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August 23, 2011

My Nigeria! Its Up to Me!



(Press Release)
My Nigeria is a youth movement that challenges every young Nigerian to become a part of the solution to the challenges faced by Nigeria through their engagement in their communities. Whilst we know how overwhelming the challenges of nation building in Nigeria is and are aware of how our leaders have failed to meet our expectation in the past, our focus is to look inwards to develop quality leaders amongst young Nigerians. This we hope to achieve by challenging the youths to do what they can today to make a difference in the lives of the people around them. Through this process of flexing their leadership muscles, we believe that we will be able to nurture a generation that will not continue in the mistakes of the past but will take ownership of the success of the future through active participation in making Nigeria work, one community at a time.
HOW WE WILL DO THIS:
My Nigeria will organize online forums that will actively engage young Nigerians in sharing the stories of their change projects to inspire one another and participate in an essay competition tagged If I am president. This essay competition will constantly challenge these youths to think creatively about big issues that affects Nigeria today whilst still being given the platform to tackle smaller local communities based challenges that are within their reach.
This forum will feature guest speakers and online competitions whilst also celebrating our unsung heros who have quietly made significant impact in their communities across Nigeria. It will also provide simple basic steps to make a difference in your community and online resource to help any willing volunteer to start off on their quest to change their world.
This platform which is designed and driven by Nigerian youths with a decade long experience of making change in their community has a vision of mobilizing 100,000 youth by 2020 who would have implemented change projects in their communities and become advocates for participatory change in Nigeria.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT MY NIGERIA:
My Nigeria challenges the myth that Nigerians are too discouraged by the failure of our leaders to get engaged in Nation building. It seeks to look beyond what we lack and develop our potential for greatness – The Nigerian youth. We dare to refocus the minds of Nigerian youth from thinking about what my country can or cannot do or provide for me to what I can do to improve the quality of life of people within my reach. This platform is built on our philosophy that true leaders are made in the fields of volunteerism and selfless community service.
JOIN THE First ONLINE FORUM from 22nd - 26th August 2011 with Fela Duruotoye, Frank Nweke (Jnr) and other inspiring young people.
10 SIMPLE STEPS TO TAKE PART IN THE MY NIGERIA ONLINE FORUM
• Visit www.my-nigeria.net/forum
• click REGISTER
• Follow all registration process.
• Enter a Username
• Enter your email address, password and click submit.
• Click “Return to the Index Page”
• Login using your Username and Password
• Click on My Nigeria Discussion Forum
• Select a topic from any of the facilitators
• Start discussing
Visit My Nigeria Blog: www.my-nigeria.net
Join the conversation on Facebook: My Nigeria (https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Nigeria/229148293763688) Follow My Nigeria on Twitter @My_Nigeria
  • My Nigeria! Its Up to Me!
    Its Y(our) Nigeria too.
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August 18, 2011

YOUths in a Global World!


by Tayo Elegbede JET


According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), more than one in every four persons in the world are youths. This apparently does not exclude Nigeria, a country that prides herself as the Giant of Africa with over seventy percent of its population as youth.

Recent and current activities around the world show that youths in the global world can do and undo especially with the power of the social media. For instance, Nigeria and Africa as a whole, witnessed for the first time in history the largest turn-out of young voters during Nigeria’s 2011 General elections. Also in Africa, countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya experienced a revolutionary change through youth mobilisation and demonstration. This however, is not limited to the black continent, as it spread across Asian and European countries.Just few days ago, London was hit by an unprecedented act of riot, looting and all sorts, with youths being the key-players of the game.

World over, the 12th of August 2011, was observed as the International Youth Day, basically to extol and reward positive youth participation in society, nation and global development. Unfortunately, my great country Nigeria celebrated the International Youth Day with the news of mass failure in the May/June 2011 WAEC Exam hence while this writer was basking in the euphoria of the celebration, questioned ‘What future does the country hold for the youths and vice versa?’

