GDC Stories: Onyekachi Obiorah Emmanuel
“I am passionate about growth. I fight anything resulting in death, backwardness and ignorance. I value human life alot and I believe with the right knowledge, people can be better” – Onyekachi Obiorah Emmanuel.
Onyekachi is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about growth. He loves to motivate people to better themselves.
He graduated with a Bsc degree From Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka in 2007 where he studied Geological Sciences. Currently, he is a Practising Health and Safety Professional with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in Abuja.
Recently, Onyekachi noticed the increasing rate of depression and the disturbing trend of suicide in Nigeria. He was troubled about it because he knew these maladies can be corrected and managed.
Armed with his knowledge as a Health and Safety Professional, Onyekachi quickly embarked on the project “Stress, Depression and Suicide awareness.”
He carried out the project at Mountain of Fire church, Angwan Rogo Community, Abuja (besides Nile University area). I got a speaker, Onyedikachi Kanu, who delivered a seminar on the topic.
The beneficiaries of the project were armed with sufficient knowledge on the triggers of depression, how to overcome depression and what to do when they notice such cases around them.
Onyekachi has taken action to curb depression, stress and suicide in his community.
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GDC Stories: Emeka Johnson Nwankwo
“I strive for a world where children and young people have a voice and reach their full potential as bright scholars, healthy individuals and future leaders in society” – Emeka Johnson Nwankwo.
Emeka is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about youth development and creating a sustainable environment.
He is a graduate of Computer Education from Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University. He is a Graphic designer, HSE Officer, SDG Advocate, Drug prevention and Social Media Influencer, Climate Activist and a Safety Officer by Profession.
In his efforts to contribute to a sustainable environment, he founded Center for Sustainable Development Initiative (CENSDI), published two (2) articles on environment, and have volunteered for countless not-for-profit organizations. He is also very passionate about youth development and has led many initiatives as a volunteer.
This is part of the reason he became a Grassroots Development Champion with DO.
He carried out the “Clean Up” project at Abali Park, Mile 1 Port Harcourt where he addressed improper waste management and the dangers of Climate change in our society.
In the course of the project, he sensitised over 500 people on environmental pollution and climate change, teamed up with other volunteers on a clean up exercise in the park and bagged more than 20 bags of waste.
However, that is not the end of it for Emeka. He plans on visiting schools for climate sensitization, plastic pollution and tree planting. This is his way of contributing to a healthy and sustainable environment.
Emeka has also carried out a Menstrual Hygiene sensitization project at Rumuola Community, Port Harcourt, where he addressed the need for women to be cared for, urging the government to reduce the cost of pads or better still share free pads to underserved communities.
“I have always wanted to serve humanity and doing these projects are life fulfilling for me and I derive joy in what I do because it’s what I have passion for.
Emeka has taken action to contribute to a healthier environment in his community.
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GDC Stories: Esiobu Ngozika Peace
“I lost my mum at an early age and had to be passed around family members. It was tough growing up without a mother. One of the results was having nobody teach me about menstruation. So, the first time I saw the blood stains, I was so confused and in a state of dilemma. I didn’t know if I was sick or what. I was embarrassed, and I don’t want young girls to go through what I went through” – Esiobu Ngozika Peace.
Ngozika is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about humanity and the girl-child. She is a 300 level student of English Language and Literature Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Edo State.
Ngozika carried out a project on “My Monthly Visitor” at Girls Secondary School, Umunebo, and Premier Secondary School, both in Orunba South LGA, Anambra State. She chose the project because of her personal experience. She did not have any knowledge about menstruation and how to manage it when she had her first menstrual period. It was an embarrassing experience.
However, that experience gave her the passion to teach girls, especially those in impoverished communities, menstrual hygiene and equip them with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to manage their menstrual period. In the course of the project, Ngozika taught young girls sex education, menstrual hygiene and how to make reusable pads.
Ngozika believes that a nation is not built by one person or overnight, but requires all hands and a process. She believes that with the project, she will be able to birth well-informed girls who are independent, purposeful and equipped to help build a better Nigeria in the nearest future.
