http://editorkay.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/588281 Barack Hussein Obama, 47, was elected the 44th President of the United States of America amidst euphoric reaction from every part of the world. Even foes were forced to express their amazement at the turn out of what could be regarded as one of the greatest campaigns in the history of the United States.

His fever was everywhere, from the music group called Obama in Japan, to recipes in France called Obama cakes and all. It was indeed a defining moment after eight years of tension created by the Bush administration which has been adjudged as one of the most unpopular government in American history.

In his book, Audacity of hope which he wrote after becoming a Senator at the US Senate, he had stated his intention to reach voters directly, explain choices in a truthful fashion as he knew with hopes of bringing their instincts of fairplay and common sense around. In his exact words he said:

“I have come to the notion that politics could be different and voters want something different. That they are tired of distortions, name-callings, and sound bites solution to complicated problems. But if I could reach the voters directly, frame the issues as I felt them, explain the choice in as truthful fashion as I knew how, then the people’s instinct for fair play and common sense will bring them around”

Indeed, his campaign was a symbolic representation of a new era in the politics of the United States fulfilling the dream of the founding fathers and of Martin Luther King Jnr., Civil Rights Activist whose “I have a Dream” speech has culminated into a dream which majority believe has finally materialized. The man at the centre of the ovation, Barack Obama has since been sworn in on the 20th of January 2009.

There’s a huge sense of hope in the air given his tremendous campaign promises which was centred around bringing back hopes of possible change in the United States and indeed around the world, at least given the country’s reputation in the world. One specific achievement of h is campaign was its ability to create a new image for the United States around the world as against the battered one that was in place in the last eight years. The campaign’s all inclusive character was also a plus to the success; engaging individuals of all age group.

The election has come and gone. President Obama had made it to the White House; the ball is now in his court to lead the change. In his Inaugural speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to the course of revitalizing the United States from the worst economic crisis that has ever befalling the nation in its history, inspired and called citizens to service of the nation as a means of uniting forces together to create change. He also charted the course to the country’s foreign policy sending signals to both friends and foes, a determinant factor to what the world should expect in the next four years from the world’s most prosperous and powerful nation.

In his words, he said “We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” This will be a major reflection of the course of the world for the next four years if not eight.
However, the past few weeks has proven that policy making does not lie in the hands of the executive arm of government alone. While Republicans are hell-bent on ensuring tax break for wealthy corporations, Democrats are concerned with relieving the average citizen of the misery of loosing their homes, jobs and health insurance. The stimulus package which the Obama administration is seeking to be passed to enable those promises be met is currently being ‘warred’ upon. Equally, his assistants’ pick is also currently under intense scrutiny. With one wrong pick to his kitty, the passage of his other assistants may not be rosy.
Reactions from Russia, to the middle-east and to Asia are beginning to depict that the tension is been doused, with Russia reversing on its earlier aggressive measures against the United States planned missile defense system in Europe, Iran’s willingness to cooperate given the US’s intention to dialogue with the former without pre-condition and the renewed quest by the US to broker peace in the middle-east.
All these have been within President Obama’s 100days in office. In my opinion, the world is gradually adjusting itself to the Obama change. Its course (Obama administration) will be significant in the years ahead. The American people are more than hopeful that this change will last the test of its might if it follows the course it promised during the campaign trail.
For us in Africa, apart from the hands of favourable foreign policies that may be extended to us, the greatest of all the tides that this change brings is the lesson it truly symbolizes. Whether some quarters are jubilant at the prospect of having a fellow black man in the White House or not, the lessons is that change is possible and sacrifices have to be made to create this change. The greater lesson is the equal opportunity that is bestowed on every citizen irrespective of class, ethnicity, and religion. That was major factor that gave the son of a Kenyan immigrant and a divorcee the opportunity to rise to become the 44th President of the most powerful nation in the world. It is a great lesson, equal opportunity to all. We must begin to invest in today and ensure that the right ingredients are administered for the success of tomorrow.
If it’s worth the risk, then we should take it. Risks are not to be avoided but to be managed.

Kayode Ajayi-Smith
Youth Action Ambassador
Young People We Care
]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:12:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/588281 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/588277 Barack Hussein Obama, 47, was elected the 44th President of the United States of America amidst euphoric reaction from every part of the world. Even foes were forced to express their amazement at the turn out of what could be regarded as one of the greatest campaigns in the history of the United States.

His fever was everywhere, from the music group called Obama in Japan, to recipes in France called Obama cakes and all.
It was indeed a defining moment after eight years of tension created by the Bush administration which has been adjudged as one of the most unpopular government in American history.

In his book, Audacity of hope which he wrote after becoming a Senator at the US Senate, he had stated his intention to reach voters directly, explain choices in a truthful fashion as he knew with hopes of bringing their instincts of fairplay and common sense around. In his exact words he said:

“I have come to the notion that politics could be different and voters want something different. That they are tired of distortions, name-callings, and sound bites solution to complicated problems. But if I could reach the voters directly, frame the issues as I felt them, explain the choice in as truthful fashion as I knew how, then the people’s instinct for fair play and common sense will bring them around”

Indeed, his campaign was a symbolic representation of a new era in the politics of the United States fulfilling the dream of the founding fathers and of Martin Luther King Jnr., Civil Rights Activist whose “I have a Dream” speech has culminated into a dream which majority believe has finally materialized. The man at the centre of the ovation, Barack Obama has since been sworn in on the 20th of January 2009.

There’s a huge sense of hope in the air given his tremendous campaign promises which was centred around bringing back hopes of possible change in the United States and indeed around the world, at least given the country’s reputation in the world. One specific achievement of h is campaign was its ability to create a new image for the United States around the world as against the battered one that was in place in the last eight years. The campaign’s all inclusive character was also a plus to the success; engaging individuals of all age group.

The election has come and gone. President Obama had made it to the White House; the ball is now in his court to lead the change. In his Inaugural speech, he reaffirmed his commitment to the course of revitalizing the United States from the worst economic crisis that has ever befalling the nation in its history, inspired and called citizens to service of the nation as a means of uniting forces together to create change. He also charted the course to the country’s foreign policy sending signals to both friends and foes, a determinant factor to what the world should expect in the next four years from the world’s most prosperous and powerful nation.

In his words, he said “We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” This will be a major reflection of the course of the world for the next four years if not eight.
However, the past few weeks has proven that policy making does not lie in the hands of the executive arm of government alone. While Republicans are hell-bent on ensuring tax break for wealthy corporations, Democrats are concerned with relieving the average citizen of the misery of loosing their homes, jobs and health insurance. The stimulus package which the Obama administration is seeking to be passed to enable those promises be met is currently being ‘warred’ upon. Equally, his assistants’ pick is also currently under intense scrutiny. With one wrong pick to his kitty, the passage of his other assistants may not be rosy.
Reactions from Russia, to the middle-east and to Asia are beginning to depict that the tension is been doused, with Russia reversing on its earlier aggressive measures against the United States planned missile defense system in Europe, Iran’s willingness to cooperate given the US’s intention to dialogue with the former without pre-condition and the renewed quest by the US to broker peace in the middle-east.
All these have been within President Obama’s 100days in office. In my opinion, the world is gradually adjusting itself to the Obama change. Its course (Obama administration) will be significant in the years ahead. The American people are more than hopeful that this change will last the test of its might if it follows the course it promised during the campaign trail.
For us in Africa, apart from the hands of favourable foreign policies that may be extended to us, the greatest of all the tides that this change brings is the lesson it truly symbolizes. Whether some quarters are jubilant at the prospect of having a fellow black man in the White House or not, the lessons is that change is possible and sacrifices have to be made to create this change. The greater lesson is the equal opportunity that is bestowed on every citizen irrespective of class, ethnicity, and religion. That was major factor that gave the son of a Kenyan immigrant and a divorcee the opportunity to rise to become the 44th President of the most powerful nation in the world. It is a great lesson, equal opportunity to all. We must begin to invest in today and ensure that the right ingredients are administered for the success of tomorrow.
If it’s worth the risk, then we should take it. Risks are not to be avoided but to be managed.

Kayode Ajayi-Smith
Youth Action Ambassador,
Young People We Care
]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:08:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/588277 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/553299 While on holiday, we (I and my younger siblings) used to help out with operating my grandpa’s grinding machine and I must confess we did quite a hell of job as customers came in from far and near to grind cereals. It wasn’t as if we enjoyed it though but it was the least we could do to help while on holiday.
After a while, the initial enthusiasm began to diminish and we began to look for motivation. Eventually, we decided we were worth some financial dividends from the work we had done so far. Gradually, it became a habit to constant demand from grandpa, financial rewards for the work we did.

Grandpa noticed our new habit and invited us for a talk in his workshop (he was a blacksmith and his shop was located within the house). We initially thought he was going to complain about our new habit but instead, he ushered us in, in a friendly manner and announced to us that he wanted to entertain us with a tale.
“Story, story!” he cried out signalling the beginning of the story. In his story, a certain woman had several servants who will not work except only if some financial rewards or benefits were attached to it. On afternoon after the rice harvest at her farm, she called out to her servants and announced that she would be stepping out for a while and she had a very important but not urgent task for them. The task entailed that the rice be packed up in bags. She however stated that no financial reward was attached but every little effort in ensuring that the rice is packed up in the bags will be appreciated and she proceeded on her outing.

As soon as she departed, work began. Some of the servants filled the bags with their hands, some with cups, some with bowls, and some with buckets. The woman arrived later and thanked her servants for their gesture. However, surprisingly, she announced that each servant should go home with the number of bags he or she was able to fill as a reward for their service. In the end, Grandpa turned to us and said “which of the servants benefited from the exercise the most; the ones who filled the bags with their hands, or those who filled it with cups, bowls or bucket?” I was instantly dumbfounded by the lessons of the tale which was staring me in the high. The lessons which I summed up to mean accepting delayed gratification have remained the foundation of who I am today.

