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Save the Youth: Silec Initiatives Partners Dawkins Dev Group on Beyond the Streets Project

Published

1 month ago

November 25, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Silec Initiatives, a not-for-profit organisation, has partnered leading United States based development organisation, Dawkins Development Group, owners of the Flip These Bricks Academy, to unveil a youth oriented programme, Beyond the Streets Project, targeted at empowering Nigerian youths towards becoming self-reliant, independent and financially empowered to contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.

The partnership was forged at a well orgainsed campaign held at the American Corner, Lekki, Lagos, with the theme, Save Our Youth, Save the Economy with veritable stakeholders including the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, represented by the Group Editor, Mr Eric Elezuo; Government and people of Bayelsa State, represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Douye Diri, on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Owanari Rowland Harry; Director, American Corner, Mrs Eyo Ekpo Mfonobong; Chairman, Dawkins Development Group, Mr. Salem Daniel Dawkins; President Emeritus, WorldChicago, Mrs. Peggy Parfenoff and President, Methodist Boys High School OBA, Engr. Akinsanya Mobolaji Browne, in attendance.

Among events at the meet, was the presentation of Global Merit Award on Social Media Impact and Talent Promotion to the Special Guest of Honour, Chief Dele Momodu, who has remained an icon of lifting the young ones towards attaining their full potential.

In his speech, which accommodated the vision and mission of the campaign, the Chief host, who is also the Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Silec Initiatives, with 14 years experience in drug advocacy, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, traced the origin and importance of the campaign, citing the need to refocus and redirect the energy of the young people to meaningful socio-economic activities. This, he said, would be achieved by attracting local and foreign investment opportunities that will result in job creation, thereby reducing crime and criminality prevalent among the youths, and highlighting drug use prevention strategy as a cardinal model in addressing drug in-take and drug related crimes.

“The program is also tailored towards refocusing and redirecting the energy of young people into meaningful socio-economic activities by attracting foreign and local investment opportunities that will result in job creation for our teeming youth population,” Irakpo said.

He frowned at the magnitude of drug use among young people, which according to the Psychiatrists Association of Nigeria report, places 85% of unhinged individuals between ages of 18 and 38 years as major culprits, calling for concerted efforts from all and sundry, especially stakeholders, to stem the tide as well as giving kudos to the leadership of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for job well done so far.

“The current drug abuse situation amongst youth across the globe, particularly in Nigeria, necessitated this gathering to help amplify our voices in our collective responsibility in rescuing our society from moral decadence, and discuss drug use prevention/demand reduction strategy in tackling Drugs and the Opioid Crisis.

“I strongly commend the administration of the NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) OON , OFR for the war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria, but there is still more work to be done.

“According to the psychiatrists Association of Nigeria report, that 85% of unhinged individuals are youth between age 18-38years . According to the UNODC survey, as at 2018, the worse users of drugs are between agae 18-39 years. The resultant effect is an increase in mental health cases, psychosis, and criminality in the society,” Irakpo noted, stressing that the age bracket mentioned above is the livewire of any nation, and if not salvaged immediately will lead to catastrophic chain reaction.

“The economy of nations will continue to suffer, including ours, if the young individuals are not given platforms and the opportunity to constantly contribute their quota to Gross Domestic Products (GDP).”

He therefore, made an open call to well meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join hands as the scourge of drug abuse including colorado, poly drugs, combine, loud, methamphetamine, pharmaceutical products and Marijuana, is fought to a standstill, and eradicated in the society.

“On this value based path, I openly extend my appeal for support and sponsorship to well meaning individuals, the media, philanthropists, donor agencies and corporate organizations to come to the aid of the youth, for as it stands, we are overwhelmed as a people. I invite you all present to join hands with Silec Initiatives in the fight against drug abuse and give our youth a new direction…

“…It is against this background that Silec Initiatives, a pragmatic Non profit making organization is canvassing for the Real Value Dimension (RVD) as we launch the “Beyond The Streets Project” (BTS) project,” he informed.

Earlier in her welcome address, the American Corner Director, Mfonobong, had applauded the campaign and humanitarian services of Mr. Irakpo and Silec, saying they resonate with the vision of Corner, and thereby merits its attention.

“The campaign and humanitarian services of Silec Initiatives aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are proud to support value-based programmes that aim to equip young people with the knowledge and resources to drive positive change in our economy,” Mfonobong said.

Also lending her voice to the campaign, Mrs Owanari Rowland Harry, called on individuals and corporate organizations to get involved in the rescue mission towards ridding the streets of Nigeria of dissidents and indigents, who sometimes, for no fault of theirs, have gone neck-deep into drug usage while pledging continuous support of the government of Bayelsa State in the fight against drug use and abuse.

“Our administration under the Seven Pillars A.S S.U.R. E D Prosperity Agenda to Bayelsa have given priority to youth development and empowerment and addresses critical social and infrastructural gap so to help engage our youth in meaningful socio-economic activities, geared towards reducing social vices such as drug abuse in Bayelsa State and Nigeria ingeneral,” she said

The event was spiced up with a panel comprising Mrs Rowland Harry, Engr. Akinsanya Mobolaji Browne and Hon Justice O. A. Shogbola, and anchored by On Air Personality, Cordelia Okpei, where issues surrounding health and drug free society were raised and brought to the fore.

The high point of the event was the unveiling of the Beyond the Streets Project by Amb Irakpo and Mr Dawkins, who joined live from United States via zoom.

