Association Calls for more Changemakers to advance Nigeria
An international non profit organization, Ashoka Innovators for the Public has expressed the need to engage more change makers that will help to effect positive changes in Nigeria and make sure that the country moves forward.
The Regional Director of the organisation, Josephine Nzerem who stated this during a dialogue and media conference of the organization in Lagos Southwestern Nigeria said the programme was to enlighten their co-leaders to know the distinctive roles they have to play in order to make a change in the hot spot areas like Lagos, Abuja, Enugu amongst other states because they play crucial role in life style.
According to her, So many people always point at leadership when they are talking about change but forget the fact that change starts from them.
She wants the general public to see themselves as change makers who can help to build their country from their environment.
” If all of us decide to do what is right, follow processes and follow it right, it will affect every aspect of life. We want everyone to come up in that responsibility of understanding the role they have to play in making sure that Nigeria moves forward.” He said
The Regional Director who wants the people to start the responsibility of their change making on the forthcoming general elections urged Nigerians not to sell their votes but be conscious of the kind of leadership they want calling on students in tertiary institutions to ensure they acquire skills that will equip them and make their society better as the ASUU strike continues.
” It’s so unfortunate that the strike is happening, my heart goes out to the young people who are at home. Where ever you are, please, do something. This could be an opportunity to pick up a skill that will make you and your society better. Everybody should know the power of PVC and use it. Do not sale your votes. Let us be conscious of the kind of leadership we want.” She stated.
The President of Youth Years Africa for Ashoka, Okey Uzoechina wants the youths to be included in the decision making of the country if they are actually seen as the future leaders saying that Nigerian youths have a great potential that will bring positive changes in the country if given a conducive environment.
” If we are really serious that the future belongs to the youths, then the youths must be part of the decission making for issues that affect the future of Nigeria. The youths of Nigeria have great potential to contribute positively to the wellbeigng of Nigeria. All they need is that enabling environment to stepup into that leadership.” He said.
One of the participants and the founder book swap foundation, Tunde Solarin, who described the programme timely when everyone needs self empowerment to impact the community they live in said there is the need to help the people make the changes they feel necessary in their own environment.
”We are not prescribing change but asking people the kind of change they want to see in their world and how the Ashoka will help them in realizing that change either through mentorship or helping people find the resources they need to change their own environment.” He stated.
The theme for the conference ”Everyone A Changemaker” was to let the people know the importance of working together as a team where everyone has a role to play in building their society.
