ARLFoundation Partners GOLI (USA) for Children's Day

African Resourceful Leaders Foundation (Nigeria) in partnership with Gift of Life International (USA) is hosting a Children's Day outreach project tagged "Celebrating Leaders of Today" on Sunday, 25th May 2014 at The Home of Destitutes, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

ARLFoundation and GOLI share a common believe that every child deserves to be cared for, empowered and protected. Therefore, the duo takes a STAND TOGETHER and invite everyone who cares about the child to TAKE A STAND WITH US as we REKINDLE THE FIRE OF HOPE and SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGED in the society.

You can pledge your support in form of partnership, volunteer effort and/or by donating educational materials, toiletries, clothing, food stuffs (cooked or raw), cake, etc.

To make financial donations, kindly pay to;
Account Name: African Resourceful Leaders Foundation
Account Number: 0109487970
Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).

For enquiries, send us an email at:
arlfoundation@gmail.com or call 08066393577 (Jamiu), 08027701092 (Ebenezer) or 08024552737 (Ezekiel).

You can also follow us via:
Website: www.ARLFoundation.blog.com
Twitter: @ARLFoundation, @gent2smile and @jomoluv12

ACTivate Conference 2013

ACTivate that IDEA with a STRATEGY that works. Join the gathering of Nigeria's best and brightest mind at the ACTivate Conference 2013.

Now is the time for young people to break free from inertia and set their ideas rolling with failure-proof strategies.

Theme:
IDEA plus STRATEGY

Date:
Saturday, 16th November 2013.

Time:
10am - 2pm (New Nigerian Time)

Venue:
RCCG Light House Parish, 20 Konu Road, Oke-oko Isawo Last Bus-stop, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Facilitators:
* Akinrinade Ezekiel (COO, Y.E Company; Project Director, International Youth Council, Lagos Chapter)
* Owoicho David (President, Renewer Mind International)
* Lasisi 'Bosun (PR & IT Specialist, ProTech Global Services & Communications; Convener, I.N.V.E.N.T Conference)

Powered by:
Y.E Company

Program Partners:
* African Resourceful Leaders Foundation
* International Youth Council, Lagos Chapter
* RCCG Light House Parish
* Agent of Change Initiative
* Olatunji Nas Event Planner
* ProTech Global Services
* Green Waste Care

For enquiries:
Ebenezer - 08027701092
Ezekiel - 08024552737
consultye@gmail.com

Follow Twitter update:
@gent2smile

Follow Twitter hashtag:
#ACTivateLagos

EVERY CHILD HAS A VOICE

As an introverted child I remembered my parents, older siblings and friends assumed too many times about what I wanted. Being that I was very shy, quiet and not use to saying so much made it more difficult for me to air my own opinion or win conversation even when my point is more valid than that of others. Nobody really cared to hear me out and that was really frustrating and annoying. I didn't like it a bit but still I felt helpless not knowing what exactly to do for the situation to turn around.

There are times I cry all alone in my closet, feeling ashamed of my inability and lack of courage to express myself. For more than two decades of my life many more people took me for granted, decided for me and assumed a lot of things without giving me any chance to really express my own views or feelings.

But somewhere along the line after attending several seminars and workshops, and reading a lot of books on the subject, I began to speak up for myself. At first, it wasn't easy, but the more I practiced and display courage in my conversation with others, people began to respect my opinions, views and ideas. It was a big breakthrough for me, as if I was released from the prison yard of imposition and forceful silence. I gained my own freedom, my human right privilege to speak and be listen to.

Today, I see many children like me around suffering in silence because no-one really cares to hear them out, most especially the adults. Most adults, including parents, believes that children don't have a say and should be decided for on what to do and what not to do. This is totally wrong and unfair.

In my opinion, I believe every person regardless of age, sex or social status have a voice that needs to be heard. Denying children the right to speak is against their human rights and the earlier we empower them to use their voice the better for us.

In fact, I believe most of the world's greatest challenges will be half-solved if only we can learn to listen to these innocent voices. Ideas and innovation does not only emerge from older people, children can also be inspired to create something new too.

I have been through that road of shyness, silence and intimidation before, and I cannot watch another generation of innocent, innovative and inspired voices to be forced through the same path. Never! Not in my lifetime.

