On
August 12th, 2011

By

Iyere Ahamioje
Founder, Positive Nigeria International
(http//:www.positivenigeria.org)

I am thankful to the organizers of this summit for giving me the opportunity to speak at this unique gathering. Unique not just because it is a leadership summit that brings together some of the brightest young Nigerians in the Diaspora, but more importantly because it is occurring when Nigeria is at the threshold of collapse and greatness. We have indeed arrived at a junction leading to two lanes both leading to absolutely different destinations.

Just before the elections, Nigeria was almost torn apart with very heated zoning and non-zoning vociferation by members and associates of the ruling party. It was a disagreement between the elites of Nigeria founded on very personal and parochial interests without any genuine concern for the masses. This development made political campaigns particularly at the presidential level degenerate to aspirants appealing and exploiting the regional and religious sentiments of the masses rather than centering their campaigns on more critical issues. However, it is important to note that all the major candidates had the war against corruption as a major campaign promise. Hence, with the elections long gone, the current leadership of Nigeria especially at the Federal level must be held accountable to their promises.

The post-election violence, boko haram insurgency, reoccurring fatal road accidents due to degenerated and substandard roads, reappearance of armed robbers and car snatchers are examples of problems the nation has faced and is currently facing as a result of corruption. A young Nigerian pained by the threat corruption posed to the entity called Nigeria advocated for executions to be given to corrupt persons. I dare say if such is carried out, every home in Nigeria is going to experience mourning as at least one person in each home would be executed. Many of us in the Diaspora cannot be excused as we have been complicit by aiding our friends and relations in carrying out fraudulent activities due to corrupt practices of our leaders and those we look up too or at the least turning a blind eye to all that is going on at home when in reality we are major stakeholders in the future of our country.

At Positive Nigeria International, we do not believe in celebrating problems but rather coming up with solutions through innovations and collaborations. I nevertheless decided to start by highlighting our present state to provide a perspective as we look at ways of coming out of this quagmire.
When I started this speech, I said that Nigeria is faced with two turns, one leading to collapse and the other to greatness with each destination an end product of the lane chosen. Corruption, nepotism, tribalism are some negative signs that leads to imminent collapse of Nigeria and they must be expunged with haste to save the nation. I have come up with the 3As which if implemented would significantly aid the eradication of corruption in Nigeria. The 3close1 Thessalonians 3 3:1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (ESV) As are discussed below:

· A-Merit based society: Hard work can only be sustained when everybody plays by the same rule. For instance, a student guaranteed that discipline and hard work can help him gain admission would be easily motivated to shun corruption such as exam malpractice and sorting (bribing lecturers to get high scores or pass their courses) whereas when such high virtues are ignored for lower things like man-know-man, corruption would always be enthroned. Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN (2010) in an inaugural lecture presented at the University of Lagos opined that until Nigeria return to a merit based society, development would continue to elude it. He noted that the best must be given preference above the average and employment/admissions should be based on competence and capacity rather than on recommendation. I assert that as long as Nigeria continues to value medio-crity above excellence, collapse would just be a matter of time. Indeed most of us in the diaspora ventured outside Nigeria after the system of favoritism attempted to dim our potentials. Some other less fortunate ones have become frustrated and given up on themselves. In Nigeria today, many with the brain required to bring about development have been relegated to the position of drivers and beggars. They are drivers to empty heads that lack the common sense to manage the nation’s abundant resources. I call upon President Goodluck Jonathan and indeed all the 36 state governors of Nigeria to urgently restore this nation back to the path of recognizing merit by putting to end forever the culture of tribalism, nepotism and favoritism. We must cease to be a nation that celebrates ordina-riness and scorns ingenuity and creativity.

