The Nation Newspaper

Tag: teenagers

  • NGO repositions teenagers for better performance

    NO fewer than 500 teenagers were brought together in Asaba, the Delta State capital by Ideals and Realities Youth Empowerment Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to address teenagers’ vulnerability to social media in the 21st century.

    The event tagged:   ‘I need to know teenagers Summit’ with the theme: ‘Dare to dream,’ was convened to address the myriad of challenges facing teenagers, said the Executive Director of the NGO, Mr. Austine Okorodudu,

    “Adolescents voices are missing from decision making and policy development because many of them lack the skills. It, therefore, behoves us to be the turning point generation; and that is why this programme is important to us because we need to prepare these young folks for a deserving and rewarding future amidst the devastation often occasioned by their age bracket,” Okorodudu said.

    The Delta State coordinator,  National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Isaac Ezechi, challenged the participants to imbibe morals.

    The NOA boss, who decried the high rate of immorality, particularly among teenagers, warned them to be careful as they are at a critical stage, otherwise their dreams of becoming great and responsible citizens may hit the rocks.

    Ezechi said NOA is saddled with reorienting Nigerians to do the right things at the right times. He charged the teenagers to be patriotic and shun negative media exposure and bribery and corruption for a better tomorrow.

    The General Manager of NTA Channel 11, Asaba, Lady Martina Onoh, who spoke on ‘Harnessing talents’ by teenagers admonished the young minds to harness their natural talents. She said God created every individual distinctively, and that those gifts must not be allowed to waste. While she shared her story of rising to the top of her profession, Onoh warned them to do away with carelessness and be committed to their dreams.

    A young entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zobo Cola Brand, Mr. Stanley Obinwungo, drew the minds of participants from being job seekers to becoming employers of Labour. He said teenagers must start to design their own business ventures and writing of proposals instead of CVs.

    Speaking on the Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Obinwungo promised that their ventures would be supported through professional assistance byhis organisation.

    Other sessions of the event  were on living a life of purpose and sexuality education handled by Pastor Julius Ejedenawe of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Ambassadors Youth Church, Asaba and Mrs Favour Uche Okonkwo, who is the Principal partner of Save the Youth Empowerment Foundation.

    describing her experience after the events, Cherish Okeke, a JSS3 student of St. Brigids Girls Grammar School, Asaba, said she is leaving the event re-fired with her  dreams coming alive.

    “Now, I know all I have upstairs is possible, thanks to the organisers,” she said.

    For Ifeoma Ayaunor a SS2 student of Holywood Int’l School, Asaba, said  the event was an eye opener and a life time experience.

    The event was also laced at intervals with short video clips, documentaries, drama and quiz. The plenary sessions also helped clarify grey areas among participants on talks delivered.

    The event was attended by 17 schools.

     

  • Nine rescued, six teenagers missing in Lagos boat mishap

    Nine rescued, six teenagers missing in Lagos boat mishap

    Six teenagers have been declared missing after a boat  capsized on Wednesday along the Ojo waterways in Lagos.

    The canoe, which was said to be carrying 14 teenagers between ages 13 and 17, sank after a collision with a fibre boat at about 9am, at Irewe area in Ojo.

    It was learnt that the fibre boat, which was on high speed, rammed into the canoe around 9am, causing the stick boat to sink.

    The Nation gathered that nine persons including the paddler of the canoe were rescued by emergency workers, but the other six teenagers could not be located at the close of operations.

    Confirming the development, General Manager,  Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr. Femi Oke-Osayintolu, said five of the nine rescued were taken to Igando General Hospital, while the other four including the canoe paddler were discharged after first aid.

    He said the search for the other six would continue, adding that both local emergency workers and LASEMA personnel were on ground and would ensure the missing persons were found.

    Asked if the boat was overloaded, the LASEMA boss said no, adding that the passengers were not putting on safety jackets.

    “It was the fibre boat that ran into the canoe. It happened around 8am. We have rescued nine persons including the boat driver. The driver and four of the children were discharged after first aid because they were okay. We took the other five to the General Hospital Igando for treatment, while the search for the remaining six continues,” he said.

     

  • Harmful effects of alcohol on teenagers (2)

    AN alcoholic is well acquainted with depression (a bout of severe and prolonged sadness and hopelessness) which, if not controlled, can compel a person to drink instead of acting as a solution, it will actually increase the state of depression. The pain of such emotions heightened by the chemicals affecting his system often exceeds other form of depression. In addition, an alcoholic will typically experience fatal blow to his or her self- esteem. The feeling of no will power sets in. tragically. Such feeling of low self-worth tends only to drive him/her to drink which, if not dealt with, will deepen his/her conviction of worthlessness.

