By Adeyinka Adeniran
Gender Alive Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that transform children intellectually and motivates them for the future ahead has hosted a four day International leadership Academy for pre- teen and teenagers around the globe.
The International leadership Academy with the theme “I Can” availed participants opportunity for personal development as well as equipping their leadership potentials.
The 4 day program which held between 16th – 20th, August also featured learning new skills,through various activities such as mentioning, practical and interactive session.
One of the speakers, Dr Kunle Awotiku, CEO of UNIPLAN Intergrated Services Limited, stated that career building requires attention to goals and to all that occurs on the journey towards achieving these goals.
He advised teens to stay focus and continue with their career journeys shunning distraction of all kinds.
On legal talk, Barrister Foluso Olapo described illegal activities as action carried out for unlawful purposes which is not limited to certain behavior like substance use, assault, getting into fight with violence, to mention a few.
He noted that the consequences of illegal activities can make teens career aspiration suffer and sometimes make them lose educational opportunities.
Barrister Olapo charged the participants to stay out of trouble, as being involved with risky situations can easily become a habit.
The Nigeria Red Cross trained the participant on skills for first aid and how to save life, NDLEA spoke on the need to stay out drug abuse and other substances that is dangerous to their development.
The representative of CCPRH, Mrs Tolu Babawarun, educated the teenagers on sexuality education, while Ambassador Adebobola Agbeja spoke on puberty and adolescent.
A team from Eleta Eye institute, educated the participants on the care of their eyes, while they all ran eye tests and recommended the use of corrective eye glasses for them.
Other facilitators, were Educastle educational institute, Lagos among others
Gender Alive Foundation Executive Director, Comrade and Jadesola Ajibola in her speech during the close out ceremony appreciated all the participants who performed excellent in their various ways and showcased their talents in diverse ways.
Mrs Ajibola urged parents to put in their best by supporting their children and giving them listening hears and encouraging them in their chosen career.
Eminent personalities were inducted as Patrons and Matrons, the Board Chairperson of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo state, Elder Michael & Mrs Atinuke Bakare of King of Kings Faith sanctuary, Mr Badejo Gbolahan, MD/CEO of FortMG, Mr Stella Akinso an advocate of Safe motherhood, maternal and infant.
Other awardees were, the MD, Star Enzymes, Mrs Olufadek Omo-Omorodion, Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi, the Director, Institute of Church and society, Rev. Dr (Mrs) Adenike Victor-Tade, Ms Akala Abiodun, women Advocate, in the US. Barrister Foluso Olapo, a relationship advisor, Educastle educational institute, Mr Timilehin Lawal, Mr Eniola Olamide, a researcher at TULANE University, USA, for their numerous contributions towards the development of women and children as well as the society at large.
