouree in that category, present at the occasion was hailed with thunderous claps when he was called out. LASU’S first professor of Public Relations and Advertising, Prof Rotimi Olatunji, as well remains the longest serving dean till date. All pioneer staff including Professors Jimi Kayode, Jide Jimoh and Yinka Alawode and your’s sincerely were equally later honoured with special plaques. It was Alawode’s third day of dancing within one week.
The first dance session was right at the commencement of the week at the special church session held at the Chapel of Light, LASU, Sunday September 24, 2023. It was the Faculty’s first formal interface with the Church. After the sermon, Prof Alawode, led the rest xtian staff members of the Faculty in a rollicking dance coursing through the long stretch of the central church aisle. Decked in a neatly embroidered Agbada, Alawode was only as fittingly dressed as the rest staff who complemented him, all of them leaving no one in doubt that everyone in that Faculty was as happy as the leader. The church had prayed for a better future for the Faculty, its leader and all, even as the journey so far had been impressive.
The following morning presented the Faculty the opportunity to showcase its commendable trajectory, long registered duly though. ( see: opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2020/09/05/how-lasusoc-cultivated-national-leadership-for-lasu-by-tunde-akanni/?tztc=1) It was also the auspicious time to restate its unmistakable readiness to keep contributing to new layers of knowledge just playing out in the realm of communication studies globally especially as being accelerated by digital technology.
As was for all components of the anniversary programmes, Prof Alawode again, did not leave anyone in doubt regarding his sterling leadership. Promptly at 10 am Monday September 25, he proudly kickstarted the day’s event with the magisterial presentation of his speech to the media. But there was a heavy punctuation: He enjoined everyone in the expansive auditorium to stand up and observe one-minute silence in honour of Prof Lai Oso, distinguished scholar, former dean and awe inspiring mentor and friend in the community of communication scholars and practitioners in Nigeria and Africa.
He recounted the inception of today’s FCMS as the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication at Surulere with a Professor of Geography, Tayo Odumosu, as its first head. Odumosu was succeeded by Prof Tunde Samuel of the Education Faculty and after him came the first substantive dean, Prof Idowu Sobowale. Prof AbduRaheem Lawal succeeded Sobowale and afterwards came Professors Sophie Oluwole and Lai Oso eventually succeded by Olatunji Williams. The press conference was as much of an opportunity for gratitude as much as it was one for appeal for continued support especially from the alumni and other stakeholders.
The weeklong celebration further availed FCMS the opportunity to test its strength as an uncommonly endowed breeding ground for professionals in the vast terrain of communication practices and scholarship. With its extensive network earned from long nurtured visible dexterity and brilliance, it exhibited its mastery of mastery of marketing communications to attract sufficient material and other support from within and outside of the university. FCMS will therefore remain eternally grateful to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB; Odu’a Investment Company, OIC headquartered in Ibadan; International Breweries headquartered in Ikoyi Lagos; Mega-Electric, owners of multiple radio stations around the country as well Tobex Media owned by an illustrious alumna. Not the least is the unquantifiable support from the university management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello.
The invaluable encouragement and support of the LASU management induced the colourful homage led by the FCMS Dean to the VC on the Week’s sport’s day Thursday September 28, 2023. All FCMS representatives on that mission rocked the purpose made uniform tracksuits duly branded with the logos of both LASU and and Odu’a Investment Company that donated the tracksuits. The Dean later presented the VC with other souvenirs specially produced to commemorate the Week.
Enter the religious balance Friday September 29, 2023. It was the turn of the Special Jumah Service. Coincidentally, Prof Amidu Sanni, the officiating Imam being a former broadcaster, left no one in doubt about his relish for the special anniversary celebrations. He impressed it on the worshippers that FCMS was home to a most important set of knowledge areas incontrovertibly indispensable to development and sustenance of power. On account of the increasing possibilities deriving from digital technology, he challenged the muslim brothers and sisters based at FCMS to appreciate the fact that the ummah would love to hear great accomplishments from them. He rounded off with prayers for greater future for the Faculty, the individuals driving it as well as the students.
The Week’s programme proceeded with a carefully designed intellectual spices. A panel session and a lecture did the trick. The panel session focused on Media and Governance in the Age of Digital Media. That session paraded speakers that turned out to be hard to stop. It comprised the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association, NIRA, Mrs Edith Udeagu; the Executive Director of the Centre for Social Media Research, Dr Akin Olaniyan as well as a former Special Adviser on Information in Osun State, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon. Interestingly, though national and international players of mean standing now, both Okanlawon and Olaniyan are alumni of the LASU Communication Programme.