    Personality distortion is another effect of alcohol. An alcoholic becomes nearly unrecognizable to many family members and friends. Too much alcohol changes the person from the person they use to be. Things that were once priorities are no longer important. Former values and interests are abandoned. A teen that meticulously takes care of his/her appearance may often appear frumpy and dishevelled as a result of the intake of much alcohol.  The involvement with alcohol will definitely affect the teen’s perception of reality and ability to make good decisions. This can be really bad for teenagers that already have less problem-solving and decision-making experience. Other effects can be classified as long-term and short-term effects.

    Under short-term effects, we have distorted vision, hearing and coordination; altered perceptions and emotions and impaired judgment which may lead to accidents, drowning and other risky behaviour like unsafe sex and the use of drugs. Bad breath and hangover are not left out.

    However, the long-term effects are as follows: cirrhosis, cancer of the liver, loss of appetite, serious vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments, increase in the risk of impotence, high risk for over dosing, memory loss and the damage of the heart central nervous system.

    A young person, who is struggling with alcoholism, is in acute and urgent need of help. Even if the teenager has not progressed far into alcoholism, even if he/she does not perceive his or her own need of help, the parents/guardians must wisely and diligently seek to bring help and healing.

    Gently but firmly guide the teenager to recognize and admit the problem. These questions may help.

    Do you sometimes look forward to drinking when you should be doing something else?

    When you are drinking, do you drink as much as you can as quickly as possible?

    Do you ever end up drinking more than you or others think you should? (A yes answer to this question indicates a 90 per cent likelihood of a drinking problem}.

    Do you ever drink alone not necessarily physically alone. Friends may be present but not involved with the drinker?

    Do you try to protect your supply of alcohol in order to make sure you’re not short when you need it?

    When you’re upset or sad, do you ever think, “If I could just have a drink more than you used to while remaining remarkably functional?

    Do you ever have trouble remembering things you did or said while drinking?

    Moving on if the young person answers “yes” to four or more of the above questions. It is likely that he or she has a drinking problem. On the other hand, if the teenager refuses to answer honestly or is resistant, offer calm but consistent evidence, sticking as much as possible to a non-threatening questioning style. Then present specific instances to the teenager rather than general accusations.

    Be a good role model. Consider how your use of alcohol may influence your child. You may want to consider offering or buying only non- alcoholic beverages at home once you notice that your number of bottles keeps decreasing in the fridge. Educate yourself about alcohol, so you can be a better teacher to your child. Read and collect information that you can share with your child and others, even when they have not started tasting alcohol.

    Try to be conscious of how you can help build your child’s self -esteem. For instance, children are more likely to feel good about themselves, if you emphasize on their strengths. Teach your child different approaches to tackle how to deal with offers of alcohol. Teach your child to ask questions. Once an unknown substance is offered, he/she should ask “what is it”, “where did you get it?” Remind your child to always leave a place once he or she feels uncomfortable. Encourage them to say “no thanks” if he/she is offered alcoholic drink.

    Teach them never to accept a ride from someone who has been drinking. As parents/guardians, we should not be judgmental once we notice that a child is going through this challenge, but rather we should offer help. Some might need medical attention as the case might be. Under no circumstances should you let an alcoholic try to overcome his or her alcoholism without considerable and professional help.

     

    Harriet ogbobine is a counselor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt message only 08023058805. You can also follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj

  • Two teenagers delivered of babies in custody

    Two of the 14 expectant teenagers rescued from a ‘baby factory’, Nma Charity Rehabilitation/Motherless Babies’ Home, at Umunkpeyi Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, by soldiers from the 144 Battalion, have been delivered of babies.

    The Nation learnt that they were delivered of babies at the 144 Battalion medical facility on the premises of the army base.

    A source said they were taken to the clinic immediately after being taken into custody.

    The source said the mothers and their babies were in good condition.

    Another source told our correspondent that the soldiers had handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs, the other 12 expectant teenagers and six suspects (four men and two women), for appropriate actions.

    The source said the police were intensifying effort to arrest the owner of the ‘baby factory’, Mrs. Nma Charity.

    Efforts to confirm the latest development from the Ministry of Women Affairs were futile.