Every child has a  voice and now is the time to give them the courage, guidance and platform to express their hidden talents.
I stand as a child advocate, speaking for as many children whose voices are yet to be heard.

Written & Authored by:
~ Ebenezer O. Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
Social Worker| Writer| Social Media Strategist
+2348027701092
Twitter: @gent2smile and @ARLFoundation



*******ANNOUNCEMENT*******
REGISTER your child (8-16years) for "SCRIBES AND ORATORS 2013", a one-week Creative Writing and Public Speaking Workshop coming up in December. The event is powered by Brainy Educare Services.
For enquiries and registration details, contact:
08102040382, 07089793568, 08036966461
brainyeducare@gmail.com
info@brainyeducare.org

International Youth Day 2013 in Lagos

In recognition of youths as change agents and active stakeholders in the discourse for a better world through the actualization of the Millennium Development Goals, the African Resourceful Leaders Foundation (ARLFoundation) will be hosting a Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in Lagos-Nigeria with representatives of youth-led organizations to commemorate and discuss the theme of the United Nations International Youth Day 2013.
This special event is proudly supported by Nigeria Today Newspaper as the official media partner.

Theme:
"Youth Migration: moving development forward"

Date:
Saturday, 17th August, 2013.

Venue:
Plot 406, Adeniyi Jones Avenue,
Vulcanizer Bus stop, Ikeja,
Lagos, Nigeria.

Time:
10am - 2pm (GMT +01)

Enquiries / Partnership / Sponsorship:
+2348066393577 (Jamiu), +2348027701092 (Ebenezer)
arlfoundation@gmail.com

Social Connect:
Tweet @ARLFoundation, @gent2smile, @jomoluv12

Blog:
http://ARLFoundation.blog.com
http://gent2smile.blogspot.com

SUMMER CAMP NIGERIA: Call for Volunteers

Summer Camp Nigeria 2013 is an amazing two-week holiday training program organized by Brainy Educare Services for teens and preteens (8-16years old) from within and outside Nigeria. The program is set to run from August 11^th to 25^th, 2013 and will feature programs like skill acquisition, character building among other fun activities that can inspire learning.
One of the major goals that Brainy Educare hopes to achieve with the camp is to teach the kids things that they ordinarily won’t learn in school. Hence, they see the need to partner with skilled professionals who can volunteer to teach and impact kids with basic knowledge during the camping event.

The organizer of the Summer Camp Nigeria 2013 has therefore opened its door to invite interested volunteers in the following areas:
1) Language Tutor for oral and written Spanish, French or Chinese.
2) Vocational Skills: Bag Making (using fabric), Bead making/Wire works, Painting/drawing, Cooking, Computer Programming, Tailoring, Music, Drama, Graphic Designs, etc.
3) Self-Defense and Safety Culture.
4) Social etiquette
5) Sports / Fitness Director (to oversee morning aerobics and other sporting activities).

Apart from the Self Defense class which would require the facilitator to come for a maximum of two times, most of the activities mentioned above would require other major volunteer facilitators to come to the camp regularly.
Other activities that will feature once on the time table are:
 
a) MY NIGERIA: The aim of this session is to educate the kids more about Nigeria, giving them the opportunity to know about other aspects of the country (e.g. the various ethnic groups, culture and languages in Nigeria, so they do not think that the country is made up of only Yorubas, Igbos and Hausas).

b) TODAY’S ICON: This is a special hangout session where the kids interact and play with famous and positive role models with proven track records (e.g. Writers, On-Air-Personalities, Business Mogul, Entertainment Veterans, etc.).
Above all, Brainy Educare is only requesting for committed volunteer facilitators who are skilled, patient and can work well with kids.

To volunteer, send the following on / before July 25^th, 2013:
1. Your short profile.
2. Area of interest (from the list provided above).
3. Recent picture
Send the details to info@summercampnigeria.com with the email subject heading “Summer Camp Volunteer”
Please note that only selected volunteers will be contacted.

For more information, partnership or sponsorship
Visit – http://www.summercampnigeria.com; http://www.brainyeducare.com
Call – 08102040382 (Kunbi) or 08179648240 (Abdulrahman)
Twitter: @BrainyEducare1
Facebook Page: Brainy Educare

INVENT 2013 - Leadership Summit

Elderberry Integrated Resources Limited has unveiled this year’s edition of the annual I.N.V.E.N.T Leadership Summit and Mentorship Programme.