In a country where over 600,000 of the 1.4million who sat for the 2011 May/June WAEC Exam, could not make at least five distinctive credits including English and Mathematics, where Yahoo! Yahoo!, YahooPlus and other forms of cybercrimes are the order of the day, where values, honesty, dignity, intelligence, morals are not encouraged, where bad and irresponsible music, videos and reality TV shows are aired at the detriment of young minds and invariably the nation, where nude and obscene images are tagged as models, where school drop-outs can live more comfortably than a masters degree holder, where selfishness and embezzlement in politics is justified as against serving the people, where institutions and infrastructures are far from working, where unemployment has become a normal thing, where two hours of electricity supply out of twenty-four hours receives applause from helpless citizens, where the poor man has no hope of his next meal let alone tomorrow, where law makers are disconnected from their 'people' only to become money-makers and law-breakers, where there is no hope in sight of what the future holds for the Nigerian youth and vice versa. Yet they deceive us that we are the leaders of the tomorrow. But when is the tomorrow?

John wooden once said ‘Young people need models, not critics’. The older dispensation of the society has failed to show positive examples to the younger generation rather they have taken delight in portraying them as instruments of violence and societal unrest. This could be due to the many socio-economic demands of the twenty-first century which accounts for the disconnection between parents and wards, leaders and followers alike.

The challenges facing Nigeria and the world at large, can be tackled when all stakeholders in home and nation building; parents, youths, government, religious institutions, non-governmental organisations, educational bodies amongst others get together to impart and improve young minds towards a better future which starts now.

I make bold to say that if issues on youth orientation and development are not urgently addressed, the countries of the world, Nigeria inclusive will not find things easy in years to come.Proper parenting should be encouraged as against poor parenting system which leaves the child disconnected from his/her parent thus connected to a volatile society and the endless world of internet which results in misleading the child if not well controlled.Government institutions must enact and implement laws that will ensure youth development and participation, create employment opportunities and appropriate portfolios for youths and recognise noble deeds of young minds.

The society as a whole must encourage virtues of honesty, hard-work and diligence. Religious institutions should teach and instruct young minds to be responsible to themselves and the society at large.Education, both formal and informal is paramount in building a peaceful and secure society both now and in the future. Skill acquisition, vocational training backed with entrepreneurial skills will do.Above all,no individual,group,society or nation makes long lasting progress without the assitance of God. Let us always remember the God factor.

Tayo Elegbede JET is an On-Air Personality, Commonwealth Correspondent, PR Practitioner and Social Worker in Lagos-Nigeria.


 http://bit.ly/p0JxMX


http://bit.ly/r7BG7f

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July 06, 2011

Global Youth Summit 2011: Apply!


Starting now, applications are being accepted for the upcoming Global Youth Summit 2011, which will take place in the UK from 13-19 November. The call for applications is open for social entrepreneurs, community activists and volunteers aged 16-19 from around the world.

Who can apply?
  • Social entrepreneurs, community activists and volunteers aged 16-19 (on 13 November)
  • Applicants must be able to make themselves available in the UK from 13-19 November
  • They must not have taken part in any previous Global Changemakers summits
  • They must be able to communicate comfortably in English
What is required?
If I am selected, what are the costs involved?
  • The following participant costs are covered by the British Council: travel, visa fee, accommodation and meals during the summit
What is the deadline?
  • All applications (application form + video) must arrive by midnight on 24 July.

Click here for more details and the online application!

Please note that the application deadline is 24 July 2011! APPLY NOW
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Zeitgeist Young Minds Americas!


Youth engagement enterprise Livity proudly announces Young Minds, a competition supported by Google and hosted on YouTube to find the pioneers, change-makers and leaders of tomorrow to take their place alongside the greatest minds and innovators of today at Zeitgeist Americas 2011 in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

From 4th July – 25th August, the search will be on to find 12 exceptional, motivated and inspiring 18-24 year-olds from across the Americas*, who are making a positive impact on their world.

 

Young Minds is a platform to champion and celebrate young people who are doing amazing things to make the word a better place. And for the 12 winners it’s a chance to begin an amazing journey where they will be inspired and will inspire many more.

Winners will be invited to attend Googleʼs annual and exclusive two-day Zeitgeist event, where previous speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US President Bill Clinton, Black Eyed Peas superstar Will.I.Am and Queen Rania of Jordan. Once there they will also take part in a series of bespoke master classes hosted by Google.