Today, I work in the development sector and most of the experiences I have gathered have been through giving my time to support development initiative as a Volunteer. Few days ago, I was honoured at an event which was held in honour of the International day of volunteering. An organization had nominated me on the request of the organizers of the event. The criterion for nomination was specifically volunteers that had helped the nominating organization in achieving its set goals and I was nominated. Though it wasn’t the first time I would be acknowledged for my selfless services but the fulfilment that comes with it is inexplicable. I remember volunteering with an Oxfam shop in London and the huge praise showered on me by my shop manager and even people who came into the shop to purchase items. One particular individual had walked up to me to ask me if I was paid for the job and when I said no, “that’s incredible” were his exact word. Each time I felt fulfilled, I remember my grandpa’s tale and of course the huge rewards, privileges and opportunities that comes with adhering to the lesson of the tale.

Today, I support the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals just as many other young people who are doing tremendous work in their various communities all over the world. I am convinced that sometimes we do not need huge platform to contribute to the development of our community as young people but the little we can muster will go a long way in ensuring that change is evident in our community. Positive change is one of the most desirable conditions that we yearn for as young people but Ghandi tells us how to achieve it and that which is:

“Be the change you want to see in the world”
My interpretation is if you want to make your community a better place, take a look at yourself and begin to make that change. Volunteer your time to raise funds for charity, assist the physically challenged, assist to teach mathematics in primary schools, assist in planting trees to cushion the effects of global warming and climate change, these are just but a few things you can volunteer to do. Identify a need in your community today and volunteer a little time to assist and you will not only be making changes but you will also be making the world a better place for all to live in.

-
Best Regards,
'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
Member, Editorial Team,
Development Report Magazine,
www.developmentreport.org


Youth Action Ambassador,
Young People We Care,
www.ypwc.org
+2348055316398, 07025813561
Young People We Care (YPWC) is a registered youth-led and youth-focused, non-profit organization that is headquartered in Ghana and has satellite offices in the UK, Canada and USA. The organization is operated by young people (ages 15–30) and adult allies working on youth and development related issues worldwide. At YPWC, we are passionate about sustainable development, the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and the promotion of a culture of peace and universal human rights for all. Visit us at: www.ypwc.org]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:13:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/553299 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/543771 Department of Foreign Affairs,
Republic of South Africa.

Attention: Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba

Sir,
Embassy's Visa Process in Lagos, Nigeria undermines genuine
application, please help to redress.

I have often dismissed many accusations against foreign missions in
Nigeria due to the desperation that has grown wild in most Nigerians
in their effort to seek greener pasture with every available
opportunity. Though I have reacted to some genuine ones by urging
those involved to report appropriately to appropriate quarters. It was
until I had a similar experience that I decided to write to report my
disgust at the situation.

The picture I can vividly paint of the South African Embassy in Lagos,
Nigeria is a clear case of an eyesore. I had been invited to attend
the World Association of Christian Communication Congress scheduled to
hold between the 4th and the 10th of October 2008
in Cape town, South Africa. The organization was to be responsible for
my airfare, transportation around the city, feeding and accommodation.
Please find attached a copy of the said invitation letter sent to me
which clearly affirms my claim.


I had visited the embassy on a Thursday to submit my documents for
ratification by the consular as it is the practice and was expected to
come back for an appointment date on a Monday evening at 4pm to pick
up my appointment date. It is worthy to note that I started processing
my visa a month and two weeks before my scheduled trip. The atmosphere
I met at the embassy like I said earlier was that of a clear case of
an eyesore. Touts have now become thin gods at the embassy, leaving
genuine travelers at their mercy. The Policemen and security agents at
the gate have also made matters worse as they have become accomplices
to the operations of touts. My first frustration came when I returned
to the embassy on the following Monday to retrieve my document and
find out what date I was scheduled for, for my interview. I had
received my document with a little note scribbled on it stating that I
should produce another invitation other than the invitation letter
sent to me by the organization and that I should give three contact
details of the organizers coupled with a phone number of the hotel in
which the event will be taking place.

I had contacted the organizers and had stated the embassy's queries.
In their response, Tim Meadley a representative of the organizers had
told me that the only invitation letter that was agreed upon in the
arrangement made with the South African Government was the one I was
earlier given. He further sent me a mail and asked me to print it and
attach it to my document. The mail was meant to explain the
arrangement agreed upon. You will find the content of the mail below
my letter.

With the content of Tim Meadley's mail, I represented my documents and
waited for another Monday for the embassy's response but I was yet
again to be disappointed. On the second occasion, my application was
returned with the same queries as though the content of Mr. Meadley's
letter was not read. I was unable to access any member of the
consulate to explain my case since the consulate's building is
designed in a way by which you are only allowed to speak with security
officials who carry out directive without discretion. I had retrieved
the e-mail address of the consular and the phone number from the South
African Government website. Sending a mail to the consulate office in
Lagos proved abortive as the mail could not be delivered, so I decided
to call. I had called all the numbers repeatedly but there was no
response. Even when someone finally responded, the response was not
helpful as the person from the other side of the receiver directed me
to call another line which kept ringing without an answer.

While discussing my frustration to a guy who I later discovered was a
tout, he had offered me to take me in without any hassles with the
security operatives but at a cost of ten thousand naira. I remember
asking me how sure he was about the deal, and he gave me a 90%
assurance. I took his phone number hoping to consider his offer as I
was already getting frustrated. He had also convinced me that I would
continue to go through the process of getting the consular's approval
of my invitation letter for the next four week if I do not yield to
his proposal as it is the practice at the consulate, according to him
(I can provide details of the tout's phone number on demand, at least
to prove my claim).

I had gone home, considered the offer and decided against it. I put a
call through to Mr. Meadley again, this time he offered a new
invitation letter which was signed by a DM Wanless (with ID number
4111135087089). Please find attached a copy of the said letter. Mr.
Meadley had on this occasion had stated that although the organizers
were able to assist, they were not supposed to attend to individual
needs and that I should not expect any more individual assistance.

Finally, I submitted on the 11th of September 2008 and I was able to
secure an interview date on the 18th of September 2008. On the 18th
which was the next Thursday, I was shocked to find out that there was
actually no interview except for a payment procedure which took
forever. I remember that I had, had to stand for several minutes to
await my receipt which was to state the date which I was to retrieve
my visa from the consulate. When I received my receipt, I was
convinced that the person who handled my visa application did not take
enough time to assess my document as I was asked to pick my visa on
the 9th of October 2008 (as stated on the receipt) when the event I
was going to attend would have almost ended.

I was totally disappointed but yet, I was unable to access any member
of the consulate to speak with. I went back there the next day hoping
to get someone to speak with. I got to the embassy early enough to see
a member of the consulate address intending travelers. I had being
fortunate to speak with a female member of the consulate who attended
to my situation. After listening to my case, she simply struck out the
9th of October 2008 collection date and replaced it with the 3rd of
October 2008 after she saw a copy of my travel schedule which I had
attached to my application. Please find attached a copy of the travel
schedule. I came back on the 3rd of October 2008 to retrieve my Visa
but I was told that the system at the consulate was down and thus,
Visas could not be collected on that date even when it was evident
that some individuals (obviously high powered individuals) were able
to retrieve theirs.

I left the consulate at about 4pm disappointed and with all efforts in
vain. I came back on Monday, and Tuesday but was only able to retrieve
my visa on the 8th of October 2008, a date to late to embark on the
trip has my travel booking had already being cancelled according to
the organizers. Even when I went to retrieve the my visa finally, the
lady who handed me my passport accused me of forgery of the date on my
receipt; a date which reassigned to me by a female member of the
consulate who I could vividly describe as an elderly woman in glasses
and I presume she will be in her late 40s or early 50s. She is
chocolate in complexion and had a height of about 5.5".

The most annoying part of the entire scenario was the fact that my
visa had been issued on the 22nd of September 2008 and a condition was
placed on the visa. The condition stated that I was to be admitted 30
days to attend WACC Congress in Cape Town, must hold Onward/Return
ticket; a condition that totally renders the visa useless leaving all
my efforts to lie in futility.

For a benefit of doubt, my name is Ajayi-Smith Olukayode Paul with
passport number A2399443. My receipt number 1074781 and my Visa
reference number is SZRLBQE.
I am development practitioner, a Youth Action Ambassador of the Young
People We Care (www.ypwc.org), and a Member of the Editorial team of
the Development Report Magazine (www.developmentreport.org). I have
proven integrity and service to humanity, traits which the World
Association of Christian Communication identified to have invited me
for their event and offered me the luxury of attending the yearly
congress. I was the only Nigerian delegate at the first ever Civicus
Youth Assembly in Glasgow, Scotland for 7 days in May 2007 and I
attended and returned back to my country. I am one of the very few
young Nigerians who believe in the strict compliance of the rule of
law though it is not that enforced in the country but yet, I observe
the laws. I am an advocate of the principle "work locally and think
globally".

My experience at the Visa section of the Republic of South Africa in
Lagos has made me lose confidence in the Visa process and I have thus
decided not to embark on such a futile effort again in my life.
Although, from my assessment of the consulate, I noticed that there
are very few staffs handling a huge number of applications but that
was not enough for genuine applicants to be treated like dirt.
If you do doubt my claims, you can investigate and I will be glad to
provide more details.
I trust you will use your good office to redeem our confidence in your
visa process as the current process undermines the application of
genuine travelers.
I look forward to you action on this issue.

Best Regards,
'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
Member, Editorial Team,
Development Report Magazine,
www.developmentreport.org


Youth Action Ambassador,
Young People We Care,
www.ypwc.org
+2348055316398, 07025813561
Young People We Care (YPWC) is a registered youth-led and
youth-focused, non-profit organization that is headquartered in Ghana
and has satellite offices in the UK, Canada and USA. The organization
is operated by young people (ages 15–30) and adult allies working on
youth and development related issues worldwide. At YPWC, we are
passionate about sustainable development, the realization of the
Millennium Development Goals and the promotion of a culture of peace
and universal human rights for all. Visit us at: www.ypwc.org

Tim Meadley's E-mail to me

im Meadley hide details 29 Aug
to editorkay@gmail.com
date 29 Aug 2008 19:17
subject WACC Congress 2008 - Reference Number: c9f
Olukayode Ajayi-Smith

Further to our telephone conversation, which was interrupted.