I.N.V.E.N.T is anacronym for Inspiring Nigeria’s Vanguard of Exceptionally Noble Talents.

The event will bring together high level professionals as facilitators and mentors; pupils from more than thirty (30) public and private schools across Lagos State; as well as teachers, school counselors and parents of participants.

All student participants will be paired with a mentor under a monitored process for a three (3) month period.  The overarching focus of the event is to set in motion the wheel for grooming the next generation of Nigeria’s visionary leaders.

Details of Event
Date: Friday, 31st of May, 2013
Venue: De-Hall Event Centre, 131, ObafemiAwolowo Way, Ikeja Lagos
Time: 11am - 2pm.

For participation & sponsorship, contact:

Olatunbosun Lasisi
(PR / Media Executive)
08024273381
info@elderberryworld.com
www.elderberryworld.com

Youth Leadership Training 2013

The Youth Leadership Training 2013 is a capacity building conference organized by Life Care Outreach (LICO) for Youth Leaders and Secondary School Prefects in Aba, Abia State.

Theme: "Raising Youth Leaders with Difference"

Date: Friday, 24th May, 2013

Venue: Nwaniegbo Complex, CKC Bus-stop, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

Facilitators:
Kingsley Bangwell, Sam Nduka, Ebenezer Kalu, Richie Felix, Ruth-Oyediya Kalu, Ebenezer Akinrinade and others.

Special Feature:
The participants will be watching the advocacy video, "Project 15 Video" produced by ARLFoundation

Program partners:
Youngstars Foundation, CLEEN Foundation and African Resourceful Leaders Foundation.

MAY - Miracles Awaits You

Awake, dear dreamer.
A new day has dawn
For you may make real
All that your heart ever dreamed.

Awake, you visionary.
The hour of manifestation is here,
For those things which are yet unseen
To become tangible before all eyes.

Awake, you doubters and skeptics.
Come out of your blindness into the light
To behold the possibilities that awaits you
And those who truly believes.

Awake, you dreamers,
Hurry up the home of the visionaries
And call together the skeptics and doubters
That you all may go to the place where Miracles Awaits You!

Welcome to the month of MAY.

Written & Authored by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
Tel: 08027701092
Email: gent2poetry@gmail.com
Twitter: @gent2smile

Inspired by: David Charima

VOLUNTEER: World Record Breaking Event in Lagos

The Lagos World Record Toothbrushing Challenge is an oral health promotions project designed for adolescents in schools in Lagos Nigeria towards improving the oral health literacy and setting a new world record for the number of people
toothbrushing simultaneously at multiple locations.

Are you a professional or a passionate individual who desires to cause a positive change in the society? If your answer is YES, then here comes a big opportunity for you to be a part of a world record breaking event. There is an ongoing recruitment of volunteers for a public oral health project directed at adolescents and culminating in a World Record Attempt taking place simultaneously at over 300 locations in Lagos on May 23, 2013.

Based on the nature of the project, over 3,000 volunteers would be needed to facilitate planning and implementation of the project. This presents an opportunity for volunteers to either put to use and/or gain invaluable project management experience, especially since the project is set to break a world record.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A CHARITABLE
SERVICE ATTRACTING NO SERVICE CHARGE
FROM THE ORGANIZATION OR VOLUNTEERS.

Kindly review the different roles and duties as given us by the organization below.

WORKING HOURS PER WEEK: 4-6 hours

DESCRIPTION OF ROLES

Logistics Team : The logistics team is
responsible for the co-ordination of onsite
logistics (Venue & Core team Co-ordination,
Internal Planning, Partner Sessions, Reception & Registration process), and logistics (onsite/off-site operations) teams.

1. Assistance to the Head of the Delegate
Servicing (DS) team in logistical management to promote synergy & planning of the events.
2. Coordinate the overall transport plan,
including management and communication with the transport companies
3. Assistance with Pre-Event Networking & Press Conferences.
4. On-site Logistics (Venue & Core team, internal planning, breakaway rooms, partner sessions).
5. Coordination of the on-site Human Resources (HR) Team (HR Planning & Resource Allocation) and Delegate Servicing Team.
6. Team reception & registration & logistical
management of on-site operations teams.

