The Nation Newspaper

Category: Young Nation

  • Youth urged to shun radicalism, extremism

    Youth have been advised to shun all forms of radicalism and extreme views that are capable of truncating the future togetherness of our country.

    This was the focus of the just concluded three day workshop organized for young leaders by the African Centre for Peace and Security Training (ACPST) of Institute of Security Studies at Westtown Hotel, Lagos.

    The programme tagged Youth Radicalism, Extremism and Human Security brought together over 100 youths from civil society groups, faith based organization, media, community outreaches.

    Speaking at the event, the Regional Representative and Special Advisor of Institute of Security Studies, Amb, Olusegun Akinsanya said that youth are driver for change and can bring about positive change and development in African if their talents and views are channelled positively.

    He said that the change in the value system across the world is increasingly affecting our youth as they are engaging in awful behaviour in their quest for better governance which must be addressed for unity and progress across Africa.

    He noted that young people are blessed with creative skills that could help them express their mind in the development of peace, so its time to ask ourselves what are we doing with this God-given talent for peace and prosperity?

    “Youth have the ability to prevent and manage conflict, and are also able to participate in post-conflict reconstruction and help propagate the message of peace through the art, and other community outreach programmes”.

    The Ambassador gave us example of a word called Kalashnikov that came from a Russian professor and explained how an artist in the Gambia used the word in his music to effect positive change.

    He further encouraged the participants to take advantage of this course, experience and network and take it back home as there cannot be love or happiness without peace.

    Earlier in his words, the Regional Coordinator of the The African Centre for Peace and Security Training (ACPST) of ISS, Prof Ademola Abba said that the workshop was to enhance the ability of young leaders to make and implement policies that will improve human security in Africa primarily through short courses and workshops.

  • Fear of God, hardwork recipe for success

    Fear of God, hardwork recipe for success

    The Programme Manager, Community Law Foundation, Uzodinma Nwaogbe has indentify the fear of God, hard work, prayer and respect for elders as factors responsive for greatness in life.

    Nwaogbe made this known last week at a symposium organized by CEE Hope Nigeria in collaboration with Tipple “G” Girl Club Makoko for girls in commemoration of United Nation International Day of the Girl Child held in Makoko.

    The theme Ending the cycle of violence against Adolescent Girls brought together over 50 girls drawn from the community and Ogun state, cleric, traditional ruler which feature seminar, drama, book presentation and campaign on bring back the girls.

    According to him, there is no limit to success for any youth no matter their gender, status, or environment when they fear God, do his will, pray and respect elders.

    Uzodima who spoke on the topic Girls go for greatness said this is the best time ever for a girl child to be born as there are immerse opportunities that are now available for everyone to explore for greater productivity in any sector.

    He warned against unhealthy behavior and relationship that is capable of truncating their lives dreams, said “there are so much time  for you to joy in life, his is the tome to be focus and concentrate on your studies and avoid bad behavior”.

    In her words, the founder of CEE Hope Nigeria, Mrs. Betty Abah said that the programme is aimed at reaching the underprivileged children with the message that would help them lead a better life

  • Cartoon

    Cartoon

  • Back to School

    Hello children, Holliday is over.

    It is now time to resume the new session. I know for many of you, this holiday is  long, no thanks to the Ebola Virus that led to the extension of your resumption date. It is for your good. Don’t worry about Ebola virus, I am sure that your school would have prepared  adequately to make the school environment suitable for you.

    As you resume the new session, the routine of waking up very early, washing you school uniform, waiting for school bus and possibly trekking a distance to school  has began. To help you ease back to schools, there are tips you need to take into consideration for you to a successful new academic session:

    1)            Start to practice the act of waking up early and getting dressed at the same time every morning

    2)            Prepare your books, uniforms, bags, socks, shoes intact as you resume

    3)            If you can, tell your parents or guardian to buy you a wristwatch for you to be able to manage your time

    4)            Write down the need-to-know info to help you remember details such as your locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, teachers’ and/or bus drivers’ names.

    5)            tudy your school environment and be security conscious.

  • Career tips: What you need to know

    International Relations

    Children, am aware that a number of young people are thinking through about making career choices. This is important and I want to be with you as I expose to you every week about the various career path you can take. I promise you is going to be educative and interactive. Your feedback is very paramount.

    This week, we are looking at International relation. It is a laudable career that is unique, and is quite prevalent in today’s world. As the world continue to build bridges that often times most divides us, the need for sound and effective international relation experts is needed.

    According to career.anwser.com, a person who works in international relations routinely converses with someone from Europe in the morning and ends their day speaking with a colleague in Asia. International relations most commonly occurs in business, and positions in this field are often awarded to those individuals who speak multiple languages, are able to travel and live abroad for a long or short time, and have traveled to many places without the risk of culture shock.

    Where you can work?

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Embassies

    Multinational companies

    International Organisation/NGOs

    •United Nation, Africa Union, European Union, World Bank etc.

    Entry qualification

    Minimum Bachelor degree

    Efficiency in foreign language skills-English, French, Spanish, among others

    Excellent writing ability

    Have interest in learning about different people of different cultural or ethnic background

    Mediation skills would be an added advantage

    Multi-tasking

    Ability to work alone, and with groups.

  • Opportunities for youth

    Mastercard Foundation scholarship is Programme for Africans.

    The MasterCard Foundation is partnering with over 10 recognized universities and higher institutions around the world to offer the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, a $500 million education initiative that will provide talented yet economically disadvantaged students from developing countries, particularly from Africa,– with comprehensive support for secondary and university education. The scholarship will be offered to 15,000 African Students for a period of 10 years.