WACC's representative in Cape Town has received a letter from the Home
Affairs Department of the Republic of South Africa indicating that the
Department would advise South African Missions abroad to issue visas to
delegates attending the Congress provided they were in possession of an
invitation letter. The letter is signed by F M Birkenback on behalf of
the Deputy Director General (IMS). The reference on the letter is
19/5/5/2/1912 (VS6).

Providing this information, together with the invitation letter that we
have already sent to you, should be sufficient to obtain the necessary
visa. If after communicating this to the embassy the problem remains,
please let me know and I will pass the information to our representative
in Cape Town who is in contact with the Home Affairs Department.
Alternatively, the embassy can contact me for clarification.

TiM

Tim Meadley, Manager of Administration
World Association for Christian Communication
308 Main Street, Toronto ON, M4C 4X7, Canada
Tel: +1 416-691-1999 Fax: +1 416-691-1997
E-mail: TM@waccglobal.org
--------------------------------------------------------

On-line full-fee registration for Congress 2008 still open! Register now!
Visit: www.waccglobal.org/congress

Aun estan abiertas las inscripciones para el Congreso 2008 en linea!
Inscribete ya!
Visita el sitio: www.waccglobal.org/congress

Inscription en-ligne (avec paiement complet) pour le Congres 2008 est
toujours ouverte ! Inscrivez-vous maintenant!
Visitez: www.waccglobal.org/congress

The World Association for Christian Communication is a UK Registered
Charity (number 296073) and a Company registered in England and Wales
(number 2082273) with its Registered Office at 36 Causton Street,
London SW1P 4ST. It is an incorporated Charitable Organisation in
Canada (number 83970 9524 RR0001) with its offices at 308 Main Street,
Toronto ON, M4C 4X7.


]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/543771 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/536067 While observing a recent case, I noticed that the victim had the
opportunity to safe himself but just didn't. How cruel! I thought;
even to oneself.

After several thought on the subject, I reached out to empathy to seek
fairness in my assessment of the subject but couldn't reach a concrete
conclusion as I couldn't figure out exactly what could prompt anyone
to embark on such an endless journey.

Recently, I went through some trying period. I was frustrated with no
clear direction to follow. I have always been a very restless
individual and will only get even more frustrated when idle. My trying
period was more than frustrating and it kept me idle. Solutions became
scarce, steps trembled, and quakes shattered every prospective hopes.

Soon, I was tempted to the quickest way out...guess what it was,
suicide. Ending it from a glimpse seem like the easiest way. Away from
the hustle ans bussle of everyday life, the insecurity that our
society is characterized by, thought of all the problems I would go
through if i chose otherwise and the thought of disappointments from
loved ones which have now become so rampant these days and I felt
relieved that finally the solution was here.
As i breathed a sigh of relief, my thought quickly ran through the
agony I saw in the eyes of the victim I saw the other day, and a sharp
feeling ran through my spine. Immediately, I began to see faces; faces
of loved ones. My mum was the first I saw, I saw in it a wild fire
about to engulf her entire being, I saw my siblings and their face of
disappointment as if to say "coward!"; I saw those who have challenged
me to prove otherwise that I was up to no good saying "Victory at
last! He chose the shortest route just like we envisaged".

I saw the Love of my life, innocent as ever. Her eyes were sore and
filled inexplicable expression. I thought of the times we shared, the
promises I made to her and most importantly, the prospect of spending
the rest of my life with her.

"NO!!" I screamed. That was all I needed to see how selfish I was with
my thought and how absurd it will be for me to embark on my earlier
decision. As I smiled while writing this piece, I thought once again
of the agony I saw in the eyes of the suicide victim and said to myself
"Welcome, that was a glimpse into the world of a hurting man and his
woes".


'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
Youth Opportunity Coordinator,
YPWC,
www.ypwc.org,
+2348055316398, 07025813561

Young People We Care (YPWC) is a registered youth-led and
youth-focused, non-profit organization that is headquartered in Ghana
and has satellite offices in the UK, Canada and USA. The organization
is operated by young people (ages 15–30) and adult allies working on
youth and development related issues worldwide. At YPWC, we are
passionate about sustainable development, the realization of the
Millennium Development Goals and the promotion of a culture of peace
and universal human rights for all. Visit us at: www.ypwc.org]]> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:50:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/536067 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/490311 Dear Friends,
Unity is profitable to possess, but it does not come on a platter of gold. I am particularly pleased that our independence is here again as this time affords us a time to reflect deeply on ways to move our nation forward through the works of our hands.

The loss of value in our society calls for a deep reflection. We live in a society where almost everything does not work. However, I must be accountable to the fact that some individuals are striving hard day and night to effect change and I must say that I praise their courage and I will continue to pray for strength for them.

As we celebrate our 48th year anniversary, I say, Arise O’ compatriot to issues that affect you in your community just as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jnr and his comrades stood against racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. His conduct was later recognized through his bagging of the Noble Peace Price award. You can make a change today in your little way. Leaders are not born but made.

Arise O’ compatriots, to poverty which is the bane of our society. What society can thrive on an empty stomach, when “an hungry man is an angry man”. So many families still live below a dollar per day which is very pathetic. I magine a society void of extreme hunger, where children live on healthy and constant diet. A society where food production is a all-year round affair and is without hitches just as it is done in Israel, a nation that was once a desert until the implementation of an effective irrigation system that is currently helping to effectively produce crops all through the year. It is achieveable, as long as there is a will, there will always be a way.

Arise O compatriots, to injustice and the protection of human rights. Every human has a right to the dignity of his/her person and such persons should not be deprived of that rights. Nigeria has witnessed huge cases of human rights violations in recent times but the situation is gradually improving, all thanks to the efforts of progressives from all works of life. Democracy is gradually finding its footing and the coming years will be profitable if we arise to this course.

Arise O compatriots, to corruption and social vices. All that glitters now is not gold. The end will justify the means. If we continue to postpone the evil day, the consequences will be severe. The time to act is now! Help stop corruption, say no to it. Integrity is the true test of character. I am sure that Tafa Balogun’s humiliation, doctored or not, was a shameful site to behold and no one will be willing to be in his shoes. The great societies that we all admire today are built on the strict compliance of the rule of Law. We are the architect of our woes today, the earlier we begin to make efforts to esponge ourselves from the shackles of pain and agony caused by corruption, the better it will be for us and our children.

Arise O compatriot, to bad leadership. Leadership is not by position of authourity but by act. The society awaits true leadersip to show us the way. When our new Governor emerged, our course changed for the better eventhough we are paying a huge sacrifice each day in Lagos for a change we have long awaited . When a true leader emerges, the people glow with joy, but the antithesis is the case when a tyrant rules. True leaders have the map in their head and all we have to do is to follow; follow with our eyes opened. Remember that Leadership is a function of followership. Bad followers will only produce bad Leaders.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to deplorable enviromental conditions. With the threat of global warming and climate change on the rise, there is a great need for the sustainability of our enviroment. We must rise to the challenge of making our enviroment a safe haven. Reduction in our disposal of carbon gas and ensure that the continuation of the agression in the Niger-Delta does not continue.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to the ethnic and religious jingoism and face the fact before us practically while we pray for strenght to overcome. Imagine the avoidable incidents that has led to the death of many in our nation all because of religious and ethnic jingoism. Most importantly, who are mostly affected in these crisis, women and children; those we are supposed to care for, those who are the sustainability of our plans and policies. Must we sacrifice our future for mere sentiments? We can make a difference today.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to our duities as Nigerians to uplift our nation from its present precarious situation. If you are a civil servant observe your duties appropriately, if you are a doctor, diagnose appropriately don’t guess, if you are a policeman; police well and if you are a teacher; teach well. As it ever occurred to you that the young man you failed to contribute to his life appropriately as a teacher has ended up as a huching on the street of Lagos. Has it also occurred to you that your daughter that you failed to train appropriately is wondering the street in the popular “allen Avenue” business act. Do you also realize that even if you jetison these facts and send your children abroad to get the best of everything, your children will come back to face these victims of circumstances and cohabit in the same enviroment. However, you can still make a difference today in the lives of those currently in your custody. We can all retrace our steps and arise to the course of our future.

Yesterday, as I watched developments unfolding in US financial crisis and how the duo of John Mc Cain and Barack Obama; candidates of the forth presidential election had come together to join the president to channel a way forward to the crisis, I began to understand the superiority of national interest above every other interest.

My call for service on this day is aimed towards awakening us to our responsibility of uplifting our society through our sphere of influence. If we all go about our business and forget about the development of our society, a day will come when we will have to peep outside our door to see if it is safe to go out before we step out of our various homes to go to work.

As we celebrate this anniversary, I want to plead that we put national interest before personal interest in the discharge of our duties. Unity is key, it is in Unity that we shall stand.
I will round up by borrowing a line from our own Onyeka Onwenu.

“our difference is our strenght, in our diversity lies our unity. There may be many tongues but one voice, Nigeria, one Nation under God”

Happy 48th Anniversary!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.






]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:31:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/490311 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/490307 Unity is profitable to possess, but it does not come on a platter of gold. I am particularly pleased that our independence is here again as this time affords us a time to reflect deeply on ways to move our nation forward through the works of our hands.

The loss of value in our society calls for a deep reflection. We live in a society where almost everything does not work. However, I must be accountable to the fact that some individuals are striving hard day and night to effect change and I must say that I praise their courage and I will continue to pray for strength for them.

