AdvoKC Foundation and stakeholders in the entertainment world have charged Nigerian youths to be positive and effect change in the environment and society at large, despite challenges.
The AdvoKC Foundation noted that it has been in this journey and passionate about changing the society and making a better dwelling place for every Nigerian. They shared their views recently at the Civic Fest Africa ’24, organised by Advokc Foundation, and held at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, where Nigerian and African youths were advised to wake up and be positive for survival.
The stakeholders pointed out that it was high time people stop complaining about the state of the economy, insecurity, hike in fuel price and devaluation of the Naira and begin to look for ways to provide tangible and effective solution. They reasoned that collaboration and impactful support of every Nigeria citizen is what can save the nation from total collapse.
The impactful gathering of over 300 people which brought together passionate individuals to shape the future of sustainable citizenship, featured spoken word, poetry, panel session with civic leaders and performances by talented artistes. Advock Foundation, the curator of Civic Fest Africa noted that it has been in this journey and passion of changing the society and making a better dwelling place for every Nigerian.
Speaking on behalf of the founders of AdvoKC Foundation, Abiola Durodola, Onyinye Edyson and Habib Sheidu, Sheidu applauded the success of the event, noting that it aimed to leave attendees more engaged as citizens, more informed, and inspired in a fun way so that they could practice sustainable citizenship “The feedback we have received has consistently aligned with these objectives. We have launched an upgraded Promise Tracker platform, a civic tech tool that monitors and reminds elected officials of their promises.
“This platform will also provide data for civil society actors, journalists, and even AdvoKC Foundation to continue advocating for the fulfillment of promises with high socioeconomic impact made by elected officials. This means we have significant work ahead in holding elected officials accountable to their promises on a daily basis.
“We don’t want Civic Fest Africa to be just a one-time event, so we plan to have a series of build-up programs in various communities, such as Hangouts, where we will continue using art to evoke emotions and inspire active and hopeful citizenship across Africa. We are also seeking partners to help expand these activities to other parts of Africa as soon as possible.”
In his address, veteran actor, singer, entertainment consultant, and President, Association of Voice Over Artists of Nigeria (AVOA), Segun Arinze, shared how most actors and actrsses did that for the fun derived. “Acting was never anything parents wanted for their children, they only did it in the 90’s for passion.
But now, in the modern day Nigeria, every parent wants their children to be on the screen. Now it is not just for passion but also sustainability,” he said.
“To survive in this current evolving media world, you have to do time much more than I did in my days. You have to be focused and not get distracted because it is very easy to get lost in the entrainment world.”
Arinze noted that he still remains always ready to make impact in the society, helping build up creative young minds who are passionate about their talent. He also advised young Nigerians to find their niche in the entertainment industry.
During the panel session moderated and coordinated by Jemimah Amonahini, a screenwriter, filmmaker and PR Executive, the entertainment stakeholders which involved Simbiat Bakare, the founder of Naija Feminist Media; Ololade Ajayi, Founder of DOHS Foundation; Enwai, a Project Developer for KNIE; Oludasa Olawale; and Adebowale Adebayo popularly know as “Mr Macaroni”, were able to give answers to questions from the audience.
