REPORT OF THE PiO PROGRAM OF YOUNGSTARTS FOUNDATION, JOS HELD IN IBADAN ON 27TH JANUARY 2007 AT ABIOLA JACOBS PRIMARY SCHOOL, FOKO, IBADAN , OYO STATE .

INTRODUCTION

The journey towards the PiO program for Oyo State started offer the semester 1 of DESPLAY 06/07 held in Jos, Plateau State, where all participants reaffirmed their profound commitment to actively impart other youths through the guide lines given by the organizers. This made fellow participant from Oyo State Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran to organize the PiO program through a support grant from YOUNGSTARS FOUNDATION.

All efforts to involve the stipulated 15 Local Governments within the state prove different due to political unrest in the state between the state Government and a political godfather but against all odds the program was held at Abiola Jacobs Primary School , Foko, Ibadan , Oyo State .

EVENTS

The events started by registration of participants and facilitator followed by the reciting/singing of the National Anthem self introduction came there.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

The question was answered by the organizer of the program Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran, where be reaffirmed the aims and objectives for youth participation on democratic governance and lamented on the unresponsiveness of youth to the program.

TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

After the good messages the topic, for discussion was facilitated by Babatunde Ojimi representative of VOTER ASSEMBLING of NIGERIA and Secretary YORUBA YOUTH MOVEMENT respectively on YOUTH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the solution to problems are having start with everyone of us, we youth must refine ourselves first whereby we kick against the backdrop of using youth as political thugs, cultism and other social vices. The stated further that youths should aspect government to solve their problems to them, instead they should of using the creative instruct for self development. Finally he told his fellow youth to ready to participate in democratic governance and encouraged youth to start from councilship then start thinking of handling the affairs of upper political office position.

QUESTION AND ANSWER TIME

At the end of the lecture, youth present asked thought provoking question which were rightly answered by the speaker and also they make different comments via contributions.

SNACKS BREAK

Snacks and drink were served and participants were allowed to mixed, relax and know each other during the break before session continues.

2 TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

After the snacks break organizer in person of Mr. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran talks about TRUTH SENSITIZATION ABOUT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the youths should start the journey of a thousand years by creating and explaining all avenue to seek for knowledge and equip themselves with necessary helments before participating in democracy. He encourage participants youths to know what is happening within their communities, state and federal level and follow the travel of workable ideas of events in democratic process and the youth should ask question from their local councilors, watch legislative process, real issues on reformal issue by public commentators through these they will know the intrigues of democracy.

Q & A TIME

At the end of the lecture, youth present asked thought provoking question which were rightly answered by the speaker and also they make different comments via contributions.

SNACKS BREAK

Snacks and drink were served and participants were allowed to mixed, relax and know each other during the break before session.

SESSION CONTINUES

After the snacks break, Organiser in person of Mr. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adenirantalks apart YOUTH SENSITIZATION DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the youths should start the jouney of a thousand years by treature and explore all avenue to sack for knowledge and equip themselves with necessary helment before participating in democracy.

The encourage participant youths to know what is happening with their communities state and federal and follow the fraud of what in democratic process. He further stated that, youth should ask question from their councilor, watch legislative process read and watch political news and draw closer to their elected political officer holders through they are know all the intrigues and actively

GENERAL COMMENT FORM PARTICIPANTS

All selected participants that spoke on their view about the program said they have one or three things from the drafts event they ask general one or three the program said they ask for more and promised to deliver all what they have lewnt to the fellow youths.

CLOSING

The program which started 12.00 p.m. (Not AFRICA) time came to an end by 3.35pm, after a closing remark. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran and vote of thanks by co-organiser Fasoranti Oluseyi – This state contribute IAVE – Nigeria .

PARTICIPANTS

The organizer sent out invitation using yahoo groups and listserves of youth NGO, and individual contacts within the state by due to political unrest the participants are limited to youth within Ibadan municipals comprising of over 9 Local Government Area.

