Category: Campus Life

By Emmanuel Ohore

Rewind to 2015, do you still remember the billboard along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with the picture of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the inscription “N5,000 for every unemployed youth”?

What about the one at Ore-Benin Road (“One meal per day”). These and more were the promises we got then.

Can we ever forget when this government was raining promises like Manna from heaven? Promises to provide security, but what we have seen and experienced is that thousands of students have been kidnapped in broad daylight in schools year in and year out with no solution.

Do you still remember  that if Nigerians elected Buhari, N1  would be equal to $1?

Seven years later, we are still where we were. Flash back to 2014 at the Moshood Abiola Hostel in Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where one spaghetti costs N100, but today it costs N600. I wonder who we offended; we clamoured for “change,” but this change has gone awry. Everything has possibly gone wrong. The only people who see nothing wrong with this administration are those in Aso-Rock, those whose children have not been kidnapped in schools.

How everyday you wake up in the north ready to be kidnapped or killed while in the southeast, it’s best you go around with your ransom in case you meet the ‘bigger boys’. How can we explain terrorists attacking military bases and even prisons?

How the National Association of Nigerian Students became slaves to its slave masters is still a misery.

An association that has derailed from fighting for the interests of Nigerian students and is now running after rich politicians. Another opportunity is around the corner, and according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  the 2023 general election will have 93,469,008 voters, out of which students constitute the largest category with 26,027,481 (27.8 per cent), which is an indication that the student community will have a  say in this coming election.

When you go cast your vote on   February 25, 2023, remember that 133 million people in Nigeria live in poverty. Remember that there are close to 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria. Remember that in the last seven years, the number of kidnapped students has become worrisome. Never forget the number of months that were spent at home due to the ASUU strike. Never forget that they promised students loans, but all we have seen is a continuous hike in tuition fees.Never forget the total number of Nigerian students leaving to study abroad, all because of poor  education system.

Our N77trillion debt and the number of people in the IDP camps, who have become refugees in their own land after being displaced by bandits, have become worrisome.  It is disheartening that  unemployment  jumped from 14.4 per cent in 2015 to 33 per cent in 2022. We don’t need any prophet to tell us where we are headed while they keep on borrowing to fund our national budget. Could you imagine the heavy money spent on political campaigns across the country?

The time bomb we are playing with knows no religion or tribe and it will consume all of us if we don’t vote wisely this time around.

Students and youths must know that the  country comes before any party and we  must get it right now.We must not sell our votes, we must stand by it and defend it.

• Ohore writes from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

• By EDEH  MICHAEL  ONYEMA

Technology evolution has brought tremendous changes to many sectors of human life ranging from banking, education, health, entertainment, governance and research etcetera. One major sector that has continued to be impacted by technology is the banking sector.  Daily interactions and corporate transactions are being transformed by disruptive technology, and the future of global financial services will continue to be impacted by developments in banking technology. The entire banking sectoris changing due to millennials and Zoomers’ (Generation Z)growing need for technology-driven banking experience.Similarly, the increasing willingness of citizens to use digitalchannels to acquire financial services has sparked a boom in new banking innovations which are reshaping the banking sector. Indeed, many banks and financial regulatory authorities globally such as the Central Banks are now reviewing their infrastructures and policies to better reposition themselves to the new realities of digitalization in banking. 

In Nigeria, the indispensable impact of technology in the banking sector in the country has influenced to a large extent the activities of banks and some policies of their regulator-Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Many banks in Nigeria have introduced digital banking systems to render general and customized solutions to their customers. Similarly, the CBN has also granted approvals to some mobile money banking operators in Nigeria, including some leading telecommunication providers in the country with a view to facilitate smooth migration of banking customers to digital banking.

