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YOUTHVILLE ...young at heart

Friday, September 18, 2015

Do Nigerians prefer delicacies to leather works?

How healthy are Nigerian dishes?

I gained admission after 9 attempts, now I tutor others – Graduate

From the

TEAM

Friday, September 18, 2015 Page 34

Hello Readers,

@latifatopoola

@Sinach360

SUNDAY EBHOTA SULE BAMAS OPOOLA

@SimonEchewofun

@sleek_diva88

@ikabirsule

Welcome to another awesome edition of your number 1 informative, inspiring and exciting magazine YOUTHVILLE. This week we have some of the best stories from the entertainment, health, business and education arena, well-written to motivate you.

Very few Nigerians know that they are eating their shoes because of their undying love for the very popular ‘pomo’ or ‘ganda’ meat. Hence this week, we decided to take you into the world of the hides and skin which is used in the production of bags, belts, and shoes and it is also enjoyed as a delicacy in many Nigerian homes. Get the full details in our REFLECTIONS page on what pomo sellers, consumers as well as shoe producers say.

Nigeria is blessed so many tasty & beautiful dishes irrespective of the tribe they represent. But have you ever wondered how healthy they are? On the social media scene, there are tendencies that the popular social network, Facebook might have a ‘dislike’ button soon. Get the full details of these and other stories in our SHOWTIME page.

A popular adage says “Nothing good comes easy” and the story of Chukwu Chigozie who is our BIZWIZ star of the week proves it. How? Read his inspiring story in our BIZWIZ page today.

Our BACKPACK section is filled with interesting stories because it has stories that are on youth empowerment. Certain organizations have taken it upon themselves to empower Nigerian youth to reduce unemployment in the country. What organizations are these? Don’t miss this section This week’s edition is fresh and super-packed with excellent, entertaining and exciting stories which we know you would love and they would give you that desired push to get to the top.

We want to hear from you. Get in touch with us via youthville@dailytrust.com as well as on Facebook: DAILY TRUST YOUTHVILLE and on twitter: @DT_ YouthVille. Be Motivated, Be Creative and Be an Inspiration to others. How? By telling us your story and we’ll take it up from there. Remember: No one does it better than we do; it’s DAILY TRUST YOUTHVILLE, for the young and ‘young-at-heart’.

Make sure you keep a date with us next week for another awesome edition... We wish our wonderful readers and fans a fabulous W.E.E.K.E.N.D

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Kagoro Hills, Kaduna Situated in Kagoro town near Kafanchan in the southern part of the State, it is known for its long range of hills, tall trees, rocky and hill top settlements. They give first timers an unforgettable and excellent rock climbing expedition.

Amakama Wooden Cave, Abia This is a wonder tree with a hollow inside capable of accommodating up to twenty people at a time. The tree is claimed to be as old as the Amakama community and had acted as a safe haven to the community during the inter-tribal wars and the slave raids era.

Dala & Goron Dutse Hills, Kano The two hills are undulating landscape around Kano, both within the circumference of the walled city. The two hills provide full view of the horizon around the metropolis giving an eyeful to visitors.

TOP COMMENTS Facebook >>> RE: Fatima Babakura: ‘At 19, I turned my hobby to business in Canada’ Muhammad Tasiu Kantana: Such is life.

Mohammad Ibrahim: Cute.

Oba Sanza Agyas: Nice

TRENDING

Reactions as Liverpool midfielder, Jordon Ibe choose England over Nigeria

L

iverpool midfielder Jordon Ibe said he decided to play football for England rather than Nigeria.

The 19-year-old, was approached by Nigerian coach Sunday Oliseh to switch his international allegiance to his father’s country.

He said: “It was my choice and it feels like the right choice, I was born here and have played in the younger age groups. I want to take it up to the first team one day,” Ibe told Liverpool’s website.”

This generated a buzz on the internet as netizen reacted.

Alibaba wrote “Very bad decision, by rejecting the giant of Africa, he is already a failure.”

Kim Roland posted “The problem is most Nigerians do not understand the term citizenship, this boy is a British citizen of Nigerian ancestry.” He added that “If we managed our country well, we won’t be

scratching for players in a country with over 150 million people.”

