PRINCE EDWARD GODSWILL (Special Adviser on youth Affairs, Cross River State Governor) at the Gender Mainstreaming Public Lecture Programme, University of Ibadan
By Alao Abiodun Joshua
Prince Edward Godswill, Special Adviser on youth Affairs to the Cross River state Governor Prof. Ben Ayade made this profound assertion while speaking to University of Ibadan Students, Secondary School Students and lecturers on Monday 27th March 2017 at the Gender Mainstreaming Public Lecture Programme held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan
Prince Edward Godswill, 31 years old, who's also the son-in-law of Ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President Federal Republic of Nigeria spoke extensively about the topic "Gender and youth Participation: A panacea to sustainable development in Nigeria". While delivering the public lecture, he stressed the importance of youth development, such as engaging in community service responsibility, active youth Participation in governance and most importantly having a deep sense of responsibility.
He furthermore praised the NYSC scheme as initiated by the former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon who ruled the nation at a very youthful age, he categorically said that the youths are the leaders of today rather than the popular apothegm that the youths are leaders of tomorrow. In his stimulating lecture in which the audience paid rapt attention to, he stressed the importance of the youth and women in the society.
While speaking further on the role of women in the society, he emphasize that in every home, the women are the builders of the home, and as such every leader came out from a woman's womb, He asserted that women are strong and powerful, yet untapped. In his words, he said "everything I am today, came from the help of my mother". He furthermore encouraged the youths and most especially women to participate in politics and as such get ready to join the the rebuilding process of the society. He said "if the youths team up with our mothers, we'll take up the nation"
He stressed further that the Current Governor of Cross Rivers state, Prof. Ben Ayade, who's also an alumnus of University of Ibadan, 46 years old, in his political appointments created room for the youths to take up mantle of leadership in some ministries in the state.
The public lecture was really an elaborate one as it had in attendance; Prof. C.O.O Kolawole, Prof. Stella Odebode, Prof. Esther Okunade [LAUTECH], Dr. Maria Ekpeyong [UI, Senate office], Dr. Vivian Okoli, Dr. Phyllis Uzo-peters, Dr. Sharon Omotosho, Prof. Olapeju Ayelape [Former, Deputy Dean of Students Affairs], Dr. Fawole, Prof. Yahya [Agricultural Extension, UI], Dr. Idris Badru, Hon. Afeez Bolaji Repete [Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Oyo state Governor], Prof. Adekoya, Prof. Nkiru, Prof. Oladeji and many others, It's noteworthy to mention that various student leaders from various halls of residence, Faculties, Departments and various Organizations In University of Ibadan were in attendance, the students' Union Executives, University of Ibadan ably led by the President, Com. Emmanuel Ojo Nifemi were also present at the stimulating public lecture.
The Event had in attendance distinguished Professors from University of Ibadan, entirety of University of Ibadan Students, Secondary School Students within Ibadan metropolis, invited guests from other tertiary institutions, invited guest from the Oyo State Government and many other guests.
In the welcome address of the Coordinator/Focal person, Gender Mainstreaming office, University of Ibadan Prof. Stella Odebode, She stressed the importance of the sustainable development goals citing the aspect of the need to end poverty, improve nutrition, ensuring agriculture practices, equity and inclusive Education.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Prof. C.O.O Kolawole in his opening remarks, apologized on behalf of the Vice-chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka who was unavoidably absent at the lecture due to the University assignment, He stressed that there's the need to draw the attention of the society in general to the paramount role of the youths in the overall development of the country, he furthermore said it's crystal clear that the youths are contending with so many distractions especially unemployment issues but there's need to brace up with new innovative ideas.
The public lecture no doubt was a thought-provoking one, the Guest speaker full of vigour and vibrancy gave a wonderful lecture about the topic posited, He did furthermore charge the youths to be ready to take up mantle of leadership because they are leaders of today.
The Public lecture ended with the presentation of gift items, plaque of honour to the guest speaker, Prince Edward Godswill and also the the launching of the Gender Mainstreaming newswatch was officially unveiled. Students present at the public lecture, expressed their satisfaction as regards the lecture delivered by the Guest speaker.
In the concluding part of his lecture, he mentioned and emphasized the importance of Social media, which is seen as a place for one to advertise him or herself rather than post pictures of yourself, make constructive criticism of the Government bad policies among others. The public lecture ended with a very engaging question and answer session.
Alao Abiodun Joshua writes from Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.
No comments:
Post a Comment