Digital banking is the use of digital technologies to automate and improve banking operations, products, services, processesand customer experience via the internet and digital platforms.The success of digital baking is dependent upon many factors including the use of Financial Technologies (Fintechs) such as smart devices and mobile apps that can provide near seamlessservice delivery and improved customer experiences. The prospects of digital banking are numerous and many financialinstitutions now leverage on it to provide services such as mobile money transfers (deposits and withdrawals), account creation and management, bill payments, ticketing, loan management, account monitoring and other customer care services. Some other benefits of digital migration of banking customers includes: convenience, remote banking, cost reduction, accessibility and availability of bank services, data analytics and report generation, time management, faster marketing, more accurate accounting system and reconciliations,customer-centric banking, and  handling of high influx of customers and transactions and revenue growth.

Digital banking is fast gaining acceptability in Nigeria especially among the urban population. Most banks have digitalized their services and introduced mobile banking apps to drive the digital banking migration. The migration of banking customers to digital banking in Nigeria was amplified by the recent cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria that limits cash withdrawals by both individuals and corporate bank customers.The cashless policy of the CBN is anchored on the use of digital technology for banking services. The directives by the CBN regarding the redesigning of currency, cash withdrawal policy and implementation of other cashless policies have attracted mixed reactions from various stakeholders in Nigeria including those from the banking industry, academia, economic experts, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), Politicians and business community. 

While some of them were of the opinion that the cashless policy could help to reduce corruption in Nigeria, others insist that the policy is ill-timed, lacked stakeholders’ involvement and appropriate planning. The critics of the policy argued that the country still struggles with the basic requirements such as good network access and other supportive infrastructures that are pivotal for smooth implementation of the cashless policy and digital banking. For instance, a good number of Nigeria’spopulation resides in the rural areas without access to internet connectivity, bank presence and access to other relevant technologies required to key into the cashless policy. These important segments of the Nigeria’s population contribute effectively to the Nigerian economy and are dependent upon the use of cash for their daily businesses and transactions. While the debate about the cashless policy is still ongoing, the CBN has since maintained her stand on the issue, reaffirming theircommitment to the implementation of the policy including bank withdrawal limits.

The implementation of cashless policy and migration of banking customers to digital banking often comes with a lot of prospectsas outlined earlier, but it is also accompanied by some challenges which the citizens are now confronted with. Some of the concerns being expressed by many banking customers and business community regarding the cashless policy and digital banking include timing, reliability and security of digital banking applications, especially as it relates to perennialnetwork issues which often results to transaction failures, energy(power) problems, software failure, unnecessary deductions bybanks and exploitation of the inherent digital security loopholes by Fraudsters to defraud customers remotely. Indeed, it can be said that the transition to technology-based banking in Nigeria has further increased cyber related crimes in the banking sector,but these shortcomings do not water down the numerous benefits associated with its adoption. 

Digitalization of banking in Nigeria has expanded the scope and access to banking, and created millions of jobs among the population. This is evidenced in the number of Point of Sale (POS) operators and other mobile money agents spread across the country. It has brought a lot of improvements in quality of banking services and delivery. However, the aforementioned concerns expressed by the banking customers on their migration to digital banking in Nigeria appears real, and can be maddening for consumers, but with the right supports from the banks and regulators/government, those challenges can be surmounted. 

While I commend the good intentions of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the cashless policy and migration to digital banking, it is also important to highlight the need for them to ensure that banks improve the efficiency of their networks and the reliability of their digital banking applications to reduce the pains of customers. Government should also do more to enhance the quality of service provided by telecommunication networks,and provision of other supportive infrastructures needed for successful implementation of the cashless policy, effective digital banking and enhanced customer experience in Nigeria. Conclusively, taking into account the problem of digital illiteracy, unequal access to Fintechs especially in rural areas,and the current realities of Nigerian banking environment and business communities, more time may be required by citizens and banks to fully adjust to the new banking policies and transition to digital banking in Nigeria. The cashless policy is good and digital migration of banking customers is a global trend which has come to stay, however, its full implementation should be gradual to accommodate all banking customers and to avoid unintentional hardship for the citizens.