APPRECIATION

The organizers of the PiO program will like to thank all individuals and people the contributed in one or the other towards the success of the program.

- The House 5 INITIATIVE, Ibadan
- State Co-ordinator IAVE, Nigeria
Fasoranti Oluseyi Taiwo
- And all working team.
- VOTERS Assembly of NIGERIA . IBADAN .

GRANT

The organizer receiver N6,000.00 grants from YOUNGSTAR FOUNDATION, JOS.

EXPENDITURE: The many was used accordingly. For the following expenditure.

- Photo
- Refreshment
- Materials &Logistic
- Postage.

CONCLUSION

It will be on record that PiO program was held in Ibadan , though done only for participants cross Ibadan municipals, the program was a success and the end result is yield because.

- of the participant is of Isiaq Olalekan Lateef, as signity his interest to contest for councillorship for ward 6 in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

- LOCAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA wasinitiator through this
program
- FOKO / ITANAYA DEVELOPMENT NURSERY was initiated as well to see to the youth participation in community development.

With the above success recorded through the PiO, program more youth, has wake – up challenge of return participation to national development.

ORGANISERS

The Organisation: Olumayowa Adeyemi –Adeniran
Fasoranti Oluseyi – Taiwo
Lateef Olalekan
Oyeniran O. Samson

Report Prepared By: Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran

THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA.

Governance of a state implies the ways through which citizens and groups in a society voice their interest, meditate their differences and exercise legal rights and obligations. One of such means of governance is democracy which is a government by all the people usually through elected representatives, as such, democracy must be build on Nationality Unity peace and stability.

Of all other aspect of democracy and good governance in Nigeria, the role of media either through print and electronic means cannot be side-lined. This is because, good governance is facilitated by strong and independent media in the society, as the media allows for ongoing checks and assessment by the population thereby providing a platform for discussion. Freedom of media also allows for public debates and view points as well as increasing citizens awareness about their rights and privileges.

Although the 1999 constitution of Nigeria allows for right of press freedom of expressions, it should be noted that with the advent of democratic dispensation, most media houses have failed in disseminating vital news because practicing journalists are exposed to frequent threats, harassments, bribe even at times paying the ultimate price with their lives. One example of such threat was the case of ‘Haruna Achenje’, State correspondent of Punch Newspaper who was who was ordered to leave Akwa-Ibom state on August 2003 because of an article about the State House of Assembly which members claimed false.

Besides, the government has a key role in promoting democracy through protection of media independence, during critical moments such as transparency, anti-corruption and accountability, of which corruption is the hardest issues democracy has to face in the governing process to ensure best life for the citizens.
Typical of such is the cases of two impeached former governors ‘D.S.P.Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa State and Peter Fayose of Ekiti State’ respectively .The media was biased in reporting the truth of the matters because of the risk involved – threats or even death. The media therefore needs to take a firm stand for this, in ensuring good governance in Nigeria by reporting the exact happenings of events.

In the light of this, it could be noted that media is an important yardstick in promoting good governance in Nigeria, hence, positive expression of an open relationship between the media and political power holders should included. Media protection is needed; in line with this judiciary need to be reform, so that freedom of expression, access to information, support for news agencies and less restriction on journalistic activities, bearing in mind that, the rise of twenty four hours rolling news stations and the internet has made media bigger, faster and more powerful than before.

The media can act as a force against corruption in ways that are tangible to promote good democracy in Nigeria. The tangible, readily identifiable, ways in which the news media perform this function include those in which some sort of visible outcome can be attributed to a particular news story or series of stories —for instance, the launching of investigation by authorities, the scrapping of a law or policy that fosters a climate ripe with opportunities for corruption, the impeachment or forced resignation of a crooked politician, the firing of an official, the launching of judicial proceedings, the issuing of public recommendations by a watchdog body, and so on.

I strongly belief that since media plays a vital role in sustaining democracy , there is a need to promote media participation as a mechanism for sustaining democracy and good governance in Nigeria as a good mediator and promoter of transparency in the nation building.