As we celebrate our 48th year anniversary, I say, Arise O’ compatriot to issues that affect you in your community just as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jnr and his comrades stood against racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. His conduct was later recognized through his bagging of the Noble Peace Price award. You can make a change today in your little way. Leaders are not born but made.

Arise O’ compatriots, to poverty which is the bane of our society. What society can thrive on an empty stomach, when “an hungry man is an angry man”. So many families still live below a dollar per day which is very pathetic. I magine a society void of extreme hunger, where children live on healthy and constant diet. A society where food production is a all-year round affair and is without hitches just as it is done in Israel, a nation that was once a desert until the implementation of an effective irrigation system that is currently helping to effectively produce crops all through the year. It is achieveable, as long as there is a will, there will always be a way.

Arise O compatriots, to injustice and the protection of human rights. Every human has a right to the dignity of his/her person and such persons should not be deprived of that rights. Nigeria has witnessed huge cases of human rights violations in recent times but the situation is gradually improving, all thanks to the efforts of progressives from all works of life. Democracy is gradually finding its footing and the coming years will be profitable if we arise to this course.

Arise O compatriots, to corruption and social vices. All that glitters now is not gold. The end will justify the means. If we continue to postpone the evil day, the consequences will be severe. The time to act is now! Help stop corruption, say no to it. Integrity is the true test of character. I am sure that Tafa Balogun’s humiliation, doctored or not, was a shameful site to behold and no one will be willing to be in his shoes. The great societies that we all admire today are built on the strict compliance of the rule of Law. We are the architect of our woes today, the earlier we begin to make efforts to esponge ourselves from the shackles of pain and agony caused by corruption, the better it will be for us and our children.

Arise O compatriot, to bad leadership. Leadership is not by position of authourity but by act. The society awaits true leadersip to show us the way. When our new Governor emerged, our course changed for the better eventhough we are paying a huge sacrifice each day in Lagos for a change we have long awaited . When a true leader emerges, the people glow with joy, but the antithesis is the case when a tyrant rules. True leaders have the map in their head and all we have to do is to follow; follow with our eyes opened. Remember that Leadership is a function of followership. Bad followers will only produce bad Leaders.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to deplorable enviromental conditions. With the threat of global warming and climate change on the rise, there is a great need for the sustainability of our enviroment. We must rise to the challenge of making our enviroment a safe haven. Reduction in our disposal of carbon gas and ensure that the continuation of the agression in the Niger-Delta does not continue.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to the ethnic and religious jingoism and face the fact before us practically while we pray for strenght to overcome. Imagine the avoidable incidents that has led to the death of many in our nation all because of religious and ethnic jingoism. Most importantly, who are mostly affected in these crisis, women and children; those we are supposed to care for, those who are the sustainability of our plans and policies. Must we sacrifice our future for mere sentiments? We can make a difference today.

Arise O’ Compatriots, to our duities as Nigerians to uplift our nation from its present precarious situation. If you are a civil servant observe your duties appropriately, if you are a doctor, diagnose appropriately don’t guess, if you are a policeman; police well and if you are a teacher; teach well. As it ever occurred to you that the young man you failed to contribute to his life appropriately as a teacher has ended up as a huching on the street of Lagos. Has it also occurred to you that your daughter that you failed to train appropriately is wondering the street in the popular “allen Avenue” business act. Do you also realize that even if you jetison these facts and send your children abroad to get the best of everything, your children will come back to face these victims of circumstances and cohabit in the same enviroment. However, you can still make a difference today in the lives of those currently in your custody. We can all retrace our steps and arise to the course of our future.

Yesterday, as I watched developments unfolding in US financial crisis and how the duo of John Mc Cain and Barack Obama; candidates of the forth presidential election had come together to join the president to channel a way forward to the crisis, I began to understand the superiority of national interest above every other interest.

My call for service on this day is aimed towards awakening us to our responsibility of uplifting our society through our sphere of influence. If we all go about our business and forget about the development of our society, a day will come when we will have to peep outside our door to see if it is safe to go out before we step out of our various homes to go to work.

As we celebrate this anniversary, I want to plead that we put national interest before personal interest in the discharge of our duties. Unity is key, it is in Unity that we shall stand.
I will round up by borrowing a line from our own Onyeka Onwenu.

“our difference is our strenght, in our diversity lies our unity. There may be many tongues but one voice, Nigeria, one Nation under God”

Happy 48th Anniversary!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.





]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/490307 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/479583 Nigerian Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organizations (NACEVO) is a not-for-profit, Non Governmental Organization designed and established to serve as a professional association for Chief Executives in the Third Sector in Nigeria. Our aim is to create impact through leadership; both our own and that of our members. We assist and collaborate with sector leaders and engage in dialogue with the government and the private sector.
NACEVO is mentored and actively supported by ACEVO London and is being used as a pilot project to develop a template for replicating the initiative in other African Countries. Already, the initiative is taking roots in Kenya, Cameroon and some francophone countries including cote De Ivoire, Togo under the umbrella name REPOAC. Plans are underway to establish the Ghana replica. Meanwhile, Euclid the first European network of third sector leaders, nurtured by ACEVO, has been launched and is driving forward with events across the continent.

Location:
Head Office, Ikeja, Lagos
Commitment:
Mondays - Fridays

Key Responsibilities:
· Provide supoport for NACEVO in helping to meet her objective of bringing together 'army of like minds'
· Help to maintain NACEVO's communications and feed back system.
· Assist in organizing and executing NACEVO's programme
· Assist in the day-to-day running of the NACEVO's Head office in Ikeja, Lagos.
Skills and competences:
-Excellent written and verbal English language skills
-Sound IT and Discretional skills including good attention to details.
-Ability to work effectively in a team and to support others in their work.
-Ability to deal professionally with highly sensitive and confidential information.
-Would suit someone interested/ or with some experience of the workings of Civil Society Organizations.

Duration:
6months

Please note that there will be renumerations

How to Apply: Send a copy of your CV and a writing Sample
Deadline: 25th September 2008
Start date: October 2008
Contact:
'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
editorkay@gmail.com
]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:15:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/479583 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/471107
I watched adverts of some Nigerian firms on CNN and I became very disappointed. As a matter of fact, I have decided to distance myself from such firms. You and I know that there is a huge demand for the rebrand of our national identity which has been tarnished over the past few years and yet, some firms are forgetting that fact; instead, they have chosen to promote their firms at the expense of the nation that provided them with the soil and foundation to exist.

I have vowed to be accountable in all I do and so I will go ahead and do exactly that. God bless Glomobile for joining millions of Nigerians who are challenged by the fact that this country needs rebranding while promoting their organization. Have you seen their advert on CNN? Well, I feel that you should see it! Listen to this…

“The future is coming. This time it is different because it is coming from Nigeria!”
- Glomobile
This is the part I loved most in the advert; using Nigeria as a base to project a prospective bright future. This is what I call, patriotism.

I have watched countries with more terrible situations; give their country huge patriotic branding via adverts on CNN. I have also seen, corporate firms contributing to the huge success of such patriotic branding. I have seen Chaka chaka, the popular South African musician, spear head such effort.

Why can’t we have an advert that says, “Incredible Nigeria”, why cant we have our own sights and sounds advert for our dear nation, Nigeria? The adverse effect of the demand for us to redeem our image is huge. I have heard various stories of distrust in Nigerians and this have caused them huge inconvenience.
I had once heard the panicking voice of my sister who misplaced her ID card and wanted to receive money via western union money transfer at a great time of distress. By the way, she schools in France and was at that time, 18years of age. She narrated how she had to beg an American to help her receive the cash after being told to her face that the reason why her story was not believed was because she was a Nigerian.

These stories I am sure are not new to you. But should the world despise US because of the 10% of Nigerians (or less) who are doing the damage? Should we be judged by this few percentages of us who caused the damage?

Our corporate organization need to see themselves first as Nigerians before considering themselves as a member of one organization or the other. We appreciate their efforts in stimulating our economy but we would rather have corporate organizations who truly have the development of Nigeria at heart while doing their business, than some organizations who claim to be global yet, selfish, unpatriotic and insensitive to the developmental need of the Nigerian state.

I challenge as many of you (Corporate and public institutions) reading this piece to prove me wrong and join in this noble course of rebranding Nigeria and reawakening the interest of Nigerians in Nigeria by sponsoring a patriotic advert on any international medium as a first step towards achieving the aforementioned goal.

Nigerians have accepted you guys, created an enabling environment (though not perfect), patronized and have helped your firms to grow to their current heights, all we could in the least ask of you is support our quest to rebrand our dear nation and save our identity from the shackles of negative branding.

We are endowed with people, resources and culture which the world out there needs, let’s showcase them for the world to see. Let’s invite the world to come and see us from a different perspective; a perspective that you and I can be proud of.

We are not short of ideas, neither are we short of the resources to embark on this noble course. Therefore, I challenge us all to say, yes we can! To those who say we can’t.

I look forward to your participation in this noble course.

Best Regards,
'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
Member, Editorial Team,
Development Report Magazine,
www.developmentreport.org
+2348055316398, 07025813561


]]> Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:30:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/471107 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/467423
we arrived at the hospital after visiting accident site. I would have loved to show readers the picture but the affected vehicle was been carried away as at the time we visited the site. At the hospital, we were told that the victim with the fraacture should go for a X-Ray scan in another location which was about 30km from where we where since there was no X-Ray scan in that General Hospital.

As we travelled to the next location, I watched as the victim went through pains as we ran into various pot-holes. The entire experience prompted me to inquire into the incident.

According to eye-witnesses and of course, the victims, i was reliably told that the event was the handy work of illegal road blocks of men of the Nigerian police. The men of the Nigerian police had stopped a petrol motor tanker and had delayed the vehicle in order to exthort money from the driver of the tanker. The tanker's light was not visible in site and thus, the commercial vehicle in which the staffs were in, ran into the tanker. Immediately, the policemen disappeared.

Two issues readily comes to mind, the first is the issue of illegal road blocks and the second will be, the issue of speed limits.

