Thinking Aloud Magazine: Jul-Sep 2019

THINKING ALOUD

ISSUE

7 A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE publication of rehoboth dream solid foundation (rdsf)

JUL - SEP 2019

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: RDSF 2019 Annual Lecture Edition

Dr. Folasade Hunsu Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mr. Patrick Edebor Editorial/publishing consultant. Owner, Patrick Edebor and Associates.

Mr. Akin Adejuwon Curator, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Dr. Mrs Olayinka Opadiya Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church Sydney Australia.

Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe Founder/Executive Director, Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Oladeinde Joseph , Chairman, Board of Trustees Pharm. Samson Igbokwe Mrs Roseline Igbokwe Mrs Ronke Osikoya Ms Ketumi Alasa Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya Dr (Mrs) Yinka Opadiya Mrs Abimbola Komolafe Rear Admiral (Rtd) K O Komolafe

Editor Bimbo Komolafe

Publication & Design Benjamin Eze

Project Manager Tomi Olatunde

Project Team Edison Egere Othniel Komolafe Eunice Olatunji @2019. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

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EDITORIAL

ISSUE

7 JUL - SEP 2019

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Q3 - 2019 edition of the Thinking Aloud Magazine. Thinking Aloud is the brand name of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation’s (RDSF) international initiative for information sharing.

This is a special edition featuring highlights of our Annual Lecture, which held on Thursday, August 15th 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria. The theme of the 2019 lecture was “Eradicating the Menace of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria”. The theme was chosen in view of the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria and its impact on education.

Drug abuse is a growing problem in Nigeria with negative impact on education. Drastic measures need to be put in place to curb drug use and abuse among the youth. In this edition, we share the communiqué issued at the end of the 2019 lecture where Professor J.D Adeyemi delivered the main lecture. We also share extracts from a presentation by UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) representative Miss Harsheth Virk on The Drug Use Situation and Responses in Nigeria, as well as the presentation by an NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) official on Fighting Drug Trafficking and Abuse In Nigeria: NDLEA Perspective.

In addition to the focus on the 2019 RDSF Annual lecture, this edition features brief interviews with the winners of the RDSF 2019 Teachers’ Excellence Award.

As usual, we feature some of our regular columns for your reading delight. ‘Rehoboth Success Stories’ features the testimony of a past beneficiary of the RDSF Initiative, detailing how the intervention by RDSF ensured he got a university education. The parenting article provides tips on effective parenting styles in these times while the Finance Coach offers advice on how to manage your holiday costs.

In this edition, we introduce a column ‘RDSF PARTNERS’ to enable our Readers learn more about some of the people who support the RDSF vision behind the scenes. We start with an interview with Mr. David Abiola who partnered with RDSF to offer free MS Excel training to university students during the Q3- 2019 RDSF skills acquisition program.

We hope you have a delightful reading experience. Remember to share the magazine with as many people as possible; you never know who you are helping with the information.

We would like to receive feedback from our readers on our content and features.

Send your comments in response to any of the featured articles to ThinkingAloudPublication@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Bimbo Komolafe Editor connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

also made sure we were on top of our schoolwork. God help you if you didn't finish your house chores and homework before dinner on any given day especially weekends. We hated it! Not being able to go hang out with neighbours on a weekend.

Both parents being catholic ensured we did not miss morning and evening Mass and to our horror sometimes and we were made to have all of the sacraments in accordance with the catholic faith.

Dad also taught us how to manage money because he would ask us to learn to save and not spend all our allowances at once especially on our vacations. He is the one who will spend anything on crystal glasses, fine bone china plates and silver ware and insist that they must be for every day use because life is too short and we can't keep things for special guests or special occasions because to him, we were the special people in his life.

I

grew up in a university environment. Dad, a professor, got married to Mum when he was 22 and she 18. They were therefore relatively young parents and my siblings and myself arrived closely after one another, we are therefore pretty close in age.

Growing up, some of our house rules were quite simple even though we hated most of them, but they really contributed to the growth in the family and have made us to have values that money cannot buy.

We ate at least one meal together so that we could all talk about how our days went in school and at work for my parents. Dad also made it a point to share the plans he had for the family with us so that we could take decisions collectively and contribute ideas. The decision to retire when he did from lecturing to take on an international position and move out of the country, for mum to quit regular employment to set up a pre school, when to wind down and join dad in Ivory Coast, the decision to buy properties or build, the secondary schools we went to, university choices, etc.

Even when we would go on vacations, we planned it.

Despite dad's heavy schedule, we had holidays outside the country together from when we were in elementary school.

That background of not using the big stick with us by my dad was good because he spoke to us and made us see why or where we got it wrong and asked us how we were going to correct mistakes we made even though he ended up giving suggestions. My mum was the very impatient one who would have slapped and given you a thorough beating before explaining why or what you did wrong!

Maybe because she was a teacher. She however, was very adept at holding the home front.

We were made to do all the home chores despite having help at and some older relatives living with us at home.

Then, we had the mortar and pestle as well as the grinding stone and no blenders or yam pounders! Mum THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

“Dad also taught us how to manage money because he would ask us to learn to save and not spend all our allowances at once especially on our vacations �

Learning from the parents and now having my own family, I gleaned from them and added the tenets of my own Christian Faith and using the bible as the best parenting guide. In my own home, my husband is the head of the home and I defer that to him. To his sons, he is their hero and mentor. Our house rules for ourselves include: 1. Never go to bed angry which is scriptural and we try to talk about our disagreements.

2. We don't bring each other down before our children 3. We have our assets together 4. Our children are our priority before assets or any acquisition. We ensure that we meet their needs first before we think about buying new cars or vacations for example.

5. We pray together as a family at night. With the nest emptying out, technology helps in finding time to communicate and pray with the children.

6. As much as we can manage it, we eat at least one meal a day together usually dinner. We try hard to work on vacations that will enable us spend quality time with each other and with our children. Sometimes, they are simple stay-cations as in a weekend away from home in a hotel within the city or a resort in another state.

7. As a couple, we take decisions together.

8. We have no secrets because before we got married, we told each other about our past. Now, we discuss all our businesses, people we meet together. | 5 |

For the children: 1. Our children are not allowed to go anywhere without permission.

2. When they are invited, we ask the parents of those having the event to confirm to us that they are aware of the invitation. You know children can come up with pranks especially as they get older. They may say something and go somewhere else.

3. When they have birthday parties in class, they bring whatever is shared home and not consume anything they are given outside.

4. They ask permission to take anything from the fridge.

This is to ensure that they are eating right at all times.

5. Bedtime is non negotiable especially when they were younger. When they have enough sleep, they function better and they don't struggle through the day.

6. They take only what they can finish at a meal. They can always go back for more.

They also eat with a complete set of cutlery at all times so that they learn table manners.

7. They must clean up after themselves i.e. clear the table. Put their clothes in wardrobes on hangers, put shoes in shoe racks, dirty laundry in laundry basket, school bags where they should be, beds must be made, etc.

8. No house staff must pick up after them or carry their bags. This is to make them know that those people should be respected.

9. Words like 'my driver is coming to pick me' is NOT allowed. Either they say, my mum's staff or Uncle so and so.

10. Their friends who come visiting or stay must obey the house rules.

11. The children must know that there are no different house chores for boys or girls. Boys should be made to help in kitchen duties and cook. My son cooks their meals and can look after his younger one.

12. Encourage the children to learn money management by giving points and small rewards for tasks completed.

These monies are saved towards something they want to buy or for a movie or whatever the child decides.

13. Encourage the children to be part of family decisions so that they can understand why certain actions need to be taken, why some purchases cannot be made now, why some things are seen as luxury for that time, etc. This way, they develop a sense of priority and responsibility.

14. Wherever we go, our children must acknowledge and extend greetings to everyone from gateman to gardener to CEO. This will ensure that they know that everyone in life is significant.

15. The children must be polite at all times and no swear words allowed.

16. When they step out of line, I use the bible as a correction guide by making them read scripture as pertaining to the action.

17. Children should know that they can ask any questions and not be shouted down. We review the situation together and research on the topic together so that they are well informed and not asking questions from peers who will misguide them.

17. Above all, pray, pray, pray.

Much as we want to make our children know who is the parent, we must learn to listen to our children. This generation is bombarded with so much more than can be imagined and social media is no help at all. It then means that our children need us to be there for them and that we have their backs no matter what they want to tell us.

We should listen and not be judgemental with the ' I told you so' or 'serves you right'. We must correct in love and point them to the right path. I know that we have a generation that are bold and will be in your face and will test your patience beyond limits. But often times, taking time to react helps. Even when some privileges need to be withdrawn, they need to know why.

