“As we watched the Paris’s beloved Notre-Dame cathedral razed in fire, we felt very sad and were afraid that the ancient walls would collapse in the disaster. But thank God the fire was stopped within crucial half hour. At the end of the day, it was not as terrible as we had thought, thankfully.” -Jean-marie
It was indeed a sad day for the french as a critical part of France’s destiny, The Notre-Dam Cathedral was gutted in fire on April 15 2019.
Built 850 years ago, Notre-Dame, which translates in English as “Our Lady”, has played a role in key moments of history and captured the imagination of people around the world, drawing an estimated 13 million visitors a year.
We stand by the French on this painful incident, and we pray that the new Cathedral will be adorned with greater beauty and glory.
Thankfully, a number of companies, organizations and business tycoons have began to contribute to the re-building of the 1,000-year-old Strasbourg cathedral, which may take decades to rebuild. Although, President Macro has pledged to rebuild the cathedral in 5 years
The overwhelming support from different quarters is a moral boost to the french and tourists who are always in awe of this amazing pride of Paris.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated but have been linked to the renovation work going on on the French heritage site. Meanwhile investigation has shown that some important part of the building were left intact after the inferno.
In responds, Pope Francis twitted: “Today we unite in prayer with the people of France, as we wait for the sorrow inflicted by the serious damage to be transformed into hope with reconstruction. Holy Mary, Our Lady, pray for us. #NotreDame
We feel the pains of Paris. Yes We Are Winning…We CEEEyou!
I have discovered that in recent times one of the major determinant of happiness for many people, especially Youths, is sports betting. A win guarantees financial benefits and boosts the morale of the player whereas a loss brings immediate sorrow, anguish and disillusionment for the lost of scarce resources committed to the game.
The growing interests of many young people in sports especially football is not borne out of real love for the game as it were, rather it is largely motivated by economic reasons, especially with the introduction of sports bet. It is certain that the love many Nigerians have for sports but also about making money.
The sports betting industry is billion dollar industry and growing astronomically and as become a phenomenon across Nigeria, apparently because there is good money to be made and everyone wants to be a part of it.
By reason of the money involved, disappointments and regrets often ends the happiness of many who are involved sports betting, and who have adopted it as a quick cash alternative. One reason for the display of anger, mood swing, aggravations and transfer of aggression by many sport bets enthusiasts are consequent upon failure to win sports predictions.
The increasing number of Betting companies in Nigeria is not unconnected with the economic hardship, occasioned by joblessness and widespread poverty in many homes. Sports betting and lotto has become very rampart especially among many young people and this is very worrisome.
The YWAW media team was on the street to interview some sport betting enthusiasts about how a win or lost affect their happiness and those around them. Click the link to see a short video of the interview:
The impact of unhappiness has unpleasant effect on the mental wellness as well as physical wellbeing of a person. This in turn affects those around the person who is unhappy. Since happiness is contagious, an absence of it create an atmosphere of sadness and disaffection.
As we commemorate the International Day Of Happiness, it is most appropriate to create awareness about the need to promote the things and experiences that makes us happy. To read about 10 reasons to be happy click: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-reasons-to-be-happy
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide every March 20,[1] and was conceptualized and founded by philanthropist, activist, statesman, and prominent United Nations special advisor Jayme Illien to inspire, mobilize, and advance the global happiness movement.[2][3][4][5][6]
For information about the top 10 countries with the highest number of happy people click the link:
March 21st of every is regarded as the World Down Syndrome Day, and today, the 14th Edition was celebrated in a grand style, by the Down Syndrome Foundation, and the Yes, We Are Winning foundation (YWAW).
The Yes We Are Winning Foundation, led by it’s Project Coordinator, Afonrinwo Babs ‘Deji with the media director, Olubunmi Olaniyan, and a member of the YWAW team, Kikelomo Olatunde were present at United Nations Information Center, Ikoyi to commemorate the day Collaboration with Down Syndrome Foundation.
YWAW Team with Mrs. Rose Mordi of the Down Syndrom Foundation
The 2019 edition of the World Down Syndrome Day with the theme, “Leave no one behind” the event was graced by dignitaries and important personalities from all works of life including Dame Abimbola Fashola (Former First Lady, Lagos State), human right advocates, as well as parents and partners.
Testimonials
One of the Parents spoke about the challenges faced in fathering a child plagued with both autism spectrum disorder and Down Syndrome. He said “It was a very sad experience having to cope with the reality of nursing a child with Down Sydrome.
