Youthville by Daily Trust Tambari

YOUTHVILLE TRUST

ISSUE #64

....young ..young at heart

Friday, February 5, 2016

‘Life’s a limitless opportunity for the active mind’ ‘With perseverance, you can grow any business‘ Text by Latifat Opoola @Lat @LatifatOpoola

unning a successful suc bakery takes strategic planning. And also to increase increas profitability, one should reduce any possible expenses tha that do not affect quality of the products said CEO of Sap Sapphire cupcakes, H a l e e m a h Ka Kaleijaye. What started a a hobby and as a past time be became a money m making business f for Haleemah who started the business a month ago. The young

3rd Kannywood Awards 33 >> holds in March

entrepreneur from Offa, Kwara State said she started with just N50,000 of which she used to get baking tools, supplies and equipment. She said: “I recently moved to BirninKebbi and being a lover of cupcakes, I asked around for where I could get some. There was basically none. That motivated me to start them myself and later I received nice comments and recommendations from the samples I sent out. Since I am unemployed, I realized I could get myself busy by making a business out of it.” She also told YOUTHVILLE she learnt the business through online demonstrations and tutorials adding that her dedication and perseverance paid off, evidence of which her customers keep coming back for her products. As with most new businesses, the owner of Sapphire Cupcakes uses social media, handbills and word of mouth to advertise

her products noting that it is the easiest and least expensive. She advised other youth to join the business stating that it is very lucrative but dependent on how much zeal and perseverance is put into it, also emphasizing on creating a brand for the business. “To run any business successfully, it is best to ensure that you have consciously created your brand and that it is being reflected in every facet of your business. “Tell your customers what makes your products different and also ensure your web presence clearly reflects your brand, products and values and make it a signature that only identifies with your product,” Haleemah said. For young entrepreneurs, the frequent engagement of their customers through social media will make them feel important and would boost patronage, the entrepreneur mentioned.

How safe are soft drinks?

33 >>

REFLECTIONS

YOUTHVILLE

Friday, February 5, 2016 Page 33

Life’s a limitless opportunity for the active mind — Haruspice

Abdullahi O. Haruna ‘Haruspice’ is an aspiring writer, poet, grapher, youth activist, leadership mentor, professional photographer, publisher and Editor of the World Entourage. Haruna who often engages in hot social media debates on topical asters issues has a degree in Mass Communication and a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy. He spoke with nd YOUTHVILLE on the social media bill, his magazine and th the place of the social media in government and youth relationship. Text by Victoria Bamas @sinach360

ow did you become active in blogging and social media activism? Venturing into blogging for me can be said to be a continuation of my discipline as by nature, every trained journalist is designed to be a consistent pen pusher- a walking pen if you like. So the coming of the social media came with more veritable opportunity as rather than waiting for gatekeepers to decide our fate in terms of regulations and dictates, the social media platform became a handy tool. Social Media activism for me is sustenance of my early days advocacy, so with social media our resolve to ensure a sane, safe and free society where social justice and equality is the order of the day become our pastime. I employ the veritable social media platform to advocate for a purposeful life and a better society. What motivated you to start the World Entourage Magazine? The motivation for it came out of an innate desire to express myself, my ideas as well as providing a platform for others to harmonize ideas that will help in advancing ideal norms in the society. With zero kobo, we started the World Entourage Magazine, a venture we have consistently sustained. Through this platform, we have provided wide range insight into issues of health, governance, leadership, entrepreneurship, peaceful and mutual co-existence. Has the magazine business been profitable so far? On the financial considerations, the magazine exists to provide strong financial sustenance for

us as well as providing employment opportunities for other young person’s around us. As I speak, we have comfortably on our payroll appreciable young Nigerians who couldn’t be absolved into the government workforce. With this platform we have help to create job opportunities for some Nigerians. With zero kobo, I started the World Entourage magazine, and today without government intervention whatsoever, I can say with measured modesty that we are in our humble abode creating jobs.

