Change-A-Life Hosts Annual January 1st Live Show

In order to usher in the New Year on a high hope and showcase its achievements over the year, Change-A-Life foundation hosted a one-hour live TV program on the NTA Network. The show was hosted by TV icon and founder of Change–A-Life Foundation, Funmi Iyanda. Ms. Iyanda’s co-host was Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

The show was opened with a musical performance by Nigerian music artiste, Emmanuel Bezhiwa Idakula, a.k.a Bez. After the performance, Ebuka interviewed Bez on his musical aspirations for the year 2013.

The show also featured ex-model and blogger, Linda Ikeji; young author, Chibundu Onuzo; musician, Bukola Elemide a.k.a Aṣa and entertainer, David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido.

During the interview Linda Ikeji mentioned that it is very inspiring to be in a position to influence change especially through her blog. She said that the platform she created has been her own way of giving back to the society, not necessarily to have a foundation but through deliberate support to other change agents to initiate change in the society. Chibundu Onuzo also added during the interview that, she as a young writer, has been inspired to write stories related to the Nigerian way of life. Onuzo admitted that the situation in the country can be challenging but she emphasised that the Nigerian youth needs to have the strength to forge through the seemingly difficult times.

Asa, the popular music icon with the unique style was also on the show. She emphasised that Lagos highs and lows inspire her. She enjoys being a Lagosian. Asa pointed out that her songs are usually inspired by the Lagos way of life. She is presently building libraries for the Makoko community, which was inspired as a way to give back to the society due to her experience at the Change-A-Life January 1^st show in 2010. She wants to build this reading culture in the less privileged minds hence making the society a better place.

The Change-A-Life January 1^st show has always been supported by the office of the Governor of Lagos State. The number one citizen of Lagos, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), was the special guest of honour on the show. Iyanda asked the Governor how he plans to make 2013 a better year for Lagosians, looking at the infrastructural changes made during the year 2012 and the effects on the average Lagosian. The Governor pointed out that his priority is to secure the lives of the residents of Lagos state, the changes made in the policies, infrastructures and most especially the restrictions of motorcycle operators on major roads in the state are all to achieve one goal, the improvement and security of the lives of the people. The Governor said that he works towards preventing avoidable loss of life and will continue to make decisions that would make this purpose achievable.

As a way to appreciate the young guests on the show, the Governor presented awards to Linda Ikeji, Chibundu Onuzo, Asa and Davido for their exemplary roles in the society.

Change-A-Life’s mission is to act as a bridge between people with potential, yet great need and the people, agencies and organizations that have the capacity to help and are willing to help these people. The scheme which is solely not-for-profit was founded by Funmi Iyanda in 2002. Over the years Change-A-Life has affected the lives of many children and their families through its scholarship, healthcare, counselling and micro-finance intervention schemes