EDEH  MICHAEL ONYEMA  is the Head of Department Mathematics and Computer Science, Coal City University, Enugu, Nigeria

mikedreamcometrue@gmail.com

There have been repeated campaigns, warning and awareness programmes by health experts, advocacy groups, non-governmental organisations and government agencies against tobacco consumption due to its adverse health effects.

Despite all these, millions of smokers in Nigeria have refused to yield to the warning, while tobacco companies and distributors still smile to the bank with huge profits from the tobacco trade.  

With over 20 billion sticks of cigarettes consumed annually in the country, many smokers pay with their health, as reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other resource centres indicate that millions of smokers die annually in Nigeria from tobacco-related ailments.

Reports from the Dun and Bradstreet website, a global provider of Nigerian business data and analytics shows that Philip Morris Limited generates US$26.89 million yearly from sales revenue, while British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited generates US$6.12 million annually.

 Also Gozie Nwaogu Nigeria Limited generates an annual sales income of US$26.89 million, as well as other tobacco-producing and distribution companies.

According to medical experts, second-hand smoke is responsible for an estimated 166,000 child deaths each year worldwide. There is also third-hand smoke, which is the result of chemical residue on surfaces where smoking occurred. Experts say that this type of smoke has adverse effects on the liver and lungs. Research shows that healthy living is the greatest gift one could give to oneself.

According to the Canada Heart and Stroke Foundation (CHSF) tobacco smoking is a leading risk for disability and premature death. Tobacco is made from leaves of tobacco plants. It contains nicotine, which is an addictive drug. When tobacco is smoked in cigarettes or pipes  frequently, the body absorbs toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that affect the health.

According to a study by a renowned oncologist, who is also a Professor of Surgery at the Cancer Institute in Senegal, Prof. Abdoul Kassé, there is need  to  put harm reduction at the centre of all public health development strategies, adding that harm reduction is a powerful public health tool that has the potential to reduce cancer by 30 per cent. The award-winning health expert further stated that tobacco enlightenment campaigns should be enforced as a preventive measure in tobacco control.

“When we talk about smoking, we mean tobacco misuse, which has increasingly become a public health issue in many states of Nigeria. Awareness creation and education apply to areas where there is a need to reduce the harm associated with practice or consumption of a substance that is overused in society leading to increased morbidity and mortality,” he said.

He said  such studies would continue to gain traction in view of the devastating effect of tobacco and the fact that cessation or outright quitting has continued to prove impossible for most smokers.

 Kasse observed that tobacco harm awareness initiatives, including the use of popular e-cigarettes, nicotine patches and chewing gums, have continued to generate misunderstanding in both the public health community and in the media. Like other health experts, he believes that there is evidence that the use of potentially less harmful alternatives than cigarettes for those who are not willing or cannot give up smoking with currently approved methods may be a solution, not necessarily the best for everyone but by far better than continuous smoking.

In view of the trend in tobacco smoking and its health implications, experts also estimate that at least half of lifetime tobacco smokers will die before they reach 70, even as a smoker loses about 10 years to smoking. Reports also indicate that over 25 million Nigerian children and adolescents are at the risk of tobacco use or smoke exposure.

According to  Mr. Amadou Mahtar Alioune, co-founder of All Africa.com and CEO, African Media Initiative, the government should reduce the risks of cigarette smoking by enforcing laws that restrict tobacco consumption in public places and encourage the most viable alternative use of vaping.

Alioune  submitted that burning tobacco produces more than 4,000 chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide and tars. He said: “Cigarette smoking boosts increased mucus production, clogging of the airways, increasing susceptibility to infections, pneumonia, development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis and emphysema), irritation and destruction of lung tissue, exacerbation of asthmatic attacks and lung cancer.”

His submission is based on the finding that the use of vaping, heated tobacco, oral nicotine and smokeless tobacco is certified 95 per cent safe because of their smokeless nature which drastically reduces risks associated with tobacco smoke. Vaping  is gaining traction with reports indicating that as of 2021, there were 82 million vapers worldwide. Vaping is the action or practice of  inhaling and exhaling vapour containing nicotine and flavouring produced by a device designed for this purpose.

