Efio-Ita Nyok|15 July 2016|12:29AM
Yesterday 14 July the Gender Studies Programme of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan played host to Prince Godswill Edward Osim, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State on Youth Affairs. The One Day Roundtable with the theme: Gender and Survival Strategies in Contemporary Nigeria, had SA Osim selected among three others as a discussant. The venue for the Roundtable was Lady Bank Anthony Hall, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan.
SA Osim arrived the venue with his contingent comprising Prince Adjah Adjah of the Ministry of ICT, CRS and others. Paid a courtesy call on the Director, Institute of African Studies of the tertiary institution, Professor Layiwole. The SA and his team were showed around the library facility of the institute.
During the presentation of his lecture SA Osim amongst other things submitted that to succeed especially in Nigeria, one of the sine qua non is having a youthful mindset particularly making reference to youthful energy and zest. The public servant also highlighted on being godly with a tincture of culture. His words, 'to survive in Nigeria, you need to have a youthful mindset. Because of the much energy latent in us. Besides, we must be Godly with a cultural mindset'.
'We must use what we have to do the country proud', SA Osim added. Concerning the popular phrase that says youths are the leaders of tomorrow, SA Osim interpreted tomorrow to being today. He said that 'Tomorrow is the Today we talked about yesterday… Today is the time, not tomorrow'.
Professor Omolara Campbell of the Leads City University whose lecture bordered on economic dimension to gender noted that our numerous natural resources as a nation where yet to be fully harnessed by the government to develop and elevate her people. She threw her weight behind the diversification of the economy. In her own words, 'We must be innovative in this trial period to survive'.
Present at the occasion were dignitaries and professionals from designated works of life including Professor Stella Adebode, head of Gender Mainstreaming of the University of Ibadan and Chairperson of the event; Area Commander of the Nigerian Railway, Ibadan ACP Sybil Akinfenwa; Wing Commander B. B. Akinbeyo; Departmental Head, Psychology of the University of Ibadan, Dr Catherine Chovwen. These attendees presented various talks on gender and survival in respect of their various disciplines/profession.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of an award to SA Osim by the institute.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of Negroidhaven.org (Negroid Haven)