We have had several cases where people have lost their lives as a result of these numerous road blocks. We need to gather voices and mandates together against illegal road blocks. You can write newspaper houses to demand the attention of the Inspector-General of Police to this critical issue and I am sure he will take action.

The issue of speed limits is also critical. If the driver of the vehicle knew the speed limits and is also aware that there are enforcers of this limits watching, may be the accident would have been avoided. You can also help by calling the attention of the transport regulators via the same medium of newspapers to this critical issues. Speed Limits should be boldly written and measured. Offenders should be greatly punished. These are but the little ways we can help to make change in our society.

Issues that sorround saving lives are of course, a worthy course. Please help alleviate the trend.

Cheers,
Best Regards,
'Kayode Ajayi-Smith,
Member, Editorial Team,
Development Report Magazine,
www.developmentreport.org
+2348055316398, 07025813561
]]> Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:31:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/467423 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/460771
Our world is gradually changing. This changes are as a result of our activities as human; either positive or negative. I learnt that the huge production of carbon gases and nitrogenous gases by us is gradually wearing away our world. With about 1.4 to 5.8 degree centigrade envisaged as the rising temperature of the earth by 2100, we are sure to experience more heat than usual.

This will lead to the melting of land ice in cold regions, increase and decrease in rainfall resulting into droughts or landslide and floods, unpredictable changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic condition leading to natural disasters (hurricanes, brushfires, ocean surges and landslides), and the resulting natural disasters cause economic losses, population displacements, communal crisis and migration (ecological refugees).

In the last few years, we have witnessed rapid changes of this nature in various part of the world. The extreme temperature leading to wildfire in California, the Lagos Bar beach erosion, earthquake in China, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, the list is endless. We will not however experience positive changes unless we act now!

One of the ways by which we can mitigate the effects of Climate change and global warming is to plant trees. Planting of trees will absorb and store carbon, provide food and shelter. Planting of trees have proven to be extremely useful in this wise.

We can also change our lifestyle. We can prefer to take public transport if the need to take our own car isn’t necessary, we can also walk or use a bicycle if our destination isn’t much of a distance. We can prefer to travel in one car instead of travelling in multiple cars when we are actually very few travelling. We can also choose to switch off the light if it is not in use or choose to turn off the tap when it is not in use; this are but a few ways we can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Other ways could be help stop tobacco smoking, industrial pollution and limit the use of generators.

I have decided to plant 40 trees as advised by the specialist, and I advise you all to do the same. This will help in alleviating the trend.

Please, take my advise and help our children and the coming generation live in a better world at least, a world of moderate climatic conditions.

Best regards,

Olukayode Ajayi-Smith
Member, Editorial Team,
Government Projects
Development Report Magazine
www.developmentreport.org
+2348055316398, +2347025813561 ]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:23:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/460771 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/455675
Dear Corinne,
I want to believe that you are well both in soul and spirit. My heart reached out to you this morning and I felt a sharp pain in the depth of my heart. This is not to say that I am alleging you of a misdeed.

I remember how much I cherished the first impression I had on you and the pleasant fantasies that followed. I had narrated my interactions with you to a learned friend who was very excited that finally, I had found a lady that excites my world.

I had always looked forward to meeting a lady who would stir my world with an inexplicable joy, and that is what you, my dear friend, Corinne, did until suddenly your enthusiasm began to peter out. Your reasons are best known to you.

I must confess that I have been attracted to you and have fallen head over heels in love with you and have not regretted I did. But my feelings have been silenced by the fact that you belonged to someone else. I am not a coward, but I could be a jealous lover. More so, I follow the principle of the saying that chides me to do unto others what I will love others to do unto me.
You will also attest to the fact that I am very persistent and will never take no for an answer but, issues of the heart are critical issues.

You have been remarkable, caring and loyal to friendship. I have watched your disposition in terms of being loyal to every friendship and thus give you credits. Your memory will continue to linger on in my mind. The times we shared will be cherished.

As I use this medium to say goodbye, let me remind you that there were many things I would have loved to tell you but time had not permitted me to do so. But those I told you, even though it didn’t go down well with you, they were not meant to witch-hunt you but to chide you, please accept them in good fate and make good use of them. You are of a fine breed, filled with substance.

If you do need anyone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on, I will be willing to be there for you.
So long dear friend.

With lots of love,

Olukayode
]]> Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:16:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/455675 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/445007
I was on the opposition together with my mum, my elder brother and my younger brother, while my Dad, my step-mother and my other siblings were on the other end. My sister's wedding suddenly stared us in the eye and we unconciously had to bury our differences and unite for the wedding.

Few days before the wedding, i was stark broke and was in Abuja (which is my temporary place of work). the wedding was scheduled to hold in Lagos and i had to be in Lagos on the previous thursday; which was a day to the wedding. I quickly loaned a couple of cash to make the trip with no hopes of paying back.

I arrived Lagos and everything regarding the wedding fell into place; with everyone taking absolute responsibility of their part of the event while burrying their differences.

After the event which was a landmark achievement although with some little hitches arising from the misunderstanding, we all felt a huge need for unity once again and we settled issues amicably.

After the unfolding events, i realised the magnitude of marriage and its accompanied blessings. I had watched my Dad break down like a child when the realization that his once little girl was leaving his house to become one with her husband and i could not but be moved with passion.

My younger ones and my mum also joined in the emotional display. I was not also excluded but i managed to fight back tears. Shortly after the conclusion of the wedding, i was invited by some uncles and aunts for advise as it is traditionally believed that i will be the next to get married since i was the next sibling to my sister.

All these has gradually placed on me a huge challenge and realization that i need to keep working on how to find my bride and work towards the continual unity of the family towards and after my wedding. When that will be, i can't tell. But, i am certain, that getting married heals wounds and brings joy and unity.

while i make my submission, i will like to remind my readers of the biblical injunction that says "he who findeth a wife, findeth a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord" . Such favours can sure be beyond your comprehension.
I am on track in finding mine, i suggest you do the same.

In addendum, all interested candidates can forward their application to editorkay@gmail.com, lol!!!!!
chao]]> Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:09:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/445007 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/354359
The biblical perspective defines faith as the substance of things not seen and the evidence of things hoped for. All these perspective are right, depending on which ever way you want to look at it from.

My attention has been drawn to the relevance of this subject to a society and its aim of achieving reasonable development and I have come to a reasonable conclusion of my opinion. I was recently engulfed in a critical discussion with a friend from the United States of America, and one very interesting thing he said that struck my attention was his comment on taken action as it relates with the image of his country. “Before I take any decision, most especially outside the shores of my country, I first of all consider the consequences of the action as it relates to my country’s image before my gratification” he said. Interesting you would say but it bothers down to Faith.

The Britons will never watch you insult the Queen before their face that tells you the level of Faith these individuals have in their nation. Faith is very instrumental to the success of these nations we all admire today. Faith in the context refers to the awakening of individuals to their institutional, resource, cultural and indeed national identities enough to protect it with all the dignity an individual possesses. This awakening will serve as a continuous motivation for these individuals from time to time and will guard their disposition as citizens of the nation.

As much as I would not want to sound like an individual without the aforementioned Faith, I still feel that it will be appropriate to lay on ground, the situation at hand in Nigeria.
I watched with dismay the rate at which Nigerians criticize Nigeria forgetting that they belong to the polity. While a Briton will never openly criticize his nation except in rear cases, some Nigerians find it so easy to speak ills of the polity and this has resulted into our current brand names by the international community. Each time I watch CNN report on Nigeria, a stream of demotivation runs through my veins. Most of these news I am told, are brought in or aided most of the time by some Nigerians and I am baffled at such acts. Why would a member of a nation get unnecessarily over-whelmed to destroy the image of the nation?
I quite understand that there are a lot of ills going on in our society but I must also remind you that there are worse case scenarios going on in other part of the world and they are not making a mess of it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying you should not speak out, but I am laying emphasis on destructive criticism and image denting so to speak.
There are ways you criticize that you will not necessarily have to be destructive and you will still be making your point. When you criticize without creating an alternative for the system you criticize, then you are merely destructive. If you can’t proffer a solution to the issue you criticize, why criticize it?

I make bold to say that there’s more glory to leverage on in this country than these issues few issues we criticize on daily basis.
Nigeria has contributed immensely to the development of many countries in the world and no one, not even Nigerians are testifying to it except Government officials as expected. Haven’t you heard of individuals that have contributed immensely to the economies of developed world, haven’t you heard of our key role in maintaining peace in the African region, and our various exploits across the world in various fields of science, economic development, sports, entertainment, to mention a few. Forgive me if I sound like a chauvinist, but you (non-Nigerians) will appreciate the presence of this virtue (Faith) in your various societies.

There’s so much in our society that represents our identity as Nigerians that I really feel we must celebrate and glorify. I was listening to a song recently titled “fire on the Mountain” and could hardly believe my ears when I found out that the musician is a Nigerian artiste by the name Asa (she did not pay me for the publicity). Imagine the unique talent and the creativity in that song, why shouldn’t an artiste of that nature be celebrated. What of Philip Emegwali, for Christ sakes, he is a Nigerian. What of our continuous quest for peace through ECOMOG in the African region? There are so many of them and yet no one is saying anything about our dear nation, Nigeria.

The saying that; “if you want to be a genius, you must first begin to see yourself as such” begins to re-echo. If we truly want to see the Nigeria of our dreams, then we must start by seeing our selves as such and the reality will materialize. Having Faith in Nigeria will go a long way to motivate Nigerians towards Nigeria and that will be a major catalyst in strengthening compatriots in joining hands to build the nation of our dreams.

Change your attitude today! Be a patriot and have faith in Nigeria as we reach for greater heights.

Arise o compatriots,
Nigeria’s call obey,
To serve our fathers’ land,
With love and strength and faith,
The labour of our heroes past,
Shall never be in vain,
To serve with heart and might,
One nation bound in freedom,
Peace and unity.