Health authorities say vape is considered to be a tool that has the potential to reduce cancer by 30 per cent and should be made affordable, accessible and available for smokers. That is why Alioune agrees that harm reduction has already benefitted many people in public health and is the most viable alternative in tobacco control.

Despite efforts to persuade smokers, the use of alternative products has been met with stiff opposition from stakeholders, including the WHO, which has continued to insist on total cessation.

 Mr. Kgosi Letlape, an ophthalmologist and president of Africa Medical Association as well as the president of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, urged  African countries to heed the advice of health experts on the use of tobacco products and accept other safer alternatives.

He said: “We have a responsibility to make smokers aware of the alternative product available, which is vaping, so they can conveniently make informed decisions. Tobacco cessation is a key factor in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Abstinence from tobacco smoking is one of the primary goals for health promotion and management globally but it is unachievable in a huge number of cases. This task remains unaccomplished despite extensive public campaigns on the health dangers of tobacco smoking.”

Similarly, Vivian Owoeye, a   medical doctor, said many smokers are unable, or at least unwilling, to achieve cessation through complete nicotine and tobacco abstinence.

She said: “They continue smoking despite the  adverse health consequences. Conventional smoking cessation proposals should be complemented with alternative, but more realistic options through harm reduction.

Laying more emphasis on the alternative use of vapes as recommended by health experts, the New York Times reported that most western countries such as Canada, America, United Kingdom, etcetera, have legalised the sale of vaping products with nicotine as a less harmful option for smokers. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat and vaporise a liquid that users inhale or vape to imitate the smoking experience. The liquid usually contains nicotine in a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, water and flavouring agents. However,  there is evidence  about the toxic effects of e-cigarette vapour on the cells that line the mouth, nose, lungs and blood vessels. Vaping is also linked to respiratory injury and an increase in blood pressure.

The nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and most users of e-cigarettes want to quit. For these and other health reasons, smokers who are trying to quit are advised to use medically approved nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) or apply counselling therapy. There is strong evidence to show that NRTs are effective aids for smoking cessation.

Experts also warned that it is dangerous to use e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes together (dual use). They disclosed that dual use can be more harmful than either smoking or vaping alone, adding that e-cigarettes should not be used by young people, by non-smokers or by ex-smokers who have quit altogether.

An Ilorin based health expert speaks on the adverse effects of dual smoking. He said: “Daily dual use may increase your risk of a heart attack five times more than if you did not use either vapes or cigarettes. The best approach is to stop smoking. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have tried quitting without success. Programmes and medically approved cessation aids will increase your chances of success. Many people find it hard to quit smoking. It is often a physical and psychological addiction. Many use smoking to manage unpleasant feelings such as stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety. Some feel that smoking helps them to concentrate or control their appetite.”

A patient who was admitted in General Hospital Ilorin for lung cancer as a result of excessive smoking, Rashid Abdulsalam  revealed that he had been a chain-smoker for 25 years, until he began to vomit blood and was later rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with the deadly disease.

When asked if he was not aware of the health risks caused by tobacco smoking, he said: “I am an addictive smoker, even on this sick bed, I still feel the urge to smoke cigarettes. I cannot help my situation. But kidney cancer has helped me to stop. I always know that smoking too many cigarettes is bad. I have seen it on the television, I read the warnings in the newspapers and hear doctors saying it is bad. But I just could not stop smoking. I feel sorry for my situation and pray to God for healing. Now I am the one to warn people who are smoking to stop smoking because of the situation I find myself in.”

Another cigarette user (names withheld) said:  “I have been smoking for five years now and whenever I smoke cigarettes or weed, it gives me a feeling of greatness. I love the feeling. I cannot explain it. It also helps me to relax my brain and my nerves. I get inspiration to think well when I take it.

“As a bricklayer, I get more energy and stamina to do my work, that is why I take it before I start my work and, in the night, to sleep well. I have heard that smoking cigarettes is bad for my life, but I believe that it is only when you smoke it too much and you don’t eat good food that it will disturb you.So, I don’t see myself stopping it anytime soon because of the benefits I get from it.”