In her words, she said, “”Our first child was born with the Down Syndrome. We did all we could to change his condition, spent lots of our resources in several hospital before finally succumbing to fate. When he was growing up, we took him to different schools yet all we got was neglect and bullying from other kids until a friend in South-Africa introduced us to the Down Syndrome Foundation, and today, we are proud parents.”
He concluded by saying “If you have never felt a pain before because of your child, then you aren’t a parent yet.” He finally encouraged the parent, government and individuals to keep supporting this amazing set of people by giving them equal opportunities, showing them unique and genuine love.
A parent and his wards
Another parent, Alhaji Yahya came in all the way from Kwara State. He mentioned how he first saw the school on TV, then contacted the founder, Mrs. Rose Mordi who has being of great help to his son. The man said “Because of the kind of love my son has gotten, I have also decided to sponsor two children with down syndrome whom I picked on the street. The children are also registered in the foundation”, he enthused.
He then concluded by saying, “My son is 22years old, he can do a whole lot of physical exercises. He’s plays table tennis pretty well, and does some other house chores, and happily married with a child. I think it is better we allow them marry and have a child early, because no one knows tomorrow.”
If there is any father who could have regretted having a child with down syndrome, perhaps the parents of ÌyanuOluwa could be, however, instead of being sad, what brought them tears years ago is now their pride. Their little daughter, ÌyanuOluwa clocks 3 years today (Picture Insert: ÌyanuOluwa with members of Yes We Are Winning Foundation).
Inioluwa at 3
The father said, “At a time, everyone neglected us including church members. Even family concluded we take her to the hospital and inject her to die, but we believed God gave us the child for a purpose.”
In conclusion, the Founder of the Down Syndrome Foundation, Mrs. Rose Mordi thanks everyone who came for the event, notably, the Yes We Are Winning Foundation for donating relief materials to the school.
Today will go down a memory lane, as we all reflect, agreed and resolved to stop the bully and neglect of these amazing individuals, instead, we advocate for total inclusion and integration of these ones into the society by giving them equal opportunity.
Part of the extras was exhibition of hand made materials by the students, choreography, video presentations and advocacy recitations by the students.
It was a feeling of overwhelming happiness and joyful excitement for the SS3 students of the Falomo Senior Secondary, Ikoyi-Lagos, Nigeria during a symposium jointly organized by Welti Foundation and The Yes, We Are Winning Foundation to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2019.
The theme for this symposium is: Sexual Abuse, The Role of the Male Folks, with a hashtag Balance for better (#balanceforbetter). Our guest, Miss. Adebara Adekunbi (Founder, Piece of My Heart Foundation), spoke extensively on the definition of Sexual Assault, Sex, rape and gender equality. She emphaized on the need for the male folk to be discipline and avoid taking advantage of their female counterpart.
She lamented how terribly our society have being badly affected by the rising Sexual molestation and assaults that occurs on a daily basis, especially among young adolescents. She further advised that your “YES” or “NO” must be balanced with your physical action. As a lady, you shouldn’t be saying NO to Sexual approach or harassment and still let your guards down, as this may be seen as affirmative for the opposite sex.
Furthermore, she said that even though some ladies may dress indecently, yet this doesn’t justified that such a person should be forced to have sex (rape). She also mentioned that an average of 2 among every 10 boys have also experienced molestation, which means both genders are capable of being a victim.
For more images of the event, view slides below:
International Women’s Day Symposium
Finally, she encouraged the students to speak out and seek for help in case of any sexual molestation or abuse. She warned that perpetrators must not be left unpunished. She also reminded the students that often times, those who perpetrate such evil actions are those so close to us. Therefore, she challenged everyone to be vigilant and learn self defense at all times.
The theme for the 2019 International Women’s Day (#Balancingforbetter) also emphasizes on gender equality. Women are challenged to rise up to leadership positions in every sector just as their male counterpart. The day advocates for a society where both man and women can compete favourably in career, science, and leadership positions.
The need for girls and women to pursue their life aspirations in whatever choice of career, and never to be intimidated by the male folks was also discussed. students were happy to have learnt something new, they all solemnly committed to leading moral lives and promised to become responsible citizens.
The Executive Director of Women Economic And Leadership Transformation Initiative (Welti foundation), Ifeoma Okonji, emphasized the need to continue to speak against sexual abuse, and the need for the male counterpart to protect the girls and women, thereby balancing for better.