  • Court remands 2 teenagers for allegedly defiling 12-yr-old girl

    Two teenagers, Tereh Sunday, 19,   and Teruwa Tarushi, 18, were on Tuesday remanded by an Okeho Chief Magistrates’ Court in Oyo State for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Abiola Richard, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody pending the receipt of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    She adjourned the matter till Thursday for mention.

    The Prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Sule, had told the court that the offence was committed at Akinlabi Village in Okeho area of Oyo State on March 3.

    Sule said that Sunday and Tarushi were living in the same house with the  parents of the victim in the village.

    He said that the accused forcefully had the canal knowledge of their victim while her mother was away from the house.

    The prosecutor said that the offence was contrary to and punishable under sections 516 and 218 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The pleas of the accused, who were not represented by a counsel, were not taken.

  • 2,500 teenagers rescued from ‘baby factories’ in South-East

    2,500 teenagers rescued from ‘baby factories’ in South-East

    About 2500 teenagers have been rescued from ‘baby factories’ across the South-East states in the last one year. Investigations conducted by the Campaign for Democracy (CD)revealed that the victims, who were majorly pregnant minors, were freed by the Police and other security agencies from the various illegal orphanages where they were held captive.

    According to a statement released by the group and signed by its Chairman in the South-East, Uzor A. Uzor, most of the girls were enticed into the trade with monetary offers by the ‘baby factory’ operators, while others were forced into the infamous trade by poverty and illiteracy.

    The CD noted that within the time under review, Abia and Imo states had the highest number of teenagers involved in the infamous trade.

    The group attributed the increase in ‘baby factory’ operations in the zone to high rate of youth unemployment and poverty occasioned by the failure of successive governments in the zone to put adequate measures in place to empower the youths by creating meaningful employment.

    “The rising cases of baby factory in the South-East is a result of the failure of the state governments in the South-East to create jobs for the teeming youths, especially the helpless girls who are easily lured into the trade.

    “There is no other part of the country that has the problem of baby factory; it is a peculiar case with the South-East.

    “In Abia and Imo states, about 1,800 pregnant teenagers and babies were rescued from ‘baby factories’ in the last 12 months and the number is still rising,” the CD stated.

    It further charged the South-East governors to urgently fight the menace to secure the future of the teeming youths who are currently threatened.

    “The governors in the zone should collaborate with security operatives to fish out those behind the trade and rehabilitate the rescued teenagers,” CD charged.

    The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Musa Katsina, had during a media briefing in Owerri, the state capital, expressed worries that the issue of ‘baby factory’ had taken deep root in the South-East.

    According to him, “the rate is alarming in all the states. It had been there until we began the clampdown on the operators and we will continue until we rid the society of this set of people and other criminal elements.”

  • Teenagers shine as Ekiti rewards excellence

    Teenagers shine as Ekiti rewards excellence

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, recently honoured 16 distinguished indigenes of the state at a colourful ceremony in Ado-Ekiti writes Sulaiman Sal-awudeen

    They would be looked at twice, perhaps even thrice or more. At their ages, some other children had remained a subject of nagging comments and ceaseless worries of parents who must brood over unmet needs regarding unbecoming conducts.

    Master Joshua Olamiju and Miss Olayemi Elizabeth Ajayi are not such kind as they are clearly the two enfant freaks of this evening of awards and accolades. Fragile but not frail, their slim gaits and innocent visages easily gave them off as teenagers. They actually are, having just turned 17 years.

    Their attainments at such an early age made them the subject of ceaseless admiration and perhaps silent envy among the audience and dignitaries who had gathered at Lady Jibowu Hall, Governor’s Office Complex, Ado-Ekiti, state capital for the 2013 Merit Awards ceremony.

    Joshua booked a place as an Award recipient for having the best result in the last West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with nine distinctions while Olayemi did, being one of the four who won a recent National Robotic Space Competition in Lagos and would consequently be representing Nigeria in Denmark at next year’s Space Competition.

    The two were among the sixteen eminent indigenes of the state that were selected from a fairly long list of 60 nominees.

    Another heavyweight on the awardees list was Professor Niyi Osundare, poet laureate and ebullient raconteur who, being unavoidably absent, was represented by his younger sibling, Dr. Foluso Osundare.

    The 13 others included late Professor Daniel Funmilayo Ojo, also known as Ojo Ugbole, a foremost educationist and first professor of Physics in Africa; and Professor. Olufunke Egunjobi, first female Plant Nematologist in Africa.