Dennis Woodside, Senior Vice President, Americas Operations,
Google commented, “Google has always championed innovation and is
proud to help young people showcase their ideas and achievements.
Zeitgeist Young Minds is an incredible platform for future
world-changers to meet some of the most powerful and inspiring people
on the planet today

To be in with a chance of winning a place at Zeitgeist Americas 2011, simply upload a video telling us how you are making a positive impact on the world to www.zeitgeistyoungminds.com
-Ends-
For more information, interviews and images please contact Oyin Akiniyi on 0207 326 5979 or at oyin@livity.co.uk



Win the chance to attend this year’s Google Zeitgeist Americas 2011 and meet some of the  world’s most powerful players and greatest minds. Winners will also take part in a series of bespoke master classes hosted by Google at Zeitgeist  Americas 2011. 
To be in with a chance of winning, simply upload a one-minute video telling us how you are  making an impact in the world.
Zeitgeist Young Minds is a truly amazing experience.
In May 2011, Grace Ihejiamaizu from Nigeria was selected as one of Google's 12 Young Minds, who were the first young people to ever attend the Zeitgeist event. According to Grace, "Zeitgeist 2011 was an inspiration. The experience was amazing and the networking platform it provided was awesome!" As a Young Minds Ambassador, she is not only inspired to continue her work with RYPE, she aims to do more and impact the lives of many young people in Nigeria.
Check out pictures from this year's Zeitgeist Young Minds at London in May 2011. Watch her winning Video entry here http://young-minds.appspot.com/video/isCwLkZbQ2w! Upload yours Now!






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Think about this... by Mfon Iso



As seconds kiss minutes,
Days dance with the sun,
we dance with time
and slip out of our hands.
As times flies by,
we look into the mirror
And changes kiss us in the face,
As months marry years,
Can we smile at the things we have done.

When the memories come flooding in,
like waves in the sea,
Will tears of regret
of the things said and done 
kiss our hearts.
As time flies by,
What will be our story..........
What will be our song........


Read more from Cedars of Passion and join on facebook
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June 18, 2011

Ideotrophy Business Challenge!


Unilever Nigeria IdeaTrophy
Are you 18-24? An undergraduate or post-graduate student? Have an idea? Then take up this challenge and your team could win an all expense trip to Unilever Global Office (UK) or (Singapore) + fantastic prizes such as Ipads, Laptops and Blackberries!

Ideatrophy is a Unilever on-campus youth development initiative designed to create an "out-of-the-classroom" learning experience that focuses on the development of personal and entrepreneurial competencies amongst Nigerian undergraduates.
It is a challenging and creative experience, where students from different universities figure out how business works in real life while developing their own skills and competencies. This is where university students figure out how business works in real life.
It's definitely not a game! It's too real to be a game!


Unilever in partnership with SIFE Nigeria is looking for creative students, who can think out-of-the-box, be assertive, motivated to be a team player, who are committed to have 100% RCF (Real / Cool / Fun) experience. If you can find 2 more friends who also have a strive to succeed then join the competition!!
  • This is where university students figure out how business works in real life.
  • A competition open to students across all levels and all majors from participating universities
  • Personal development, Different perspective, Unique experience, Preparation for business life FOR STUDENTS
  • A unique Ideatrophy CAMP experience for top teams
Have an Idea? Want to take up the challenge?
Click to ENTER THE CHALLENGE Now!

Click to read the Official Rules
Click here to learn more about the awards
Click here for more information!


Best Luck!
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May 12, 2011

Google's Zeitgeist Young Minds 2011 Winners


Google and the Zeitgeist team are gearing up for its annual Zeitgeist event in few days. They are proud to announce this year's Zeitgeist Young Minds Ambassadors who will take their place alongside the Greatest Minds and innovators of today at Zeitgeist 2011, including the world-renowned physicist and cosmologist, Prof. Stephen Hawking. Previous speakers have included the Arch-Bishop Desmond Tutu, Superstar 'Will I Am' and global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.

The competition was to find 12 exceptional, motivated and inspiring young adults from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa; who are making a positive impact in their worlds. Those 12 individuals have been found and selected.
They are:

Brian Magwaro Mogaka

Inspired by how the youth were living and surviving in the slums of Kenya, Brian founded a youth led organization which helps young people from the slums make a better life for themselves through activities and work.


Grace Ihejiamaizu

A passionate and committed graduate who is helping young people develop their leadership and entrepreneurship skills towards nation building, through her RYPE Project (Raising Young and Productive Entrepreneurs), an after-school youth development program.

