Connect with us

News

NGO raises the bar on moral values, sensitises 1000 boys in FCT

Published

on

Share this story

An NGO, Save the Boys Initiative on Saturday sensitised 1000 boys from 25 Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on moral values and social reform.

The NGO also sensitised the boys on life skills to enhance their abilities and make the society free from social vices.

The NGO organised the event – International Boys Conference 2022, with the theme:
‘Reformation ‘ in Abuja.
The Founder of the initiative Mr Ebuka Ede,
said the essence of the conference was to raise and empower boys to become responsible and live productive lives.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at raising and building boys for absolute reformation and make the society a better place devoid of criminal activities, social vices and immorality.

“We want to bring the boys together and make them understand what manhood is all about.
“There are lots of distortions in the society and if we keep silent, we will not see the change we desire.
“So, we are bringing boys to inculcate in them the values, discipline and mind set to become kings and leaders that will bring about the desired change in the country.
“If you look at the level of insecurity, criminality and social vices, they are mostly perpetrated by boys and men. This shows that some boys are not well raised,” he said.
Ede said that the NGO was also trying to train boys in raising their voices against boys being sexually assaulted or abused that “nobody is talking about”.
He said it had become imperartive to enlighten and transform them to also speak out against the societal ills.
“So much have been done in protecting the girl-child and not much is being done for the protection and sensitisation of the boy-child.”
Eden explained that the initiative also involved community projects to save boys at the end of every year by going round the country and collaborating with other stakeholders to educate boys for effective reformation.
“We have been to IDP Camps to sensitise boys, because some.of them are idle. We are also mapping out plans to target more communities and IDP Camps.
“We want boys reformed; we want parents to say their boys are now responsible. We want a new nation that is devoid of fraud, rituals, rape, immorality and criminality.
“We have over 1000 boys here. I will be going to Lagos and Jos in the next few days for same purpose.
“We believe it is possible to reform large numbers of Nigerian youths to have a better country,” Ede said.
The Founder of David Folaranmi Foundation, Mr David Folaranmi, called on the boys to imbibe self-discipline.
According to him, self-discipline is a prerequisite to being regarded as a reformed boy or king.
Folaranmi admonished them to be disciplined in their appetite, time, sexual desires, adding that “social media leads to addiction and time wastage”
He firmly instructed them to run away from.pornography, drug addiction, social media addiction and focus their time and energy on useful and productive ventures.

“If you are a drug addict, accept that you have a challenge and need help, seek for professional help, take responsibility, watch the company you keep and the places you go.

“You also need to learn life skills to keep you out of trouble. For example, refusal skills, problem solving skills and time management to be able to be organised and avoid destructive ventures,” Folaranmi said.
Similarly, the Secretary/Director of FCT Secondary Education Board Mrs Nanse Emeje,
appreciated the organiser of the Boys Conference.
She said so much had been said and done on girls and it was only fair to also create awareness for the boys to also be at par with their female counterparts.
“There is need to reform the boys to be kings. They should be given the leadership skills they need to make the society a better place.
“Parents should also know that teachers are not magicians. They also need to get involved in the social, religious, academic and mental development of their children.
“However, I want the boys to take advantage of this conference because there is always a higher and better level to attain.”
Emeje said boys needed to feel empowered to speak out about unacceptable behaviours that they might see in others.
“They also need to develop the confidence to speak up for themselves.”
Some of the students expressed delight and satisfaction with the programme.
They said they learnt a lot on self-esteem and ability to manage their time had been enhanced.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Refrain from dragging Nigeria through the mud, Tinubu admonishes religious leaders

Published

on

By

Share this story

President Bola Tinubu has admonished doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country in the guise of religious sermons as leaders to refrain from such forthwith

Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of reiterated leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.

President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities for prosperity.
He declared that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.
The President further urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.

”The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.

”Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘No matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’

”Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.

”Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday.

”I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” the President prayed.
Various speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima reiterated the pivotal roles religious and traditional rulers play in promoting peace and unity, as he urged them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound with the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.

”The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.

”You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.

”I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” the Emir prayed.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the Church.

”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” CAN General Secretary said.

Continue Reading

News

Senator Natasha felicitates with Christians, Nigerians, preaches peace, love at Easter

Published

on

By

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Share this story

The senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
has sent a message of felicitation to Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they mark Easter Celebration

The Senator who lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity, urged Nigerians to emulate His virtues, and live in peace and love.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by her Chief Press Secretary Arogbonlo Israel.

The statement quoted the senator to have admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace and harmony in Nigeria.

“Let us emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by impacting the lives of those around us and contributing to the growth of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.

“We should strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love that were demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessings of Easter and the power of the resurrection reignite our faith in both God and humanity. I wish you all a joyous celebration.”

Continue Reading

News

Don calls for international appreciation of northern Nigerian Literature

Published

on

By

Professor Abel Joseph,
Share this story

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.

Professor of African and Post Colonial Literary Studies, Abel Joseph, has called for International Appreciation of Northern Nigerian Literature for global literary canonisation in view of its contributions to the literary world and historical antecedence.

The Don who is of the Department of English and Literary studies, Federal University Lokoja, disclosed this while delivering the 17th Inaugural lecture series of the university on Thursday in Lokoja.

Speaking on the topic: “Weaving the tapestry of northern Nigeria fictional imaginaries from the provincial to the pluriversal”, the professor described Northern Nigerian literature as a treasure trove of voices and narratives.

He said that in order for the Northern Nigerian literature to find its space within the global literary canon, there must be strategic, deliberate and sustained efforts in terms of collaborations involving authors, publishers, translators, educators, and policymakers.

He advocated for the introduction of Northern Nigerian literature and cultural studies into educational curricula of tertiary institutions if not nationally, at least in the Universities in Northern Nigeria.

“In practical terms, regional literature modules or Courses can be introduced and integrated into existing literature programmes in the Departments of English and Literary Studies.

“Through this, students would be exposed to works from the region to provide a richer perspective of what constitutes the Nigerian literature” Prof. Abel hinted.

He advocated Investments in translation initiatives or projects to make the literature accessible to a wider audience adding that translating works for indigenous languages can break down language barriers and enable global readership.

He also called for organization of literary festivals and events to encourage participation in international literary festivals, book fairs, and events.

“These platforms provide opportunities for authors to present their works and engage with imternational audiences and network with publishers, translators and fellow writers.

Prof. Abel Joseph also called fort the establishment of a Centre for Nigerian Cultural Studies in Federal University Lokoja to midwife a project to canonize Northern Nigerian writers.

He stressed that the FUL could live up to the general and statutory expectations of a “Centre of Learning aware of, and vibrantly responding to emerging ideational values and their nuances for research, Pedagogy, and innovation.

“In this center, scholars can research on significant historical and archaeological aspects of Nigeria’s fast disappearing cultural ethos”, he said.

The Don held that the Center would further secure for the University that capacity for knowledge production and the possible canonisation of Northern Nigerian literary writers.

“Same in much the same instances that, for example, Universities of Ibadan, Lagos, Nigeria (Nsukka), Benin, Obafemi Awolowo, have succeeded in canonising Nigerian writers like Achebe, Clark, Soyinka, Okigbo, Okpewho, Osundare, lyayi, Ojaide, and a host of others.

“It would help rein in other gifted but neglected Nigerian Writers from within the immediate valance of central Nigeria and beyond”, he said. (Ends)

Continue Reading

Trending