Coming Soon! the book, Democracy: A guide for Young Nigerians. ...Empowering youths to build the Nigeria we desire

About the book

Without doubt, the Nigeria democracy is here to stay, we have successful witnessed two power transitions from civilian to civilian and in a couple of months, we will witness the third. While I am aware of the many political challenges facing the Nigerian state, I am resolute that democracy can work in Nigeria and that the potentials for the future are enormous. This means our nascent democracy is gaining grounds and stabilizing.

The decision that politicians make affects and influences our lives on a daily basis, and we can not continue to ignore this aspect of our society because our future is largely connected to it, hence the need to actively engage in the process that brings these leaders to bear and influence them before they influence us.

"No-one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime. Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death."
-Kofi Annan (former UN Secretary General)

Nigeria’s road to building strong and viable democracy must start with actively engaging young people in democratic process and this engagement must start with empowering young people with resources and information on the nature and uniqueness of Nigeria democracy and how they can get involved. There is a powerful opportunity for Nigeria to succeed as a democratic state if young people are actively engaged and exposed to necessary resources, skills and information on how we can contribute to building and sustaining democracy as active citizens and leaders.

Young people represent an important group in the every society; we have an enormous stake in the present and future state of the Nigeria. More than half of the Nigerian population is under the age of 25, if Nigeria must progress, develop and move forward, it is unavoidably essential to deliberately engage young people’s resources of energy, time, talent, skills and knowledge and channel them towards the betterment of the society. This can only be achieve by empowering the youth, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the societal development by providing them with information, skills and resources to do so.

An informed youth is essential to building a robust democracy, and brings to the table rich resources and skills, thereby contributing same creatively to the improvement of the society, providing possibilities beyond limits. The DNA of young people allows us to creatively engage in problems solving endeavors, compete and challenge ourselves and make real difference. This we can not do, except we are provided with a platform to engage.

Information is power, thus, empowering youths with information on how we can participate in building Nigeria’s democracy is a fundamental requirement for the survival of Nigeria democracy. Providing information for youths provides opportunity to engage us, and engaging us creates the space that helps build bridges upon which the future of Nigeria democracy can stand. Without actively involving the youths in the process and the development democracy in Nigeria, the future can not be guaranteed.

Democracy: a guide for young Nigerians provides the platform to inform young people on what democracy is, the need for democracy, the nature and uniqueness of the Nigerian democracy, how to get involved as citizens of Nigeria and help build the Nigeria we desire among other key information.

This volume will create the space to inspire and inform young people to get involved in democracy starting from our immediate communities through the local, states and federal government as well as in schools, religious organisation etc. Democracy is all about participation, and you can not participate except you are informed and that’s all this book is all about, to inform youths on ways to get going and be part of change that is taking place around us with effect to democracy.

This important and skillfully-prepared book comes at a critical time, a time when the campaign for citizen engagement in political space is in the increase. Another great strength of this volume is the pragmatic approach it provides to engaging the youth, the provision basic and in-depth information necessary to spark and inspire action in every youth to actively engage in democracy and help build better communities while developing skills and values that can help them play a more meaningful role in the society.

It is my hope that every young person who uses this material will be inspired, as I have been, to take action and get involved in local democracy and be the change we seek. It is possible!

‘Lekan Oshunkoya
Author, Democracy: A guide for every young Nigerian

CALL FOR APPLICATION: LAIMUN 2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dear All,

In December 2009, Dreamakers’ International/Gateway Model United Society (GMUN) will hold the maiden edition of the Lagos International Model United Nations (LAIMUN 2009) with an anticipated participation of over 250 students from all over the world. The conference will hold in Lagos, Nigeria. To successfully deliver a world class conference, we are recruiting into our team, young people who are interested in the issues of development and are motivated to work towards change, are goal driven and can work with little or no supervision and are interested in learning and improving their skills.

