The Future Is Now’, the Convergence 2019: Unveiling Ekiti Youths’ Mindset
At a One-Day activity-filled gathering of youths under the canopy of “The Convergence 2019”; setting the pathway for youth development in Ekiti State remains paramount as stakeholders commit to building the capacity of youths for economic growth.
The Convergence is an annual event inspired by a mission to set up a portal, channel to convert or transform youths into job generators from job seekers.
The 2019 edition of the conference focuses on three major areas namely; Leadership: This addresses societal decadence, thereby instilling leadership qualities and values orientation in youths. Entrepreneurship: This is a key area that births major breakthroughs to a sustainable economy as well as societal issues such as; Gender-Based Violence/Rape, Drug abuse & suicide (Mental Health).
According to the Convener, Mr. Adaraniwon Oluwatosin, who is a Media Strategist and a Social Architect, for the second year running, the platform has been; promoting peace in Ekiti State, equipping youths with the knowledge to build a sustainable society, mentoring young minds towards achieving greatness while harvesting intellectuals.
“We have also been able to; harness the talents and creativity from young and progressive minds, help to improve the living standard of youth through opportunities at hand, mentoring them to have a personal purpose that will affect the development of their various communities positively.
“During the maiden edition of the convergence, 2018, we had a gathering of about 1500 young people coming together to become change agents in society.
“On 23rd April 2019, we collaborated with Above Whispers and Open Way Global Concepts on a Book Reading event to commemorate the World Book Day and to increase the reading culture of young minds in the state.
“We have supported projects in the state namely; Ekiti Empowered for Change 1.0, Discover Ekiti Walk Against Open Defecation and Tree Planting Exercise, Walk Against Child Molestation and Abuse, AY Nigeria Goes to School and many more.
Setting the event in full gear, Comrade Ogunshina Lawrence challenged youths on the need to accept the inevitable responsibilities before them, saying that the future is now.
The CEO of Crown Allied Realty, Gbadewole Amos Kayode said that youths should embark on incubating ideas that will transform the society. He asked them to embrace activities that will build their entrepreneurial skills.
Discussing on Gender-Based Violence/Rape, Drug Abuse & Suicide (Mental, General And Public Health); A Guidance and Counseling Coordinator, Dr. Omole; Hon Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moji Yahaha Kolade; SSA Public Health, Dr. Opeyemi Ogunsakin, Miss Odunola and Miss Ayotomiwa all discussed on salient issues on the need to address the social welfare of an individual to aid productivity.
Hon. Moji Yahaya Kolade explained how gender-based violence can be curbed in Nigeria, saying that until the youths start aspiring to be something meaningful in life, then stakeholders and the government can begin to solve the challenges of gender-based violence and inequalities.
She said, “When a female child aspires to become something good in life, the male counterpart will find it difficult to assault or violate our young females. With more fulfilled and vibrant women in our society, the environment will become more favorable for the female counterpart as their achievement will cripple men’s violent acts towards them.
“There is nothing shameful about growing up. Parents must culture and educate their children about sex life. Sex education is a very paramount issue in the life of our youths. It should be in no way a shameful thing to guide your children in living a safe sex life. It is also important that this is done most preferably in their early age. By this, you are helping them secure their future,” she ended.
SSA Public Health, Dr. Jimlas Opeyemi contributed that for a better society, parents should and must learn to allow their children express their feelings or speak their minds concerning certain issues especially when it has to do with their personal or academic lifestyle (though they can be guided) but not policed around.
“When young people are allowed to make sensible choices in life, it avails them the opportunity to put in their best because most of the time, their choices are what they have passion for.
“Young people in our society must at all cost avoid self-medication. When you are depressed, sick or faced with challenges of any sort be it emotional or health challenge, the best way to remedy your depression is by consulting a physician or specialist applicable to your challenge because the solution to whatever challenges you are faced with, lies in you. For a better society, young people must abstain from codeine intake, alcohol, cigarette, and other toxic intakes. Don’t ever let yourself get so depressed to the level of considering things that can eventually take your life. Snipper should never be an option,” he said.
Dr. Omole said that there are equipped health centers with well-trained consultants in almost all colleges and universities and the good news is; these health centers are free.
“On this note, our youths both in secondary level and higher institutions are hereby enjoined to consult physicians, consultants and therapists at all levels to remedy their health and emotional challenges,” she said.
The topic, Youth as Change Agent, was discussed by Tosin Durodola and Ayomide Alao, Founder of Ekiti Connect, Akin Rotimi, Makinde Araoye- SA Federal Matters to the Governor of Ekiti State; Tenibiaje Mobolaji – Lecturer EKSU; Prince Dr. Adetoyi Ezekiel Olabode – Founder and CEO Hi Nutrient and Dunni Richie’s – Convener Leading Ladies Connect International.
Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly namely; Hon. Hakeem Jamiu – Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kemi Famuagun-Balogun, Hon. Yemisi Ayokunle admonished the youths to key into the political agenda of the state which is billed to position the state for growth and development.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Hakeem Jamiu urged the youths to be proactive in thinking while they strategize on developmental ideas that will take Ekiti politics to the next level.
“We are willing to work with youths who are dynamic and have ideas that will promote politics and good governance in the state. The government is ready to support the youth and that is why we have inculcated them into our plans at the House of Assembly. I, however, urge them to shun violence and other social vices to be able to reach their full potentials,” he said.