Many suicidal thoughts, depression can be abated if our wards know that we are there for them. One imagines how a young man or woman will take their own lives over a break up, work pressure, failed examinations or even friendships! The root cause of such extreme actions is most times because those who do so believe no one understands. As parents we must let our children see our weaknesses and not always be super heroes because we are not! When they know that we have gone through similar pressures and we handled them, they won't think that they are alone.

We may not think we are responsible to parent them any longer when our children are grown, but parenting never ends and they will always be those cute little toothless, helpless humans we birthed and held in our arms when we first became parents.

I tell my son that no one teaches you how to be a parent and it is not a taught course in the university neither is it a comparative study course between the 'Joneses' so we will make mistakes. We are never ashamed to admit that we were wrong and apologise to our children. This makes them know that we are not infallible and is a sign of humility.

I believe that God has given us a wonderful manual for parenting just like any other aspect of life and living.

May God Almighty help us to parent the right way.

Dr. Mrs. Delphine MisanArenyeka has over 35 years experience working on various projects involving international, local and private sector clients. She is currently the Executive Director of Startrite Mayton and Company Nigeria Limited, a position she has held for 29 years where she has carried out extensive development studies in collaboration with many international organizations – UNICEF, UNDP, DFID, USAID, IFC, The European Union and World Bank. Her passion for special needs persons has endeared her to working with and supporting various centres and NGOs. She is married with two children.

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E

veryone deserves an occasional holiday. Some folks plan a vacation each year, while others are not that lucky.

There are mental, physical and health benefits of taking a holiday and everyone in active employment is advised to plan at least one vacation each year. Relaxing and getting away from personal, family and professional worries improve our mental health by reducing depression and anxiety. A short holiday has been found to significantly reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. This is why employers encourage staff vacations because they are aware of these benefits, which ultimately improve staff productivity. In this article, I will be sharing useful tips on how you can save costs and keep your expenses low during a holiday. These tips will be useful to both experienced and inexperienced travellers.

1. EFFECTIVE HOLIDAY PLANNING The best way to keep your holiday costs low is to plan your vacation early. Check your personal and work schedules to determine your availability as best as you can. Booking early reduces ticket costs, as tickets get more expensive when bought towards your travel dates.

You also save accommodation costs by making reservations early. By planning and articulating your activities, you already have an idea of your hotel costs, flight and tour expenses.

2. A HOLIDAY BUDGET IS A MUST If you must keep your holiday costs low, you must work with a budget. An actual written budget and not a figure in your head. A holiday budget will help you establish the full cost of the planned trip and determine if you can conveniently finance the vacation yourself. This budget must include all the big and small elements of the trip Flight tickets (local and/or international), accommodation, local transportation, feeding, shopping, are some of the major costs that your budget should cover.

Make your budget very comprehensive so that it covers THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

every activity you plan to undertake. It is easier to adhere to your budget when it is tied to a good plan.

Surprises are expensive and a comprehensive plan will keep such away. Identify the activities planned for the holiday and put a cost estimate against these. Ensure that you write or type the plan out. Other advantages of having a holiday budget include establishing which activities are free vs. paid for and carefully selecting activities within your financial capability. Travellers are encouraged to exhaust free activities first before exploring paid tours and activities.

3. STAY FULLY INFORMED When planning to visit a new place, do your research well and learn about the conditions in the place you desire to visit. There is valuable information online about every destination. Be informed about your intended destination. Google is a friendly tool. Learn about the culture, security, weather, meals and transportation options of the location. You must also know the immigration laws and other basic laws for citizens and visitors. Download useful apps and refer to Google. You do not want to flout the law of the land and end up paying huge fines or getting deported.

There are some destinations that do not permit the importation of dairy products, cooked food and certain seeds. Be honest when filling landing cards and immigration declaration forms. If you are properly informed, you will save costs of such items that may be seized at the borders as well as possible fines that may be applied if you fail to declare such items and they are eventually found in your possession.

It is also very important to know the political situation of the country you want to visit for safety reasons. Having the required information will enable you take the necessary precautions and ensure you have a good holiday. When you plan a vacation, you want to get the maximum benefit for the money you spend. You do not want to spend money travelling to a location only to be restricted to your hotel. | 7 |

Most destinations have free location maps at the airport information desks. Do make use of this offer.

4. FLIGHT TICKET COSTS/BARGAINS Travellers should know there are some advantages of purchasing their tickets through a travel agent.

Travellers who use agents occasionally get better prices because some airlines give better discounts to agents to boost ticket sales. If you choose not to use a Travel agent, then be on the lookout and learn to observe the trends to know the low and peak seasons when airlines offer discounted tickets. Tickets are usually cheaper at certain periods during the year. There are “high” and “low” seasons. High seasons are the summer and festive periods like Christmas when people tend to travel more, making tickets purchased during these periods more expensive.

If you choose to purchase your flight tickets yourself, compare flight fares from different airlines and for different dates. Sometimes you can save a reasonable amount by changing the date of your trip by a day or two.

5. ACCOMMODATION/HOTEL EXPENSES It is important to avoid late booking and reservations for hotel or accommodation. To save costs, travellers, especially those travelling with family should consider the use of serviced apartments instead of hotels.

Travellers who prefer hotel accommodation should search for package deals that include breakfast. This ensures that one meal a day is taken care of, saving you some money on your feeding budget. Once breakfast is settled, you can then decide to eat either lunch or dinner depending on your appetite. Anyway, most times you are out and about, so most times dinner is probably the next meal to think about.

One possible option to consider over hotels is the Air B and B or apartment hotel options. Please note that it is very important to read past reviews for hotels and ‘Air B and B’s as past reviews show opinions of previous occupants thus providing information on the true state of the accommodation. You do not want to get there and find low quality heating, WIFI or kitchen items.

Apartment hotels/Air B n Bs are recommended for family holidays as you can save on your feeding costs by cooking your meals.

6. TRAVEL AGENCIES ARE NOT BAD Travelers who use travel agencies benefit from the vast experience and network of these companies. Travel agencies often have group tours and packages that include visa processing, flight, local transportation, accommodation (sometimes with breakfast), local tour packages, tour guides and other activities. Travelers should be on the lookout for such offers as these save you stress, and time given everything is planned by the travel company. Tour packages also offer you the opportunity to meet new people on such trips. However, be sure to read the fine print and be clear on what is included/not included so you are prepared.

7. BE WEATHER READY If there is anything you do not want to spend money on during a vacation, it is purchasing what you have back in your house. Make Google your best friend and ensure you pack appropriately for your holiday destination.

Research and know the full requirements for the weather during the period of your holiday. If you plan to visit a warm destination and plan to swim, go along with your swimming outfit. If you already own winter jackets and the weather forecast indicates cold weather, go with needed clothing to avoid additional costs of new clothing.

8. AVOID IMPULSIVE SHOPPING Shop carefully. It is essential to estimate and have a budget for shopping, especially if you are not a frequent traveller to that destination. This is because you will find many attractive items that will appeal to you. If you already set a budget for shopping, you will be more organised and deliberate about what you buy.

9. SET OUT EARLY International trips require your presence in the airport at least 3 hours before your flight time. Even local trips require you to be at the airport 2 hours before flight departure. If you live in an area where traffic is erratic and unpredictable, you may want to consider leaving home early. Set out for your flight on time, as missed flights come at a cost. If you do not turn up for your flight, the airline will charge you for ‘No-show’ irrespective of the reason.

10. TRACK YOUR HOLIDAY EXPENSES One way to keep your holiday costs low is to track your expenses as you spend. This means that you should have an ‘After Holiday Review’. Keep proper records to enable you do a useful comparison with the budget. Once your holiday is over, take your initial budget and place your actual expenditure against this budget. You will be able to identify areas with variances, investigate the variances and take lessons for future trips.

Bimbo Komolafe FCA, FCIB writes from Lagos and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

For more tips from the Finance Coach, follow her on:

Instagram: @financecoachtoday Twitter: @financecoachbk Email: financecoach@thresholdresources.ng Website: www.financecoachbk.com Facebook: Finance Coach Money and Wealth | 8 |

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2019 RDSF ANNUAL LECTURE HISTORY OF RDSF AS DELIVERED IN AN ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE REHOBOTH DREAM SOLID FOUNDATION

Since inception, RDSF has provided scholarship to over 180 students in tertiary institutions all over the country. I am glad to announce that some beneficiaries of RDSF are in our midst today.

The Foundation is aware of the need to build a nation of self-reliant and determined youths and this guides our efforts. We have taken bold and committed steps to organize skills acquisition programmes and mentoring workshops across the nation.

The most recent of such programmes were held at the University of Benin and Federal University of Technology Owerri campuses. We are glad to let you know that these two events were very successful. A total number of 191 young Nigerians have benefited to date in our skills acquisition and mentoring programmes.