Successful candidates will join our team as part of the Executive Committee for the 2009 Conference.

The Executive committee will be made up of seven (7) young people who will be saddled with the responsibility of organizing and planning the conference.
The primary tasks of the committee are as follows:


• Planning and Organizing the fine details of the conference
• Recruiting and Coordinating participants/ delegates
• Sponsorship and Fundraising
• Publicity and Awareness
• Logistics and Event Coordination
• Content Generation
. and other such sundry activities that will ensure a successful event.

Conditions
You must be:
• a student of a tertiary institution in Nigeria or a recent graduate (corps members are welcome to apply)
• be ready to commit an average of five hours per week (physical) and six hours per week (on line) to the activities of the committee.
• you must be resident in Lagos or readily accessible in Lagos.
• must have good/reliable internet access.
• must have what it takes to lead the assigned sub committee and deliver on assignments in good time.
• pass Initial interview process after submission of letter of intent.
• prior MUN experience is not necessary but will be an advantage.


Note: that this is a serious business and admittance into the LAIMUN executive council will be upon acceptance of terms of LAIMUN which will be made available to members during the inauguration.


To apply:

Send a letter of intent describing yourself, your experience and skills and why you should be considered for selection tomail.laimun@gmail.com on 15th September 2009 at the latest.
You can send all your enquiries to the same email address or call 08034316011, 08056249391 – sms only

We are the generation that must make the world better and it begins with you.

introducing: Now that you are a graduate

Introducing!

Now that you are a Graduate.

All you need to know about Graduate Opportunities.

Are you are Graduate? Have you ever asked any of these questions, what do graduates do? What can I do with my degree? How do I find graduate jobs? What can I do after my degree? Then this book is for you and every graduate who care to maximize their life using their education as a tool.

In this 240 paged book I share my convictions about ways fresh graduates can launch into a life of significance using the varieties of opportunities offered by graduate education.

The book, forwarded by Professor Odutola Osilesi, the vice chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye meticulously reviewed the various opportunities and possibilities following the acquisition of a university degree. In the book, I highlighted and explored the many routes available for self actualisation and fulfillment of a typical graduate in Nigeria and anywhere in the world.

The book answers the question “What do graduates do?” It presents a unique way to learn basic skills that are needed to maximise the university education while it offers a wide range of fresh information on job hunting, resume writing, interview essentials and further graduate skills development. It specifies various ways of starting a small scale business after the acquisition of a university degree.

In a special module, I discussed the 15 Success habits every young graduate must covet if they must go far in their career and live a worthwhile life. These habits are reviewed in the context of their application to the workplace either as employee or employer.

This book is a great resource that should be read by every graduate who want to acquire information that will aid their career even after graduation.

Getting a copy for yourself or for a friend is a gesture that will not only help in attaining your desired goal in life but also express your commitment to your career success while you will be significantly empowering my own dreams of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development.

Copies of the book are available in leading bookstores and post offices nation wide.

I am available for further discussion on the distribution of the book across the country. You can reach me on my mobile number 08034316011.

Day 3: Behold the Dead Zone (Buffer Zone)….

This morning, again! With great enthusiasm, expectation and inquisition, we set on the tour to the United Nation Protected Area with the UNFICYP. The briefing on the “battle for Nicosia Airport was excellent, giving us the needed insight to understand the tour the more and taking us back to history. The visit to the airport proper was touching. It brings the reality of the (war) conflict into the heart, seeing the airport damaged and abandoned as it were in 1974 when the problem started makes one feel the impact of the damage of the conflict the more.

The UN camps too were a great sight to behold. Nothing can be more exciting than meeting the soldier over launch and hearing their experience as peace keepers. I was pleased personally meet some of this soldier and for the first time, I feel like being one. (But can I?). We were privileged to also visit the shopping centre, pick up some souvenirs as evidence of our passage through the camp. Participants were delighted to get souvenirs for their loved ones back home.