Omoba1 wrote” The young lad has no affiliation to Nigeria other than his parents telling him that. He owes his allegiance to the United Kingdom, Moreover, we have talents in-house that can be groomed rather than tap in players already groomed abroad” Ghostme posted “His parents or grandparents were probably immigrants.

When he was born, he was handed automatic citizenship. One will think NBA player Victor Oladipo is a Nigerian but I watched documentaries about his family and trust me, there is nothing Nigerian about them.

Having a Nigeria middle name doesn’t mean Ibe must play for Nigeria.

Rhealist wrote: “Most of our children here(USA) acknowledge their Nigerian roots but they are more into the society they know and are born in; some will choose Nigeria but most will chose USA. That’s the way it is.”

BY AKILA JIBRIN

REFLECTIONS

YOUTHVILLE Friday, September 18, 2015 Page 35

Do Nigerians prefer delicacies to leather works?

Text by Eseohe Ebhota @sleek_diva88, Victoria Bamas @sinach360, Ibrahim Kabiru Sule @Ikabirsule, Latifat Opoola @LatifatOpoola, Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun, Abuja & Rakiya A. Muhammad, Sokoto

S

he stays near the blazing fire keenly watching the redhot protruding pot. At first sight, one would have taken the scene for a pre-festive cooking but on a closer gaze, stretched rolls of cow skin bulge as they drown in the steaming water.

Mama Bolaji as she is fondly called is one great supplier of the cow skin delicacy at the Nasarawa state Mararaba Market situated some few kilometers from Abuja city. Known as ‘Pomo’ in western local parlance and ‘Ganda’ in Hausa, this material has been something to contend with as it struggles to survive ownership.

The skin of animals like cows, sheep and goats, which are needed for the production of goods like shoes, bags and belts, are being eaten increasingly. While many Nigerians savour the delicacy and could lay claim to it at any time, leather workers and shoe makers have coveted Pomo as their primary raw materials.

In a chat with YOUTHVILLE, the seller said she has numerous customers comprising various tribes who patronise her just to have that piece in their meal as a substitute or complement to meat and fish in their dish.

One Abdul Kouna who was seen taking some pieces of the preferred ‘delicacy’ said it became his favourite as it contain less fat and is healthier than consuming meat.

“Pomo is not anyhow thing here.

This piece that will hardly weigh a kilogram is up to N300,” he said.

Last year the consumption of cattle skin, commonly known as ‘Pomo’ in the west, ‘Ganda,’ in the north and ‘Azu-anu’ in Eastern Nigeria has been proven to be destroying the hides and skin industry where Nigeria earns at least $3billion annually in foreign exchange.

These days when pastoral animals, especially cows, are slaughtered in Nigeria, their skins are rarely sent to the leather industry for use as raw materials rather, the skin ends up in the market place, where it is converted ‘Pomo’.

Nigeria’s hides and skin production, mainly undertaken in Kano State, is said to be the largest in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region, with a total population of over 245 million people and an economic growth of 6 percent – 7 percent annually.

In September 2014 at the 3rd joint anniversary of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN) and

Pomo traders in open market And a Kubwa meat seller identified as Ahmed said he makes good sales from N7, 000 by selling the cow skin for Pomo but said that could decline to N3,000 sometimes.

And in Kuje, Mama Chinaza, a low income earner and housewife said she cannot afford to take buy fish or meat on a Leather being processed in a factory daily basis. “Pomo makes Nigeria Institute of Animal Science my soup look rich and I also enjoy held at the University of Ibadan taking it especially with vegetable the then Minister of Agriculture soup,” she confessed. and Rural Development, Dr. Hadiza who sells Masa, another Akinwunmi Adesina called for local delicacy in Kuje also told our competent regulations that would reporter she includes pomo in the check the consumption and sale of soup she serves to with Masa. the Pomo so that livestock farmers But for Suleiman Jimoh, a health would stand good chances of worker in the Abuja town, Pomo is making high dollar return if the no more a stint for him. Jimoh said hides and skins are tanned into he stopped it last year when he read leather. in the newspapers that the sellers Pomo eaters in Abuja don’t use mortuary embalming fluids to know they’ve eaten their shoes fatten Pomo.

