Perspective

A coalition of prominent youth leaders and young people from across the country rose from a strategy meeting in Lagos and announced plans for a protest rally against happenings in the governance of the country. The rally will hold on Tuesday, the 16^th of March 2010, and the young people will march to the National Assembly in Abuja.

This historic push is to be taken under the name ENOUGHISENOUGH Nigeria.

“ENOUGHISENOUGH [is] a coalition of individuals, organisations, and collectives, intended to be the most ambitious of youth initiatives aiming to effect peaceful transformation in Nigeria,” said Tolu Ogunlesi, winner of the CNN Journalist of the Year awards last year. “ENOUGHISENOUGH is a double-edged sword; it is a message both to us (that it is time to leave the comfort of our computer and mobile phone keyboards, and seek to exert authority in the real world) and to the powers-that-be (that enough is enough of taking Nigeria and Nigerians for granted).” Read the rest of this entry »

It’s finally here! After four solid months of one of the nation’s most intense publicity campaigns, and a national tour the likes of which the nation probably only sees in politics, the organisers of The Future Awards are set to present, for the fifth year in a row, Nigeria’s biggest youth event.

The event holds as announced by the organisers at the official launch of this season on October 1, 2009 in Lagos . It holds on Sunday, the 7th of February 2010 at the Musion Centre in Lagos . The Keynote Speaker is Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Read the rest of this entry »

The organisers The Future Awards 2010 have announced the second edition of the annual The Future Pre-Awards “Do Something” Conference. It holds on Saturday, 6 February 2009, a day before the awards night.

“We will be giving young people the rare opportunity to meet some of the highest achieving young Nigerians you can find,” Chude Jideonwo, the event’s creative director said. “The conference was an idea that started last year as an extension of our plans to use The Future Awards to develop more practical programmes that can give young people access to knowledge skills and experience that can move them forward. As usual, the focus of our efforts is on role modelling, and this follows that trend.”

The Future conference is different from other conferences because the young people are not sitting down and listening to lectures. “We don’t want that – there is enough of that and we don’t think it’s particularly effective, especially given how broken down our structures are in this country,” Jideonwo said. “At this point, we believe that Nigeria needs to listen to young people to know their issues and how to engage them. Therefore, the format is that these young people are free to ask these role models any questions they have. It’s no holds barred!” Read the rest of this entry »

-Mercy Johnson , MI , Psquare, Omawumi, Tosyn Bucknor, Tolu Ogunlesi, Dare Art-Alade, Asa, others make list

- 8 young scientists discovered

On Tuesday, the 8^th of December, The Future Awards released its much-awaited list of nominees for the 2010 edition of the awards.  “It’s a rich list!” said Emilia Asim-Ita, the awards’ PR Director. “I am so proud of it; it took two months of gruelling work and research, but I look at the list of another 160 high-achieving young Nigerians and I think to myself: wow, we have been representing!”

The long list was released after two months of calling for nominations, and having town hall meetings across eight states of the federation (Osun, Adamawa, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Enugu, Abuja and Kaduna), in conjunction with HiTV, as well as Accra, Johannesburg, Manchester and London, reaching out to young Nigerians in order to get a fine spread of nominations and participation.

All the nominees are Nigerian citizens aged 18 – 31. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s the definitive list of the brightest and best young Nigerians in the past year!

Actor of the Year

Omoni Oboli

Gideon Okeke

Mercy Johnson

Kemi Lala Akindoju

Tonto Dikeh

Ali Nuhu

Mercy Aigbe

Nonso Diobi

Best Use of Advocacy

Tunde David (YGC Africa)

Stephen Oguntoyinbo (Talk Village International)

Onodi Daniel Chinedu (Nigerian Youth Association, Benin Republic)

Ndubude Matthew Ekene (Nigeria Youth Fight Against Malaria)

Emmanuel Odiase (Smokefree Foundation)

Chuks Etuka (Will to Survive)

Isoke Aikpitanyi (Casa de Isoke)

Light Up Nigeria Read the rest of this entry »

“There is no excuse for bad behaviour,” said Affiong Williams of the Nigerian Youth network in Johannesburg, “Yes, things might have been bad for Nigerians that migrated here, but what is wrong is wrong and we must condemn it and begin to project positive values wherever we go.” Ms. Williams was passionately contributing to the discussion by young Nigerians living, schooling and working in South Africa, who were part of The Future Awards Johannesburg Town Hall meeting on the 28^th of November.