Looking at the UN Peace Keepers (UNFICYP) facility and the time they have being here, the cost of maintaining the forces here, It was really sad to know that the UN spends so much money to keep peace in an areas whose conflict could have been resolved if people could be more tolerant and patient. This money could have help feed millions of hungry people in different part of the world. Cater for dying sick people etc. What an Irony…Life could be funny at times.


Its time to meet the leader of the ‘Turkish Cypriots’, Mehmet Ali Talat. And for this purpose we had to cross the “boarder” to the northern Nicosia to meet him. He was a good man, patience and relaxed. He spent so much time to brief us on His own side of the story and just like his Greek Counterpart expressed optimism that the latest peace talks might work.

In my observation, the ‘Cyprus Conflict” is a unique conflict and is basically a political war and not a problem of the people. It’s a problem of quest fro power and control.

Day 2: This part of Nkabom is called ”Meeting the President”

With a lot of enthusiasm, excitement and expectation, we rolled out to the Presidential palace in Nicosia to meet the president of the Repblic of Cyprus. Demitris Christofias. The presidential palace is a quite place with little security as I had hoped. You know back in Nigeria, the seat of power is characterised with heavy security presence. With a warm reception, we were shown round the palace. Soon we settled to meet Mr. President, what a delightful moment as Mr. President joined us in the room with a warm hand shake to welcome everyone individual. (I was really delighted to get to shake hand with Mr. President).Sharing His story was quick and the questions rolled in. The answers too were long but not detailed as I had expected. The president spend a great deal of time to push for the 'greeks cypriots' position on the conflict from early times till now.We soon had a photo opportunity with the [present and a lot more time for individual paparazzi. I think it was a delightful experience after all especially when almost all of us had not had opportunity to meet our presidents. Before we know it its another session on conflict mapping where we were allowed to share ideas on stuffs like is conflict natural? Is a world without war possible? etc. its debate time as individuals justified their stand on either side of the argument. University of Nicosia is our Host.P.S. Its day 2, and I was privileged to meet some more delegate on one to one basics. Sharing ideas, interest and belief. Its fun.

Nkabom...DAY One...Getting the Basics!

At Nkabom 2008 (the commonwealth youth Leadership Programme), we 29 young people from 23 countries and territories, living in 6 continents. Between us we have traveled the whole circumference of the globe and we speak some 27 different languages. We live in every corner of the commonwealth; from Barbados, Bangladesh, Singapore, South Africa, Malta, Nigeria, Uganda, Mauritius and beyond. Some of us are from huge countries like Canada, Australia. Others come from tiny Islands like Vanuatu, Jersey and even Cyprus itself. We share interest in celebrating our diversity and multiculturalism.

Despite our varying differences, we share key similarities, notably; we are all young and passionate about sharing ideas especially about conflict and peace building.

We had come to Nicosia to experience the Cyprus conflict and use it as case study to develop our leadership potentials, as key agents for peace building, share deep insights and ideas on how we can contribute to a peaceful and better world as young people. Starting from our inputs and contributions in local community to the time we become commonwealth leaders of tomorrow.

Here is the first day. We get to meet each other formally and introduced ourselves, shared our passion, interest, expectations, fears and more important our uniqueness (USP).

We were introduced into the programme and given background information on the need and essence for peace with little exercise that seek to boost our understanding of the concept of peace. We were able to bring out four words that that causes conflict (Inequality, Intolerance, miscommunication…)

It’s lunch time and we met costa (a young cyproit) who showed us around and we had lunch, had a glimpse of the the green line from the restaurant’s garden.

Evening was another great time with Prof Yiannis Papadakis (social anthropologist and expert in the Cypriot conflict from the university of Cyprus) leading us on a tour to the green line. It was really great seeing the division lines and being in a no man’s land.

Dinner was great with Prof Yiannis as our special guest. Tiime for more and more question… It is really exciting getting to know the basics of the Cyprus conflict and conflicts as a whole..