The second leg of the intellectual component of the programme held Tuesday September 26. The guest speaker at the Annual Lecture who spoke on the politics of identity in Nigeria was the ebullient publisher of ThisNigeria newspaper, Eric Osagie. His presentation was as analytical as it was solutionist. Noting that Nigerian politics was becoming increasingly divisive along multiple lines of religion and ethnicity, he counseled for caution to avert unpleasant consequences. As one of the preliminary measures, Osagie suggested that government official forms in the country should drop columns requesting ethnic and religious affiliations.
What turned out to be a celebration of two decades plus is the outcome of the combination of insightful thinking and the relentless commitment of a team that resolved to be cooperative defying local and global inhibitions including the overwhelming Covid-19 pandemic that shut down the entire world for sometime.
Immediate past dean, Prof Rotimi Olatunji had broached the idea with the rest of us at a Faculty meeting in 2020. Everyone at the meeting endorsed the initiative even as none had any idea of where we could tap resources from. A committee was promptly constituted with your’s sincerely as the chair. My inimitable colleagues on the committee are Dr Lade Atofojomo, Dr Julius Adeyemo, Dr Stephen Fatonji, Dr Ganiyat Adenle and David Olaluwoye. The committee deployed all possible skills and connections to the task and thus ensued the eventual good story. “Which of our Lord’s favour can we deny?”
Tunde Akanni is an Associate Professor of Journalism at LASU. Follow him on X via:@AkintundeAkanni
Campus journalists have been urged to grasp the intricate dynamics of cultural representation and the impact of power structures in news writing.
Giving the charge at a media workshop themed “Culture Representation and Power in Media” organised by the Federal University Oye Ekiti Students’ Union Government (FUOYESUG), the Guest Speaker, Mr. Femi Esan, said culture representation and power structure play a pivotal role in maintaining journalistic integrity and nurturing a diverse and inclusive societal narrative.
While emphasising the importance of accurately representing cultures in media reports, without reinforcing stereotypes, Esan highlighted the power wielded by the media as a shaper of public perceptions and opinions, thereby stressing the responsibility of journalists to challenge dominant narratives.
He urged campus journalists to challenge stereotypes by presenting diverse and multi-dimensional stories, noting that “stereotypes exist because they are a useful shorthand for a society that is always looking for ways to reduce the complexity of the world.”
The speaker advised the use of inclusive language that respects diverse identities, including gender-neutral terms and culturally sensitive descriptions.
He emphasised the importance of portraying a comprehensive picture of cultures by showcasing both challenges and successes. This, he noted, contributes to a balanced and nuanced narrative.
“The function of journalism is to supply citizens with the information they need to make the best possible decisions about their lives, their communities, their societies, and their governments”, he said.
While the workshop underscored the significance of seeking diverse voices and perspectives in news stories, countering potential bias stemming from reliance on dominant sources, it was aimed to equip budding journalists with essential skills for responsible journalism and cultural inclusivity.
The second edition of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) EU-Africa Connect Summer School 2023, co-funded by the European Union (EU) for undergraduates of the university, has ended.Over 20 students were selected across all Departments and Faculties of the university to participate in the three-week summer school, coordinated by Director of Quality Assurance, Prof Olufemi Saibu, It had as theme: “Bringing Europe Closer to Africa 2.0.”
The UNILAG-Jean Monnet Module Programme which is an European Union (EU)-Africa Connect Project, aims to promote and enhance greater understanding of European culture, values and studies in the University of Lagos, as well as facilitate exchange programmes with students from partner universities.
The students, were grouped as representatives of each country in the European Union during the summer school and were taught the culture, language, economy, policy, education, international policy, parliamentary system, as well as opportunities in each of the countries.
The EU-Africa Connectivity Project, a University of Lagos-Jean Monnet Module Programme, is a three-year programme under the EU-Erasmus plus Jean Monnet Action for Higher Education Modular programme comprising, summer school, research workshops, mock EU Parliament sessions and a final international conference on EU-Africa Connectivity designed for university students seeking career in International Relations and Diplomacy.
At the closing ceremony which held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMRC), Akoka main campus, the Project Coordinator Prof. Saibu, noted that the first edition of the Summer School was held between January 9 and January 27, 2023; while the second edition started on Monday, September 18 and ended on Friday, October 6, 2023.
Saibu said the programme was designed to bridge the gap between the European Union nations and Africa, adding that despite the geographical closeness they are miles apart in terms of understanding, culture, language, among others.
The coordinator said the EU provided an avenue for Africa to expose the young Africans to how the continents could be close together through culture, history, economic integration, language.
Saibu added that the three-week summer school has helped students develop leadership qualities, teamwork and unity of purpose.
At the end of the various presentations by students who represented different European countries, Belgium emerged over winner, Lithuania placed second, while Cyprus was in third place.