“I can’t do without it. Pomo is “Some of the animals killed very cheap and affordable, and and used for Pomo may have my family likes it very much,” skin diseases and boiling them a housewife in the Life Camp ordinarily may not kill the bacteria.

Area of Abuja, Mrs. Grace told Others may have been ill and YOUTHVILLE. When asked if undergoing injections which the she knew whether it was her shoe or herders kill them impatiently, bag she was eating, she exclaimed leaving the buyers vulnerable to chemicals in the animal skin,” he and asked “How possible is it?”

Pomo, Ganda eating it was learnt said.

Are shoemakers threatened by defies social status as it gradually crawled its way into the meal menus Pomo? at homes and restaurants. Not even For those who are into the shoe the best garnished fish, red meat or business, they do not feel threatened chicken can fight it back. about the ‘mad rush’ for Pomo as Comfort John, a hairdresser some said it is not yet a threat to in Kubwa declared her love for their shoemaking. Isa Adamu, a Ganda when she said, “I love cobbler in Kubwa said he doesn’t Pomo so much that I ensure that in feel his business is threatened saying every soup I cook, it must be there “I don’t see how selling Pomo can be whether there are other types of a threat to what I am doing because we do not buy them from the same meat or not.”

place.” Isa said he gets his treated leather materials from either Lagos or Jos and sometimes from where the cows are killed.

Sokoto is different, as youths run the leather business A business which hitherto was popular among the elderly entrepreneurs in Sokoto is now being taken over by the more active youths. They are able to afford all necessities of life, thereby making them self reliant and contented in the business.

Sokoto has three key hides and skin processing, packaging and transporting points where the youth tycoons eke a living from the transactions. Nasiru Italy, Alhaji Dan Asulo and Tudun Wada, the leatherworks haven have been booming over the years. The business runs into three stages, purchase, processing/loading and the transportation which combined provides meaningful employment to the youths.

One of them, Chika Abdullahi said his work entails sorting out the best of the purchased products brought in from Kwanni town of Niger Republic. “Before, the skin had to be dried before we transport it to Kano but now we use enough salt to preserve it and transport it to Lebanese tannery companies in there for processing.”

Chika revealed that on the average, he makes N20,000 weekly but could make N10,000 during a lo market. But then, he is 100perent comfortable as he had built his own house, got married and expects to go for pilgrimage.

Abdullah said demand is lowering in the rainy season saying “This is because during rainy season, animals tend to develop skin diseases which in turn renders

Leather products their skin valueless to be processed for sale.

“Over 500 youths are eking living from this business, and our masters take care of our needs which go beyond our financial stands,” Chika said.

Mujtaba Dodo 37 also started at the early stage of his life. He is married with two wives and five children. He said on a weekly basis, he gets N20,000 or more. “I have no regret joining the business,” he asserted.

Speaking further on the processing of the skin, Mujtaba stressed: “A lot of salt has to be applied to the skin which can last up to 14 days without developing any problem, and then loaded on waiting trucks to Kano for sale.

“Companies don’t value our commodities around this time of the year but we still continue since it is a temporary setback,” he said.

Abdullahi and Mujtaba on behalf of other youths called on the Sokoto state government to grant loan to the youths in hides and skin business for them to be independent. “We need the loan so that we can stand on our feet, and can also create opportunities for other youths who are still without any source of income,” they said.

Do you know these about Pomo?

A “tannery” is the term for a place where the skins are processed.

Tanning is the process of treating skins and hides of animals to produce leather, which is more durable and less susceptible to decomposition.

The Wikipedia article on preparatory steps prior to tanning hides and skin are: 1. Skinning 2. Curing and 3.

Beam-house operations (They include, soaking, liming, removal of extraneous tissues (unhairing, scudding, and fleshing), deliming, bating & purring, drenching, and pickling.

There is also a tribe called POMO. The Pomo people are an indigenous people of California.

The historic Pomo territory in Northern California was large, bordered by the Pacific Coast to the west, extending inland to Clear Lake, and mainly between Cleone and Duncans Point.

In 2014, there were reports that in Sokoto Mahuta Central Abattoir only, no fewer than 150 cows, 50 camels and hundreds of goats, sheep, ram, among others, are slaughtered on a daily basis.

Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever. – Keri Russell

SHOWTIME

YOUTHVILLE

Friday, September 18, 2015 Page 36

HEALTHNEWS >>

How healthy are Nigerian dishes?

Text by Eseohe Ebhota @sleek_diva88

Northern dish: Waina and suya

Western dish: Amala

N

igerian foods are very nutritious and healthy; it totally works well for our generic system and life style.

They are different in nature and appearance to the many foods in the different parts of the world depending mostly on the tribe and chef. Some of our foods are very spicy depending on the tribe it is associated with. It ranges from isi-ewu (goat head) peppersoup (eaten in the South-East) to efo-

Southern banga, fufu dish riro (Vegetable soup) of the Western part of the country or the allround Nigerian Pepper soup eaten by all tribes.

Our meals differ a lot in style, cooking and taste but one unique thing about them is that they are all very healthy because they contain all the nutrients needed and no matter how they are prepared, they always taste good.

For example, every local soup (Banga, Afang, Oha, Egusi) is made with Vegetables such as Ugu, spinach

(Efo- Yoruba, AlayyahoHausa), Bitter leaf, Utazi leaves etc. Other local Nigerian dishes include: Abacha and Ugba (Local salad---eaten in the South-East).

This is not to say that other meals like Rice, Yam, and Beans are not eaten with Vegetables. It depends on how they are prepared and on the taste of the person preparing it.

For example, rice can be prepared locally by mixing it with vegetables or even as Jollof rice while yam is prepared as asaro (or yam soup), Ji abubo (Yam and Vegetable sauce).

From the few examples cited, it is obvious that Nigerian meals are healthy because they contain the vital nutrients such as Proteins, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K and even Folic acid which are essential for the growth and development of not just the Nigerian child, but everyone.

So when attending any event or visiting a friend or relative this weekend, make sure vegetables form part of your meal because they contain all the necessary vitamins and antibodies you need to fight off diseases as well as help you stay strong.

‘Dislike’ button coming to Facebook soon Text by Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun & Eseohe Ebhota @sleek_diva88 Facebook is set to add a “dislike” button to its social network, founder Mark Zuckerberg has said.

In an interview session held at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California Tuesday, the 31-year-old said the button would be a way for people to express empathy.

He said Facebook was “very close” to having it ready for user testing.

A “dislike” button has been constantly requested by some users since the introduction of the now-iconic “like” button in Mark Zuckerberg 2009.

“What people really want is to be able dogs, cats and cooking experiments.

“I suspect it will mainly be used to to express empathy. People have asked about the ‘dislike’ button for many years,” express mild disapproval, or to express solidarity when someone posts about a BBC quoted Mr Zuckerberg.

“Probably hundreds of people have negative event like a death or a loss.”

Many people may have wanted the asked about this, and today is a special day because today is the day that I ability to “dislike” Facebook posts for a actually get to say we are working on it, long while, but there has been a mixed and are very close to shipping a test of it.” reaction to the news.

Comments on Bellanaija, a local blog However he went on to say he did not want it to be a mechanism with which show mixed reactions among Nigerian Facebook users. A user, Mohammad in people could “down vote” others’ posts.

Instead, it will be for times when his response said “That will only serve clicking “like” on “sad” posts felt to quiet voices of dissent in topics that people have kneejerk objections. I don’t insensitive.

Prof. Andrea Forte, an expert in think it is a good idea. Mob rule.”

Another, Blueberry was keen about social and participatory media at Drexel University in Philadelphia, said users will the news saying, “A dislike button for the not suddenly turn on each other’s posts. Haters?! …lol.”

Diuto expressed similar feeling. “I In an email, she wrote: “They may use a dislike button to express some negative believe bullying would be activated emotions (like frustration with ads especially in cases of teens. I’m just popping up in their feeds) but I doubt praying suicide rates don’t increase bcos it will cause them to start wantonly of this. Tread with caution if I may say.” disliking pictures of their friends’ babies, The post read.

PHYSICALFITNESSNEWS >> 17million die of cardiovascular diseases yearly – Expert Text by Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun A fitness expert and the General Manager of Elite Wellness, Margerita Trstini has said about 17 million people die of cases associated with cardiovascular diseases every year.

