By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Open Africa Foundation, a non governmental Organization has reiterated its commitment to support and help Nigerian young children discover their talent and skills as well as empower and motivate them to achieve their dreams.
The Chairman Open Africa Foundation, Mr. Tunji Aworinde, who stated this at the Hope for Nigeria Conference, also explained that Nigeria’s young children are rich with potentials, all they need is empowerment and inclusive environment for them to thrive in their potentials.
“The greatest motivation of having this conference was the realization that our children are growing up in a very difficult environment. We came into the conclusion that it is appropriate to recognize these children, motivate them, give them confidence, and assure them of our support in their journey especially teenagers, through their education and motivate them to excel in their academics. That is the basis of having essay writing competition and awarding prices accordingly.
For instance today we actually awarded prices to the first seven students of eight essays that were submitted. In addition to that, the schools that produced these excellent students are getting commemorative plaques for the celebration of their children’s excellence”, he explained.
Also speaking, a Deputy Director from National Orientation Agency, Mr. Joseph Jingir, urged Nigerians not to stop dreams, but have hope in Nigeria.
“Our take from this conference is that we should have hope in Nigeria. Our dreams as Nigerians can be accomplished in Nigeria, therefore we have to contribute to building the Nigeria of our dreams.
We are one Nigeria and if we come together we will rebuild a better and prosperous nation”.
In a presentation on the issues surrounding drug use, the consequences and strategies to mitigate against the urge of drug use, Mr. Francis Okogu, of Drugs Salvation Foundation, stressed that they hope to curb the menace of drug use.
“There is hope for Nigeria, the Drugs Salvation Foundation and the NDLEA, gives Nigeria hope because Nigeria hasn’t fallen into a state where drug dealing is the norms. We are still at that level where we can curb this issue and save our children. I think there is hope because drug use destroys everything, and not just the use but drug dealing itself spoils economy of a nation. The NDLEA and the Drug Salvation Foundation are partnering to make sure that government policies and government support goes to the right sources to make sure that the Nigerian nation do not fall in a total drug epidemic situation”.
Other highlights of the event include drama and awards presentation.
The conference organized by Open Africa Foundation, which has the mandate of promoting good governance, youth empowerment, capacity building and poverty alleviation, had about one hundred and twenty students from both private and public schools in attendance.
