Mushin youths moblilise against bad reputation

SEPTEMBER 2, 2013 

Mushin youths in action

Some Mushin youths, under the aegis of Adeshina Youths Empowerment Forum, have mobilised other youths in Mushin area of Lagos State to shun the violence that the area is noted for and, rather, be profitably engaged in skills acquisition programmes and other profitable ventures.

The youths used the opportunity of the monthly environmental sanitation in the state on Saturday to demonstrate their vision by clearing the drainage channels in some streets, conducting free medical examinations for elders in the area, and playing soccer.

The coordinator of the forum, Ufot John, said the group was compelled to make the difference because of the notorious nature of the area and the growing restlessness of its jobless youths.

He said, “Most times, when you introduce yourself as a resident of Mushin, people tend to think you are a bad person. However, we want to change this perception by empowering the youths in the area to be self reliant.

“We are starting from Adeshina Street, and as you can see we have begun by ensuring a clean environment. We are also engaging about six of our jobless youths in skills acquisition programmes, including tailoring. We will extend it to every nook and cranny of Mushin and even to the state level.”

A resident of the street and co-founder of the forum, Mr. Kodaolu Olugbenga, said he had lived in the environment for over 28 years and knew the peculiar challenges in the area.

He said the cleaning of the drainage channels was also a way of maintaining the newly constructed road on the street.

He said, “This area was one of the worst in term of security and infrastructure until this new road was constructed.

“We feel that if the government has given us dividend of democracy, we should also show gratitude by imbibing a culture of maintenance. This was why we decided that aside empowering our youths, we should also ensure a safe environment.”

Olugbenga said there had been an enthusiastic response from the youths and adults living in the area.

A teacher, Mrs. Florence Balogun, lauded the youths for the initiative. She said, “I advise the government to join us. We don’t want criminals in our area again, and since most of them are showing the willingness to work and do something good with their lives, it will be good if the government can support us and engage them.