Some US Government Exchange Alumni have stated their determination to continue to inform and educate youths in Delta State and Nigeria at large, on how to emerge leaders and change the society rather than just waiting on the government.
The alumni, who spoke at the recent ‘Face to Face Workshop’, a programme organised by the Young African Leaders Initiatives (YALI), Delta State Network, in Asaba, the state capital, said things can only be better when youths begin to see themselves as change agents that have solutions to their families, communities, state and the nation.
They also emphasised that the youth can leverage the various programmes offered by the United States (US) Exchange Programmes in Nigeria as platform to impact the society.
Daniel Ben-Anazia, one of the Alumni who is also the present coordinator of YALI Network in Delta State, stated the benefits of the group in a paper presentation highlighting the various programmes and opportunities.
“You don’t need to depend on government alone because several opportunities abound to help you amplify your contribution to societal challenges and US Exchange Programmes in Nigeria is one of them,” he said.
He expressed worry that youths in the state were not accessing the programmes.
“I want them to key into the programmes and become proactive changemakers with solutions rather than solely criticising and depending on the government as most of them do today,” he said.
According to him, “At the heart of my message is that young persons should be willing to take control of their environment to solve some of the challenges confronting them.”
He also said that adapting the words of John Kennedy, America’s 35th President, “It is not only about what the country (society) can do for you but what you can do for your community. Let’s contribute to making our society a better place.
“There are about 16 Exchange Programmes that cut across the different categories including for those in Secondary School but the major ones we are advancing is the YALI training programme, comprising the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the RLC,” noting that for one to qualify, one must be willing to solve societal challenges.
“There is the Emerging Leaders Programme done in Accra, Ghana and then, there is the YALI Online Course. They need to visit the website to take the free online courses to develop their leadership skills.
“There are so many courses cutting across Entrepreneurship, Public Private Partnership, Climate Change all of which they can leverage to develop their leadership skills and better the society,” he said.
Franca Atang, a pioneer member and former exco of the network in Delta State, in her contribution, recalled how their advocacy on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change, contributed in the positive action that has brought about a cleaner, healthier and more organised Delta State.
“We all should be part of leadership. We are Nigerians and Africans. So, we have what it takes to contribute to leadership at every level.
“We should see ourselves as having something to contribute. You are a young person and now God gives you the platform to make impact around Nigeria and Africa.
“So, at the level where you are faithful, contribute your own quota by saying to yourself – I’m a leader and I can do something. And then, God will promote you.
“My message to Delta and Nigerian youths is this: You are who God says you are. You have so much to contribute to your society – family, community, state and nation. Some are confused over what they can contribute. I advise them to break out of that mud. Whether you are a woman or youth, try to break out and reach out by contributing your quota.
“As an example, I am privileged to be a leader and also a follower. I can sit with young people and listen because I believe everybody has something to say whether young or baby, you can learn some new things.
“I work with youth, women. My Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) empowers women. We collaborate with other organisations. I’m an author. In the YALI Network, some persons are doing amazing things and we want more young persons to join,” she said.
Francis Emordi, one of the alumni, and past coordinator of YALI Delta Network, observed that some of the youths in Delta State were shying away from developmental activities.
“From my experience, I discovered that one of the greatest challenges we have is that young persons do not have passion for developmental activities.
“When we try to get them involved, it looks too difficult. That is why YALI tries to play a role here, because we try to get them know the benefits to engage in civil works. It is like providing solutions for your community, to get good life for the next person. That’s all about the platform.
“For me, personally, I feel that people are not taking advantage of great opportunities available to them in the developmental world.
More information would be given out there for young people to be informed and to know that the greatest impact anyone can give in this world is to impact another life.
“Every situation comes with a benefit. So, you must benefit when you sacrifice first and that sacrifice is in getting involved in the work,” Emordi advised.
Testimony Asiagwu, Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni, urged youths to try to discover some of the opportunities through the YALI website and social media.
He wants Delta youths especially, to be enthusiastic about the programmes and opportunities and be desirous of information that would enable them benefit for the good of all.
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