The YWAW team present were Afonrinwo Babs ‘Deji, Olaniyan Olubunmi and Olatunde Kikelomo.
On behalf of all of us, we wish all women happy International Women’s Day.
The feeling that comes from knowing that you come from royalty is ecstatic. The confident assurance of being a king, a prince or princess is rewarding and delightful. A king is powerful; his words are final, and his authority is uncontentious.
A king should live in affluence; his inheritance is the land and its people. He owns the wealth of the land and basks in the euphoria of one who rules and reigns over all things.
An aristocratic dynasty is endearing. It potents authority and power, wealth and affluence, dominion and exaltation. It is an enviable position that commands respect and honor. The word of the king is power, and his influence is over all things.
You are King, created by The Almighty God, The King of kings. You are God’s representative here on earth and you are positioned to reign over his creation. Furthermore, I will like to quote the words of Donald Lawrence, in his song, “There’s A King In You.”
He wrote, “the goal of the enemy is that you don’t know who you are. I know that life has challenged you but the King in me speaks to the King in you. You were born to rule there is a King in you. You come from royalty.”
He continued, “I know that life has challenged you. But the King in me speaks to the King in you. You were born to rule, there is a King in you. Is there no King in you then why do you speak with such defeat?. Is there no King in you then why do you speak with such low esteem?
Since there’s a king in you, you don’t have to be discouraged when life gets difficult. You don’t have to give up on your dreams, or give in to fear because you’re challenged. Life is so beautiful when we are optimistic. There’s possibilities when we put our trust in God, and do not give up on our efforts to achieve.
The King dies in him who is a pessimist. The power to surmount challenges and achieve success is dormant in a man who doesn’t see the good side of life. A pessimistic attitude isn’t very hopeful; he always expects the worst to happen. Even though there is a king in him, he is bedeviled with hopelessness and self-defeat.
The word of Lucille Ball instructive, he said, “One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”
Whatever life throws at you, just be certain that there’s always a bright side of life, and it takes optimism to see it. There’s a king in you. Therefore, speak the word of hope, rekindle your passion to succeed. Don’t let the enemy take advantage of you.
You are powerful, you are an overcomer. You’re winning; Yes, we are winning!
When he was asked what evidences were left of the unfortunate incident of The Holocaust, Rotem Cohen, a Jew and a proud father of 3 said,”It is senseless for anyone to deny the occurrence of the Holocaust as some feigned it never happened. My first prove, he said, is that out of over 1000 members of my family only 5 persons are left.”
The YWAW joins the world to mark The International day in memory of the victims of The Holocaust. The Holocaust was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators, who believed that Germans were “racially superior” and claimed that Jews were “inferior” and a threat to the so-called German racial community. YWAW advocates for peace & peaceful co-existence.
He further affirmed there are several pictures taken to prove that the Holocaust truly happened. The history of the holocaust, he said is verifiable and relics as well as pictures taken by can be found in the Jewish and American museums. See link: https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/introduction-to-the-holocaust
In his interview, Rotem Cohen spoke exclusively about the impact of the holocaust on the Jewish people, the establishment of the State of Israel, the relationship between Jews and their surrounding neighbors and enemies, as well as issues on world security and peace.
Watch the video below:
By 1945, the Germans and their collaborators killed nearly two out of every three European Jews as part of the “Final Solution.” The “Final Solution” was the Nazi policy to murder the Jews of Europe.
The Yes, We Are Winning Foundation commensurates with the victims of the Holocaust while advocating for peaceful co-existence amongst all tribes, race, and culture.
Built 850 years ago, Notre-Dame, which translates in English as “Our Lady”, has played a role in key moments of history and captured the imagination of people around the world, drawing an estimated 13 million visitors a year.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated but have been linked to the renovation work going on on the French heritage site. Meanwhile investigation has shown that some important part of the building were left intact after the inferno.
You are King, created by The Almighty God, The King of kings. You are God’s representative here on earth and you are positioned to reign over his creation. Furthermore, I will like to quote the words of Donald Lawrence, in his song, “There’s A King In You.”
When he was asked what evidences were left of the unfortunate incident of The Holocaust, Rotem Cohen, a Jew and a proud father of 3 said,”It is senseless for anyone to deny the occurrence of the Holocaust as some feigned it never happened. My first prove, he said, is that out of over 1000 members of my family only 5 persons are left.”