“The Project will target eligible Nigerians, who are due for empowerment, and will be given vocational training in the US under the tutelage of the Flip These Bricks Academy, owned by Mr Dawkins.

An empowerment expert, and youth advocate, Sunny Irakpo, has for over 14 years seen to development of the youths towards helping attain their full potential and not become a menace to the society.

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Akwa Ibom Gov Disburses N750m Business Grant to 15,000 Youths

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Eric

In a historic move to tackle unemployment and empower Akwa Ibom’s youth, Governor Umo Eno has disbursed ₦750 million in unemployment business grants to 15,000 youths across the state. This innovative programme provides ₦50,000 monthly grant to 5,000 beneficiaries, with plans to expand the initiative to a total of 60,000 youths drawn from all 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) over the next 12 months.

Speaking during the official presentation of the grants at Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, Gov Eno described the initiative as a cornerstone of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building.

He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for productive ventures that will enhance their personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s focus on creating opportunities that enable youths to thrive and unlock their full potential, adding that this programme is part of a broader charter to highlight and support the immense talent and resilience of Akwa Ibom youth.

Gov. Eno also announced plans for civil service recruitment through the State Youth Employment Portal.

He encouraged youths to register on the portal, which has been designed to simplify access to jobs and other employment-related initiatives, underscoring his administration’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in public service recruitment.

Additionally, the governor highlighted several complementary programmes aimed at building youth capacity, including Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. These initiatives provide vital training, mentorship, and job creation opportunities for young people, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive economy.

Describing the selection process, SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong said beneficiaries where chosen through an unbiased and thorough process.

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Ahead Christmas, It’s Glo’s Feliz Navidad All the Way on TVCs

Published

4 days ago

December 22, 2024

Eric

Celebratory seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, are times when corporate organisations churn out new television commercials (TVCs) to connect with their customers and share the fun, euphoria and uncommon conviviality of such seasons.

One such organization which has over the years used this strategy to great effect is Nigeria’s top telecommunications brand, Globacom.

The exciting commercials that the technology company keeps rolling out fan the delight and elation of the season of goodwill. The brand employs the occasion not only to promote brand awareness but to felicitate its customers and the nation at large.

It is a tradition Glo has established. Since it started operations in 2003, it has always used television commercials as veritable tools of ensuring brand presence, marketing products and services and spreading joy among its various targets.

The 2024 Yuletide adverts it rolled out recently are not different. The two unique yet powerful commercials serve dual purposes. They felicitate the Nigerian people and spread mirth, which the season typifies, around existing and prospective customers.

Expectedly, the two new commercials have dominated the airwaves, and kept viewers talking and relishing the joy that Christmas brings.

The first commercial features juju music maestro, King Sunday Adegeye, popularly called King Sunny Ade, who parades a full ensemble of dancers and a rich, talented band in the TVC tagged “Merry Christmas”. The percussions, rhythm and dance merge to foster affability and enchanting memories of the season of glad tidings.

Before the party celebration where King Sunny and his band entertain guests, the TVC takes viewers back to the 1970s and 1980s when Christmas was celebrated with so much fanfare. It paints a vivid picture of rural Nigeria during Christmas where the warmth of tradition and community fills the air. The village with lush green vegetation is buzzing with excitement, with children playing, women cooking delicious meals in open-air kitchens, the aroma of local dishes (you can literally perceive it) mixing with the sounds of Afro Juju music. Families and friends gather around, dancing joyfully to the rhythmic beats, their faces beaming with happiness as they celebrate the festive season. A woman bearing the Aso ebi for the party is shown coming down from a Peugeot 504 car which also reinforces the advert as being set in the 1980s.

The television commercial by the telecom company captures the essence of togetherness, blending the cultural richness of rural life with the spirit of Christmas, all while subtly underscoring the telecom brand’s role in connecting loved ones, no matter how far apart they may be. It ends with “Better don come. Merry Christmas, Nigeria” further underscoring the reason for the commercial.

The second commercial tagged “Feliz Navidad” uses a galaxy of known artistes including Nollywood star, Timini Egbuson, as well as Uche Nwaefuna (Uchemontana), Chigozie Stephanie Alichi (Chizzy Alichi), Tomi Ojo, Eronini Osinachim, Kiki Bakare and Tope Adenibuyan (Teddy A) to pass across the message of Christmas.

At the heart of the Christmas party, the energy is electric as tap dancers take center stage, their feet tapping out intricate rhythms that blend seamlessly with the upbeat melody of Feliz Navidad. The sound of their shoes striking the floor creates a lively pulse, complementing the lively tunes of the music band performers who bring the festive song to life with vibrant instruments and harmonious vocals. Laughter and cheer fill the air as all come together to toast the season, sharing in the joy of music, movement, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit. The scene is a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and festive joy, all set to the timeless sounds of Feliz Navidad.

These commercials have further endeared the Glo brand to its subscribers and the general Nigerian public as they enjoy the geniality of the season of love, hope, gifts and celebrations.

Talking about the Yuletide commercials, Ademide Gafar, an industry watcher opined that churning out great TVCs is one of the selling points of the Glo brand while John Michael, a marketing communications expert, noted that Globacom is not just a leader in the telecommunications sector but a prominent creator of unforgettable commercials. From the nation’s pride in telecommunications, it’s Feliz Navidad-Merry Christmas!

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

5 days ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.