    The vision o the Mastercard Foundation scholar programe is to educate and develope academically qualified yet economically disadvantage young people in Africa who will contribute to the transformation of the continent. Citizens of sub sahara Africans

    The Scholarship programme is designed to provide students with holistic support including financial support for fees, uniforms, books and supplies, transportation, accommodation and stipends. Universities we selected for their commitments to academic excellence, nurturing environments and programme relevant to growth sectors in Africa, such as manufacturing, telecommunication, banking and agriculture

    Other details about the schools, eligibility and applications can be found at www.mastercardfdscholars.org.

  • Plant a tree today

    Plant a tree today

    According to the United Nations Children Fund, a recent scientific funding indicates that a changing climate has a significant impact on our planet. For us to improve our local environment and make it suitable for our existence, tree planning is important. Planting is an act of putting down roots and contributing to the future. The simple act of planting a tree helps the environment in so many ways.

    Trees clean the air

    Trees provide oxygen

    Trees cool the streets and the city

    Trees conserve energy

    Trees save water

    Trees help prevent water pollution

    Trees help prevent soil erosion

    Children, you can learn from a young girl of nine- year-old Felix Finkbiner, who hatches a plan to plant a million trees. His commitment toward planting a tree has been helpful in local communities whose lives depend on trees. Plan, protect and preserve the trees today. Remember that without trees in our area, there will be no life on the earth.

  • Plan a tree today

    Plan a tree today

    According to the United Nations Children Fund, a recent scientific funding indicates that a changing climate has a significant impact on our planet. For us to improve our local environment and make it suitable for our existence, tree planning is important. Planting is an act of putting down roots and contributing to the future. The simple act of planting a tree helps the environment in so many ways.

    Trees clean the air

    Trees provide oxygen

    Trees cool the streets and the city

    Trees conserve energy

    Trees save water

    Trees help prevent water pollution

    Trees help prevent soil erosion

    Children, you can learn from a young girl of nine- year-old Felix Finkbiner, who hatches a plan to plant a million trees. His commitment toward planting a tree has been helpful in local communities whose lives depend on trees. Plan, protect and preserve the trees today. Remember that without trees in our area, there will be no life on the earth.

  • Pomp as St Regency College ends session

    Pomp as St Regency College ends session

    For graduands of ST & T Regency International College, located in Ikeja G.R.A. Lagos, it was emotional to finally graduate and look forward to a brighter future ahead. Most of them would be resuming at various institutions across the globe where they would exhibit their individual academic skills and talents, having gained the required academic credits and some life skills in the school

    The graduands, who looked radiant in their immaculate grey and wine attires, serenaded the audience and were in high spirit throughout the event held at the school main auditorium. They remembered  memories of the past, especially with the activities during the course of their graduation, that included the thanksgiving ceremony conducted by Rev.Fr Jude Kuti, the ankara night in which they showcased African fabrics and indigenous wears, the speech and prize-giving day and prom night for graduands.

    In her remarks, Mrs. Maggie Ibru, founder of ST & T Regency International School,  thanked staff members, family and friends for supporting the school in the last two decades. She charged the graduating students to always remember the school’s motto.

    Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Master Kolawole Oluwafikunwa, the best graduating student of 2013-2014 set, said hard work and determination to succeed were the reasons behind his success. He said his advice for students is to go out to the world and live their dreams and reach for the stars. Kolawole said he aspires to study aeronautic engineering at the university.

  • An HIV-free generation

    It begins with you

    Worldwide, Nigeria has the second highest number of new infections reported each year, and an estimated 3.7 percent of the population are living with human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). The number of people living with HIV is 3, 400,000 in Nigeria.

    Young people are the mostly affected by the AIDS epidemic.  According to UNAIDS, every day an estimated 2 500 people aged 15-24 are infected with HIV and this accounts for more than 40 percent of new infections of all people aged 15 and over.

    HIV (human Immune Deficiency Virus ) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The virus damages or destroys the cells of the immune system, leaving them unable to fight infections and certain cancers.

     

    Causes of HIV in children

    Most HIV infections in children are passed from mother to child during pregnancy, labour and delivery, or breastfeeding. However, thanks to preventive treatment regimens, the incidence of mother-to-child HIV transmission is decreasing. In 2009, an estimated 370,000 children contracted HIV during the prenatal and breastfeeding period, down from 500,000 in 2001, according to UNAIDS report.

     

    Other causes of child HIV include:

    •Blood transfusions.

    •Illicit drug use.

    •Sexual transmission.

     

    Symptoms of HIV among children

    •Failure to thrive, which is the failure to gain weight or grow according to standardised growth charts used by pediatricians.

    •Failure to reach developmental milestones during the expected time frame.

    •Brain or nervous system problems, characterised by seizures; difficulty with walking, or poor performance in school.

    •Frequent childhood illnesses such as ear infections, colds, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

    How to lead the change

    1)            Live a positive life

    2)            Create awareness in your school, home, market places about HIV and how children can protect themselves from the virus.

    3)            Volunteer your time, skills with a community based organisation, children and youth friendly initiatives that address behavioural change among children and teens.

    4)            Lead the change with your ideas, voice, and demand for a more pragmatic intervention programmes from government and other stakeholders on HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment among young people.

    Remember that the future belongs to you and the only way you can make a change is to stand up and be counted for what is right.