    Others included a radio presenter, Chief Akinlade Ojo also known as Erugale; late Chief Ojo Ajibola; an indigenous interior decorator, late Chief James Kolawole, renowned Ekiti music exponent; former scribe of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr Kunle Olajide; former president of the All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), Elder Enoch Dare and a renowned medical practitioner, Dr Sanya Olurotimi.

    Also, on the list were retired Anglican Bishop of Lagos West, Reverend. Peter Adebiyi; elder statesman and reputed banker, Chief Bandele Falegan;business mogul, Chief Daniel Okoli and presenter and custodian of Ekiti dialect, Mrs Christian Ademulegun.

    Government Science College, Emure-Ekiti was also recognised as the best school in the last WASSCE while Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti bagged the most improved school with an upward movement in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) result from 9% in 2012 to 99.9% in 2013.

    It was an event not just of rousing claps and standing ovations for feats either long or recently attainment, it was also one of a union of classes: scholarship, culture and business as apparent from the line up of awardees.

    At the colourful event were Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his deputy, Professor Modupe Adelabu; Governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Secretary to the State Govbernment, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Wale Omirin and the Head of Service, Mr. Olubunmi Famosanya.

    Also, present were the interim state chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Jide Awe; Commissioners, Special Advisers and Assistants, Permanent Secretaries and other ranking functionaries of the state.

    Speaking at the occasion, Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi stated that the awardees had done the state proud in their respective fields despite the moral decay which now characterises the society.

    Noting that the event would encourage coming generations to redouble efforts to propagate the good name of the state and project her image, the governor maintained that Ekiti people are honourable men and women, adding that it was time conscious efforts were made to project this positive image everywhere.

    Fayemi noted that the people of the state could redeem their lost heritage only by admitting that they have wandered a long way from who they were in the quest to admit cultures which were alien to the Ekiti values.

    According to him, the State Merit award was institutionalised not just to celebrate the high achieving Ekiti indigenes but also as one of the means of restoring the primacy of values in the society.

    He said: “It is sad indeed to observe the sharp decline that our once highly revered culture and tradition has suffered in recent times. Our psyche has been so badly damaged by decades of misrule and the monetisation of our value system with our youth being most affected. It is on this note that as one of the means of restoring the primacy of values in our society, we decided to institutionalise this Annual Awards”.

    The governor added that the award idea was relevant being one of several channels for advancing the efforts to rebuild a wholesome society upon the quintessential ideals which typify and ennoble Ekiti people.

    Congratulating the winners, the governor also commended Chief Okoli, a non-indigene who had been resident in the state for over five decades and who got the award for making Ekiti his home.

    He emphasised that Ekiti had indeed become home to whole legion others like Okoli who, in the spirit of federalism, had equal rights and privileges as indigenes and had consequently supported the vibrancy and cosmopolitan outlook of the state.

    Also, in his remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties and chairman of the Award committee, Chief Apalara Wole-Adewumi stated that the committee carried out adequate publicity for the nomination of the awardees and got 60 recommendations but pruned down the list to 27 which was forwarded to the governor for approval.

    The 16 finalists, according to Wole-Adewumi, were drawn from different walks of life including academics/scholarship, research, profession, philanthropy, commerce, trade and industries, culture, arts and tradition, youth, sports/music and entertainment, governance and community development.

    Responding on behalf of other award recipients, Professor Egunjobi clarified that none of the awardees lobbied for the recognition, adding that their selection was a result of a painstaking process of recognising those who genuinely deserve awards.

    Egunjobi stated that most of those being awarded had earlier won similar awards from other entities in the past, noting that the one from the state of their birth however remained the best of them.

    She spoke: “I also look forward to a day that our country, Nigeria, will one day honour someone for his sacrifices for this country. That person who I expect that Nigeria will honour one day is our son, Kayode Fayemi. She assured that they would not let the state down but lives as true ambassadors.

    Prof Osundare’s representative, Foluso, stated that the award was significant to the recipient as it would put to bed possible opinions that as a social critic, he would not ordinarily be considered worthy and fitting.

    He said: “Many, indeed feel he does not deserve this kind of award as he, just like many others, had been swimming against the currents. Besides, my brother is not the type who accepts all kinds of awards especially when it comes from praise singers who do not believe in good governance and care for the masses. To have accepted the award is an implicit confidence in this government”.

    Olamiju Joshua explained that the journey had been anything but smooth, adding but “with God, all things are possible.” My advice to young ones is to take life easy and serious. After God, the next is their studies.

    Olayemi Ajayi, who expressed her delight on the accomplishment, said she dreamt of becoming one of the best female Obstetrics and Gynaecologists which would allow her advance the health of women and children.