LEAP Africa in collaboration with the International Youth Foundation and Sahara Foundation is set to celebrate innovators and social entrepreneurs at the 10th Edition of the Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA 2023) which will hold on October 26th and 27th virtually and physically at the Abuja Continental Hotels, Abuja.
This year’s theme, “Maximising Africa’s Potential through Disruptive Leadership and Innovation” seeks to harness the vast, untapped potential within the African continent by fostering innovative thinking and transformative leadership. This, according to the organisers can empower African nations to address complex issues, create economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for its people.
SIPA 2023 will showcase fellows and alumni from African countries who are shattering barriers and utilising the Global Goals to enhance the quality of lives for diverse communities in Africa.
Some of these innovators have been nurtured on requisite skills and empowered with relevant resources over the past 12 months to scale their enterprise sustainably in the one-year Fellowship and others are being inducted into the Fellowship.
This year’s conference will cover a number of activities including panel sessions, networking sessions, fireside chats, and workshops, led by renowned organizations like Digivate, SME Ng, Impact Investor Foundation, SCALE Palladium, and Pangea.
Speaking on LEAP Africa’s effort to build a community of young change-makers across Africa, the Executive Director, LEAP Africa, Kehinde Ayeni said:
“Over the years, LEAP Africa has consistently proven its role as a catalyst for identifying and unleashing the potential of young individuals in Nigeria and Africa at large. We have achieved this through a variety of programs, such as the SIP (Social Innovators Program) and Awards initiative. This journey has been made possible thanks to the unwavering commitment of our valued partners, including but not limited to, Sahara Foundation, the International Youth Foundation, Ford Foundation, Union Bank and others.
The highlight of the conference will be the recognition of remarkable fellows who have distinguished themselves during the fellowship year through the following awards categories, Outstanding Fellows Awards,the late Mr. Innocent Chukwuma Awards, the late Mr Seyi Bickersteth Prize winner for financial accountability.
In the past 10 years, the Social Innovators Programme has impacted 276 innovators from 14 countries, trained and connected them to investment opportunities allowing them to raise approximately $7 million in grants and revenue while creating jobs for over 400 unemployed persons. This landmark achievement only challenges the team and organization (including the
entire ecosystem) to expand the frontiers of African innovation and impact investing in ensuring a sustainable Africa is delivered to future generations.
Following the endorsement of a Senate Presidential aspirant of National Association of Nigerian Students by Seyi Tinubu, students in Southwest varsities have appealed for a level playing field.
A joint statement issued by some of the aspirants for the NANS Senate, noted that the endorsement of a single candidate could inadvertently create a sense of alienation among other aspirants and their supporters, which could potentially undermine the unity and strength of the broader political structure.
It was jointly signed by Opeoluwa Awoyinfa of Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Olalere Adetunji Benedict of the Federal Cooperative College Eleyele Ibadan, Oyo State; Ekundina Segun of Sikuru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State and Henry Okunomo of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko.
The statement reads in part: “We therefore appeal to Seyi Tinubu to consider the bigger picture and the long-term implications of his actions. By supporting all aspirants equally, he will be reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles and strengthening the political structure which is vital to his father’s advocacy for equality, justice and fairness in the overall interest of Nigerian students.
“We believe that Seyi Tinubu understands the importance of maintaining unity and equality amongst all aspirants. We are also confident that he will take our concerns into consideration and act in a manner that supports the democratic ideals we all hold dear.
“Democracy is not just about the destination, but the journey. Let us ensure that this journey is fair and inclusive for all aspirants. This way, we can build a stronger and more vibrant political system which will deliver on the promise of a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
“We remain committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration and we believe that Seyi Tinubu’s equal support for all NANS Senate President aspirants will go a long way in bolstering the success of this administration. The poll should be free for everyone.”
The Southwest chapter of National Association of Nigerians Students, (NANS) has commended Mr Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the endorsement and support given to Com. Akinteye Afeez (BABTEE) as NANS Senate President.
They said the endorsement has further affirmed Seyi Tinubu as a man of integrity committed to nation-building.
A statement by Com. Alao John, Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D; Com. Alimi Idris, Chairman, NANS, Lagos Axis; Com. Salami Abayomi, Ag. Chairman NANS, Ondo State; Ridwan Adegoke, Chairman, NANS, Oyo State Axis; Com. Aderibigbe Adekunlle, Chairman, NANS JCC, Ekiti State Axis and Com. Ogungbe Adedamola, Chairman, NANS, Osun State Axis, the South West NANS stated that Seyi Tinubu’s stature as a prominent public figure signifies not only his faith in NANS but his commitment to the cause of Nigerian students.