Margaret who was referring to data from the World Health Organsiation (WHO) said the diseases are related to sedentary habits, poor diet, and

smoking.

She said her firm based in Lagos unveiled Myrun Technogym, a new iconic product for home fitness training.

Technogym she said is a revolutionary treadmill that can be integrated in any environment because of its minimal, stylish design combining top performance with a compact footprint and high-tech, top quality,

sturdy materials.

She noted that over 20 million people around the world, in over 50,000 fitness facilities and 20,000 private homes work out with Technogym equipment.

“The data from the World Health Organization (WHO) are clear: cardiovascular diseases due to sedentary habits, poor diet, and smoking are associated with the deaths of 17 million

Let us live for the beauty of our own reality. – Charles Lamb

people every year.

“It wouldn’t take much to reduce this situation: authoritative studies show that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by over 40percent,” Margaret said.

She noted that most corporate business world have adopted the technology and are motivating their employees to adopt a wellness lifestyle.

BIZWIZ I gained admission after 9 attempts, now I tutor others – Graduate Text by Latifat Opoola @LatifatOpoola

T

eaching is isn’t an easy job because it entails working tirelessly to create a challenging, nurturing environment for the students.

Chukwu Chigozie, a tutor who organizes training and tutorials for students in higher Institutions relives his tales with YOUTHVILLE on how sat for WAEC and the UTME many times before gaining a university admission.

The 32 year old Economics graduate from University of Abujawho tutors and is a facility manager said, “While seeking admission in to higher Institution in Lagos, I wrote WAEC is nine times, JAMB/ UTME seven times.”

“I finally gained admission to study Economics in Uniabuja.

This was the turning point in

my life. I graduated one of the best students in a class of over 270 students,” Chigozie said.

He said he started a lucrative tutoring business while he was still an undergraduate noting that “Entrepreneurship runs in my blood, and besides I do not feel comfortable depending on others for my upkeep.”

Chigozie who attracts customers through referrals from former students, social media and bulk SMS said his major is getting more fund to acquire equipment for industrial cleaning for his other businesses.

He advised youths to stay focused, discover their talent and make good use of it. “Know what you are good at, that is, your passion and gifts and make sure you utilize it,” he advised.

Chigozie

YOUTHVILLE Friday, September 18, 2015 Page 37

Northern publishing firms are lagging behind – Ibzar Ibrahim Abdullahi Muhammad alias Ibzar is the Managing-Director of Ibzar Publishing Company Ltd in Plateau State. He speaks with YOUTHVILLE on how he started the publishing and printing business.

Ibzar also highlights some challenges in the business.

Text from Bashir Liman, Jos What is the state of printing and publishing in Nigeria?

Publishing and printing business has a long history in Nigeria and world in general, the business is interconnected with knowledge and education, despite the challenges pose by computer and internet where anything you want read you can get it when you browse, but the business is still waxing strongly.

What inspired you to start your printing line?

Since when I was teenager I like reading a lot, I can remember during such period I used to buy Nasiha Hausa Newspaper at one naira. I love drawings and cartoons, anywhere I publications, I asked myself how such items were made. The curiosity on how such items were made inspired me to venture into publishing and printing business and then I started in 1999.

What challenges do you face in the business?

The challenges I face are enormous but surmountable: the environment, which is northern Nigeria, is lagging behind in publishing despite the population. We don’t have the X-factor that will encourage writers and make them to compete with their contemporaries in other parts of this country. Textbooks used

in northern schools 50 years ago till now are books published ublished by companies in the south. uth.

Northern governors nors should divest in printing and d publishing business in the north. orth. They should give publishers ers loans and when we publish school books, they should hould purchase them for the schools. These will create employment for the teeming writers.

What have you ou achieved since you ou started the venture??

I brought awareness to most printing companies in northern Nigeria as they realized that Ibrahim Abdullahi Muhammad they can also company will grow and stamp a publish book.

Printers before only focused household name like Macmillan.

What is your advice to youth on calendars, political posters, jotters and stickers. I also and the government?

What I want our youths to do employed more than 22 youths, is to expand their thinking on with about 19 apprentices.