Theme: Understanding The Origin and Concept of Democracy:

DESPLAY, 2006/7 Semester 1 held at the Conference Hall of the National Library Jos Plateau State between the 29th November to the 1st of December 2006 with a total number of 31 participants from different parts of the country and a participant from Ghana in attendance.

DAY 1
The day began with registration of participants at about 8:30am at the venue. Participants were welcomed to the city of Jos (a large number of them were visiting for the first time) using icebreakers / energizers to help participants know each other. Next was an over view of the DESPLAY Project and the formation of the various service groups to ensure that participants are involved in the 3 day training! Groups formed include, Media Team, Social Life Team, Health Team, and Call-up Team.

The first session was by Mr. Kingsley N.T Bangwell CEO Youngstars Foundation Jos. During this session, participants came to grasp the relation between personal dreams and national dreams, the importance of self development for nation building and over all, the importance of You, the importance of individuals in fostering change and becoming the dreams of our founding fathers. Participants were challenged and excited to see themselves as the dream of our nation. This session set the mood for the rest of the training.

The last 2 sessions were by Prof. Victor Adetula, Head of Political Science Department, and University of Jos. During which participants understood the arguments on the origin of democracy and governance from pre-colonial Nigeria to contemporary Nigeria. Participants also where engaged in the relation of rule of law and separation of powers in building democracy. Constitutionalism, democratic politics, minority and majority concepts where other areas covered.
The day ended with the best traditionally dressed male and female participants receiving awards!



DAY 2
Day 2 began with a review of previous day¡¦s activities after which participants were divided into three groups to discuss the current trends in Nigeria¡¦s democracy and how young people could get involved. Some of the findings at the end of the groups¡¦ discussion include;

ľ There is no adequate evaluation mechanism in place in the present dispensation hence the increase in corruption and mismanagement in the country.
ľ The level of participation in democratic process by citizens / young people should be improved upon.
ƒæ There was a great need to introduce civic education at a very early age in the nation¡¦s educational system.
ľ The increasing cases of political violence and thuggry in the nation should be condemned.
ľ Accountability and transparency should be watchwords for all administrations.

There after each group nominated 3 persons to form a Think Tank that shall further articulate these issues and proffer workable solution for participants to work on between now and the next semester in March 2007.

Thereafter, participants visited Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) where the Chairman of the National Union of Journalist interacted with participants on the role of media in strengthening democratization. It was very engaging session. From the PRTV, participants visited and had lunch at the Just Relax Garden, a reputable tourist site in Jos, Plateau state.

Mr. Victor Kuchili, CEO CCN Group, a productivity expert dealt extensively on the topic ¡§When Government Works¡¨ using case studies and statistics that left participants very reflective of the urgent need for better governance in our country. The last session was a reading exercise on the theme ¡§Ethical Leadership¡¨, using an article by Dr. Stephen Chiwenke, an International Expert on Leadership, Ethics and Governance.
The day ended with awards to the best traditional dressed male and female for the day!

DAY 3
After review of day 2 and media update, the Think Tank presented report of their work which was highly received and commended by the entire house for action.

For instance, the Think Tank identified 2 keys issues mitigating democratisation in Nigeria as
DISTORTED ELECTORAL PROCESSES
- SELECTION AS AGAINST ELECTION
- INADEQUATE POPULAR PARTICIPATION

CORRUPTION IN VARIOUS SECTORS
- POOR EVALUATION & MANAGEMENT
- ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

Solutions proffered include
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
- Publication
It was suggested that 30,000 information leaflets on political participation be produced and distributed by DESPLAY participants through various target groups before the next semester.

MANAGEMENT & EVALUATION
- Transparency & Accountability
It was recommended that interns be posted to agencies that fight corruption so that youths are better equipped to participate in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. ICPC, EFCC, Code of Conduct Bureau, NTA, among others were mentioned.