Ideal Skills/Profile of the Logistics team
members
a. Excellent interpersonal & team management skills
b. Strong ability to multi task
c. Excellent planning/execution skills and
solution oriented attitude
d. A strong and diverse background in
communication

External Relations (ER) Team : The ER team is responsible for fundraising and finding in-kind partnerships to meet the budget for the Lagos world record project.

Duties of the ER team before and during the world record attempt:
1. Partnership management (Delivery/Servicing, Partnership Enhancement & Communication).
2. Coordinate with the onsite ER team during
the event and responsible for on-site
coordination of externals.
3. Follow-up with Partners/Sponsors & Patrons post-world record attempt day.
4. Assist in production and design of project-
related publications (Brochures, Website, and
Merchandise).
5. Coordination of keynote speakers, government officials and other dignitaries attending the opening ceremony.

Ideal Skills/Profile of the External Relations
Team members:
a) Strong fundraising background and related
competencies (selling and partnership
management)
b) A working style that is goal-oriented.
c) A high level of awareness of the external
environment in general, and of the Indian
Industry in particular.
d) Excellent communication skills
e) Excellent Presentation skills

Communications Team : This team is responsible for the overall communication details of the project as well as development of key messages for all audiences to
communicate the project’s core brand identity.

The duties of this team are:
1. Oversee the writing of press releases, copy for marketing materials, project reports,
advertisements, and other related material.
2. Manage media relations, research editorial
opportunities and build relationships with key industry media players.
3. Work closely with the web manager to ensure messaging is consistent with overall marketing and communication of objectives before and after the World Record Attempt.
4. Lead agencies and internal team members,
where appropriate, to execute all communication activities and Public Relations (marketing materials, advertising, client communications, direct mail, marketing campaigns, press releases,
content for trade publications, etc.).
5. Overall responsibility for social media
marketing.
6. Perform related work as required.

Ideal Skills/Profile for Communications Team :
a. PR / Media / Journalism / Advertising backgrounds would be preferred.
b. Excellent English language skills and creative writing skills.
c. Very good understanding of Web 2.0 and
social media tools.
d. A basic awareness of the Media & Public
Relations environment.
e. Basic knowledge of graphics software like
Adobe Photoshop/Corel Draw, HTML editors like MS FrontPage.

Delegate servicing team : The delegate servicing team is responsible for the communication with delegates/stakeholders attending the world record event on the 23rd of May, 2013.

The duties of this team:
1. Ensuring that each delegate goes back with a WOW! Experience.
2. Ensure all systems are in place for delegates’ needs during the world record event- health, personal, safety etc.
3. Maintain delegate help desk during the world record event, provide assistance to delegates, being aware of all relevant information.
4. Develop reception systems and work closely with the Head of logistics.
5. Overall responsibility for all immigration
related support for international delegates
(Guinness World Record team from the UK)
attending the event.

Ideal Skills/Profile for Delegate Servicing Team:
a. Excellent inter-personal & team management skills.
b. Strong ability to multi-task.
c. Excellent planning and execution skills,
solution oriented attitude.
d. Excellent relationship management skills.
e. Excellent communication skills

Information Systems (IS) Team : The IS team is responsible for the overall Information Systems that will power the operations of specifics during the World Record event.

The duties of the IS team:
a. Development & Maintenance of the project
website.
b. Development of the event registration
database.
c. Planning, developing and implementing the IS budget, obtaining competitive prices from suppliers where appropriate, to ensure cost effectiveness.
d. Researching and installing new systems.
e. Ensuring the smooth running of all IS systems
f. Managing crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware or software problems.
g. Ensuring the security of data from internal
and external attack and core teams office IS
administration.
h. End-to-End IS planning for the conference.
i. Overall responsibility for taking the World
Record event LIVE!

Ideal Skills/Profile of Information Systems
team members:
** Strong background & experience in:
a. Web-development
b. Networking Technology
c. Database Management Software (Oracle/SQL/Lotus Notes)
d. Advanced PC/Internet User Skills
e. Operating Systems (Win7/8, X Windows, Unix/Linux OS, Mac OS)

THE PROJECT ORGANISERS HAVE AN INCENTIVE PACKAGE FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO PARTICIPATE.

