Youths discuss participation in qualitative governance at the NETAD Young and Emerging Leaders Summit

In recent times, the idea of youth participation in governance has become a popular discourse in Nigeria. Young people are getting more interested and sensitised on the need for active participation in the decision-making process. It is on this note that over 3000 youths across the country met last Thursday to chart a way forward.The colourful event, tagged, "Young and Emerging Leaders Summit", was organised by Network for Talent Discovery (NETAD), an organisation committed to making positive contribution in ensuring talent discovery and development, leadership development and fostering patriotism among teenagers in the African continent and beyond.

The morning rain could not deter the participants who were already seated by 10am at the magnificent Aduke Maina Hall, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Some of them were youth leaders from Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Kano, Gombe, among other states. Members of the Youth Parliament, Ogun State, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society were also at the summit.

Students of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Premier Grammar School, Abeokuta and Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta were also present in their numbers.

In her keynote address entitled, “Youth Participation in Qualitative Governance:Mirage or Reality?”, wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun charged the youths to get themselves involved in the process of evolving a better future, adding that the act of good or qualitative governance is not an exclusive preserve of a particular generation.

Mrs. Amosun, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ogun State, Dr. (Mrs.) Rasheedat Salisu, said: “ As a mother, I see our youths as the pivotal pillars with abundant and fresh energy that can help us build a great future. It is a truism that ideas rule the world. Our youths are full of ideas and they have responsibility to come forward to make those ideas available so as to take our society to the next level.

“The theme is very apt and timely, considering leadership challenges our dear nation is passing through. Though these challenges are not insurmount-able, it requires our concerted efforts to bring forth new ideas in order to transform our society.”

The facilitator and Executive Coordinator of NETAD, Aanu Damola Morenikeji thanked the participants for the success of the programme. And in his presentation tagged: “Emerging Societies, Emerging Leaders”, he described leaders as people who are able to think and act creatively in non-routine situations and who set out to influence the actions, beliefs and feelings of others to achieve set goals.

The 18-year-old Ogun State Youth Coordinator, Nigerian Red Cross Society, and winner, Ogun State 2012 Youth Award for Excellence in Health and Community Service, noted that 10,000 new leadership positions shall emerge over the next de-cade in different fields.

“The world is changing. The world is emerging. Everything is shifting, even nature. Only those who change along with it shall survive. Only the unique folks, visionary leaders shall emerge to rule in the new world order,” he asserted.

Morenikeji, who is an author (having written six story books) and motivational speaker, told the participants that “the three things that can stop you from becoming your dream is you! you!! and you!!!”

Another speaker, Ogunbowale Oludayo made a stimulating presentation. Speaking on “Participation is you;Encouraging blue ocean participation”, Oludaya who is President, DESPLAY Af-rica Republic, Season 7, defined youth participation as young people getting involved in what happens around them and decisions that affect their lives and well-being.

He enumerated corruption, bad governance, non functional education, hike in fuel pump price, poor health care, unemploy-ment, inequality, among other problems, as some of the reasons that call for their participation.

“Get involved today in social change and what’s happening around you! Nigeria, democracy, your community offers a unique space and possibilities....what do you offer as youths? To live is to participate!” he charged.

Similarly, National President of The Young Journalists Fo-rum, Ayodele Samuel Ayokunle pointed that there are over 45 million young people in Nigeria, yet 90 per cent of these populations are not involved in decision-making process while less than 50 percent have access to one form of social media.

Making a presentation on “Youth Participation in Gover-nance and Decision Making; Using the Social Media Effectively in Nigeria," Ayokunle urged the tech-savvy young Nigerians to gear up to use BlackBerries, mobile phones and social networking services such as Twitter and Facebook to contribute to decision making process.

Interestingly, budding artistes, comedians and others displayed their talents to the admiration of everybody in the hall.  Participants were, however, given certificates.

NOTE: The above article was written by Leonard Okachie and published by National Mirror. Click here to view story.

