WORLD MALARIA DAY: “ZERO MALARIA BEGINS WITH ME.”

WORLD MALARIA DAY: “ZERO MALARIA BEGINS WITH ME.”

  • The World Malaria Day is Commemorated every 25 April, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The World Malaria Day highlights the need for sustained investment and political commitment for malaria prevention, control and elimination. This year’s campaign, “Zero malaria starts with me,” is a grassroots campaign that emphasizes country ownership and community empowerment of malaria prevention and care.

(more…)

SPORTS BETTING AND THE HAPPINESS FACTOR

SPORTS BETTING AND THE HAPPINESS FACTOR

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:

https://themysteriousworld.com/10-happiest-countries-in-the-world/

You’re winning. Yes, We Are Winning!

YWAW…WeCEEEyou

 

Greatmark

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019: #BALANCINGFORBETTER

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019: #BALANCINGFORBETTER

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.

Yes, We Are Winning.

#balancingforbetter

#yeswearewinning

SIR BABS AFONRIWO: A RISING COMMUNITY SOCIAL INNOVATOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPERT

SIR BABS AFONRIWO: A RISING COMMUNITY SOCIAL INNOVATOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPERT

Who is Babs?

Afonrinwo Babatunde Deji is a young dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate community social innovator. He is the Founder of The Inverters Foundation, a foundation with keen focus on Human Capital Development and Leadership.

Babs, as he is fondly called is the Convener, Take A Step Summit (A Skill Acquisition Training project that discovers and uncovers hand skills talent in youth), he is also the Founder of the Popular online Leadership Academy (Follow To Lead and Young Leaders Forum for Ages 17-22years  with Participants across the continent of Africa). Also, he is the founder of the popular HolidayHub – A Leadership Training discovery and uncovering program For Primary and secondary schools teenagers in Nigeria.

Babs founded the team which is made  up of 13 young and vibrant individuals in 2016, and over 5,000 people have benefitted from his works across Africa.

PROGRAMS

Take A Step Summit – A Business, Leadership and Skill Acquisition Program which is  targeted especially at unemployed youth.

Notebooks For Schools – Donation of Academic Materials to less privileged children especially those in slums.

HolidayHub – Leadership Training for Primary and Secondary School Students.

Online Academy – Follow to Lead & Young Leaders Academy (Online Leadership Academy for young and old people).

 

VISION

He is a silent laborer whose works speaks as a great Influencer than a mere popular social innovator, a writer, speaker and content creator. He is also a creative writer, a deep thinker, solution finder and a great encourager. He is very passionate about educating young individuals on leadership, entrepreneurship and skill acquisition in their environment.

His dream and goal for life is to become a leadership expert and a skill acquisition consultant, been a resourceful individual who uses his skills, knowledge and wisdom to meet human needs and with core areas of interest as; Capacity Building, Entrepreneurship Advocacy and Skill Training, Risk Management, Social Services Administration, Community Development and Organization, Community Integration and Social Integration.

AS A VOLUNTEER

Without doubt, Babs is a man of many parts. He volunteers and work with several other initiatives such as:

Boundless Hands Africa Initiative (As a member)

Yes We Are Winning Foundation (As a Project  Member)

African ChangeMakers Fellowship (Fellow, Cohort 2)

YaliNetworkFace2Face (Lagos)

He has also been part of several advocacy moves and initiatives.

AWARDS & NOMINATION

2018 Heroes of the world top 10 social innovators (7th Position)

2017 Top 10 Social Innovators in Nigeria – Online Poll (2nd Position)

Nigeria Volunteers Award, Class of 2017.

 

You can contact Babs on +2347081075823, +2347030619518

WHY I AM DISAPPOINTED ROBERT MUGABE DIED!

WHY I AM DISAPPOINTED ROBERT MUGABE DIED!

“He (Mugabe) is not even supposed to be alive because people of his age are all dead” — Matemadanda. Even though this statement by war veterans secretary general Victor Matemadanda sounds too harsh for the former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, I am still disappointed he died.