Mrs Bimbo Komolafe delivering RDSF History

The Chairman of this occasion, the Special Guest of Honour, Guest Lecturer, Moderator, Discussants, Participants, Special Guests, Respected Teachers present, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I have great pleasure to stand before you this morning. As we are all aware, education is the key to the attainment of sustainable development of a nation and we all have a part to play in this. The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) is glad to join forces with other well-meaning government and non-government bodies to provide the necessary support for development of education in Nigeria.

The RDSF started as an informal organization over 10 years ago. Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation provides help to brilliant indigent students all over the country. It has today transformed into a wellorganized NGO which renders support to indigent Nigerian students in local schools across the nation.

THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

In 2018, the Foundation initiated an annual Teachers Excellence Award. This gives us the opportunity to recognize teachers who have demonstrated the spirit of excellence in impartation of knowledge in public secondary schools across the nation.

In 2018, nominees were limited to public schools in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

After a rigorous screening process, deserving awardees were presented with the RDSF Excellent Teacher’s Awards along with cash prizes.

The star prize of N250,000.00 went to Mrs. Felicia Chinwe Olugo who was also given a certificate of merit. Mr. Ajayi Olakunle Sheu and Mrs. AdejumoAbe Victoria came second and third with cash prizes of N75,000.00 and N50,000.00 respectively.

In August 2018, the Foundation organized the maiden edition of her Annual Lecture Series. The title of the lecture was “Public Education in the 21st Century: A Reappraisal of the Nigerian Education System since Independence”. | 10 |

The erudite and respected Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede was the guest speaker while the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Architect Sunday Echono was our special guest of honour. The Chairman was the Elder statesman, Retired Admiral Ndubisi Kanu.

The report produced from that lecture has since been circulated to over 400 organizations directly involved in the management of education in Nigeria.

view of the growing problem of drug abuse in Nigeria and its impact on education.

At this juncture , I would like to let you know that the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation has been financed strictly by the collective benevolence of kind-hearted Nigerians who desire to ensure that brilliant and indigent students anywhere in the country are assisted to further their education.

These are people who believe in the RDSF vision and trust the Foundation to channel their resources to the less privileged. Without this support, RDSF would not have been able to achieve all we have achieved. The foundation appreciates the support from our sponsors and patrons. We seize this opportunity to humbly request them to sustain the tempo and even do much more.

Students at the event

The Annual Lecture was initiated to provide a platform to harness expert opinions from relevant stakeholders on modalities and strategies for improving the quality of education in Nigeria. It is in furtherance of this objective that the Foundation is today holding the Second Edition of the lecture series.

Guests at the event

The latest UNESCO report confirms that Nigeria now has the highest number of out of school children in the world. Indeed, we need support from more kind-hearted people. We therefore solicit for your involvement in what we do.

Our Motto is “Little drops, big changes”. You will be surprised at the impact your ‘little drops’ will make. We invite everyone here today to partner with us, no matter how little. We all can do more!

Guests at the event

The theme of today’s lecture is 'Eradicating the Menace of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria: The Role of Educators'. This topic was chosen in

To those who would like to partner with us, kindly check the last page of the SUCCESS STORY booklet for a form. This form contains all the information you need to partner with us. Support us so we can keep more Nigerians in schools and ultimately empower them economically.

I now call on Mr Benjamin Eze, a past beneficiary of the foundation to share some testimonies of the RDSF initiative. | 11 |

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EXTRACT FROM THE SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE RDSF 2019 ANNUAL LECTURE BY THE CHAIRMAN, RDSF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Rear Adm. Oladeinde Joseph giving the RDSF chairman speech,

The words of Russell Edward Brand, an English comedian, actor, radio host, author, and activist, regarding drug addiction are heart-rending.

Russell said “The mentality and behaviour of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope”. It is in the word ‘hope’ that Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation found its inspiration for this year’s lecture focus. It is a natural progression from the re-appraisal of the Nigerian Education System done in 2018 to identifying realistic strategies for repositioning the nation’s education system. Thus, it was in the bid to uphold the torch of hope – hope for the depressed youth, hope for the indigent youth and hope for the drug-addicted youth that the Foundation crafted it’s theme for this year’s lecture as, “Eradicating the Menace of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria: The Role of Educators”.

It is inconceivable that youths who are drug abusers have chosen drugs and addiction over everything else. They have chosen drugs over life, family, friends, society and everything that makes life rich, vibrant and purposeful. The downward and sad trajectory of this is unfortunately all too well documented. Families and friends have to watch as the drug abuser pulls away and the effects of drug abuse ravage their body and mind. School authorities watch haplessly as the student’s grades decrease and ultimately quit school or get expelled as a result of compounded disciplinary actions. The society becomes alarmed as the addict either gets into a life of crime or catalyses crime around himself as drug cartels spring up around him to cater for his addiction thereby further weakening the fabric of good order and social harmony in the THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

society.

No doubt, drug abuse and drug addiction amongst youths are a danger to our society, our body politic and obviously to our future progress and development. Discussions are going on daily at various fora to find a solution to this menace, with varying degrees of success. This lecture was put together towards the furtherance of this cause, mainly to explore the role of educators and educational institutions in curbing and rolling back the menace of drug abuse that has reached epidemic proportions among the youths of our nation. The youths are our future and we owe them this obligation – that is, to do all we can to curb this menace.

We ardently believe that our ‘little drop in the ocean’ would make tremendous impact in the grand scheme of things. Even if is just a single youth that is rescued as a result of this forum – it is very well worth it! Moreover, considering the number, the caliber of people and the diversity of segments represented at the event, we are optimistic that we will undoubtedly be able to reach much more than one and save more than one youth.

RDSF FUNDING HISTORY Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation has been financed strictly by the collective benevolence of kind-hearted Nigerians who desire to ensure that brilliant and indigent students anywhere in the country are assisted to further their education.

These are people who believe in the RDSF vision and trust the Foundation to channel their resources to the less privileged.

Without this support, RDSF would not have been able to achieve all we have achieved. The foundation appreciates the support from our sponsors and patrons. We seize this opportunity to humbly request them to sustain the tempo and even do much more.

The latest UNESCO report confirms that Nigeria now has the highest number of out of school children in the world. Indeed, we need support from more kind-hearted people. We therefore solicit for your involvement in what we do. Our Motto is “Little drops, big changes”. You will be surprised at the impact your ‘little drops’ will make. We invite everyone here today to partner with us, no matter how little. We all can do more!

If you would like to partner with us, kindly check the last page of the SUCCESS STORY booklet for a form. This form contains all the information you need to partner with us. Support us so we can keep more Nigerians in schools and ultimately empower them economically. | 12 |

PRESENTATION BY UNODC AT THE 2019 REHOBOTH DREAM SOLID FOUNDATION‘S ANNUAL LECTURE HELD ON THE 15TH OF AUGUST 2019, NAVAL DOCKYARD, LAGOS

ATS: Since 2011, 12 methamphetamine laboratories dismantled by NDLEA, seized 84 kg of methamphetamine. In 2016, NDLEA seized 1,352 kg of methamphetamine and dismantled ‘super lab’ capable of producing 3,000 kg of methamphetamine in each cycle Precursors: NDLEA seized 718 kg of ephedrine in 2016 & 168 kg in 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Nigeria Conducted by National Bureau of Statistics, Centre for Research & Information on Substance Abuse with technical support from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, funded by European Union (10th European Development Fund)

Miss Harsheth Virk

THREE COMPONENTS • National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health: 38,850 households in rural/urban areas • Interviews: 9,344 problem drug users • Key Informant Survey interview: 2,787 persons

The Drug Use Situation and Responses in Nigeria

by Miss Harsheth Virk: The Drug Use Situation in Nigeria Drug supply – Nigeria  West Africa, including Nigeria, remains a key transit point for drug trafficking  Trafficked drugs: cannabis, cocaine, precursors like ephedrine (used for manufacturing amphetamine-type stimulants – ATS) and tramadol (synthetic opioid). In late 2017, Lagos customs seized 115 tons of tramadol Cocaine: hub for cocaine trafficking – transit country within West Africa Cannabis: cultivation well established in various parts of Nigeria, especially concentrated in the South West

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• Survey coverage: 36 states of Federation, and Federal Capital Territory • Survey period: 2016 – 2017 Extent of Drug Use in Nigeria 2017

 

Estimated 14.3 million people (aged 15 – 64 years) had used drugs, excluding alcohol & tobacco (2017) 14.4% (range 14% – 14.8%) of population in Nigeria used drugs (2017). Global annual prevalence of drug use estimated at 5.6 % (2016)

Widespread Drug Use in Nigeria Gender and Age of Drug Use in Nigeria Estimated 10.8 million men and 3.4 million women reported past drug use in Nigeria • Highest levels of any past-year drug use: aged 25 –39 years • Lowest levels of any past year drug use: below 24 years of age • Amphetamines & ecstasy more among young people • Non-medical use of pharmaceutical opioids and cough syrup found among older people: aged 45 and 64 years.