God bless Nigeria.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:14:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/354359 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/327301 Every individual possesses a symbolic quality that depicts his or her origin. However, I am sometimes not convinced that culture depicts the totality of an individual’s quality. Qualities in my term refer to attitude, disposition, way of dressing, speech delivery, inter-personal relationship, to mention a few others. In essence, an individual’s symbolic qualities cannot be adjudged by generalizing his or her attitude in relations to his or her cultural qualities.
The Nigerian identity is a phenomenon that is still unfolding by the years. The past forty-seven years have been filled with deceitful conclusions as no indication have come forward to brand this raise popularly referred to as the“ giant of Africa”, Nigeria.
During one of my interactions with foreigners and keen observers of Nigerians, I was able to draw a view of what the people, Nigerians are. After all, it is often agreed upon that only observers can clearly assess you and not yourself.
According to conclusions drawn from my interactions, Nigerians are strong-willed, path-finders, desperate, risk-takers, ambitious, adventurous, lively, inspiring, controversial, and critics. Don’t forget, Nigeria is a complex, multi-cultural society. The aforementioned conclusions drawn from interaction cannot depict final conclusions as to what makes up the Nigerian Identity. Being a Nigerian can refer to your rights as a legal citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria either by nationalization or by birth. Holding a legal citizenship right by birth clearly depicts that you are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba (i.e. the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria). Being a Nigerian with the aforementioned qualities can be faulted by for instance, the environment you grew up in within the country or by the social class you grew up in.
It is widely believed that you can only tell an individual’s true attitude or character when he or she attains a reasonable of achievements measured by the amount of wealth accrued. This believes brings to mind the fact that Nigeria is in a developmental stage, which therefore signifies the nature of our society.
The enlightenment age with the wide spread of information and the rapid nature of our work environment has earned our economy an unstable status. Our society can best be described with the illustration of the biological food chain. It’s simply the survival of the fittest. It is said that what makes a man greater than the other man, is the amount of information he has at his disposal, hence it follows that survival is served on a first-come-first-served basis.
This explanation brings me to most foreigners’ conclusive description of most Nigerians. There are three types of Nigerians who venture out of the country. The first is one who cannot cope and survive with the little resources available at his or her disposal in the country and seeks greener pasture abroad. Mind you, this individual has good intentions for survival and will never give up until he achieves his purpose for leaving the country, survival. The second one is a desperate chap who is prompted by poverty and his inability to cope with survival. This individual’s motivation lies in the utopian stories about countries abroad fed him. The third individual is from the imperial class, and who is either on holiday or on a business trip. These are the categories of Nigerians beyond the shores of the country. A prominent Nigerian woman was quoted as saying that when you see a Nigerian outside the shores of this country (i.e. Nigeria), he is more focused, and determined to achieve his purpose for leaving the country. This comment is particularly true but not enough to judge the Nigerian identity.
In identifying the Nigerian identity, qualities common to the generality of our diversity must be considered. What qualities are peculiar to Hausas, Yorubas, and Igbos? If this question is objectively answered, then we can conclusively be close to answering the question “what is the Nigerian identity?”
If you have read this article and you are a keen observer of the Nigerian people and can proffer answers to the question, “What qualities are peculiar to Hausas, Yorubas, and Igbos?” kindly send me a mail at editorkay@gmail.com

Finally, our past and our present are clear reflections of our quest for development. There is no doubt that we are not where we where yesterday. The popular saying “if you want to be a genius, you have to begin to see yourself as one”. If we truly want to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must begin to act that Nigeria now as the future is sort today. There are notable achievements that we have accrued over the years and are worth celebrating. There are individuals, institutions, and values that we share that are worth celebrating. Therefore let’s join hands in acting the Nigeria of our dreams via promoting the faith and confidence in our country, Nigeria.
Join us in building Faith in Nigeria as we prepare to launch our nation into higher ground.

]]> Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:14:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/327301 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/279999
This award ceremony is organized by LEAP AFrica every year in conjunction with the International Youth Foundation and Nokia. The award is creatively created to encourage young people who are carrying out tremendous works in their community as a means of contributing to community development process via change projects.

Our seasoned judges, after much delibration selected ten vibrant young people who have done tremendous work in their various communities. Although, our prizes may not correspond with their various efforts, but it is a way of encouraging these young men and women who have engaged themselves in selfless service to their communities.


We therefore welcome you to join us at Muson Centre in Lagos as we celebrate these youg people and encourage other young people like them to follow their footsteps.

As it is our mission at LEAP Africa to inspire, empower and to equip a new cadre of African Leaders, your support via gracing the occasion will surely assist in bringing this mission to the realm of possible materialization.

We look forward to welcoming you.


Best Regards,

Olukayode Ajayi-Smith
Volunteer ]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:34:00 EST http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/279999 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/261639
Anyway, all are concerned for one reason or the other. However, my growing concerns sorrounds the future of our society and our unborn generations.

There is so much lip service being done these days without adequate actions to back them up. With so much talk about our natural endowment and talents, it still continue to baffle me. Of a truth, we are endowed but at the same time blinded by induvidualism and it may hinder our expected dream of a new Nigeria if we do not reverse the trend.

Before i proceed, let me state that the essence of this piece is simply to commemorate with my fellow Nigerians on 47th Independent anniversary, tomorrow, 1st of October 2007 and to chant a way forward.

I have identified that great values and characterictics in Nigerians and that's what makes us Nigerians. Great adaptive abilities, enterprising, intelligent, name it, we are it and i appreciate those of my compatriots who are doing us proud and adding positive name to our battered image.

My attention has been drawn to the huge embrace of our National values by young people around the country and i can not but be inspired by the act. This recent act is what i call a blessing in disguise.

We can not undersetimate the essence of value in the building of a nation as value is simply the fulcrum of national development.
Most of what is regarded as tradition in most developed nation is basically values which their citizens have spent ages building and sustaining as a result of sharing. There are so many good values we can share as Nigerians but we have jettisoned it for mediocrity.

One of the best ways to building good values is simply by being accountable to oneself, others and most importantly, to ones nation.

By being accountable, i mean compliance, compliance to ethics, laws, time, passion, others and conscience. We must not only do lip service we must back it up with action and that action is for us to ACT by being accountable at all times.
With that, we can then begin to deal with our fears and most importantly, share those values we have longed jettisoned. We must begin to think of a positive BRAND that we can be identified with so that when Nigeria is mentioned, a good brand name comes to mind.

As we celebrate our 47th anniversary, i want us to begin to consider our actions and how they affect others(our neighbours) and the future of our nation and how we can retrace our steps.

I know of a lot of our young people who are seeking great and geniue opportunities in developed countries and have not been able to secure Visas owing to the sharp practises of some fellow compatriots who are seeking greener pasture through crude means.

On a final note, I want us to reconsider what our national pledge means and consider if we have truly being accountable to it.

I wish you all a happy and memorable celebration. Long Live Nigerians, Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Long Live Africa.

I love you all

]]> Sun, 30 Sep 2007 11:24:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/261639 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/248677 Let me crave your indulgence to our new UN Youth Peace Ambassador's music and speculations sorrounding his personalty.
Two of his popular tracks widely embraced by Nigerian Youths (unfortunately), the KOKO(meaning the IN THING), and WHY ME has no significant messages passed to these numerous youths who have chosen to embrace it, instead it's lyrics are filled with profane words of sexual escapdes. To make matters worse, the dance steps which is appropriate to his(D Banj) songs is called YAHOOZEE which simply connotes the dance step for Cyber-crime fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo boys and girls.

Recently, CNN aired a feature report on Nigerian youths' embrace for cyber-crime fraudsters through dance and still, the UN of all organizations in the world bestowed upon the architect or should i say...the accomplice of this indecent act the UN Youth Peace Ambassador, how disgusting.

Let me enlighten our colleagues at the UN on the implication of their action. The UN Youth arme have simply succeded in glorifying mediocrity in the eye of the world through D Banj's confirment.
Such songs as that of D Banj should have been banned in here in Nigeria, but for corruption of Censor board officials who have failed to consider critically, the lyrics of the song. Even if illegality is the name of the game here in Nigeria, should we then build Legality on Illegality. Your guess is as good as mine, NO.
By the way, speculations making the rounds state that our new UN Youth Peace Ambassador was once a Yahoo boy. Whether it is true or not, his credibility is under question.

I believe that our Youth Peace Ambassador should be bestowed upon an induvidual who is promoting peace as a tool to inspiring and encouraging youths to join in helping to meet the Milennium Development Goals, not some Charlattans and mediocres.
This piece is not meant to be destructive, but call on the Youth arm of the UN to be more prudent in making decision that matters to the objectives of the United nations.

You should see the level of promiscuity in the Nigerian Society and this act is spear-headed by youths. Songs like that of D banj and his likes will on increase promiscuity and the multiplier effect is will be a slow pace of the UN's goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS.
It will also reduce the pace of Global collaboration via the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) since the continous presence of these Yahoo Yahoo Boys and girls.

Despite all the negative reports about Nigerian youths, i can still boast of a few who are of unique characters and integrity who could have been picked for that role bestowed on D Banj. Nigeria is blessed with talents if channelled in the right direction.

Therefore, i will advice that our youth counterpart at the UN be more prudent in making decision next time as their present choice has only succeeded in making D Banj the best that can come out of Nigeria at the expense of better representatives who have been ever loyal to the goals and objective of the United Nation who would have been encouraged through gestures as this.



Note: if you fill slighted by my opinion or you feel you would like to make a comment with regards to my opinion, please feel free to send me a constructive mail at editorkay@gmail.com.

Regards,
Olukayode Ajayi-Smith]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:57:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/248677 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/240499 by Ajayi-Smith Olukayode, Nigeria



The word Accountability particularly strikes me as some sort of phenomenon that depicts deep-rooted form of compliance to ethics, principles, policy, and morals.

