YOUTHVILLE ISSUE #148
Friday, September 15, 2017 08078068532
youthville@dailytrust.com
...young at heart
Always COMPETE with those ABOVE you, when it comes to KNOWLEDGE. – Cengiz
Cengiz: My medical dream pushed me to bag ‘perfect score’ from Russian varsity Mohammed Mustafa Cengiz was born in Kano state Nigeria, in 1991 to a Nigerian mother and Turkish father. Cengiz who is from a family of nine and raised by his mother recently graduated with a ‘perfect score’ of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) on June 26, 2017 to emerge the best graduyate from Kazan State Medical University in Russia where he read medicine. In this exclusive interview with Daily Trust, he spoke about his background in Kano’s Hotoro district, his primary and secondary education at Rakad International School, Bennie International School, and other experiences. By Simon Echewofun Sunday @SimonEchewofun How would you relate the strength of early education to the success you have attained? Well primary and secondary education are the most important in any person life, it carves the person into what he or she becomes in life and prepares them for the hurdles in life. During my secondary school days I obtained a lot of discipline and motivation that later paved the way to my path in life. I would conclude that my studying in Nigeria carved the person I am today and will be tomorrow. I would like to thank all my teachers and tutors for all their efforts. It is not easy to. What other things motivated your academic success? I feel lucky and continuously thankful to God for the position I am in currently because nothing is possible
without Him. Hard work and dedication were the formula, but it is also necessary to work smart and efficient because time management is a very important. All these aren’t possible without continuous motivation though, so people around us-meaning family and friends play a very important role in keeping us concentrated on the ultimate goal. So to sum up I would base all of it on God, Dedication and social circle. Could you describe your undergraduate days? I can easily say that it was one of the best experiences I’ve had, both in the positive and negative sense of it. When I first arrived to Russia for the programme, I was very unconfident and nervous. I felt like I didn’t have what it took to become a doctor, especially after taking a two year academic leave, but then I promised to never to give up. Russia’s climate is one of the harshest
and it made everyday activity very challenging, especially when most lessons where located at different points of the city. The struggle to balance a social and academic life was also tough, but my dream of becoming a surgeon was always the ultimate goal. What would you do differently from what is done in the field? I suppose I am in no position to be critical in the way the system is ran back home, as I am sure those in charge are doing all they can with the limited resources they might have. Nigeria is a country filled with talented people whom are underrated due to lack of sufficient resources and infrastructure. Given the proper environment and material, the sky is our limit. However as I already mentioned above the resources are the main challenge, so what I would do differently would be to provide what is necessary. The government should understand that human resources are the most valuable of all, not just from an ethical point of view but also economically and socially. Give them the tools and watch them succeed is what I would suggest. What platform do you wish to create to engage other youth? With the help of the internet and social media I will create a platform for young and bright minds to engage in crucial complications faced in medicine. To create a sort of guidance and counseling
network for those who aren’t medically literate, so they can be advised properly on therapeutic steps. Many Nigerians or even people around the world are usually confused when it comes to medicine and this will help and guide them through it. H o w did you secure y o u r admission? Gaining admission was quite straightforward, I found a couple of university options online with some advice from friends. And I decided to send my credentials, they school later replied and I began to process the necessary documentations at the Russian embassy. To be honest it wasn’t as hectic because I did so from Ankara, Turkey with a Turkish passport which was quite easier than the process in Nigeria. Is there a chance for youth to attain their dreams in the present Nigeria? There is nothing that would make me happier, but it all depends on dedication and sacrifice. Nigeria is a growing nation and I have no doubt in the future it will be the land of opportunity, unfortunately with the current situation
it is quite difficult to reach the pinnacle of your dreams, not impossible but quite demanding. The percentage of success will have to be increased as it is currently in “winning the lottery” level. Meaning only a few will actually attain their dreams. What is your advice to Nigerian youth, many who are unemployed? T o whomever is reading this; even if the message is passed to a single person this is my advice to you: I have studied the art of man and his organism, and I bear witness that all brains, vessels, flesh and bone are same and equal, no man/woman is better than you nor are you better than them. I am not where I am because I am the smarter or brighter, and my words and advice may mean nothing to you. But if there is one thing I have learnt from life, it is that contentment is the key to true success. Wherever you find yourself just do your best and leave the rest to God. Always compare yourself with those below you when it comes to success and riches, and always compete with those above you when it comes to knowledge.