High-risk Drug Users in Nigeria Definition of high-risk drug user: had used opioids, crack/cocaine or amphetamines in past 12 months as well as used for at least 5 times in the past thirty days.

• Nearly 90% of high-risk drug users are opioid users • Most common drugs injected in the past year pharmaceutical opioids, followed by cocaine and heroin (75% inject opioids) • More men injected drugs (78%) but women were more likely than men to inject heroin • Women injecting drugs more likely than men to engage with high -risk sexual behaviours – increase risk of HIV High Risk Drug Users – Infections Self-reported prevalence of infections among high-risk drug users including PWID

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While there may be self-reporting bias it was important to note that 2014 national data on HIV among PWID, based on bio-behavioural surveillance covering 6 states, reported that 3.4 % of PWID were living with HIV Poly Drug Use in Nigeria

Among high-risk drug users 95% reported using more than one substance either concurrently or sequentially in past 12 months: in general population drug user it was 42%

Extent of Drug Use by Geopolitical Zones, Nigeria

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Drug Use by Specific Geopolitical Zones

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Alcohol and Tobacco Use in Nigeria Alcohol and tobacco use within the general population and those who used drugs

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Drug Dependency – Problematic Drug Use in Nigeria Based on a set of questions using the different domains of dependence, as given in the WHO ICD 10

Major Barriers to Drug Treatment in Nigeria Key Barriers    

Prohibitive cost Fear and social stigma Treatment not available No information on where to find local treatment

Yobe, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Lagos States were ranked as “the states where it was more difficult to access treatment for drug use disorders.

Social Consequences of Drug Use: Harms to Others •

•

• • •

Two-thirds of people who used drugs reported: missing school or work, doing a poor job at work/school or neglecting their family or children Nearly 1 in 8 persons (12% of the adult population) suffered some kind of consequence due to another person’s drug use.

Feeling threatened or afraid of someone’s use of drugs (8%) Someone using drugs had harmed them physically (5%) Stopped seeing a relative or friend due to their drug use (5%)

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Responses on drugs and related organized crime in Nigeria: Response on Drug Issues in Nigeria: 2013 – 2019 UNODC Project ‘Response to Drugs and Related Organized Crime in Nigeria’ funded by the European Union Project objective GoN supported in its efforts in fighting drug production, trafficking, and use, and curbing | 18 |

related organised crime including narcotics and psychotropic substances.

counterfeit

National Counterparts Including for example: NDLEA, Fed Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Fed Ministry of Education, Fed High Court Nigeria, CSOs, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Prison Service Outcome 1 Information and evidence base on drug use, drug crime and policy impact is improved and used for policy programming Outcome 2 Enhanced technical and operational capacity in front line agencies and services leading to targeted interventions on drugs/organised crime-related activities in Nigeria and improving the internal scrutiny processes Outcome 3 The capacity to manage drug treatment/ rehabilitation and prevention is improved through the creation of a reliable network of quality drug treatment service providers available for drug users Some Major Achievements to Date  National Drug Control Master Plan 2015–2019: support for development, implementation, monitoring  National minimum standards of drug treatment for Nigeria (2018)  National guidelines on estimation and quantification of narcotics, precursors and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes  Drug treatment training provided to over 1200 health practitioners  Establishment and support of 11 model drug treatment centres and 7 regional training centres  Establishment of Nigerian Epidemiological Network for Drug Use (NENDU)  Development of national policy guidelines for drug counselling for NDLEA  24 Master Trainers and >100 NDLEA drug counsellors trained  Establishment of 8 community-based treatment and counselling centres for drug users  Adaptation, pilot and expansion of school based drug prevention programme ‘Unplugged’  Sensitization on Drug Use, Drug Dependence and Drug Prevention, Treatment and Care: Trainer Resource Modules (2018). > 1000 people trained from various sectors

Moving Forward – Suggested Key Areas  Development of new National Drug Control Master Plan 2020−2024  Affordable and accessible drug treatment (evidence based) be available for people with drug use disorders  Scaling up comprehensive package of services for prevention, treatment and care of HIV among people who use drugs in community and prison settings  Addressing stigma related to drug use  Evidence-based drug use prevention programmes  Availability of pain medication for medical & scientific purposes. Prevent diversion, misuse, and their illicit production/availability in the illicit market  Monitoring and evaluating of drug use patterns, emerging trends and responses to drug problem  NDLEA to implement an intelligence-led policing model targeting mid- to high- level traffickers What can educators do?

•

LANGUAGE Is important – use non stigmatizing/gender neutral language - “ drug use instead of abuse”; “address/ respond rather than eradicate”

•

RESEARCH: Understand the problem better More research on problem More research on solutions –what works? What has not worked?

Scientific seminars to offer policy solutions Publish research in international journals

•

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT Encourage counsellors to address issues of substance use Develop non-punitive approaches – drug use is a health issue not just a criminal justice issue Develop programmes that help youth to address substance use (NOT JUST INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS) Address health holistically including tobacco, alcohol and drug use Develop campus policy on substances that involves youth and administration (e.g. no smoking areas, ensuring no alcohol sold after hours near campus etc.)

Provide options for treatment in case youth are using – on campus and off campus Involve parents and guardians Consider gender and have specific strategies for women

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NDLEA PRESENTATION FIGHTING DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE IN NIGERIA: NDLEA PERSPECTIVE

strategies of illicit drug supply control and illicit drug demand reduction are pursued by adopting interagency collaboration within the country and multilateral and bilateral cooperation at international level.

In many years of our operations as a drug control Agency; our policies were not evidenced based. The country had prepared Two Drug Control Master Plans before the present but none was successful.

The present National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015-2019 remains our major national instrument for dealing with drug control.

NDLEA Rep: Femi Oloruntoba Esq.

THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE The Government of Nigeria (GON) over the years has been deeply concerned about the magnitude and rising trend in the demand for and traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which adversely affects the international image of Nigeria as well as the well being of her citizens.

In recognition of the obvious links between illicit traffic in drugs and psychotropic substances and other related organized crimes and the attendant negative effects on legitimate economy, stability and security of countries of the world. Nigeria has been in the forefront of global efforts to control the menace of drugs.

The Master Plan document was developed in line with UN Conventions. Multi-sectorial collaboration has been a core principle that has guided the implementation of the Master plan. The IMC is made up of different Ministries, Departments and Agencies that play the governance and oversight roles. This has aided the coordination of drug control measures in the country. The Master Plan is built on four strategic pillars, they are: • • •

•

THE EXTENT OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN NIGERIA •

Following the 1988 UN Convention on Illicit Traffic Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances (of which Nigeria is a State Party), the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted Decree 48 of 1989 (now NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), which established NDLEA. The enactment of the NDLEA Act was not just to fulfil Nigeria’s obligation under international law, but to address a very serious drug problem that had begun to rear its ugly head seeking to dominate the landscape by decimating Nigerian youths and indeed giving Nigeria a very bad national image and bringing its name into disrepute. The nefarious activity of drug traffickers from Nigeria whose “business” was beginning to dominate the World Drug Trafficking map was equally worrisome.

In the discharge of its mandate, the NDLEA has been guided by the dynamics in drug use and crime.

The emerging trends in drug use/crime linkage require a strategic approach that emphasizes balanced drug supply and drug demand reduction policies that are evidence-based. The twinTHINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

Law Enforcement Drug, Demand and Supply Reduction, Availability, Access and Control of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemical for Medical and Scientific Purposes and the Coordination of the implementation of the NDCMP.

•

• • • • • •

• •

The National Drug Use Survey conducted by UNODC (2018) revealed that: Estimated 14.3 million people in Nigeria and between the ages of 15 and 64 years had used psychoactive substances other than alcohol and tobacco.

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug Estimated 10.6 million Nigerians had used cannabis in the past year ; The age at first use of cannabis in Nigeria was 19 years.

Among every Four (4) drug users in Nigeria, One (1) is a female ; One (1) in Five (5) persons who had used drug is suffering from drug use disorder.

Use of prescription opioids such as Tramadol, Codeine and Morphine for non medical purposes is estimated at 4.6 million people.

Of the above figure, 2.4 million men and women had used cough syrups containing codeine.

Also listed in the range of drugs used are Tranquilizers (0.5 per cent), ecstasy (0.3 percent), inhalants (0.3 per cent) amphetamines (0.2 per cent) and cocaine (0.1 per cent). | 20 |

COMMON DRUGS OF ABUSE IN NIGERIA • Tobacco (cigarette, snuff, cigar etc) • Alcohol (beer, gin, goskolo etc) • Cannabis Sativa (hemp, wee-wee, marijuana, igbo) • Depressants (valium, activan, diazepam, librium etc) • Stimulants (cocaine, methaphetamine, amphetamine ) • Narcotics (heroin, methadone, morphine, codeine cough syrup) • Inhalants (glue, insecticide, deodorant, nail polish remover etc) • Hallucinogens ( LSD, PCP, mescaline) • Unconventional Drugs ( excreta of lizard, vapour from pit toilet, dry paw -paw leaves) etc Why Abuse of Pharmaceuticals is prevalent The reasons are  Many of these medicines are cheaper than hard drugs,  They are mingled with the hard drugs by the drug dealers for profit,  Pharmaceutical products are mingled with psychoactive drugs; and are also used by drug dealers as bulking agents, cutting agents, lacing agents or masking agents,  They make the effect of the psychoactive drugs more appealing to the consumers,  Perceived but false understanding of acceptability by the society.

