When we were little, we used to sing- we are the leaders of tomorrow. Then, the song described our dream; and while singing it, the song brought excitement because of the Joy of that “tomorrow”. Fast-forward many years, it seems like that “tomorrow” might never show up soon. Youths, which are meant to be in the heart of the nation, are now the ones engaged by the senior citizens or by other youth, to perpetuate social vices and cause unrest in the society. Lots of effort, therefore, needs to be put in place to encourage the re-tracing their steps towards being the “leaders of tomorrow”, as the song put it.
This is what motivated Teenz Global Foundation (TGF) to organize an online forum on twitter to discuss practical issues pertaining to youths today, August 12, 2016 in commemoration of the 2016 International Youth Day. Tagged “YOUTHS AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM”, the Lead Discussants were: Imrana Alhaji Buba and Ambassador Joy Tiku Enighe.
Imrana Alhaji Buba, the Founder/Coordinator of Youth Coalition Against Terrorism (YOCAT) and winner, 2016 Queen’s Young Leaders Awards tweeted as @BubaImrana while Joy Tiku Enighe, the Founder, Youth Power Initiative, Commonwealth Youth Council Peace Ambassador, A World at School Global Youth Ambassador tweeted as @HRH_JOY. Both discussants presented inspiring views on the topic in response to the questions asked them. The discussion which had contributors and participants tweeting with handles including: @ijeomaTGF and @gsorochy; was done using the hashtags #IYDNigeria and #TGF4Peace.
Practical questions such as what their individual thought on violent extremism was, the connection it had with youths, how it could be prevented, the roles of government and non-governmental organisations the and media in curbing violent extremism, negative impact of this violent extremism in the society were asked, to which satisfactory responses were provided.
The responses attracted the commendation of the participants in the discuss.
Other participants also participated in questioning the Lead Discussants, which questions received prompt responses.
The forum really helped to reset and set on track the lost minds of youths and also to create awareness on the vices in the society carried out mainly by youths.
So, … was it just a song? NO, I don't think so. With inspirational fora such as this, created to remind the youth of their roles and their place, I believe the words of the song will someday surely become a reality.
As part of the “Youth” celebrated today, we at TGF say “NO TO VIOLENT EXTREMISM!”
And …
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