Foundation trains 1,600 teenagers on how to be exceptional leaders

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

No fewer than 1,600 teenagers from across secondary schools in Ogun State were, during the weekend, trained on how to be exceptional teenagers by Trust Teens Conference.

At the event which was held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital with the theme “Building Exceptional Teenagers”, the participants were taken though issues on mental health, importance of education, communication strategies, etc.

Concerned by the level of neglect of young minds in the country, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, South-West Zone, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, called for the provision of more support for the development of teenagers in Nigeria.

According to the clergyman, “The teen years are formative years. It’s the time to catch them young and build them up for greater exploits. It is the time to inculcate in them those cherished values of patriotism, honesty, integrity, hard work, love for one another, diligence among others.

“Unfortunately, we tend to neglect them and focus so much on the youth whereas they are the next generational leaders. They remain the foundation but if the foundation is faulty, what can we do?

“The national rebirth can’t work if we don’t carry these teens along. If we don’t make a deliberate effort to teach them those cherished values, they won’t have anything to offer.

“So I encourage the government, religious bodies and other stakeholders to come on board and provide platforms and support for these young minds to be great assets for the country.”

Convener of the conference and the Lead of Trust Teens Foundation, Deborah Dada, said that the essence of the gathering was to fire up the teenagers to be the very best in life.

“We want to tell them that we care for them even if it seems that they are often forgotten and neglected by the society. We want them not to allow their background to hinder them from achieving the best in life.

“We want to urge them to be positive about life, they must adopt the right attitude and values, they must support their parents, they must shun all anti-social vices and go ahead to make an impact in life,” she said.

One of the partners of the conference, Steve Heir’s Foundation, disclosed that it will continue to empower youths and foster a sense of community for young people.

“Partnering with the Trust Teens Conference aligns perfectly with our mission to provide young people with the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation,” the foundation stated.