Why Kano is engaging youth in auto repair, other skills From Ibrahim Musa Giginyu, Kano The Director General Kano State Directorate of Youth Development and Economic Empowerment, Alhaji Ado Abba Tudun-Wada has said the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is empowering youth to become self-reliant. He said the administration intervened in the formation of a vibrant caretaker committee of the Youth Council under Comrade Kabiru Ado Lakwaya and has since been empowering members through the platform.
Some of the engagements he said are that over 90,000 youth were successfully registered under the ongoing FG’s N-Power scheme; within two years, 250 youth have been trained on ICT and another 100 youth trained in auto-mobile maintenance and repairs at the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) learning centre in Kaduna. Tudun-Wada said a committee on Youth Empowerment was established by the state with a release of over N132 million to fund various skills acquisition and empowerment programmes for 5000 small
businesses operators and unemployed youth. Part of the State’s achievements on youth empowerment he said is the approval the Directorate got to select 2,000 youth from the state to train for proposed Peace Corps in anticipation of being fully employed once the scheme gets FG’s funding. Alhaji Ado told the Daily Trust that 2,445 young people have also been trained on apprenticeship programmes with support from DFID’s MAFITA, a UK funded programme that runs for six years in the North West, and kick-started in March 2016.
Some trainees from Kano State at Peugeot Training Centre, Kaduna
DAILY TRUST, Friday, September 15, 2017
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YOUTHVILLE
Why I started foundation on youth’s guidance – Haruna By Ibrahim Musa Giginyu, Kano
T
he present youth’s predicament in all sectors of life is due to lack of proper guidance on either career choice or study option, says the Chairman of Hanne Guidance and Counselling Foundation for Development (HGCFD), Malam Abdu Haruna. Haruna while speaking in Kano said HGCFD was formed to bridge this gap that was highlighted after a research carried out on 5,000 youth that are either out of school and unemployed or never being to school at all revealed that they have not been adequately guided. “The outcome of the research conducted on over 5,000 youths in our focal points that is Kazaure, Roni,
Malam Abdu Haruna
Gwiwa and Yankwashi all of Jigawa state has revealed that, these youths have not been adequately guided and have not experienced any form of counselling in their lives. That is why we decided to form a
foundation that will counsel and guide these youths on their chosen career,” said Haruna. He added that, the foundation has succeeded in holding a symposium for over 400 female youth on career development and a seminar was also organised for parents on the importance of children enrolment in schools. “It is very important to note that, many of our youths are the way they are simply because they lack guidance and we believe with a sincere counselling and guidance our youths will be more productive and more useful to our communities; that is why we are planning to extend our gesture to all nukes and cranny of Jigawa state,” concluded Haruna.
Ice Prince thrills Plateau United fans in Jos From Bashir Liman, Jos The Nigerian hip-hop star, Panshak Henry Zamani popularly known as Ice Prince has entertained the Plateau United players and the teaming fans in Jos. The singer performed at Rwang Pam Stadium on Saturday after the 38 fixtures of Nigeria Professional Football League match between Plateau United and last season’s champions Enugu Rangers.
As part of the celebration and while the musician was performing, the team and its supporters embarked on a trophy tour around town to celebrate the win, which led to the government house where the trophy was presented to the Plateau State Commissioner for Sports, Danladi Mann, who stood in for Governor Simon Lalong. “I am from Jos and I am here to celebrate with you to show you how happy and excited I
am as our darling team Plateau United won the 2016-2017 NPFL title. I hope you will shake your body and rejoice with me,” he said.
Anti-graft agency boss urges youth to shun corruption By Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun The Executive Chairman of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr Muhiyi RiminGado, has called on Nigerian youth to shun corruption and make integrity their watch word. Rimin-Gado made the call when he hosted the Speaker of Nigeria Youth Parliament in his office on Tuesday in Kano. The chairman called on youth across the country to join anti-corruption crusade, adding that they should help to fight the menace so that it does not destroy their future. Rimin-Gado reaffirmed his
commission’s resolve to ensure plugging of leakages and reducing corruption which has hindered development in the country. In a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, the Speaker of the third parliament, Mr. Obe Ayodele commended the commission for its role in the fight against corruption in the state. He reiterated that as responsible youth the parliamentarians would never relent to give it support to the fight against corruption. The speaker expressed their readiness to partner with various anti-graft bodies in their bid to promote anti-corruption Initiatives in the country.