Ngozika has taken action to educate young girls in her community on menstrual management and hygiene.
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GDC Stories: Ohaju Obed Ifeanyi
“My desire is to see that everyone regardless of background, creed and gender can make a positive impact and bring about the needed change in our nation and the world at large starting from their various communities” – Ohaju Obed Ifeanyi.
Ifeanyi is a Grassroots Development Champion who believes youths are blessed with immense potentials and capabilities which need to be harnessed and provided the necessary support so as to bring about a pivotal change in the Nigerian, African and global economy.
Ifeanyi is a student of English Language and Literature at the University of Benin, Edo state. However, the 23-year-old is the CEO of Dream Weave Africa Consult; a Serial Author and Keynote Speaker on issues that border around Business, Leadership, Real Estate Investment and Digital Book Publishing.
He believes every human on earth, especially the youths, are blessed with immense potential and capabilities which need to be harnessed and provided the necessary support so as to bring about a pivotal change in the Nigerian, African and global economy. As a result, Ifeanyi has dedicated his life to training and inspiring youths in different communities in Anambra, Enugu, Edo State and through various social media platforms. He has spoken on different Youth Empowerment Summits, Leadership Trainings, Virtual Conferences and Student Programs.
The exposure made him realise that many young persons (18 – 35) have business ideas or are passionate about building a business that would not just sustain them but create an avenue for people seeking employment opportunities. Hence, he organized a project on “Passion to Business Empire” to show them how to start a business with little or no funds, manage the business, source for finance and scale the business to the extent they can train or employ others.
It was a 2-day virtual training which had over 90 young entrepreneurs in attendance. The participants had the privilege of learning from seasoned speakers who taught them Business ideation, Financing, Management, integration of ICT in business and more importantly, Leadership. There was a Q&A session where participants asked questions and very relatable answers were provided.
After the project, some participants took pragmatic steps to put their newly gained knowledge into work, and are already recording results. A few participants were inspired by the project and volunteered to join the cause and become Grassroot Development Champions who will in turn carry out social development projects in their various communities.
“I’ve been committed to this course for the past 5 years and I’ll continue to hold the forth and not be deterred by challenges. One of the things that gives me joy is when people send in their testimonials via email or my social media handles attesting to how they have been inspired by the things I do and how they plan to take necessary actions to become better in their craft. I feel very humbled by the privilege.”
Ifeanyi has taken action to raise informed entrepreneurs who can contribute positively to the Nigerian economy.
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GDC Stories: Naziga Ledum Bariyima
“My life’s vision is to raise young leaders who will be agents of change and transformation in their society and the world at large.” – Naziga Ledum Bariyima.
Naziga is a Grassroots Development Champion who derives fulfillment in teaching young people 21st century skills that enable them gain access to the global market thereby making them financially independent. His core interests are politics, entrepreneurship and nation building.
Naziga is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Portharcourt. He is a Chemical Engineer by profession and a Realtor at Bamboo Real Estate.
Consistent with his passion, Naziga carried out a project on “Democracy, Corruption and Good governance” at C.S.S Yeghe, Ogoni. He addressed the issues of bad governance, corruption, and leadership without integrity.
This is why he chose the project;
“I chose this particular project because it defines the problem Nigeria is facing as a nation. We are plagued with selfish leaders who do not care about the people and the development of the nation; leaders who aren’t patriotic and democratic. So, as a way to address this in my own little way, I chose this project.”
In the course of the project, Naziga taught the students on characteristics of a leader, democracy, corruption and good governance, and inspired and encouraged them to vy for leadership roles both in school and outside of school. He ended the project with a mini election where the students selected leaders to be their school prefects.
The project yielded good results as he got positive feedback from some of the teachers as to how the elected prefects were conducting themselves responsibly, which was not the case before.
“Executing this project helped me to connect to the 3 core interests of my life; politics, entrepreneurship and nation building. I want to leave a great legacy for the upcoming generation to follow.”