MENTORING & COACHING
- It was recommended that a session on Mentoring be included in the DESPLAY Curriculum and that PiO participants should be given the first chance of application in subsequent DESPLAY projects as incentive for being part of DESPLAY.

The next session was an interactive session on how to translate new knowledge acquired into positive energy with great emphasis on P.I.O (Passing it On) a core component of DESPLAY.

This session was followed by a presentation on Democracy in Africa - Ghana as a Case Study¡¨. It was facilitated by Naa Djane, the participant from Ghana, it was very engaging session as participants asked her questions different questions which she answered to her best ability. Semester 1 came to a close early in the day to enable participants purchase tickets and also site see / do some shopping. Later in the evening, participants organized a social night during which there was music, dance, talk, jokes, comedy and general interaction! DESPLAY 2006/7 Semester 1 ended on a very high note!

Young people ages 18 to 35 are over 45% to total population of African citizenry. Many of them are already making earnest contribution to their self-development whereby harnessing government contribution for national development, this initiative should be further publicized, acknowledged and strengthened.

Increasingly, youth are recognized as key pointers to any nation growth, decision-making and development, as reflected in the out growing presence of youth-serving NGOs, social clubs and youth led community driven initiatives in African . However, building capacity of and creating sustain nig partnership with young people, government allies and stakeholders in youth development are crucial.

There is a process to be engage and that is “Youth-Media partnership.” The concept of Youth-Media is very unpopular to Nigerian media and society at large. Media as a sociological phenomenon which has contributed immensely to socio-economic development of our nation must be engage as well for youth development.

The term “media” is used to refer to all forms of written, spoken and printed communications. The mass media however, is used to refer to those forms of the media that are designed to reach a very large audience. The media exists to educate, inform, and entertain. There is a diverse range of types of media which are produced in a wide range of different languages. Types of media include printed much such as newspaper and magazine; electronic media such as radio, television and the internet as well as traditional forms such as drama, music, dance and community theatre.

The degree of independence and accessible of the media varies between countries in this context the African media particularly the mass media have a powerful influence on our Young people; over how and what they think, act and shape their perceptions about particular issues and influence what issues are perceived to be important in contributing to their self development and national growth therefore has the power to affect them by harnessing the existing mechanisms for youth participation in development policy.

In line with the above literature, there is an urgent need to make Youth-Media partnership more popular inAfrican by engaging the media to showcase what the African Youths are doing in and outside the country as it currently exist in which youth are directly involved and affected by the development process through their self-led initiative and to provide “Active participation” of all stakeholders in the process

REPORT OF THE PiO PROGRAM OF YOUNGSTARTS FOUNDATION, JOS HELD IN IBADAN ON 27TH JANUARY 2007 AT ABIOLA JACOBS PRIMARY SCHOOL, FOKO, IBADAN , OYO STATE .

INTRODUCTION

The journey towards the PiO program for Oyo State started offer the semester 1 of DESPLAY 06/07 held in Jos, Plateau State, where all participants reaffirmed their profound commitment to actively impart other youths through the guide lines given by the organizers. This made fellow participant from Oyo State Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran to organize the PiO program through a support grant from YOUNGSTARS FOUNDATION.

All efforts to involve the stipulated 15 Local Governments within the state prove different due to political unrest in the state between the state Government and a political godfather but against all odds the program was held at Abiola Jacobs Primary School , Foko, Ibadan , Oyo State .

EVENTS

The events started by registration of participants and facilitator followed by the reciting/singing of the National Anthem self introduction came there.

WHY ARE WE HERE?

The question was answered by the organizer of the program Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran, where be reaffirmed the aims and objectives for youth participation on democratic governance and lamented on the unresponsiveness of youth to the program.

TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

After the good messages the topic, for discussion was facilitated by Babatunde Ojimi representative of VOTER ASSEMBLING of NIGERIA and Secretary YORUBA YOUTH MOVEMENT respectively on YOUTH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the solution to problems are having start with everyone of us, we youth must refine ourselves first whereby we kick against the backdrop of using youth as political thugs, cultism and other social vices. The stated further that youths should aspect government to solve their problems to them, instead they should of using the creative instruct for self development. Finally he told his fellow youth to ready to participate in democratic governance and encouraged youth to start from councilship then start thinking of handling the affairs of upper political office position.

QUESTION AND ANSWER TIME

At the end of the lecture, youth present asked thought provoking question which were rightly answered by the speaker and also they make different comments via contributions.

SNACKS BREAK

Snacks and drink were served and participants were allowed to mixed, relax and know each other during the break before session continues.

2 TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION

After the snacks break organizer in person of Mr. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran talks about YOUTH SENSITIZATION ABOUT DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the youths should start the journey of a thousand years by creating and explaining all avenue to seek for knowledge and equip themselves with necessary helments before participating in democracy. He encourage participants youths to know what is happening within their communities, state and federal level and follow the travel of workable ideas of events in democratic process and the youth should ask question from their local councilors, watch legislative process, real issues on reformal issue by public commentators through these they will know the intrigues of democracy.

Q & A TIME

At the end of the lecture, youth present asked thought provoking question which were rightly answered by the speaker and also they make different comments via contributions.

SNACKS BREAK

Snacks and drink were served and participants were allowed to mixed, relax and know each other during the break before session.

SESSION CONTINUES

After the snacks break, Organiser in person of Mr. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adenirantalks apart YOUTH SENSITIZON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE.

He said the youths should start the jouney of a thousand years by treature and explore all avenue to sack for knowledge and equip themselves with necessary helment before participating in democracy.

The encourage participant youths to know what is happening with their communities state and federal and follow the fraud of what in democratic process. He further stated that, youth should ask question from their councilor, watch legislative process read and watch political news and draw closer to their elected political officer holders through they are know all the intrigues and actively

GENERAL COMMENT FORM PARTICIPANTS

All selected participants that spoke on their view about the program said they have one or three things from the drafts event they ask general one or three the program said they ask for more and promised to deliver all what they have lewnt to the fellow youths.

CLOSING

The program which started 12.00 p.m. (Not AFRICA) time came to an end by 3.35pm, after a closing remark. Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran and vote of thanks by co-organiser Fasoranti Oluseyi – This state contribute IAVE – Nigeria .

PARTICIPANTS

The organizer sent out invitation using yahoo groups and listserves of youth NGO, and individual contacts within the state by due to political unrest the participants are limited to youth within Ibadan municipals comprising of over 9 Local Government Area.

APPRECIATION

The organizers of the PiO program will like to thank all individuals and people the contributed in one or the other towards the success of the program.

- The House 5 INITIATIVE, Ibadan
- State Co-ordinator IAVE, Nigeria
Fasoranti Oluseyi Taiwo
- And all working team.
- VOTERS Assembly of NIGERIA . IBADAN .

GRANT

The organizer receiver N6,000.00 grants from YOUNGSTAR FOUNDATION, JOS.

EXPENDITURE: The many was used accordingly. For the following expenditure.

- Photo
- Refreshment
- Materials &Logistic
- Postage.

CONCLUSION

It will be on record that PiO program was held in Ibadan , though done only for participants cross Ibadan municipals, the program was a success and the end result is yield because.

- of the participant is of Isiaq Olalekan Lateef, as signity his interest to contest for councillorship for ward 6 in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State.

- LOCAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA Was initiator through this
program
- FOKO / ITANAYA DEVELOPMENT NURSERY was initiated as well to see to the youth participation in community development.

With the above success recorded through the PiO, program more youth, has wake – up challenge of return participation to national development.

ORGANISERS

The Organisation: Olumayowa Adeyemi –Adeniran
Fasoranti Oluseyi – Taiwo
Lateef Olalekan
Oyeniran O. Samson

Report Prepared By: Olumayowa Adeyemi-Adeniran