· All Men are equal before the law: In Nigeria, a common saying that has been used to aid corruption is that not all fingers are equal hence all men cannot be equal before the face of the law. This has been used by the elite class to defend their breaking of the law. Because of this, most Nigerians have lost confidence in the entire system with some others lured to engaging in corruption. I have heard people say if you want to steal in Nigeria, make sure you steal in billions so that when you are arrested, you have enough money to buy your bail or plea bargain and shorten your sentence. It is pathetic that different laws are used for the rich and the poor. For stealing billions of naira, A former Inspector General of Police and A former Chief Executive of a Bank got some months conviction whereas for stealing a few thousands of naira ordinary Nigerians are sentenced to several years’ imprisonment. The recent allegations, counter allegations and denial game by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the President of the Court of Appeal expose the terrible rot in our judicial system. Whereas, the United States of America has consistently disgraced and convicted criminals irrespective of social status. Very recently, a popular Investment Consultant and Billionaire Bernard Madoff got a maximum of 150 years conviction for engaging in financial fraud in the United States. Unless such measures are embarked upon in Nigeria, the rich will continue to break the law with impunity while the poor continue to aspire to become rich at any cost in order to have the boldness to break the law. Government institutions must therefore be empowered and given the needed independence to carry out their duties without fear or favor.

· A-one Nigeria Mentality: To eradicate corruption, every Nigerian must view Nigeria as a united entity and work collectively for its good whether within the country or in the diaspora. Nowadays, corrupt individuals are brazenly defended by people from their region. For instance, before the eventual arrest of Mr. James Ibori former Governor of Delta State, there were wide protests in his home area of Asaba where though the people knew of his criminal deeds they supported him because he is “their son and the son of the soil”. Such mentality still exists in Nigeria and poses a threat to both her development and corporate existence. This one Nigeria mentality would help put the interest of the nation above every personal interest which is a prerequisite to eradicating corruption and ensuring acceleration of the much needed development.

It is my sincere belief that though these 3As prescription may not be all encompassing, if they are implemented, they would lay the foundation of integrity for the house called Nigeria to be built upon. In 2009, Prof Toyin Falola of the University of Texas disclosed while delivering a lecture at the Benue State University that Nigerians in Diaspora remit over $1.7billion yearly back home. This should put us all in the diaspora on our toes as whether we realize it or not, we are major stakeholders in the project called Nigeria. It is in light of this I want to once again commend the organizers of this leadership summit for taking the initiative and the bull by the horn, to chart the way forward for Nigeria in faraway United States.

My final word of advice to everyone is to carry out the anti-corruption campaign first internally, then in our homes and constituencies before we attempt to change the entire Nigerian society. History is filled with many examples of people that were eager to carry out change on others whilst they ironically ignored carrying it out on themselves first. Great was their fall.

Thank you.

The Nigerian Leadership Summit is an annual event connecting Nigerian Professionals from all across the United States, Diaspora and the International community, especially youths and young people to discuss about Nigeria’s present leadership issues, and familiarize participants with specific leadership styles and strategies needed in the partnership required to deliver results that will trickle down to Nigerians at home and how we can add our own quota at this moment, partnering with Nigerians at home and the government for the economic growth of the country. Accelerated national development is the collective responsibilityof every Nigerian home and abroad,because the task ahead is enormous and requires higher levels of professional commitments.

This year, we invite you to join us again in discussing the future of our great Nation,Nigeria.

Registeration for the “2nd Annual Nigerian Leadership Summit 2011″ begins. To register, Confirm your prescence here on Facebook, for groups of 10 people, send Names & email adresses to summit@leadnigeria.org or use our online registration form open on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at www.leadnigeria.org.

Accomodation at discounted Rates Available for those Coming from out of New York City and environs.

Foot soldiers not generals will lead our Nations war against ignorance. When we are willing to sacrifice at this moment our time, energy, knowledge and resources as weapons of change, then we will increase our collective intellectual capital to enable us improve our nation and push the human race forward, and tapping into the creativity and innovation of Nigerians abroad will help uplift our focus of the New Nigeria .

It is our hope at LeadNigeria that you will join us again this year in making your Voice heard, and see this moment as a great opportunity to join in the discussion of Nation Building.

See you in August.