Read More

Apply; NETAD Young and Emerging Leaders Summit

Young and Emerging Leaders are called upon to participate in the NETAD Young and Emerging Leaders Summit.

 The summit, organised by Network for Talent Discovery (NETAD)- an organisation committed to talent discovery and development, leadership development and fostering patriotism among teenagers and youths in the African continent - is meant  to engage young and emerging leaders in leadership deliberations towards exploring strategies and concepts of leadership through participation, and  fostering active youth participation in decision making processes, thereby aiding quality governance.

In a release signed by the Executive Coordinator of the organisation, Aanu Damola Morenikeji, it was learnt that the summit, which has the theme 'Building Tomorrow Today' is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 21st June, 2012 at the Aduke Maina Hall of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State (Nigeria), commencing at 10am prompt.

A keynote address titled 'Youth participation in qualitative governance; mirage or reality?’ will be presented by Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun (First Lady, Ogun State). Other facilitators at the summit include Kingsley N.T. Bangwell; Team Leader, Youngstars Foundation, Jos, Ogunbowale Oludayo; President, DESPLAY Africa Republic and Ayodele Samuel Ayokunle; National President, Young Journalists Forum, Correspondent, Peoples Daily Newspaper,  Abuja

Intending participants are however advised to register online via http://bit.ly/LPmigX. Participation for the summit is totally free.

It is true that one voice can make a difference, but a million can change the world. Make a date with history and development at the summit; it is time to emerge!

…..Together we learn,  together we emerge!

Read More

Register: NETAD Young and Emerging Leaders Summit holds on 21st June in Ogun State (Nigeria)

The role of young people in nation building cannot be over-emphasized, thereby providing a dire need for youths to be prepared for challenges ahead towards strengthening our leadership and participation skills.

Acting on the above, Network for Talent Discovery (NETAD)- an organisation committed to talent discovery and development, leadership development and fostering patriotism among teenagers and youths in the African continent - is organising a Young and Emerging Leaders Summit meant  to engage young and emerging leaders in leadership deliberations towards exploring strategies and concepts of leadership through participation, and  fostering active youth participation in decision making processes, thereby aiding quality governance.

In a release signed by the Executive Coordinator of the organisation, Aanu Damola Morenikeji, it was learnt that the summit, which has the theme 'Building Tomorrow Today' is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 21st June, 2012 at the Aduke Maina Hall of Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State (Nigeria), commencing at 10am prompt.

Facilitators at the summit include Kingsley N.T. Bangwell (Team Leader, Youngstars Foundation, Jos) and Oladayo Ogunbowale  (President, DESPLAY Africa Republic). The keynote address titled  'Youth participation in qualitative governance; mirage or reality? will be delivered by  Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun (the Ogun State First Lady).

Expected at the summit are Rt. Hon. Adekunbi Suraju; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Olugbenga Otenuga; Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ogun State, members of the Ogun State house of assembly, Dr. Ozuzu Promise; President, International Youth Council, Nigeria among others.

Also expected at the venue are members of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, International Youth Council, Nigeria, National Youth Council of Nigeria, States Youth Parliament, executives and members of youth organisations and students' organisations, other young and emerging leaders.

Intending participants are however advised to register online via http://bit.ly/LPmigX. Participation for the summit is totally free.

It is true that one voice can make a difference, but a million can change the world. Make a date with history and development at the summit; it is time to emerge!

…..Together we learn,  together we emerge!

Read More

NETAD National Youth Forum, Abeokuta 2011

Memories of the 2011 Network for Talent Discovery's National Youth Forum which took place in Abeokuta, the Ogun State (South Western Nigeria) capital comes to mind.

The NETAD National Youth Forum is a gathering of youths aimed at creating an opportunity for youths to interact with one another and our role models, towards ensuring self discovery, talent development, effective leadership and patriotism among youths in the African region and beyond. Apart from the aforementioned, the forum is meant to create opportunities for young, uncelebrated prodigies to explore their talents and share their creative thoughts and to create in Africans, the consciousness of tailoring skills and potentials towards the progress of the continent.