Where do you see Ibzar how we will get better. I want northern youths to develop Publishing Company Ltd soon?

The future is bright, initially the habit of reading and work we only published books on hard to achieve success in life.

Islamic Studies but now we Government should focus publish book on computer, on printing and publishing social studies and English, business. If properly managed, with the way things are going it is lucrative and can create jobs in the nearest future our and boost the economy.

SPORTVILLE

Bundesliga clubs to wear #refugeeswelcome logo on jerseys All text by IBRAHIM KABIRU SULE @ikabirsule Germany’s 36 teams that made up the top two leagues are to wear “We’re helping! #refugeeswelcome” logos on their shirts in this weekend’s fixtures as part of their campaigns for the flood of migrants entering Europe.

The move was aimed at encouraging sports fans the country to help amidst Europe’s immigration crisis.

The logo will appear on the left sleeve of each club’s shirt and is a joint initiative between logistics company Hermes, who have waived the right to have their logo displayed for one weekend,

and German daily Bild.

“We want to make it clear that everyone has to help, when and wherever they possibly can,” said Bayer Leverkusen’s director of sport Rudi Voeller, AFP reported.

With this initiative, football fans are urged to get involved with helping and provide support for refugees.

Germany is dealing with a flood of immigrants who travel up through the western Balkans and southern Europe from war-torn countries with 20,000 arriving in Munich last weekend alone.

Individually, most Bundesliga clubs are either setting up or supporting initiatives to help the

refugees.

Bayern Munich, the first European club to pledge one

million Euros (US$1.1m) to the refugees, has since set up special coaching courses to provide meals, German lessons and equipment for refugee children.

Wolfsburg has invited 1,200 refugees to its Tuesday’s Champions League game against CSKA Moscow and a euro from each ticket sold to the match will be donated to a charity supporting immigrants.

Last week, the German Football Association (DFB) announced a three-year extension to their “1-0 for a welcome” programme, which sees some 600 clubs involved with projects to integrate immigrants through football.

The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity. – Peter Drucker

BACKPACK

YOUTHVILLE Friday, September 18, 2015 Page 38

Musa Aliyu is the Chief Executive Officer HUSNA investment Ltd and co-founder business, vocational and leadership training institute in Ilorin, Kwara state. He speaks on the many issues confronting Nigerian youths. Excerpts:

YOUWIN, SURE-P awardees affected by govt change – Aliyu

Text from ROMOKE W. AHMAD, Ilorin

H

ow do we solve unemployment in Nigeria?

Unemployment is a global challenge facing youth population. And of the only way out is entrepreneurship amongst youth. A lot of policies and programmes have been done in that regard, but unfortunately a little is achieved.

In Nigeria, some interventions have been done but honestly a lot still needs to be done.

For instance, YOUWIN, SURE-P etc have made their impact to reasonable extent. And of course, fate of beneficiaries of these programmes still hangs in air due leadership changes. This should not be the case. Nigerian Youth need enabling

Musa Aliyu CEO Husna Investment environments that will allow their ventures to thrive irrespective of political bickering in the country.

Also a special Youth Enterprise Development Commission must be set-up and funding for this must come from government, private sector and international donor agencies. Again, infrastructural facilities, like good roads,

power supply and potable water system should be provided. Banks must be made to see financing Youth-operated ventures as a key to their getting government patronage. Reasonable interest-rate should be given to the credit facilities for youth business.

What is your expectation on youth development from the new government?

With the fight against corruption of the present government, we expect to have vibrant youth-driven programmes and agenda. We expect the government to take youth employment, through youth entrepreneurship as the ultimate weapon of fighting insurgency, kidnapping and other violent crimes. We expect the present government to setup credible programmes that will discover raw talents among Nigerian youth in sports, business and academics.

What are you doing as a youth leader to help youth develop their enterprise?

Nigeria’s young left behind on global goals Text by JUDD-LEONARD OKAFOR @judd_leonard Youth advocates say Nigeria’s young people are being left behind in the race for Sustainable Development Goals, which heads of governments are expected to sign later this year at the behest of the United Nations.

