There’s no doubt that in the place of distress there is glory, and in the place of ashes there is beauty. These were my thoughts as I watched the new world record holder, Tobi Amusan sang the Nigerian National Anthem in joyful tears at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA.
Tobi Amusan, a Nigerian-born sprinter becomes the World champion and the World record holder after running for 12:06 seconds in the 100m Women’s hurdles. With this record, she becomes the winner of Nigerian first ever world championship gold medal.
Tobi Amusan wins Gold at the World Athletics Championships
The hardship and pains we go through in Nigeria has made many citizens to deny their fatherland. For want of a saner environment and greener pastures, many Nigerians have changed nationalities and have become bonafide citizens of other countries. This situation has degenerated so badly that in recent times, youths are migrating in droves to Europe where they believe they will find better platforms to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.
I was very emotional as I watched Tobi sing the Nigerian National anthem with joyful tears in her eyes. I wondered what she was thinking as she wept. For me, I was asking myself if Nigeria truly deserves this kind of honour occasioned by the greatness of a self motivated individual who like many other youths may not have been given any chance to succeed in her fatherland.
With a heavy heart I had thought about the so many talented youths who because of the difficulties and quest for survival have abandoned their noble aspirations to engage in vices that puts the nation into disrepute. Perhaps, they may have also been so honoured if their country have invested in them. Sadly, this class of Nigerians are far more than those who distinguish themselves in excellence. For instance, imagine the devastating impact of the ASUU strikes on the morals and ambitions of many Nigerian youth.
According to the commentator, “Years and years of work for one moment of perfection and history. This is what it meant for Tobi Amusan.” You may have thousands of reasons why you can’t be excellent—you may blame it on your background, your limitations or even your country’s failure to harness your potentials. But my friend, your victory or defeat is in you. If you don’t get validation from men, validate yourself. If your society pulls you down, rise up again and again and pursue your dreams with determination and faith in God! There’s hope for your tomorrow; Rise and shine!
Oh that this “One nation bound in freedom”will truly experience peace and unity! With a great news like this, I know there’s hope for Nigeria!
As I stood, brimming with smiles and watching in admiration as the kids dance to fun-filled music from DJ Success, the thoughts that crossed my mind was, “What if we hadn’t come?” We had fun… Both children and facilitators were treated to a beautiful and fun-filled party that exhilarated and inspired them to celebrate life in spite of their conditions.
The decision to visit the Lagos State Rehabilitation Center, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos, to celebrate Children’s day was impromptu as we had initially planned to visit one of the correctional homes as our custom is. Ahlaja Oseni, the Coordinator of the Children section of the centre was full of gratitude for the choice of the centre for the international children’s day celebration.
The Lagos State Rehabilitation centre, Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos State, is a home for the destitute, mentally derailed and special children. It includes beggars and destitute picked up from the streets of Lagos, some of which consist of mentally derailed persons and children with autism and other special health cases. These people are well cared for and trained with relevant skills including fashion, craft, horticulture, catering etc.
The centre occupies a large expanse of land located on the Owutu-Isawo road of Ikorodu North-east of Lagos state is a special school funded by the state government and supported by generous individuals. The special school which was built to accommodate 500 special individuals, who would be trained and empowered in relevant skills is obviously achieving its aims. This initiative is achieving the efforts of the government in the reducing mental health crises and poverty which has made many homeless and destitute.
Speaking with one of the staff, the cost of running this facility is huge and majorly funded by the state government. However, the challenges are so enormous as provision of drugs always falls short of the requirements and this has been responsible for why some victims of mental health crisis relapse and some who were returned got worst than when they were discharged.
We are really impressed by what the government is doing in the area of the social welfare of the citizens and fostering a sane and healthy environment. We encourage NGOs and patriotic individuals to visit the special rehabilitation centre and support the government on this laudable project.
The Children at the Rehab having fun
We are pleased to see the children celebrate the children’s day amidst fun and pageantry. Special thanks to the management of the school for the warm reception and partnership.
Special thanks to Mcdammy Foods who made the ocassion more exciting by surprising the children with a cake and drinks. A big shout to Fun planet who also spiced the occasion with amazing entertainment, I bet you, the children had the best time of their lives
Happy Children’s day to all children of the world, especially those special children.
World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year to spread happiness in the whole world. This year World Laughter Day will be observed on May 1, 2022. Every year more than 70 countries around the world celebrate World Laughter Day on the first Sunday of May.
Benefits of laughter
Laughter is good for your health. In fact, it is really one of the best medicines in the world. It strengthens your immune system, boosts your mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.
Studies have shown that a person who laughs a lot lives longer and has a healthier and happier life. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
History of World Laughter Day World Laughter Day was first celebrated on May 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India. The day was arranged by Dr Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement.
Dr Kataria is a family doctor in India who was inspired to start the Laughter Yoga movement in part by the facial feedback hypothesis, which postulates that a person’s facial expressions can have an effect on their emotions.
The celebration of World Laughter Day is a positive manifestation of world peace and is intended to build up a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter.
My favorite quotes about laughter
I have not seen anyone dying of laughter, but I know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.” -Madan Kataria
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.” -Mark Twain
“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin
Activity
Laugh And Win
Send us a 30 secs video of your unique laughter and win a prize.
(All entries shall be opened for voting by our Facebook and Instagram followers for the most endearing and funny laughter.)
Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” -Lucy Maud
In February 2020, Omowuni Blessing Oyewole (Shona) matriculated as an undergraduate at the Polytechnic, Ede Osun State with the support of the Yes, We Are Winning Foundation. Though with a physical disability, Shona who uses a wheel chair never relented on her desire to further her education.
Her determination to succeed motivated the foundation to offer her scholarship to study Nutrition & Dietetics. Today, we are proud to celebrate Shona who has completed her National Diploma (ND1) at the Polytechnic Ede.
Omowunmi Shona on her convocation day at the Polytechnic Ede in 2020
According to her, “Disability is This-ability.” Omowunmi believes that her disability is never a limitation to her success in life. She was certain that she would overcome the challenges of going to school with her inability to walk. Omowunmi wants everyone living with disability to never give up on themselves, but to be determined to succeed as she is. “Suicide is not an option”, she enthused!
Omowunmi on the day of her final exams at The Polytechnic Ede.
Congratulations to you the Mum, her siblings and her friends who stood by her all the way. Congratulations to Omowunmi! The foundation is with you all the way, and we wish you more wins in your future endeavours!
Friend, these are hard times; these are perilous days. We are all in the gutters. But while some look at the stars, others stare at their wounds. As for you, you have to be strong now, because things will get better. It might be stormy now but it can’t rain forever.
Matin Luther King counsels: “We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose finite hope. ” Indeed, the hardship and distress of life may plunge you into depression and hopelessness, but you must never lose hope because the darkest part of the night is the nearest to the morning.
What should you do? In the words of Lee Lococco, “In times of great stress and adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and energy into something positive.”
“You never know how strong you are until when being strong is your only choice. Bob Marley
As hard it may seem, so many people are succeeding doing the right thing. You too can succeed! Take courage and stay on the right side.
According to her, “Disability is This-ability.” Omowunmi believes that her disability is never a limitation to her success in life. She was certain that she would overcome the challenges of going to school with her inability to walk. Omowunmi wants everyone living with disability to never give up on themselves, but to be determined to succeed as she is. “Suicide is not an option”, she enthused!
