Sunday, October 26, 2008 witnessed the much anticipated launching of the first forum of the newly formed Youth For Better Nigeria (YFBN) at 3050 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario Canada. An incorporated international and youth driven non profit and advocacy organization, YFBN aspires to achieve 6 non political, but national development objectives; namely:
- Uniting Nigerian youths in the bond of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding;
- Preserving and perpetuating of Nigeria among Nigerian youths;
- Securing public support in Canada for the
enactment and upholding of legislations in Canada,
- Nigeria, and by the government of both countries
on matters of democracy, peace, order and good
government (POGG);
- Rendering assistance to government of Canada and
government of Nigeria through exchange of
information and resources on issues relating to
challenges, hopes and aspirations of Nigerian
youths, world wide;
- Providing an international and diplomatic focus
group and conference forums for free discussion
and public disclosure of information, on matters of
public interest relating to the well being of Nigerian
youths; And;
- Promoting the principles of good government and good citizenship among Nigerian Leaders; Other Youth Groups, Organizations, friends of Nigeria, and the international community.
Inspired by the theme: “You can be either part of the problem or part of the solution”; Nigerian youths from various corners, came together in large numbers and with a burning desire and spirit of unity, on Oct.26, 2008.They see their coming together as vital for Future leaders and the leadership roles for a better Nigeria. The forum was organized so that Nigerian youths can engage themselves on issues relating to their own interests and aspirations; unencumbered by any political considerations; or interest group sponsorship.
At the forum, members unanimously agreed, in light of developments in the USA for community MOBILIZATION and political involvement, that this is a time to come together and engage in grassroots initiatives to improve community administrations and town unions, in order to foster unity across the board, especially among Nigerian youths abroad,in urban Nigeria and rural areas. It is deemed critical to mobilize new generation of leaders; as well as have them come out to make their voices heard. As the forum progressed, members came up with different views regarding how to address economic difficulties and social challenges Nigerians are facing; rooted in sectionalism, ethnic fragmentation and criss crossing cleavages.
As a way of moving forward, members deliberated and agreed that Nigeria is a country of one people, one nation, and an indivisible political entity; and that the more we are bonded to build Nigeria; the better for the country; for the Youth; friends of Nigeria and the International Community. The youth participants deliberated at length, on issues pertaining to economic and social challenges facing young Nigerian immigrants and non-immigrants in diaspora; with special reference to youth in various Canadian cities. It was resolved that that the policy issues revolve around difficulties with settlement, integration, and lack of assimilation into the Canadian scheme of things.
The Recommendations for public and private Stakeholders was deferred to future forums.
As a result of the burning desire, passion and enthusiasm displayed by members, there was overwhelming agreement that rather than meet monthly as proposed at the forum, such gatherings are to be conducted more frequently; to keep tabs on work to be done;monitor progress being made; and to hasten the process of achieving YFBN goals and objectives. The forum rose after the members holding hands together, stood up and affirmed that: EVERY MEMBER EQUALLY COUNTS!
The YFBN Organizers who co-ordinated the forum included:
Signed:
Elas Abone (647) 283-1982
Coordinating Consultations
Iyobosa Oniha (416) 917-4956
Co-ordinating Secretary
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365A Wilson Ave, Suite 205B Toronto ON. M3H 1T3 Canada
