Foundation Empowers Nigerian Teens to Unleash Talents, Achieve Dreams

The Open Africa Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerian children in discovering their talents and skills while empowering and motivating them to pursue their dreams.

The Chairman of the Open Africa Foundation, Mr. Tunji Aworinde, stated this at the Hope for Nigeria Conference. He also explained that Nigeria’s children are full of potential; what they need is an empowering and inclusive environment in which they can thrive.

“The greatest motivate of having this conference was the realisation that our children are growing up in a very difficult environment and we came in to the conclusion that it is appropriate to recognize these children, motivate them, give them confidence, assuring them of our support in their journey especially at teenagers through their education and to motivate them to excell in their academics .That is the basis of having essay writing competition and awarding prices accordingly. For instance today we actually awarded prices to the first seven students of eight essays that were submitted. In addition to that,the schools produced by this excellent student are getting commemorative plakes to the celebration of their children’s excellence”, he explained
Additionally, Mr. Joseph Jingir, a Deputy Director from the National Orientation Agency, encouraged Nigerians to keep dreaming and to maintain hope for the future of Nigeria.

“Our take from this conference is that we should have hope in Nigeria. Our dreams as Nigeria can be accomplished in Nigeria and therefore we have to contribute to building the Nigeria of our dreams.
We are one Nigeria and if we come together we will rebuild a better and prosperous nation”,he urged
In a presentation addressing the issues related to drug use, its consequences, and strategies to reduce the urge to use drugs, Mr. Francis Okogu from the Drug Salvation Foundation emphasized that there is hope for curbing the drug abuse crisis.
“There is hope for Nigeria the Drugs Salvation Foundation and the NDLEA, gives Nigeria hope because Nigeria hasn’t fallen into a state where drug dealing is not the norm. We are still at that level where we can curb this issue and save our children .I think there is hope because actually drug use destroys everything, and not just the use but drug dealing itself spoils the economy of a nation . NDLEA and the Drug Salvation Foundation are partnering to make sure that government policies and government support goes to the right sources to make sure that the Nigerian nation do not fall in a total drug epidemic situation”.
Other highlights of the event included drama performances and award presentations.

The conference, organized by the Open Africa Foundation, which aims to promote good governance, youth empowerment, capacity building, and poverty alleviation, was attended by approximately 120 students from both private and public schools.

Oluchi Okwuego