Restructure arts’ sector to create more jobs, govts told By Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun A veteran artist, Henry Moweta, has appealed to governments to restructure the arts sector for it to create employment opportunities for graduates of history, archaeology and documentation. Moweta, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HenriMoweta African Art Centre, gave the advice in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said that lack of proper organization of the sector had forced graduates in the fields to leave them for other jobs. “When the industry is properly structured, experts in documentation, archaeology and history will be able to showcase their skills in those areas that have not been tapped.
“Those that studied these courses from Nigerian tertiary institutions are many, but the problem is lack of museums, galleries and other facilities where they can work,” he said. “By the time government restructures the sector, everybody will come on board, it will also engender keen competitions among the stakeholders. I have been operating on my own, Terra Kulture has been doing its own in its own way as well as some other private galleries to privatise and popularize their works of art. “Once government puts things in place, you will see those that seem quiet in their corners coming out to play a role,” he explained Moweta has been collaborating with artists across Nigeria and Africa to tell stories about Africa since 1990.
Rep awards scholarship to 35 youth study TV production
‘It’s challenging operating orphanage like my mum’
By Simon E. Sunday @SimonEchewofun
Catherine Emeagwali is the eldest daughter of the founder of Mother Theresa Orphanage, Gwarinpa, the late Yeye Bolanle Dare. In this interview with Aso Chronicle, she said filling her late mother’s shoes has been challenging. She however said the home is keeping its head above waters and there are plans to move to a permanent site in Kubwa. I have run this orphanage for two years since mum’s death The challenge we face is mainly the financial aspect because we have children who go to school. Every child that talks and walks goes to school and we have to pay school fees and we liaise with the school to give us discount. We also have to pay the staff because they are not volunteers and we have to maintain the home by providing food and other basic needs such as toiletries etc. We are a non-governmental, nonprofit organisation. My late mother founded this and she got support from friends, some organisations and sometimes, the government.
A member of the House of Representative for Wukari/Ibi Federal Constituency, Mr Danjuma Shiddi, has awarded scholarship to 35 youth to study television production at the NTA Television College, Jos. Chairman of the Scholarship Award Screening Committee, Rev. James Akaku, made the disclosure at a news conference on Tuesday in Jalingo. According to him, Shiddi will pay tuition fee of N300,000 per student for a two-year diploma programme at the college. He said 15 of the youth were already in their first year of the programme, while 20 others would soon report to the college, having scaled through the screening. Akaku said the awardees were selected on the basis of their performance during an examination conducted by Silverline Consult, Jos. Akaku also urged other political office holders in the state to borrow a leaf from the representative, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.
By Nana Yahaya
How we enrol children at our a school there for the kids and we orphanage have also talked to the government for Some of them are abandoned, like sponsorship and we are going to invite now I have a baby that was left at a the people in the community to come gate last year December. We also have and assist. police bringing rescued children and Children ought to attain university even individuals come forward with degree before the orphanage such children and if there is space we At the moment the oldest child is 10 collect the baby to take care of it. and he came when he was a baby. So How often do people come for as we are going up with you, we keep adoption? taking you to school up to university Adoption is done by the government, level and when you finish we now leave you to be on you we just provide the list of all the children hat are adoptable own. Although I am in the home, those that ble. Adoption has not wishing to have a and those unadoptable. he past two years child that will be here not be going on for the e seven kids up to univers but right now we have university level nd we but if that should that are adoptable and happen, we will are trying to clear all the accom applications. accommodate him or her. Our plans for the kids, the orphanage g to the We plan on moving permanent site at Kubwa and we are able to have n onover 250 kids; it is an going project. We have secured the land because we Catherine Emeagwali have plans to have
As the OLD birds Sing, so does the YOUNG ones ‘Tweet’. – Norwegian Proverb