PS: Met some of the Nkabom delegates, it was really great getting to meet some new passionate young people from different part of the world who are passionate, committed and interested in contributing to a better world.

Nkabom 2008 Participants

Martin Atela (Kenya)
Alvin Singh (Canada)
Talha Ghannam (United Kingdom)
Leigh Elston (Jersey)
Danial AbdulRAhman (Malaysia)
Reema Chataroo (Mauritius)
Maria Tsiarta (Cyprus)
Swati Chawla (India)
Richard Hargy (Northern Ireland)
Fiaza Muhammad (United Kingdom)
Alex Nuwagaba (Uganda)
Asiya Mohammmed (Trinidad and Tobago)
Ival Cummings John (UK/ Sierra Leone)
Kyasingmong Marma (Bangladesh)
Suryani Lukman (Singapore)
Andrew Solomon Napuat (Vanuatu)
Rosie Sitorus (Australlia)
Barbara Soetan (United Kingdom)
Jiselle Baker (Canada)
Olalekan Oshunkoya (Nigeria)
Valeria Okai (Ghana)
Hopolang Selebalo (Lesotho/South Africa)
Daisy Kirk (Malta)
Devan Marten (New Zealand)
Amarasingham Jeevan (Sri Lanka)
Helen Astaniou (Cyprus/UK)

Nkabom here I come!

On my way to Cyprus for the commonwealth youth leadership programme (Nkabom), I had to transit through in Egypt. Spending two in night the beautiful ancient city of Cairo was an experience worth sharing. While waiting for immigration formalities, interacting with the fellow travellers some of whom were also first time visitors to the city dominated the first few hours of my stop at Cairo. All of us are inquisitive to see the city and explore some her uniqueness, but since we were only here on transit there is a limit to what we can see.

At the popular La Passage five star hotel where we were lodged for the night, (this gesture from Egypt air disabused my initial expectation from the airline as friends had accounted for several experience in the hand of this airlines, some making them to spend the night in airport lounges…) the experience was indeed a night to remember, from the difficulty of getting a familiar food from the hotel collection( I had to settle for bread) through meeting tourists who were at the city to explore the beauty of nature, to learning a few Arabic names and their meanings( Mina, Islam, Bella(beauty)..).

The time for sleep was not left out because I had the greatest sleep in along time, far away from my daily stress, I was alone, relaxed and comfortable for the first time (but not away from my laptop which I still used to fine tune my presentation against Nkabom). The hotel room was excellent (anyway I don’t expect less from a five starred hotel)

This experience will not be complete without sharing some of my observations. Yetunde Osho is a young Nigeria who studies Medicine in Ukraine. Unlike other young Nigerian abroad I have seen, she was passionate about Nigeria, this we shared and we engaged in along discussion about what we youths home and abroad can do to help our country Nigeria. I was amazed at the disposition about the need for young people to help build a new Nigerian. As I late knew, I was not surprised she lived in the north for larger part of her life.

I think it is worth it to let you guys know that I was opportune to visit Beirut (Lebanon) spend few hours in their airport and shop at the duty free shops, good place though…

Another experience I will like to comment about is the treatment of the Cyprus immigration. I was not surprised to be treated like a typical Nigerian (black). They scrutinised all my claims even after verifying them and finding them to be correct. My entire attempt to proof to them my intention here is simply to attend a youth leadership programme for a few days and leave the island proved abortive. They doubted me and even accused me of being a second timer in the island. It was frustrating and very annoying to be treated that way when all I wanted was just to come and learn a few lessons from the Cyprus conflict. Sincerely, if not for the intervention of the authority of the organisers, the immigration officer was ready to send me back on the same plane that brought me. Is that not annoying? Does it mean all black people are interested in coming to “these” countries to seek greener pastures? It was really sad. I think we should do something really quick as Nigerians and better our lot.