New Psychoactive Substances Methamphetamine Production: Clandestine laboratory • This is a serious challenge because of its proliferation and the deadly methamphetamine that is produced clandestinely using dangerous precursor chemicals. Methamphetamine is an exceptionally addictive substance • All those living within the circumference of the laboratory stand the risk of health hazards. Overtime, plants within the area of Meth production begin to wither WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE/TRAFFIC DRUGS • Peer group pressure characterised by the desire to be accepted by friends or in social circles; • Social pathologies such as unemployment and parental deprivation; • Emotional and psychological stresses such as anxiety, frustration, low self esteem; • The desire to achieve success in a competitive world; • Warped (materialistic) value system such as crave to get rich quick; • Availability of drugs has been associated with increased usage; • Ignorance/Deceit; • Developmental/environmental factors such as broken home, isolation etc; • Parental drug sub-culture which refers to parental drug use; • Need for experimentation/curiosity; • Poverty • Advertisement – youths are sensitive to advertisement and copy quickly.

AGE AT FIRST DRUG USE (2016)

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DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIVITIES OF THE AGENCY TO CURB DRUG USE The first priority was the identification of the vulnerable groups, which helps in developing appropriate prevention and sensitization programmes for each of the groups at risk.

Some vulnerable groups identified in Nigeria include:

The Youths Internally Displaced Persons Women and Children, Youths out of school, Youths in school, Victims of human trafficking, Long distance drivers, Female sex workers (FSW) etc.

Injecting drug users (PWID) This identification was achieved using the initial raw data from The National Drug Use Survey for Nigeria still being analysed by UNODC. The survey is sponsored by EU under Project NGAV 16, Response to drugs and related organized crime and being implemented by UNODC. SOME OF OUR TAILORED SPECIFIC INTERVENTIONS INCLUDE Social Media for Sensitization: • Twitter Handles: Targeted at youths and people who want information anonymously. Also used to find out current drug use trends in the country.

• Tailored messages for physically challenged population recently we have introduced sign language to achieve a better reach.

• Instagram gives a more vivid presentation of the harm of drug use.

• Telephone Counselling.

Unplugged for School Children 10-14 Years Old (targets early intervention) • Unplugged is an Age appropriate evidence based school drug prevention program • 12 lessons to prevent use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs among children 10 -14 year old.

• Delivered by trained teachers at the schools.

• A Teachers Handbook and Students Workbook is part to the Unplugged package.

CHALLENGES OF DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION INITIATIVES • Substances not under International Control.

• Drug dependent persons often in denial of their drug use status (Non acceptance of their drug use status) • Family neglect of persons undergoing treatment.

• Non acceptance of treatment in hospital settings.

• Lack of age specific recreational space as avenues to occupy the youths • Cultural barriers to drug interventions.

• Poor drug rehabilitation facilities.

• Poor private partnership response in drug prevention.

• Inadequate political-will to sustain drug use interventions.

AGENCY’S TEN (10) YEARS APPROPRIATION • Inadequate Regulations to cover OVERHEAD EXPENDITURE harmful prescription drugs such as Tramadol, Codeine and Extol 5 MOTHER OF ALL CHALLENGES Governments i.e. the Federal and States overtime have not given the needed and due consideration to the critical and multiplier effect of the menace of drug trafficking and abuse.

This accounts for the poor funding and logistics given to the Agency over the years.

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The sum of Four billion four hundred and thirty nine million, four hundred and four thousand seven hundred and thirty seven naira only (N4, 439,404,737) was the total overhead releases to the Agency in 10 years.This is at an average ofN439million naira per annum andN37 million naira per month.

TEN YEARS RELEASES 4,439,404,737 AVERAGE YEARLY RELEASES 439,000,000 AVERAGE MONTHLY RELEASES 37,000,000 TEN YEARS CAPITAL APPROPRIATION

Total capital releases to the Agency in 10 years are less than 1.5billion Naira at an average of N122 million naira per annum.

Interdiction Score Card 2008-2017

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Prosecution Score card: 2007-2017

WAY FORWARD • Stronger political will and commitment: A strong political will on the part of the Government must be demonstrated.

• Adequate Funding for the Drug Control Agency; • Adequate Training of personnel: • Poor staff strength; • Intensive enlightenment and awareness of the general populace especially the youths; • Provision of treatment and rehabilitation centres • Involvement and Synergy among Relevant Stakeholders, General Populace/ Private Sector & Responsible individuals.

• Community participation/collaboration: Communities should buy into the drug abuse prevention efforts of the Agency; • Job creation and employment • Poverty eradication measures; • Elimination of Corruption; • All stakeholders identified by the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP), must play their part for the realization of the aspirations of the document.

Cross section of discussants at the RDSF 2019 Annual Lecture

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COMMUNIQUÉ ON REHOBOTH DREAM SOLID FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL LECTURE HELD AT THE ADMIRALTY CONFERENCE CENTER NAVAL DOCKYARD, ON 15TH AUGUST 2019

Prof. J D Adeyemi, Guest lecturer delivering his paper.

INTRODUCTION The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation held the second edition of its Annual Lecture series at the Admiralty Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard on 15 August 2019. This was in furtherance of the objective of continuous engagement with a view to contributing to the development of the Nigerian education system. The theme of the lecture was “Eradicating the Menace of Drug Abuse Among Youths in Nigeria: The Role of Educators”.

The theme was borne out of the need to identify the growing challenges of drug abuse in Nigeria, its impact on education as well as strategies for addressing these challenges. The lecture therefore provided a platform to harness expert and experienced opinions from relevant stakeholders in the education sector on the role of educators in eradicating the menace in Nigeria. The fallout from the lecture was to further identify the factors fuelling drug addiction among youths while proffering realistic multi-stakeholder strategies for curbing the menace.

The Annual Lecture brought together various stakeholders in education and other sectors to reappraise the role of the educators in eradicating the menace of drug abuse among the youths in Nigeria. These stakeholders included His Excellency, Ambassador (Brig Gen) Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), the Special Guest of honour at the occasion, who was ably represented; Prince Julius AdelusiAdeluyi (OFR, mni), the Chairman of the occasion, and other dignitaries.

The central point of discussion was a lecture titled “Prevention of Drug Abuse in Nigeria Schools:

Challenges and Prospects” delivered by Professor JD Adeyemi, the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime also made presentations on efforts at combating drug trafficking and abuse in the Country. The lecture was thereafter followed by a panel discussion and an interactive session that produced some key observations. The panel of discussants included Dr Paul Botwev Orhii (Moderator), Dr Mairo Mandara, Mrs Olabisi Banjo, Prof Charles Uwadiae Oyegun, and Maj Gen (Dr) Anthony Life Ajemba. The conclusions reached as a result of the presentations and discussions are hereby presented to this plenary for consideration with a view to arriving at appropriate strategies that would provide effective measures for curbing the menace of drug abuse among the youths in line with the theme of the seminar.

KEY OBSERVATIONS  The role of Educators is important for eradicating drugs abuse.  Drug Abuse is one of our greatest challenges in Nigeria.  It is something we all must take responsibility for.  Nigeria has the highest number of out-of-school children.  Education is pivotal to natural development.  Drug abuse in Nigeria cuts across gender, age and social classes.  The proportion of those using drugs in Nigeria is increasing across the geographical zones.  Sensitization of parents is key to finding a lasting solution to the problem.  The fundamental causes are more social than economic.  Multi-stakeholder awareness programmes – private sectors, community and traditional leaders.  Drugs education should be integral to teacher education.  Need to expand the programme to all layers of education.  Poly drugs use in Nigeria on the increase.  New psychoactive substances in Nigeria.  Nigeria is a very transit point for drug trafficking.  About 14.3 million Nigerians abuse drugs.  One out of 7 Nigerians used drugs.  One out of 4 drugs users is a woman.  10.8 million men and 3.4 million women abuse drugs.  There are major barriers to drug treatment in Nigeria such as peer and social stigma.  Social values in Nigeria is disintegrated.  Need for personal commitment.  There are drugs wars in our schools. | 25 |

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RECOMMENDATIONS         

The FGN should embrace functional school health education for all pupils/students, with curriculum modulated for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions under the Ministries of Education.