Chair,The Nigerian Leadership Summit 2011 Planning Committee

LeadNigeria

Recently Positive Nigeria supported the ‘Arsenal Kiddies” under 13 from kwara state to the just concluded Oba Erediauwa U-13 boys soccer competition where the young talents were exposed to scouts not only from Nigeria but from other places in the world.

Asked why will Positive Nigeria, A nonprofit organization should get involved in Sponsorship rather than receiving Aids and Grants from donors, Mr Ahamioje stated that ‘Mens sana in corpore sano ‘which means a sound mind in a sound body…He further emphasized that if those young talents are given the opportunity now, when they become somebody tomorrow they will be willing to give back to their communities, that is just the truth about life.

Mr Ahamioje then gave examples of the good gestures of Okocha , Kanu Nwankwo and the host of others whom have all given back one way or the other to their communities.
Mr Ahamioje of Positive Nigeria recently Donated sport kits such as World cup standard Soccer balls, a goal keepers gloves and some jerseys. He also pledges that the organization will continue to look for scouts in the United States for the young Talents.

Scholarships will be awarded to Youths that deserves it. Mr Ahamioje stated that the young coming athletes’ must be of good academic standard to play soccer and receive scholarship. He stated that playing soccer alone without a good academic grade is a no no and will not be tolerated.

Reporting from Atlanta

Ms Joyce Phillips,

• Three days at the U.N. Headquarters in New York
• Plenary sessions, workshops, networking
• Captivating speakers and workshop facilitators, youth leaders from around the world
• Three days of Leadership Training that has been called Life Changing
• A must for anyone interested in U.N. Relations, programs and goals
  N:BApplication processing fees apply
• Please let us go as a group

Apunanwu Madumelu
Positive Nigeria ,Vaughan, ON,CANADA

Positive Nigeria inc will ensure that your experience at this year youth assembly will be a life time fulfillment , this year registration with team positive nigeria inc has commenced .
our team will be lodging at extended stay – new jersey

Also we will provide feeding , accommodation and transportation for our members .
Pni will be having a meeting with the nigerian embassy at new york, invited guests will be discussing the future of nigeria’s youth. Some of the notable guests are &#44the presidential
candidate of the masses movement of nigeria(mmn) hon olu omosule , hon. Dino melaye , senator gbemisola saraki &#44hon abike dabiri and mr folu olamiti of icpc., thisday media house , and a host of others .
Our rate for accommodation/feeding/ transportation as well as our pni kits will be $500. For more information send me a message.lets go in group…
Registration extended until july 9, 2010
Post-ya service and leadership retreat at pace and fairleigh dickinson universities

7 – 11 august, 2010:
Notes:
Attendance will be very limited in 2010 due to un renovations. Registration is nearly full this may be your final chance to join us in 2010.

Post-ya leadership seminars at fdu are certificate based courses for all participants.
Post-ya leadership seminar is aimed at teens from china and the united states. Nearly 200 participants are anticipated to join the post-ya ls.

This is a very special opportunity for two world-leading youth groups to collaborate toward the better world goals of the mdgs.
To learn more about the annual youth assembly at the united nations and leadership seminars, read commendations, or explore previous ya events, visit:

www.faf.org
For a short visit to the ya, visit us on facebook.

Youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjjp5g_wh4s
Iyere Ahamioje for positive nigeria inc

United Nations annual Youth Assembly is a gathering of hundreds of young people from around the world who seek practical ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, global networking and social entrepreneurship skills. Also, it serves as a meeting aimed at contributing to civil societies formally affiliated to the United Nations. In essence, the Youth Assembly is about showing how one person or a group of young people can make a difference by engaging with the challenges of the present and being an educated and active citizen.
This year, the forum was held between July 31 and August 7. With the presence of notable keynote speakers and workshop leaders invited by the United Nations, they provided insight and avenues for youths to learn about and become involved with programmes that address global and local social issues, network among a large international group in attendance, and become engaged and empowered to take up leadership responsibilities in their communities. The conference rooms were made more colourful given the cultural diversity of attendees drawn from countries like China, Japan, Sudan, Cameroon, Bangladesh, India and Nigeria, to mention a few. Among the Nigerian delegates was a group called Positive Nigeria International (PNI), a youth-based NGO, with the aim of unifying Nigerian youths to achieve a better future.