In an interview  Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, said  tobacco smoking cannot be stopped in Nigeria as it is impossible to control smokers. However, the country needs more advocacy programmes that creates awareness on the dangers of excessive tobacco smoking in rural communities.

He said: “The challenge about tobacco smoking is that it doesn’t only affect the person smoking the cigarette. Anyone close or around the smoker is also at risk. That is known as second-hand smoking. The reality is that it is impossible to ban or stop persons who smoke. Even if we succeed in stopping public smoking of cigarettes, how about those who smoke in their private spaces or houses?

“However, what we do as a Health Ministry is to carry out more advocacy campaigns on the dangers associated with excessive tobacco smoking. We use radio jingles, place newspaper adverts and billboards to sensitise people on what to expect if they continue. We also collaborate with advocacy groups and healthcare centres to reach those in the rural communities who are at greater risk to this harmful substance, since most of them are not  educated  and enlightened. This is the most we can do as it concerns tobacco smoking.”

By Ebube Ojukwu

Lagos State University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji – Bello, has urged accountants to play their parts in salvaging the economy at this critical point in the country’s history.

Olatunji-Bello made the call at the opening ceremony of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) 17th Western Zonal Accountants’ Conference, at ASCON, Badagry, Lagos.

The Vice Chancellor noted  that accountants were partly responsible for the precarious situation that Nigeria is currently in, and they (accountants) would also play a key role in salvaging the situation.

The VC said accountants, who form a powerful body of professionals in the nation,  must be encouraged to come together at this time to proffer solutions that can salvage the economy of Nigeria from collapse.

” The social and economic tension that many Nigerians have had to face in the last few weeks are indeed enormous. I, therefore, believe that this conference is coming at a most auspicious time. Accountants must engage in robust conversations on some key economic issues facing us and proffer solutions.

“I believe that the solution to the precarious economy of Nigeria lies here, among you – accountants. And as we go into the coming elections in the coming days, I hope that the outcome of this conference will go a long way in helping to shape the voting choice of Nigerians. This is a service to the nation and our collective prosperity depends on it,” she said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Dr Rabiu Olowo, who was represented by Prof. Godwin Oyedokun, had earlier called on participants to support the growth of the nation by applying the best professional and ethical practices in their trade, noting that there can be no development without growth.

The 17th ICAN Western Zonal Accountants’ Conference ends tomorrow (Friday).

Co-ordinator, Commonwealth Students Association, Precious Ebere has urged the Federal Government to develop targeted policies and initiatives to attract and prevent Nigerian students from studying abroad.

Ebere noted that increasing funding for education and ensuring access to same was imperative, adding that it has a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the overall prosperity of the nation.

“Many different aspects of education can be addressed in the political process, including funding, curriculum, teacher training, school choice, and access to higher education. How these issues are addressed can have significant consequences for the education system, and the prospects of individuals and society as a whole.

 “The Federal Government’s  approach to addressing the situation will vary depending on the particular situation and needs of Nigerian students studying abroad. However, some potential measures that the government  could take to address the situation include increasing funding for university education and developing targeted policies and initiatives to attract and keep Nigerian students studying abroad in the country.

“The future of education is continually changing and evolving. However, some of the things that many students want to see in the future of education include more personalised learning experiences, more opportunities to engage with real world issues and problems, and more opportunities to network and connect with other students and educators.

” Additionally, students would also like to see an increase in online and digital learning opportunities, as these tools continue to offer convenient and efficient access to education resources.

“Ensuring access to education is a critical issue for politicians to address, as it has a significant impact on the lives of individuals and the overall prosperity of the nation. Many people consider access to quality education to be a fundamental right and a key determinant of individual and societal success. As such, it is not uncommon for candidates in an election to present their plans and policies on education as part of their platforms,” she stated.

The renowned development practitioner and policy analyst,urged leaders and those seeking political offices to invest in  high-quality education.