The Abeokuta session of the NETAD NYF held on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011 at Ogun State (South West Nigeria) had the theme 'Discovering the YOU in you'. The event had Prince Yomi Otukoya (Executive Director, Art Kingdom, South Africa), Chris Omotosho (Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors, Ogun State), Olumayowa Okediran (Clerk, AIMUN-African Union Pan African Parliament), Akinola Solanke (Director, Building Our National Project - organisers of Nigeria's maiden and only National Flagday celebration) as guest speakers.

The event had in attendance and representation the First Lady of Ogun State, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun State, dinstingiushed Nigerian writers, talented prodigies, ladies and gentlemen of the press, students and youths, among others.

Relax as you peruse series of pictures taken on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

Click here to peruse the photo album.

Read More

Five books at 18, still burning to write

For 18-year-old Damola Morenikeji, Muse is one good force that he is not in a hurry to end his friendship with. This is because since they had a contact when he was nine, the ink of his pen has been flowing ceaselessly, with five books to show now.

The Federal University of Abeokuta student, who hails from Ogun State, says his writing skill was discovered by his parents when he was six years old.

He states, ‘‘They encouraged me and simultaneously taught me that there is a time for everything. In 2002, while I was concluding my primary school education – at the age of nine – I was challenged to write my first book. That challenge gave birth to the book, ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’. In 2003, while preparing for a promotion examination, I wrote another book titled ‘The Glorious Child’, a book that talks about the erroneous belief people have about educating the female child. In 2004, during the long vacation, I wrote the third book titled ‘No Other Chance’.

According to him, the titles of his other books are ‘A stroll to the Animal Kingdom’ and ‘The evil that Money do.’ His latest work is ‘The So-Called Police,’ which he says, has yet to be published.

The author, who studies Plant Physiology and Crop Production says that they are plays but he is still working on prose and poetry. He adds that he writes to effect positive change in society.

He, however, notes that it had not been easy publishing the books due to the challenges he often faced with funds. ‘‘It is quite unfortunate that after several budding writers get their manuscripts prepared, they do not many publishing outfits willing to publish their works. Most times, they have to fully bear the cost of production,’’ he explains.

Because of the impact of his works Morenikeji emerged the Second runners-up during the 2006 Artiste of the Year Award of Excellence organised by the state.

 Note: The above article was published by Punch newspaper on Tuesday, 24th January, 2012.

Read More

Watch out for Joba Olanrewaju; a 14 year old artist



Joba Olanrewaju

 His art was first noticed a long time ago. Unfortunately, like many other, it remained unexployed. Oluwajoba Banabas Olanrewaju, born on Tuesday, 27th May, 1997 in Ibadan, Oyo state - located in the South Western part of Nigeria - is a prodigy meant to be celebrated over time.

The youngster, who is been encouraged by his immediate family seeks a career in creative arts. Apart from improving his prowess in painting and drawing, the young lad also lays his hands on customising materials like clothings, banners, key holders among several other things.

In a chat with Aanu Damola Morenikeji, Joba - as he is fondly called - dreams of a positive future in creative arts. He advises parents to assist in developing technical talents in their wards and enroll them in technical workshops, promoting self sufficiency.



Voters queuing to perform their obligation. 

 Relent not Joba; there lies ahead greater days.

Read More

Invitation to NETAD National Youth Forum - Abeokuta session

Talent is a natural phenomenon, which, if creatively explored, leads to self uplift and National development. With the aim of providing the teeming youth populace with a mirror and compass of life through self discovery, Network for Talent Discovery (NETAD), a non governmental organization aimed at discovering and developing talents in teenagers and youths with a special emphasis on Africa-organizes its maiden National Youth Forum.


The National Youth Forum, which will take place on the soil of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is meant to pass into its audience the consciousness of the existence of talent, creativity, ways of discovering and developing “it” and also to create a platform for teenagers and youths to learn and interact with experts in various creative fields.