HOW TO APPLY:
To fill the volunteer form, click on the link NaijaVolunteers  Registration Form

Official Website:
Lagos World Record Toothbrushing Challenge

Official Contact
** Lagos Island
Iga Iduganran PHC, Lagos Island, Lagos

** Surulere
58B Itolo Street, Off Eric Moore, Surulere, Lagos

+234 806 096 9057
lagos@toothbrushingchallenge.org

Volunteer Recruitement / Form Enabler
Volunteer In Nigeria
Website: http://volunteerinnigeria.wordpress.com
Twitter: @NaijaVolunteers

Information source credit:
http://volunteerinnigeria.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/worldrecordevent/

International Youth Conferences 2013

1.) The Youth Assembly at the United Nations

Location: United Nations New-York Office, USA
Date: August 7-9, 2013
Details of event: This two-day conference will feature panels and  workshops bringing United Nations officials, non-profit leaders, and other exciting guests together with over 500 youth delegates from around the world. The IYC is the official alumni organization of The Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations and looks forward to growing with every event.
Website: http://faf.org/main/youth-assembly-at-the-un/

2.) 19th Annual International Development Conference

Location: Harvard Kenndy School of Government
Date: April 12-13, 2013
Details of event: The International Development Conference at Harvard Kennedy School of Government is a yearly student-organized, student-run conference dedicated to fostering a constructive dialogue between leading academics, practitioners, policy makers and students concerned with creating a better world. The Conference is hosted at the Kennedy School and is a joint effort between students at Harvard and Carnegie Mel­lon University.
Website: http://harvardidc.com

3.) Annual ADB Summit Delhi 2013

Location: Delhi, India
Date: 2-5 May, 2013
Details of event: Asian Development Bank (ADB) holds an Annual Meeting (AM) of its Member Countries around the first Sunday of May every year. This is normally a four day event comprising seminars, workshops and two days of formal meetings attended by Finance Ministers / their representatives of 67 Member Countries. A large gathering of approximately 4000 people including delegates from different countries, economists, investment bankers, corporate leaders, Nobel laureates, Civil Society, media etc. participate in the event. India would be hosting the AM of ADB in Delhi from 2nd to 5th May 2013.
Website: http://www.adbdelhi2013.gov.in/

4.) WSIS Forum 2013 (World Summit on the Information Society)

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Date: May 13-17, 2013
Details of event: ITU, UNESCO, UNCTAD and UNDP welcome all WSIS Stakeholders to the WSIS Forum 2013. WSIS Forum 2013 will be held from 13 to 17 May 2013 and will provide structured opportunities to network, learn and to participate in multi-stakeholder discussions and consultations on WSIS implementation. This event builds upon the tradition of annual WSIS May meetings, and its new format is the result of open consultations with all WSIS Stakeholders.
Website: www.wsis.org/forum

5.) World Political Forum

Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Date: June, 2013
Details of event: World Political Forum is a debate platform that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats everybody regardless of their position equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's world, many ideas are split between and even within all the communities.We are here to discuss them in a civil debate.
Website: http://www.worldpoliticalforum.net

6.) Global Youth Leadership Summit

Location: University of California, San Diego
Date: 8-13 July, 2013
Details of event: The Anthony Robbins Foundation Global Youth Leadership Summit is a five-day program that provides participants (ages 14 to 17)  with an environment designed to boost them into leadership roles that will change their lives and communities. Global Youth Leadership Summit's format includes small group discussions, hands-on service learning experiences, leadership simulation games and exercises designed to enable summit participants to identify their own particular leadership strengths.
Website: http://www.anthonyrobbinsfoundation.org/arf/youth_discov.php

7.) United Nations International Student Conference (UNISCA)

Location: Amsterdam, Denmark
Date: July 15th-26th, 2013
Details of event: UNISCA is a Model United Nations (MUN) organised by the University of Amsterdam. It is a program which consists of a two week long Summer Academy, in which a simulation of an United Nations Conference takes place.
Website: http://www.unisca.org/

8.) Seliger  International Youth Forum

Location: Russia
Date: 21-28 July, 2013
Details of event: The main goal of the Forum is to build international youth community based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, personal and democratic liberties promotion and cultural diversity recognition.
Website: http://www.interseliger.com

9.) 8th UNESCO Youth Forum

Location : Paris, France
Date : July 22-28, 2013
Details of event: The UNESCO Youth Forum, an integral part of UNESCO's General Conference, brings together young delegates from all over the world to exchange views, share experiences, reflect together and, above all, detect common preoccupations and problems. The event allows young people to voice their ideas and concerns and make suggestions directly to the UNESCO General Conference.
Website: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/unesco-house/?tx_browser_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=7478&cHash=43bac9b44e

