The Edo State Government, in partnership with the Teen on Fire Leadership Initiative (TFLI), has organized the Teen Leader Shift Conference for pupils and youths in the state. The event which was held at the Festival Hall, Government, Benin City, was the maiden edition of the conference tagged: “My Nation, My Responsibility”.
The occasion provided a forum for the organizer and the participants to deliberate on the significance of involving youth in the affairs of an Edo State that is progressive.
In his keynote speech, State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki stated that his administration has carried out a number of social welfare enhancement policies in accordance with the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda.
He told the young people again how dedicated he is to ending child labor, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and other forms of abuse in addition to making sure that every State resident’s right to dignity is upheld.
The Governor, through Commissioner for Youths and Gender Issues Hon. Andrew Emwanta, asked all citizens to contribute to the upkeep of State policies by reporting any anomalies or violations of individuals’ rights to the government.
He emphasized that residents cannot be guaranteed permanent solutions until the government receives information. He also stated that victims and witnesses have a responsibility to report abuse incidents to the relevant authorities so that the government can bring charges against the offenders.
The State is dedicated to defending the rights of its citizens, particularly the rights of children, so to speak. “The days of conspiracy and silence are over,” he declared.
Governor Obaseki pleaded with Mr. Tejiri Jerry, the conference organizer, to make sure the gathering becomes a yearly tradition in order to maintain the practice of fostering a leadership consciousness in the youth.
He criticized the mistaken notion held by some young people that education was a waste of money, which has caused some youths to lose interest in leadership and learning.
The event’s discussant, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, stated that “goal, objectives, and logical map are essential to leadership as well as excelling in the endeavors of individuals.”
He argued that a person’s immediate environment is where leadership begins, where people are expected to take the lead with a strong sense of self-worth combined with zeal and determination. He also said that obtaining leadership roles or positions requires education, as it gives young people access to opportunities for development, building, and maximizing their potential.
The youth, according to Mrs. Sarah Ajose Adeogun, Special Adviser, Strategy, Policy, Project and Performance Management (SPPPMO), are the state’s future. She urged all parties involved to do their part to make sure that young people’s dreams, as outlined in Governor Obaseki’s MEGA Agenda, come true.
Speaking to reporters during a conference interview session, Mr. Tejiri Jerry, the director of the Teen on Fire Leadership Initiative, explained that one of the foundation’s goals is to use the private sector to help the public sector continue government development programs.
He continued by saying that the initiative spans a wide range of national domains, including the political, religious, and private spheres. In addition, it provides a combined service of cooperation with groups that share the objectives of nation-building and the constructive development of youth.
The governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Rev. Ben Akhigbe, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Hon. Andrew Emwanta, and Mrs. Sarah Ajose-Adeogun were all given awards for their dedication to nation-building and serving as role models. According to Mr. Tejiri Jerry, the recipients of the awards are recognized for their dedication to fostering national development and serving as inspiration to a large number of people.