The FGN should increase health expenditure to the minimal WHO budget standard of 5 per cent.

The FGN should, as much as possible, make health care accessible to high -risk substance used persons.

The FGN should continue in its efforts to address insecurity, insurgency, thuggery, kidnapping, and other vices that could facilitate the consumption of psychoactive drugs by youths.

The FGN should demonstrate greater policy formulation and commitment to the provision of treatment and rehabilitation centres for substance abusers.

The FGN should create more jobs and employments for the youths as a means of addressing/curtailing drug abuse.

NDLEA should be revamped and equipped adequately with human resources and funding to discharge its mandate.

Educational programmes on the menace of drug abuse should be targeted at youth between ages 15 -24, which is mostly regarded as the initiation period for most substance users.

Advertisement of purveyors of substance abuse should be regulated or prohibited.

Ushers at the RDSF Annual Lecture

a selection of photographs from the event

Students rejoicing with their teacher who won the 2019 RDSF Teachers' excellence award

THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

RDSF Trustee, Pharm Samson Igbokwe giving vote of thanks

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Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi chairman of the event and Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho (Former DG of NDLEA)

a selection of photographs from the event

Mrs Ronke Osikoya - RDSF Trustee

Guests at the event

Ms Harsheth Virk from UNODC

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Participants contributing to the discussion

Participants contributing to the discussion

a selection of photographs from the event Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, chairman of the event

Otunba Lanre Ipinmisho (Former DG of NDLEA) representing the Special Guest of honor Maj. Gen (RTD) Buba Marwa

Cross section of participants

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Guests at the event

Dr Chinedu Udeh

Guests at the event

Dr Mrs Mairo Mandara, Discussant.

RDSF Trustees

a selection of photographs from the event

Prof. Paul Omaji announcing the winner of the 2019 RDSF Teachers' excellence award

Winner RDSF Teachers' excellence award and RDSF Trustees

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MC at the event

Participants at the 2019 lecture

a selection of photographs from the event

Students at the event

Cross section of Youth Corpers at the event

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Ben Eze sharing RDSF Testimonies

Participants at the 2019 lecture

AVM (Rtd) Ladi Smith

a selection of photographs from the event

Guest Lecturer Prof. J D Adeyemi and other dignitaries observing the National Anthem

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INTERVIEW WITH THE 2019 WINNERS OF THE TEACHERS’ EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Presentation of cheque to winner 2019 RDSF Teachers' excellence award

Good afternoon ma, can you tell us your name?

Winner of the 2019 RDSF Teachers' excellence award

My name is Layeni Abiola Kafilat.

You are the winner of Teachers’ Excellence Award, how do you feel about that?

I am so happy and surprised, I was not even sure I will be here today. At first, I said I was not coming but people told me I had to go, I said is there any big deal?

Now that you were able to attend, how was your experience?

I learnt a lot, this has added to my knowledge base.

I am more aware of the dangers of drug abuse, which I teach my students. This is a topic I teach as a Civics teacher but I now know a lot more about it.

In your own capacity, what will you do to reduce the menace of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria?

Normally, when it comes to relationships, I am very good at relating with the students, if for any reason any of them has a drug use habit so one way or the other, they are going to exhibit the signs/traits of a drug addict. From there, I will start counselling them and I will put more effort into it.

I have really spoken to them about this, sometimes I address them at the assembly ground that they should stay away from drugs it is very harmful to their well being.

What word do you have for the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation, the organizer of this program?

I believe they continue to excel in whatever they do, so I pray that contributions to the foundation keep coming in, so they can touch more lives.

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Dr. Yuwanna Jenny MIVANYI presenting prize to 2nd place winner, 2019 RDSF

Kindly introduce yourself?

My name is Olowo Akeem Oladele and I teach English Language in Lafiaji Senior High School.

What have you learnt from today’s program?

I have learnt a lot from the various facilitators that spoke. I now know better and I am more aware that the solution to drug abuse needs to be approached from all levels.

Drug abuse has actually destroyed lot of people in the society from the data presented by the NDLEA, the data presented by the lecturer and the data presented by the UNODC. From all these it is clear that if drug abuse is not checked now it may affect a lot more people to the detriment of the society. | 32 |

As a teacher what will you want to do in your own capacity to reduce drug abuse especially among students?

I am a teacher in the school and equally a parent therefore I must work at building relationships with my students to the point that I am aware of their various activities and if any of them have any bad habits I should be alert.

If I however notice any signs of drug use and/or abuse, I would work on counselling and work hand in hand with the school authorities and their parents to curb this destructive habit. Having parent- teachers forum or awareness program that will inform the parents and students about the facts and consequences of drug abuse and the roles/ responsibilities we as parents/educators have to play in curbing this destructive habit.

Being a beneficiary and an awardee of the 2019 Teachers’ Excellence Award, how do you feel and what can you say about it?

I am delighted and highly elated. For a foundation to deem it fit to award teachers in a society where all other group are sponsoring things that in my opinion are not as important as education. We see a foundation celebrating teachers and the hard work we put in impacting future generations.

I am truly happy and very appreciative of what they have done for me; I will continue to pray for them that their reach will grow beyond this and many others will come on board to join this great cause. I will also be available to assist in whatever form when my assistance is required.

Can you please introduce yourself?

I am Mr Adeola Bolaji Otafuwa and I teach Mathematics In Epetedo Senior Secondary School.

How do you feel about the 2019 RDSF Annual Lecture?

Firstly, I will like to appreciate the prize I got today from the Foundation. It was not expected I was elated. The program was a wonderful program and the awareness of drug abuse it brought to the forefront was timely.

Eradicating drug abuse needs to start from the home because it is the way the parent prepare/equip the children to face the society and the examples the parents show the children that they will eventually follow. It is the way the parents live their lives that the children will emulate; the home serves as their first source and foundation.

A parents’ forum organized in schools especially in Lagos state schools would be effective, parents should be called and exposed to a program like this so that when they have this knowledge they will be able to impact their children and also curb themselves if they are involved in encouraging this habit in any way.

In my opinion the menace of drug abuse will gradually be curbed if our focus is on fighting it from the foundation, which is the home.

What word do you have for Rehoboth Dreams Solid Foundation?

Considering the program of today “Curtailing Or Curbing The Drug Abuse” is that they should attend or organize to parents’ forum in schools and educate them on the menace of drug abuse and how it affects the youth and society at large. I believe doing this will be a more effective approach to this cause.

Dr. David Olomu presenting a prize to 3rd place winner, 2019 RDSF Teachers'

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PERSONAL INFORMATION: Title:_______________ First Name:__________________________________________________________________ Last Name:________________________________________________________________________________________ Occupation:________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address:____________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone number:_______________________________________________________________________________

Please tick your preferred option and notify RDSF using the contact details below: ADOPT A STUDENT SCHEME: Under this scheme, the prospective sponsor will work with the Foundation to identify an indigent student who will be adopted and sponsored for the full academic program. The sponsor can choose to be anonymous or decide to meet the beneficiary. Under this scheme, the sponsor will be provided with periodic updates of the beneficiary’s academic performance.

DONATE BY CHEQUE: Please complete this form, and include a signed cheque payable to “Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation”.

STANDING ORDER / PERIODIC DONATION: You can make periodic donations by instructing your bank to make regular transfers using the bank details below. Please add the transfer reference ‘RDSFTA2018’.

ONE-OFF DONATION: You can make a one-off donation by direct bank transfer using the bank details below.

Please add the transfer reference ‘RDSFTA2018’.

Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account Number: 2015884815 Sort Code: 011152442

CONTACT US: Please contact us for any assistance or additional information to aid your sponsorship or donation.

Phone: Call RDSF on +2348079407057 Email: Scan and send the completed form to rehobothdream@gmail.com Post: Return the completed form to P O Box 51843, Falomo-Lagos, Nigeria.

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the rehoboth dream solid foundation board of trustees Rear Admiral Oladeinde (‘Deinde) Olusoga Joseph was born at Ara-Moko, Ekiti State into the humble family of late Mr. Joseph Owolabi and late Mrs. Ajibabi Owolabi on the 9th of May 1948.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in July 1967 and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and was commissioned as a Sub -Lieutenant in July 1971 in India. He received professional training as a naval officer in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Rear Admiral Joseph is a graduate of the Nigeria Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru.

As a professional naval officer, he went through all the ranks in the Navy until he was promoted to the full Rear Admiral rank in 1998. While in the Navy, he had 4 sea commands, which included that of NNS Aradu (the Navy’s flag ship), 2 Training bases and 2 Operational bases. He had 2 tours at Jaji Staff College as Chief Instructor and Director of the Naval Faculty. He was also the Military Governor of Ogun State between 1990 and 1992. His last job was Chief of Navy Personnel at Naval Headquarters until he retired in June 1999.