The team was made up of Iyere Ahamioje (founder), Nneamaka Madumelu from Canada and Ms Jeni Jenebu Abu from Atlanta, USA. “The organisation also seeks practical ways of dealing with Nigerian youths who are made element of political election violence, crimes, and corruption. The organisation also seeks practical ways of dealing with Nigerian youths who are continually made elements of political disruptions, thuggery, electoral violence, crime, and instruments of social malfeasance.” One of the members, Nneamaka Madumelu told THISDAY. “Whilst the situation of youths have become a global issue, the situation in Africa, characterised by an embarrassing high level of unemployment and underemployment, illegal migration to other continents, involvement in violent political and social conflicts, etc, is critical and requires strategic regional and national action. In Nigeria today, youths are not typically conceived as productive and constructive social actors but rather, as potential sources of political disruptions, delinquency and criminality. “Yet, pre-independence social and political movements were often led by young people who defined themselves as the ‘youth’ to provide dynamic support to the proponents of freedom and independence movement, or were in opposition of elders who were content to be cronies of the colonial regime she added. Madumelu also talked of the lessons they learnt from the conference.

“PNI realized that Nigeria and Africa needs re-orientation as a matter of urgency. The ideology of amassing wealth through looting of public funds and other vices must be seen as an evil of the past. We must become content as long as we have shelter, clothing, education, food and healthcare. We need a new breed of Africans with this sort of orientation, in view of the fact that the greatest problem in Africa has never been the absence of money or lack of natural resources but rather the absence of visionary and capable leadership.” She had some good words for some Nigerian leaders, though. “We have to commend the governor of Lagos State Mr. Babatunde Fashola for his exceptional work and also the former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke for the work he did as well.
We enjoin other leaders in federal, state and local levels to emulate them.”

Madumelu added that ways of achieving development is for the government to look into the issue of youth unemployment in the country. This, according to her has become imperative because human capital development is an important aspect of livelihood. She continued: “Creating the enabling environment in which young people can leverage on to optimally develop their potential is essential. This can be done by building human capabilities through constructive pastimes like sporting activities, good educational facilities, and skills acquisition centers which in the long run can serve as means of livelihood for young people, thereby solving the problem of unemployment in the country.
Our leaders should be aware that the strength of a nation is measured by love, compassion and provision of necessary amenities for its citizens and not by GDP, population and/or natural resources.” Nneamaka advised Nigerian youths to develop the attitude of thinking in the direction of how they can help with the development of the country rather than what they cannot achieve. “This is because as youths, we have it in our power to start a new country and be the elements of change that we want to see in Nigeria today.
In order to do so, we need to start organising and stop agonizing.”

Nneamaka also believes that she has the vision, passion and ability to make a great impact in Nigeria especially in the education and social development sectors which she personally believes are vital for nation building. She plans to return to Nigeria next year to actualise this change and is willing to work with any international development organisation, NGO, corporate and social re-engineering establishments, involved in community development activities where they operate. “It is time for all companies operating in Nigeria whether multinational or Nigerian, to become socially responsible towards the youths. She commended Prof. Dora Akunyili for her work at NAFDAC and efforts in the re-branding project. “It is a project I will like to be involved with” she said, stressing that the future of the country lies in the hands of youths.

The leader of Team Positive Nigeria , Mr Ernest Ahamioje stated this at a speech addressed to the President of Nigeria , Alhaji Musa Ya adua. Mr Ahamioje said that the Youths are the pillar of progress if Nigeria wises to reach greater height . He also commended the president on his 7 point agenda and the recent amnesty granted to the Niger delta Militants .

Mr Ahamioje also stated that the Youths should be used as a weapon of progress rather than a tool of political distrupt, violence etc. he also stated that the president can do more to assist the youths in nigeria by ensuring that the youths are gainfully employed.