Naziga has taken action to curb bad governance in his community.
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GDC Stories: Vera Uche Umejiaku
“I believe in helping and uplifting others. It is imperative to note that, what people don’t know they simply don’t know and can’t make adjustments in their lives for a positive change.” – Vera Uche Umejiaku.
Vera is a Grassroots Development Champion driven by impact and legacy, making a sustainable change, and personal development. She is passionate about learning and growing, helping and uplifting others and living a good life.
She is a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she had a major in History and international studies and a minor in English and Literary Studies. She is currently working as a voice over artist and radio presenter.
During her service year, Vera saw an opportunity to make a positive impact in her community. Together with her friends; Dike Lawrence Prince, Olorunfemi Temitope, Aboro Blessing, Ogah Daniel and Joseph Moses, Vera spearheaded a “Clean Up” project at Dunama Secondary school, Lafia, Nasarawa state. She chose the project because she observed refuse dumping was one of the prevalent problems around the neighborhood.
In the course of the project, Vera addressed the importance of a clean environment and its effect on the health and wellbeing of the people, and the climate. At the end, the students carried out a Clean Up exercise in the school and its surroundings. She gifted waste baskets to the school to support them in keeping their environment clean.
“I executed the project to create an awareness of the effects of environmental pollution and inspire action in young ones. I am grateful to Do Take Action for giving me the platform and supporting me with the resources I needed for the project.” – Vera Uche Umejiaku.
Vera has taken action to contribute to a healthier and safer environment in her community.
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GDC Stories: Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa
“I studied technical education at Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, because I wanted to be a teacher, but the negative experiences I had as a child motivated me into social work. My experiences gave me the passion to help women have a better life, live in a better world and be financially stable with good skills that will protect them from gender-based violence.” – Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa.
This is the story of Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa, a graduate of Technical Education from Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, who ended up as an advocate for gender equality.
Uwakmfon is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about building a better generation of young women and girls who will be able to make an informed decision for themselves, take up leadership positions and contribute positively to economic growth.
In pursuit of her passion, Uwakmfon founded Flourish Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for women’s rights and women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship.
Uwakmfon carried out the project “Business Empire” in Esierebom and Afokang communities of Cross River State, Calabar South, Nigeria, where she trained 50 out-of-school girls on cake making, buns making, chin chin making and gele tying. The participants also learnt financial literacy, and how to monetize the skills they learnt.
But this was more than a project for Uwakmfon, she had a personal backstory…
“Growing up, I saw women face hardship and my mother was not an exception. My mother suffered physical abuse, which led to her early death. I was motivated to get into the development space to help young women have a better life and become self-dependent, thereby reducing gender-based violence against them.
This project is connected to my interest, passion and vision because it is my passion to equip women with skills that will enable them to have financial stability, thereby reducing gender-based violence against them.” – Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa.
Uwakmfon Archibong Nsa has taken action to empower women in her community, share her story to inspire someone.
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GDC Stories: Raphael Sani Enejo
“As a programmer, I know the stress that comes with the job. Many tech people don’t have the luxury called fun. There is the imposter syndrome where achieving a task can be daunting especially when the task is not proving successful.
I chose the project on stress, suicide and depression because so many people go around with so much going on with them which they won’t tell anyone even if asked. People have mastered the art of dying in silence. I wanted to contribute in a small way to improve the mental health of people in my community.” – Raphael Sani Enejo.
This is the story of Raphael Sani Enejo, a graduate of Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City, Philippines. He is currently working as a software engineer at Semicolon, Lagos.
Raphael is a Grassroots Development Champion passionate about driving social change in his community.
Raphael noticed the deplorable mental health of his colleagues in the tech community and decided to do something about it. He executed a project on Depression, Stress and Suicide Awareness at the Semicolon Labs Main Office, Yaba, Lagos.
In the course of the project, Raphael held counselling sessions with a renowned mental health practitioner, presided over discussions on the triggers of depression and stress and how to manage it, and organised group activities that encourage openness.
