From Left – Mrs. Maria Goretti Ane-Leglo, Regional focal person for International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), my humble self – Sebastiane Ebatamehi, Ambassador of African Youth Commission (AYC) and Digital Web Editor of International Youth Federation (IYF), and Mr. Adeolu Ogunrombi, Regional Coordinator of West African Drug policy Network (WDPN); at the YouthRISE Nigeria Drug Policy Academy in Abuja, Nigeria

 

Sebastiane ‘SEBtheGENIUS’ Ebatamehi will be hosting an event on August 12, 2018 to mark International Youth Day in Nigeria. The details of the event are explained below:

BRIEF HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

International Youth Day (IYD) is a day set aside to create awareness and draw attention to the cultural, social and legal issues concerning youths worldwide. It was designated by the United Nations on 17 December 1999, with the adaptation of Resolution 54/120.

The first IYD was observed on August 12, 2000 and has been marked yearly since then, the international theme for last year’s event was “Youth Building Peace”; dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace.

WHY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY?

In my opinion, the International Youth Day is one of the least recognized Action days endorsed by the United Nation General Assembly under the various Resolutions, and sadly so. Many youths and youth organizations worldwide are either unaware or give zero significance to the day when compared to what is received on International Women’s Day (March 8) and International Men’s Day (November 19). Youths seldom post messages on social media platforms or send good will messages commemorating International Youth Day.

I believe this day holds a great significance and sums up all other International Days that addresses issues related to youths. Thus, I have taken the route less travelled and adopted the International Youth Day for the hosting of my yearly event tagged “The International Youth Day Hangout”.

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY HANGOUT?

The International youth Day Hangout is an event organized every August 12 to attract a cross section of youths from Tertiary Institutions, Civic Organizations, Youth Groups, Religious Bodies, NGOs, Stakeholders, Government and the general public who come together to interact on key issues that affect youths in general.

The greatest societal malfunction in the world today is the fact that youths make up the highest ratio in population of every country; but have the least representation in government and other key sectors (especially in Africa.) lack of quality education and job opportunities have exposed youths to various social vices.

The time for youths to disrupt the status quo is now because the future for which we have long been told is ours has come today!

 

WHAT IS THE THEME FOR THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2018?

The theme for this year’s IYD hangout is “The Dialogue’. Youths need to talk to one another, we need to brainstorm and speak to ourselves. We have listened too much to the wrong voices; it is time to be in control of our own future.

During the event, keynote speakers will join me in moderating various sessions. The speakers will be seasoned youth technocrats and professionals in their fields who will speak before each dialogue session which provides an avenue for the participants to ask questions and have their concerns cum views addressed.

 

WHAT WILL BE THE FOCUS OF THE SESSIONS AND DIALOGUE?

This year we will focus on DRUG ABUSE, LEADERSHIP and HUMAN RIGHTS.

Through the event, we aim to sensitize youths and increase interaction on issues such as human rights and drug abuse towards creating a united voice in influencing policy and holding government accountable.

It is a clarion call on youths to take their future seriously and refuse take drastic steps towards becoming better individuals and citizens through education and entrepreneurship.

The event will be an un-learning process for participants who will be made to see things the right way – different from the status quo.

STRUCTURE OF THE EVENT?

The event will hold on Sunday, August 12, 2018 from 4PM to 7:00PM. The Interactive sessions will take a total of 1hour, 30mins and the keynote addresses will take 1hour.

We look forward to having souvenirs, scholarships and materials (print, audio and video) from sponsors for the partners.

Participation is FREE and Refreshment will be served.

We will be inviting personnel from various media organizations to enable publicity of the event.

 

WHERE WILL THE EVENT TAKE PLACE?

This year, we will be holding the event in Lagos, Nigeria. Our proposed venue is The Village; a youth focused co-working space for creative freelancers, startups and small business located in Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The village has a unique and youthful ambiance which will create the perfect atmosphere needed for effective dialogue. Participants will be relaxed and enjoy the informal but relaxing environment of a well furnished living room.

 

SUSTAINABILITY

The event is not a one-off and will enable networking amongst participants and link them to useful NGOs that can cater to their needs. For instance, participants who own up to have drug abuse problems of have loved ones who do will be linked up to relevant NGOs that provide counseling and rehabilitation.

We will also encourage participants to take up membership opportunities in local and international youth organizations that will contribute to their overall progress and development.

 

You are cordially invited and we look forward to having you.

_________________________________________________________

WHO IS SEBASTIANE EBATAMEHI (SEBtheGENIUS)?

Education and Qualifications Obtained

• University of The People, USA [Online Medium] – BA, Business Management (In view)
• Ternopil National Technical University (2017) – Information Control and Management
• YALA International Citizens Journalism Program (2015) – Diploma in World Journalism
• Distance Education and Training Council (2015) – DEAC Business Standards Tutorial Certificate
• Alison International, USA (Online Medium) 2015 – Diploma in Project Management
• College of Aviation/Management Studies (2010) – Advanced Diploma in Aviation/General Management
• NIIT, Benin Centre (2008) – Certificate in Java Programming Language; Information Technology
• Gaius Obaseki International High School (2006) – West African Secondary School Certificate

Honours

• Digital Web Editor, International Youth Federation [IYF] (2017)
• Ambassador, Africa Youth Committee [AYC] (2017 till date)
• YALA World Citizens Journalist (July, 2016 till date)
• Fellow of the Afrika Youth movement [AYM] (2016 till date)
• GOI/UNICEF International Essay Writing Competition Certificate (2015)
• Fellow of the African Students For Liberty [ASFL] (2014 till date)
• Member, Young African Leaders Initiative Network (2014 till date)
• Next Rated African Literary Genius Under 30 (2015)
• Fellow of the Tricycle Gardens Urban Agriculture Programme, USA (2016 – 2017)
• Publication in the Poetry Anthology of Benue State Vice Chancellor (2013)
• First Prize, Nigerian Poetry Awards (2013)
• Honorary Publication, This Day Newspapers, Nigeria (2012)