The mouth of an elder may stink but out of it comes wisdom.”—Mzee Elvis. This Tonga proverb brings to mind the words of wisdom of King Solomon who having relished the riches and pleasures of the world gave an eternal verity about the brevity and vanity of life (Ecclesiastes 1:12).
Sometimes the pains I feel about some dead persons comes from the concerns that they were unable to transit with their wealth and accomplishments. Even though worldly achievements are temporal and vain, it is a defense to those who have them. Yet, such a defense cannot still prevent death which is the highest common factor of man.
When I heard about the death of Robert Mugabe, I was moved with pity, but more importantly I was disappointed that he couldn’t resist death like he fought to rule over Zimbabwe as President for 37 years. I had wondered that perhaps if he was not pressured to resign, he might still be alive.
93 years Old Robert Mugabe
The 93 years ex-president of Zimbabwe would have live much longer to enjoy the fruits of his labor for which he has worked since he served as the first prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as President from 1987 to 2017
The longest serving President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, as of August 2016 was world’s oldest and one of the longest serving Head of State. His achievements are huge; he is the most educated President the world has ever seen. His literacy pride and those of millions of Zimbabwe’s is undoubtedly worthy of commendation. But of what advantage will this be to him in his grave?
I seriously think [muɡaɓe] shouldn’t have died. He should have still remained the President of Zimbabwe for as long as he could resist death. He should have imprison death and make himself an undying god over Zimbabwe and the world, seeing that he was able to continue ruling even when it was obvious that he has lost his strength and vigor. What a shame?!
Whilst we await autopsy report to ascertain the cause of Robert Mugabe’s death, it was said that he may have died from severe prostrate cancer which he had battled with for a while.
The leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) since 1975, and a father of four was a revolutionary leader who gave the West and the so called “white skinned” a rough criticism and apparent hatred for western control and colonialism.
One of his major achievements was taking lands from white colonizers and giving it back to its original owners, the formerly disadvantaged black people. He constantly stood up to western powers and Western propaganda (including sanctions) has failed to achieve its objectives of destabilizing the country under his rule.
Whilst I am sober about the demise of the 93 years old dictator whose 37-year rule was characterized by gross human rights violations, and greed, I’m very much concerned about many wealthy and influential political big wigs who have turned themselves into political gods and strongholds. Those who believe they are the godfathers of politics and that no one can attain any political office without their approval.
They are defiant and power-drunk; they pursue only their interest and are ever ready to get rid of any obstacles on their path by any means whatsoever. They don’t mind to subject their citizens to hardship and sufferings because they want to remain in power.
Many, like the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Asaad, have destroyed their country’s political and economic structure because of their power obsession. What will become of such power-drunk when they die? What would become of their wealth and accomplishments? Do they ever consider that life is vanity, and vanity upon vanity? Do these tyrants ever worry about losing control someday? Search me!
A day in which they would close their eyes in death and those they have afflicted and oppressed would scorn their helpless bodies and trampled upon their graves!? You wonder too? Yes, what happens to the riches amassed by selfish and ruthless leaders when they are consumed in death?
If we think we can ignore God in our lives and treat God’s creation with contempt, we should remember that life is as brief as the flower that flourish in the morning and dies in the evening. Life is brief no matter how long we live.
God is always the first on the scene and also the last to leave. God doesn’t play hide and seek game. He’s not remote; he’s near. We can’t get away from him. Therefore, let us draw near to him and live for him—for by so doing, we will be fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
Another Icon of African politics is gone; Robert Mugabe has completed his trade in the market of life, whether he has done good or bad, God will judge. May his soul Rest In Peace.
But for those of us still breathing should take it to heart that life at its best is very brief!
For more on Robert Mugabe’s biography and achievements click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Mugabe
We are winning. Yes, we are wining!
GreatMark 
“WHY THE WASTE!?”

“WHY THE WASTE!?”

Yes, “why this waste?” You often hear that in your life, huh? I do too. I do hear it from the old man within. I hear it from friends and colleagues that tells me that am missing out on a lot of canal pleasures that my youthfulness or position should enjoy. I hear it from our culture that tells me that if I don’t accomplish certain things, or act is certain ways, my worth and relevance is in question.

I hear it from the pit of hell, that if all I do is to follow God, and give much of my time to serving God and humanity, I’m only just wasting my time. I hear that there are a lot things worth spending my life on today, and God is not in that list. So, why the waste?

My social environment constantly alerts me that it is all about me, and that in this one life that I’ve come, I must move with the flow, run town and have fun, and careless about who it hurts, as long as I am happy.

It’s a subtle and tricky voice. It can easily convince me that my business and career is is good and worth all of my time. I’m constantly prodded by the voice of reasoning that like the Biblical Martha, I must ensure that all of the “more important things” that need to be done are done before I give God my “precious time. “God understands”, they say!

Sadly but truly, some of the things we consider “more important” and worthy of our time are actually not as important, in fact, not important at all. Some activities we consider more important are just like marking time, they don’t move us forward in life. Many things we call “fun” only appeals to our emotions and sensuality, they don’t amount to profitability, and many of them have no value for eternity. So, why the waste?

When Mary argued that her sister, Martha was giving her precious time to something less important, than preparing a meal for the special guest, Christ rebuffed her saying, Mary has chosen the “one thing that is necessary “—sitting at his feet and listening to him.

Many would argue that spending time with God in worship is a waste of time; other say its boring and uneasy, while many others just simply say, there’s no enough time. Meanwhile, it is much easier to spend time surfing the Internet or browsing pictures of other people’s vacations, event or activities on Facebook. This you consider “worth wasting your life on?” Yet, it leaves you downcast and desperate after all.

I recall the words of John Piper in talking about time, he said, “one of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.” Yes, indeed! We often blame prayerlessness on lack of time, whereas we have so much time to devote to those things that are less important.

The most important thingThe way it applies to sacred devotion is the same way it applies to our daily lifestyle. You claim you have a vision and yet you are not disciplined enough with your time to achieve your life goals. If you’re going to be great in life, you have to devote your time to those things that matter.

As believers, we will never enjoy our friendship with God if we don’t spend quality time with Him. Time is the most precious thing we have, and without daily doing that “one necessary thing,” everything else in our lives creeps up as way more necessary than it should ever be. What would you pick as the most important things in your life?

Everything you do for God’s pleasure has eternal value; anything you do for the flesh perishes with it. Give your life to God; give your time to pursuing what is necessary and beneficial to all!

You’re winning! Yes we are winning!

Also read:THE CLIMATE OF THE TIMES: We are lords of our world

Greatmark