The statement reads: “Your support to the aspiration of Afeez to emerge as NANS Senate President is without a doubt, a welcome development that deserves recognition and applause from well meaning Nigerian students and besides his decision is in line with the agenda of the NANS South West Leadership ably led by Comrade Alao John.”
“Consequently, we find it imperative to condemn a recent press statement that criticized the endorsement of Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez for the position of Senate President of NANS by Hon. Seyi Tinubu.”
“In contrast to the claims made in the statement, we believe that Hon. Seyi Tinubu’s endorsement of Comrade. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez’s candidacy is a commendable step towards rejuvenating students leadership in Nigeria.”
“To this effect, we laud Hon. Seyi Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the youth and students community in Nigeria.”
“His dedication to identify with the aspirations and voices of young Nigerians is a testament to his commitment to the cause of youth/students empowerment and national development.”
“We therefore strongly believe that Hon. Seyi Tinubu’s involvement in endorsing Comrade. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez. (BABTEE) for the NANS Senate Presidency reflects his genuine commitment to nurturing future leaders who will shape the destiny of our great nation.”
“Com. Afeez stands out as an exceptional candidate for the NANS Senate Presidency. His track records of activism, leadership and advocacy within the students community is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the welfare of Nigerian students.His vision for NANS is one of inclusivity,unity and progress.
“At this juncture, it is with a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic values that we respond to a recent critical statement directed at Hon.Seyi Tinubu for his endorsement of Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez(BABTEE) by a clueless and myopic individuals.
“While we respect diverse opinions and the right to express one self , we find it necessary to condemn any unwarranted criticism by this attention seekers and affirm the fundamental right of a private citizen to support any candidate he so wishes.
“We hereby state emphatically that, while we uphold the right of individuals to express their opinions, it is crucial that such expression be rooted in respectful discourse and constructive enhancement.”
“To this effect, we condemn the statement and unwarranted criticism that fails to engage in a substantive discussion of the merits and demerits of candidate’s endorsement.”
“Our candid advice to this attention seekers and myopic individuals is to channel this energy towards gathering votes and support for their own candidate, if they have any”.
Depression among youths is a growing concern worldwide. It does not only affects the mental and emotional well-being of young individuals but also has long-term consequences on their overall health and life satisfaction.
In this article, we will explore the causes of depression among youths and discuss potential solutions to address this menace.
Causes of youth depression
Social Media and Cyberbullying: The pervasive use of social media platforms exposes young people to cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and the constant comparison of their lives to others. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, inferiority complex and low self-esteem.
Academic Pressure: The intense pressure to excel academically, secure a promising future, and meet parental expectations can contribute to depression among youths. The fear of failure can be overwhelming.
Family Issues: Family dynamics and conflicts, such as divorce, abuse, or neglect, can have a profound impact on a young person’s mental health. A troubled home environment can lead to depression.
Peer Pressure: The desire to fit in and be accepted by peers can lead to risky behaviors, substance abuse, and feelings of self-doubt, which are common triggers for depression.
Economic Insecurity: Financial instability and uncertainty about the future can weigh heavily on young adults, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Genetic Factors: There is evidence to suggest that genetic predisposition can play a role in youth depression. Individuals with a family history of depression may be more susceptible.
Solutions to youth depression
Raise Awareness: Educating young people, parents, and educators about the signs and symptoms of depression is crucial. Early intervention is often the key to successful treatment.
Provide Supportive Environments: Schools and communities should foster a supportive and inclusive environment where young individuals feel safe to express their feelings and seek help when needed.
Reduce Academic Pressure: Schools should focus on holistic education rather than solely emphasizing academic achievements. Encouraging extracurricular activities, counseling, and stress management can alleviate the burden.
Mental Health Education: Incorporating mental health education into school curriculums can help destigmatize mental health issues and equip young people with coping skills.
Accessible Counseling Services: Increasing access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy, can provide essential support to those struggling with depression.
Encourage Open Communication: Parents and caregivers should maintain open and non-judgmental communication with their children, allowing them to express their feelings and concerns without fear of retribution.
Limit Screen Time: Encouraging healthy screen time habits, monitoring online activities, and teaching digital resilience can help mitigate the negative effects of social media.
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, as these factors can significantly impact mental health.
Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe has been elected chairman of the Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers of Nigeria.
Uwagboe, in his appreciation speech, highlighted the need for youth inclusiveness in governance as he emphasised the pivotal role young people play in nation-building.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to running a youth-inclusive government.
“My vision for a more inclusive and youth-driven government signifies a promising era for the Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers. We aim to foster an environment where the youth actively participate in policy-making processes and contribute to the nation’s development.
“This significant leadership change sets the stage for a brighter future, showcasing the potential and determination of young leaders in Nigeria. Our tenure will bring a positive impact on the youth and the entire nation,” he said.