Being an active person on social media what is your take on the Social Media Bill? The Social Media Bill to me should not be viewed on the prism of negativity. Because we live a civilized society, we should in all sense submit ourselves to the legal instrument of the state. Laws regulating the practice of social media are necessary so that we don’t allow ourselves to recline into lawlessness. Healthy practice must be encouraged by social media pundits and the obnoxious be discouraged.

No profession or venture is without it challenges and gains. What are some of yours? Unfavourable business clime hinders the entrepreneurial zeal of young CEOs like me. Beyond the usual cries of funds, soft loans and infrastructural deficit, government and corporate organizations deliberate undermining of our effort is more killing.

What is the place of social media in Nigeria’s government and development? The social media has become a veritable platform for interface between the government and its citizens. Unlike the days of mainstream media where government in actions, corruption and abuses are ‘killed’ by editors, citizens are now at liberty of having instant access to happenings in government. It has become a watchdog to Nigerian government, as government officials are now extremely careful when taking certain decisions. Through social media, the government now has a mirror for selfanalysis.

Take for example, my experience with one of the ministers in the last administration, I approached her for interview and advert opportunity, her aide bluntly told me off saying at a time reputable magazines like the Times, Tell, Financial Times of this world are desperately on the heel of the Minister, provincial magazine like mine is disturbing. Even though I was angry, the most wrecking discouragement came when the next day the same Minister was in the villa launching the ‘YOUWIN’ programme! What hypocrisy? The same minister that cannot patronize my provincial magazine is launching an entrepreneur scheme for youth.

What would be your words to some youth that take to your steps? My one kobo advice is that young people who want to carve a fascinating niche for themselves must learn to be consistently boring in whatever they do. People see your first attempt as being boring, yes, be consistently boring. The same people that see you as boring will see the sense in your conviction some day. Nothing in life ever comes easy, as such we must be relentless in our pursuits. If it took President Buhari twelve years to win Nigeria’s election, then nothing in life should stop our ascendancy to our aspirations.

As a young publisher what will you say is success? Success to me as a publisher is seeing my imprints on the newsstand, having people review my publication and unceasing advert patronage.

Backpack Youth group donates 10,000 books to Bauchi schools Text from Balarabe Alkassim

youth group has donated 10,000 exercise books to two primary schools in Bauchi metropolis. The group, Raba Gardama Youth Mobilisation donated the books to Shekal and Bakaro Primary schools located within Bauchi metropolis. The Patron, Ahmad Shu'aibu said they donated the books to the schools as their contribution to government’s effort in reviving the education sector. He said time has come for people to wake up to their responsibility of contributing to the development of their societies from the little they have. Shu'aibu maintained that there is the need for people to complement government's efforts since it cannot

do it alone with so much issues bothering on the citizens’ welfare. "This is a very good effort by these young people. They have realised the importance of contributing to the development of their societies through personal efforts. We must therefore encourage others to do the same so that everybody can contribute his quota towards developing our communities, "he added. Speaking, a member of the group, Umar Farouq Adam said there are other programmes which they will execute including widows’ empowerment, orphans and youth care in the state to ensure they are selfreliant and productive. Adam said that members of the

group contribute money and other resources to help people who need assistance adding that they will do more to help others in any way they can be able to. The guest of honour and State APC chairman, Alhaji Uba Nana said the group’s contribution to the schools is an eye opener for other people to make their own contribution to the less-privileged in all walks of life. One of the Headmasters of the schools, Abubakar Ladan Yaro thanked the group for the donation. He urged others to assists schools in the states through donations and to build more structures to stop the overcrowding of pupils in the class rooms.

 Bundles of the Photo: exercise books donated Balarabe by Raba Gardama Youth Alkassim Mobilisation to two primary schools in Bauchi.