10.) The South American Business Forum

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Date : August 9-11, 2013
Details of Program : The South American Business Forum is an international conference organized by and for university students. It takes place in Buenos Aires and its objective is to encourage 100 leaders of tomorrow's world to think about current affairs and to come up with solutions for today's problems.
Website: http://www.sabf.org.ar

11.) World Water Week

Location: Stockholm
Date: September 1-6, 2013
Details of event: Each year the World Water Week addresses a particular theme to enable a deeper examination of a specific water-related topic. While not all events during the week relate to the overall theme, the workshops driven by the Scientific Programme Committee and many seminars and side events do focus on various aspects of the theme. 2013 theme is Water Cooperation - building partnerships.
Website: http://www.worldwaterweek.org/

12.) Conference on Trafficking of Young Women and Children

Location: Doha, Qatar
Date : 3-7 September, 2013
Details of Program : International Conference on Trafficking of young women and children is organised by the World Youth Foundation (“an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations”), in co-operation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Ministry of Home Affairs Malaysia, National Commission for UNESCO Malaysia, State Government of Melaka, Nilai University and various other agencies. The International Conference is tentatively scheduled to be held on 3rd – 7th September 2013 at Melaka, Malaysia.
Website: http://humantrafficking.wyf.org.my

13.) Social Good Summit

Location: New York City, United States
Date: September 16-19, 2013
Details of event: The Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders to discuss a big idea: the power of innovative thinking and technology to solve our greatest challenges. It ignites conversations between a live audience in New York City and thousands around the world participating via YouTube.
Website: http://mashable.com/sgs/

14.) One Young World Summit

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 2-5 October 2013
Details of event: One Young World delegates are 18-30 years old and have demonstrated their leadership potential. Many have already had an impact in their home countries on a range of issues, including the role of business in society, transparency in business and government, the impact of climate change and global health and hunger relief.
Website: http://www.oneyoungworld.com

15.) 6th Middle East Youth Leadership Jam

Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
Date: 4-11 October, 2013
Details of event: This Jam will connect 30 diverse, engaged and committed leaders from around the region, for a week of deep listening, sharing, self-discovery, systemic inquiry and community building.  It will take place from October 4-11, 2013, in the spectacular Wadi Rum desert in Jordan.
Website: http://www.yesworld.org/connect/jams/middleeastjam201/

16.) Mauritius International Youth Forum

Location: Republic of Mauritius
Date: 11-18 October, 2013
Details of event: The goal of this forum is to promote collaborative actions which will enable future leaders to cope with the challenges they may encounter in any of the scopes, and generate a change in any of them. Topics of discussion would include leadership, politics, humanities, entrepreneurship, career, unemployment, social work, volunteerism, environment, culture & tradition and others. This 8-day international forum will be a premier in Mauritius.
Website: http://www.mauritius2013.com

17.) WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education)

Location: Doha, Qatar
Date: 29-31 October, 2013
Details of event: The three-day Summit offers a unique opportunity for all the participants to find out more about the most cutting-edge practices in education, network with high-level people from all sectors and from all countries, and to actively participate in building the future of education.
Website: http://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-summit-2013

18.) Oxford International Model United Nations Conference

Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Date: November 1-3, 2013
Details of event: The 11th session of the Oxford International Model United Nations conference will be held in the colleges and buildings of the University of Oxford between Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd November 2013. As always, we will bring you debate of the highest standards along with illustrious socials; all in the surroundings of a university which is over 900 years old.
Website: http://www.oximun.org/

Source:
http://www.internationalyouthcouncil.com/events

CHINUA ACHEBE: A President We Never Had

The immortal soul of Iroko has only stepped outside of its mortal body, but I see mortal men taking to the streets and wailing that the Iroko has fallen apart, how myopic they are. How can Iroko, the tree of the gods, fall apart?

Achebe!, I may not be able to tell how far the journey from here to the home of our ancestors is, but I shall assume that you have finally arrrived at the place where they reside. I am happy that you are gone far away from this endangered world, yet feel very sad that your countrymen never listened to the voice of reason. You had seen so much. You knew so much. You said so much. You did so much. And, in fact, you could have done much more if only... But your people did not understand, neither were they ready to know. Even the same men with whom you fought in those youthful years for the independence of this country choose to dwell on ignoble thoughts, I mean those yesterday's and today's men who today are giving accolades and calling for the immortalization of your name.

