NUJ, experts caution Anambra youths against frivolous lifestyle

…urge them to shun despondency, embrace hard work to achieve success

Chukwudi Ndubeze

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council and experts in different fields have cautioned youths in Anambra state to dissociate selves from a frivolous lifestyle that is capable of ruining their career and future.

The advice was given at the 2022 Youth Week Symposium organized by the NUJ Anambra State Council in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Proper Parenting and Kolors of Africa TV.

The event took place at the NUJ Council Secretariat and attracted students of various secondary schools in Awka and beyond including the Queens Convent, Nnamdi Azikwe High School, Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Onitsha; John’s Special and Technical College, Alor; Choice De Immaculate Demonstration High School, among others.

Addressing the participants the NUJ Anambra State Council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu explained that the event was organized to champion the need for youths to be included in governance and for them to see reasons to contribute their quota in the development of society.

NUJ Anambra Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD

Odogwu regretted the fact that youths are rarely considered by the leaders for appointments and opportunities in the governance of the country, attributing the anomaly to the failure of the leadership class to mentor and motivate youths toward attaining their life goals and aspirations.

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He also blamed youths some of whom he said devote their time and energy to pride, frivolities, and things that are not beneficial to their career, stressing that youths can only achieve success if they dissociate themselves from procrastination, despondency, and presumptive attitude that had destroyed careers.

Speaking further, Comrade Odogwu urged youths to be bold and champion their cause from the early stage of their lives, and advised them to be mindful of the character they exhibit while associating with people.

“When the passion you have and your destiny meet, you will be a greater person in life. When destiny is pushing you, don’t complain. Every good idea is not God’s idea. In everything you do, remember God’s angle.

“Any human being with a flawed character can never achieve success in life. Don’t neglect anybody because you don’t know where your grace will come because the end will always justify the means,” Odogwu cautioned.

The keynote speaker, Mrs. Ifeoma Abayol reminded youths of the need to build themselves to be relevant not only in the governance of the country but also in societal development.

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She admonished them to be mindful of their choice, stressing that the choice they make at a youthful age will determine what they become in the later stages of their life.

Mrs Ifeoma Abayol delivering her keynote during the event

Abayol who is the CEO of Chilis Fast Food urged youths to be faithful with their talents and time, noting that “Whatever you spend time on, in no distant time would determine what you would become.

“God brought everyone to the earth with a natural endowment that was supposed to carry them through the length of their lives, but some persons have not been faithful to nurture the talents and allow it grow.”

In the same vein, Rev Fr. Francis Unegbu, a School Manager and Principal at St John’s Special and Technical College, Alor, regretted that the technologies of the world today have derailed and destroyed the talents of many youths, instead of aiding the development.

He admonished youths to discover and strive to develop their talents to meet up with the evolving world. He also advised them to look inwardly for self-discovery, as it is beneficial to discover one’s natural ability and concentrate on it, rather than living a superficial lifestyle or deliberately leaving their development to chance.

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Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chidi Amaeze represented by Damian Ukatu said peer pressure had been the cankerworm eating the dreams of many Nigerian youths. He commended the NUJ for the initiative to mentor the youths, stressing that it would go a long way in curbing peer influence in society.

In her remark on behalf of the teachers, Esther Ikeazor of Choice De Immaculate Demonstration School expressed gratitude to the Union for its initiative to organize the program.

Also, the Senior Prefect of Queens Convent, Awka, Mary Okeke, on behalf of other students, said the program not only enabled them to discover their talents but also increased their motivation to work hard in achieving their life dreams.

Chairperson Organising Committee, Chika Nnabuife, commended the participants for availing themselves of the training and urged them to spread what they have learned to their peers, families, and friends.