Team positive Nigeria Led by Mrs Nnenny Madumelu and Jenny Abu also visited the Nigerian House in New York where they were greatly received by members of Nigerian House and the team also signed the guest book.

by Mr Olu Adeshina
for PNI international.

Team Positive Nigeria made up of 12 members from Canada, UK , USA and Nigeria will be representing Nigeria and You all at the 6th Annual youth Conference at the United Nations.
We are proud of all the members, and we promise to represent Nigeria to the best of our ability.

Delegates that will be participating in this Year Youth Assembly will be:

• Nnemeka Madumelu (Team Positive Nigeria Canada)
• Goya Chujor (Team Positive Nigeria Canada)
• Kaffo Yetunde ( Team Positive Nigeria , UK)
• Lola Coker (Team Positive Nigeria , Canada)

The above name will also have the ability to run for the Youth Assembly President, V-P, and many Available Office this year.
All other members will be going as an observer .

Please Join Team Positive Nigeria to the 6th annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations from August 5th to 7th, 2009.Team Positive Nigeria will be going as an observer.
The Youth Assembly is an annual gathering of hundreds of young people from around the world who seek practical ways to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, global networking and social entrepreneurship skills as well as meeting with and contributing to civil society formally affiliated with the United Nations.
The Youth Assembly is about showing how one person can make a difference by engaging with the challenges of the present and being an educated and active citizen.

The Assembly has grown to become a major gathering of young people as well as specialized, keynote speakers and workshop leaders at the United Nations. Each year, it provides avenues for students and young professionals (18-26 years old) to learn about and become involved with programs that address global and local issues, network among a large international group in attendance, and become engaged and empowered to take leadership roles in their communities.
• Three days at the U.N. Headquarters in New York
• Plenary sessions, workshops,
Captivating speakers and workshop facilitators, youth leaders from around the world.
• Three days of Leadership Training that has been called \”Life Changing\”
• A must for anyone interested in U.N. Relations, programs and goals .
Application processing fees apply!
• Please let us go as a group

• Groups of 12 or more people: $55 per person

• Accommodation will be provided by Positive Nigeria. Discount Air ticket also applies.

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included in the package for the first day.

Contact the following Area Coordinators for more information”

Iyere Ahamioje :-USA. +1-404-863-0614
Moses Fabiyi:- Europe:- +447883243489
Adekeye Segun:-Africa:- +234-80-67094964

Thank You all and please continue to support us by searching the web  Or contact us via email :- Info@positivenigeria.org

God Bless.

Iyere Ahamioje
For Team Positive Nigeria Inc.

I am sincerely grateful for making Positive Nigeria 1000 strong. It is simple , we are all getting the message , lets all come together, old , young , Igbo , hausa , yoruba , Christians , and fight for our future , lets speak out in one voice , lets tell the world that Nigeria can truly be great again , lets do away with corruption , talk to your leaders , tell them that the future of Nigeria belongs to YOU .

It is our priority as Youths to seek, demand and get response about the future of your country from your elected leaders, our leaders must not neglect us now that we need them the most.

I want you all to keep Positive Nigeria in your prayers , as we are about to embark on a holistic campaign , many toes will be stepped on , Many people will hate us , others will even try to plan evil against us. But my friends , i tell you sincerely , we will stand strong !!! it is our right, we demand a change in the way our leaders act , we demand security , development, education , jobs , and better health care for our people.

It is time to get to work . Let us begin now , because tomorrow will surely be late.
Thanks again for your support , you all are the reason for this organization . Lets keep the number high , tell your friends to tell their friends that there is a new sheriff in town and that sheriff is Positive Nigeria…. for a better future for our kids ….

Please Remember we cant do this alone , we need your support , We need this click to fight corruption , we sincerely do , please help us , help millions .
Once again Thank you all for making us 1000 strong!!!!!

Iyere Ernest Ahamioje (CEO),
Positive Nigeria Inc..
A better future for us all..