12th June, 2014
Nigerian youths have been charged to step up and take responsibility of their lives in order to achieve their life desires irrespective of their background or perceived circumstances.
The youths were given the admonition during the 8th youth leadership summit jointly held by Do The Dream and L.I.F.E Initiative, both are non-government organizations founded to inspire youths to greatness.
During the three-day United Nations Information Centre, Lagos endorsed programme, titled Be The Change, Be Responsible, a host of activities were held to educate and empower the participants, which include undergraduates and secondary school students in Lagos State.
On the first day of the summit, a public awareness campaign tagged Responsibility Walk was held to sensitise the youths to become not only responsible to themselves but also take active roles in nation building.
According to Mr Peter Oshinoiki of Do the Dream and Obafemi George of Life Initiative, who addressed the participants before the procession, the Responsibility Walk symbolises hard work and perseverance and a call to all Nigerians especially the youths to be responsible in issues concerning their everyday decisions, life careers, peer group etc.
The platform was also used to inspire the youths to be an agent of change and not the tool for election rigging and thuggery during the forthcoming elections.
After a short conference, during which participants signed on a RESPONSIBILITY BOARD to show to their commitment to the cause, the participants marched from Olufunmilayo Street, Okikiolu Ikeja to the State House of Assembly, where they were received by members of the House.
In partnership with the United Nations Information Centre, UNIC Lagos, Say No To Bad Lyrics campaign was unveiled on day two of the conference at the centre located at 17 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi Lagos
Hosted by Ms Envera Selimovic of UNIC Lagos, during the summit, participants were enlightened on how the lyrics of music they listen to can influence their lives positively or negatively.
Guest speakers including Mr Fela Durotoye- CEO Gemstone Nation Builders Foundation, Mr Tade Ipadeola-Presidents P.E.N International, Mr OkeUmourhohwo-Media Director Wecyclers Nigerian Ltd, Mr Adebayo Enubukun-CEO Clean Ace Dry Cleaners and Mr Eno James- Executive Secretary Nigerian GirMusic were on ground to educate the participants on the dangers of bad lyrics, which celebrate from violent tendencies in teens to low self-esteem in females
The grand finale of the summit was held at Plot A4b, Ikosi Road, opposite African Exhibition Centre beside Big Treat Office, Oregun Lagos and it had over 600 students in attendance.
The highlight of the event was when Governor Fashola of Lagos addressed the students on the need to be responsible.
He reiterated that though not everyone will be governors, or presidents, there is a need for all citizens to do their best for their nation.He also stressed on how one needs to be creative/innovative and engage in the right type of business to better himself and his community.