The workshop was specially tailored to suit the needs of new business entrants in Nigeria. Facilitators of the workshop were entrepreneurs whose successes have distinguished them in their various fields. They shared with participants at the workshop the key steps to take and the necessary knowledge they need to grow, sustain and maintain their businesses.

There was a General session, where the women were first educated on the topic of self-esteem and how to value themselves as women. The facilitator, Mrs Oyin Onime, a foremost photojournalist a business owner spoke about the significance of self-empowerment for women. She emphasized solely on the roles of women in the society and the effect of the issues associated with single parenthood, debauched marriages and loss of spouse. The women were given tips on how to weather the storm in their different but peculiar situations, not giving up but taking positive steps upward. Further into the workshop, the women were taught by the other Facilitators on Accounting practices, Taxation, and business management. The women were also awarded certificates of attendance after the workshop. Other supporting facilitators are Mr. Bamiteko Martins, a Community mobilization Officer/ Peer Educator, (He is a trainer for UNICEF reproductive health program), Mr. Oyekunle Fayoyin, A chartered accountant, and an Auditor with an audit firm in Lagos,  and Mr. Awodele Abiola, A Chartered accountant.

Mr.  Abdul-Rahman Ahmad facilitated the session, introducing the students to basic computer skills. The students were also taught how to explore the desktop, navigate through the programs and how to use the tool bars. They were shown the various programs on the computer, the relevance of the programs and how it can be applied to the requirements of various careers.

Change-A-Life Foundation has commenced the 2013 application process for prospective beneficiaries of its educational scholarship program.

Change-A-Life is open to all regardless of class, gender, colour, ethnicity, religion, age and creed.

In order to become and remain a beneficiary of this scheme, all applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Maintain a record of academic excellence for a period of not less than two years.This includes the following:

i.            Maintain a minimum school grade of merit in all relevant subjects and/or maintain an average of 70 % termly/semester grade.

ii.            Original copies of the applicant’s most recent examination results.

iii.            Provide all academic details as required from time to time.

iv.            Provide all necessary school fees’ receipts on demand. If you attend a public school which does not charge tuition fees, you are required to provide necessary receipts forthe purchase of the following:

1. School uniform and school supplies, including school bag, sandals, socks and any other accessories that form part of the school uniform;
2. All recommended textbooks;
3. Extra classes (lessons).

1. You must be registered and attending school.
2. You must be a child or ward of an indigent single parent or guardian.

CRITERIA FOR DISQUALIFICATION ON THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

A person shall cease to be on the scheme if any one of these occurs:

1. If there is a reversal in the fortunes of the parent.
2. If the parent wins a lottery.
3. If the child dies.
4. If the child is guilty of fraud or dishonesty in relation to his qualification as a beneficiary under the scheme.
5. If the parent is guilty of fraud or dishonesty in the representation of his or her financial capacity.
6. If the child does not maintain academic excellence for a whole academic year (provided there is no extenuating factor that may have caused the decline in academic performance).

APPLICATION:

• A one-page letter stating why the applicant should be considered for the scholarship.
• Bring your application and supporting documents (original copies of the applicant’s most recent examination results) to No 3, OkunolaAina Street, Off Okupe Estate, Mende, Maryland, Lagos. The deadline to apply is the 28th of April 2013.

For more information, please contact Hameedat (hameedat@changealifenigeria.org, 08157712442 ) or Motunrola (motunrola@changealifenigeria.org, 08157712438 ).

NOTE: Change-A-Life educational scholarship students who achieve and maintain exceptional academic records are rewarded twice annually – during our Children’s Day celebration and our January 1^st Annual TV Special.

Change-A-Life Foundation is a social service organisation founded in 2002 by media entrepreneur and humanitarian, Ms. Funmi Iyanda. Since inception, the organisation has maintained full educational scholarships for up to 100 indigent children. Some of our beneficiaries have now graduated from university and are gainfully employed. Change-A-Life also empowers entrepreneurs by assisting them with small business grants.

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

From CHANGE-A-LIFE TV SHOW JANUARY 1ST 2013, posted by Change-A-Life on 1/01/2013 (78 items)

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