Your life does not get any better by chance, it gets better by change – Jim Rohn

SHOWTIME

YOUTHVILLE Friday, February 5, 2016

Page 33

ENTERTAINMENTNEWS>>

Text from Bashir Liman, Jos

Kannywood Awards holds in March

he 3rd Kannywood Awards which is geared towards celebrating and honouring key players in the Hausa film industry (Kannywood) which was slated to hold, January 30 will now hold by March 12. The President/CEO of Kannywood Awards, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sarari, in an interview with YOUTHVILLE said it was shifted as it clashed with another event of national importance in Abuja where most key dignitaries that would grace the awards event also had to attend. He said: “Considering the magnitude of the award ceremony which is beyond giving awards to deserving key players in the industry, well-meaning Nigerians like the Wife of the President, Haj. Aisha Buhari, ministers and captains of industries will be honoured at the event for their immense contributions to nation building. “This is not an event to miss and this avenue will also give us the opportunity to celebrate and take stock as the industry turns 25,” Sarari noted. Sarari also stated that as part of events slated for the ceremony, there will be discussions on modalities to get partners/sponsors for the Kano Film Academy as well as matriculate 100 pioneer students into the Academy.

Secretary of the Organising Committee, Alh. Salisu Muhammed (officer) expressed optimism that the event will make history adding that the former date for the awards will now be the date for the nominee dinner to be held in Kaduna. The Awards tagged “Patriotism Through Entertainment” and organised by Sarari Klassique Merchandise in collaboration with Halims Entertainment Gallaria hopes to create a platform where the Kannywood industry and its players speak with one voice to enhance government’s developmental drive.

 RAHAMA SADAU

 DR. AHMED MUHAMMAD SARARI

HEALTHNEWS>> Text by Eseohe Ebhota @sleek_diva88

oft drinks are nonalcoholic drinks, that typically contain carbonated water, a sweetener and a natural or artificial flavoring. The sweetener may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, sugar substitutes or some combination of these. We consume soft drinks every time but we don’t ever take our time to read the contents of what we take. Typically they contain carbonated water, a sweetener and a natural or artificial flavoring. The sweetener may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, sugar substitutes or some combination of these. Despite all the advantages, soft drinks have their negative side. Some of them include: Too much consumption causes tooth decay and research has it that taking them too often can lead to hypertension. Generally Nigerians especially youth, love soft

 ALI NUHU

SPORTVILLE

How safe are soft drinks?

drinks as some can’t do without them. Nene Akpan a student who resides in Kubwa in Abuja said she prefers taking soft drinks to water. “I can take about 3 bottles of cocacola in a day. That’s to tell you how addicted I am to it.” On the related health issues, Nene said she has been told severally that it causes diabetes because of its sugar content “but I don’t believe that.”

A nurse, Mrs Grace Obi said, “The sugar content in these drinks are about 8-10 cubes of sugar. Just imagine mixing 10 tablespoons of sugar or 10 cubes of sugar in a glass of water and drinking it.” She added that sometimes when most youths are warned about the side effects, “They think we don’t want them to have fun” but they are only killing themselves slowly and they don’t know it”. “I don’t allow my children drink them always except maybe once or twice a week but at different intervals. These things are not healthy at all, because besides causing diabetes, they can cause obesity, overweight and even tooth decay,” Mrs Obi explained.

Ambrose:

Titanic the worst film ever Text by Ibrahim Kabiru Sule @ikabirsule

igeria’s Superr Eagles defender, e has described Efe Ambrose as useless the way famous Titanic film ended,, and said it was the worst film he had ever watched in his life. otland’s defenderr The Celtic of Scotland’s h the club’s TV was speaking with d when and station last weekend oughts on was asked of his thoughts the worst film he has ever seen. Ambrose who spoke he storyplainly, savaged the ilm which line behind the film shot Leonardo Di Caprio and ame almost 20 Kate Winslet to fame years ago. “I think I’d say Titanic,” he said. “He died at the end so for me, I didn’t like that. At the start it’s good but at the end, everyone just dropss off the ship and the ute gives up then the guy at the last minute girl leaves so what’ss the point?,” he said.

Valentine: There is nothing more on this earth to be prized than true friendship – Thomas Aquinas