Accountability is mentioned almost everyday in Nigeria but unfortunately, it is not put to practice. Accountability to whom and for what? Is a critical question to be thrown open to the teeming population in the country.

At the mention of the word accountability, our first point of call is typically the government followed by corporate organizations in the country. Unfortunately, very little attention is paid to the citizens. This is a pathetic notion.

The most organized societies of the world thrive on tenets of the word accountability. Its simple definition is "the collective compliance of Laws, Principles, policies, morals, procedures and regulations". This precept has been the secret to the success of these organized societies.

If you have been outside this country and have watched how our citizens readily comply with the rule of law in organized societies, then, you will begin to wonder what the problem is with these individuals who come back to the country and fail to comply with the rule of laws.

A ready example to illustrate this phenomenon was my experience a few months ago. I was leaving the Heathrow airport in London for Nigeria and watched as Nigerians organized themselves in an orderly manner through the airport procedures. However, as we arrived Nigeria, I watched as the same set of Nigerians behave in the most unruly manner and I began to wonder "what went wrong? If it was possible to comply with simple procedures obtainable in other countries, then why not at home, here in Nigeria?

The echoes of the regime of the duo of Gen. Mohammed Buhari and Gen. Tunde Idiagbon begin to come to mind. Enforcement was the name of the game but did it yield the much needed result? I won't be the judge of that but at least, there was compliance.

One quality I have admired in truly-great leaders has been their ability to build more leaders. By 'leaders', I do not mean leadership by appointment or by position. No leaders will enforce compliance but instead, a true leader will inspire followers to see reasons to comply.


Everyone can not be a leader but everyone has a spark of leadership. Inspiration, integrity, self-awareness and self-control are key ingredients for leadership and leadership is a catalyst in achieving accountability.

In Nigeria today, every little chance we get, we always blame our governors for our woes without putting into consideration that governance is a collective responsibility of both the governed and the governors. To every criticism, there must be a justification. Have you ever asked yourself each time you criticize government if you have been accountable to the same for which you are criticizing the governmental.

I watched with dismay recently as Lagosians lamented and criticized government for the woes in the aftermath of the heavy down pour in the state and I wondered "have they been accountable to the same?
It is speculated that at least, 60% of Lagosians dispose their refuse illegally everyday. This indiscriminate dump of refuse has contributed immensely to the poor state of our drainage system.

We should ask ourselves, "Have we been accountable?" Remember, Democracy means the GOVERNMENT of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE and for the PEOPLE. Note "the people" is explicitly stressed in this universal definition thereby emphasizing the significance of the people in governance.

Another poignant example is the attitude of many government workers their work. Most government workers are ghost workers and this has led to the slow pace of service to the citizens.
However, when we get the opportunity to criticize government, we become hasty in conclusion without asking ourselves if we have truly been accountable. How many times have we handled our duties and our obligations with utmost faithfulness? How diligently have we handled government's property? These are sincere questions we must ask ourselves.

Corporate organisations on the other hand have been involved actively in the system with full-scale consciousness of making profit forgetting the fact that each entity that makes up the organisation also belongs to the society; whether directly or indirectly.

Everyday, we watch our major roads in the country as they deteriorate and our corporate organisations sited in such areas watch also with their arms folded.
Have they all forgotten the danger, cost and other precarious implications that these deteriorated roads will bring to both the citizenry and their organization?

Those plying the Benin-Ore road can attest to the danger they are exposed to as a result of the terrible state of the road. Must we all die before we begin to realize that we all need to ensure that we have a system that works?

We have the resources that can adequately meet the task of making our system work but our attitude to compliance of rules, principles, morals, public system, resource allocations, programs, service and ethics that affect our lives is very pathetic.

Imagine if all our teachers, government officials and our parents have been accountable to the generations that are presently known as "Area boys" (social miscreants), would we currently be facing the threats created by their existence? No, if the miscreants themselves have been accountable to their development.


Accountability extends democracy and creates checks and balances that ensure that less powerful can challenge and re-shape the decision and choices that affect our lives. Accountability is an important step in advancing the larger human project of creating more democratic, equitable and just societies.

A crucial point I will mention in my closing is that of our ability to pay attention to encouraging someone who behaves accountable. We pay attention in holding someone accountable when our roads are bad, when our hospitals are in bad conditions or when our security agents are not as effective as they ought to but, we pay no attention in recognize those who behave accountably. That in essence is tantamount to taking for granted those who behave accountable.

This is a crucial point because in order to promote good accountability, we need to take a positive view, not a negative one. We need to study and learn pro-actively from both failure and success. Enhancing our accountability enables us to be the change we want to see in our society.

If we live accountably as citizens, our government will leverage on it and will build on it to increase the accountability of our public systems- economic, social, political, and cultural.

Let's liberate ourselves today by being accountable in our everyday activity in order to see our system work. Rome was not built in a day, but it was built and the people made it possible. Accountability was a key factor in the success story. It was the pivot of their development.

A word is enough for a wise one to absorb to enable him become whole.
]]> Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:47:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/240499 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/234143
Welcome once again. Kindly read through the article below and we would start recieving your comments by 1:30pm. Please, ensure that your criticism are as constructive as possible. Thank you.




Stuck in the wrong course of study

It has become common to hear young undergraduates complain over their course of study. My attention was drawn to this subject when I met Tunde, a 300 level Physics with Electronic student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state.

Tunde's ambition has always been to become an Architect. He had joined the science class and specifically focused on Technical drawing. He excelled in that area as was evident in his performance. He won different prizes from SS 1 up till his final year in secondary school. It was a fulfilling experience.

Having done very well in his W.A.E.C examinations, the next step for him towards realizing his dream to become a fulfilled Architect was to get into the University..
He enrolled for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examination popularly known has the "almighty JAMB" but was unsuccessful four times.

After repeated trials, Tunde became desperate to secure admission into the University. At this time his parents had become very worried and advised him to apply for another course instead of his desired Architecture. Peer pressure began to set in. Tunde’s predicament was further heightened when he began to see a lot of his friends who had opted for other courses outside their desired course of study graduate from school. He recalled the advice of one of his friends that "a degree is a degree, haven't you heard of a Yoruba graduate working in a bank? Wake up boy! you are not getting any younger." After several pressures from both parents and friends, Tunde gave in and opted for the Pre-degree Science hoping that if he did well, he could be selected to study his course of choice.

Unfortunately, things did not turn out the way he had planned, though he made it to the list of 15 students for final screening, he was not picked to study the course of his choice. According to him, most students who got their course of choice had to go with their parents to lobby through the Professors, Doctors and lecturers they have one relationship or the other with. It had always been a matter of principle for Tunde, that he would never sell his integrity for anything and so, he settled for the course given to him; Physics with Electronics.

Tunde who is now in his third year of study, recounts how his course of study has been a nightmare for him as it has brought him no fulfilment. According to him, it had just been a routine and stereotypic sequence of learning. To make it worse, it consumes all his time and yet no additional personal development skill added.

Tunde's story is one of many case scenarios currently obtainable in our tertiary institutions. These days, only three of ten students are studying courses of their choice in our tertiary institutions.Source? The end result is "half baked" graduates heading for the job market with an incredible certificate.

I have been privileged to be part of undergraduate discussions and it seems to me that a lot of young people out there are getting blinded by certificate syndrome and this is tearing them apart from achieving their career goals. However, a lot of these young people spend all their time ensuring that they secure this certificate forgetting to pick up the skills to back it up even though most of these skills are missing in the curriculum of tertiary institutions presently.

Recently, a firm conducting interviews for staff recruitment was totally embarrassed at the quality of the candidates who could not answer simple questions like "what is the chemical formula for water?" The credibility of our university certificates therefore becomes questionable.

If you ask me, I will say that except our schools begin to address issues of admission with proper accountability, if possible have counselling sessions for prospective students to understand their passion and areas of interest before they are admitted, the university system may continue to produce "half-baked" Graduates. Most of these students will eventually pass through school without the school passing through them since their passion was not embedded in their course of study. "Where your heart is, that is where your treasure lies" is one adage that we must begin to consider when making a choice of what to study.

We must always remember that we are not going to school to just obtain a degree but to become a complete individual from the "Universe-City" called the University.
Remember, you are only worth the value you give to yourself, do no sell it for less.

]]> Thu, 19 Jul 2007 06:59:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/234143 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/230463
If you are interested in participating, kindly send me a mail(editorkay@gmail.com) detailing your experience as a writer and your motivation to be part of the programme. Participants will be asked to send in their short stories, articles and poems with a short note on the motive behind the piece. This shoul be sent not later than the 17th of july 2007.

Then all participants will be sent a mail to view the author's blog and post their CONSTRUCTIVE criticism and recommendations. All these will be between the hours of 1:00-2:00pm on the 19th of july 2007. Please note that the authour will be expected to adopt recommendations were appropriate and of course we(Moderators) will guide the authour in doing so.

If your write-up is good, who knows, we might just forward it to an online daily newspaper.

I look forward to your participation.

Best Regards,
Editorkay


I will quite appreciate your participation]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:04:00 EDT http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/230463 6.5966667 3.34305566.59666673.3430556 http://editorkay.tigblog.org/post/227405

The Civicus Youth and World Assembly
May 21-27, 2007 Glasgow, Scotland


Accountability to future generation

The world we live in today can be best be described as a traumatized one. Intolerance and discrimination, Poverty, HIV/AIDS, Limited Access to and quality of healthcare, Limited Access to and poor quality of Education, Adverse effects of technological development, lack of Economic Opportunities for young people, Unfulfilled Human rights policies, Ecological crisis, the list is endless. Every day, we are faced with disturbing realization of the rapid changing status of our societies and what decisive steps to take to create as much convenience as possible.
However, if actions are to be made towards making this world of ours a better place, the most effective solutions, policies, practice and ethics must be put in place. Moreover, these actions can only be sustainable if they are properly and sincerely accounted for.