The international arm of the awards’ town hall meetings had the aim of interacting with and inspiring young Nigerians living in countries with substantial Nigerian populations.  Not only do the events have inspiring conversations and try and get widespread nominations for the awards, the event also seeks to spread the message for this year’s campaign themed “Representing Nigeria”.

The event, held at the Dio Bacco in Norwood and had in attendance, the MD of Lowe Lintas in Nigeria, Big Brother host IK Osakioduwa (who is a two time winner of the awards) and was held in conjunction with SA company Naijaborn.com.

London Town Hall Meeting

The Future Awards, in conjunction with HITV, which is sponsoring all the town hall meetings, also stormed the United Kingdom. The London Town Hall Meeting held at the University of East London, and was held with support from Oloja.com, MakeImpact led by former nominee Dayo Isreal, Godwin Odusanwho of the Nigerian Students Association and Joseph Britus of the International Students Association.

Held on Wednesday, the 18^th of November, it was an evening of brilliant discussions, music and comedy, and had in attendance the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, who is an alumni of the school, amongst others.

Read the rest of this entry »

Since the beginning of this century, Africans and Africa have become a center of observations and expectations in so many areas of human development. And one facet that a lot of International communities have been showing a lot of interest is in the area of entrenching solid and uninterrupted democracy and good governance in Africa; where rule of law, massive infrastructural development, health care development, human friendly policy etc are prioritize at all level of governance. Yes, as Africa continue to take strides to become the continent of our dream, the issues of governance and leadership still remains one of the vital vehicles for attaining a more prosperous and better Africa. Interestingly, more young people who over the years have remain the bulk of the African population and the emerging leaders are showing more interest in issues of governance, leadership and development in the continent.

If you are one of such young Nigerians and Africans that share this sentiment of better democratization of the African continent, and also believe that you are one of the major stake holders in African development, then apply to participate in DESPLAY Season 5, democracy training program today. Youngstars Development Initiative (Youngstars Foundation) Nigeria, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy, NED USA, is glad to announce the call for application from young people across Africa for its foremost youth democracy and good governance program DESPLAY, beginning in January 2010.  Democracy Series: Participation – Learning and Active Youths (DESPLAY) is a knowledge based and activity oriented youth program that brings together youths from different places to deepen their democracy knowledge and foster active youth participation in good governance processes. Since 2005, DESPLAY has directly trained over 300 youths from Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon and over 3000 youths indirectly through her peer education component called Passing-it-On (PiO). Read the rest of this entry »

After visiting Abuja, Yola and Kaduna, Nigeria’s biggest youth event, The Future Awards (under the umbrella The Future Project), continued its national tour of the six geo-political zones of the country, taking its youth town hall meetings to Enugu, Port Harcourt and the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

“On these visits, we have tried to see that we can reach individual young people directly and practically. We don’t just want these crowds of people, we want to ensure that message goes through to the attendees – we had them, not just talk about Nigeria and then know how to nominate outstanding young people, but also to make them ambassadors in their communities for the values we hold dear – entrepreneurship and value creation,” Chude Jideonwo, the Creative Director, said.

The Port Harcourt Town Hall meeting had the awards’ Business Owner of the Year speaking to the youth, while Enugu had finalist for On-Air Personality of the Year (Radio), the popular Chuks d Spaceman of Cosmo FM. “Courtesy of support from HiTV for these town hall meetings,” Jideonwo, who was also in Enugu, said, “not only do we have our own events, we also visit youth events, clubs and gatherings of young people in those areas to spread our message of hope and change.”

The Ghana Town Hall meeting was the first of the international town hall meetings for this year, where The Future Awards engages with communities of young Nigerians in different countries. It was held in conjunction with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana. The High Commissioner, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, sent a representative. The event held at the Shangrila Hotel, with an overflowing hall of young Nigerians living, working and schooling in Ghana, as well as a mix of Ghanaian youth. Also present was Screen Producer of the Year winner, Onye Ubanatu.

Performers included Ghanaian comedian Peter Wincousyn, Nigerian keyboardist Yemi (who reminded guests of Cobhams), Sammy and Bizkit. The event hosts were daughter of ace Nigerian producer, Daphne Akatugha (who is also one of the coordinators of the International Students Association) and Ghanaian writer Robert.

“We didn’t have any town hall meeting in Lagos because we had the launch event here, and we have also been on a breathless round of events, campuses across the entirte state talking to hundreds of young people,” Jideonwo explained. “But we finally decided to do another event in Lagos, partnering with the popular event Taruwa. The conversation about Nigeria and what young people can practically do to empower themselves and to add value to the country can after all never end.”