Married to Mrs. Katherine Lolade Joseph since April 1975, Rear Admiral ‘Deinde Joseph is blessed with 3 children; Toyin (now Mrs. Borisade), and the boys Seyi and Jide, all University graduates. His hobbies are photography, reading and he is a handicap 9 golfer. A practicing Christian of Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu since 1967, he has a passion to help the less privileged in the society.

Rear Admiral Joseph is a recipient of the National Honour of the Commander of the Order Of the Niger (CON), and brings his experience and goodwill to the Foundation as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ms. Ketumi Alasa was born on 12th February 1956 and hails from the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. She had her tertiary education (HND Computer Science) from the Sheffield City Polytechnic, England. Her work life commenced with her NYSC, during which she served with The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos between 1979 and 1980.

Thereafter, she worked for Royal Exchange Assurance as a Computer Programmer from 1980 to 1981. She was also employed by Delta Steel Company Aladja as a Computer Programmer/ Analyst developing and maintaining computer applications from 1981-1984.

In 1984, she was employed by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd as a Computer Programmer Analyst in the Information Technology department. She worked with Shell until 2008 when she retired after a successful and rewarding career.

Since retirement, with her strong entrepreneurial skills, she has been running a business of furniture, household and home decorative items. She has 5 kids, 4 of whom have successfully completed their university education. In her leisure time, she enjoys gospel music and playing golf, for which she has won numerous awards.

She is a devoted Christian with a deep passion for missionaries and their families. She loves to extend help and support to the less privileged. Ms. Ketumi Alasa is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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Deacon Samson Madu Igbokwe is a 1983 B.Pharm Graduate of Pharmacy from the former University of Ife (Unife), now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In addition, he gained a Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in 2000. He also acquired a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM).

Shortly after his Youth Service Corp at Military Hospital Lagos, he set up his own pharmacy business at S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos in 1985 which he has been running as Chairman/Managing Director till date. This is a company that supplies and distributes pharmaceuticals to its community and hospitals in Lagos State.

A devout and practicing Christian, he gave his life to Christ on March 31, 1991 in The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Akoka. Since then, he has served in various capacities in TREM as House Fellowship Centre Leader, Zonal Leader, Assistant Area Co -coordinator and Financial Secretary/ Treasurer of Caleb Group of the Christian Men Fellowship.

He is currently serving as the Chairman Hospital Visitation Ministry in TREM. He is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a Treasurer at Ikoyi Pharmacy Community Zone. He has passion for contributing to his community, and often assists in reaching out to orphans, the fatherless and widows in the community.

Periodically, he visits in a group and prays for the sick in hospitals in Lagos, ministering to their spiritual, physical and material needs. He is happily married to his amiable wife Mrs. Roseline Igbokwe and they have 5 children. Deacon Samson Igbokwe is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe was born on November 2, 1965 in Ikoyi, Lagos, and is married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe.

She is an alumna of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Gangtok, India and the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Bsc. in Applied Information Technology, Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration(MBA) from the same institution.

She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM), Advanced Diploma in Systems Engineering (ADSE), Certificate in Strategies for Managing and Collecting Data (LBS) and Certificate in Core Sales Skills (LCT). She worked with Texaco Nigeria Plc as well as Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc as Food Mart Supervisor, Senior Retail Business Consultant, South, and then MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as District Sales Manager, Southwest Nigeria, Credit Control Manager for Nigeria, Aviation Commercial, Retail Sales Manager for Southeast/Southwest Nigeria and Head, Sales & Marketing. Nigeria.

A hard worker with enthusiasm for excellence, in 2006 she won the ‘African Pakistan Global Downstream 2006 Cultural Award, of Customer Facing and Market Focused ’ in Chevron, having executed superior and consistent execution and sales implementation of all programs, processes and systems.

She had focused the department’s organization around achieving the best business financial targets through an agreed set of Profit & Loss control measures in all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc service stations in Nigeria.

She is an ordained minister with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM): and at various times has held the following positions: Assistant Secretary, Young Women Fellowship; Assistant Secretary, Christian Women Fellowship and Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Evangel Voices Choir and Team Lead with the Christian Women Fellowship. Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe is also a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

She is blessed with (5) five children.

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Pastor (Dr.) Joshua Gbadebo Opadiya is the Senior Pastor of Every Nation Church Sydney, Australia, a worldwide family of churches and ministries.

He is currently serving as the Hub Leader of the Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and Fiji) overseeing the ‘Every Nation churches and ministries in the Oceania region.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya previously lectured in the Lagos State University, Nigeria for 6 years, before moving with his family to Innsbruck in Austria where he lived for almost 6 years. Thereafter, the family moved to Sydney Australia in 1999 where together with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Opadiya started the ‘Every Nation Church.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the reputable University of Ibadan in Nigeria and holds a doctorate degree in Ecotoxicology from the Technical University, Innsbruck, Austria. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya has a burden to raise godly leaders and see the nations return to Jesus Christ. He has travelled and ministered in several nations worldwide.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya's passion is to connect with young adults and adults alike who are leaders, peacemakers and bridge builders in their colleges, universities and in their communities. His life has been dedicated to this cause, reaching out, equipping, counseling and mentoring. He is also the dean of Every Nation Leadership Institute, a part-time program that is purposefully designed to provide discipleship training and biblical teaching for people from all walks of life. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya and his wife have been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. He is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya is a senior pastor with Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Alongside her husband Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya, she oversees the multi-congregational Church organization in Sydney, Australia – a church with members from diverse cultures, age groups and professions.

She is a teacher and motivational speaker with a passion for teaching about God's love and His purpose for humanity. She is also passionate about women and youth ministry; and is committed to mentoring women and young girls.

Her heart-cry is to see ‘the Church’ respond to the Great Commission of ‘making disciples’ and transforming nations. A graduate of the prestigious Universities of Ife and Ibadan in Nigeria, she also holds a Doctorate degree in French (Women Literature) from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She had worked as a French Lecturer in the Lagos State University and in various schools in Sydney Australia. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. She is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Mrs. Ronke Osikoya holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of Lagos and an MBA (1988) from the same University.

She is a Certified Trainer for the Commonwealth Association on Corporate Governance and has facilitated on the Directors course on Corporate Governance.

She is a Management Consultant that co-runs a management consulting firm, Pedion Partnership Limited.

Her values are strongly shaped by her Christian faith and she believes very passionately in supporting the under-privileged, particularly children, which accounts for her involvement with the Foundation.

Mrs. Osikoya is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation and lives with her husband and 2 sons in Lagos, Nigeria. | 37 |

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Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe is a devout Christian who was ordained as a Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the year 2000 and as an Assistant Pastor in August 2013. She served as a Coordinator in the Teens ministry of the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Lagos where her passion for supporting the education of the less privileged was birthed .

She is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Mrs. Bimbo Komolafe has taken various management, Leadership and professional courses, within and outside Nigeria and is an Alumna of the Lagos Business School. She worked for 9 years in a reputable Merchant Bank in Nigeria and thereafter worked for 20 years with one of the leading Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. She currently works as a Principal Consultant for Threshold of Trust Nigeria Limited.

Married to Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd) who is also an Ordained Pastor of the RCCG Nigeria, they are blessed with 3 children. Together with her husband, they are committed to providing financial support to as many less privileged students as they can accommodate. Mrs Bimbo Komolafe is the founder and Executive Secretary of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd), is a highly revered and distinguished military officer who served meritoriously with impeccable records in the Nigerian Navy. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1980 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer a year after. Due to his quest for knowledge and passion for competence, he proceeded to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in Accountancy. He attended several courses nationally and overseas and witnessed consistent career growth during his active years in the military.

Rear Admiral Komolafe is a change agent with a commitment to providing transformational leadership and ensuring realignment of processes, operations, resource and people on various integrated fronts for optimum value creation. He held various sensitive positions in the Navy before his voluntarily retirement from the Service after 35 years of meritorious service. He presently sits on the Board of many prestigious organizations. Beyond his Military career, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd.) is a lover of God and a Pastor. He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe and they are blessed with 3 children.

Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

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Raise funds for the needy

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Supporting the poor

My name is Joseph Ogunleye, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Pearly Bleuwaters Int'l Limited. I am the third child from a family of eight children. I hail from Odo-Noforija, Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State,. I am a graduate of Lagos State University where I had my B.Sc Second Class Upper Honours degree in Marketing.

I am currently undertaking my M.Sc programme in Management at the University of Lagos. I have some other professional qualifications such as: Associate of Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ISMN), Associate of Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management (CICRM), Associate of Institute of Business Strategy (IBS) and a Graduate member of Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and I am a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Ilasan, Igbo-Effon, Agungi and Ajiran. These communities were our target markets then.

Sometimes we extended our hawking territories to the Beaches around like Lekki Beach, Elegushi Beach and Alfa beach.