"Accountability to future generation" was the theme of this year's Civicus World Assembly which formally began on the 24th of May 2007 in Glasgow, Scotland. The first ever Civicus Youth Assembly preceded the world assembly to give a chance to the youth to interact on ways to get their voices heard in their own sphere of influence.
The youth component of the assembly became a necessity in order to sustain the World Assembly. Over a 100 young people from 65 countries met at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference centre (SECC) to share experiences and learn new skills and knowledge for potential future collaborations. The event which was hosted in conjunction with Oxfam International and the Scottish Youth Parliament, was opened to benefits of free accommodation, Travel bursary, Transportation (to and from the conference), and of course, Feeding. LEAP Africa made an appearance (and the only representation from Nigeria) as it was part of her mission to inspire, empower and equip a new cadre of African leaders.


Youth Delegates during a session

The Youth Assembly afforded delegates a unique opportunity to meet and work with other young women and men who are implementing changes to pressing issues. It was also afforded young people a program and a space to develop and commit to action internationally. Delegates were treated to inspirational speeches and workshops on subjects like global poverty and the environment. Delegates also learnt campaigning and media skills...as well as learning celidh (Scottish traditional dance) dancing.


Delegates at the closing of the Assembly


Youth delegates later joined the World Assembly as delegates. Two of the most significant session at the world Assembly were the Poverty Requiem and the BBC World Debate.

The Poverty Requiem was a STAND UP SONG against Poverty; buttressing the campaign of Voices Against Poverty initiated by the United Nations as a move to achieve one of the Millennium Development Goals, Eradicating extreme hunger and poverty. Youth Delegates' crash choir participated fully in the success of the project which was later recorded on a Compact Disk Player for listening.


Kunmi Naido, Secretary-General of Civicus
addressing youth delegates

The BBC world Debate on the other hand featured Nigeria's Ex-Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Salil Shetty, UN Millennium Campaign (UNMC); Mohamed Ibrahim, Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Myles Wickstead from the Blair Commission; and Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland. "Is Foreign Aid really working in Africa?" was the theme of the discussion which youth delegates were privileged to be part of. The Debate was televised live on BBC.

At the closing Plenary Session, youth delegates presented a mandate tagged "A call for intergenerational collaboration- Make change happen". The mandate which was prepared by a cross-section of young people which included LEAP Africa's Ajayi-Smith Olukayode was presented by Six Youth Delegates before the entire World Assembly Delegates.

Below is the mandate presented:

A Call for Intergenerational Collaboration – Make Change Happen
26 May 2007
As young people from across the world who have gathered as delegates to the 2007 CIVICUS World Assembly, we call
all people of this assembly and the world to adopt this document as a personal resolution to action. We view this as the
first step of an extended intergenerational dialogue and collaboration to tackle the key challenges we presently face.
These challenges will continue to affect us, and future generations, everyday for the rest of our lives.
A key strength of CIVICUS as a world alliance lies in its firm roots in the global South, and its ability to gather and
mobilise organisations and individuals from across the world. This unique capacity will be further strengthened by
increased inclusion of and collaboration with young people.
The issues below are all interrelated and their solutions must be innovative, integrated and holistic, taking into account
the interconnectedness of human and environmental concerns. The lived experience of and impact upon marginalised
groups, including but not limited to gender, disability and socio-economic status, must be vital considerations in all
action to address these issues.
This is a call for every individual to mobilise their power to effect change in their own sphere of influence, and to act
together to contest the continued existence of inequality and injustice.
Intolerance and discrimination
Young people have inherited a world where they are subjected to bullying, intolerance, discrimination, social conflict and
genocide on the basis of age, sex and gender, race, class, sexual orientation, religion, disability and other social factors.
We have had enough.
Therefore, we call on all human beings to interact and engage with compassion and respect; celebrating our differences
and diversity, and serving as examples for our communities as we act to eliminate intolerance and discrimination in all
its forms.
Poverty
The systematic inequalities and double standards of the current global social, economic, and political systems continue
to condemn many young people to a poverty-stricken existence. Factors such as unfair production, trade practices, and
policies; corruption;, transnational corporate hegemony; and the rich-world domination of key international institutions
have a profound effect on the lives of young people across the world.
Therefore, we call for a zero-tolerance policy on poverty. We commit – in our spheres of influence – to seek out
innovative solutions, promote fair trade and redistribution of wealth, and act to end poverty in all its forms.
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are leading to the death of millions of young people, leaving others as orphan heads of their households,
and affecting every aspect of socio-economic life. Actions to reverse the spread of HIV and AIDS are hampered by
economic interests, lack of access to treatment, lack of political and corporate will, and individual social irresponsibility.
Therefore, we commit to protect ourselves by acting in a responsible manner, and being tested for HIV/AIDS; and call
on all other individuals to do the same. We commit to act – in our spheres of influence – against the spread of HIV and
AIDS, and to extend the treatment for those infected; to hold civil society, governments and pharmaceutical companies
accountable for their action or inaction; and to ensure the social inclusion of those infected and affected by HIV and
AIDS.
Limited Access to and Quality of Healthcare
Many young people are sick and dying from preventable causes, often because they have no access to healthcare
services. In other cases, poor quality healthcare undermines young people's wellness, growth and development. Quality
healthcare uses a holistic and loving approach to physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Therefore, we commit to work – in our spheres of influence - towards accessible, comprehensive, and holistic
healthcare.
Limited Access to and Poor Quality of Education
A large number of young people across the world do not have access to education. Those with access, are mostly
subjected to poor quality education, undermining their opportunities for future growth and development.
Although we appreciate the Millennium Development Goal aiming to have Universal Primary Education by 2015, we are
highly disappointed at the lack of reference to the quality of that education, and lack of real commitment to seeing it
achieved in a meaningful way.
Therefore, we commit to act – in our spheres of influence – and call on all others to join us, to ensure the provision of
high quality education for young people.
Adverse Effects of Technological Development
Many young people are disadvantaged by lack of access to relevant technology and/or skills to participate in a rapidly
changing technological environment. Furthermore, some technological developments have harmful effects (whether
intended or otherwise), such as the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Therefore, we commit to act – in our spheres of influence – to promote access for all young people to appropriate
technologies; and to promote the responsible development and use of technology.
Lack of Economic Opportunities for Young People
Young people are the most affected by a lack of economic opportunities, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty and
social injustice. In many cases, young people are excluded by poor education and lack of skills, and are further
marginalised by perceptions concerning their lack of ability, exploitative labour practices and lack of opportunity for
upward mobility.
Therefore, we commit to act – in our sphere of influence – and call on business, government, and civil society, to halt
exploitative labour practices. We call for enabling environments for young people to gain access to economic
opportunities, and for young people to be valued for their skills and competencies rather than their level of experience.
We call on every young person to take up all opportunities open to them for the development of their livelihood.
Unfulfilled Human Rights
Despite written and verbal commitments to fulfilling human rights, in practice the rights of young people are hardly ever
realised. Furthermore, obscene injustices such as the use of child soldiers, human trafficking, and slavery, have not yet
been adequately addressed.
Therefore we commit to act – in our spheres of influence – to uphold the rights, which are often invoked in pledges,
promises, speeches, and declarations, yet seldom fulfilled. We further call on all individuals to meet their corresponding
responsibilities to these rights.
Ecological Crisis
Young people are those who are currently feeling, and will continue to feel, the brunt of the depletion of natural
resources, climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Although some steps have been taken, the current economic and
political system has shown almost no commitment to finding meaningful solutions to the ecological crisis. If trends
continue at current rates, ecological disaster will devastate life on Earth, rendering all development efforts futile.
Therefore, we commit to act – within our spheres of influence – to take immediate and firm steps to reduce our own
ecological footprints, and further call on all others to do the same, in order to secure our lives and livelihoods.
This call to action is more than a request by young people, the most vulnerable and affected in society, that their voice
be heard. This is a call for all people to engage in a creative, empowering and inclusive conversation and to make
change happen.

Next year's Civicus Youth Assembly promises to be even better. If you are interested, visit: www.civicusyouth.org for updates. Next year's event will hold in June and LEAP is presently looking at ways to encourage Alumni to be part of the event next year.
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Announcing the 4TH Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards
Committed to showcasing the amazing efforts of young people, and their impact on communities across Nigeria, LEAP Africa is proud to announce the 4TH Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards. Funded by Nokia and supported by the International Youth Foundation, these awards will recognize outstanding young Nigerians who have initiated change projects in their communities.

The objectives of the 4th Annual Nigerian Youth Leadership Awards are:

• To identify young people in Nigeria who have initiated change projects that are focused on improving the lives of others.
• To encourage and support these young people in their efforts
• To showcase their impact on local communities and to demonstrate that the youth can effectively serve as change leaders in Nigeria

Application Criteria
Applicants must:
a. Be between 18 and 30 years old
b. Have played a leadership role in creating positive changes in their local communities in one of the following areas: Business and Economic Development, Environment, Education, Law and Human Rights, Health, Media, Arts and Culture, and Science and Technology.
c. Be able to show tangible evidence of impact
d. Demonstrate that their initiative has potential for growth or further replication
e. Demonstrate high-levels of integrity and the willingness to serve as role models for other youth
The Award
Ten outstanding youth will be selected for recognition during a nationally publicized event that will be held on November 22nd, 2007 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre Lagos. Winners will also receive cash awards of up to Sixty thousand Naira (N60, 000), to support their projects in local communities across the country.
Application Process
Applications can also be downloaded or completed at LEAP Africa's website at: http://www.leapafrica.org/downloads.asp All applications should be returned to LEAP Africa office at 13 Omorinre Johnson Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos or by post to P.O. Box 75427, Victoria Island, Lagos or via email to Oje Ivagba at: oivagba@leapafrica.org before August 31st , 2007.

ONLY FINALISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED

LEAP Africa
13 Omorinre Johnson Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos. P.O. Box 75427, Victoria Island, Lagos. Telephone: 234-1-2706541/2, Email: info@leapafrica.orgWebsite: www.leapafrica.org
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