THE NEW BREED
11 YOUNG AND INFLUENTIAL NIGERIANS CREATING CHANGE IN 2011

How can they say we are finished? Declared TY Bello in her national transformation song THE FUTURE-a song bursting with positive energy-emphasizes that newly rediscovered power of youth. Though a school of though believes Nigeria is a failed state, on the flipside, a new generation of Nigerians gives us hope.’The generation next declares Stanley Azuakola, recognizes these challenges, it hurts them too, but it has not halted them. They see a dead end and make it a bend. They will no longer patiently wait for salvation, they will enforce it’ These new breed are daily defying the odds, singing the song of victory in the midst of defeat.Here they are:

SAMSON OLATUNDE
This is a simple profile of one of the most enterprising young leaders we have in this part of the world. Samson started his business as a 400level student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, today the business has grown in leaps and bounds, focusing on youth empowerment, internet training, real estate, and bookpublishing.He is the publisher of ENTREPRENEUR PLATFORM MAGAZINE, and the author of over 20 books. As a result of his enterprising disposition, he won THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD at the Success Digest Enterprise Awards(S.D.E.A).Samson is an epitome of possibilities, men and women now dare to believe because he attempted to pursue his dreams.

JENNIFER EHIDIAMEN
Writer, journalist and youth advocacy enthusiast, Jennifer Ehidiamen, took another step towards self-achievement with the release of her second collection of poems titled ‘Preserve My Saltiness’ in February. Her first, ‘In Days to Come’, was published in 2004 by the Young Poets Society, an online poetry club. Ehidiamen, who has a column in the Sunday edition of ‘The Nation’ newspaper, called ‘Dis Generation’, was awarded the LEAP Africa Nigerian Youth Leadership Award in November 2010 for her work as an outstanding youth leader. She had a 12-month stint as a fellow at the Atlas Corps in Washington DC, USA, and is currently features editor at Celebrating Progress Africa (CP Africa), an online portal which reports progressive African news. Ehidiamen represents a new breed of young Nigerians whose resolve to make a masterpiece out of their lives is something to smile about.

.MILLICENT O DICKSON
Passion and drive is the ample word to describe Millicent. This amiable young lady is the CEO of Mil Options a total beauty enterprise that specializes in make up, cosmetics supply, and training. Her passion for the craft was birthed in 2004 , when she got a complete make up box from Milan. Having worked with big wigs in the entertainment industry like Dbanj, Femi Adeyinka, Terry Tha Rapman, Asha, Whiz kid and a host of others. She runs a training programme for individuals who desire to cut their teeth in the beauty business.Mil is widely considered as a veteran in the beauty industry who has pioneered several initiatives to boost her rising profile in the beauty industry. She gladly shares her expertise with magazines and fast becoming a mentor to female entrepreneurs. She is a leader to look out for.


SEUN SALAMI
‘Seun Salami is a writer, an author and editor.
His first book, Ten Times Better was published before his 21st birthday while he was an undergraduate University Scholar and also presiding over the Christian Communicators’ Fellowship.His first work of fiction, The Son of your Father’s Concubine (a collection of short stories) has just been published.He also wrote the back page satire column ‘Conversations’ for National Standard News Magazine between 2007 and 2008. His articles have appeared in the likes of The SUN and The PUNCH Newspapers among other mediums. He currently writes a column (Inspired!) on YNaija.comAs a Senior Editor at Vine Media, ‘Seun has worked on book projects with the likes of Fela Durotoye, Steve Harris, Victor Itonyo; to mention a few. He is also the editor of Vine Magazine, an entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine for young positive minds.
‘Seun has also served as Communication Strategist at Visible Impact Limited, where he managed communication and media relations roles as well as managing the publishing unit of the organisation.

TOSIN AJIBADE
Put simply Tosin lives in her own world where she entertains no limitations. She is fast becoming one of the nation’s emerging publicists,entrepreneur and social media marketer.Known as Olori Tosin Super gal on Facebook, Twitter, Linked in, and other social networks, Tosin who has a B.sc in Accounting from Lagos State University, has been able to work with PepsiNigeria,Blackberrytribe,I see Lagos, Gbenga Adeyinka, Wave magazine, Seun oloketuyi, Rubies ink,e.t.cShe maintains her entertainment blog–olorisupergal.blogspot.com, where she writes on the latest news, events, and trends in the entertainment industry. This year she was nominated for the creative entrepreneur category at the Twitterave awards and won in the category.As a public speaker, she shares her story with several youths who she encourages to live their dreams.

ISAAC OLADIPUPO
He is a vastly experienced media consultant, inspirational speaker, and celebrated writer, passionate about a transformed and ignorance free world. A product(final year undergraduate) of Project Management Technology of Lagos State University, and member of The Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.Isaac is the initiator of the critically acclaimed GLOBAL CHANGE FORUM, which has been held in UNILAG and LASU, Author of the bestselling book SUCCESSPOWER.He is currently the editorial executive and writer of the widely read inspiration column in Genevieve magazine,and a freelance writer to a number of publications.Recently, he launched his online content development/lifestyle website called SOARNAIJA.COM.

