–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:
THE Second Edition of the Grassroot Musical Talent Hunt, an initiative of the Delta Youths of Today Association (DYT) was held at the weekend, at the Anglican Women Hall, Oleh, Isoko south local government area of Delta State.
Three winners emerged out of the over 20 contestants who were auditioned for the different stages of the musical contest .
The first prize winner, Saturday Christian, Aka Owholoma Da-Bliss, coasted home with a cash award of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, and the second prize winner, Jessica Stephen, got a cash reward of One Hundred thousand Naira while the third prize winner, Ohoro Precious got fifty thousand Naira only.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sylvester Onoyona (PhD), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Delta Youths of Today Association, identified the need for the promotion of the youths through the musical Talent Hunt, as the workforce of the country is made up of the youths, stating that DYT believes in the youths, and that the youths have something to offer to the country.
Dr. Onoyona who is a USA based adjunct Professor emphasized that “youths are powerful change agents with enormous mental capacity and potential to change the narrative and bring about the positive reformations for social reconstruction”.
Dr. Onoyona asserted that the Association is a voice for the youths, hence they prefer working with mentally sound and emotionally stable minded people to achieve greater impact at grassroot as leaders of tomorrow, to spearhead social responsibility and build sustainable developmental processes in our communities.
The BOT chairman advised the youths to take bold steps towards the right direction, not to rely on government in the provision of job opportunities but to engage in self sustaining skills rather than getting involved in social vices ravaging the country such as kidnapping, rape, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and robbery.
He enjoined the youths to take advantage of the ongoing voters registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, to enable them participate in the forthcoming general elections so as to be able to key into the decision making process in the country as well.
He hinted on the Association’s forthcoming training programs at the end of the year that will help to refocus youths from engaging in social and self destructive tendencies to good citizenship; lectures and seminars on risk reduction in areas of the dangers inherent in illicit drug consumption among others.
Dr. Onoyona advised the youths to imbibe the virtues of tolerance and patience to succeed in life adding that everyone has a story to tell but positive drive and resilience can never fail on the long run.
Speaking to reporters at the end of the event, Dr. Onoyona expressed satisfaction with the standard of the competition which he said was an improvement on the first edition and that the next edition promises to be better as winners will be further supported to pursue their career.
He charged the youths to be focused, stay away from crime and take their destiny in their hands to start being leaders of today rather than waiting for the elusive tomorrow.
He reiterated the resolve of DYT to partner with government and other organizations of like minds in engaging the teaming youths in nation building and productive endeavors.
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