     

  • Tomorrow’s Leaders’ Digest hits newsstands

    Tomorrow’s Leaders’ Digest, a youth-focused magazine, has swelled the ranks of other existing publications tailored towards the need of teenagers.

    As the name implies, Tomorrow’s Leaders’ Digest is targeted at children between the age bracket of 12-20 years, the bulk of which will be junior and senior secondary school students.

    Justifying the need for the publication, Mr. Andy Evbuomwa, the Managing Editor, said it is: “To restore reading culture in every Nigerian child, being the hope and future of our nation, is a task that must be done. It is doable, but not with lip-service. If all stakeholders in this divide will co-operate and conscientiously work to encourage the present generation of Nigerian children, Vision 20:2020 will not be a far-cry from being realised. Sadly, today, our children fiddle with gadgets from the advanced nations, their children not only read but are aided in research to think ahead. It is now our turn to aid ours to get going, to read again because leaders are readers.”

    On the publication’s mission, Evbuomwa said it is to enhance learning through rich and well researched curriculum and extra-curriculum articles and stories on ICT, wealth creation, inspirational/motivational subjects. To feature true life stories from which knowledge can be drawn within the bounds of good values, ethics and morally acceptable norms including civic responsibilities.

    Besides, he said: “Through pages segmented for wealth creation, these Nigerians shall be mentored on the path to independence and self reliance. It is awkward that Nigerians are trained today on how to draft application for employment for jobs that are not there and with little emphasis on human capital development and wealth creation strategies.”

  • 17 teenagers rescued in Imo baby factory

    17 teenagers rescued in Imo baby factory

    They are teenagers, who should be in school. But, for these girls, there is a strange way of earning a living — selling the fruits of their wombs.

    But the Police in Imo State yesterday announced that the “baby factory” had been smashed — a major breakthrough in their fight against child trafficking.

    No fewer than 17 expectant teenagers were rescued from an illegal motherless babies home in Umuaka, Njaba Council Area.

    The Ahamefula Motherless Babies Home is allegedly owned by a middle aged woman simply identified as “Madam One Thousand”.

    Also rescued from the home after the police raid were 11 minors, who the police said were apparently waiting for prospective buyers.

    The girls, who are between the ages of 14 and 17, were said to have been impregnated by a 23-year old boy, simply identified as Oyibo.

    Looking pale and unkept, the girls are at various stages of pregnancy. They wept profusely during their parade at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, the state capital.

    Speaking during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Musa Mohammed Katsina, said that the illegal babies home was raided by the Ambush Squad attached to the Command after a tip-off.

    He said the suspect, who is now at large, was producing pure water in the compound to deceive the public.

    The CP said when the police invaded the tightly secured compound, “17 pregnant minors were seen holed up in different rooms in the large compound with some of their kids playing around”.

    Also paraded by the Police was the security man, Mr. Uzoamaka Okoli (55) from Nempi Amafor in Oru West Council Area and Oyibo, 23, who confessed to being responsible for all the pregnancies.

  • Five teenagers die in Anambra community river

    •Council chief condoles with family

    Five teenage members of a family in Umueze-Anam, Anambra West Local Government area, yesterday died in a river in the community.

    The deceased were four boys and a girl.

    They reportedly drowned in Omambala River where they had gone to swim.

    The teenagers were said to have just returned from Lagos to spend the Christmas holiday with their family.

    Umueze-Anam is the home town of former Minister of State for Transport, Prince John Emeka.

    The Nation learnt that the deceased were from a family of six.

    All six reportedly went for a swim.

    The sixth member reportedly shouted for help when the river reportedly carried away the others.

    The villagers were said to have rushed to the scene but the teenagers had drowned. then.

    It was learnt that the local government chairman, Chief Alex Chukwurah, has visited the bereaved family.

    Three of the deceased were said to be the children of a man, simply identified as Chief Okonkwo; one was said to be the child of his sister’s, (Nwadiana’s) child.

    The fifth child, who reportedly hailed from Delta State, was said to be on holiday with the Okonkwos.

    The survivor reportedly did not jump into the river with the others.

    Chukwurah confirmed the incident.

    The council chief said he has visited the Okonkwos, adding that they live near his office.

    He said: “I have gone to condole with the family. That happened because they were not living in the village. There is no way such could happen, if they were villagers or regulars. But because they didn’t know how to swim, they drowned immediately they jumped into the river. The only survivor refused to jump into the river with them. God knows the best…”