Please Achebe, do not give your eyes to tears, for I can tell that your heart is still broken by the betrayal of these men who till today are still betraying the land they once swore to protect. How I wish you had the chance to become our president, maybe things would not have fallen apart. What then shall we do now, if not to ask that you plead with the ancestors on our behalf to join their voices with ours as we pray for the Arrow of GOD to hit hard on those who would not allow this country reach her full potential so that it would not be said of us in near future that There Was A Country once called Nigeria.Amen!
Send my greetings to Esther, my dear mother, that although Nigeria has not changed much but my hope for a better future has not dwindled. Goodbye Chinua Achebe.

Written by:
Ebenezer Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
08027701092
ebenezer.akinrinade@gmail.com

THE MUSIC WITHIN ME

There's music in me,
A thousand stanza yet unsung.

There's is music in me,
Best of songs for youtube and itunes.

There's music in me,
A healing balm for the broken heart.

There's music in me,
A song for friends and lovers to sing along.

There's music in me,
A sweet rhythm that soothes the ear.

There's music in me,
A song so beautiful even the birds wants to learn.

There's music in me,
It's a song I must sing before I depart from you.

There's music within me,
A special song for you and me.

There's music within me,
I shall sing, I will sing, I must sing.

There's music within me,
And now is the time to let the music play!

Written & Composed by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
+2348027701092
gent2poetry@gmail.com
http://gent2smile.blogspot.com

Special Dedication: This poem is dedicated to a friend, Josie Macalino.

WHY SPEND SO MUCH ON SUPER EAGLES?

Against all odds, skeptics and doubters, the Super Eagles of Nigeria surprised the African continent and the world at large by winning the most coveted golden prize at the AFCON 2013 competition after 19years. Indeed, they deserve to be appreciated for giving nigerians atleast one thing to be happy about especially at this crucial time when nothing seem to be working right in our polity. It has been highlighted severally that football as a sport is the only unifying factor amongst the nigerian people. And whenever there is a football match, Nigerians would usually put aside their socio-ethnic and religious differences to enjoy the game from start to finish, only to continue with their differences after the match is ended (how ironic).

The news about the Nigerian government splashing millions of naira as well as national honours on the Super Eagles team for winning the AFCON 2013 is actually not surprising, why? Because this is not the first time this is happening, however, this supposed show of gratitude is beginning to reflect negatively on the present administration as being squanders and frivolous spenders. We are not saying that the Super Eagles should not be celebrated or rewarded, but the question is "are we doing it the right way and for the right reasons?"

We must not forget that there are over 40million youths on the streets without job, even those who has got great ideas cannot start-up due to lack of capital and absence of basic social infrastructures which are not in place. It appears that the government of the day is very spontaneous when it comes to dashing out money to show-off while leaving pertinent issues to suffer without urgent attention. For instance, the plots of land dashed out to individual football players could have been given to hundreds of fresh graduates with great ideas for agro-farming business and other productive ventures which in later years would contribute to the nation's economic power and reduce the rate of unemployment.

As for the national honours, I don't know the criteria for which the government selects her recipients so I won't say much except to point out the fact that there are many remarkable nigerians who have done so much more for this country and are yet to receive such honour. Having expended more than is expected on the Super Eagles, Mr. President, further urged each of the 36 state governors to join in on the wasteful show by making sure they reward the team in each of state respectively. Fortunately or unfortunately, the Dangote Group, Globacom and Tom Tom has also joined the highest spender popularity contest.

Let me say it categorically to all our elected goverment officials, and perhaps to the privileged few who don't know where to invest their money, that entertainment and sport is not the only thing that the nigerian youth knows how to do best. We are creative people with fantastic revolutionary business and socio-developmental ideas geared towards putting Nigeria in the circle of developed nations. Entertainment and sports are good venture, but no matter how hard you try, it won't make our present challenges with poor power supply, bad road, poor educational standard, amongst other things disappear until we place the right people in the right positions to do the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. They  should have it at the back of their minds that the Nigerian people, especially the hungry, the jobless, the unpaid pensioners, the homeless citizens are all watching!