DOLAPO ADELEKE
Lowla Dee,as she fondly called by her numerous readers is a Nigerian born in the hearts of Kano. Holding a B.Sc in Mass Communication, she is a writer/blogger and philanthrophist who believes that making the world a better place is by impacting one person at a time in all that you do.She maintains a lifestyle and inspirational website known as Lowladee.com that has been the hub of creative writing and fiction amongst young Nigerians.

NOAH TOLULEKE
Young,driven, and enterprising are the words that describes Noah Toluleke, the founder of PURPOSE CENTRE-an empowerment outfit dedicated to helping people discover and uncover their Godgiven purpose and potentials, in other to live a life of influence and impact.As an inspirational speaker, Noah has been speaking to secondary school students for over seven years, inspiring them to academic excellence and also teaching them leadership principles that transforms a youth into a person of influence.

Noah is a graduate of Human resource management, a prolific events compeer, and a member of the Alliance of change empowerment speakers of Nigeria(ACES).His book,LOVING MATHS is a motivational book that helps students to have a grip on mathematics and empowers them for academic exploits.He also doubles as a master compeer, adding value to lives through his oratory ability.


SAMUEL OLAGBENJO
Samuel-Olagbenjo is the CEO of Purpose and Success int’l concepts, a Business consultant, Investor, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Facilitator of Various Seminars on Entrepreneurship, Investment, Personal development, Business growth strategy and leadership. He works with small and large businesses, individuals and major corporations to help them in achieving their business objectives. He is the author of the book"COSTLY MISTAKES THAT WRECK A GLORIOUS DESTINY"foreworded by Esther Ojeagbase Co founder Success Digest and Complete sports,also the author of :'IF LOVE IS REALLY BLIND MARRIAGE WILL OPEN YOUR EYES'Foreworded by the richly talented Gloria Bamiloye of Mount Zion Films .His anticipated second book:'HOW TO MOVE FROM A ZERONAIRE TO A MULTI MILLIONAIRE' is already garnering immense publicity on the social media.His books have thousands of copies which lends credence to his immense impact. .Samuel is a young Nigerian whose capacity to churn out innovative ideas is inspiring and laudable.

YEMI OJAGBAMILA
Yemi as he is fondly called by his clients , has a glow and a vigour that belies his age.In his 20’s , yemi runs DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY , a photography outfit that helps individuals to put up indelible masterpieces and everlasting memories. Every aspect of wedding photography is his passion , and this is evident in the amount of commitment and creativity he puts into his works. He holds an Ordinary National Diploma (O.N.D)in accounting from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic(MAPOLY).Being an ardent learner, and always on the look out for opportunities to sharpen his craft ,yemi has attended various photography courses from various giants in his industry like Boddy lawson,Albri photos.e.t..c..Yemi looks back at his early days as a wedding photographer, when he was usually paid a paltry sum of money.But today, he is fast becoming a force to reckon with, becoming an epitome of enterprise.



These young Nigerians are not one in a million, but one from a million. In every corner of Nigeria are youngsters who are starting their own causes, initiatives, pursuing their dreams and making their mark in the sands of time. They are no longer waiting for aliens , angels, and aid to do that which they are capable of doing, they are the new breed ….raging for change.

Kehinde Ajose is a Talent development coach, Syndicated columnist and publicist who helps individuals to discover and develop their talents in order to create wealth and become global brands.He is reachable at 08024212530 ,or follow him on twitter @splendidkenny http/:KehindeAjose.blogspot.com

HUMOUR AS A TOOL FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

HUMOUR AS A TOOL FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth and the origin of some of the world’s most accomplished people but the nation’s vessels appears to be anchored at a state of rest, so that our best is yet to be expressed within our borders. Youth unemployment rate in Nigeria has hit 41.6 per cent, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Lamido Sanusi, has said.

According to him, in gender-specific terms, the rate is 23.3 per cent for males and 17 per cent for females within the age of 15 and 24 years. He stated that such a high unemployment rate, among other social indicators, is one of the major causes of social menace and poverty in the country. The governor said the country's current economic efforts will only be a snapshot if the real economic agents who are the youths are not part of the transformation. These stated all hope is not lost concerning the Nigeria of our dreams, as there is a new breed of young Nigerians using the tool of humour to empower themselves to maximum productivity and achievement.Thanks to the progenitors , the likes of Mohammed Danjuma, Atunyota Akpoborieme(Ali Baba),who have made stand up comedy a craft young Nigerians are making a living from.The visible growth of this industry is a pointer to the fact that the talents of youngsters discovered and honed can become an economic lifeline that will shelter them from poverty.

Who would have thought that the hilarious Holymallam once sold pure water on the streets, or Seyilaw once did menial jobs like bricklaying and used to be a business centre telephone operator .These humour merchants are telling a different story today, living in palatial mansions , driving posh cars ,clothed in glamourous outfits, and commanding huge performing fees, plus getting the buy in of corporate organisations.Jokes apaprt, humour is a serious business in Nigeria.With little or no support from the government and absence of requisite resources, these enterprising youngsters have built an incredible money spinning venture they even refer to as an industry, exporting their shows to Europe, America,and the entire African continent.

