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.
“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:
To enjoy discounts on YWAW souvenirs, post an excited picture of you with a “Thumbs up”, & a winningSmile, with the description: “Yes, I’m winning”. And Tag, @yes,we are winning, with an hastag yeswearewinning
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.