Speakers and facilitators for the youth forum include, but are not limited to the following;

i.  Prince Yomi Otukoya (Executive Director, Art Kingdom, South Africa)
ii. Chris Omotoso (Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors, Ogun state chapter)
iii. General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority, Abeokuta.
iv. Olumayowa Okediran (Clerk, AIMUN - African Union Pan African Parliament).

The event is scheduled as follows;

Theme: Discovering the YOU in you.

Venue: Aduke Maina Hall, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Date: Tuesday, 22nd November, 2011.

Time: 10:00 am.

As part of the National event, an essay competition on the topic “Self discovery; an impetus to national development” will be organized. The event will, apart from showcasing various talented youths, award the three best essayist on the topic “Self discovery; an impetus to national development”. Entry for the National Essay competition is open to all.
For seat reservation, text your name and email address to 08031336740 or call 07039563908, 08033184381.

Read More

Introducing NETAD National Essay Competition

From the words of Sidney J. Harris, ‘Ninety per cent of the world's woe comes from people not knowing themselves, their abilities, their frailties, and even their real virtues. Most of us go almost all the way through life as complete strangers to ourselves’.


Network for Talent Discovery is therefore initiating its first national essay competition to tackle the menace of self misery, and calls on students, youths, administrators, writers, public servants and all stake holders to play their role in fighting the menace as stated by Sidney J. Harris and participate in the competition.

The topic for deliberation is ‘Self discovery; an impetus to national development’.

To participate, write an essay of not more than 750 words on the above topic. Send a copy of the essay and personal details – typed in Microsoft Word – to netad.ngo@gmail.com.

Please note that personal details should include surname, first name and other names, detailed address, date of birth, age, gender, state of origin, local government area, contact phone number. For students and undergraduates, please include the name of your school/ institution, course of study, department and faculty, present year or level of study, name of H.O.D and other relevant details.

Entry closes on Saturday, 12th November, 2011.

Winners will be notified and awarded at the NETAD National Youth Forum, Abeokuta edition.

For further enquires, text +234 (0) 7039563908, +234 (0) 8033184381, +234 (0) 8031336740 or mail netad.ngo@gmail.com

Fb: Network for Talent Discovery (NETAD) or click here.

Read More

Meet Fatai Rokeeb; a ten year old ‘engineer’

Rokeeb displaying his engineering skills

Nigeria is blessed with lots of talented and skilled citizens - with youths, teenagers and children constituting a larger percentage - of which, if adequately trained and developed will immensely contribute positively towards the growth and development of the country.
One of such lads is Fatai Rokeeb, a 10 year old mechanical engineering apprentice at a mechanical workshop in South West Nigeria. The young lad today performed what seemed to be ‘a miracle’ on a generating set which mysteriously generated problems.


In a chat with the young engineer, he made it known that he aspires to be an Engineer in the nearest future and work at the engineering department of the biggest and greatest engineering firm of his time.
Imagining what was powering his dream, he confessed that his parents had continually encouraged him to face his education likewise pay full attention at the workshop, telling him that if he can be the best in his workplace (work shop), he will easily get a job after leaving the university with good grades.

Rokeeb at work

Speaking in Yoruba Language, the father – Mr. Muhideen Fatai – who is also a mechanical engineer exposes that his son had been acquiring the knowledge when is was a little above the age of five. ‘After leaving school at 2:00pm, my wife ensures he treats his assignments before coming to meet me at the workshop’ he narrates. ‘Our joy is that he is also serious with his academics and wants to be one of the best engineers in the country’ he concludes.

The young Rokeeb

The future seems bright for the Primary three (3) student of Chidi Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Abeokuta, Ogun State, whose best subject is Mathematics.

There is hope for a better Nigeria if required attention is given to technical education in the country.

Fatai Rokeeb, not the sky shall limit you!

Read More