Michael Mulunga

After observing the poor conditions that the youth in Namibia lived with, Michael decided to work youths from one of the poorest communities in his region to start a poultry project as part of them generating an income for themselves.

Karabo Thosa

Passionate audio and film student Karabo, along with her friend Taleni, have worked together to set up a community development programme for the children in South Africa.

Paul “Slim” Banda

An active Aids activist born HIV positive. Paul aims to empower other young people in Africa with HIV and help them to fight the stigma attached with their HIV status through his music and constant dialogue.

Orly Keit Setton

As a young, dedicated and passionate South African, Orli has set up ‘Re.think Leadership’ which aims to promote dialogue across boundaries existing in contemporary South African society and encourage youth leadership.

Matheus Zancul Ortega

Inspired to act after the terrible earthquake in Haiti, Matheus set up the Haiti Music School, to shine a positive, human light on the people of Haiti. Matheus believes in using the arts and creativity to make a positive impact and believes that love and initiative is enough to change the world.

Phofane Ludwick Marishane

A budding entrepreneur with a passion for learning and mentoring who also invented the worlds first and only bath substituting lotion ‘DryBath™ Gel’ aimed at providing an alternative to conventional baths which saves lives and water.

Richard Serunjogi

Richard heads up Policy for the Spirit of London Awards Foundation and is an Article 12 Advisor for UNICEF UK, he is also part of the UK Youth Parliament and campaigns hard for the rights of young people.

Sadiq Miah

The Founding Director of Future Voices International, a youth communication media school that works around the world. Sadiq aims to improve social cohesion through expressive media in segregated communities in Latin America.

Sebastian Thiel

As one of the UK’s most promising young entrepreneurs, Sebastian set up ‘Its Upshot’ a fashion and entertainment brand aimed at young people. ‘Its Upshot’ is about aiming high and standing tall despite hurdles and obstacles placed in front of you.


Anna Debenham

Appalled by the lack of education and decent advice out there for students wanting a career in web design or development, freelance web developer Anna set up http://scrunchup.com with the aims to improve IT education in the UK.

These winners will attend Zeitgeist 2011 from 15th to 17th May, just outside London, where they will take part in a series of bespoke master classes hosted by Google and get their hands on the latest Google gadget.
Some of them will even get the opportunity to address the audience at the prestigious event, where previous speakers have included Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former US President Bill Clinton, Black Eyed Peas superstar Will.I.Am and global entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson.


About Livity
Livity is a socially responsible youth communications agency. We work with young people every day to co-create campaigns, content and communities. Our clients, including Google, Coca Cola, Sony PlayStation, NSPCC, BBC Three, O2 and Channel 4, get uniquely deep youth insights and a precious pool of young talent, energy and ideas. Our young people get training, equipment, support and opportunities to build brighter futures.
About Zeitgeist
Zeitgeist is Google’s annual European partner forum held just outside London, currently in its 6th year, bringing together around 400 business and thought leaders from across Europe. Highlights from last year’s event can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/user/eurozeitgeist
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May 10, 2011

Changemakers' Contest




Are you a change maker? Do you have a project that can create economic opportunities for others?

Here is an opportunity for you to Enter the Changemakers Challenge and win $50,000 in cash prize.

The eBay Foundation and Ashoka’s Changemakers have launched an online competition to find the world’s most innovative market-based solutions that create economic opportunity and generate employment for disadvantaged populations. They are looking for the most innovative market-based solutions that create economic opportunity and generate employment for disadvantaged populations.

Submit your solutions, or nominate a project to create tomorrow’s job markets today.
Five winners will each receive a cash prize of US $50,000.

Deadline: 15th June 2011

Click to enter the competition
Click here to learn TIPS ON CREATING A BETTER ENTRY

Best!
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April 24, 2011

Your Inspiring story - International Essay Contest. Apply now!


Are you a changemaker, aged 15 - 25years? Are you doing something to solve a problem in your community?


What fired you up to start what you are doing today? Great question right?


Here's a chance for you to share with the world your truly inspiring story in 800 words and you could just be the one to win up to $1,200 and a trip to Japan! 


The Goi Peace Foundation and UNESCO are sponsoring an essay contest called "My story of 
inspiration."  They want to know YOUR story of inspiration - what's driven you to make a change in the world.  Submit your essay and you could win a trip to Japan this fall!


Deadline: June 30, 2011


Click here or the image above to read more.
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