The Nation Newspaper

Tag: teenagers

  • Gunmen kill two teenagers in Kano

    Two teenagers were at the weekend shot dead in Kano by unknown gunmen.

    The incident, according to an eyewitness, occurred at about 7pm at Yankaba area of the ancient city on Thursday when unknown gunmen, riding on a motorbike, shot the two teenagers to death at close range and immediately escaped.

    In separate interviews with Solomon Agazie and Nwachukwu, both fathers of the slain teenagers, they expressed shock and disbelief over the killing of their innocent sons in cold blood.

    In tears, Mr Nwachukwu asked, “Who killed my son? What offence has he committed to be shot instantly to death without justice?”

    According to both parents, the late Daniel Nwachukwu (17) and Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Agazie (16) were both childhood friends who grew up within the same locality in Yankaba before they met their untimely death.

    On the fateful day, the late Daniel visited his friend, Chukwuebuka, and while he was seeing off Daniel just 200 metres away from his home, Chukwuebuka’s sister, who was in the bathroom, heard two gun shots, and rushed out to the scene, only to discover that her brother and friend had been shot to death.

    She hurriedly alerted both parents, who rushed to the scene. Moments later, operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) arrived the spot and with the consent of both parents carried the bodies of the teenagers to the Bompai Police Station where the incident was recorded and thereafter the bodies were taken to the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

    Meanwhile, both pained parents of the late teenagers are challenging the state government to fish out the killers of their sons, insisting that they are both innocent, adding that one of the deceased, Daniel, recently secured admission to an institution in Imo State and was in the process of proceeding there before he met his death

    Contacted, the Police Command confirmed the incident and said that investigations have commenced to unravel those behind the crime.

     

  • Keeping your teenagers pure (2)

    Dear Reader

    I welcome you to another exciting edition of this week. As you read and pay attention to God’s Word, I see God giving you the grace to know and understand your teenagers.

    This week, we shall be looking at, how to understand your Teenager. Some people lay up money, houses, clothes, cars and other possessions as an inheritance for their children. But the greatest inheritance you can leave behind for your children, is a good Christian upbringing.

    A child is a gift from God, a blessing to the family and a unique blend of husband and wife. The Bible says:

    Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. ( Psalm 127:3).

    God ‘s purpose for giving you children is not only for replenishing and filling up the earth, but because He is seeking a godly seed.

    The best environment, therefore, to raise a godly seed unto the Lord is the home.

    When I discovered this truth some years ago, I made up my mind not to fail God in my responsibility towards my children. From then onward, after every church service, I returned home to break into smaller pieces the message preached in the church. I asked God to teach me how to break the principles in His Word down to my children’s level of understanding. I then began to ensure that hardly a day passed by, without a time spent sitting down with them, opening scriptures and ministering to them.

    I have found out that even when the children leave home and are in places where we as parent cannot be physically, the fear of the Lord implanted in their hearts and the knowledge of the Word of God keep them intact.

    The teens years are the most demanding years for many children and parents alike. A lot of the prevalent challenges stems from a basic lack of understanding of this phase of life. The children are wondering, “What’s going on here? Why is my body changing so rapidly? Do I have a disease? Why is my voice cracking? Why is my breast hurting? Can I talk about it with anyone?”

    But the teens years need not to be frustrating; all that is actually required is knowledge and understanding.

    Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: (Proverbs 24:3).

    Clearly understanding the transformation that takes place in the lives of your teenagers, will help you to offer relevant guidance, besides, it will equip you with the patience you need to go through the period.

    Children are alarmed about such changes; the comfort and reassurance of their parents, make them to know they are normal and that everything is alright. Go beyond being their parent to being their friend, so they can open up and confide in you.

    Therefore, in this phase, we believe to explain certain terminologies that may have sounded like Greek to you, and describe what happens at various stages of your teenage children’s development

    PUBERTY

    The first phase children pass through is known as puberty. Puberty is a phase of sexual awakening in the life of a child. This is when the sexual organs and reproductive system of a child begin to develop, in preparation for adulthood, reproduction and childbirth.

    The age it begins differs from on child to another.

    For boys, puberty starts from the age of 12. Rapid growth begins to take place in their bodies. At this stage the pituitary gland (also known as the “big boss”) attached to the base of the brain of man, is activated. It produces hormones, which bring about changes in the body and the ability to produce a child.

    Some other notable changes occur in the girl during menstruation. Her body becomes more rounded and curvy, her breasts begin to enlarge, and may become sore or slightly painful.

    What is Adolescence?

    Adolescence is a term used to describe the period of life between childhood and adulthood. It is usually between age 14 and19. It is the final stage of childhood, before adulthood sets in. It is similar to the “pupal stage” of growth in a butterfly before the cocoon finally breaks forth into a beautiful butterfly.

    As parents, for you to understand your children or your teenager, you need to be in good relationship with God? Are you born again? Do you want to accept Him as your Lord and saviour? If you are ready, please say with me. Dear Lord, I come to you today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins.  Cleanse me with your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.  Now I know I am born again!

    Congratulations! Until I come your way next week, please call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com; Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8, 0702638543,707094254102

    For more insight, these books authored by Pastor Faith Oyedepo are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches, and other leading Christian Bookstores: Singles With A Difference and A Living Witness.