Written by:
Ebenezer O. Akinrinade
08027701092, gent2poetry@gmail.com
http://gent2smile.blogspot.com

NEWS PAPER REPORT (online sources)
1. Gov. Fashola of Lagos State splashes N59 million on Super Eagles.
a. N500,000 for each goal scorers
b. N2.5 million to Coach Keshi
c. N2 million to Asst. Coach Daniel Amokachi
d. N1.5 million to Technical Crew & Captain
e. N1 million to 22 players each.
f. N4.5 million to Supporters Club
g. N15 million to backroom staff

2. President Jonathan splashes Cash, Lands & National Honors on Super Eagles:
a. Lands in Abuja for each players & officials of Super Eagles.
b. N10 million for Head Coach, Stephen Keshi
c. N5 million for Assistant Coaches & Players.
d. N2 million for Technical Crew
e. Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) to Stephen Keshi
f. Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) to Asst. Coaches & Captain
g. Member of the Order of Niger (MON) to Players & Technical Crew
Note: President Jonathan also urged governors to honour and reward the victorious national team in their respective states.

3. Aliko Dangote splashes N130 million on Super Eagles, says it's part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to encourage sport development.

4.Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State named Asaba Stadium after Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi.
a. N2.5 million to each player
b. N4 million to Asst. Coaches
c. N8 million to Head Coach
d. N2.5 millions to deltans & Warri Wolves Players in the team
e. N5 million for Warri Wolves FC

5. Mike Adenuga splashes $1 million on Super Eagles
a. $200,000 monthly salary for Coach Keshi

6. Tom Tom splashes $22,500 for Super Eagles
a. $10,000 to Victor Moses (Most Valuable Players)

CYFI brings Ambassador Walter Carrington to Lagos

On the 13th of February, 2013, one of the most respected and celebrated U.S. Ambassadors, Walter C. Carrington (Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria), will be hosted in Lagos as a special guest of honour at the 2012/2013 Awards and Closing Ceremony (2012/13 project) of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI).

CYFI is a dynamic youth-based initiative launched in 2011 by the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, to bring together selected number of Nigerian youth with exceptional vision, skills and experience to design and implement projects that have a positive impact on Nigerian society. As a champion of
civil liberties, democracy and closer ties between the U.S. and Nigeria, CYFI fellows are committed to putting the ideals of Walter Carrington into practice.

The theme of the 2012 CYFI year was “Youth Engagement.” Fellows are grouped into teams based on interest, and teams then develop and implement their own Youth Engagement Project (YEP) over the course of the one-year fellowship duration. In addition to working with their team to bring their YEP into fruition, CYFI fellows have enjoyed the opportunity of attending various networking events, roundtables and forums on relevant social issues, hosted by the U.S. Consulate General,
Lagos. The 2012 CYFI year is set to conclude this February 13th, 2013, with the awards ceremony for fellows, after which fellows will be inducted into the CYFI Alumni Program.

The Awards & Closing Ceremony which is strictly by invitation will hold amidst tight security at the U.S. Consul General residence in Lagos. Other special guest would include the current U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence P. McCulley, Jeffrey Hawkins (U.S. Consul General, Lagos), government officials and other high profiled individuals both from U.S. and from within Nigeria.

To know more about the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, you can send an email to "carringtonfellows@gmail.com" or visit the CYFI Blog at http://www.cyfinigeria.org

Written by:
Ebenezer Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
+2348027701092
gent2poetry@gmail.com

THE MIRROR LIED (Poem)

Who am I?
And, why am I here?
The questions in my heart keep multiplying from time to time
I thought my parents would have an answer
But unfortunately, not even my mum or dad have a clue.
I spoke to my grandpa, and he asked me to look in the mirror.
So I ran back home to have a good look of myself
But the me in the mirror only stare in my face and mimic my gestures.
Of course, I saw a reflection of me in the mirror
But it never said a word of it own.
In fact, staring at him for that long made me feel dumb and dumber.
So I ran back to tell grandpa a piece of my mind
And on getting there, they said grandpa is gone.
He left without telling me the answer that I seek.
Now, I must keep on searching until...
Or should I return to that mirror and look a bit longer?

Authored by: Ebenezer O. Akinrinade (CYFI Fellow)
+2348027701092
gent2poetry@gmail.com
Follow on twitter @gent2smile