“Promoting education during election periods is crucial for the development and progress of a country; It sends a message to voters that the candidates value the importance of education and are committed to improving it. Education is the foundation upon which nations are built, and investing in it helps to ensure that future generations have the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to their communities and the economy.

“For the Nigerian child’s education; whatever it takes to prepare our teachers, curriculum, and classrooms to attain the right educational goals should be done using clear data that can be monitored and accessed with the right policies.”

“Beyond campaign promises, politicians should provide high-quality early childhood education which can have a long-lasting positive impact on a child’s development and future success.

“They need to ensure that all children have access to a good education, regardless of their socio-economic background or where they live. This may involve implementing policies that target disadvantaged communities or providing additional resources to schools serving low-income students.

“There is  need to recognise the importance of education throughout an individual’s lifetime and support initiatives that provide opportunities for continuing education and training. This may involve supporting adult education programs or providing incentives for employers to offer training and development opportunities to their employees.

” Also, guaranteeing that teachers are well-trained and supported is key to improving the quality of education. Politicians can work to improve teacher recruitment, training, and retention to ensure that students have access to the best possible education,” she said.

Ebere stressed the need to expose disadvantaged students to technological aids to enhance their education.

“Technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing education, particularly for disadvantaged students who may not have access to the same resources as their peers. Politicians can support initiatives that provide technological resources to schools and teachers and  ensure that students have access to reliable internet connectivity,” she added.

Young graduates of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Odosida, Ondo State, have been advised to develop an entrepreneurship mindset, built on a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer of SecureID Group, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, gave the advice  at a lecture at the university’s fourth convocation, entitled: Youth Entrepreneurship and Reshaping Nigeria’s Economic Future, at the university campus.

 Akinkugbe said: “For our graduating students, cutting across various health professions and science disciplines, you will no doubt relate well with the elements relating to “Youth and the Economy” as you rise to the challenges we all face daily. Irrespective of the class of degree conferred, the important success factors for the future are linked to your vision, individual talent and the life skills you embrace along the way.’’

She said sustainability was important and must be built on the right attitudes, wisdom, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and learning from the experience of others, which must be anchored on some values she considered as evergreen and enablers of sustainable success and growth.

“As you know, your education is inadequate with academic work alone. The character component must kick in for completeness. Education is an enabler but without the right character it won’t take you far,” she said.

She congratulated the graduates  and urged them to deploy their creative abilities, avoid negative influences, and recognise that success is a journey, not a destination.

 “Nigeria is a land of huge and unexplored opportunities, digital and otherwise, and I encourage you to identify yours and position yourself based on your talent and interest,” she said.

Also present at the event  were,  Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and other eminent personalities, captains of industries and academia.

Wisewalk Foundation led by Mrs Emike Oyemade has embarked on a 10-week awareness campaign against drug abuse to 30,000 students in 20 schools across Lagos State. In this interview with Oluwatomisin Amokeoja, Oyemade talks about different initiatives of the foundation, especially stemming the tide of drug abuse among young people, and how the success of the Teens Against Addictions (TAA) school tour’s maiden edition has spurred her team to embark on the second edition themed ‘Substance Abuse and Youth Mental Health’ holding between January to June 2023. Excerpts:

Can you tell us about the Wisewalk Foundation?

Wisewalk Foundation is a registered non-profit organization that is aimed at providing healing, hope, and restoration to young people, victims, and survivors of abuses and in so doing empowering them through various activities. Our objectives include the provision of basic human needs for people in distress, advocacy for good mental health, promotion of entrepreneurship and empowerment programs, support for victims of abuse and addiction, provision of social support to underserved communities and advocacy for formal education, vocational studies, and life skills.

Does the Foundation do other things aside from the Teens Against Addictions (TAA) school tour?

Yes, the foundation does other things. We have our annual Teens Camp and Leadership Training Program that comes up in August during the long vacation. We run weekly adult education and literacy classes that cater to adults desirous to learn how to read and write and others who may want to develop confidence in speaking and writing. We host the annual Wisewalk Young Ladies Conference in October and the Boys Conference in November. We also run empowerment programs and seminars.