The ACT2015 Nigerian Alliance has called on President Muhammed Buhari to adopt the global development agenda when Heads of states meet at a summit on September 25 in New York Kosi Izundu, coordinator of the Act2015 Nigeria Alliance, said key targets for sexual and reproductive health and gender equality “do not explicitly mention adolescents and young people.”

Izundu said the stance taken on behalf of Nigeria during the process of creating the new SDG goalswhich replace Millennium Development Goals which wind up by year end-could endanger opportunity for advance health and development of young people.

“This position denies young people access to sexual and reproductive health including HIV/AIDS information, education, counselling and services. This clearly contradicts over six progressive national policies, plans and guidelines available in the country,” Izundu said.

A strategic meeting convened by the group Education as a vaccine to consider the implications

for adolescents and young people, which held in Abuja, concluded the retrogressive stance of Nigeria could create negative perceptions “due to inconsistencies in positions taken during negotiations on social issues with our national policies,” he noted.

Advocates also worry stakeholders could reduce or withdraw financial and technical resources needed to improve the health and development of young people after 2015.

“Young people’s health and development will be de-prioritized, which doesn’t align with the “change” agenda of the new government, and also does not reflect the current realities of our country with high maternal mortality, teen birthrate, and HIV/AIDS mortality,” said Izundu.

We have couple of programmes and activities which we believe will be of help. We have been running on radio in our local language, ISEYA (meaning it is time for work). This has greatly helped in changing the perspective about entrepreneurship. For the first time in the state, we are organizing youth summit where the question of leadership drift will be adequately answered.

Who are the beneficiaries of your entrepreneurship programme?

Our training programme for youth is still at infancy. But despite this we have been able to put smiles on faces.

We have being doing business training clinics, where we train people on basics of starting and running business. We provide voluntary mentoring for these ventures. We link other set of people with vocational centres where they can learn various works like bead making, fishery and tailoring.

Bank host empowerment series for 4000 youth Text by SUNDAY MICHAEL OGWU, Lagos Not less than 4,000 youths stormed the annual sterling bank youth empowerment programme in Lagos over the weekend.

Tagged: ‘Get ready for work, Mind the gap’, the programme which is a mix of fun, career counselling and entertainment has become an annual ritual and the third since 2013 Recall that some participant from last year edition got between 2.5 million and N1 million respectively to boast their business ideas.

The bank’s Group Head, Strategy and Communication, Mr Shina Atilola said: “We designed this engagement help closed the disconnect between demand and supply in our employment space “We have people who are qualified but not employable, We are bringing Nigerians who are successful entrepreneur to speak to them and motivate” Alsp speaking at the event, Jerome Onipede, A psychoanalyst told the participating youth that “Mind The Gap” is an apt representation of the consideration youth must give to their life journey.

CAMPUSGIST >> FU LOKOJA

2015 admission list out The Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) has released the names of admitted candidates into the institution for 2015/2016 session.

It has since being uploaded on the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) website. Access it via: http://jamb.org.ng/ postregistrationefacility/ CheckAdmissionStatus. aspx?id=C9137358E0F1-48E0-90952084437B4D5F

Success Corner!

Buhari NGO to empower 1m youths yearly Text by ESEOHE EBHOTA @sleek_diva88

BYO FCT chapter members during a courtesy visit to Media Trust Ltd with some members of the YOUTHVILLE editorial team

The Buhari Youth Organization (B.Y.O) has stated that as part of its objectives to reduce unemployment in the country, it will empower about 1 million youths annually.

This was stated by the group’s coordinator (FCT chapter) Alhaji Mohammed Rabiu during a courtesy visit to the

head office of Media Trust Limited. “The organization was created to foster unity between the youths and the government.

The youths today have lost rolemodels, so we felt that it was right for us to model them in different areas where they can detest corruption and other social vices. They also need to find themselves”, he said.

The B.Y.O which is a nongovernmental, non-political

organization helps to train, empower and raised skilled youths. “This training and skill acquisition would help them to have a sense of belonging as well as reduce social vices”, he added.

Rabiu also added that the organization which has trained about 3,000 youths in areas such as soap-making, shoe-making and dyeing has as part of its objectives to train 1 million youths yearly.

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten. – B. F. Skinner