Raphael has taken action to curb depression, stress and suicide in his community.
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DO Newsletter Alert
DO Newsletter Alert
Hello Doers,
We trust you are keeping strong and shining your light of change in your sphere of influence.
We want to officially welcome you to our weekly newsletter, the first of its kind.
Starting from next week, a newsletter will go out every Monday containing details of our impact activities, events, and other cool packages we are preparing for your development, improvement, and fulfilment.
So, keep an eye out.
DO Announcements:
- NYSC Network Launch
We are happy to announce the launch of the NYSC Network, a community built as a support system to help corps members navigate the entire NYSC process.
To join, visit https://dotakeaction.org/nysc
- Career Network Launch (Get Hired Bootcamp)
Also, we are happy to announce the launch of Career Network, a community that supports job seekers with professional training and access to resources for their career development.
To herald the network, DO Take Action is launching its maiden program, ‘Get Hired Bootcamp.’
To register, click http://dotakeaction.org/gethired
DO Events:
Here are the events we have lined up for you this week on Twitter Space:
- Citizens and voters’ engagement, education, participation, and mobilisation
Friday, 11 – 12pm
Hosted by Maxwell
- The importance of social networks and communities in teachers’ professional development
Saturday 12 – 1pm
Hosted by Jacqueline
Last Week in a Nutshell:
Last Saturday, we hosted a GDC Meet and Chill for our hardworking GDCs at Jabi Lake Mall. It was a fun, exciting, and surreal moment for everyone. The GDCs enjoyed themselves, played games, danced, networked, interacted and received surprise gifts.
N/B: Only GDCs that have carried out a project were invited.
Click https://dotakeaction.org/gdc to carry out a project and participate in our GDC Hangout next month.
If you have not joined any networks, here are the links to register:
DO NYSC Network: https://dotakeaction.org/nyscnetwork/
DO Career Network: https://dotakeaction.org/careernetwork/
DO Teachers’ Network: https://dotakeaction.org/teachersnetwork/
Wishing you the best!
DO Take Action.
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Africa Day 2022 focuses on food crises in Africa
Africa Day 2022 focuses on food crises in Africa
Today, Africans and everyone of African descent all over the world are celebrating Africa Day in all shades of Africa; food, fashion, music, dance, art, culture, and diversity. The celebration is in commemoration of the inception of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), which took place on May 25, 1963, in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
The celebration is usually marked with galas, balls, music festivals, concerts, etc. This year’s virtual concert hosted by popular actor, Idris Elba will see a host of artists perform from five countries: Nigeria’s Davido, Dbanj, CKay, Mayorkun, Yemi Alade, and Reekado Banks; South Africa’s Busiswa and Kamo Mpela; Congo’s Innoss’B; Tanzania’s Zuchu; and Sierra Leone’s Drizilik.
More importantly, the African Union summit is taking place in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, between Wednesday 25th and Saturday 28th, 2022, with Macky Sall, the AU’s current chairman, presiding over the occasion.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent.” The focus is to promote food security and strengthen the agro-system in Africa in pursuance of SDG 2.
Hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity are long-standing challenges that have plagued the African continent. These challenges have been worsened by current global happenings like the Russia-Ukraine war, the COVID-19 pandemic and its numerous variants, climate change, etc.
It is believed that the summit and talks will bring to light Africa’s food crisis and profer long-term solutions.
At DO Take Action, we decided to commemorate Africa Day with a clarion call for Africans to quit the waiting and blaming game and start taking action for Africa.
DO is building a critical mass of individuals taking personal and collective action for a better future for Africa beyond the Africa Day celebration. As a result, our change strategy is implemented by Africans for Africa.
We see an Africa where every African, irrespective of country, tribe, age, or religion, is taking individual responsibility for Africa’s change and sustainable development whilst making a difference in their community, and solving key issues facing their community.
Our goal by 2050 is to build an active community of young and old people taking action to solve key issues facing Africa.
Click Here to join this movement.
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