What inspired you?

I would say first God is the major source of my inspiration. He put the desire in my heart to help people and see them happy. Another source of inspiration for me is the joy that comes from seeing teenagers being free from habits that can ruin their lives. This in fact is the drive of this tour.

Is this the first partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education (District IV)?

No. Last year, which was our first, the district granted us approval and access to 10 public schools on the mainland. And for location, an official of the district was in attendance. The goal last year was to reach 5000 students, but we ended up reaching over 11,000 students across 12 schools.

We partnered with several organisations during the first edition, including Zenith Bank PLC. This year, they are the sole partner of the project.

Do you look forward to more partnerships?

Our great delight is to be able to reach more students even in other places, so we look towards getting more partnerships so we can be able to reach more youths. Truth is, the level of abuse and addiction among young people is growing at an alarming rate, and we have to do whatever we can to salvage as much as we can.

What’s the plan in place to reach 30,000 students in 20 schools? How equipped are you to achieve that?

The plan for this year is to double the reach of last year and we decided it would be 30,000. In each term we will reach at least 15,000 students. We have a commendable team of over 30 trained and experienced volunteers. We communicate often to plan and strategize for each location. We visit a maximum of 2 schools per week.

What’s your key message to the youths doing drugs?

True happiness and life satisfaction come from within and in pursuing your purpose, not from doing drugs. Substance abuse will only give you temporary excitement. When the feeling of the ‘highest’ leaves, you are still going to be faced with the same issues. Life doesn’t end well for anyone who takes solace in drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these addictions, please seek professional help.

It is imperative to include peace and security studies in schools’ curriculum in Africa.

This was the position of experts  in a communique issued at the  International Conference on insecurity at the Lagos State University, Ojo, which had as theme: “Insecurity and global stability”.

“The concepts of peace and security, and multi-ethnic social dynamics need to be strongly embedded in different subject curricula at all levels of education system in Africa,” they said.

Discussants  included the Vice Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University, Ikere-Ekiti, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa; former LASU VC, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun;  Onilogbo of Ilogbo Eremi, Oba Moses Olaleye Agbokejoye; Burkina Faso Ambassador to Nigeria, Pascal Gouba Pasida; and an official of Ministry of Interior in Mozambique Chipo Matapa. 

It was organised by the Michgray Consults with TBU Global Extension, USA and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The keynote speaker,  Aderemi Ajibewa of the ECOWAS Commission, noted that tackling insecurity effectively required more integrated and harmonised approaches.

Conference coordinator, Prof. Biodun Akinpelu of LASU, said  there was  no alternative to peace  if there would be significant progress at any level of human endeavour. Hence,  the conference was aimed at digging deeper ‘with adequate dose of intellectual input to assist developing nations, especially African nations to create feasible framework for lasting peace and progress’.           

 In the communique, they noted that security agencies needed to be exposed to the world of technology through training to effectively handle insecurity.

“Government should take job creation seriously to address youth unemployment; especially in Nigeria, it should collaborate with influential religious leaders in the provision for and maintenance of  peace and stability in the country. Africa deserves  better treatment than being impoverished. 

“Tackling insecurity demands a holistic approach, a high level  collaboration among security agencies and the public with support from cognate international security organisations,” they said.

 Agbokejoye advised the government to involve traditional rulers in the fight against insecurity since monarchs  are closer to the grassroots and they still have the native science through which their forefathers were protecting their communities in the olden days.

 Adeoluwa noted that the battle against terrorism should be taken seriously by all and that job creation would go a long way in reducing the  crime and insecurity.

Pasida stressed the need for collaboration in the fight against insecurity in  West Africa. He stated that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  needed  to do more for peace to reign  in the sub-region.

Matapa called  for value reorientation in Africa to fight the war against insecurity. He urged   the police and other security agencies  to work in synergy with other agencies to address the problem.