Nominations are still for the awards in the 20 different categories, and one of the main objectives of the tour is to get nominees from across the country and outside. According to Jideonwo, nominees are especially wanted in the Best Use of Science and Excellence in Public Service categories. Anyone can nominated any young Nigerian between the ages of 18 and 31 via the website www.thefuturenigeria.com.

Next on the schedule are Benin, Ile-Ife, Calabar, Londonm holding at the University of East London, and Johannesburg, which will be the last town hall meeting, held in conjunction with naijaborn.com, on the 28^th of November.

YVENT KOUTURE presents to you “FACING THE GIANTS”, It’s first annual intensive training seminar organized to equip young Nigerians with key skills that will ensure success in the practice of the business of event s’ management with the major focus on events decoration.

FACING THE GIANTS is a 2 day interactive, skill acquisition and practical seminar dedicated to providing a platform for young people to hone their skills, gain more knowledge and see the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs or trainees in the events industry.

We are gathering seasoned events stylists and providers, the best in their areas of specialization to train and charge young people to become C.E.Os in the not too distant future.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Graduates (unemployed and employed)
Undergrates
Budding entrepreneurs (in the events industry)
Anyone who is ready to confront their fear (A GIANT) and start something. Read the rest of this entry »

After eight years of producing and hosting the acclaimed studio talk show, New Dawn, Funmi Iyanda is back at the helm of a different kind of show. The new project is called Talk With Funmi.

Guests were offered a sneak preview of this new show at a screening which took place at the Silverbird Cinemas on Friday 16th October. Mr. Frank Edoho, presenter of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, was at hand as compere of the event.

Guests began to fill up the venue long before the scheduled start time. In attendance was Governor of Lagos State His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, and his Oyo State counterpart, His Excellency Adebayo Alao Akala, as well as industry stalwarts from various sectors of the corporate world. The screening began at 5.30 prompt.

The audience got to experience a selection of great moments from the series—from a day out with Charlie Boy and the Okada riders in Lagos to playing football with Governor Fashola and the All Stars. From standing at the foot of the breathtaking Idanre Hills to mixing music with ID Cabasa and 9ice at their studios.
The enthusiastic response from the audience demonstrated by the continuous applause and cheers is a positive predictor for the success of the show. Speaking after the event to the press, Governor Fashola said the media is an asset that should be used to the country’s benefit. “This programme simply shows that we can deploy every medium, not just TV, for good. Let us tell more of our own good stories because nobody will tell it for us. That is the message of this show.”

Another guest, Mrs. Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami was effusive in her praise. “I found the show to be very real in portraying Nigeria from successful people to people on the street. It showed the breath and depth of our people. I would love more Nigerians to be as passionate and real in portraying Nigeria as Talk With Funmi has done.”

To round up the successful evening, guests were treated to a reception at Cubes Bar and Restaurant.
Talk With Funmi is an exciting new programme that captures people around Nigeria. It is a thought provoking, illuminating and entertaining journey into the life of Nigerians from all over the country.

Funmi Iyanda journeys from state to state talking with Nigerians from every sphere of life. The show talks to people everywhere – capturing discussions ranging from the hard hitting stories of the day to everyday challenges of Nigeria with some light-hearted banter and fun along the way. With the first season of recording already completed in some states, don’t be surprised if TWF soon shows up at your doorstep.

Beautifully produced and shot on high definition video, Talk With Funmi is a technical masterpiece. The excellent cinematography and deep, rich colours of the production provide tactile pleasure. TWF is an artistic blend of documentary, reality television and talk show and thus resists categorization. The result is groundbreaking and innovative television from a production team led by award-winning director Chris Dada.
With 36 states, over 200 ethnic groups and 140 million people, Nigeria is alive and teeming with vibrant stories. Nigerians are a people who love to talk, and Nigerians still have great stories to tell – stories of joy, laughter, hard work and success. Stories of suffering and harrowing pain; stories of hope and resilience in spite of all odds.

For Funmi Iyanda, Nigeria’s move towards its fiftieth independence anniversary is the perfect opportunity to capture transformative Nigerian conversations—conversations that will ignite meaningful change.
“Nobody can tell our stories the way we can. It is time for us to stop aping other people and be ourselves, telling our stories with knowledge, intellect, creativity and truth.”

The TWF journey promises to be one that is fresh, eye opening and fun and will be broadcast to TV audiences across Africa.

Talk With Funmi is an Ignite Media production.