Every once in a while destiny sends humanity some men and women who can only be defined as phenomenal .Ayo Makun popularly known as A.y is one of that species of humanbeings, as he has been able to empower fresh comic talents through his Open Mic Nite Comedy Challenge, and has helped taken these youngsters off the streets.Seyilaw, Elenu,Emeka smith, and a host of other comedians have been turned into youngsuperstars and models thanks to this comedy titan.Thus in this piece I will be unveiling to you a crop of young comedians who are living their dreams one joke at a time.

HEAVYMAN FRANCIS


This Imo state born , is a gifted stand-up comedian who doubles as an On Air Personality with INSPIRATION FM after emerging winner of the first ever radio reality show tagged: THE NEXT RADIO SUPERSTAR put together by INSPIRATION FM.Heavyman is a specialist in script writing, programming, jingle production, voice over,actor, and public speaker. An OND holder in mass communication, and presently a student of Public Administration at Olabisi Onabanjo University. As a comedian, he has distinguished himself with his brand of jokes and the originality of his materials, performing in high profile events like PRAISE JAM, LOTTO NIGERIA MEGA DRAW, NIGERIA COMEDY CARNIVAL , STAND UP NIGERIA, JAZZ PRAISE MUSON CENTER, SEASON BREAK JAM; just to mention a few. He has equally stood as the comedian/compeer to several corporate functions organized by the likes of Unilever NIG PLC, MTN NIGERIA, ZTE CORPORATION, FIDELITY BANK PLC, INTERCONTINENTAL BANK, BENLOCK GROUP, CLEAN SHIELD, TOUCHING LIVES SHOW, COUPLES NIGHT OUT etc.. He is the CEO of laffobia Entertainment, an entertainment and event management company .



CHIMA RAPHAEL A.K.A CHIMARAPH



Chimaraph as he is fondly called by his fans uses his joke as a therapeutic tool for sadness and depression.Chimaraph armed with an O.N.D from Lagos State polytechnic has always had this humour talent even right from his chidhood days.As a youngster who believes in menthorship he cut his teeth with Julius Agwu as an office assistant which provided him the opportunity to learn the basics of the comedy business.According to him,’I was paid 2,000 naira for the first show I ever did.Today, my level is fast changing’.Chimaraph was the winner Comedy Face off competiton and also the first runner up for Open mic night comedy challenge.His passion for delivering hilarious jokes has seen him perform at THE MTN ROAD SHOW TOUR, ELEVATION CHURCH, LEAD YOUTHS SUMMIT e.t.c..He is currently working on his radioshow soon to hit the airwaves and one of the few comedians chosen for the JOKE TO FAME COMPETITION.In his words:’don’t follow the crowd to make the money, discover your path and stick to it’


HENRY ADERIBIGBE(Henry Long)


Henry long is a gospel comedian,event compeer and a fashion designer. Henry 27, attended The Federal Polytechnic Offa where he discovered his passion for humour.As a result of his height, he was callled henry long for his unusual stature.Based in ibadan, Henry has anchored high profile concerts,weddings, and also the host of his own monthly comedy gig called LAFF IN THE LORD.Henry has his eyes firmly on the future ready to make his mark on the comedy terrain.

SAMSON OKUNDARE(M.C SAPEH 1)


Arguably Nigeria’s gaptoothed comedian , his stage perfromances could be described as breathtaking.Known basically as a classy comedian, sapeh 1 possesses a mindblowing perfromance routine be it stand up comedy, acting e.t.c For the Lagos State University undergraduate of Microbiology , humour is his second nature.His comic talent has seen him perform at DAVID’S STREET CONCERT,THE DANIELS GIG, AY’S OPEN MIC NITE COMEDY CHALLENGE e.t.c.He also doubles as the publisher of HUMOURTIVATION,a humour and motivational newsletter.


According to Nelson Mandela:’ A society that cut itself from its youth severe its lifeline, but a society that engage their interests, enlists their talents , and liberates their energies brings hope to the entire world.’


Kehinde Ajose is a Renowned talent development coach, Motivational speaker and publicist who helps individuals to create wealth from their talents .He is reachable @ splendidkenny01@yahoo.com, kehindeajose.blogspot.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Leke Alder 's speech titled:KEEP STANDING delivered at THE PLATFORM is indeed the capsule we all need to revitalize our dreams and get back into the ring , ready to fight for our dreams .Even if we have one leg remaining as a nation, we will keep standing, till another leg grows out of the one leg.In the face of life's storms and rains(and it did rained today), we must keep the hope alive.Fight one more round,go one more extra mile, send in that business proposal again, start that business all over again.Yes we may have messed up as a nation and as individuals,but we can,t afford to give up the fight.The blows of life musn' t be allowed to amputate and frustrate us into a life of gloom and doom.We must keep the hope alive .Bulls cannot be bullied.