Educational Background I attended Maiyegun Community Primary School and my leadership disposition and my level of intelligence earned me some leadership positions in the school. I became the Class Captain from Primary 3 to 5, but during the second term in primary 5, I emerged as the Acting. Punctuality Prefect, so in primary six, I became a substantive prefect. I proceeded to Ilasan Secondary School. I was one of the pioneers of the school fellowship. I was equally a prefect in the school.

Growing up wasn’t really easy as many would have thought. I was fortunate enough to have both parents around my siblings and I. I grew up in the poor suburb of Lekki, Lagos state. My parents could not afford quality education for my siblings and I. They sponsored me to the best of their ability, as they had their hands full with heavy responsibilities.

My dad was a Chef, while my mum was a petty trader, trading in various items. My siblings and I were made to hawk food items such as snacks to passers-by in order to make ends meet.

We were nicknamed Small Mr Biggs, as Mr Biggs used to be the market leader then in the Fast food industry. And suddenly the name Small Mr Biggs is almost becoming a household name among our numerous customers who were all over the places like: Jakande, Gbara, Maiyegun, Osapa-London, | 39 |

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I have always had interest in academics. I believe that education is a means of liberation and emancipation from mental and economic slavery.

My vision was to become a graduate, but due to some surrounding circumstances I was limited. I had to take up menial jobs to afford the fees for my SSCE examination.

“I had to take up menial jobs to afford the fees

She advised me to apply for Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) Scholarship with a breakdown of the financial implication of my study. I promptly applied for the scholarship, and was accepted. I was excited to be part of the scholars of the foundation; my joy knew no bounds and this became a huge motivation to me.

RDSF Scholarship provided me with opportunity to focus fully on my academic career and to take professional courses in line with my career goals. I graduated as one of the best students in my department. Past experiences became stories, because my brighter future was here staring at my face.

for my SSCE examination”

Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) is part of my success story, as I would have not achieved my dream of becoming a graduate without the scholarship offered to me. My appreciation goes out to Admiral and Mrs. Komolafe, who have become more than mentors to me.

I failed mathematics at my first sitting, I was discouraged but I did not let it affect my vision.

The subsequent examinations I took, I kept failing mathematics, and this did not deter my focus.

Also, to the board of trustees who decided to take a chance on me, I am eternally grateful. Thanks for continually championing this noble course of impacting lives positively. I will keep seeking ways to better the lives of less privileged individuals around me to give them hope and a bright future by the grace of God.

In 2008, I was misinformed that I could apply for a programme in Public Administration at Lagos State University without a credit in mathematics.

I took the mandatory JAMB examination and applied but my admission was forfeited, I felt dejected. I summoned courage and took another SSCE examination in which eventually I passed mathematics.

This meant that I could progress with my education. I took the compulsory university entrance examinations again then, I was admitted to study Marketing at Lagos State University.

I was so excited that I finally achieved my goal of getting admission into the university, but it was short-lived when I realised, I could not afford my school fees and would forfeit the admission if I did not meet the timeline for payment.

My bosom friend who is currently my partner advised me to speak with our Teens’ Coordinator (Mrs. Komolafe) in Church, which I did. Then, she decided to meet with me.

We met after Sunday service and had a short conversation. She asked me about how I intended sponsoring my University education, I explained to her that my savings could not cover for my tuition fee costs and living expenses.

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NYSC scheme. Furthermore, as a new training outfit, we face the difficulty of having access to big companies to present the services we offer. We need opportunity to explain how skills such as Excel and Power BI will improve the efficiency and productivity of their staff to enhance sound business decision making.

1. Personal life experience Thanks for the opportunity to grant this interview. I am a native of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, a Christian and happily married, and blessed with a baby boy. I am a graduate of Economics/Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

2. How, when and why did you start Excel Jet consult?

I left my paid job to start Excel Jet Consult, which is aimed at teaching Business Data Analytics using Microsoft Excel and Power Business Intelligence (BI).

The training outfit based in Lagos, was incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission in October 2018 and that heralded the beginning of our operation. The major reason why I started Excel Jet Consult is because I discovered that many of our professionals and higher institutions leavers have little or no knowledge of the productivity tool – Excel. In addition, I was encouraged to start Excel Jet Consult having solved Excel questions for users from countries such as US, Spain, Serbia, India, Pakistan, Ghana and few other countries.

3. How many years have you been in business? How big is your business? How many employees do you have and what are your plans for expansion?

I officially started Excel Jet Consult in mid-October 2018 and our first client was a senior level manager in Guinness Nigeria. We have trained a couple of professionals from different sectors. Currently, I run the training outfit alone across different training centers in Lagos. This is to ensure that our courses are accessible and flexible for participants to benefit from.

My plan is to have fully equipped training centers in strategic locations in Lagos where we will deliver robust Excel (programming and non-programming), and Power BI training. In addition, I plan to take my training to as many higher institutions as possible.

5. Where do you see Excel Jet Consult in the next 10 years/ what do you hope to have achieved?

As a full-time Business Data Analyst who understands the importance of Excel skills, my desire is to train at least 5,000 persons each year. This is expected to increase the employability of graduates and equip working professionals with the skills to get tasks done faster and more professionally. I see Excel Jet Consult as the Data Analytics outfit of choice in Nigeria within a decade’s time.

6. What advice do you have for young individuals who are graduating and want to go directly into entrepreneurship as opposed to typical paid employment jobs.

My advice for young graduates who want to become entrepreneurs is to critically access themselves and unearth what they are strongly passionate about.

Thereafter, they need to develop their capacity in their area of interest. In addition, they should attend seminars and trainings to network and to learn from those who have succeeded as entrepreneurs.

7. What are three success factors that you would consider key for an aspiring consultant and entrepreneur?

Resilience, flexibility and personal development.

8. Who are your clients? Do you target any category of people?

Microsoft Excel is perhaps the most popular end-toend data analysis tool and virtually all organizations and businesses deploy the tool to do different things.

Our clients are individuals, professionals and organizations that use Excel daily. In addition, our target clients are current students and young graduates from higher institutions students who need the global technical skills in Excel to prepare them for the corporate world.

4. What challenges have you faced so far and how have you been able to move past them.

Some of the challenges we have faced have to do with securing conducive training centers, and obtaining regulatory approvals to work with youths under the | 41 |

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9. How would you measure your success as an entrepreneur?

I am passionate about Microsoft Excel and Power BI analytics tools and I consider it a great opportunity to share my knowledge with all those that come across my path. Therefore, I measure success based on how many lives I impact with this gift.

10. Tell us about the best clients that you’ve ever had. What did you like about them, and why?

All our clients have been amazing people. In spite of the fact that they are surprised at what Excel can do during our trainings, they are highly attentive and willing to replicate each operation they are taught. Based on feedback received after our trainings, we discovered our clients are greatly satisfied with our 100% practical training.

11. Do you use a lot of feedback in running your programs? If so, what type? How important is Feedback in Business? How do you like to receive feedback?

Feedback is very important to us and we use it to elicit response from our clients about every aspect of our training. It helps us to know what we are doing nicely and what we need to improve on.

12. You recently collaborated with RDSF to train some young undergraduates at University of Benin. What is your motivation to give back to the society and how often do you undertake such philanthropy?

When I started Excel Jet Consult, my desire was to support as many young Nigerians as possible to get better jobs and compete with other users globally. It was thus a delight to be contacted by RDSF to facilitate Excel training for the young undergraduates. I was glad to partner with RDSF to give back to the society as the RDSF vision aligns with mine.

13. What are some of the major lessons you have learnt on your life journey so far?

I have learnt to be flexible but resilient, P.U.S.H. (Push Until Something Happens), increase capacity, appreciate oneself and others, trust in the Lord and always stay optimistic!

14. On a final note, what are your hobbies and how do you keep healthy and fit?

Singing, listening and composing hymns, Cooking, Writing, Researching, Reading and Playing Volleyball. I keep healthy by being positive, eat right, sleep well and exercise.

Mr Abiola David is a professional Excel, Power BI & SQL Corporate Trainer and the | Founder, Excel Jet Consult www.exceljetconsult.com.ng THINKING ALOUD | JUL - SEP 2019

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DRUG

Falling in love with you I can't explain Probably my peers influenced my passion for you But I never thought we could go this far Till I became addicted to you Consumed by your hold I have been deceived by the excitement and highness you gave me I thought it was fun, And Concluded it was a big guy cruise Until my body raised an alarm of poisonous intake You triggered my mental alertness unnecessarily Just to leave me with a mental disorder All you deposited in my hormone had subdued my human I have realised your positivity is exaggerated I regret ever taking you.

Say no to Drugs! @Ebenezer_impact2019

Odekunle Ebenezer Alabi is currently a Counsellor at Abiks Private School, Lagos State. He studied Human Kinetics (BSc Esu) at Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko and served in Adamawa State. He writes on human values, illusion, comedy and he's actively working to impart values on readers.

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